Patriots beat Billerica, Advance to NE Finals

The NH State Champion Amherst Pee Wee’s traveled to Taunton, MA on Sunday to face the undefeated champions of the Pop Warner Football Conference of Eastern Mass, the Billerica Scouts in the New England Regional Semifinals.  The two teams battled scoreless for the first half. The Patriot’s made a huge stand with time expiring in the second quarter to keep the Scouts out of the end zone and the score 0-0.

The Patriots surprised the Scouts with a successful onside kick to to start the second half, but unfortunately were not able to capitalize on the recovery (four and out).  The Scouts took over on downs and passed their way down the field to the end zone and a 6-0 lead.

The two teams traded possessions for the remainder of the third and in to the forth with field position gradually shifting to Amherst’s favor.  With about five minutes remaining and their backs to their own goal line, the Scouts were forced to punt. The Patriots partially blocked it and took over on the Billerica 20. With the game (and their season) on the line the Patriots pushed their way to the end zone, scoring and converting the extra point (with a pass) for a 7-6 lead with just 3:25 left in regulation.

Amherst kicked off to Billerica with time winding down, the defense held and the Patriots won in exciting fashion.  Next up:  A rematch with the Mount Hope Cowboys next Saturday at Foley Stadium in Worcester for the right to represent New England in Florida next month at the Pop Warner National Championships.