Pomperaug improved to 6-1 with a 49-3 victory over Joel Barlow last week in a game that honored its senior class for their contributions to the program.
The Panthers led 42-0 at halftime, excelling in all aspects of the game, holding the Falcons of Joel Barlow to less than 30 offensive yards and just a third-quarter field goal.
Accounting for Pomperaug’s seven touchdowns on the night were Jack Guinipero, Dom Creaco (2), Christian Geanuracos, Josh Coughlin (2), and Tristan Tiru. Parker Keane added a two-point conversion in the win, while kicker Jack Reeder converted on five point-after attempts.
The team’s 18 seniors were celebrated before the game, and they’ll play their final regular-season home game on Friday, November 6, against Weston High School. The team’s final two regular-season away games are at Stratford and Notre Dame Prep, respectively.
Pomperaug Head Coach Tony Pereira spoke highly of the senior class, saying they will be remembered for “bringing the program back to relevance.”
“[They’re] bringing the program back to a point where not only are they setting the standard for future teams with their work ethic and passion for football, but they are also getting the community involved and getting the community to rally behind them,” said Pereira.
While the team’s execution on offense and defense was on full display, one member of the senior class was notably sidelined due to an injury. Earlier in the day, the team had learned of a season-ending foot injury for one of their senior captains, Gavin Lynch.
“You can’t replace the kid,” said Pereira. “What we need to do is work together to fill that void.”
On defense, the Panthers caused havoc all night for the Falcons.
Marco Russomanno had multiple tackles for losses and seemed to be in the Falcon backfield all night. Jaden D’Amico bruised his way to a solid game in the trenches, at one point combining on a sack with Russomanno to force a turnover on downs.
Sophomore Tristian Tiru provided a second-half interception on defense and then took it himself on offense to cap off the 49-point performance.
As seniors, Russomanno and D’Amico took the time to reflect on the win and their final season together.
“We all stuck together, the whole offseason, we worked hard and worked for each other,” Russomanno said, adding that it was a tough blow to hear the news of a fellow senior missing the rest of the season. “It’s a shame Gavin is out.”
D’Amico said after the game, “I’ve played football for more than half my life. It’s been a big part of my life. We’re so close together, and I know that whatever we do, we’ll still stay connected.”
Pomperaug will be looking to capture its seventh win of the season on Friday against the Trojans of Weston – a feat that the program hasn’t accomplished since the 2011 season, when the team finished 8-2.
The team’s final regular-season games will be played on the road, scheduled for November 13 and November 20, at Stratford High School and Notre Dame Prep.
By Evan Triantafilidis
