The Barrington High School football team came up short, 35-21, in an offensive showdown against North Kingstown at Victory Field on Friday night. 

The Eagles kept pace with the high-powered Skippers during the first quarter. After North Kingstown took a 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the game, Barrington responded with a four-minute drive, capped by Payton Murphy’s 11-yard touchdown run. Barrington quarterback Alex McClelland and tailback AJ DiOrio provided key first downs on the drive.

The Skippers answered again three minutes later, and took a 14-7 lead. But Barrington’s offense was again up to the challenge. Mitchell Ivatts broke off a nice run on the kick-return and the Eagles pounded the ball down the field for the tying score. McClelland called his own number on a short run for the touchdown. Will Hopkins kicked the extra point through and the game was knotted at 14-14.

On the ensuing kick-off the Skippers broke a long run to the Eagles’ 14 yard line. A few plays later, North Kingstown had regained the lead.

Barrington’s offense might have answered the call yet again, but they never had the chance to take the field as the Skippers’ squib kick hit a Barrington player and NK recovered the ball. The Eagles’ defense struggled to slow down North Kingstown, which scored to take a 28-14 lead. Another score before halftime gave the Skippers a commanding 35-14 advantage.

Barrington played tough throughout the second half, but could only close the gap to 35-21. The loss dropped the Eagles’ record to 3-3. 

McClelland finished game as the Eagles’ leading rusher, carrying the ball nine times for 76 yards. Murphy picked up 68 yards on 13 carries, and DiOrio logged 32 yards on eight carries. Ivatts had one run for 13 yards. McClelland attempted six passes, completing three for a total of 39 yards.