Connecticut Rolls In Governor's Cup

A stifling defense helped Connecticut continue its dominance over Rhode Island in the Governor's Cup All-Star Game on Saturday.

Connecticut forced seven turnovers in a 29-7 win before a crowd of 3,000 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. It was the eighth consecutive victory over Rhode Island and ninth overall in the 12-year series.

"The quarterback was getting rushed. He was just kind of throwing it up hoping to make something happen and our (defensive backs) were in the right position every time," said Connor McNamara, a defensive tackle from Newtown. "They broke on the ball and came down with it every time."

It was a record-setting performance in a rivalry where defenses have generally disappeared.

Prior to this win, Connecticut had allowed no fewer than 10 points on only two occasions (2005 and 2008), while Rhode Island had held the Nutmeg state to just seven points also only on two occasions (2000 and 2001).

Connecticut's offense did turn the ball over five times, but those came after it had built a comfortable 12-0 lead in the first quarter. About the only break that didn't fall Connecticut's way was its surprise onside kick attempt -- recovered by Rhode Island -- to begin the game.

"Our defense really wasn't going to let up anything," Masuk wide receiver Anthony Giaimo said. "They were flying to the ball. On offense, Julian (Hayes) played great. He was a force at running back. Our quarterbacks -- they were great."

Hayes, an All-State running back and safety at Xavier, gained 90 yards on 10 carries and scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. He was named the offense's Most Valuable Player.

Connecticut jumped ahead early on a reverse as New Fairfield's Bobby Wood fired a 48-yard touchdown pass to Manchester's Orlando Gaspard. Bloomfield's Jaquan Prude, defensive back, then grabbed one of Connecticut's seven interceptions, putting the Nutmeg state in prime position to extend its lead.

On the following offensive series, Pomperaug's Ben Crick caught a screen pass and scampered 23 yards into the endzone for a 12-0 lead.

"It was a good play call," said Crick, who was recently named Connecticut's Walter Camp Player of the Year. "I caught the ball, turned around and it was wide open. I got in (the endzone) as fast as I could."

A 33-yard field goal in the second quarter by Norwich Free Academy's Steven Calitri put Connecticut ahead 15-0 -- a lead which seemed insurmountable considering the defense's effort.

Although Rhode Island cut into the deficit on a one-yard touchdown run from Barrington's Mike Read with 4:40 remaining in the third quarter, its comeback hopes were soon dashed.

Hayes scored two touchdowns -- an eight-yard reception and a six-yard run -- in the final quarter to help Connecticut retain its bragging rights for another season.

"You never want to be the team that loses when you've been up on top that long," McNamara said. "It's definitely nice to keep that trophy in Connecticut."

The game featured several players from regional scho0ls, including McNamara, Crick, Giaimo, Clements, linebacker C.J. Elser (Pomperaug), wide reciever Alex Trump (Masuk) and defensive back DeVaughn Millington (Ridgefield).