Bedford football puts it all together in quarterfinal win over Goffstown

BEDFORD - After just beating out the rain, the Bedford High School football team was able to put together a complete team effort to defeat Goffstown 41-14 in the quarterfinals of the Division I playoffs.

Bedford (10-0) was able to control the game on both sides of the ball with its myriad of weapons, while Goffstown came into the game as the decisive underdog, as senior quarterback Charlie Keith was out with an injury, and sophomore Jarrett Henault made his third straight start under center for the Grizzlies (6-4).

On Saturday, under center actually meant under center, and not the shot gun as Goffstown coach Justin Hufft thought he found a crack in the Bedford scheme.

"We watched the Bedford game film and realized all nine teams they have played so far this season were shotgun teams," Hufft said. "So we thought we would do something different.” T

he Grizzlies utilized a double-wing formation with two tight ends, creating a tight game early. After a series of punts and turnovers the Grizzlies looked prime to score as they had the ball on the Bedford 29-yard line, but the Bulldogs' defense made a big stand.

"We played very balanced and that was able to keep us motivated in the early-on as we adjusted to Goffstown," Bedford coach Derek Stank said, adding that he was not super surprised a great "football brain" as Hufft's would install this formation to slow down the game.

However, after the defensive stand, Bedford’s offense was able to shine. At the end of the first quarter, quarterback Thomas Morgan was able to connect with Lucien Mumpini for a 55-yard touchdown pass. After a Goffstown three-and-out, Bedford lead back Ryan Toscano was able to run one in from 32 yards out, pushing the lead to 13-0.

After a Goffstown fumble, Morgan added a 1-yard touchdown rush, and another three-and-out, Toscano added his second touchdown of the game pushing the lead to 32-0.

Goffstown showed some life before the half with a 65-yard drive, capped by a Henault connection with Ben Dodge to cut the lead to 32-6.

In the second half, the teams opened exchanging quick punts before Morgan was able to connect with Tim Greene for a 75-yards touchdown, making the game seeming out of reach.

But on Goffstown's next possession Henault drove the team 62 yards over 13 plays and connected with back Josh Juneau making the score 38-14 and on the very next play the Grizzlies recovered a Bedford fumble.

But Alexander Pantelakos picked off Henault a few plays later, sealing the victory for Bedford. Madison Lucontoni added a late field goal to finish off the scoring.

Bedford moves on to face No. 2 Merrimack (8-2) in the semifinals. The teams will meet at Bedford on Nov. 10 at 1 p.m.