Ian Nicholas, NCTV
@NCTV78
To put it simply, it might just be the best sports rivalry this State has to offer. Two small yet charming towns match up every year and unite thousands of children, high schoolers, alumni, parents, and generations of stories to tell of this historic matchup. The New Canaan Rams, currently 7-2, will match up with their cross town rival, the Darien Blue Wave, who sit at a perfect 9-0. This is the 25th year in a row that these two powerhouse programs matchup against each other on Thanksgiving morning, and their 91st meeting overall. The game has been played at a neutral site, Boyle Stadium in Stamford, over the last two seasons, but Stamford High will now play their game on Thanksgiving morning as well. This means that at 10 AM Thursday morning, more than 4,000 fans will be packed into Darien’s Stadium Field (with the help of some extra seating being brought in).
When looking back at last year’s game, goosebumps come to mind as this year’s matchup is nearly identical. Both teams have the same record as last time around; and New Canaan, now moved down to Class L, is again fighting for their playoff aspirations. With a win, they’re in, just like last year; but with a loss, they could miss out on the playoffs altogether as they’ve yet to clinch a spot (they’re currently the 4th seed out of 8 teams at the moment).
New Canaan started last year as the Number 1 Ranked team in the State, yet got off to a slow start at 3-2. They’d end up winning 5 straight, however, including the must win against Darien on Thanksgiving, a 17-14 classic which ended with a missed Will Kirby kick from 32 yards out. This year they were ranked at 3, and again got off to a rough start at 2-2, with losses coming against 7-2 Ridgefield on the road off a last second field goal, and an anilational on Dunning Field by Number 2 ranked St. Joseph, 58-14. But history repeated as the Rams again were unfazed, winning 5 straight behind the winningest coach in State History, Lou Marinelli, currently in his 39th season at the helm. That’s not a typo.
Senior Co-Captain Quarterback Drew Pyne has lit it up as of late, tossing 12 touchdowns and 4 rushing scores with just 1 interception over the last four games. If you haven’t heard, he’s a 4-star prospect heading to Notre Dame next Fall. He’s broken all of New Canaan’s passing records and just broke the State Record for most completions in a career. Co-Captain Wide Receiver Zach Lapolice had the impossible task of replacing one of the States most dynamic weapons, Quintin O’Connell, and he’s responded by racking up 785 receiving yards, 12 total touchdowns, and 2 interceptions starting at cornerback as well. And Senior Linebacker Chris Carratu has been a force, racking up 55 tackles and 11 sacks, also setting the Ram’s record for sacks in a game with 5. He’s also one of the FCIAC’s smartest student athletes. New Canaan also got back Stud Captain Drew Guida a few weeks ago from injury, a key piece of the Rams secondary who they’ll need to step up against the Blue Wave Offense.
Like last year, Darien has a first year starter at QB in Senior Peter Graham. He’s passed the eye test, tossing 24 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions. He’s got a cannon and veteran ball placement, and he even defeat the defending Class LL champs, Greenwich, 27-21 on the road earlier this season, tossing 3 TDs. Do-it-all RB Will Kirby might’ve missed the field goal that would’ve tied the game last year, but don’t forget about him this time around. He’s the team’s leading rusher and is 4th in receiving yards, totaling a team high 845 yards from scrimmage and 11 TDs. And the front 7 is nearly as dominant as last season. Connor Fay is gone, but Captains Sam Wilson and Will Bothwell have held the fort down quite well. Wilson leads the squad in both tackles and interceptions with 54 and 3 respectively; and Bothwell has totaled 11 sacks a piece in each of the last two seasons.
All in all, New Canaan has a challenge on its hands, but that didn’t shy them away last holiday season. This team has fought through injuries and is again firing on all cylinders at the right time. It doesn’t have 4 D1 players like last season’s squad, but it makes up for it with that same passion and drive to take down the Blue Wave and charge back into the Playoff Race, where they finished runner-up to Greenwich in Class LL last year.
Meanwhile, Darien seems to have gotten even better, as Coach Rob Trifone proves once again to be one of the best in the state and an excellent developer of talent who’s rivaled Marinelli’s Rams over the last 13 seasons. He will do anything in his power to stop New Canaan from spoiling a 3rd straight Thanksgiving.
Good news, the weather will be twice as warm this year as it was in last year’s bone chilling game, with a high of around 50 degrees fahrenheit and sunny weather mixed with clouds. However, if you couldn’t secure a ticket, the game will be livestreamed on DAF Media’s Youtube Channel with coverage starting at 9:30 A.M., where I will be privileged enough to call the game for the second straight year as a Color Analyst.
An underdog once again, can Drew Pyne cap off his career against Darien on a high note? Or will the football gods finally do Darien justice? You’ll have to come live or tune in at 10 AM sharp to find out.
