Patriots season ends with loss to Lyman

The Upton-Sundance Patriots postseason play came to a close this past weekend as they fell to the Lyman Eagles in the semifinal game. The Eagles came into the game with a 10-1 record overall and were the number #1 from the east. The Patriots were the #2 seed from the west and knew this would be a tough game.

The opening quarter went scoreless as both sides made gains, but were shut down just short of the yardage they needed. The second quarter put the Patriots in unfamiliar territory as the Eagles were the first on the scoreboard when Eagle quarterback Carter Smith made his way into the endzone from 16-yards out, putting Lyman up 6-0.

The Patriots, however, would not be outdone and marched their way down the field and quarterback Brad Kruger was able to find Ethan Mills for a 15-yard touchdown pass. A successful extra-point by Brayden Bruce put the Patriots in the lead, 7-6, going into the break.

The second half of play was dominated by the Eagle offense. Scoring 24 unanswered points, the Eagles had a safe cushion and the Patriots were in a tough spot.

With the score 30-7 in the fourth quarter, the Patriot offense began their race against the clock. Patriot fans held their breath as quarterback Brad Kruger found Reece Barritt for a 47-yard touchdown pass and began to close the gap.

Needing to add points to the board, the Patriots went for two and Kruger was able to find Bruce to up the Patriot score to 15. Unfortunately for the Patriot offense, that would be their last trip to the endzone for the game.

The Eagles would make it one more time into the endzone as Carter Smith found Chevy Fackrell on a 36-yard touchdown pass and the Lyman Eagles would take the 37-15 victory and move on to the state championship to face the Torrington Trailblazers. 

The Upton-Sundance Patriots have no reason to hang their heads as the only two losses on their 8-2 season were to the two teams remaining.

Offensive Summary

Rushing – 29 attempts for 73 yards

Levi Rudloff – 6 for 52

Brad Kruger – 10 for 28

Brayden Bruce – 3 for 25

Jess Claycomb – 8 for 20

Passing – 10 completions on 17 attempts for 181 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Brad Kruger – 10 for 17 for 181 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Receptions

Ethan Mills – 4 receptions for 71 yards, 1 TD

Reece Barritt – 3 for 68, 1 TD

Lane Gill – 2 for 44

Defensive Summary

Top 5 Individuals

Brayden Bruce – 26 Points - 16 Assisted Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss, 1 Blocked Kick

Nathan Baker – 16 Points - 12 AT, 2 UT

Ethan Mills – 15.5 Points - 12 AT, .5 TFL, 1 Pass Break Up

Wyatt Gillespie – 15 Points - 13 AT, 1 UT

Levi Rudloff – 12 Points - 10 AT, 1 UT