Beset with injuries the past three games, a healthier Bow High football squad showed an enthusiastic crowd of fans, alumni and ex-players a balanced offense and strong defense in defeating Division- V foe Epping-Newmarket, 27- 6, at homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 18.

“Because it was homecoming weekend, there were a lot of former players in the stands,” said Paul Cohen, head coach of the Falcons. “Anytime you can win a game like this one, our first divisional win, it means a great deal. This was a true team victory, with many kids contributing to the win on offense, defense and special teams.”

Epping-Newmarket took an early 6-0 lead, but Bow quarterback Austin Hill led the offense to three touchdowns in the second quarter, two on his own runs into the end zone.

Carter Johnson sparked the second-quarter attack with a 50- yard kickoff return. The linemen, led by senior Andy Wieland and juniors CJ Poole, Jake Bailey and Dom Cesarini, helped the team convert a 4th-and-inches, pushing to the 5-yard line.

Senior Scott Brunelle then scored the touchdown. Johnson’s interception at midfield led to the first of HIll’s TD runs, then the defense, keyed by seniors Ian Wedemeyer, Mike Finnegan and Johnson, shut down Epping-Newmarket, stopping a 1st-and-goal from inside the 10- yard line.

“Brunelle was a true juggernaut to the offense. He and Greg Polish had several good running plays,” said Cohen. “We saw some great pass blocking, and the defensive stand the kids made before the half sent a very strong message to our opponents. We were confident, with a mindset that we could turn things around, and we did. The psychological advantage of being ahead at halftime was enormous.”

Wedemeyer ran for the final touchdown of the day for Bow, and senior quarterback Andrew Vinnenberg handled the second-half offense.

“We’ve had to battle back from injuries in the last few weeks, and having most of the squad healthy made a big difference,” said Cohen, whose team moved to 1-4 in D-V and 2-4 overall. “The kids knew it, too, and played with confidence. It was great to have the balance on offense, defense and special teams. It was an important team victory.”