RallyNorth.net

Phillips prepares for Exeter

DEERFIELD — Robert Jones and his favorite receiver Ben Anthony had little problem finding pay dirt yesterday, but it wasn't enough to power Phillips to a victory as the Big Blue dropped a tight 27-23 victory at Deerfield Academy.

The Phillips passing combo hooked up three touchdowns among its six completions — the final one of which travelled 6 yards and provided a 23-20 lead late in the fourth quarter. But the Big Blue defense was unable to stop Deerfield from a final game-winning drive.

Anthony and Jones first connected on a 4-yard scoring pass to tie the score early in the second. After a Deerfield touchdown run by Cam Ciero,  Jack Belluche returned the blocked extra point attempt for a two-point score that cut DA's lead to 13-9 at intermission

Jones, who finished with 203 yards on 18 completions, and Anthony, who ran for 60 yards and hauled in passes for another 89 yards, provided the fourth-quarter lead with a pair of scores early in the quarter.

Andover residents Robert DeLaus (six tackles, one sack) and John Simourian (8 tackles) passed a balanced defensive effort that included a pair of sacks by Jumaane Ford.

Phillips (3-3) closes out the season at 6 p.m. Saturday at rival Exeter.