New Canaan Dominates Darien in Turkey Bowl

-By: Doug Phipps-

Blue Wave Football was crushed by its archrivals, the New Canaan Rams (9-1) in the Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving Day. The boys lost 42-14 giving them their first season loss. (10-1) Tension was higher than ever following vandalism of New Canaan High School on Tuesday night. (11/23) Three seniors, one junior and one sophomore player involved in that incident were suspended from play on Thursday.

New Canaan kicked off to Darien to begin the game. After driving into New Canaan territory, Coach Rob Trifone elected to go for it on 4th and 4, however, turned it over on downs as QB Chris Allam was tackled short of the first down marker. The Rams came back and drove deep into Darien territory, but after a tackle for a significant loss, New Canaan was forced to punt. After a DHS 3-and-out, the Rams completed a long touchdown drive, ending with a 28-yard touchdown pass from star senior wide receiver Kevin Macari to junior wide receiver Connor Kilbane. The PAT was good, and New Canaan was up 7-0, never to look back.

In the beginning of the 2nd quarter, Darien lost senior Charlie Kunze, team leader in tackles, to injury. He was helped off the field, and would return to the sidelines on crutches in the 3rd quarter. After losing Kunze, the Darien defense took a step backwards. After another long TD connection from Milano to Kilbane, Coach Trifone decided there was need for a change, and subbed sophomore QB Henry Baldwin in for senior Chris Allam for the end of the drive. Milano scored another touchdown, but the Blue Wave immediately retaliated. Senior Graham Maybell made a 2-yard touchdown connection. The score going into halftime was 21-7, Rams.

New Canaan wasted no time in the second half, as Milano threw a 79-yard TD pass, his fourth score of the day. After one more possession for each team, Darien punted away, and the Rams returned it 79 yards for a score. After the PAT, New Canaan led 35-7. A few minutes later, Darien's senior DB Peter McDonough intercepted Milano inside the New Canaan 35-yard-line. After a few plays, senior Jake Weil rushed for the second Darien TD of the day with 3:12 left in the 3rd quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Milano threw for his fourth passing TD and fifth total TD of the day, ending Darien's unbeaten streak. A few of the small bright spots for the Blue Wave were receiver seniors Scotty Waters and RBs Jarrett Gatling and Sean Fahey, each racking up several receptions. The FCIAC Champions' next game will be States on Tuesday. (11/30)