Another comeback win for the Cougars

POLAND -- The cardiac kids proved once again that Dirigo might be down but never out and that was clearly evident in a Class C Campbell Conference football game Friday night.

Tyler Frost ran 31 yards for a touchdown and Spencer Trenoweth added a TD reception, each in the second half, as the Cougars survived a scare but rallied for a 22-14 win against Poland. It was the third straight comeback for the Cougars, who benefitted from two defensive stands that provided the offense with superb field position.

Dirigo (3-0) found itself trailing 14-8 when the Knights was given a dose of Frost, who started the series with an 18-yard reception. Trenoweth ran for 15 and the third quarter concluded with Dirigo set up and Frost promptly scored.

The sophomore, who had returned to action following an ankle injury suffered during preseason, ran over people and carried them down the field for the score. Heath Hersom rushed in the two-point conversion.

In the fourth quarter, after the Cougar defense made a stand, Tom Barnett (78 yards, 11 rushes) pounded the ball inside and on the fifth play, quarterback Brett Whittermore (5 of 15 for 95 yards) connected with Trenoweth for a 13-yard TD.

Poland (0-3) had drawn first blood on a Tyler Sturtevant 24-yard TD run and a two-point conversion.

Nick Young (two interceptions) fumbled the ensuing kick off, but the defense held on downs. Late in the first quarter, Trenoweth (122 yards on nine carries) broke free for a 56-yard TD, with Justin Jasper running in the conversion.

Poland blocked a punt, earned great field position and scored to lead 14-8 at the half.

“The kids came in at halftime and said we need to make a little adjustment,and we said, okay, let's move outside a bit and bull rush those guards,” said coach David Crutchfield.

Poland runs a triple option and the Cougar defense had problems following QB Tony Whalen (126 yards rushing in first half), who hid the ball well. The Cougar defense adjusted and limited the Knights to 48 yards rushing in second half.

Dirigo was penalized 10 times for 95 yards; which included facemasks, blocking in the back and procedure calls.

Nelson Pepin and Young had 35 and 29 receiving yards, respectfully.

In last year's contest between the two teams, the Cougars had scored with 8.3 seconds left to rally for a 20-18 win over Poland.

Dirigo hosts Telstar this Friday for homecoming.