The Burlington Bombers extended their undefeated streak to 5-0 with a commanding 47-16 victory over the Riptide on October 3rd. The win solidifies the Bombers’ top position in the division with a 3-0 division record under head coach William McClure.

The game opened with an early field goal from Riptide kicker Peter Carleton, who converted a 53-yard attempt to put the home team up 3-0. The Riptide added a safety thanks to a tackle by Bombers defender Josh Reed, narrowing the score to 3-2 by midway through the first quarter.

However, the Bombers quickly seized control late in the first quarter when quarterback Jose Hager connected with Edward Garrett for a 14-yard touchdown, giving the visitors a 9-3 lead after Robert Johnson’s extra point.

Riptide responded early in the second quarter with a short touchdown pass from Charles Collins to Travis Shaw, cutting the deficit to 10-9 after Carleton’s PAT. Yet the Bombers countered immediately with a spectacular 104-yard kickoff return touchdown by Donald Hass, followed by Johnson’s extra point, reclaiming the lead at 16-13.

Johnson's consistency continued with a 43-yard field goal to extend the Bombers’ advantage to 19-13 by halftime. Despite a costly interception thrown by Hager in the second quarter, the Bombers’ offense kept its rhythm, benefiting from balanced rushing and passing efforts.

In the third quarter, Hager found receiver Daren Laflamme for an 8-yard touchdown pass. Johnson’s PAT boosted the lead to 26-13. The Riptide managed a field goal later in the quarter but could not close the gap.

The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Bombers. Running back Donald Hass punched in a goal-line touchdown early in the period, extending the lead to 33-16. Shortly after, linebacker John Viola intercepted Collins and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown, increasing the margin to 39-16.

Later in the quarter, Hager completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Stephen Brown. Johnson’s reliable kicking added the final point of the game, sealing a 47-16 win.

Offensively, the Bombers showcased a balanced attack with Jose Hager throwing for 194 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 18 yards. Running back Edward Garrett led the ground game with 116 rushing yards and added 44 receiving yards and a touchdown. Donald Hass contributed 67 rushing yards and one touchdown, along with 14 receiving yards. The receiving corps had multiple contributors, including Laflamme and Brown, each scoring receiving touchdowns.

Defensively, the Bombers forced two interceptions, including a pick-six, and limited the Riptide to 176 passing yards and 79 rushing yards. While the defense did not record any sacks, they maintained sufficient pressure to disrupt Riptide’s offense.

The Bombers improved on third down conversions at 3-of-7 and maintained discipline with only three penalties for 10 yards. Their red zone efficiency was perfect with four touchdowns on four visits. Meanwhile, the Riptide struggled on third downs, converting only four of 14 attempts.

With this victory, head coach William McClure’s Bombers continue their dominant run and maintain clear control of their division, having allowed a meager 39 points across five games while scoring 182. The Riptide fall to 3-3 and need to regroup after consecutive losses.

The Bombers will look to build on this momentum as they head into Week 6, aiming to keep their undefeated regular season alive.