Doug Reilly
Sports Editor
After last year’s last minute 35-34 victory over the Greenwich Cardinals, tensions were running high going into last Friday night’s rematch with Greenwich, as were expectations for another memorable game. However, this year’s matchup wasn’t much of a thriller, as the Rams dominated Greenwich at Dunning Stadium, winning by a score of 42-20.
The Rams didn’t need the high-definition picture of MSG Varsity’s Friday Night Football to look perfect, as junior quarterback Matt Milano threw for five touchdowns, and senior captain receiver Kevin Macari caught three touchdown passes and returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown, leading the Rams to a second straight victory. “Having the cameras and the helicopter was really cool,” Kevin said. “The Bomb Squad created a great atmosphere and there were some really motivating signs in our section.”
Not only did the win improve the Rams to 7-1 on the season, 6-1 in the FCIAC, but it kept hopes of a fifth straight state championship alive, as well as end Greenwich’s postseason aspirations.
The Rams scored early and often on the Cardinal defense, including a 38-yard catch and run by Macari from Milano for a touchdown, their first of three touchdown hookups on the night, on just the third play of the game. After a three-and-out by the Greenwich offense, the Rams picked up where they left off. Milano connected with senior running back Conor Goodwin on a screen pass, and Goodwin ran 41 yards into the end zone, giving the Rams a quick 13-0 lead, sending aforementioned Bussey’s Bomb Squad into frenzy.
Senior defensive lineman Ryan Shullman’s tackle in the backfield on third down ended Greenwich’s second offensive possession after another three-and-out, precluding the second touchdown connection between Milano and Macari. This time, Milano hit Macari for seven yards for the touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion from Milano to junior receiver Connor Kilbane, the Rams were up 21-0, not even halfway through the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Cardinals picked up some momentum after an errant snap sailed over Milano’s head, before being recovered by Greenwich at the one-yard line. Greenwich capitalized on the mistake, and scored on the very next play, cutting the deficit to 14, 21-7.
A three-and-out by the Rams gave the Cardinals even more hope. But after a 33-yard pass from quarterback sophomore Liam O’Neil to Mike Daly, the drive stalled when Shullman came up big again, sacking O’Neil on fourth down, forcing a turnover on downs.
The final touchdown from Milano to Macari came after Milano found junior Kevin McDonough for a 28-yard reception that brought the Rams deep into Cardinal territory. Two plays later, Macari ran a perfect fade route into the corner of the end zone and Milano led him perfectly as the two connected for a 24-yard touchdown. The score killed all of Greenwich’s momentum and the rout was on with 3:01 remaining in the first half.
A penalty against the Rams on the ensuing kickoff put the ball in New Canaan territory at the 49, but on the very next play Liam O’Neil’s pass was intercepted by Macari, who sprinted 71-yards to pay dirt, giving the Rams a 36-7 lead.
The Cardinals fumbled on their next possession and Milano threw his fifth touchdown pass of the half, this time to senior Willie Gould, for 38 yards, and the Rams went into the half with a commanding 42-7 lead.
A touchdown on the opening drive of the second half and another with 21 seconds to play brought the final score to 42-20, as the Rams were probably focused on just killing the clock rather than scoring, especially with the 50-point rule. Had the Rams continued to score and gone on to win by 50 or more points, head coach Lou Marinelli would have been subject to a one-game suspension.
Milano finished the night having completed 17 of 23 passes and five touchdowns, three of which were thrown to Macari, who continues to impress this year with impressive game performance. “Milano’s been awesome. He’s making it fun to play for all the receivers because he’s getting us the ball in spots where we can all make plays,” Kevin said. Macari’s four touchdowns against Greenwich give him a total of seven in the past two weeks, after he caught four touchdown passes during last week’s homecoming rout of Wilton.
Next week, the Rams will look to get revenge on the Bridgeport Central Hilltoppers. Last year, the Hilltoppers ended New Canaan’s hopes of an FCIAC title, trouncing the Rams 42-7. “That loss really gets us motivated and we’re looking to let them know from the first play that it isn’t 2009 anymore and we are going to give everything to come out on top,” Kevin said. The game will be played at Dunning Stadium at 7 pm, this Friday, November 12th.
Photos by Emily Greene
