Sports
Warriors Conquer Warde for First Win
After being dominated by Darien last weekend, the WHS football team was able to put it all together for its first victory of the season by defeating Fairfield Warde 21-13.
For the first time all season, the WHS football team was able to find success on both offense and defense in a 21-13 victory over Fairfield Warde at Teatreau-Davis Field on Friday.
Senior quarterback Jackson Wilbur and junior wide receiver Matt Reyes-Guerra-Dunn stepped up big for the Warriors. Wilbur threw three touchdown passes to Reyes-Guerra-Dunn in what was the team’s best offensive game of the season, giving the Warriors a 1-4 record through the team’s first five games.
“When we have our running game going like we did tonight, we are able to open up our passing game and execute plays,” said head coach Bruce Cunningham.
Wilbur was coming off a game in which he threw five interceptions last week in a loss to Darien. However, he was able to shake it off and throw for over 200 yards.
“I came into this week thinking it was a brand new week,” said Wilbur. “I went out there and forgot about last Saturday’s game.”
Wilbur showed his confidence early when he completed a 43-yard pass to Reyes-Guerra-Dunn in the first quarter and again early in the second quarter for a 5-yard touchdown pass to make it 6-0 in favor of the Warriors.
With their next offensive possession, the two connected again, this time with a 29 yard touchdown pass, giving the Warriors a 14-0 lead late in the second quarter.
“Jackson was able to hit the long passes tonight because he was throwing the ball so well,” said Reyes-Guerra-Dunn. “When we have a successful running game, we can make our passing game work.”
Coach Cunningham also acknowledged Wilbur’s offensive performance.
“We were able to get Wilbur confident this week with solid practices,” said Cunningham. “We looked to him to provide leadership on the offense and he was able to put the football where it had to be caught.”
Warriors’ senior running back Ryan Leddy also had a solid night offensively as he ran for 102 yards and really opened up Wilton’s offense.
“This was a big win in our season, especially for the seniors,” said Leddy. “We were able to keep the momentum going.”
Fairfield Warde would score a touchdown to end the second quarter before starting the second half with the ball. After stopping Fairfield Warde’s opening second half drive, the Warriors were able to score once again with a 8-yard touchdown pass from Wilbur to Reyes-Guerra-Dunn.
Fairfield Warde would score another touchdown towards the end of the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 21-13, but this was Wilton’s night.
“It was hard for our players to see positive results when we started out 0-4,” admitted Cunningham. “With our first win of the season tonight, I am really happy for them.”
The Warriors will look to extend their winning streak to two games when they take on Bassick next Friday night at home at 6 p.m.
