Football Loses First Game of the Season

Brunswick dropped a 17-14 decision to Avon Old Farms on a rain-soaked Ryan Field on Saturday. The setback was the first on the year for the Bruins, as Brunswick owns a 6-1 overall record and a 4-1 mark in Erickson League action.

 

Following a scoreless first quarter, Brunswick took the lead late in the second quarter on a two-yard touchdown plunge by Michael Gottlieb. The touchdown run capped a 13-play, 80-yard drive. Placekicker Chris Chavez added the extra-point, giving the visitors a 7-0 lead with 1:16 left in the first half.

 

Avon Old Farms (5-1, 5-1) countered with a quick touchdown moments before intermission, as the two teams went to the break deadlocked at 7-7.

 

The hosts scored the only points in the third quarter, connecting on a short field goal to take a 10-7 lead at the 8:55 mark.

 

The Winged Beavers added a fourth quarter touchdown on a fourth-and-13 play from the Brunswick 20-yard line to increase their lead to 17-7 with 10:30 remaining in the game.

 

On Brunswick’s next possession, the Bruins were forced to punt, but Brunswick’s Liam Fairback recovered a fumble on the return attempt by Avon.

 

With a fresh set of downs on the Winged Beavers’ 35-yard line, Brunswick moved the ball 15 yards on three plays, before quarterback Finn Signer connected with Cornelius Johnson on a 20-yard touchdown pass. After the made extra-point by Chavez, the Bruins trailed 17-14 with 6:44 left to play.

 

The Bruins had two more possessions in the game, but both drives ended on interceptions, as Avon held on for the 17-14 win.

 

Gottlieb led the Brunswick running attack with a career-best 117 yards on 23 carries with a touchdown, while Johnson’s four catches for 62 yards and one TD grab highlighted the Bruins’ passing attack.

 

Up next for the Bruins is a road game at Trinity-Pawling on Saturday, November 3.