By John Marple
After a resounding 42-13 win against the Maloney Spartans, the New Canaan Rams are riding high as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Warde Mustangs this Friday, September 20, at 6:00 p.m.
New Canaan’s season opener against Maloney was a masterclass in execution on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Luke Robinson and wide receiver Andrew Esposito Jr. were the stars of the show, connecting for five touchdowns in a display that underscored their impeccable chemistry. Robinson, with 307 passing yards and a completion rate of 73.7%, picked apart the Spartans’ defense, while Esposito made the most of his opportunities, racking up an astonishing 271 receiving yards and five scores. The duo’s performance has solidified New Canaan’s offense as one of the most lethal in the state early in the 2024 season.
Running back Henry Stein added balance to the Rams’ attack, rushing for 86 yards and providing steady support on the ground. His ability to break through the line of scrimmage gave New Canaan another dimension in an offense that is already loaded with talent.
Defensively, New Canaan’s secondary was a brick wall for much of the night. The Rams’ defense managed to intercept two passes, with one being returned 32 yards for a touchdown by defensive back Michael Smith. Smith’s pick-six further dampened Maloney’s hopes of a comeback and showcased the Rams’ defensive prowess, particularly in capitalizing on their opponents’ mistakes.
New Canaan has dominated Warde in their previous meetings, winning their last five matchups, including a commanding 47-0 victory in September 2023. However, this year’s rematch may present new challenges for the Rams, especially as they won’t have the comfort of home-field advantage. Warde will be looking to build on their own recent victory, a 20-6 win over Harding, which snapped a three-game losing streak.
The Mustangs’ performance against Harding was a much-needed confidence boost for a team that had been struggling to find its footing. Warde’s defense held firm throughout the contest, allowing just six points and keeping Harding off balance for most of the game. On offense, the Mustangs’ rushing attack wore down Harding’s defense, allowing Warde to control the clock and secure the win.
While Warde’s victory was significant, the task of facing New Canaan is a different level of challenge. The Rams have proven to be relentless on both sides of the ball, and their offense, led by Robinson and Esposito, is firing on all cylinders. The Mustangs will need to tighten their defense and find a way to slow down Robinson’s passing game if they hope to compete.
New Canaan, on the other hand, will be focused on continuing their offensive and defensive dominance. The Rams’ secondary, which played a pivotal role against Maloney, will be looking to replicate their ball-hawking success, while the front seven will aim to pressure Warde’s offense into making mistakes.
Friday’s matchup will be a critical test for both teams. For New Canaan, it’s another opportunity to affirm their No. 1 ranking in the state and extend their winning streak. For Warde, it’s a chance to prove they can compete with one of the top teams in Connecticut football.
As New Canaan travels to Fairfield, fans will be watching to see if the Rams can continue their impressive run and whether Robinson and Esposito can add to their growing list of accolades. Meanwhile, Warde will look to defend their home turf and build off their recent success.
Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m., and with both teams coming off wins, Friday night’s clash is shaping up to be a compelling contest. Will New Canaan’s high-flying offense prove too much for Warde, or will the Mustangs mount a strong challenge in front of their home crowd? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—New Canaan is going in ready to win.
