It’s December in New Canaan, and while the festive lights brighten Elm Street, the Rams football team has been lighting up the scoreboard. Over the past two weeks, Lou Marinelli’s squad has reminded everyone why they’re chasing a third consecutive Class L title. A combination of defensive dominance, offensive versatility, and big-game composure has defined this stretch.
The Turkey Bowl: A Rainy Day Massacre in Darien
Thanksgiving morning brought the annual Turkey Bowl showdown against Darien, a rivalry steeped in nearly a century of tradition. This time, it wasn’t just a win for New Canaan—it was a statement. The Rams steamrolled Darien 34-0 on the Blue Wave’s home turf, their largest margin of victory in the series since 1988.
Rain-soaked conditions played perfectly into New Canaan’s game plan. Senior Andrew Esposito, one of the state’s premier athletes, was the star of the show, scoring all four touchdowns out of the formation. Whether he was evading tacklers or bulldozing through defenders, Esposito couldn’t be stopped. His most dazzling play came on a 23-yard touchdown run in which he broke a tackle, juked a defender, and dashed untouched into the end zone.
The Rams’ offensive line set the tone, paving the way for 275 rushing yards on 42 carries. While the ground game stole the spotlight, quarterback Luke Robinson managed the wet conditions with poise, keeping Darien’s defense honest with timely throws that extended drives and chewed up the clock.
Defensively, New Canaan delivered one of the most dominant performances in Turkey Bowl history. Coming into the game, Darien was averaging over 41 points per contest, but the Rams held them to a paltry 144 total yards. Shockingly, the Blue Wave didn’t record a first down until the final minute of the first half. Defensive linemen like Simon Tchakarov wreaked havoc in the trenches, while defensive backs like Michael Smith blanketed receivers and capitalized on sloppy conditions.
Darien’s lone scoring threat came midway through the third quarter, when they drove to New Canaan’s 2-yard line. But a mishandled option pitch ended the drive, epitomizing their struggles against the Rams’ relentless defense. By the time the final whistle blew, New Canaan had firmly established themselves as a team to beat heading into the playoffs.
Quarterfinals vs. Maloney: A Familiar Foe Falls Again
Just days after the Turkey Bowl, New Canaan hosted Maloney in the Class L quarterfinals, marking the fifth meeting between these two programs in three years. As in their previous encounters, New Canaan emerged victorious, delivering a 41-7 beatdown at Dunning Field.
The Rams wasted little time setting the tone. After a missed field goal on their opening drive, Robinson connected with Charlie Koch on a 20-yard touchdown pass for a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter. The second quarter was a clinic in efficiency. James McInerney capped a short drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, and minutes later, Mazza’s interception deep in Maloney territory set up Robinson’s 1-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime.
The third quarter belonged to Robinson and Esposito. Robinson’s precision passing was on full display, threading the needle on a 17-yard touchdown pass to Esposito, who muscled through defenders to extend the lead to 28-0. Moments later, Robinson unleashed a perfectly placed 29-yard strike to Chris Cuesta, capping another scoring drive and effectively putting the game out of reach at 35-0.
Defensively, the Rams were once again suffocating. Maloney’s offense, which had struggled with turnovers in the past against New Canaan, faltered under the pressure of a relentless pass rush and tight coverage. Tchakarov’s strip sack and fumble recovery on Maloney’s opening drive of the second half symbolized the Rams’ defensive dominance. In total, New Canaan forced four turnovers, including two interceptions, and consistently disrupted Maloney’s rhythm.
While Maloney avoided the shutout with a late touchdown pass, the game was already well in hand. Hudson Kenny added an 18-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, highlighting the Rams’ depth and balance on offense.
What Lies Ahead
With the Turkey Bowl and quarterfinals behind them, New Canaan is laser-focused on their semifinal matchup against undefeated Newtown this Sunday. Newtown, the No. 3 seed, boasts a physical, balanced attack that will test the Rams on both sides of the ball.
For New Canaan, the formula remains the same: an opportunistic defense, a methodical offense led by the steady hand of Robinson, and game-breaking plays from Esposito and company. The Rams’ mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy has them peaking at the perfect time.
For Rams fans, it’s time to clear your schedules—Sunday promises another chapter in what has already been an unforgettable season.
