The Pomperaug Panthers opened their season in emphatic fashion Friday night, blanking Platt Tech 49-0.
Cole Tracy started the game at quarterback for Pomperaug and set the tone early, rushing for three touchdowns in the first quarter. By halftime, Tracy had four rushing scores, and the home team’s lead was up to 35-0.
The defense played its part as well, with Marco Russomano and Bryan Vidal each racking up tackles for losses, and Tracy adding an interception to cap off his “player of the game” performance.
“It’s a new season, and we’ve got some great players,” said Tracy, following the 49-0 win. “We’ve put in a lot of work in the offseason.”
Both teams deployed similar-style, run-heavy offenses, with Pomperaug’s rushing attack consisting of Dominic Creaco, Dane Guinipero, Jack Guinipero and Gavin Lynch.
Dane Guinipero had a pair of explosive plays as a rusher, with 40-yard and 53-yard rushing scores on both sides of the halftime whistle.
Creaco turned in the game’s final score with a 37-yard rushing touchdown with five minutes remaining. A running clock was used for the second half.
Pomperaug Head Coach Tony Pereira said he was proud of how his team showed up in the first game of the season.
“We have a young team,” said Pereira of his roster, consisting of only four seniors. “They listen to what we say about the little things, about playing hard for 4 quarters.”
As good as it felt to leave Friday’s game with a win, Pereira was already looking ahead to a conference matchup with SWC rival Brookfield in their next game.
“I’m really proud of them,” Pereira continued. “You learn a lot from your team, especially from week one to week two. Next week is going to be an awesome test for our guys.”
Pereira praised the play of Tracy, who saw starter snaps after a pre-season battle for the position with Joshua Coughlin. Coughlin did see game action, starting in the third quarter.
“Cole is a selfless kid,” said Pereira. “He shows his play through his pads, and he wants to work hard and be successful for the team.”
On defense, a hard week of practice led to improved physicality on the field, said Pereira.
On the defensive line, Jaden D’Amico had a solid game, keeping the Panthers of Platt Tech at bay.
“We preach relentless effort all week on defense,” said the seventh-year head coach. “They put in the work, so when they get into a game on Friday night, it’s easier than practice during the week.”
Up next for Pomperaug is a home game with Brookfield High School on Friday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m. Brookfield is 1-0, with a 53-0 victory against Watertown on Friday.
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