Samantha Axon, Sports Editor
@SAxonCourant
The New Canaan Rams and Darien Blue Wave met for the annual Turkey Bowl this Thanksgiving. Coming into the game, both teams were undefeated, but coming out, only one team could hold onto that honor.
Photo by Kara Fahey
To start off the game, the Rams forced the Blue Wave into a quick three and out, leading Darien to punt the ball off to the Rams, but during the kick, a personal foul was called against New Canaan, giving the ball back to Darien, along with an extra 15 yards and an automatic first down. Once Darien got the ball back on their own 50 yard line, senior Finley Collins rushed 50 yards up the middle for a touchdown. Senior Riley Stewart’s extra point was good, putting the Blue Wave up 7-0 early in the first.
On the next Blue Wave drive, Darien continued to make their way downfield, until junior Nick Green had a 9 yard run that would result in a touchdown, putting
Photo by Kara Fahey
the Blue Wave ahead 13-0.
But the Rams fought back as junior Grant Morse kicked a 35 yard field goal, which was followed by a 77 yard touchdown run by senior Graham Braden. This brought the score to 13-10.
Darien retaliated, scoring two additional touchdowns. The score at the end of the half would be 27-10 after senior co-captain and linebacker James Freyre intercepted a Blue Wave ball and prevented them from scoring another touchdown.
Early in the third, Darien’s senior Quinn Fay forced a fumble and senior Cord Fox returned it for another touchdown, extending the Blue Wave’s lead to 34-10.
But the Rams quickly came back. They were able to score 3 touchdowns from sophomore Quintin O’Connell, senior Spencer Williams, and senior co-captain Ryan
Photo by Kara Fahey
O’Connell. Grant Morse also kicked a successful 25 yard field goal, bringing the score to 34-34, and forcing the game into overtime.
In overtime, each team received the ball on their opponent’s 20 yard line and had the opportunity to try and score.
If the first team scores, then the other team will receive the ball afterwards. If they can score the same amount of points on their possession, then the game is extended; if the second team is unable to score, then the first team wins. Darien started with the ball on New Canaan’s 20 yard line and were quickly forced into 4th down. Riley Stewart extended the Blue Wave’s lead to 37-34.
New Canaan then got the ball, looking to score a field goal to extend overtime, or a touchdown for the win. Freshman quarterback Drew Pyne threw the ball, but it was intercepted by Collins, ending the Rams’ chance for a Turkey Bowl win.
