In Burlington, Vermont, the high school football scene is heating up as Week 8 kicks off with games that showcase some impressive performances. Thursday saw a trio of games, followed by eight more on Friday night and four matchups on Saturday. Each team is eager to make their mark as the playoffs approach.
In one of the highlighted games, MAU (4-4) started off strong against Brattleboro, scoring on their first two drives. They opened a commanding 19-0 lead early thanks to touchdowns from Asa Reis, Jonathan Crossman, and Tatum Stratton. MAU’s defense also stood out, forcing four turnovers and denying a Bears comeback, culminating in a fake punt touchdown by Peter Harris. The team showcased a well-rounded performance with Reis racking up 216 yards on the ground.
Another exciting game featured Essex, who took down their opponent with a dominant first half, scoring on five of six possessions to take a 36-0 lead. Sam Bent led the way for Essex with a stellar performance including 192 passing yards and four touchdowns, securing the three-seed for the Division I tournament.
The game between Rutland and Hartford was also thrilling, with Rutland’s Jayden Graham shining with 113 rushing yards and a touchdown pass. His go-ahead throw to Fuller helped seal the victory late in the fourth quarter.
Champlain Valley kept their momentum going as they outscored their rivals, leading 14-0 at halftime and eventually securing a solid win. Meanwhile, the standouts of the night included Sam Dowd of Middlebury, who threw for 229 yards and two touchdowns, displaying precision and control throughout the contest.
As the teams continue to battle it out for playoff positions, be sure to stay updated with reported results after each game. Coaches and team representatives are encouraged to send in their scores and highlights via email for more extensive coverage of this thrilling high school football season.
