Momentum shifted like the strong winds on Friday night, as Pomperaug’s comeback efforts fell just short against New Fairfield in the 21-14 game held at Rebels Stadium.
Both teams entered the Halloween night matchup with a 4-2 record, an improvement from both programs’ 3-7 records last year.
Facing a 21-0 deficit, Pomperaug clawed their way back into the game after giving up three first-half touchdowns to New Fairfield’s Jack Riccio. His night was highlighted by a two-yard toe-tap reception in the back of the end zone, and a 52-yard catch-and-run late in the second quarter.
Gusts of over 40 miles per hour did not stop the aerial attack from New Fairfield, as the Panthers’ secondary was tested, but never gave up.
“It’s not the ideal conditions, but they had to play in it too,” said Pomperaug Head Coach Tony Pereira following the game.
Momentum shifted near halftime as the Panthers capitalized on an interception by Caleb McKee, with Dane Guinipero cashing in on a fourth-and-goal play from three yards out.
Coming out of the break, Jack Guinipero took a halfback toss for nine yards, making it a one-score game in the third quarter.
“We outplayed them for the last three quarters,” Pereira said.
With less than five minutes remaining, Pomperaug’s growing momentum was stymied by a forced fumble.
A defensive stand meant that the Panthers would have one final chance to tie the game. With two minutes left and the ball at midfield, the drive was stopped on a crucial fourth down play, coming up one yard short of continuing the drive.
“They did a good job of defending us and forcing us to have to run the ball with 10 guys in the box,” said Pereira.
Pomperaug’s hard-nosed rushing attack was led by Dane Guinipero, Gavin Lynch, Jack Guinipero and Dominic Creaco. Creaco made a heads-up play when he picked up a partially-blocked punt and ran for a first down. As a team, the Panthers rushed for over 140 yards on the night.
The Panthers faced some tough officiating calls during the game, including what looked to be a backwards pass and a fumble recovery, but the play was ultimately ruled incomplete.
For the Rebels, their undefeated record at home remains intact, with head coach Greg Schwarz crediting offseason work in the weight room for their turnaround this year.
“I’m really happy and proud of them,” said Schwarz after the game. “It’s hard work, but it’s a fun process to be a part of.”
Schwarz said he took the forecast into consideration when making a game plan during the week, choosing to make adjustments and final tweaks in the final days leading up to the game.
“We’re used to playing in the wind up here, but the 46-mile-per-hour wind is almost like a dud of a quarter if you don’t have it right,” he said. “We spent time indoors, installing a game plan that would prepare us for those quarters going into the wind.”
For Pomperaug, Pereira’s message to the team was that there is still a lot of football left for them to leave their mark.
Sitting at 4-3, the Panthers will next travel to Bunnell High School in Stratford on Friday, November 7, for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff.
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