LYNN — The 110th meeting between Lynn Classical and Lynn English won’t be remembered for its beauty. But for the Rams and coach Brian Vaughan, it’s a game that they won’t forget.

In a physical battle, the Rams used a clock-killing run game and a staunch defense to beat the archrival Bulldogs, 8-6, in front of a large crowd at Manning Field.

“We knew that it was going to be a grind it out type of game,” Vaughan said. “I know what happens in this game as a player (at Lynn English) and now as a coach.”

The Rams gained only 213 yards of total offense on Thursday but they did it well enough at times to keep English’s offense off the field for long periods.

But it was the defense that came up with what ultimately was the winning score as they recorded a safety late in the first quarter to take a 2-0 lead.

The Classical offense also converted off the ensuing free kick thanks to a 55-yard drive in six plays. Brian Vaughan Jr.’s keeper from a yard out capped the march and made it 8-0 at the half.

English got a boost early in the third quarter when Shane Knowlton Simard returned a punt 49 yards for a score to cut the lead to 8-6.

They had a chance to take the lead moments later when Jordan Em returned another punt to the Classical five but four plays resulted in a loss of 16 yards and a turnover on downs.

“Our defense was lights out,” Vaughan said.

Classical then held the ball for 17 plays and nearly entire fourth quarter before turning it over on downs. The Rams defense, however, rose up again and stopped English’s last chance drive.