NEW LONDON, Conn. – In a tightly contested game marked by several lead changes, Coast Guard emerged victorious over Norwich, improving their season record to 4-3. The Bears faced a late deficit, but junior receiver
Amr Baadani delivered a game-winning 25-yard touchdown catch to clinch the 17-13 victory.
After a defensive showdown in the first quarter that left both teams scoreless, Norwich struck first in the second quarter to gain a 6-0 lead. Senior
Joey Armentrout's interception set the stage for an 11-play, 45-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown for the Cadets, though they missed the extra point.
The Bears responded with a solid drive of their own, covering 61 yards in 10 plays that finished with a 24-yard field goal from sophomore kicker
Brennan Holt. Coast Guard maintained their momentum, forcing Norwich into a quick three-and-out on their next drive. This allowed the Bears to regain possession with 2:49 left in the half at their own 27-yard line.
Capitalizing on the defensive stand, the Bears marched down the field in just seven plays, ending the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run by sophomore
James Wheeler IV. As a result, the Bears headed into halftime with a 10-6 lead.
In the third quarter, the Cadets regained the lead after Coast Guard failed to convert on a fourth down, giving Norwich possession at their own 34-yard line. The Cadets responded with an impressive 9-play, 66-yard drive, concluded by a 10-yard touchdown catch. This was the only score of the third quarter, leaving the Bears needing a comeback in the final period.
The Bears answered the challenge with a methodical 17-play, 80-yard drive to regain the lead. Faced with a 4th-and-8 from the Cadets' 25-yard line, Coast Guard opted to go for it, and the gamble paid off. It was Armentrout who connected with Baadani in the end zone for the touchdown, which put the score at 17-13 in favor of the Bears. This score ultimately proved to be the game-winner with neither teams putting anymore points on the board, and Coast Guard's record improved to 4-3.
The Bears return home next Saturday, where they will host WPI. Kickoff for that game is set for Noon, on a day that Coast Guard will be celebrating the New London community.
