Bartlett offense runs by Quaboag 45-6

Alex Givens-Perry ran for over 100 yards for the Indians

By Steev Riccardo. Patriot staff photos. More photos follow.

WARREN - The Bartlett Indians unleashed a variety of weapons and proceeded to pulverize the Quaboag Cougars 45-6 in a game that was moved to a 5 p.m. start time Friday due to the recent mosquito concerns.

The Indians used their complete offensive arsenal along with a ‘bend don’t break’ defense to control the tempo and dismember the Cougars.

Indians senior halfback Billy Phillips barreled down field 51 yards on the second play from scrimmage to start the scoring barrage and Chris Czernicki added the extra point to give the Indians a quick 7-0 lead that they would never relinquish.

The Cougars attempted a halfback option on the first play of the next drive but were foiled by Indians senior co-captain Akeem Belnavis who picked off the pass and gave the visitors excellent position on the 34-yard line. Three plays later, Belnavis scampered in from 15 yards out and the Indians were quickly up 13-0.

The Bartlett defense held serve again and the Indians were once again on the offensive. Junior quarterback Ricky Spooner connected with Belnavis on a 35-yard pass play and on the next play Alex Givens-Perry brought the Indians deep into Cougar territory with a nifty 24-yard run.

With a first and goal from the five-yard line, Spooner found Belnavis in the end zone and the Indians held a 20-0 lead as time ran out in the opening quarter.

The Cougars scored their only touchdown at the 8:21 mark of the second quarter to make it 20-6, but that was all the offense the home team could muster for the remaining of the game.

On the next Indians’ possession, Givens-Perry rambled 56 yards to give the Indians a commanding 26-6 lead.

The Indians held the Cougars again and on the next series sophomore James Patterson broke free for a 24-yard gain which set up a three-yard touchdown run by sophomore A.J. Caddell for a 32-6 lead.

Patterson, who tallied 75 yards rushing on the day, joined the scoring parade on the last drive of the half, busting in from the 1-yard line and the Indians held a dominating 39-6 lead.

Jacob Decker added a late score for the Indians with a 28- yard run.

Givens-Perry, who also played well defensively and on special teams, led a balanced Indians rushing attack with 101 yards.

The 1-1 Indians will take on Nipmuc Regional at home on Friday (September 21) at 5 p.m. at the Memorial Athletic Field in their home opener.

Read more about the Bartlett Indians and high school football in the View From The Sidelines column published every week in the Patriot and contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with feedback and comments.