CASTLETON — Eight local football players and a couple of local coaches representing Vermont in this past Saturday’s Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl basked in glory after trouncing the New Hampshire team, 50-2 — the Green Mountain State’s first victory in 15 years.
Although Vermont’s offense clearly got the job done — Fair Haven quarterback Ryan Alexander tossed five touchdown passes in the opening 24 minutes — some drew attention to Vermont’s strong defense, which didn’t allow a single New Hampshire point (the only score was when a New Hampshire defender sacked Alexander in his own end zone).
Not only did the Vermont defense hold New Hampshire to negative first-half yardage, but also made three interceptions, forced two fumbles, and tallied five sacks.
Middlebury Union High School defensive tackle Nicholas Beauchamp forced a fumble at the New Hampshire 1-yard line, which led to a field goal; the Tiger standout also made eight tackles. Otter Valley Union defender Carson Leary was responsible for at least one of those sacks.
In addition to Beauchamp, the Vermont squad had signed up two other Tigers: tight end/defensive end Sawyer Ryan and two-way lineman Wyatt Laberge.
Besides Leary, three other Otters suited up for Vermont: two-way linemen Tyler Allen and M.J. Denis, and lineman/linebacker Trevor Peduto. Also on the Vermont team is Mount Abraham Union High School standout lineman Matt Mullin.
Fair Haven Union Coach Brian Grady took charge of coaching duties for Vermont. Grady was head coach the last time Vermont won the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl in 2000.
Among Grady’s assistants were Otter Valley’s Jim Hill and Middlebury’s Dennis Smith.
This was the 63rd annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl.
The bowl game pits Vermont’s recent high school graduates vs. New Hampshire’s. Net proceeds of the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl go to support three regional Shrine hospitals for children afflicted with orthopedic conditions and burns. The Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl is sponsored by Cairo Shriners of Rutland and Mt. Sinai Shriners of Montpelier.