Wilton Youth Football Wilton 8 White

Wilton 8 White vs. Westport Wreckers

10/23/16

Wilton 8th grade white stepped onto Fujitani Field on Sunday morning with a goal of breaking their 4 game losing streak, but they had no idea they were about to experience what was arguably the most exciting game of their season.

Wilton’s offense lead by the cool decision making and control of QB John Stanley allowed Wilton to hold possession for 20 of 22 minutes in the first half. The triple option, which Wilton put in play a few weeks back, proved to be an effective tool for the 1,2,3 of Andre Long driving up the middle, Mack Kepner sweeping the outside, and when needed, Stanley holding on for the gains they needed to convert the first down. Wilton converted 4 of 5 3rd downs, as well as a clutch 4th and long when Stanley connected with Mattias Onnerud for a 20 yard pass. An 11 yard run by Kepner followed setting Wilton up for a 1 yard QB keep for their first TD of the day.

Wilton’s defense was unstoppable in the first half lead by Evan Kauh, Matt Gulbin, Sean Sullivan and the formidable Michael Coffey holding Westport to no first downs or even yards gained. Westport had 3 possessions, each leading to 3 and outs. Wilton’s final drive of the first half continued to capitalize the confusion causing triple option. Long powered up the middle continually, Sean Sullivan took to the ground and Mack Kepner closed with a beautiful 47 yard TD run putting the score 12-0 at the half.

Things evened out on in the 2nd half, as Westport came back on the field ready to play. Westport scored on a 7 play drive bringing the score to 12-6. Drives went back on forth with each team unable to score, until Westport had their final turn starting a drive from their own territory and 2 minutes on the clock to tie the game. A well executed reverse from Westport’s offense, followed by a pass interference call placed Westport in close range to winning the game. As he had all game, Coffey delivered on defense once again with a huge tackle on a QB draw that was sure to score without his powerful drag to the ground. With 5 seconds and one play left to win, Westport lobbed up a hail mary pass from the 5 that was slapped up by McKeirnan, and batted to the ground by Sean Sullivan, just out of reach of Westport’s receiver as time ran out, securing Wilton’s 12-6 win. And yes, the crowd went wild. Welcome back, Sullivan.

Article by Jason Witty, Photo Credit Austin Kauh