PORTLAND — An informal poll of the Cheverus football team revealed this much: Nobody could name the last time the Stags had won a playoff game.

But Cheverus Coach John Wolfgram suggested a new date to add to his programīs history.

"October 31, 2009," Wolfgram said.

The Stags did just that Saturday, defeating Biddeford 21-0 in a Western Class A quarterfinal at Boulos Stadium to earn their first playoff victory since 2001.

Cheverus, the No. 4 seed, came up with a key goal-line stand in the third quarter after struggling to produce any sustained offense against a stubborn Biddeford defense.

With Cheverus ahead 14-0 on touchdowns by Peter Gwilym and Liam Hobbins, the Stags (7-2) stopped Biddeford halfback Tyler Parker on fourth-and-goal from the 1 with 12 seconds left in the third quarter.

"Weīre looking at seven points for them but we shut them down," said Gwilym, whose team will face No. 1 Thornton Academy next weekend in a regional semifinal.

"There were some nice tackles and some nice plays, and we were fortunate to get that penalty (a 5-yard penalty against Biddeford for an illegal substitution) that pushed them back. But it showed some character of our team. We call that īthe gut zone.ī "

The stop affected the momentum for both teams. Fifth-seeded Biddeford (6-3) had the ball for 14 plays, starting from its own 29, but came away empty. " said Biddeford Coach Scott Descoteaux, whose team returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence. "Thatīs always going to hurt you. Thatīs a turnover at the 1-yard line and we needed to find a way to get that in. We needed that. We certainly did."

Biddeford also was unable to capitalize on good field position in the fourth quarter, after a pair of short punts set up the Tigers at the Cheverus 28 and 35.

Cheverus outrushed Bidde-ford 168-73 in the first half and was boosted by Hobbinsī 81-yard touchdown run with 6:21 left in the second quarter. Cam Olson followed with one of his three extra points to give the Stags a 14-0 lead.

But the second half was a struggle to create offense against the Tigers, who allowed just 18 rushing yards in the third quarter and forced the Stags to turn to their passing game. Gwilym was 1 for 5 with one interception, and his only completion came on the second play of the game, when he connected with Matt Ball on a 15-yard pass. Gwilym ended that drive with a 3-yard touchdown run.

"They had nine people in the box and they just made it really, really tough for us," Wolfgram said. "We took four shots deep and we just missed it. When you play nine guys in the box itīs tough to run the ball."

Staff Writer Rachel Lenzi can be reached at 791-6415 or at:
rlenzi@pressherald.com