DIXFIELD — It was billed as a Class D South slugfest. By the end of Friday night, it was the Winthrop co-op football team standing as the region’s lone undefeated squad.

Thanks to a strong defensive effort, the Ramblers left Harlow Park with a 28-0 victory over Dirigo. Running back Carter Rand led Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale (4-0) on offense, rushing for 126 yards on 16 carries. Ross Fichthorn added 80 yards on 13 carries, with two touchdowns.

“We had a game plan and we executed it well,” said Rand, a junior. “All the boys played their hearts out.”

The Cougars were led by senior quarterback Brady Philbrick, who was 8 of 15 passing for 68 yards, with two interceptions. Philbrick stepped in for Hudson Lufkin, a junior who injured his knee last week against Oak Hill and will miss the rest of the season.

The Ramblers held Dirigo to 119 yards. It’s the second shutout in Winthrop’s last three games. The defense has allowed 4.5 points per game.

“We’re really happy (with the defensive play),” said Fichthorn, who also had an interception on defense. “Credit to the coaches, who work their (tails) off, looking at film and designing a special defense just for that team.”

How did they get there?

Strong, aggressive defensive play. With Lufkin out, the focus of the offense was put on senior running back Tanner Bradeen. A tough runner who dragged Winthrop defenders on multiple plays, Bradeen was nevertheless held to 27 yards on 13 carries. He also had three receptions for 28 yards.

“The defense played really well, we were just telling the kids, we had 17, 18 or 19 kids working specials, offense and defense (tonight),” said Winthrop head coach Joel Stoneton. “That’s really important in D South.”

Rising from a crushing blow

The Cougars were dealt horrible news with the loss of Lufkin, who led the team in rushing (601 rushing yards, 5 TDs) and was 33 of 55 passing for 450 yards and 11 touchdowns in just three games. Lufkin was not only the leader on offense, he was also a great asset on defense, leading the Cougars with 23 tackles and four sacks.

“(The week) was a perfect storm of throwing things together, and it just so happens that we’re playing the best team in the conference,” said Dirigo coach Joshua Newhall. “We made small mistakes, and you can’t make small mistakes against a team like that.”

Philbrick seemed up for the challenge of replacing Lufkin, as he connected with six different receivers and found a rhythm at times in the passing game.

“He’s the guy (for the job),” Newhall said. “To put a team on your back and face it fearlessly (is huge). He watched over four hours of film this week, constantly sending me messages. He’s doing all the right things. I guess the one nice thing is, it’s still the middle of the season.”

Dirigo’s defense did well to hold Winthrop to a 13-0 lead at halftime, but the Ramblers were able to make adjustments. Thanks to a Fichthorn touchdown run in the third quarter and a 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jacob Feith to Brody Adams, Winthrop ran away with the game in the second half.

“We know that (final score) is much different with (Lufkin) in there,” Stoneton said. “Kudos to him. We were able to move the ball and make some blocks because we didn’t have to worry about him.”

Key moment

Fichthorn’s third-quarter touchdown was a simple play: A 3-yard dive into the end zone. But the score gave Winthrop a 20-0 lead and seemed to seal the victory.

Statistical leaders

Winthrop: Carter Rand (16 carries, 126 yards), Ross Fichthorn (13 carries, 80 yards, 2 TDs, INT on defense), Ben Porter (3 receptions, 72 yards, TD)

Dirigo: Brady Philbrick (8 of 15 passing, 68 yards, 2 INTs), Tanner Bradeen (13 carries, 27 yards)