Deerfield Academy’s varsity football team unleashed newfound offensive power against Suffield Academy in the season opening game at home. Despite losing in overtime, 41-48, the team was upbeat about the proven success of their mixed attack of running and passing. Postgraduates Sharif Legree ‘17, Hunter Long ‘17, Dallas Hobbs ‘17, Jake Gallehdari ‘17, Matt Donovan ‘17, Zykeem Sims ‘17, and Bubba Fairman’17 bolster an experienced returning team, led by co-captains Brandon Scott ‘17 and Tommy Hale ‘17, as well as Jackson Caputo ‘17, Harry Gahagan ‘17, Ian Crosby ‘17, Justin Masella ‘17, and Nate Chong ’17.
In a dramatic game characterized by big plays, turnovers, and powerful hits, Deerfield jumped out to a 21-point lead. Legree ran for a touchdown and threw two more to Caputo, in addition to long passing gains to Long. Crosby and Gallehdari added rushing touchdowns and Fairman intercepted a pass and returned it for a score.
Deerfield had a seven-point lead with a minute left in the game when an untimely fumble led to a tying touchdown by Suffield. In the overtime, Suffield scored and Deerfield failed to answer. Although disappointed, the team’s mood was upbeat as it prepared for next week’s game against Hotchkiss now knowing that they had the offensive weapons and stout defense to compete with anyone in the league.