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Tigers Edged At Bratt 28-20

Tuesday October 7, 2008

By Mike Cameron

    After a breakthrough victory against Essex in game 5, the Tigers headed down interstate 91 to Natowitch field for a Friday night contest with the always difficult Colonels of Brattleboro on October 4th 2008.

    At 2-3 on the year and 1-4 in Division1 going in, the Tigers were taking it week to week, one play at a time.  They have proven that they can make big plays and did so against Essex in their first D1 win of the year the precious week.  The Essex win revealed several important aspects about this year’s team.  When they are healthy, and motivated, the Tigers are a hand-full for anyone. It’s as simple as that.  Coaches Denis Smith, John Nuceder, Craig Burnham and Gus Brakeley are in a rebuilding mode with this year’s team but the Tiger football program is a winner with strong traditions.  Bratt is in the same situation.

    Defensively, Middlebury had trouble defending against the pass against Essex.  Bratt scouts at the game will have noted that fact with more than passing interest.  Offensively Middlebury was beginning to make some big plays against Essex and moved the ball well on the ground especially in the first half.

    A healing Sean Harrison and a more seasoned and experienced Dan Liljestrand are a big part of this.  Junior standout Ryan Foley is having an excellent season.  His quickness and speed will continue to be needed the rest of the way. Tiger offensive and defensive line play has improved every week.  

    Defensively the Tigers are a bit inexperienced as shown against Essex when an aggressive pass rush got them burned on a screen pass for a touchdown.  “Once burned twice learned” is usually the result when something like that happens against Middlebury.

    Over the years they have fashioned a reputation for not making the same mistake twice.

    Bratt was 2-2 in Division 1 coming into the Middlebury game after doing a nice job against MSJ at St. Peters Field in Rutland in the previous game.  They would be ready for the Tigers with a big partisan crowd ready to cheer them on under the lights on a crisp autumn night along the Connecticut River.

    Tigers strike first in this one as Dan Liljestrand engineered a powerful 73 yard drive and scored from the Bratt 2-yard line on a keeper.  The point after was missed and than would prove to be important later in the game. Bratt countered on the ensuing kickoff.

    Flashy John Tatreault took the Tiger kickoff all the way and the Colonels added the point to take the lead 7-6 but Middlebury added a check mate of their own moments later when Ryan Foley took the Bratt kick off and set sail to the Colonel 10-yard line where the Tigers stalled and were held in check.  The fireworks however were far from over.

    Dave Freeman raced into the end one on a 20-yard burst and the point was kicked and Bratt led at the half 14-6.  They added another TD with a 23-yard pass from pass from Cooper to Kramer and fashioned a 15-point lead midway through the third quarter but the Tigers would have none of it. With Sean Harrison operating at QB out of the “shotgun” the Tigers took advantage of some great defensive plays and scored on a Harrison to Ross Lengyel pass from the Bratt 31-yard line.  Middlebury went for two and got it with Foley’s burst off tackle but the Tigers again missed the point-after and trailed 21-20.

    The Colonels proceeded to control the clock with a long drive of their own and scored on a 14-play tally by Freeman.  The point was good and Bratt led 28-20 with time beginning to run out.  Middlebury came roaring back with Harrison leading his team out of the “gun”. He hit Cooper Quinville  with one 32-yard strike and moved the ball deep into Bratt ‘s own back yard only to see a potential TD threat foiled on a big 4th down pass rush by the Colonels.  Final score 28-21 Bratt.   It was a terrific effort by the Tigers and a big win for Bratt against a team that gave them all they could handle and then some.

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