Being the final fall sports team left in play, the football team had a lot of pressure on their shoulders. Would they win the Thanksgiving match-up against rival Apponequet? Would they complete the season with a winning record for the first time in four years? Unfortunately, these questions were answered with no’s, as the Bulldogs lost to Apponequet 23-16 last Thursday.
Coming into the game, the football team’s record was 5-5, meaning that a win would end a four-year overall losing streak. With a playoff berth already out of reach, the Bulldogs had nothing to lose, and they came out playing hard. Running Back Richie Phillips had an incredible 62-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, but the extra point missed, resulting in a 7-6 lead for Apponequet going into the second quarter.
Freshman Kicker Corey Dias proved himself late in the second quarter, kicking a 32-yard field goal to momentarily lift the Bulldogs. However, Apponequet had two quick scores, one off of fumble, and the Lakers took a 16-9 lead at the half.
After an uneventful third quarter, the Lakers expanded their lead to 23-9 midway through the fourth quarter. Junior Quarterback Nolan Bergeron had a nice run with two minutes remaining, and with the extra point by Dias, ORR lessened the Laker lead. The final two minutes were scoreless, and the Lakers ended up winning the Thanksgiving game, 23-16.
Although the boys finished with a losing record of 5-6, things look hopeful for next season, as ORR is only losing three seniors. With the conclusion of the football season, all fall sports seasons are complete, and winter sports have begun.
By Michael Kassabian