To even the most subjective observer, there was little noticeable difference, in terms of talent, between the two teams clashing on the varsity gridiron. The respective coaches agreed: neither squad had a distinct advantage.

Yet the numbers on the scoreboard told an altogether different story.

Indeed, a 28-12 final is a pretty clear indicator of one team’s supremacy over the other, but not in the case of John Stark and Pembroke Academy.

Though PA earned the decisive victory, both units were able to put together sustained drives throughout the battle on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The difference turned out to be a touchdown on the opening kickoff, a third-quarter fumble returned to paydirt and an interception in the end zone.

After PA’s Chris Allen returned the first play of the game 75 yards to give his team the early advantage, the Spartans recovered a fumble on Stark’s ensuing drive and added six points when senior quarterback John Natalizio found Vince Verreccia in the back of the end zone.

The Generals rebounded with a solid drive and a 3-yard touchdown run by sophomore Ian Kuck, but botched the snap on the extra point. Pembroke then put together a 71-yard drive, credited entirely to fullback Dan Kroll, who capped the march by punching in a 6-yard score.

Stark’s quarterback, David Wilson, led his team back down the field and eventually scampered into the end zone himself, but that was all the scoring the Generals could muster.

In the second half, freshman Chris Beauregard forced a fumble, and Verrechia notched his second touchdown on a 45- yard return.

Another long John Stark drive ended with a Natalizio interception in the end zone.

Pembroke, said John Stark’s first-year coach, Bob Clarke, is a fine team, but one the Generals can beat.

“We executed well at times, but we just had breakdowns,” said Clarke. “We’re playing freshmen and sophomores, so we’re young and we’re making mistakes, but I cannot fault the kids’ attitudes ... They’re giving me absolutely everything they’ve got, they just need to learn how to win.”

The Spartans began that same process last year, and though they are also young, coach Dave Tremblay said they’re showing marked progress.

“We were pretty evenly matched with John Stark, size-wise, but I think we had a little more speed than them,” he said. “We’re coming along, and I definitely think we can hit with most teams (in D-III). We’re not really thinking playoffs right now, but the kids are having a lot of fun this year, and the program’s moving in the right direction.”