For the third consecutive year, the Darien High School football team won its annual Thanksgiving Day game against arch-rival New Canaan by a score of 28-21. This year was different though, as the game was also for the FCIAC Championship, meaning the two teams would play each other for the title for the first time since 2008.
Darien entered the game as underdogs even though they held a higher ranking, as many believed that the Blue Wave would collapse without star defensive end George Reed. It seemed that way early, as New Canaan was able to grab a 21-0 lead going into the end of the first half. The season seemed doomed. but the “Cardiac Kids” managed to score on a Timmy Graham pass to bring them within 14 heading into the half. Darien received the ball to start, but turned it over on only the second play, further dooming hopes of the Darien faithful. However, Darien’s defense was able to withstand the powerful Ram attack, and with a few magical catches from seniors Will Hammernick (five catches for 69 yards) and Todd Herget (six catches for 87 yards), the Blue Wave tied the game at 21 at the end of regulation. In overtime, the Blue Wave received the ball first, and junior Hudson Hamill found senior Griffin Ross for the game-winning touchdown. New Canaan however had a chance to tie the game, but those dreams were crushed when junior Bobby Trifone picked off a pass that cemented the game as one of the greatest comebacks in Connecticut football history. After the post-game celebration, juniors Hudson Hamill and Tim Graham were named MVPs, and Darien was presented with the Coaches Memorial Trophy for the third year in a row.
Darien will look to use its FCIAC Championship momentum heading into this Saturdays state semi-final game that will be held at Darien High School, marking the first time the school will host a state football game.
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| Todd Herget making a difficult and crucial catch. |
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