MILTON – The more the high school football season progresses this fall, the games get bigger.

The bright lights were shining on Brooks Field Friday night, as the host Milton took on other undefeated Bay State Conference rival Needham and it was everything you could ask for.

Milton’s defense was the story here. Halting the Rockets on their last two offensive drives, the Wildcats prevailing with a 10-9 league victory.

With time expiring in the fourth quarter, Milton senior DB Ferris Collins ended things, recovering a “razzle attempt” from the Rockets towards midfield, securing the victory.

Seniors’ defensive end Mudia Odion-Ukpebor & linebacker AJ Cicerone big contributors for the Wildcats in the win.

“I really credit our defense. Guys like Mudia (Odion-Ukpebor), AJ (Cicerone) and Ferris (Collins) had a big pick on the goal line. I’m glad our guys were so relentless and determined,” Milton coach Steve Dembowski said.

Needham gave the Wildcats everything they could handle.

Needham’s second-to-last ended in the redzone, as Collins was able to intercept a pass on their own goal line. Keeping the score 10-7 Milton at the time.

A couple plays later, Needham senior line backer Jake Reiser handed out a safety, cutting the score to 10-9, giving the Rockets life with about 2 minutes left to play.

“Needham is just so big and tough,” Dembowski said. “Tate (Hoffmeister) is such a good back for them, keeps his shoulders low to the ground and it’s tough to handle.”

This was a game for the ages. One which featured three turnovers in the first quarter, a touchback turnover and a fake punt successful conversion before halftime. A game as gritty as can be between the two powerhouses.

The first points of the game were negated, created by Milton able to stop Needham sophomore AJ Scholtz, resulting a fumble on the Wildcats 1-yard line. The ball headed through the endzone and a touchback turnover on downs.

The Wildcats then turned the turnover into a touchdown drive, with the help of a fake punt, 40-yard run by junior Harrison Hinckle and a big run from running back AJ Cicerone.

Senior quarterback Patrick Miller connected with sophomore wide receiver Ronan Samson on a 4-yard TD pass, giving the Wildcats a 7-0 lead with 8:30 left in the second quarter

On the Wildcats following drive, sophomore kicker Aidan Rowley was able to knock down a 35-yard field goal, giving Milton a 10-0 lead heading into halftime.

Milton was knocking on the doorstep for more points before halftime. Needham Junior Brandt Bickford came up with a big interception on their own 30-yard line to limit the Wildcat damage. Needham found a sign of life toward the end of the third quarter following a fumble recovery by junior Ben Schreiber on their own 35-yard line.

The Rockets then got on the board with a Griffin Carr 13-yard TD pass to senior Spencer Chapman to start the fourth quarter, trailing 10-7.

Both teams will be back in Bay State Conference action next week.  Milton will be on the road against Walpole (5:45pm) & Needham will host Braintree (6:30pm). both on Friday.