Running back Brody Helton carried 12 times for 137 and three touchdowns to lead Bedford past visiting Exeter 42-7 in a Division I football game on Friday night.

Helton scored on TDs covering 3, 35 and 8 yards. Quarterback Bennett Matthews was 8-of-9 passing for 162 yards and two TDs, and Matthews also ran for a 21-yard score. Matthews's TD passes went to Brycen D'Urso (18 yards) and Landon Ellsmore (54 yards).

Bedford, ranked No. 2 in the statewide Union Leader Power Poll, improved to 5-0 overall, 4-0 in NHIAA play. The Bulldogs led 28-7 at halftime and the game went to running time in the third quarter.

In losing its second straight, Exeter dropped to 3-2. Blue Hawks QB Tyler Ream was 3-for-4 yards passing for 76 yards and a 53-yard TD to Gavin Mulrey.

Alvirne 28, Central 14: Quarter

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