MEDFORD – There is a new program on top of Massachusetts vocational football.

For the first time in school history, Diman is the Vocational Large champion, defeating Whittier Tech, 31-6, on a frigid night at Hormel Stadium.

“We changed history with this win,” said junior running back Alexi Gonzalez (21 rushes, 167 yards, 2 TDs). “We put our hearts on the line and did this together.”

Whittier (9-4) returned to the vocational title game for a second straight year. Despite the lopsided final score, it was a tight game all the way through the start of the fourth quarter.

After a scoreless first quarter, Diman (10-3) put points on the board six seconds into the second with a 22-yard field goal from Logan Uon. That lead, however, was brief. Whittier needed only two plays and 48 seconds to score, as Wildcats quarterback Mark Nealon broke free for a 53-yard rushing score.

Noah Allen’s two-point conversion rush was stopped short, but after losing a one-sided game in last year’s championship game, Whittier seized early momentum with a 6-3 lead.

Yet that did not last long. As the temperature dipped to the 30-degree mark, Diman created magic in the cold air. After stopping a Whittier drive by stripping the ball loose and recovering the fumble, the Bengals needed only five plays to march 41 yards, finding the end zone courtesy of Gonzalez’s 13-yard touchdown run. Uon was automatic on the extra point, giving Diman a 10-6 lead.

The Diman defense then made a critical stop, forcing a quick three-and-out to regain possession. Bengals quarterback Logan McKenzie capitalized, engineering an 11-play drive in only two minutes, hitting Peytonn Massey with five seconds left in the half to extend the lead to 17-6.

“All game long, our line gave me all the time I needed,” said McKenzie (8-17, 191, 2 TDs). “We knew what was at stake playing for the championship. It means a lot to bring it home.”

Diman’s defensive tenacity was again on display in the third quarter. Whittier pieced together an excellent nine-minute, 18-play drive, but it was stopped four yards shy of the end zone when Jay Debrito recovered a fumble. Whittier’s three turnovers changed the complexion of the game, particularly on this lengthy drive.

“A couple of plays didn’t go our way, especially in the third quarter when we were moving the ball,” said Whittier coach Kevin Bradley. “But credit to Diman, and I love this group of kids. They worked hard all season, and to go to back-to-back title games is special. I’m very proud of them.”

The ensuing drive was quick and efficient for Diman. McKenzie threw a picture-perfect spiral to Uon, who scored a 69-yard touchdown reception to increase the lead to 24-6 with only 9:44 remaining.

Any doubt was removed when Diman added one last score with 1:06 to play when Gonzalez powered his way into the end zone. That put the game out of reach at 31-6 in favor of the Bengals, and the countdown to a celebration was officially on.

“Our kids were smart and disciplined all game, and that’s been the case all season,” said Diman coach Luke Bahry. “We were able to execute and get it done. It means a lot for the school, the program, and our alumni.”