09/01/2026
**BADGERS MAKE THE SINGLE-A CHAMPIONSHIP**
The MW Golden Badgers are Championship Bound! In a thrilling NEFL-ONE Maritime Conference Semifinal on Saturday, the Badgers defeated the Cumberland Coyotes 24-16 to punch their ticket to the Conference Championship Game. In a hard-fought battle from start to finish, the Badgers made the plays when they mattered most, delivering a complete team performance on both sides of the football and keeping their championship dreams alive.
Quarterback Tim Carmody and wide receiver Kyle Areias provided the offensive spark, connecting for two touchdown passes—one for 5 yards and another for 7 yards. The ground game also produced one of the game's biggest momentum-changing plays when Manny Rosario ripped off a 34-yard run in the first quarter, the longest play from scrimmage for the Badgers on the day. That explosive run helped set up Areias' first touchdown and gave the Badgers an early offensive boost.
Rosario wasn't finished making an impact. In the fourth quarter, he delivered perhaps the most electrifying play of the afternoon, returning an onside kick for a touchdown and putting the Badgers in control during the game's decisive moments. On special teams, Markiesh Harmon came through with two enormous field goals in the second quarter—his first two field goals of the season. Harmon connected from 44 yards and then drilled a 27-yarder on the final play before halftime, giving the Badgers valuable points and momentum heading into the locker room.
The defense continued to make its presence felt when the game was on the line. Steven Solano and Robert Baldwin combined for three crucial fourth-down tackles, repeatedly shutting down Cumberland drives and forcing turnovers on downs. Shane Bushey also played a key role offensively, hauling in three first-down receptions that helped keep drives alive and contributed to two of the Badgers' scoring possessions.
And when it came time to put the game away, the Badgers once again delivered. After Cumberland's final onside-kick attempt, Johnathan Dore came up with the game-sealing recovery, officially putting the semifinal victory in the books.
🏈 24-16. Semifinal victory. Championship secured.
The MetroWest Golden Badgers are now headed to the NEFL-One Maritime Conference Championship Game for the first time ever.
THE BADGERS ARE GOING TO THE FINALS! 🏆🦡
