Weston — Rivers held off a late surge by Brooks to secure a 21-15 victory in NEPSAC Class C Group 2 football on Saturday, improving its record to 3-3 while handing Brooks their second loss of the season at 4-2.

Rivers built a commanding 21-0 lead entering the fourth quarter, fueled by a strong start that included a fumble recovery in the first quarter leading to a Jace Lyons quarterback sneak touchdown. Junior Max Murray extended the lead early in the third quarter with a 3-yard touchdown reception, followed by a 3-yard rushing score from Jalen Morris, who is committed to Marist.

Brooks mounted a rally late in the game, capitalizing on deep passing plays by quarterback Harrison Kucharski, who connected on 25- and 37-yard touchdown throws to Jacob Abelard and Christian McGrail, respectively. With momentum shifting in Brooks’ favor, they came threatening to score again from the 3-yard line late in the game. However, Rivers’ defense delivered a crucial goal-line stand on fourth down, forcing an incompletion under pressure to seal the win.

Coach Randy Lindsey emphasized the team’s resilience, noting the significance of their mantra “we dictate,” which was displayed on every Rivers player’s helmet. “We made a conscious decision that we’re not giving up,” Lindsey said. “That’s what ‘we dictate’ means.” Lyons echoed the sentiment, asserting their determination on the game’s decisive play: “Fourth and goal. Who wants it more? We wanted it more.”

Elsewhere in regional play, Gloucester defeated Beverly 14-7 on the road to improve to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the Northeastern Conference, aided by freshman Fode Kaba’s contribution to two touchdowns. Beverly's lone score came on a 91-yard kickoff return by Stephen Sullivan.

In a dominant performance, Nantucket topped Martha’s Vineyard 56-7 in a Cape & Islands Lighthouse Division matchup, with senior David Guillen-Taveras scoring five touchdowns in the first quarter alone as part of a 42-point opening surge. The victory earned Nantucket the island cup.

St. Mark’s edged Thayer 41-35 in a NEPSAC contest, with senior Sam Surgento scoring the winning touchdown in the final seconds to bring the Lions to a 5-1 record.

Unbeaten Williston Northampton maintained its perfect 7-0 start with a 50-21 road win over Suffield Academy. Senior Alex Turrisi contributed both a touchdown reception and a fumble return touchdown, while classmate Nate Ellis added two rushing scores. Junior quarterback Patrick Cahill threw for two touchdowns, extending Williston’s undefeated streak in NEPSAC Class A Group 2 play.

Contributions to coverage were provided by correspondents Lenny Rowe, Tony Gleason, and Inaaya Omer.