TOWNSEND -- The North Middlesex Regional football team spotted Doherty a big early advantage and never could recover in a 42-20 loss in the season-opener for both schools.

Doherty raced out to a 21-0 lead after the first quarter. The Patriots battled back to cut it to 21-14 at the half thanks to an 80-yard touchdown run by Brandon Lambert (15 carries, 102 yards) and a 30-yard TD pass from quarterback John Boutwell (6 of 15, 110 yards) to Bryan Croteau.

Doherty responded with 14 unanswered points to start the second half to put the game out of reach.

North Middlesex's Tyler MacDonald scored on a 40-yard fumble return in the fourth quarter.

----

Highlanders 42

Patriots 20

Doherty (1-0) 21 0 7 14 -- 42

North Middlesex (0-1) 0 14 0 6 -- 20

D -- Alfred Adonkauh 55 pass from Luke Brennan (kick failed)

D -- Maurice Morales 70 run (Saul Oppong run)

D -- Isaac Yiadom 60 interception return (Will Hanon kick)

D -- Yiadom 15 run (Hanon kick)

NM -- Brandon Lambert 80 run (Ben Ferro kick)

NM -- Bryan Croteau 30 pass from John Boutwell (Ferro kick)

D -- Oppong 15 run (Hanon kick)

D -- Yiadom 20 run (hanon kick)

NM -- Tyler MacDonald 40 fumble return (kick failed)

Advertisement