Cumberland’s Jr. Peewee squad got to work on both sides of the ball Sunday, turning early defensive stops into points and pulling away after halftime for a 31–12 win over EWG.
Luca Demers scored three touchdowns, Jack Jodoin added the opening score, and Mike Tardy helped clear the way before breaking loose for a touchdown of his own. Behind that production was a defense that kept handing the offense opportunities. Outside of EWG’s 50-yard touchdown burst in the first half, the Knights struggled to find room, not picking up their first first down until just 48 seconds remained in the third quarter. By then, Cumberland had built a 31–6 lead.
The opening possessions established that rhythm. Cumberland forced a four-and-out, then went right to the ground game. Demers opened with a big gain, Tardy followed with another, and Jodoin finished the drive with a short touchdown run for a 6–0 lead.
Another four-and-out put the ball back in Cumberland’s hands, and Jodoin took off for 50 yards to the EWG 5-yard line. The quarter ended there, but the drive didn’t. Demers finished it with a touchdown sweep to make it 12–0.
Even when a Cumberland possession stalled inside EWG’s 15, the defense answered immediately, recovering a fumble on the next play. Demers followed with his second touchdown, then delivered a monster block to spring Bryce Wilson on the successful one-point conversion. Just like that, the Jr. Clippers led 19–0.
EWG answered with a 50-yard touchdown sweep. Cumberland’s next possession included a good run by Kason Parenteau erased by a penalty and a big third-down gain from Demers, but ended on downs. With EWG taking over at Cumberland’s 20, John Anderson blew up a play in the backfield to help send the Jr. Clippers into halftime ahead 19–6.
Cumberland wasted little time extending that lead. On its first possession of the second half, Demers went 25 yards for his third touchdown, helped by a strong block from Tardy. After another defensive four-and-out, Tardy took his own turn, breaking loose for a touchdown covering more than 60 yards. Both conversion attempts were unsuccessful, leaving Cumberland ahead 31–6.
The defensive effort had contributions across the field. Cole Nastari finished with five tackles and a sack, including a backfield tackle on second-and-goal during EWG’s late push. Isaiah Lindsey, wearing No. 11 in place of his usual No. 7, added a sack during a disruptive day at defensive end. Parenteau delivered strong play at cornerback and multiple tackles for loss, helping keep the Knights from settling into a rhythm.
EWG kept competing, adding a late touchdown and recovering the ensuing onside kick, but Cumberland finished with the 31–12 victory.
This Jr. Clippers group is growing and starting to put it all together. The defense is creating opportunities, the offense is turning them into points, and players are making the blocks and stops that help their teammates succeed. Another good matchup awaits next week against Tri-Town, giving Cumberland another opportunity to build on this performance and keep that progress moving in the right direction come playoffs.