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Saint J. Hilltoppers Take 9-7 Nail Biter at Doc Collins

Tuesday September 19, 2017

By Mike Cameron

The two teams have become rivals in recent years with the Tigers having the better of it. Saint Johnsbury Academy was riding an impressive two game win streak hoping to make it three. The Tigers were back home at Doc Collins at one win and one loss . An impressive win against Cholchester and a disappointing loss at Hartford were in the book for the Tigers.
   The question in this one was: If the Tigers had trouble defending against the pass against both Colchester and Hartford, how would they defend against the pass against arguably the best passing offense in Division 1 this season?  Time would tell.
   The Tigers Defense was active, aggressive and impressive. The Tiger offense showed that  it can be quick and explosive off the ball.  It was sluggish at Hartford. Fans who were expecting another high scoring game from the Hill toppers instead saw a classic defensive battle. There were many twists and turns  in this game.
   The Tigers held a 7-6 lead deep into the second half.  Key penalties hurt both teams but the Hilltoppers were able to squeak by with a go-ahead field goal by Jim Hayes. A fake-punt-pass from Jacob Cady to Jasper Rankin for a first down on a 4th and 9 as the clock was winding down sealed the deal.  
  Middlebury almost struck late.  Quarterback Cody Pomainville rolled out and spotted the speedy Simon Fischer headed down the sidelines deep in the red zone Fischer was shoved out of bounds before he could reach the first down stick. It was a big defensive play for Saint J. but the Tigers  hung tough and battled to the end.  Final score Saint Johnsbury 9 and the Tigers 7.
   Middlebury will now face Essex at Doc Collins Field for a 7pm kickoff on Friday night September 22 , 2017.  They are now 1 and 2 in Division 1. Saint Johnsbury remains undefeated at 3 and 0.  Earlier in the evening, BFA beat Rutland at Saint Albans.  BFA and Saint J. are the only undefeated Division 1 teams remaining in Vermont school-boy football.  
   With three games in the books we are already approaching the half-way point of the 2017 Tiger Football season and it was a much improved Tiger squad that played Saint Johnsbury this past Friday night.  

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