Goal Line Stand Secures Gridiron Victory

Brunswick kept Williston Northampton out of the end zone in the final seconds of the game to secure a 21-14 win on Saturday afternoon.

The contest came down to a frenetic finish, as the Wildcats had the ball on third and goal from the one-yard line with 14 seconds to go. ’Wick’s defense was up to the challenge, however, as Jurgis Schmedlen broke through the line on the play and tackled the Wildcats’ QB for a four-yard loss. 

The home team took a timeout to prepare for fourth down from the five-yard line, but was stymied again — this time after immediate pressure from Ethan Long and Taylor Primack led to an incompletion, ultimately allowing the Bruins (3-1) to escape from western Massachusetts with their third straight win. 

Williston Northampton scored touchdowns on its first two possessions to make it a 14-0 game at the end of the first quarter. 

The visitors answered in the second quarter, as the offense got the ball and went on a 21-play, 10-minute drive that was capped by a three-yard touchdown run by Bryce Davis. 

The Bruins trailed 14-7 at the half.

The Wildcats received the second half kickoff and the Bruins’ defense stood tall, forcing a three-and-out and getting the ball back for junior QB Elijah Cromartie and company. ’Wick went on another long 14-play drive that lasted over six minutes and ended when senior running back Riley Redahan punched it in from two yards out to tie the score at 14. 

The Bruins regained possession with roughly four minutes to go in the third quarter and went on an 18-play, 10-minute drive capped off when Cromartie found senior WR Tomas Delgado in the back corner of the end zone on a fade pattern. For the first time on the afternoon, the Bruins took the lead — 21-14.

Williston’s offense went on a long drive during the final seven minutes of the fourth quarter to set the stage for Brunswick’s defensive, game-clinching heroics. 

Brunswick’s offense was led by its offensive line and tight ends. Miles Walker, Pat O’Connor, Will Janis, Jadon LaFontant, Matty Augustine, Riley Gilsenan, and Nick Burns opened huge running lanes for the running game. Davis led the rushing attack with 133 yards and one touchdown. Redahan pitched in with 15 yards rushing and one touchdown. Cromartie was active with his feet, rushing for 50 yards and helping extend some of the offense’s long drives. 

The Bruins will return home to Cosby Field this Saturday against Wyoming Seminary. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.