Bedford tries to continue roll at home against Pembroke

The Bedford High School football team returns home Friday after its first time on the road this season.

The Bulldogs will play two more at home in the next two weeks to complete a stretch of four of five games in Bedford to start the season. After that, the Bulldogs play three of their final four on the road.

While the early home games have been great for the team, Bedford coach Kurt Hines knows the Bulldogs will likely feel different once they hit the final stretch.

“Initially it’s a great thing,” he said. “Guys are on familiar turf, we’re able to set a routine. The disadvantage is later on in the season.”

Hines was satisfied with his team’s first performance on the road last week. The Bulldogs (2-0 in Division III, 3-0 overall) went to Pelham had the game in hand by the end of the first quarter.

Bedford was up 28-0 after 12 minutes, and the pulled many of its varsity players at that point. Quarterback James Caparrell was perfect in his short time, going 7-for-7 for 145 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for another score.

“For the first away game, (the players) were focused on the bus,” Hines said. “But the schedule gets tougher every week.”

Pembroke comes to town Friday fresh off a 34-0 loss to Hollis/Brookline. While the Spartans (0-2, 0-3) have lost both division games by an average of 26 points, they have had success moving the football, especially through the air. Against Milford, Pembroke had over 200 yards passing.

But because Pembroke runs a spread offense – as does Bedford – Hines expects the Bulldogs to be ready for it.

“Defensively it works out well for us,” Hines said. “The biggest challenge is that they have three guys on the line who are over 290. If we stand toe-to-toe, they’re going to win the match. We have to be faster defensively, rather than stand and dance with them.”

The Bulldogs and Spartans will tango in Bedford at 7 p.m. Friday.