Deerfield beat Brunswick 35-28 to claim their second straight NEPSAC Mike Silipo Bowl trophy. It was an exciting, back and forth game for the entire 48 minutes.
Brunswick scored on their second play from scrimmage to take an early 7-0 over the Big Green. Deerfield answered at the beginning of the second quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Liam O’Brien ‘22 to tie the game 7-7. On the ensuing drive the Deerfield defense stopped Brunswick on a fourth and three from the six yard line.
On the very next play, O’Brien found wide receiver Alex Haight ‘22 down the visitor sideline for a 95 yard touchdown connection. Brunswick scored on their next possession on a third and eight pass that went for 29 yards.
With the score 14-14 and 23 seconds to go in the first half, Deerfield executed a hook and ladder with wide received Geoffrey Jamiel ’22 catching and pitching the ball to running back Nick Peltekian ’22 for the 45 yard touchdown. Deerfield took a 21-14 lead into halftime and never trailed again.
Each team traded scoreless possessions to start the second half. Defensive end Henry Foster ’22 recovered a Brunswick fumble in Deerfield territory in the middle of the third quarter that led to a nine play touchdown drive by the Big Green. The play of the drive was on third down and 14 yards when O’Brien found wide receiver Wedner Cadet ‘22 for a 53 yard completion.
On the next drive Brunswick got to the Deerfield 19 yard line and was stopped on a fourth and two-yards by linebacker Christian Reavis ‘23 and strong safety Nick Peltekian.
Brunswick scored twice in the fourth quarter but Deerfield never gave up the lead.
Wide receiver Alex Haight got free for a 50 yard reception that led to Deerfield’s fifth touchdown of the game, a nifty 13 yard run by Peltekian.
It was a great day for football and an even better ending for the 2021 Deerfield Football Team!
The victory secured back-to-back NEPSAC Class A Mike Silipo Bowl Champions for the Big Green with a 9-1 overall record this season. In 2019, the Big Green defeated Milton Academy (26-23)to capture the Mike Silipo Bowl Champions trophy and posted an 8-2 season record.
Congratulations to the Big Green football team and coaches on their incredible season!