Down 12 points with halftime approaching, the Goffstown Screamin’ Eagles middle school varsity football team needed a big play.

Instead, the locals made several and won the Northeast Junior High Football League championship, beating Lowell on Sunday, Nov. 16, 28-20, at Mountain View Middle School.

“These hard-working boys … all played a big part in the successful season,” said head coach Mark Hurley.

The defense ignited the comeback. Chris Garrison delivered a well-placed hit on Lowell’s quarterback, causing a fumble that Gavin Worthen picked up; less than a minute before the break, Worthen scored to cut the Eagles’ deficit in half.

And that was only the beginning, as the special teams and offense played at least as well as the spirited defense in the second half, pushing the locals to 28 unanswered points.

First, Brett Williams blocked a Lowell punt, and Tom Hurley hit Chris Garrison with a 24-yard touchdown pass on the ensuing drive. Connor Benjamin’s two-point conversion gave Gtown the lead.

Then Chris Garrison, who amassed more than 100 yards in kick returns, gave the Eagles fine field position with a yardchewing punt return. From there, Kyle Indingaro and Benjamin took turns running the ball, with Benjamin crossing the goal line.

After another defensive stop, Benjamin found pay dirt again, this time from the 2-yard line.

The defense did allow a late-game touchdown, but otherwise dominated after intermission.

Tim Barnes recorded three quarterback sacks in the second half, and Chris Garrison collected eight tackles to lead the unit. Benjamin made seven, Barnes added six, and Matt Garrison, Indingaro, and Ty Lazzari each made three.

“I and the rest of the coaching staff would like to thank them all,” said Hurley, “because we are one team winning together.”