Townies fall one game short of RI D2 State Championship Game

East Providence lost its semifinal clash Friday night with top seed South Kingstown 31-19 in a game that was closer than the score would indicate. Early on the Townies effort looked promising as the EP defense was containing the Rebels offense. However an offside penalty on a third down play gave SK a first down and the Rebels took advantage as they continued to move the ball well and scored early on a broken tackle 57 yard TD run. Another TD 10-yard run and then a field goal gave the Rebels a 17-0 halftime lead.

East Providence would show signs of fighting back but after bringing the score back to 31-19, a couple of interceptions would stymie the Townies comeback chance. Townie QB Jacob Duarte gave it his best with a few key passes that gave EP a chance to get back in the game but in the end the top seed South Kingstown Rebels, now 8-1, moved to the championship game next weekend against West Warwick.

The Townies finished with 6 wins on the season and defeated Lincoln 19-6 in a quarterfinal match last week to gain a shot to play in the championship.