Bulldogs lose South Coast Conference Championship to Apponequet
Nov 24, 2022
The Old Rochester Bulldogs lost the South Coast Conference Championship 22-3 against Apponequet on Thanksgiving Day. Photos by: Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
Old Rochester Regional High School and Apponequet Regional High School square off during their Thanksgiving Day football game.
The Bulldogs raise their helmets during the pledge of allegiance.
Apponequet’s defense gave the Bulldogs a run for their money during the game.
Number two for Old Rochester sends the ball down the field.
The Bulldogs didn’t let Apponequet go without a fight during Thursday’s game.
MATTAPOISETT — The Old Rochester Bulldogs fought hard on Thanksgiving day during their annual football game against Apponequet Regional High School but came up short, losing 22-3.
Up until now, the Bulldogs were 3-0 in the South Coast League.
“It was a tough physical game,” said Old Rochester Football Coach Bryce Guilbeault. “They executed better than we did. They executed better on offense, better on defense.”
“We didn’t play to the best of our ability today and they did,” he added. “That made the difference in the ball game.”
A series of touchdowns, including a 29 yard run by Apponequet player Jackson Gagnier, sealed the Bulldogs’ fate.
But despite the tough loss, Bulldogs fans kept the energy high in the bleachers.
“Let’s go!,” shouted one vocal fan. “Let’s hit somebody!” Cowbells, horns and even a siren rounded out the support from the bleachers.
Meanwhile, in a much quieter section of the stands was Jim Wilson, who was “just visiting.” Wilson, who was bundled up for the weather, traveled to Mattapoisett from Connecticut to support his grandson, Remy Wilson.
As the game went on, the cries of support from the bleachers became louder and more fevered as the fans tried to give the team everything they had.
Despite the Bulldogs’ loss — and their fans’ support — the boys worked hard and got far, said Guibeault.
“The kids work hard, they show up every day,” he said. “They put in a great effort today. I don’t doubt for one second they didn’t give their best effort.”
