Tabor High School secured a 28-14 victory over Milton Academy in a NEPSAC Class B football game Saturday afternoon, driven largely by a dominant defensive performance. The Seawolves (2-1) set the tone early with three first-half touchdowns and maintained control throughout the contest at Milton’s home field.

Tabor’s opening score came on a 57-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Quinn Vanneste, who recently shifted from linebacker to edge rusher. The Seawolves extended their lead on an 11-yard keeper by Peter Bourque, who overcame two first-half interceptions to finish with 166 passing yards and a touchdown pass to wide receiver Mahkai Phillip in the third quarter.

“Our guys in the box really showed up today,” Tabor coach Jeff Moore said, noting the team’s emphasis on stopping the run. “I thought we did a great job.”

The defensive group included standout performers Vanneste, Simon Nuamah, Marique Miller, James Dutra, and Quinn Adams, who collectively stifled Milton’s offensive efforts. Linebackers Landen O’Neil, a recent Duke lacrosse commit, and Liam Conlon contributed to the Seawolves’ suffocating defense, limiting opportunities for the Mustangs (1-1).

Milton managed to score twice, both aided by defensive plays. Senior Deacon Evriviades returned an interception 89 yards for a touchdown in the first half. Offensively, the Mustangs’ lone touchdown came on a fourth-down slant pass, which senior Zahir Mitchell turned into a 72-yard breakaway touchdown. Lucas Fickeisen added an eight-yard rushing touchdown for Tabor.

Coach Moore praised the leadership and high-level play of Vanneste, O’Neil, and Conlon. “We feel gifted — I don’t know if we’ll ever get it again. All three of them played at an elite level today,” he said.

Tabor’s defensive resilience ultimately limited Milton’s scoring chances and helped secure the team’s second win of the season.