RallyNorth.net

Owls' offense on fire in opener

Friday, September, 02 By Dave Dyer
Staff writer

PLAISTOW — First, let’s make it clear that Bedford is a Division 3 team and it was only the opening game of the season.

“As I told the team, we’re still 0-0 in our league,” said Timberlane coach Kevin Fitzgerald.

Nevertheless, it was impossible not to be impressed with senior quarterback Evan Bidgood and the rest of the Owls’ offense in last night’s season-opening 42-27 victory.

Bidgood was an eye-popping 10 of 11 through the air for 173 yards and his one incompletion was a long bomb that was on the money and nearly caught.

When Bidgood wasn’t threading the needle, running backs Evan David (15-100, 3 TDs), Anthony Gillis (9-82) and Josh David (5-42) were running for daylight as the Owls surgically cut their way to a 42-14 lead early in the third quarter before letting the reserves take over.

It was quite a performance for a backfield that got precious little playing time last year while working in the shadows of standout backs Nate and Nick Lawrence.

“They’re a senior group that has waited for their time and put in the work,” said Fitzgerald. “It was kind of like a coming out party.”

If that’s the case, it could have been scheduled a bit earlier according to Bidgood.

“We had a lot of success on the JV and freshmen levels and some of us thought we could have played more last year,” said Bidgood. “But we’re ready now.”

The defense didn’t seem ready early as Bedford scored on the first play from scrimmage when QB James Caparell hit Brian Collins on a 65-yard slant pattern for a touchdown. Then, on the Bulldogs’ next possession, Mike Gardiner scampered 54 yards up the middle on a draw play, giving Bedford two touchdowns within six minutes and a quick 14-7 lead.

But the Owls’ defense settled down after that and the offense came back with three TDs in the first half and a quick one after halftime to take command.

Although he showed terrific accuracy, Bidgood’s only scoring strike was the Owls’ first TD of the day, a beautiful lead pass to Josh David in the corner. Later, he also connected with Josh for a 2-point conversion.

“Evan has a strong arm, understands where his receivers are and is understanding how to read defenses,” said Fitzgerald. “He’s waited for his opportunity and now he’s making the most of it.”

Defensively, senior backer Connor Sproul stood out. He intercepted two passes, the first of which set up a TD, recovered an on-side kick and was in on six tackles.

“He (Sproul) is a tough, physical kid,” said Fitzgerald. “I was really pleased with both sides of the ball.”

But again, it’s just one game and Fitzgerald realizes that next week will be much tougher. The Owls travel to Nashua to face defending Division 2 champion Bishop Guertin, possibly without running back Evan David, who hurt his ankle and limped off in the third quarter.