By Brandi Makuski

With two seconds left in the game and a tied score, Ben Franklin opted to go for it rather than punting to hold on to the tie, setting up a field goal opportunity for P.J. Jacobs.

It was a fatal mistake for the Chargers, but it set up the Patriots to kick a game-winning field goal.

While both teams struggled with their offense, defensively both teams played hard. Chargers halfback Evan Thomas made a 15-yard interception by halfback Evan Thomas. Ben Franklin fullback Tristan Aldrich ran for 24 yards and scored the team’s only touchdown in the first quarter.

The Chargers proved a worthy opponent even after the Patriots answered with more force in the second half. Quarterback Owen Ahrens was 6-15 in passing for a total of 96 yards and two interceptions. Running back Luke Bembenek had 13 carries totaling 30 yards and scored the team’s only touchdown in the third quarter.

With two seconds in the game left, P.J. Jacobs defeated Ben Franklin 9th graders with a perfectly-executed field goal by Gage Haack from the 33 yard line.

While the Patriots jumped and cheered on one end of the field, Charger players were visibly upset over their loss. The two teams were brought together at the 50 yard line to meet with SPASH coach Pete McAdams.

“You guys know why you’re so upset?” Adams asked the players. “Because you put so much work into it.”

McAdams said he looked forward to coaching the players as they enter SPASH at sophomores during the next school year.

“You’ve been working together as two teams until this day,” McAdams said. “Next year, you’ll be working as the same team.”