Defense led the way on Saturday evening, as Pomperaug moved to 3-2 with a 10-0 shutout victory against Joel Barlow (1-4).
While the previous two Panthers’ victories came with scores of 49 and 50 points, respectively, Saturday’s matchup was a run-heavy affair that showcased a young defensive unit that Head Coach Tony Pereira says is improving.
“Defensively, we did a hell of a job,” said Pereira following the 10-0 victory. “We made a big emphasis in the off week about cleaning up our defense. We got some guys back, and that helped us out. It was a great effort.”
For Pomperaug, cousins Dane and Jack Guinipero delivered on both sides of the ball, and at key moments.
Pomperaug’s first drive of the game was led by quarterback Cole Tracy and a 19-yard rushing score on a read-option play. Their opening drive was extended by a facemask penalty on a fourth-down play, which led to the lone touchdown of the game.
The teams traded defensive interceptions, with Dane Guinipero making a play on defense to set the Panthers — and himself as the team’s kicker — up with a field goal attempt before halftime.
Even though the attempt went wide right just before halftime, Dane Guinipero delivered some redemption in the fourth quarter, as a 24-yard field goal split the uprights to make it a two-score game late.
“They are both great student-athletes,” said Pereira. “They are the way that I want my players to represent themselves. Dane has been battling injuries for a couple of years. He put a lot of time into his body and strength. He’s been a go-to player for us.”
The field goal was set up by a key pass breakup on defense by Jack Guinipero, before he intercepted a pass of his own on Joel Barlow’s following drive.
Pereira added, “Jack is a football player. My vision for him is to continue to get better and better. He’s progressing nicely.”
A fumble recovery by Gavin Lynch sealed the game for the Panthers, preserving the shutout and an SWC conference win.
Pomperaug’s rushing unit was led by Dominic Creaco, Gavin Lynch, Aaron Emerick, and the Guinipero cousins. Cole Tracy returned under center for the Panthers after recovering from an injury, with the coaching staff opting to use him solely on offense for Saturday’s game.
Lynch and Emerick also led the group of linebackers, while a defensive line made up of Jaden D’Amico, Marco Russomano, Matthew Kugler, and William Parris caused havoc for Joel Barlow’s similar style of offense. Caleb McKee also came up with some big tackles on defense from his position in the secondary.
For Joel Barlow, the rushing attack of Kaden Holub and Jack Hall was limited to under 70 yards, with their biggest offensive play coming on the first play from scrimmage for a 16-yard gain.
Falcons’ head coach TJ Cavaliere said the battle in the trenches came down to Pomperaug’s physicality.
“We run the same offense, so we knew what they were going to do, and they knew what we were going to do,” said Cavaliere after the game. “Up front, they were a little bit bigger and more physical.”
Pereira praised his defensive unit, which has seen its first half of the season come with two shutouts.
“I think our defensive line played tremendously,” said Pereira. “I’m happy with where we are, but we have a quick turnaround.”
Up next for the Panthers is a non-conference matchup with Branford (4-1) on Friday, October 24, at 7:00 p.m. at Pomperaug High School. The SCC team is coming off a 34-13 loss to Jonathan Law High School.
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