Warriors nip Indians 29-22 In nail biter

Senior co-captain Kelly Chisholm (#30) on defense. More photos follow.

Givens-Perry rushes for 222 yards and 2 TD’s in loss

By Steev Riccardo. Patriot staff photos.

WEBSTER - The Bartlett Indians appeared to be on their way to a huge win over the Nipmuc Warriors this past Friday when they opened a 22-7 lead, but some costly turnovers and missed opportunities foiled their bid for victory and they fell 29-22.

Indians head coach Dane Laboissonniere called it one of the “most disappointing losses” he has ever been part of and with the tough schedule that lies ahead for the Indians, it could be one that they won’t forget.

The Indians also shouldn’t forget that a year ago at this time, they were in the exact same position at 1-2 before going on to win six of their next seven games and earn a playoff spot.

Despite blowing the big lead, the Indians looked very good at times and the play of Alex Givens-Perry, who had a career day with 222 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns, was a real eye opener and positive for the locals.

The junior running back was nearly flawless. Aside from one fumble, he carried the ball 26 times and proved to be a real workhorse for the Indians’ offense and someone who is strong enough to carry the load on a regular basis.

The Indians were on the move early and in Warriors territory but fumbled setting up a long dive by the visitors, who capitalized and took a 7-0 lead.

Senior Billy Philips gave the Indians excellent field position on the ensuing kick off with a 44-yard return to the Warrior 35-yard line.

Givens-Perry then went to work, and with 3 minutes left in the opening stanza, barreled in from five yards out for the Indians’ score. Following a miss extra point, they trailed 7-6.

Two possessions later Givens-Perry exploded for a 44-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter and also added the two point conversion and the Indians were in business with a 14-7 lead.

On the next Warriors’ possession, Indians defensive spark plug sophomore AJ Caddell picked up a fumble and ran 45 yards for another Indians touchdown. Givens-Perry scampered in with a two-point conversion and things looked real good for the home team with 8:28 left in the first half.

The Warriors then went on to take advantage of two Indians turnovers and scored twice to tie the game at the half at 22.

The turning point of the game came on the opening drive of the third quarter. The Indians held the Warriors on 3 downs and were forced to punt from their own 36-yard line but a roughing the kicker penalty gave them a first down and they had new life and moved the ball down the field, eventually soring and taking a 29-22 lead.

From that point on, it turned into a defensive battle, which the Warriors won, despite a great effort by Givens-Perry, especially on the Indians’ final drive which left them a half a yard short inside the ten-yard line with under two minutes left.

“It was probably one of the most disappointing games I have been a part of,” said Laboissonniere. “It doesn’t feel good but we got some positives that we can build on. The kids did a lot of good things and we just have to get better for next week.”

“They (Nipmuc) made some big plays and we didn’t. We made a couple mistakes. It wasn’t our best effort, right from the top to the bottom, coaching, playing, we all have to get better.”

Laboissonniere praised Givens-Perry’s top-notch effort and was also impressed by the work of sophomore Neil Flanigan, who had an outstanding game, especially defensively, for the Indians in the loss.

“He (Flanigan) gets better every day. He is going to be a special ballplayer, we are happy to have him on our side. When you are on the losing end you got to look for the bright spots and Neil has definitely been a bright spot every week.”

The Indians will travel to Fiskdale this Friday night for a key battle with Tantasqua Regional, who lost in overtime to Northbridge last week in a hard-hitting overtime game.

“They are tough, it’s going to be a tough game, we have to go out and play our game and do what we do,” said Labossonniere.

Read more about the Bartlett Indians and high school football in the View From The Sidelines column published every week in the Patriot and contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with feedback and comments.