Bonny Eagle football gets past tough South Portland in Class A opener
Bonny Eagle edges South Portland 21‑14 in season‑opening showdown
Standish, ME — Friday, September 4, 2026
The Bonny Eagle Scots secured a hard‑fought 21‑14 victory over the South Portland Red Riots in a season‑opening clash at the Standish field. The game, which extended a full 48 minutes, showcased a strong defensive effort from Bonny Eagle and a late‑game surge from South Portland that fell just short.
Game recap
Bonny Eagle took the early lead with a dramatic 72‑yard punt return by freshman Drew Gervais that set the tone. “I’ve never really been a punt returner before, especially at varsity,” Gervais said after the play. “I’ve just been working on it. Working hard in the offseason, practicing footwork, balance, all that. Breaking tackles, I’ve been ready for it.”
Quarter‑back Lucas Klehn finished the game with 18 rushing yards and 115 passing yards, completing five of ten passes and throwing two touchdown passes. He closed the game on the clock with four final carries for 43 yards and two first downs, ensuring the Scots held on for the win. “We’ve got a lot to work on,” Klehn said after the game. “We’ve got to work on our toughness a little bit.”
South Portland’s offense, led by running back Christopher Salamone—who rushed 20 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns—kept the Red Riots in the game. Salamone’s 32‑yard run from the 1‑yard line tied the score in the third quarter. Wide receiver Shea Healy was 7 of 18 for 78 yards, but two dropped deep passes that could have extended the Red Riots’ lead proved costly.
The Scots and Red Riots exchanged offensive drives almost evenly: Bonny Eagle ran 41 plays for 258 yards; South Portland ran 50 plays for 260 yards. A pair of injuries during Bonny Eagle’s third‑quarter drive—ankle‑wounded Eli Grant and a downed Owen Blais—did not return to the field for the Red Riots.
Coach Kevin Cooper praised his team’s resilience: “I think people are going to be maybe a little surprised by the score, but South Portland had some game kids. They were ready to go.” South Portland coach Aaron Filieo reflected on the contest as an “identity game,” noting that the Red Riots “answered that question tonight” with a late‑game drive that ended 3:41 from the end.
Key moments
- 72‑yard punt return touchdown by Drew Gervais, putting Bonny Eagle up 14‑7.
- Four‑second‑left drive by South Portland, capped by Salamone’s 1‑yard touchdown, narrowing the margin to 21‑14.
- Bonny Eagle’s final drive of the game, a 48‑second, 4‑carry run to keep the clock running and seal the win.
Statistical leaders
South Portland: Christopher Salamone (20 carries, 142 yards, 2 TDs); Shea Healy (7/18, 78 yards).
Bonny Eagle: Lucas Klehn (5/10, 72 yards; 18 carries, 115 yards, 2 TDs); Ben Noe (11 carries, 72 yards).
The Scots’ victory gives them a promising start to the season, while the Red Riots will look to build on their competitive showing as they move forward. The game was played under clear skies at Standish’s home field, with local fans cheering both sides hard‑heartedly.
