VIDEO: PHS Clippers Trounce Bedford

Portsmouth had been there before. Three times in the last three years, in fact, the Clippers reached the state championship game, only to fall each of those seasons.

Bedford, on the other hand, in only its fourth varsity season, made its first appearance in the title tilt.

And despite the Bulldogs taking a 24-12 Oct. 28 decision at Portsmouth, the Clippers used the experience of the last three letdowns to decisively defeated the Bulldogs, 41-6, earlier today.

Bedford forced turnovers on each of Portsmouth's first two possessions, but failed to score both times. The Clippers snatched the momentum and took a 20-0 lead into halftime.

Still, the Bulldogs drew to within two scores with just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter when James Caparell delivered the ball to junior receiver Brian Collins, who made a circus catch inside the Portsmouth 10-yard line then carried two defenders over the goal line. The Bulldogs failed to punch in a two-point conversion, and Portsmouth responded with an immediate touchdown on the ensuing drive.

The Clippers scored again on the first play of the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach, then added one more touchdown with nine minutes remaining to win their first state championship since 1981.

Portsmouth star running back Billy Lane led the victors with more than 120 yards and three touchdowns.