The Pilgrims football team won a game against the Maine Maritime on October 25 for their first win since the program returned. The teams were both among the lowest ranked teams in the nation, bringing lots of attention to the game. The game was frequently referred to on social media as the “toilet bowl” a play on the title of Super Bowl, the nationally celebrated annual football game at the end of the season. The “Toilet bowl” was covered nationally on CBS News.
“A TD 50+ years in the making,” CBS captioned their Instagram post of the first touchdown scored in the game by NEC.
“I would say it’s been pretty solid today compared to the previous games. I feel like the defense could definitely hold them a little bit more, but they are holding, clearly they’ve held them twice already from scoring,” said Vic Johnson, a cheerleader for the ‘Grims.
The Mariners came back with a touchdown and a field goal, putting the score at 10-7 with Mariners in the lead.
The game went on with no points scored from either side up until three minutes left in the game.
“Theres always hope, they’re down now, but, who knows,” said Bill Sullivan, a Henniker resident and NEC sports fan.
With three minutes left in the game, running back Aiden McDonald ran for a touchdown putting the score to 14-10. Fans went wild and NEC students, players, and Henniker residents sat on the edge of their seats waiting for the horn to blow and the victory to be concluded.
The team was proud of their win and felt a sigh of relief after last year’s JV season along with a full season of losses this year.
“The excitement that came over my body. It was really a good moment to enjoy,” said Ethan Cenesca, a member of the NEC football team.
