In Friday night's Division I state semifinal, the visiting Rutland football team was on offense to start the second half, looking to build on its touchdown drive to close out the first half. Host St. Johnsbury had other plans. On the return, a Hilltoppers player knocked the ball loose and a teammate recovered the ball, giving the hosts possession deep in Rutland territory.

It only took St. Johnsbury two plays to score the team's third touchdown of the night with quarterback Maddox McFarland throwing a short pass to Cole Lemieux.

No. 2 St. Johnsbury (9-1) rode that fumble recovery and three other interceptions to a 33-13 win over No. 3 Rutland (6-4) avenging its only loss of the season in the Division I semifinals . The Hilltoppers put on a defensive masterclass to advance to the champi

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