Henry Silva, Sports Editor
The Rams defeated their rival, Darien, in the CIAC Class L Championship to defend their state title. They defeated the Blue Wave in a back and forth game, that once again saw Senior Captain Alex Benevento coming up big with another 2 touchdown performance. The Rams were able to meet their high expectations coming into the season, yet the path to their 14th CIAC championship was not easy.
In the state semifinals, the Rams were faced with a 2022 state title rematch against Maloney. Senior Alex Benevento scored the Rams’ lone touchdown on a 60-yard run in the second half to tie the game at 8. However, it would be Tucker Stephens who played hero as he nailed a 38-yard field goal as time expired to win the game.
The Rams took care of business in quarterfinals with a 49-14 win over Killingly. Junior Alex Russey and Senior Luke Reed scored 2 touchdowns apiece, helping the Rams along on their postseason push.
Despite the postseason getting all of the headlines, it was the regular season that contributed to the momentum allowing for the Rams to win the title. The Rams game against Darien in the championship was actually a rematch, as the first matchup between the two rivals took place at the Turkey Bowl. The Rams would take full control of the game early after an opening kickoff return touchdown by Alex Benevento and 81-yard touchdown run by Alex Russey. The Rams never let this lead go, cruising to a 31-17 win.
The three games before the Turkey Bowl were blowouts ending in the Rams favor. They defeated McMahon, Bridgeport Central and Norwalk by a combined score of 135-20.
On October 21st, the Rams faced Wilton in a top-ten matchup that lived up to the hype. The Rams were able to hang on with a 20-13 win in overtime. After a slow start offensively, the Rams and the Warriors went into halftime tied at seven.. The Warriors put up a quick 6 points in the third quarter, but the Rams were able to send the game to overtime in the fourth. It would be the Lukes – Luke Robinson and Luke Bopp – who would be the heroes in the extra period. Luke Robinson rushed for the winning touchdown and then Luke Bopp intercepted Wilton’s pass to seal the game.
In their first non conference game, the Rams hosted Windsor in a game that was expected to be a nailbiter. Yet, a dominant defense and Luke Reed’s two touchdowns led the Rams to a 33-12 victory.
The Rams finished the regular season 10-1, defeating all of their opponents other than the Shelton Gaels. The Rams dropped their opener 26-23, but this early loss was able to serve as a learning experience and propel them to win out and defend their state title.
When reflecting on the season, senior captain Alex Benevento credited the team’s composure throughout the ups and downs. “The constant leadership and guidance shown by our coaches and captains was a big reason for our success,” Alex said. “Nothing feels better than going out on top.”
