SCARBOROUGH — Deering used an impressive defensive performance to create offensive opportunities and beat Scarborough 27-7 in the regular season finale.
The Rams scored three touchdowns on drives following turnovers on their way to victory.
“That was really huge for us,” said Deering Coach Jason Jackson. “It was big for us because earlier in the season we struggled with converting. We were in the red zone numerous times earlier in the season and we just stalled out. It’s just good to see us capitalizing on that.”
The win guarantees the Rams at least one home playoff game. A Bonny Eagle loss to Thornton Academy on Saturday would give Deering a first-round bye.
The Rams took the lead after a scoreless first quarter when quarterback Max Chabot scored on a 5-yard run with 6:12 left in the second. Pat Viola kicked the extra point to make it 7-0.
Momentum swung on the ensuing kick. Scarborough misplayed the return and Deering recovered at the Scarborough 20. Five plays later, Chabot threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Viola.
The Rams forced another turnover on the next Scarborough drive, when the Red Storm fumbled a snap.
“It seemed like things started to snowball and we were making one mistake after another,” said Scarborough Coach Lance Johnson.
“It’s hard when the momentum is going that way. We came out and played better in the second but still fumbled away one more that they turned into their fourth touchdown. We didn’t have the ball very much because we kept turning it over. It’s hard to play like that.”
Three plays after the fumble, junior running back Nate Richards scored on a 12-yard run and Deering was up 21-0. Richards finished the first half with 66 yards rushing on 10 carries.
Scarborough forced Deering to punt on the first drive of the second half, but the mishandled the punt and the Rams recovered again. Six plays later, Deering pushed the lead to 27-0 when Chabot scored his second touchdown of the game, this time from 2 yards out
The Red Storm (4-4) broke through for their only score later in the third quarter, when quarterback Jack Hughes (10 for 22, 156 yards) hit Griffen Madden (three catches, 99 yards) with a 63-yard touchdown pass.
Chabot finished with 76 yards passing and a touchdown, as well as 20 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
Viola had two interceptions as welll as four catches for 36 yards. He also rushed eight times for 24 yards.
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