The Alvirne High School football team dropped its second straight game Saturday afternoon, falling to Windham, 28-6, in a Division I match-up that saw the Broncos remain competitive through much of the first half.
The loss leaves Alvirne with a 1-2 record through three games, while Windham improved its position among the top teams in the division.
The Jaguars opened the scoring on their first possession, driving 60-yards and finishing the march with a 21-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Jackson Wright to senior tight end Sam Roy.
Alvirne answered with its biggest play of the season mid-way through the second quarter.
Junior quarterback Cam St. Clair connected with senior Jeremiah Sophos on a pass that covered approximately 90-yards. The pass from the two-yard line was tipped at the 35-yard marker where Sophos maintained his concentration, gathered the ball and raced to the end zone. The extra-point attempt failed, leaving Windham with a 7-6 lead.
Windham regained momentum just before halftime when Wright connected with Alexander Alrich for a 33-yard touchdown on fourth down, sending the Jaguars into the locker room with a 14-6 advantage.
The third quarter belonged to Windham’s running game.
Senior tailback Michael Bri broke open several long runs and finished with 19 carries for 186-yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 26-yards, giving him 212 all-purpose yards for the afternoon.
Windham’s offensive line was credited for opening large lanes for their running backs, who repeatedly reached the secondary before using his speed and physical running style to gain additional yardage.
The Jaguars two third-quarter touchdowns pushed the Windham lead to 28-6 and effectively put the game out of reach. The fourth quarter was scoreless.
Despite the final margin, the Broncos fought hard against the team’s former head coach Matt Lee particularly the way the team continued to compete against one of Division I’s stronger programs.
They scrappy Alvirne team is managing to maintain a unified approach while developing a roster that includes several young players and some athletes who are relatively new to football.
Alvirne had an opportunity to make the game considerably closer in the second half, after a play down the left side of the field appeared to produce a potential touchdown, but the Broncos were unable to capitalize.
On the Windham side, the junior quarterback managed the game without an interception or fumble, made several effective short throws and appeared to have developed a strong relationship with the Jaguars’ offensive play-caller.
The Broncos look to rebound from the loss in their next game on Friday night, Sept. 25, at home as they continue through the Division I schedule.
The Broncos will take on the squad from Spaulding High School starting at 7 p.m., a team that has also fallen to 1-2 this season.