ESSEX – One week after losing in two overtimes at Colchester, the Essex High School football team found itself in another deadlock at the end of regulation against Rutland on Friday night.

And this week, four extra periods were needed to determine a winner. But Essex refused to leave the field in heartbreak again.

Quarterback Sam Bent opened the fourth overtime with a 2-yard touchdown rush and Joe Reed’s interception sealed the dramatic victory on the Hornets’ Homecoming night, halting Rutland’s perfect season with a pulsating, 40-34 triumph in a Week 6 thriller.

“For me this week, it was not to put pressure on them, it was, ‘Why do you love football? What does it mean to you? And on Friday, go show everyone in the stands how much it means to us,’” Essex coach Ethan Curtis said about the team’s preparations. “I think they did that tonight.

“It plays with your heart, it plays with your emotions,” Curtis added about playing in another overtime game, “but the kids did a heck of a job. I’m so proud of them.”

More: What we learned from Week 6 of the 2024 Vermont high school football season

Bent’s tie-breaking rush gave Essex a 40-34 lead. On Rutland’s ensuing possession, the visitors faced a third-and-goal from the 4-yard line. Sophomore quarterback Giovanni Spallieri, in for injured starter Noah Bruttomesso, had his pass knocked up in the air by Thomas Czaplicki. Reed, an all-state linebacker who switched to defensive end for this game, snatched the tipped pass to close out the victory.

“I don’t know if we’ve had a game like that. I’m definitely going to remember (this) one,” Reed said. “All I had to do was catch it, really. (Czaplicke) tipped that … it was easy.”

Essex improves to 4-2. Rutland falls to 4-1 against Vermont opponents, 5-1 overall.

“Give them credit, they made one more play than we did,” longtime Rutland coach Mike Norman said. “I feel badly for the guys because we lost, but I tip my cap to Essex and move forward.”

More: Live updates, scores, results, stats from Week 6 of Vermont high school football

After a 14-14 game at the end of the fourth quarter, Essex won the overtime coin toss and deferred. Under Vermont rules, each team gets a possession at the opposing team’s 10-yard line. If the score remains tied after two overtimes, teams must go for a two-point conversion if they score a touchdown.

That’s what played out between Essex and Rutland on Friday night. Rutland star running back Jayden Graham, limited on offensive snaps due to an injury suffered last month, rushed for a TD on the first play of OT. Bent countered with his own rushing score on Essex’s opening play.

Essex’s Griffin Randall and Graham traded TD runs in the second OT to force another extra period, tied at 28, following the PATs.

In the third OT, Rutland’s Spallieri found Hank Potter for a 7-yard TD connection on third down and Essex’s Bent dove in from the 1 (both teams missed their two-point attempts).

Tied at 34, Essex started with possession in the fourth OT. On fourth down from the 2, Bent plowed in for the TD, but the two-point try was just short. Essex’s defense, though, rose up for the game’s biggest stop on Czaplicki’s tip and Reed’s pick, setting off a wild celebration.

“I think we showed everyone in the state and especially in the Division I that last week was a fluke,” Curtis said of the 13-10 loss to Colchester. “We are here to play, it doesn’t matter who you are, we are going to go toe to toe with you and we will battle, even if it’s four OTs. We are going to claw, we are going to scratch — we are going to do what we have to do to win.”

Rutland took a 7-0 lead on Grady Gallagher’s 54-yard TD dash halfway through the second quarter. Essex responded with a 75-yard scoring drive engineered by Bent and capped by Randall’s 5-yard rushing score. Tied at 7 at the break, Randall (37 carries, 158 yards, 3 TDs) gave Essex a 14-7 margin with 4:04 left in the third quarter on another five-yard TD run.

Rutland leveled the game midway through the fourth on Wood’s 98-yard, juggling catch-and-run TD from Spallieri.

Bent, who took over under center for Carter Crete, finished with 96 yards and three scores on 15 carries.

Essex travels to Middlebury next Saturday in Week 7. Rutland plays at BFA-St. Albans on the same night.

Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.

As the home of 55 state parks, over 100 covered bridges, and some of the most vivid fall foliage in the country, it is easy to see why the New England state of Vermont is one of the most sought-after places to visit in autumn. And despite the fact that we are already several weeks deep into the season, there is still plenty of time to savor the sights, with many Vermont towns reserving their brightest leaves for the second and third weeks of October.

As these towns shed their usual greenery in place of crimson and gold, a warm glow is cast across Vermont’s hilltops, river shores, and mountainsides. Add in pumpkin patches, hayrides, and festive events celebrating the season, and you have the perfect recipe for experiencing a New England fall at its finest in 2024.

Stowe

Named one of 2024’s “Top 10 Best Places to See Fall Colors in the United States” by USA Today, Stowe embodies everything we know and love about a classic New England fall. Overlooked by Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak), this northern Vermont town of just over 5,000 locals welcomes a massive amount of the 13 million who visit Vermont each year. With summer and winter being the busiest seasons, fall in Stowe offers the perfect blend of tranquility and stunning views. Seasonal colors arrive as early as the beginning of September and, in some areas, last well into October, depending on the elevation.

If you are looking for Stowe’s vibrant hues earlier in the season, your best bet is to embark on higher hikes like the Stowe Pinnacle Trail, which grants breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. For a more easygoing foliage hike, Stowe’s 75-acre Kirchner Woods features flatter paths with stunning yellow and red sugar maples.

But for the ultimate leisurely leaf-peeping experience, you may just want to take to the sky. The town has several attractions that allow a bird’s-eye view of the foliage, including the Stowe Mountain Resort’s Gondola SkyRide, a forest zipline with ArborTrek Canopy Adventures, or Air Stowe Helicopter Tours. Just make sure to be back on land by October 11 to celebrate the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival, which will feature over 150 artists and artisans, live entertainment, and tons of delicious festival foods.

Burke

Although the picturesque mountain town of Burke has already seen its famed Fall Festival pass in late September, there is still plenty of autumnal bliss to savor in fall. As part of Vemront’s Northeast Kingdom, the town’s surrounding forests and alpine atmosphere means foliage begins to transform around mid-September, reaching peak vibrancy in early to mid-October. This period offers the perfect opportunity to witness the brilliant gold, red, and orange leaves in Darling State Park, which features stunning vistas on paths like the 1.3-mile Burke Mountain Overlook trail.

Beyond exploring the seasonal bliss by foot, Burke is also famous for its Kingdom Trail network, which boasts over 100 miles of biking paths. Whether you choose to rent a bike from Burke’s Village Sport Shop or bring your own, cycling these scenic forest trails is a fantastic way to soak in the beauty of the season. Alternatively, for a more unique experience, consider Burke’s DND Stables Guided Trail Rides, which offer leisurely horseback adventures suitable for riders of all skill levels, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning autumn landscape.

Waitsfield

Over in the heart of the Mad River Valley, Waitsfield is a cozy town promising dramatic sights and spirited experiences in the fall. The valley, centrally located in Vermont, offers a striking contrast of Green Mountain summits and Mad River lowlands, combined with a tapestry of fiery autumn hues and crisp alpine airs. During your time in Waitsfield, you can expect peak-foliage in early to mid-October, but like Stowe, it will also depend on elevation.

For an immersive experience, adventurous travelers may want to take a Guided Fall Foliage Tours with downtown Waitsfield’s Clearwater Sports. While many people associate paddling with summer, the tree-dotted riverbanks reflect vibrant fall colors into the water, creating a truly special effect. With wildlife actively packing on the pounds for hibernation, you are also more likely to spot animals like the American black bear.

Another fantastic way to enjoy the fall scenery is through the Foliage Lift Rides at Mad River Glen. This ski area hosts its Foliage Weekend event on October, providing round trips to the summit for breathtaking views of the valley’s foliage. If you would like to linger a bit longer to take in the sights and snap some photos, you can step off the lift for a leisurely hike down the scenic 2.5-mile Stark Mountain Trail. On October 12, the Stark Mountain Foundation will also organize a Family-Friendly Nature Hike, guiding families from this trail to Waitsfield’s Kent Thomas Nature Center.

Manchester

Traveling to southern Vermont, Manchester is the perfect town for those craving spectacular views without the hike. Sandwiched between the Green and Taconic Mountains, picturesque backdrops are a constant in Manchester, with Mount Equinox towering above the skyline at 3,850 feet. With the addition of the Battenkill River encircling the town, postcard views are as natural as breathing.

For a jaw-dropping “Drive to the Sky,” visitors can take historic Route 7A (located between Manchester and Arlington) for a trip up the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive. As the longest privately owned paved toll road in the United States, the road’s 3,248-foot, 5.2-mile ascent to the top of Mount Equinox is stunning year-round. But mid-September through October is when the trees replace their usual green with a stunning tapestry of yellows, oranges, and reds, making this one of the most sought-after times to take the scenic drive.

Manchester is also an excellent destination for those with young kids, since the town hosts a great range of family-friendly activities. Fall Foliage Wagon Rides at Hildene Farm are a great follow-up to tours of the Lincoln Family Home. Alternatively, the Equinox Valley Nursery Pumpkin Patch also hosts a mountain-view wagon ride, along with a corn maze and an annual pumpkin carving festival (date to be determined).

Woodstock

While certain Vermont towns are at their most crowded in the summertime, Woodstock’s busy season is from September to October, when the leaves are at their brightest. The best entry to this quintessential New England town is via the Crossroad of the Vermont Scenic Byway, whose sparkling landscapes will set the mood for your stay. Woodstock is also bordered by the beautiful Ottauquechee River, making the town’s scenes that much prettier.

The 3-mile Ottauquechee River Trail is one of the best ways to take in the town’s autumnal sights, or you can opt for a more vertical path up Mount Tom for a bird’s-eye view of the village. Quechee State Park is also a short drive from Woodstock, known for its Quechee Gorge Trail. As for those looking for a more easygoing foliage hike, Woodstock has several rural areas worth exploring, like Sugarbush Farm and Bourdon Maple Farm. In the autumn months, Bourdon offers free sugar house tours, maple samples, and self-guided hikes through the farm’s vibrant Maple Trail.

East Corinth

For Halloween fanatics looking for a laid-back day trip this October, East Corinth boasts a ton of whimsy without the Woodstock crowds. Despite often being overlooked, the town’s main claim to fame is its reputation as a Beetlejuice Filming Location since the 1988 film’s outdoor scenes were shot throughout East Corinth, including the iconic bridge scene. To this day, the town exudes a gothic charm reminiscent of the film, showcased in 19th-century buildings like the East Corinth Congregational Church, which was built in 1840.

Leaf-peepers will also find themselves mesmerized by the stunning hillsides in this rural town. This year’s Corinth Fall Festival is set to line up with the region’s peak foliage season when the hills will come to life with dazzling shades of red and gold. The festival promises tractor rides, face painting, food, and artisan vendors.

Burlington

Despite being Vermont’s largest town, Burlington has that cozy small-town feel New England is famous for. As local oaks and maples take on their fall colors (generally reaching their crescendo in the first couple weeks of October), the town’s parks and green spaces feel warmer and cozier than ever. Oakledge Park is a great choice for views of Lake Champlain, or you can head to the heart of Burlington to explore The Intervale Center. This 360-acre nonprofit boasts everything from organic farms to recreational paths like the Intervale Trail, which winds through farmland and wooded paths along the Winooski River.

As for seasonal festivities, for those looking to get into the Halloween spirit, this historic Vermont town is also famous for its award-winning haunted town tour. The Queen City Ghostwalk, “Vermont’s Original Ghost Tour,” was awarded the 2024 “Best Guided Outdoor Tour” by Seven Daysies and has been voted one of New England’s best-haunted walks by magazines like Yankee and AAA. Alternatively, for those craving treats instead of tricks, Burlington’s Choctober Fest is a fun event taking place every Saturday in October, promising free chocolate tastings with seasonal maple, cider, and pumpkin flavors.

Grafton

With “Peak New England Vibes” and less than 700 locals, the sleepy and underrated village of Grafton is an ideal getaway spot for those craving a quieter experience this fall. Like other southern Vermont towns, Grafton sees its brightest foliage toward the beginning of October, so this is the best time to visit. And thanks to the town’s alpine atmosphere, crisp mountain air will accompany your views every step of the way.

For a scenic autumn drive (and a charming photo), Grafton’s Kidder Covered Bridge is an adorable little landmark that takes you across the South Branch Saxtons River. But to explore Grafton’s scene on foot, you will want to head to the Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center. Spread over 2,000 acres of land, the area boasts everything from rolling hills to vibrant woodlands where visitors can hike, mountain bike, leaf-peep, and even book a stay at the adjacent Grafton Inn hotel.

As a follow-up, the Nature Museum at Grafton is a great way to learn more about the area’s stunning outdoors and wildlife. As for those who would prefer to experience more of Grafton’s rural atmosphere, the Plummer’s Sugar House is a great next stop. Their free farm tours are a delight in the fall, plus they sell countless maple syrup goodies for those with a sweet tooth.

Final Thoughts

Summertime may be Vermont’s busiest tourist period (welcoming 5 million people every season), but autumn is when the Green Mountain State truly lives up to its New England image. Whether visiting towns like Woodstock (which has become world-famous for its classic autumn scenes) or sleepier rural towns like Grafton for a quiet getaway in the mountains, the kaleidoscope landscapes, seasonal flavors, and warm festivities will reveal why so many choose to spend their weekends, road trips, and getaways in Vermont this time of year.

The 2024 Vermont high school fall season has begun. See below for scores, schedules and game details (statistical leaders, game notes) from soccer, field hockey, volleyball, golf and cross-country running.

To report scores: Coaches or team representatives are asked to report results ASAP after games by emailing sports@burlingtonfreepress.com. Please submit with a name/contact number.

►Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.

►Contact Judith Altneu at jaltneu@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.

SATURDAY’S H.S. GAMES

Football

See Week 6 scoreboard for schedule, results

Field hockey 

Rice 8, Mount Mansfield 1

R: Lanah Quong 4G, 1A. Violet Clough 1G, 3A. Emeri Rasco 2G. Sophia Chan 1G. Kate Larkin 2A. Molly McGibney 1 save.

MM: Abby Hussey 1G. Bea Dirkmaat 13 saves.

Essex 2, Mount Abraham 0

E: Zuz Rooney 1G. Lina Nguyen 1A. Calleigh Bruyns 1G. Jemma Brinker 1A. Sophie Krauss 4 saves.

M: Reagan Lafreniere 15 saves.

Colchester 8, Middlebury 0

Woodstock 6, Springfield 0

Hartford at Cambridge/Salem Co-op, 11 a.m. 

Burlington at South Burlington, 3 p.m. 

Girls soccer

Mount Mansfield 2, Essex 1 (2OT)

E: Hazel Fry 1G, 1A. Bria Breckage 1G. Grace Symula 1A. Kelsie Scanlon 15 saves.

MM: Evie Keblin 1G.

Note: Fry scored the equalizer with 7:40 left in regulation and then set up Breckage for the OT winner with 3:24 to go.

Green Mountain Valley 2, Vergennes 0

BFA-Fairfax at Richford

White River Valley at Randolph, 1:30 p.m.

Lamoille at Montpelier, 3 p.m.

Boys soccer

Essex at Mount Mansfield, 10 a.m.

Milton 2, Middlebury 1

MILT- Andrew Preuss 1G, 1A. Jack Tomasi 1G. Maxton Greenfield 1A. Alex Harlow, Brody Allard combined for 4 saves.

MIDD: Ollie Choudhury 1G. Jonathan Kafumbe 14 saves.

Mount Abraham 6, Missisquoi 0

Mt. Abe: Riley Coffey 3G. Nick Fox 1G. Johnny Stanley 1G, 1A. Aidin Hodzic 1G. Zealand Jackson 1A. Abraham Camera 1A. Evan Corrigan 1A. Wayden Cherington 1A. Maverick Livingston 1A.

Miss: Jacksen Proof 14 saves.

Note: Mount Abraham held a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Champlain Valley 8, BFA-St. Albans 1

North Country 6, Spaulding 0

NC: Alex Giroux 4G. Jon Giroux 1G, 1A. Collin Sanville 1G, 1A. Zac Griffith 2A. Brodie Bingham 1A. Cam Gusin 7 saves.

U-32 5, Lyndon 1

U: Shiloh Weiss 2G. Zack Parton 1G, 1A. Maddox Heise 1G. Toby Brown 1G. Braden O’Donnell 1A. Cole Pittsley 1 save.

L: Henry Muller 1G. Angel Lockwood 1A, 14 saves.

Note: Weiss scored twice in the 14-second span in the final minute of the first half to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead at the break. Heise pushed the U-32 margin to 3-1 just 17 seconds into the second half.

Winooski 3, Richford 1

Hartford 9, Mill River 0

H: Sam Peckinpaugh 2G. Cavan Benjamin 3A. Tighe Hrabchak 1G, 1A. Owen McMahon 1G. Caden Marcotte 1G. Nunu Mayer 1G, 1A. Jason Kelly 1A. Jackson Jewett 1A. Colin Morlock 1A.

Hazen at Peoples

White River Valley at Randolph

Oxbow at BFA-Fairfax, 1 p.m.

Montpelier at Harwood, 2 p.m.

Rice at Vergennes, 2:30 p.m.

Colchester at South Burlington, 7 p.m.

Girls volleyball 

Games at 11:30 a.m. unless noted 

Hartford at Randolph, 10 a.m.

South Burlington at Essex

Rice at Mount Mansfield

BFA-St. Albans at St. Johnsbury

Colchester at Lyndon

Enosburg 3, Montpelier 1 (20-25, 25-13, 25-22, 25-14)

M: Veda Gahagan 6 aces, 2 digs. Neiro Damon 3 aces, 6 digs, 1 kill. Abby Hess 3 aces, 5 digs, 2 kills. Alyssa Burns 2 aces, 5 digs.

Missisquoi at Harwood, 3:30 p.m. 

Cross-country running

Woods Trail Run at Thetford Academy

SUNDAY’S COLLEGE GAMES

Women’s soccer

UMBC at Vermont, noon

Field hockey

Vermont at Dartmouth, 1 p.m.

(Subject to change)