Redhawks rally to defeat Mt. Anthony

By Michael Regan

The Champlain Valley Union (CVU) Redhawks kept their playoff hopes alive with a late rally to defeat Mount Anthony last Friday night, 33-20. The victory elevates CVU’s record to 3-4 with a potential playoff berth on the line in the last regular season game this Friday night at BFA St. Albans.

The first half of the Mt. Anthony game was a defensive battle and CVU was up 7-6 at the half. The only CVU points were posted on a 12 yard run by RB Jacob Griggs and the extra point by K Tanner Smith. The second half began poorly for the Redhawks. Mt. Anthony converted three CVU fumbles into 14 points and the Redhawks were down 20-7 at the end of the third quarter. Down by a couple of touchdowns on the road, the Redhawk’s situation did not look promising.

Sophomore QB Jake Evans took over the CVU offense on the last possession of the third quarter and orchestrated a drive that culminated in Evans scoring on an 11-yard run early in the fourth quarter. After Smith scored another extra point the score was 20-14. LB Jack Frost recovered the ensuing onside kick and the Redhawks were back in business. The offense marched down the field and had a first-and-goal at the Mt. Anthony one-yard line. It appeared CVU would score easily but an offside call and two plays for losses left the Redhawks with a 4th-and-goal from the 20-yard line. Sensing that this play could determine the outcome of the game the fans in both bleachers were on their feet cheering loudly. After a timeout, Evans dropped back to throw and was flushed from the pocket but he managed to throw a pass into the corner of the end zone that was grabbed by WR Sam Mikell despite being double covered. The extra point was blocked and the game was tied at 20. The inspired CVU defense forced a three-and-out and, after a short punt, the offense took over at midfield. With time running down, Evans followed his offensive line and broke through the Mt. Anthony defense on a nifty 24-yard TD run. The CVU defense forced another punt and Evans followed up the defensive stop with another 8-yard TD run. The Redhawks shut out Mt. Anthony in the fourth quarter and scored four touchdowns on their last four possessions to come away with an exciting victory.

RB Richard Lowrey had 27 rushes for 127 yards, RB Jacob Griggs had 5 rushes for 20 yards and a touchdown, and QB Jake Evans had 12 rushes for 61 yards and 3 touchdowns. Evans was 2 for 3 passing with one touchdown.

LB Jacob Griggs had 11 tackles, LB Matt Goldsborough had 6 tackles and a sack, DB Jeremy Fuller had 4 tackles and 2 interceptions, DL John Titus and DL Scott Edwards had 6 tackles each, and DL Graeme Waples had 3 tackles and 2 sacks.

The final regular season game is on Friday, Oct. 17 at 7pm at BFA-St. Albans.