Patriots open playoffs with win over Lovell, move on to face Lyman

On a clear but windy night, the #2 seed US Patriots took on the #3 seed from the west, the Lovell Bulldogs, in the opening round of playoffs. As play began, both teams knew having the wind at their back might prove to be the most important part of the game and it was the Patriots who kicked off with wind to start.

Taking to the field, the stiff Patriot defense made the opening drive for the Lovell Bulldogs difficult. Looking at a fourth down, the Bulldogs faked the punt in hopes of a first down, but a penalty brought them back and they had to punt it away for real.

The Patriot offense then too...