6 Things to know before the Vermont High School Bowling championships

     After 10 weeks of thrilling action, tournament time has arrived in Vermont high school bowling.  Before this Saturday's individual tournament at Rutland and the state tournament in Barre on February 28, here are 5 things you should know about the teams involved.

1---Stamps on Fair Haven repeat?

    In 2025, George and Madison Stamp led the Fair Haven bowling team to their first state title since 2022, knocking off 2024 champs Randolph in the finals.  George has continued success in 2026, taking the top spot in the individual standings heading into Saturday's tournament.  Meanwhile, the Slaters' Aiden Goyette made history during the campaign, becoming the second bowler in VT bowling history to get a perfect game (300) in week 3 of the season.  It's been nearly a decade since a school has had an individual champion while also winning the state title, but FH has a great chance to do it in 2026.

2---Randolph revenge incoming?

    The Ghosts are the #1 seed in the state tournament on February 28 and had 4 bowlers finish in the individual top 15.  Sophomore Nathan Luciano tops the group as the #2 bowler during the regular season while helping the squad rack up 30 wins in Baker (team) matches.  Can Randolph make it back-to-back individual winners on Saturday and return to the top on the 28th?

3---St. Johnsbury climbing up.

    The Hilltoppers have been a top 5 team throughout their 3 seasons since returning to the VT bowling scene.  In 2026, St. J finished in the #3 spot as a team and could be on a collision course with Fair Haven in the state tournament.  On January 31, the Slaters swept SJA in the first-place match at SpareTime, but the Hilltoppers were perhaps one pin away from taking one of those games from FH.  What could happen in a best-of-7 series between the two teams in Barre?

4---Essex, SBC battle once more

    For the second time in 3 years, Essex and South Burlington/Colchester will battle it out in the state tournament.  In 2024, the Strikers knocked off the Hornets in 7 games.  Last week, Essex got the best of SBC in their best-of-3 final to clinch the #4 seed in the state tournament, but how will the 2 teams fare in Barre?

5---Dark Horse Jackets?

    Windsor will head into the state tournament as the #6 seed but riding some momentum knowing they can hang with the best.  The Yellowjackets have bowled .500 or better the last 6 weeks of the regular season, including first place finishes in weeks 6 and 7.  Will that be enough to get by St. Johnsbury and make a deep run in the state tournament?

6---A first round surprise?

    In the first round of the state tournament on February 28th, Craftsbury will face White River Valley while Burlington takes on Brattleboro.  While history may not favor the teams playing early (9AM start), we've seen schools in the past go from round 1 to the finals (most notably South Burlington in 2024 when there were 11 teams).  Could history repeat itself in 2026?

    Notes:  2026 will mark the first time since 2022 that the state tournament is being held at Twin City Lanes in Barre (last 3 were at SpareTime)...Top 32 bowlers will make up the individual tournament at Rutland Bowlerama on Saturday...10 VT seniors will face the best bowlers from New Hampshire on March 7 at Maple Lanes in Claremont, NH.

Vermont High School Bowling Rundown

     The weather has gotten colder, but the winter sports season is about to heat up in Vermont.  While most of the coverage is going to involve basketball and hockey locally, my venture for the fourth year in a row will be in high school bowling.  We've seen teams rise to amazing firsts and others continue success from years before.  We've even seen new teams try to make a name for themselves in the sport.  The 2025-26 season begins this Saturday and will wrap up on February 28th with the state championship at SpareTime in Colchester.  Before that, a few notes about how high school bowling works.

    Each match begins with an individual round where all bowlers will throw 2 games to determine their average for the week.  Those averages are totaled and divided by the number of bowlers to get the total average score, which determines each team's placement during the match.  Individual totals are also critical as the top 32 bowlers at the end of the regular season advance to the individual tournament on February 21st at Rutland Bowlerama.

    Once the totals are determined, the teams in the match are seeded for the Bakers round of the match.  Most matches have 3 teams facing off while others have 4.  In the case of 3-team matches, the teams finishing 2nd and 3rd would face off with the winner facing the top seed; in 4-team matches, 1 faces 4 and 2 faces 3 with the winners facing for the win and the losers battling for 3rd.

    The Bakers format is a best-of-3 where each team chooses 5 bowlers to try and knock down the most pins.  In each match, bowler 1 will throw the first and sixth frame, bowler 2 throws the second and seventh frame and so forth.

    In the tournaments, the individual round begins with a bracket-style format determined by the best 2-score averages at the event (regular season averages may determine tiebreakers).  Eliminations continue until the final 4 individuals remain.  From there, it's a stepladder final to determine the champion (4 vs. 3; winner faces 2; winner faces 1).

    The state championship will be a best-of-7 series in the Bakers format.  Winners move on to the next round with the final round determining the state champions.

    As of December 16, there are 10 teams competing in high school bowling for 2025-2026:  Essex (EHS), Burlington (BHS), South Burlington/Colchester (SBC), White River Valley (WRV), Randolph (RAND), Brattleboro (BRAT), Windsor (WIND), St. Johnsbury (SJA), Craftsbury (CA) and defending state champions Fair Haven (FH).  On December 13th, the Ghosts defeated Fair Haven in the Kickoff Classic at Rutland, getting a big of revenge from their 2025 final which saw the Slaters take home the title.

    One final message:  I've gone out to a lot of high school sporting events over the years, and I have seen my fair share of unsportsmanlike conduct.  Sometimes it's from the players but mostly this involves the fans in the stands who are berating officials, opposing players or even their own team.  When I first went to a bowling event (2023 state championship), I saw something that made me feel happy:  the joy from each team not just for their teammates, but for their competitors as well.  If you come out to a match (regular season or tournament), you have the chance to feel that too.  I hope to hear from you all in 2025 (my e-mail is in my X/twitter bio) or see you at the matches.  Until then, peace, love and hopefully a few turkeys or hambones mixed in.

#vthsfootball Why...

...will the D2 championship be the game of the day?

    Of all the Vermont high school football games on championship Saturday, only one involve teams not seeded #1 or #2.  That's Fair Haven vs. Colchester in the D2 final.

    The Slaters come in at #5, but winners of 6 in a row and an upset of top-seed Hartford in the semifinals last Friday.  Sam Kyhill has been the biggest piece of that success, but Cody Adams stepped up big time in Hartford to get them to Munson Field.

    The Lakers have used their Metro division schedule to toughen up at the right time, dominating on D in both wins against Rice and Lyndon to make it to the title game for the 2nd time in 3 years.  Colton Lefebvre's 4 TD passes in the semifinal win played a key role for an offense that has used the running game to find their success all season.

    In the end, these two programs will have to handle both sides of the ball and make key plays late to get the job done.  But how will the Munson turf play in the game between two teams who have had little experience on turf in 2025?  That's what could make this an exciting final and close at the end.

...will the D3 championship game be a low scoring affair?

    In week 8 of the season, Bellows Falls traveled to Woodstock for a game that would decide the top seed in the Division 3 playoffs.  Both teams found success in a high scoring game that went to double overtime before a winner was determined.

    The Wasps would end up winning 60-52 and clinch the #1 seed with other week 8 results going their way.  But it hasn't stopped the Terriers from getting to the final, dispatching of Mill River and MAV in the playoffs to get to South Burlington and the D3 final.

    Meanwhile, Woodstock have shut out each of their playoff opponents (Windsor and Otter Valley) to get to 9 straight wins after an opening week loss to D2 U-32.  

    Top 2 teams in D3 and 2 great offenses going head-to-head with Bazin and Conners for BF against Emery and Oates for Woodstock.  But if you're expecting a similar result from the regular season finale, I have a feeling both teams will push their defense to get better, leading to a lower scoring game on Saturday.  Maybe both teams get to 35 in the end, but I can't see another triple-digit combined performance from these teams just 3 weeks after the first one.

...will the D1 final come down to the passing game?

    Middlebury is one of the most prolific programs when it comes to running the football and finding success with it.  St. Johnsbury has the Palmeri duo (Davis and Vincent) who have pushed their way to a combined 13 TD runs with QB Maddox McFarland adding another 13 on the ground.

    But McFarland also has 13 TD passes and I think that arm will come into play when it's needed most.  While the Tigers D have been able to stop the passing game (Marshall Eddy has 12 PBUs this season), they haven't played against Maddox and SJA this year.  It will be up to the sophomore QB to find his receivers to keep the Hilltoppers in the title game.

    With game time slated for 5PM, it's going to be a chilly night and could lead to more running plays.  But all it takes is one play from a QB to change the complexion of the game.

Okay, one more.

...will this championship Saturday at South Burlington be the best one yet?

    because the support of the fans, the players and everyone at Munson Field will showcase the positive of high school athletics.  As long as everyone keeps a positive vibe on Saturday, every game will deliver and finish with an experience no one will forget.

Thank you, best of luck to all the teams and enjoy the games on Saturday!

#vthsfootball QF recaps

     12 teams down, 12 teams remain on the road to Munson Field and championship Saturday.  Here's a recap of Quarterfinal/Wild Card week in Vermont high school football:

Division 1:  OT thriller and a key injury

    Burr and Burton and Essex went through an offensive struggle in the rain on Friday night with a late drive leading to the Bulldogs' game-tying TD that would force overtime.  After Essex was stopped on their goal-to-go possession (HS OT rules in VT), BBA scored on a Sam Dowd TD Pass to Caleb Perry to knock off the Hornets in the Quarterfinals.  The Bulldogs will travel to Middlebury in the Semifinals after the Tigers took care of BFA in similar conditions at home Thursday night.

    In the other half of the bracket, Rutland pulled away from Mount Anthony in the second half of their contest while St. Johnsbury went wire-to-wire once again vs. CVU.  The Hilltoppers did lose their star QB Maddox McFarland in the game with an ankle injury, leaving his status unknown for Friday's semifinal against Rutland.

 

Division 2:  Baning dominance as favorites prevail

    Hartford's undefeated run nearly came to an end against Colchester in week 8, but the Hurricanes left no doubt early against 8-seed MMU.  RB Rex Baning had 4 rushing TDs on only 5 carries to lead Hartford to a 49-21 victory Thursday night.  Up next for the top-seed Hurricanes:  the defending D2 champs Fair Haven on Friday night after the Slaters took care of business at U-32 Saturday night.

    Meanwhile, Lyndon and Colchester dominated in their Quarterfinal matchups against Spaulding and Rice, respectively, to set up their semifinal game at LI Saturday.

Division 3:  Otters' run continues while top 3 shut out competition

    While the top 3 seeds in D3 all advanced to the semifinals without allowing a point (WOOD and BF Thursday night; MAV on Saturday), Otter Valley's winning streak went to 6 with a 34-24 road win against Fairfax/Lamoille.  While the Otters did lose starting RB Keegan Reid to injury in the game, Zac Dragon returned to form, finding Chase Razanouski 3 times for TDs on Saturday en route to their second straight playoff win at Fairfax.

    Now Otter Valley will have the same route as last year:  Beat the Bullets, face Woodstock in the next round.  This time, it's in the semifinals on the road.  Meanwhile, Mount Abe/Vergennes travel to Bellows Falls in the other semifinal.  Both games at 7PM Friday night.

Stats and notes from BFP.

#vthsfootball Playoff Predictions

     Normally, this would be the time to do my 5 Things from Week 8 of the Vermont high school football season.  Maybe it would include how Essex showed their dominance early and resilience late against Rutland?  How about Otter Valley defeating Rice and giving Woodstock #1 in D3 after the Wasps' 2OT thriller against Bellows Falls?  What do we make of Hartford's undefeated season in D2?

    Well, I thought I'd do something different...something I hadn't done all year but, since it's postseason time, makes sense to do.  Here are my picks for EVERY playoff game in all 3 divisions.

Division 1

Middlebury over BFA

St. Johnsbury over CVU

Rutland over Mount Anthony

Burr and Burton over Essex

Semifinals

Middlebury over BBA

Rutland over SJA

Final:  Middlebury 28, Rutland 24

Tigers end 11-year title drought with defensive stop late vs. Rutland.

Division 2

Hartford over Mount Mansfield

Lyndon over Spaulding

Colchester over Rice

Fair Haven over U-32

Semifinals

Hartford over Fair Haven

Colchester over Lyndon

Final:  Hartford 31, Colchester 14

Hurricanes complete undefeated season with complete game vs. Lakers

Division 3

Woodstock over Windsor

Bellows Falls over Mill River

Mount Abraham over Springfield

Otter Valley over Fairfax/Lamoille

Semifinals

Woodstock over Otter Valley

Bellows Falls over Mount Abraham

Final:  Bellows Falls 33, Woodstock 22

Terriers get revenge on lone loss and win first state title since 2021

5 Things from #vthsfootball week 7

     The final week of the 2025 Vermont high school football regular season is a few days away and the best teams in the state have solidified their spots in the playoffs.  But there are still some seeding questions left to be answered as we head into this week.  Those seeding scenarios (with the help of our friend Pat Lynch of WCAX) are the five things from week 7.

1---Bellows Falls/Woodstock for D3 regular season crown?

    While the Terriers are undefeated in 2025, Woodstock have dominated their opponents since the week 1 loss to U-32.  But even if the Wasps knock off BF on Friday night, they need a multi-team "Parlay" to have any shot of the #1 seed.

2---Milton could be passed by 1-win teams after week 8.

    I mentioned it last week, but the QPR system hasn't helped the Yellow Jackets one bit in an attempt to make the 2025 D2 playoffs (but neither has their play as I saw in their 40-12 loss to Rice on Saturday).  

    Milton could beat Springfield on Friday night and still finish outside the postseason if MMU knocks off BFA and both Poultney and Missisquoi lose on Saturday.  If North Country can knock off Brattleboro Friday night, MMU only need one of those Saturday results to happen for them to make it.

3---Rutland, Essex and a D1 home playoff game

    One of the greatest rivalries between teams on both sides of the "Middlebury-Dixie Line," The Hornets and former Raiders battle in week 8 for not just bragging rights, but also to host a playoff game in the Quarterfinals.

    An Essex win guarantees them #4 (#3 if 7 different games go right); a loss forces them on the road if BBA wins.  A Rutland win and "The Game" between LI and SJA might determine #2.

4---VFN shines in 2025

    As we head into the final week of the season, I have to applaud Eric Berry and the crew from Northeast Sports Network who have been the driving force of getting to as many games as possible during the high school football season.

    Berry, Alan Ruggles, Ken Wells and Paul Wheeler are among the main crew who have called their fair share of games during the 2025 season (mostly involving NCU, LI and SJA).  Last week, NSN covered 7 of the 8 Friday night games that took place (the only one they missed was Seawolves/Colchester) and have become the must-have app/website to watch future sporting events for the rest of the school year and hopefully beyond.

    While their playoff coverage may move to NFHS (a subscription-based service), it won't take away from how important they have been to covering the student-athletes who make every Friday night and Saturday afternoon (and sometimes Thursday nights) must-see.

5---Week 8 Slate

Mount Anthony (3-4) @ Fair Haven (3-4) (Thursday @ 6:30PM)

Mount Mansfield (1-6) @ BFA-St. Albans (2-5) (Friday @ 7PM) (NSN)

North Country (0-7) @ Brattleboro (0-7) (Friday @ 7PM) (NSN)

Champlain Valley (2-5) @ Burr and Burton (4-3) (Friday @ 7PM) (NSN)

Essex (4-3) @ Rutland (5-2) (Friday @ 7PM) (NSN)

Middlebury (6-1) @ Burlington/South Burlington (0-7) (Friday @ 7PM) (NFHS)

Colchester (5-2) @ Hartford (7-0) (Friday @ 7PM) (NFHS)

Springfield (4-3) @ Milton (2-5) (Friday @ 6:30PM) (LCATV)

U-32 (3-4) @ Spaulding (3-4) (Friday @ 7PM) (CVT)

Bellows Falls (7-0) @ Woodstock (6-1) (Friday @ 7PM)

Otter Valley (4-3) @ Rice (4-3) (Saturday @ 1PM)

Windsor (2-5) @ BFA-Fairfax (5-2) (Saturday @ 1PM)

Mill River (3-4) @ Missisquoi (0-7) (Saturday @ 1PM) (NSN)

Mount Abraham/Vergennes (6-1) @ Poultney (0-7) (Saturday @ 1PM) (NYVT)

Lyndon (6-1) @ St. Johnsbury (6-1) (Saturday @ 5PM) (NSN)

5 Things from #vthsfootball week 6

     2 weeks remain but still a lot to be determine as far as who will make the playoffs and where those teams will be seeded.  Also, another underclassman has found his way into the race for Vermont's top player, and while a couple of divisions have their playoff hopefuls, one could be determined by who loses in week 8 instead of who wins.  Here are this week's 5 things:

1---Bobwhites, Yellow Jackets pull ahead in respective 8-seed battle

    On a chilly Thursday night at Munson Field, BFA-St. Albans defeated Burlington/South Burlington 10-7 to take a 2-game lead in the race for 8th place in Division 1.  Saturday, Windsor came back to defeat Poultney 29-20, improving to 2-4 and likely solidifying their spot in 8th as well.

2---Maddox, Hilltoppers ruin Essex's homecoming & senior night

    It's been an amazing season for St. Johnsbury Academy, and they can thank Sophomore Maddox McFarland for their 5-1 record.  

    The Hilltoppers have relied on McFarland's arm in most of their games.  But on Friday night, it was Maddox's running that contributed the most with 4 rushing TDs and a game-sealing 74-yard carry to outlast the Hornets on their homecoming and senior nights.

    McFarland's recent success puts him in the same category as Jaden Bazin as far as underclassmen who can help lead a program to success down the line.

3---Another week, more D1 wins for Colchester, Hartford

    The Lakers knocked off defending D1 champs CVU 20-7 in a very complete game on both sides of the ball, while the Hurricanes won at home 37-7 to Burr and Burton in a game that was competitive at the start until Hartford pulled away in the second half.

4---A wacky scenario in D2 playoffs

    On Friday night, Milton and Mount Mansfield both lost in convincing fashion against MAV and U-32, respectively.  The Yellowjackets are 2-4 and the Cougars are 1-5, but when you look at the QPR rankings, a unique scenario has come into play.

    Both teams have an identical number of points (1.25), but it's MMU that is ahead in 8th place.  This means that even with losses in their final 2 games, the Cougars can make the playoffs at 1-7 if Milton loses their final 2 games (@ Rice and home to Springfield).  Easily put, we could see some chaos in week 8 depending on outcomes from week 7.

5---Week 7 Slate (streaming info unofficial)

Essex (3-3) @ BFA-St. Albans (2-4) (Friday @ 7PM) (NSN)

Brattleboro (0-6) @ Mount Anthony (2-4) (Friday @ 7PM) (NFHS)

Burr and Burton (4-2) @ Middlebury (5-1) (Friday @ 7PM) (NSN)

Champlain Valley (2-4) @ St. Johnsbury (5-1) (Friday @ 7PM) (NSN)

Rutland (5-1) @ Hartford (6-0) (Friday @ 7PM) (NSN)

Burlington/South Burlington (0-6) @ Colchester (3-3) (Friday @ 7PM) (LCATV)

Fair Haven (2-4) @ U-32 (3-3) (Friday @ 7PM) (NSN)

Lyndon (5-1) @ North Country (0-6) (Friday @ 7PM) (NSN)

Milton (2-4) @ Rice (3-3) (Saturday @ 1PM) (NSN)

Bellows Falls (6-0) @ Mount Mansfield (1-5) (Saturday @ 1PM) (MMCTV)

Spaulding (3-3) @ Mount Abraham (5-1) (Saturday @ 1PM) (NFHS)

BFA-Fairfax (4-2) @ Missisquoi (0-6) (Saturday @ 1PM) (NSN)

Springfield (4-2) @ Mill River (2-4) (Saturday @ 1PM)

Poultney (0-6) @ Otter Valley (3-3) (Saturday @ 6:30PM) (NSN)

Woodstock (5-1) @ Windsor (2-4) (Saturday @ 1PM)