Ledyard Rallies to Beat Fitch in Final Seconds, 14-12

The new bleachers at Mignault Field were filled to capacity today for the first time this year, and every soul remained in their seats until the final seconds of this Thanksgiving Day classic ticked off.

The final score: Ledyard 14, Fitch 12.

For the second straight week, the Colonels rallied in the final seconds to come away with a win that will surely become part of Ledyard High School football lore.

After leading 6-0 at halftime, a fired-up Fitch squad recovered a fumbled punt early in the second half, punching it into the end zone several plays later to take a 12-0 lead. For the second time, Fitch was unable to add any extra points.

Ledyard responded with a long drive, scoring its first touchdown of the day early in the fourth period when quarterback John Rainy hit Alex Manwaring to close to within 12-7.

After that the defensive grind resumed until the Colonel’s final drive, which began deep in their own territory and was kept alive with some clutch passing by Rainy and some equally impressive receptions.

With 11 seconds remaining in the game, Rainy found Manwaring again in the right corner of the end zone for the Colonels’ first lead of the day. The Colonels added the extra point, then kicked off as the final 4.6 seconds expired.

The Falcons, the only team to beat New London this year, dropped to 5-5 with the loss. Ledyard improved to 9-1, and earned a home game in the first round of the play-offs. The Colonels will host Waterford in the first round on Tuesday, Nov. 29., at 6:30 p.m.

During halftime, Ledyard High School’s football Hall of Fame inductees were recognized. Among them, former coach Bill Mignault, the state's all-time leader with 321 wins and Colonel coach for the program's first 42 years. Also the late Mike Daggett, Luis Vasquez and others.