Darien scored three first half touchdowns and a field goal for a 24-0 halftime lead in their route of Wilton, 38-7.
The Blue Wave scored on every possession until the final few minutes when Wilton got on the board. Darien's time of possession and scores coupled with five Blue Wave interceptions resulted in just one punt in the game—that by Wilton.
On Darien's first possession, after starting from their own 20-yard line, quarterback George Benitez, who had a big day, ran the ball on a keeper to Wilton's 26-yard line. Benitez hooked up with Anthony Donato to the 11-yard line and after a completed swing pass to Bobby Nolan, Graham Maybell, who had a huge day on offense and defense, scored the first touchdown running it around right end where Stephen Arcamone leveled a defender to clear the way for the score. John Gardner kicked the extra point for a 7—0 lead with 5:25 remaining in the quarter.
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On their first possession, Wilton went "three and out," resulting in the game's only punt. Darien moved the ball to midfield and the quarter ended.
The Blue Wave got to Wilton's 19-yard line on a Benitez to Alex Wildish completion and after a delay of game penalty, Benitez found Nolan for the touchdown. Gardner again with the extra point and a 14—0 lead with just under 10 minutes left until the half.
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On Wilton's next possession, quarterback Jackson Wilbur was picked by Nolan, one of five Darien interceptions in the game. Maybell had three of them in what he termed "just being in the right place at the right time."
Warriors coach Bruce Cunningham said the picks were of all varieties: "a bad read, a tip, a receiver falling down and a couple that should have been caught."
After Nolan's pick, the Wave was in business again on the 25-yard line. After three running plays took it to the 21-yard line, Maybell scored his second touchdown from the one, extra point good again for a 21—0 lead with 5:34 left. Maybell made his second interception on Wilton's ensuing possession and returned it to the 25-yard line. Then it was Maybell on the next two plays taking it to the four, but Darien had to settle for a Gardner field goal after a failed pass attempt. The half ended moments later with the home team up 24—0. Maybell had two touchdowns and two interceptions in the first half.
Justin Shaw got into the act three plays into the third quarter when he intercepted Wilbur in the flat and ran it in untouched for a touchdown. Gardner made it 31—0. Maybell got his third interception on a tipped ball in the Warrior's next series. Benitez found Donato twice with completions and then hooked up with Nolan for the score and a 38—0 lead with 4:40 still remaining in the quarter.Wilton had its best drive of the day, taking the ball to the Darien 37-yard line as the quarter ended.
Early in the fourth quarter, Ryan Leddy showed some power running when he took the ball to the 14-yard line, then to the one and on the third straight run, into the end zone for Wilton's only score. Jeff Liebowitz nailed the extra point for a 38—7 final score.
Darien defensive coordinator, A.J. Albano said it was a nice win after a tough loss last week to St. Joseph's.
"Benitez played a great game and that the defense was real sharp," Albano added.
Benitez said the team went with "simpler plays this week and it paid off."
Maybell and Benitez agreed that although they were happy with the win, they're far from satisfied yet. They hope to win two in a row for the first time this season when they host Trinity Catholic next Sat.
Wilton hopes to end their four game losing streak next Friday night at Fairfield Warde.
