Somerset’s first win under coach Braden Fochtman came in a game defined by special teams and defensive stands, as the Golden Eagles edged Bedford 14-7 on Friday, October 9, during homecoming. A blocked punt returned for a touchdown set the tone early and helped Somerset overcome 10 penalties and limited offensive production.
The game’s opening big moment arrived when sophomore Carson Sredy blocked a Bedford punt late in the first quarter. Freshman Levi Buterbaugh recovered the ball and sprinted into the end zone, giving Somerset a 7-0 lead after Chris Thompson’s extra point with 1:36 remaining in the quarter. Fochtman credited the emphasis on special teams throughout the offseason for that play. “It’s great to see some guys that don’t get to play offense or defense come up huge for us on special teams,” he said. “That helped win us this game.”
Despite managing just 129 yards of total offense, Somerset extended their lead in the third quarter after a mishandled snap by Bedford quarterback Blake Cragan rolled over his head. Senior Chase Elchin recovered the ball at the 1-yard line. Senior quarterback Garret Reese followed with a touchdown run on the next play, and Thompson’s extra point pushed the score to 14-0 with 9:01 left in the quarter.
Elchin recovered another fumble later in the third, continuing the pressure on Bedford. The Bisons finally scored on a 17-yard run by junior Grey Livengood out of the wildcat formation, narrowing the gap to 14-7.
Bedford’s early drive included a missed field goal attempt blocked by Somerset, and the Golden Eagles also made a crucial fourth-and-1 stand at their own 10-yard line in the second quarter. Those defensive moments helped keep Bedford at bay.
The final defensive stand came in the closing stages, when wide receiver Caden Stephens completed an 18-yard pass to tight end Gavin Berkey on fourth-and-7 to maintain possession and secure the victory.
Fochtman praised his coaching staff, naming assistants Jake Heiple and Jared McCormick for their work preparing the defense and adjusting tactics during the game. “They have the ability to adjust when things aren’t going our way to neutralize some of the better players that we’ve competed against,” he said.
The win ended a seven-week stretch without a victory for Somerset and was a first in Fochtman’s head coaching career. “Having this be my first win feels amazing,” he said. “I told the kids in school at the pep rally that having the whole community out here tonight means the world to me and these kids. I am glad we could bring a positive light to this weekend for this community and for the kids going to homecoming.”
The Golden Eagles finished the game with 10 penalties for 85 yards but managed to hold Bedford to just one touchdown. Their defense and special teams were the decisive factors in this tight contest.
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
According to Yahoo Sports.
