Nobles Varsity Football came up a point short against Berkshire in the NEPSAC Bob Souza Bowl on Saturday, losing 14-13 after a late touchdown and a two-point conversion that was stopped right at the line.
After winning the bowl last year, the team hoped to go back-to-back. With the numerous injuries this season, this final matchup was especially meaningful.
“It means a lot,” Grant Cowan (Class I) said before the game. “To be able to go back to back is truly special for us. With all the ups and downs this year, getting one last game with the team means a lot.”
Cowan mentioned that one of the toughest challenges in football is beating a team twice, especially after a close win earlier in the season. Nobles had secured a 27-24 win over Berkshire in October, but they did not use that as an excuse to go into this game thinking they would repeat history.
“We’ve been locked in since Monday. We just have to trust the coaches and stick to the game plan … Nobody needs to be a hero,” Cowan said.
Captain Leo Meuse (Class I), sidelined by injury but acting as an extra assistant coach, knew what the team needed defensively.
“Stop their 3-star WR, capitalize on their mistakes, and don’t go three and out,” Meuse said.
After extensive preparation and numerous practices with Assistant Coach Dan Smith, the Bulldawgs took to the field.
Nobles started fast, with running back and Captain Ryan Murphy (Class I) putting in the work early in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead.
Berkshire retaliated in the second, tying the game 7-7 heading into halftime.
In the third quarter, Berkshire drove down the field and scored another touchdown to go up 14-7.
The Dawgs’ defense tightened after that, led by cornerback Will Owens (Class III), who had a crucial early interception the week prior against Milton, and linebacker Beckett Newmarker (Class IV), who has stepped up in recent games.
Cowan also praised the receiver group of Braylen Jenkins (Class II), Thomas Hall (Class II), Nate Pichardo (Class II), Ryan Murphy (Class I), and Captain Mac Bianchi (Class I).
With just over three minutes left, Nobles went for a final drive with Naeem Logan (Class II), making it to the end zone to make it 14-13.
Following the play, they lined up for the two-point conversion to clinch the win. The play came up just short, sealing the one-point loss.
For the Class of 2026, the game marked the end of their Nobles football careers.
They’ve spent years pushing through injuries, setbacks, and long nights of film study to build the culture this team stands on.
The ending wasn’t what they hoped for, but the seniors walked off exhausted, frustrated, and proud of the work they put in all season.
