Thanks to an exceptional defensive effort and two rushing touchdowns, the Falcons defeated the John Stark Generals, 14-6, and are both tied for second-place in the Division II North Conference with one week remaining in the regular season.

“I don’t think a year ago anyone would think Bow would be 7-1 and a playoff contender in Division II,” Bow football Coach Paul Cohen said.

The wet and windy weather led to several turnovers with John Stark fumbling the opening kickoff and failing to recover a shallow kickoff, giving the Falcons extra chances to run the ball and Nate Alford cashed in on a 2-yard run with two minutes left in the first quarter.

Mac Kimball kicked the extra point to give Bow a 7-0 lead and that score held at halftime.

“We had excellent coverage, in the first half we forced them to run more than pass,” said Cohen, praising the efforts of his defense, particularly defensive end Matt Scanlon.

John Stark averaged 41 points per game heading into Saturday’s home game, a stat “that speaks volumes,” Cohen said. “The defense played in an outstanding manner. They did everything we asked them to do.”Scanlon held Generals’ receiver Cooper Gorski, who had five touchdowns against 6-2 Plymouth last weekend, to one reception.

The Falcons extended their lead to 14-0 with 4:28 left in the third quarter on a 2-yard Jack Corriveau TD run and Kimball extra point.

Generals quarterback Parker McQuarrie connected on several passes in the fourth quarter and found Leif Mailloux on a 10-yard pass, cutting Bow’s lead to 14-6 with 1:22 to go.

John Stark successfully recovered an onside kick and McQuarrie led a late drive that went as far as the Bow 15 yard line, before a key sack by Alex Berube and incomplete passes turned the ball with seconds remaining.

“The fact that we were able to do this tonight is really very special,” Cohen said. “I said to the guys, ‘you need to play this game like its a championship game.’ And they did.”

The Falcons face Lebanon (5-3) on Saturday while John Stark travels to undefeated Hanover (8-0) on Friday night. Both contests will be key in determining seeds for the upcoming postseason.