Notre Dame Beats Hamden in 65th Green Bowl (VIDEO)

By Amber Kountz

HAMDEN — Notre Dame-West Haven clinched a berth in the Class L state tournament with a 28-6 victory over Hamden in the 65th annual Green Bowl on Thanksgiving morning.

Hamden, which honored its seniors prior to the game, finished the season with a 1-9 record. The Green Dragons beat Wilbur Cross 24-6 on Oct. 1.

The Green Knights (8-2) continued their recent dominance of the rivalry, beating Hamden in the air and on the ground for their 10th straight win in the series. Notre Dame leads the all-time series 42-21-2.

During Notre Dame’s first possession, the Green Knights marched down the field with two long receptions giving them a first-and-short in the red zone. Prince Brooks took the handoff and ran it in for the first score of the game. It was Brooks’ sixth touchdown of the season. Jared Gallbronner kicked the extra point to give ND the 7-0 lead.

Hamden’s defense was in full force in the first quarter with two interceptions. Stanley Arrington made the first interception and Kwadir Delgado-McIntyre followed suit just minutes later and returned the ball 35 yards into Notre Dame territory.

The Green Knights took control of the game in the second quarter. Kobe Wiggins broke three tackles on his way to the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown run.

However, Hamden responded with an outstanding run by Kenny Flores, who outran the entire Notre Dame defense for a spectacular 69-yard run down the right sideline for a touchdown. Hamden went for 2 points on the conversion but the pass failed.

The Green Knights scored just before the end of the quarter to make it 21-6 heading into halftime.

Hamden continued to perform well defensively, allowing only one scoring possession in the second half. However, the Green Dragons couldn’t get things going offensively.

Notre Dame closed out the scoring with a 50-yard touchdown pass to Wyatt Miller in the third quarter.