The New Canaan Rams delivered a statement win Friday night, defeating Wilton 32-0 at Fujitani Field. Bolstered by a relentless defense that forced five turnovers and limited the Warriors to just 103 yards, the Rams continued to build their case as one of Connecticut’s most formidable high school football programs. This shutout comes just a week after Wilton’s unexpected victory over top-ranked Greenwich, showcasing New Canaan’s ability to remain resilient against a surging opponent.
The Rams’ defense wasted no time asserting control. New Canaan’s punter, Bennett Petrusiello, set the stage early, pinning Wilton at their 1-yard line with a perfectly executed punt. Under intense defensive pressure, a botched snap sent Wilton’s quarterback scrambling in the end zone, and junior standout Michael Hiraman secured a safety, giving New Canaan the game’s first points. This defensive score was just the beginning, as Hiraman went on to force a crucial fumble later in the game, which led directly to New Canaan’s expanding lead.
While New Canaan’s offense struggled initially to find its rhythm, the team relied on strategic field positioning and precise special teams play to gain an early advantage. Tucker Stevens drilled a 36-yard field goal in the second quarter, extending the Rams’ lead to 5-0 at halftime. Despite the close score, New Canaan’s defense had effectively neutralized Wilton’s offense, which failed to gain any significant traction against the Rams’ defensive front.
New Canaan’s defense was especially tenacious in the second half, where a forced fumble on Wilton’s third play of the half shifted the momentum decisively in favor of the Rams. Henry Stein capitalized with a 6-yard touchdown run, pushing the Rams to an 11-0 lead after a failed conversion attempt. Moments later, linebacker Will Sullivan intercepted a pass and returned it 31 yards to score, further widening the lead to 18-0. This defensive touchdown showcased the Rams’ versatility and their ability to turn turnovers into points.
Quarterback Luke Robinson orchestrated New Canaan’s offensive efforts in the final stretch, finding rhythm as the team took advantage of strong field positions set up by the defense. Robinson completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards, showcasing accuracy and composure as he led a balanced attack that wore down Wilton’s defense. Robinson’s own 1-yard dive in the fourth quarter marked New Canaan’s third touchdown, before McInerney capped off the scoring with a 2-yard run, rewarding him for his earlier interception return and securing the shutout.
The Rams’ defensive unit, led by coordinator Chris Silvestri, displayed a level of focus and discipline that has become synonymous with New Canaan football under head coach Lou Marinelli. By containing Wilton’s quarterback and targeting key players, New Canaan’s defense held a previously high-scoring offense to its lowest output of the season. Wilton’s top threats were neutralized, as their quarterback, who had impressed against Greenwich, completed just 6 of 14 passes for a total of 24 yards, a testament to New Canaan’s coverage and pressure.
This victory marks the Rams’ fifth win of the season, positioning them well for the remaining games before the highly anticipated Thanksgiving matchup against Darien. As the team moves into the final stretch with games against Norwalk, Brien McMahon, and Bridgeport Central, the Rams will look to fine-tune their offense, building on the defensive momentum that has defined their season.
Wilton faces a challenging path forward with upcoming games against Darien and Fairfield Ludlowe. The loss against New Canaan ended their three-game winning streak, with a defense as disciplined and dynamic as New Canaan’s, the Warriors found their previous strategies ineffective.
For New Canaan’s players, this win represents a continuation of the team’s commitment to excellence on both sides of the ball. With a defense capable of both preventing scores and creating its own, and an offense that has steadily evolved, the Rams remain a team to watch.
