The Old Rochester Regional High School football team’s talented defense saved its best effort for Thanksgiving, defeating Apponequet Regional High School 14-6 in the South Coast Conference A Division championship game.

The Bulldogs thwarted Apponequet scoring threats, including a late pass deflection courtesy of linebacker and senior Tyler Zell.

With less than two minutes on the clock, Apponequet offense caught fire and two quick passes put the opponents deep in Bulldog territory. A touchdown and a two-point conversion would have tied the game. Zell’s deflection crushed any hope Apponequet may have had.

“We were playing for the championship against one of the most physical teams in the conference,” Coach Henry Quinlan said. “We were ready to get out there.”

The Bulldogs remained undefeated in the regular season and made a deep run in the state’s new playoff format. Abington High School stopped the Bulldogs from entering the state semi-finals on Nov. 15 when the team was dealt a loss.

ORR fans couldn’t have been happier for Thursday’s win.

“It makes the turkey taste all the better,” one fan was overheard saying.

Last season, the Bulldogs posted a losing record. Quinlan attributed the turn around to his players.

“Last year they learned how to compete,” he said. “This year they learned how to win games and were a year older and a year stronger. We have a lot of good players with a lot of experience."