By DAN BARILE
Eagle Times Correspondent
WESTMINSTER, Vt. — When Bellows Falls and Fair Haven squared off earlier this season, the two squads engaged in an intense defensive battle, resulting in a 14-7 victory for the Terriers.
Saturday’s semifinal contest featured a similar level of defensive intensity in the first half as Fair Haven entered the break with a 7-0 advantage.
With the game setting up to be another classic between two of the top programs in Division 2, Fair Haven took control of the game in the third quarter and ran away with a 34-7 victory to advance to the Division 2 State Championship.
Fair Haven’s Sam Kyhill delivered the first big blow in the second half by returning the opening kickoff for a score.
The Slaters found the endzone again later in the third quarter on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Cody Adams to Jack Almeida.
Facing a 21-0 deficit, the Terriers opted for a rare first down pass on the ensuing drive. Unfortunately for Bellows Falls, the pass sailed over the receiver and straight into the hands of Fair Haven’s Konner Savage. Savage returned the interception for a touchdown and sent the Slater’s supporters into a frenzy as they took a commanding 28-0 lead with 4:41 remaining in the third quarter.
Bellows Falls regrouped on the following possession by establishing its running game on the first four plays of the drive. With Fair Haven focused on the Terriers ground game, Eli Allbee went to the air and hit Will Hallock for a 40-yard touchdown.
While Hallock’s touchdown provided some excitement for the home crowd, Bellows Falls was unable to bring the game any closer. Fair Haven added another score in the fourth quarter to advance to its first state championship game since 2018.
Senior running back Carson Clark managed to hit the century mark again, grinding out 101 yards on the ground for the Terriers.
Bellows Falls finished the season with a 7-3 record. Fair Haven (8-2) will face top-seeded Rice (9-1) in the Division 2 State Championship on Saturday at St. Johnsbury Academy.
