Bedford football cruises past Manchester West

MANCHESTER - Mike Vailas scored three touchdowns, including two punt returns for scores, and the Bedford High School football team defeated Manchester West 61-0 on Friday afternoon.

Vailas had punt returns of 45 and 40 yards for scores and also had a 34-yard touchdown run, while Dan Colella ran for two touchdowns and passed for another.

The Bulldogs (2-0) led 35-0 at halftime and had outgained West (0-2) to that point 253-83. Bedford ran just 10 plays in the second half, but the first went for touchdowns. West twice got into Bedford territory in the first half, but quarterback Zack Theriault threw an interception from the Bulldogs' 29, and the Blue Knights turned the ball over on downs at the Bedford 38.

Aaron Palys led Bedford with 116 yards rushing and a touchdown, while Colella had 35 yards rushing and two scores and completed 5 of 7 passes for 66 yards and a 12-yard touchdown pass to Nick Vailas. Michael Collins and Connor Harrison also scored touchdowns for the Bulldogs.