With time running down in the third quarter and the Eagles trailing Portsmouth 14-7, Barrington’s defense made a stand.

On a key third down play, Mitchell Ivatts dropped a Patriots ballcarrier well short of the first down marker. Portsmouth punted and the Eagles’ offense took over near midfield. 

But the usually potent Eagles attack— one that has relied heavily on a triple option running game all season — went to the air three straight plays and came up empty each time. 

Barrington punted on fourth down and Portsmouth responded with a two-minute scoring drive. The Patriots never looked back and eventually celebrated a 21-7 victory.

The Eagles need to win Friday night against Woonsocket to keep any playoff hopes alive. 

Strong start

Barrington played motivated football to start the game. After forcing Portsmouth to punt on its opening possession, the Eagles’ offense took the field and drove deep into Patriots territory. Fullback Payton Murphy gashed the Portsmouth defense, but the drive stalled just inside the 20. 

Portsmouth took over and drove more than 80 yards in less than two minutes, capping the drive with a touchdown run by Patriots freshman quarterback Adam Conheeny. 

Barrington responded with its own scoring drive. In less than four minutes, the Eagles drove 61 yards and tied the score at 7-7. BHS quarterback Alex McClelland broke free for a long run to the Portsmouth three yard line, and powered into the end zone a play later. 

Barrington’s special teams gave up a long return on the ensuing kick-off. It looked like Barrington’s defense would keep Portsmouth out of the end zone, but on third and 12 the Eagles were flagged for pass interference. The Patriots later converted a fourth and six inside the 10, as Conheeny ran untouched around the left end for a touchdown.

The Eagles opened the second half with the ball and put together a strong drive. Barrington pushed the ball deep into Patriots territory, but a fumble ended the scoring chance. 

Barrington came up empty on three trips inside the Patriots’ 20 yard line — one drive ended with the fumble, another with a turnover on downs, and one on an interception.