Dexter Southfield Stuns Choate 24-20
Rory Funke's go-ahead touchdown with about two minutes left lifted Dexter Southfield past Choate in Brookline.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Football
Dexter Southfield defeated Choate 24-20 in Brookline, improving to 7-1 and clinching a Class A bowl bid. Rory Funke threw the go-ahead touchdown with about two minutes remaining, and the win was the first in program history over Choate.
Why it matters
The victory avenges a 48-6 loss to Choate in the prior season and keeps Dexter Southfield in contention in its group standings. Final placement in the group will not be settled until after next Saturday's games.
Rory Funke completed 11 of 20 passes for 148 yards, Steven Joseph rushed for 157 yards, and Daniel Hanafin caught five passes for 104 yards. Gianluca Cosentino's 27-yard first-quarter field goal opened the scoring.
The players
Dexter Southfield
Dexter Southfield is a private school in Brookline, Massachusetts, competing in New England high school football.
Choate
Choate is a private boarding school in Wallingford, Connecticut, with a long-standing athletic rivalry with Dexter Southfield.
Rory Funke
Rory Funke is Dexter Southfield's quarterback who threw the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The details
Funke connected with Hanafin to set up the go-ahead score, while Xavier Wilson intercepted Funke in the end zone for Choate. Earlier, Hanafin returned an interception for a touchdown to give Dexter Southfield a 17-14 lead before Choate's Jacob Muller found August Teacher for the 20-17 advantage.
Timeline
Nov. 7, 2026: Dexter Southfield defeats Choate 24-20 in Brookline.
Next Saturday: Dexter Southfield plays at St. Paul's, and group standings are settled afterward.
Season Trajectory
The win reverses last season's 48-6 defeat to Choate in this rivalry and positions Dexter Southfield for a possible tie for first in its group with Taft and Choate. Final standings depend on results still to come next Saturday.
Dexter Southfield's next game at St. Paul's will determine whether it finishes in a three-way tie for first with Taft and Choate. Fans tracking group standings should watch next Saturday's results across the group.
The takeaway
A single late touchdown can reshape a season's standings, and Dexter Southfield's next game at St. Paul's will shape its final group position.
What happens next
Dexter Southfield plays at St. Paul's next Saturday, and group standings will be settled after that game.
Further reading
Explore more Football coverage from across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Boston Herald.
