1---Movement Friday: massive results change standings in all 3 Divisions
The week 6 slate of games saw what I considered sneaky-good games across the state. Thursday's 2 games went as expected as St. Johnsbury rolled over the Seawolves and Rutland got past Brattleboro. Friday's games were much different as 4 results saw massive moves for each of the 3 divisions.
In D1, Middlebury knocked off Essex 7-0 to send both teams to 3-3, joining Rutland and BSB at that mark. D2 saw Lyndon come back to beat Bellows Falls 26-20 in Overtime while U-32 upended Rice 21-6 for their first win of the season. D3 had an exciting finish in Springfield as Windsor recovered a fumble and scored late in the 4th to knock off the Cosmos 15-12.
Heading down the stretch, results like these become more valuable to teams gunning for playoff berths. Look at the games to watch for week 7 to see what I mean.
2---Colchester dominates at the line in D2 title game rematch
It was a rematch from last year's D2 title game between Colchester and Fair Haven. Unfortunately for the Slaters, it was the Lakers' seniors (especially those on the line) who took control of the matchup on Laker Lane, helping them prevail 27-6 and improve to 5-1 on the year.
With 2 D1 opponents (CVU, BSB) left in the season, Colchester may have locked the #1 seed in the division with the win. Fair Haven does have Mount Anthony next week so a win there could keep the Slaters in position for the top spot.
3---Is it time for 8-man football in VT?
If you have followed my X/Twitter spaces during the season (or even in the last few years) you'll know that 1 discussion point is whether or not it is time for Vermont to add a new 11-man division or make an 8-man division for schools who may not have enough players to field a team (Oxbow and Poultney are example of those who have had to cancel seasons in recent years).
The concern has continued as most JV programs have gone to the 8-man format this year due to low numbers. While the 8-man option might not be for everyone, it may be one of the only ways to keep the sport thriving in the state even with other sports like Soccer and Cross Country seeing an uptick in numbers.
My question to those reading is this: How would you change Vermont high school football if you had the opportunity? Would you add an 8-man division for programs who would have more chances to thrive? Should the lower-tier programs combine to make its own division? Let me know in the comments.
4---"Helmet Stickers" (stats via Burlington Free Press)
Micah Perez (RUT): 274 rushing yards and a TD in Rutland's 28-14 win over Brattleboro
David Gilbert (BRAT): 112 rushing yards, 2 TDs in Bears' 28-14 loss at Rutland
Conor Danaher (CHS): 170 rushing yards, 2 TDs (and a TD catch) in Lakers' 26-7 win vs. FH
Middlebury Defense: Held Essex scoreless in 7-0 win at home
Jack Burke (WIND): 2 TD runs including game-winner in Yellow Jackets' 15-12 win at Springfield
Cormiac Farrell (U32): TD runs of 46, 87 and 13 yards in Raiders' 21-6 against Rice (Win 1 for U-32)
Talin Bartholdi (MAU): 3 TD runs in Patriots' 34-26 win against Hartford
Owen Fox (LYN): Game-tying TD pass to Grant Newland; Game-winning TD in overtime vs. BF
Sam Dowd (BBA): 5 Total TDs (4 Passing, 1 Rushing) in Bulldogs' 53-7 win @ CVU
BFA RBs Davion Jones, Porter Sweeney, Hayden Sweeney combined for all 5 TDs (Jones with 3) as the Bobwhites defeated MMU 35-28 for first win of the year.
Eli Hoar (SPA): 2 rushing TDs on 91 yards; 132 passing yards and a TD in Tide's 33-13 win at FAX
5---Games to watch in Week 7
Mount Anthony at Fair Haven (Thursday @ 7PM): Patriots last 2 games are against D2 opponents, but a win here likely solidifies a home playoff game.
Burlington/South Burlington at Essex (Friday @ 7PM): Hornets looking to bounce back against Seawolves as a potential home playoff game is on the line (BSB host Colchester in week 8; Hornets at BBA).
Lyndon @ Hartford (Thursday @ 7PM): Vikings looking for #2 and a home semifinal game but cannot overlook Hurricanes with SJA next.
Mount Abraham/Vergennes at Spaulding (Friday @ 7PM): MAV could solidify D3 top seed with win in Barre; Tide looking for a home playoff game in D2.
Springfield at Otter Valley (Friday @ 7PM): After loss to Windsor, Cosmos may need to win to keep hopes of a home playoff game alive (host BF in week 8)
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