Wilton 8 White vs. Darien 8 White

8th Grade Wilton White v Darien White, Saturday, September 17, 2016

Wilton 8th grade White stepped on the gridiron at Royle School in Darien on a crisp Saturday morning with one goal in mind- keeping their undefeated record alive- a goal they achieved after solidly dominating Darien pounding out a 22-6 win and building their record to 3-0. Wilton’s defense was exceptionally impressive, holding Darien to only 1 earned first down the entire game.

Darien started the game on offense and received a quick punch in the mouth after Wilton’s Matt Gulbin stopped the 1st run attempt with a smothering sack and loss of yards. Wilton’s defensive line of Gulbin, Mike Burton, Howie Long, Michael Coffey and Evan Kauh held strong forcing a quick 3 and out giving Wilton the ball on their own 40 yard line after Trevor Martinez’ punt return.

Wilton’s first offensive drive took the remainder of the entire first quarter after more flags flew than at the United Nations, costing Wilton dozens of yards and at one point putting the offense at first down and nearly 40 yards to go. Wilton’s offense didn’t fold under pressure though, and after a beautiful 30 yard pass connection from John Stanley to Jimmy McKiernan, Wilton ended the first quarter with 1st and goal on Darien’s 2 yard line.

The 2nd quarter started with a quick dive touchdown by Sean Sullivan and Ryan van Heyst putting it through the uprights for an additional 2 giving Wilton an 8-0 lead. Another quick 3 and out by Darien was created thanks to a 3rd down crushing tackle by Howie Long on an outside sweep attempt by Darien. Wilton regained the ball and scored once again by a beautiful 36 yard touchdown run by Mack Kepner, a rookie who has quickly become one to watch on offense.

The 3rd quarter was a thing of beauty by Wilton as powerful blocking by Gulbin, Max Greenberg, and Evan Kauh allowed for the repeated 1-2 punch of Sullivan powering through the defensive line followed by Martines breaking ankles and the Wilton offense easily marching to a 3rd touchdown giving Wilton a 22-0 lead.

Darien was able to hold the ball for only 2 plays until Stanley made a beautiful interception giving Wilton the ball back-Wilton’s only 3 and out followed, but after a perfect punt by Howie Long, Darien was forced to start on their own 2 yard line. On 3rd down and 5, Ryan Witty broke through Darien’s defensive line for a sack that caused a fumble recovered by Long giving Wilton the ball once again, and crumbling any hope by Darien of a close game.

In the final minutes, Darien’s offense showed great resolve, taking the ball to the air and eventually scoring, to bring the final score to 22-6, keeping Wilton White’s unbeaten record alive. Article by Jason Witty, Photo Credit, Austin Kauh