Portsmouth - Dawson McGowan has had a big influence on people who describe themselves as not "the big shooter."

Overtime told a different story at Kennedy Memorial Stadium on Friday night. McGowan played against rival Portsmouth, with Middletown senior passing the ball in fashion.

McGowan's deputy put a 1:49 shot into the extra period, giving the Islanders the only lead they need after halftime. The Islanders left enemy territory with a 7-6 victory, a three-level second-level boys hockey meeting with Aquidneck Island Nemesis this spring.

McGowen slid out from behind the net and tilted an angle for his left outpost. He found his way toward the goal's spoon in defense and ended the visitors' extended score.

Islanders found themselves staring at a 6-3 deficit midway through the third quarter, but survived this tension and steady downpour, like the scene in the "Perfect Storm."

"We know what will happen," McGowan said. "We know the team is punishing less and keeping the mind clear."

McGowan also established a tie goal with 2:36 left on the fourth time and found Teddy Hamilton kicking off with a quick kick in the curls on the left. Griffin Kleinknecht scored on the first two fronts - the third time, early in Hamilton's fourth pass, scored on his fourth pass to draw Middletown at a staggering distance of 7:12. The master used a hat trick to close, making the most of his size and strength, which led him to go to Rhode Island University to play football in the fall.

“I know no one can take me there,” Klecknich said. "No one can stop me. I'm a big guy."

Kleinknecht rolled down from the left to steal an extended drought for the Islanders, with 3:01 left in the third game and awaiting Hamilton's steal near the midfield in Game 4. Middletown enjoyed extended property at the end of the regulations and began overtime, purchasing McGowan's additional strike.

“We were thinking, ‘A smart move’,” Klecknich said. "But honestly, the coach wants us to play the game. In the end, that won our game."

The Patriots (9-2) looked comfortable after breaking into the third goal lead. Robert Mairs drove home from a tall height and beat Johnny Cabral 3-3 as his own Rockets pulled out his own from a distance, while Cabral hit Oliver Melanson on the right post at 6:53. Jack Colna made half of eight saves in that 12 minutes, and Portsmouth will beat East Greenwich with another man’s title.

The Islanders (10-2) dug out part of it from there, thanks in part to goalkeeper Corey Chiodo, who made three saves in the fourth quarter to prevent the Patriots from increasing. Middletown will have a tense closing ceremony in its season and host the Avengers and visit Westerly before a high-end night battle with Portsmouth. Those three games could be sure that seeds are a long way to go when the playoffs open in late May.

"It just built up courage," McGowan said. "We knew we were one of the best teams in the D-II this year. A lot of people doubted us, but we played the game."

Middletown (7): Teddy Hamilton 2, Patrick Cranson, Griffin Klecknich 3, Dawson McGowan; assists - Hamilton, Klecknich, McGowan. Portsmouth (6): Johnny Cabral 2, Rafe Dionne, Chase Pascoe, Robert Mairs, Oliver Melanson; assists - Dionne, Pascoe, Mairs, Cabral.

Halftime - 3-3. End of regulations - 6-6. save - Corey Chiodo, M, 8; Jack Colna, p. 10.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25