Berlin led 20-7 at the half but pulled away with ease in the second half. The Redcoats used five plays to go 51 yards on the opening drive, with DeLorenzo scoring from 38 yards away.

On the next possession, after Tolland was forced to punt, the Redcoats methodically went 75 yards on 12 plays, a five-yard DeLorenzo touchdown the end result that time, ending the third quarter.

Tolland then turned it over on downs and Taylor Tavarozzi earned the touchdown for Berlin on the next drive, scoring from 12 yards out.

In all, Berlin rushed for 456 yards on 41 carries, Tavarozzi gaining 126 and Dave Campagna adding 35.

"The line," the junior DeLorenzo said. "It’s a privilege to run behind them especially when my lead backs are Taylor and Dave. I’ll miss them all next year."

Tolland put a big scare into Berlin on its opening drive. The Eagles, known for a tricky double wing running attack, went against their usual game plan by passing the ball on the first play of the game, a 22-yard option pass by running back Halgren to Mitch Thornton. After Halgren and the rushing attack gained 21 yards on the next six plays, quarterback Alex Backus threw a pass that barely eluded the Berlin defender’s outstretched arms and fell softly into Vinny Russo’s for a 39-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Berlin coach John Capodice said his team was prepared for everything but the kitchen sink from the Eagles.

"We expected everything they did. But it’s a tough offense. You have to fit in correctly. They outnumber the defense by the scheme that they use and you’ve got to be patient."

Berlin responded quickly. On a crucial third-and-five Dan Hackett threw to DeLorenzo over the top for a 33-yard gain, then two plays later DeLorenzo rushed 37 yards for the equalizing touchdown.

It looked like Tolland would score again on a prolonged second drive, but Berlin seemed to figure out the double wing as the drive stalled at the Berlin 19-yard line.

"The double wing is tough, and we’re going to see it two more times so it was good to experience it first [against] Tolland," DeLorenzo said. "We’re going to have to step up and make plays versus it down the road."

Capodice thought that drive was a small turning point.

"I knew we had to get a stop and get the ball back so we can get ahead. But again, our defense was on the field for a while because of the offense that they run and our touches were limited."

Three plays, including a 28-yard run by Tavarozzi and a 53-yard touchdown by DeLorenzo, put Berlin ahead 14-7.

Berlin really gained momentum when Tom Undercuffler intercepted Backus on first down. The Redcoats marched 59 yards on 10 plays, capped by a seven-yard pass from Hackett to Campagna. Despite the kick being blocked, Berlin led 20-7.

Tolland’s final drive of the half stalled due to costly penalties, a delay of game call and an illegal forward pass that resulted in a lost down.

In the end, Berlin simply wore down the opponent.