Brunswick seized the momentum from the outset — as Kha’lil Eason returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown — and the Bruins went on to defeat Suffield Academy, 28-14, in the first home game on Cosby Field in nearly two years on Saturday afternoon.
Riley Gilsenan caught a Danny Lauter touchdown pass later in the quarter to put the Bruins ahead 14-0. The Bruins enjoyed a noticeable time of possession advantage through the first half, though Suffield scored on a short rush with 3:26 left to play in the first half.
Brunswick responded by driving the field and punching in a rushing touchdown from Chris Gaine to take a 21-6 lead into the break.
The third quarter saw a long Suffield drive stymied by a Brunswick defense that stiffened as the Tigers got inside the five-yard line.
Senior defensive back Jalen Johnson closed out ’Wick’s scoring with a pick-six in the fourth quarter.
Suffield hit a long touchdown pass on a scramble drill on its last drive and then converted on the two-point try to close the scoring on the day.
Thankfully, Brunswick moved the ball down the field and kept the clock running, utilizing senior WR Ashton Winegardner on the last drive to close things out.
The offensive and defensive lines played well in the victory for Brunswick. Seniors Michael Burton, Cliff Belknap, and Tyler Wilson, and juniors Jesse Schutzman and Miles Walker paved the way for 180 yards rushing. Defensively, Lyndon Gay and Jurgis Schmedlen were quick off the ball and recorded tackles for lost yardage. Senior defensive backs Charlie Johnson and Will O’Connor were stout in the backfield, and senior linebacker Hunter Clark forced a fumble in addition to having multiple tackles.
The Bruins, now 1-1 on the season, travel to Salisbury next Saturday for a 6 p.m. game.