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Portsmouth Abbey Football Team Defeats St. George’s in Overtime Thriller, Ends 17-Year Drought
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Senior running back, Justin Marques, breaks through the St. George’s defense during Portsmouth Abbey’s rivalry win in Middletown. (Photographer: Louis Walker III) |
In a game that will go down in Portsmouth Abbey history, the Ravens pulled off a dramatic 20-14 overtime victory over long-time rival St. George’s School on Saturday, Oct. 4, snapping a 17-year losing streak in the rivalry and improving to a perfect 3-0 on the season.
The win marks an early milestone in the tenure of first-year Head Coach Stanley Dunbar, who has quickly infused a new energy and toughness into the program.
“From day one, we talked about rewriting the story of this team,” said Coach Dunbar after the win. “Beating St. George’s, especially like this, is just the beginning.”
Senior running back Justin Marques, a boarding student from Fairhaven, Mass., was the offensive engine, delivering a powerhouse performance with 190 rushing yards and 28 carries. One of his two touchdowns secured the overtime win.
Both teams were tied 14-14 at the end of regulation, when Portsmouth Abbey struck first in overtime behind Marques’ determined running. The Ravens’ defense then sealed the win by holding firm on St. George’s final possession, ending the game with a crucial fourth-down stop.
Leading the charge on defense was Reegan Applebee, a sophomore boarding student from Quebec, Canada, who posted eight tackles and consistently disrupted St. George’s offense. Trey Flores, a senior boarding student from Denton, Texas, added two key sacks that stifled momentum and shifted the field position battle in the Abbey’s favor.
Portsmouth Abbey’s 3-0 start is its best in recent memory and has players and fans alike believing that this could be a special season.
The Ravens are scheduled to play Pingree School (away) on October 11. They will play at home against Capital Prep on October 18. Find more information here.
Portsmouth, R.I. local and senior wide receiver, Liam Daly, catches a pass. (Photographer: Louis Walker III)