This past week, six Connecticut high school football teams broke through against specific rivals, ending long runs without victories that had lasted almost every season between these programs. Some of the matchups happen nearly every year, while others had fallen off the schedule in recent years due to how games were arranged. Each of the six wins stands out on its own.
The droughts ranged from 15 to 51 years, with standout performances from players like Josh Coughlin, JC Gonzalez, Jimmy Larocca, Chris McKittrick, Shane Connelly, Ryan Love, and Reid Moulton.
Pomperaug ends 15-year losing streak
Pomperaug beat Newtown 24-7, ending a 15-year drought that dated back to 2011. Over the 12-game losing streak, Pomperaug had been shut out by Newtown in six games.
The Panthers ended their losing streak with a win, and Josh Coughlin’s two rushing touchdowns were the difference. The team had gone 12 games without a win before this contest.
Tolland breaks 15-year losing streak
Tolland beat Bloomfield 37-8, also ending a 15-year drought that dated back to 2011. The Eagles had lost 11 straight games to Bloomfield before this win.
The two running backs combined for 326 yards on the ground during the victory, with JC Gonzalez and Jimmy Larocca sharing the rushing workload.
Branford ends 21-year losing streak
The Hornets ended their 21-year drought with a 42-21 victory over Shelton, breaking through after losing four straight games to their rivals. The win came against a Shelton team that Branford had not beaten since 2005, a span that finally came to an end with this 28-21 margin.
Chris McKittrick threw two touchdown passes, first one to tie the game and then another to put the Hornets ahead for good. That second touchdown pass secured the victory.
Guilford ends 22-year losing streak
Guilford beat Xavier 19-0, ending a 22-year drought that dated back to 2004. The Grizzlies had lost three straight games to Xavier before this win.
The win came with Shane Connelly contributing a rushing total of 282 yards and two touchdowns. That rushing total proved to be a key part of the game’s outcome.
Ludlowe ends drought against Darien
Ludlowe beat Darien 15-0, ending a 23-year drought against a team it had never beaten before.
The Falcons recorded their first-ever victory against Darien, with Ryan Love throwing two touchdown passes and the defense holding the Blue Wave scoreless throughout the game.
Mitch Ross served as an assistant coach at Darien while helping the program capture a state championship before moving to Ludlowe.
Law ends 51-year losing streak
Law beat West Haven 14-7, ending a 51-year drought that dated back to 1975. The win was the longest drought broken in this group.
The Law defense produced four turnovers, which contributed to the close margin of victory, while Reid Moulton hauled in a touchdown reception covering 22 yards.
Mac DeVito, Sean Patrick Bowley, and a few of our friends from #cthsfb Twitter all helped track down the last year Law beat West Haven, along with me. Well done to everyone involved.
The week in Connecticut high school football
| Team | Result | Last Win | Length of Drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomperaug | 24-7 win over Newtown | 2011 | 15 years (12 straight losses) |
| Tolland | 37-8 win over Bloomfield | 2011 | 15 years (11 straight losses) |
| Branford | 28-21 win over Shelton | 2005 | 21 years (four straight losses) |
| Guilford | 19-0 win over Xavier | 2004 | 22 years (three straight losses) |
| Ludlowe | 15-0 win over Darien | Never | 23 years (10 straight losses) |
| Law | 14-7 win over West Haven | 1975 | 51 years |
What these wins mean
The victories here carry weight because they alter the balance of power in neighborhood matchups. A squad that had fallen behind for generations finally emerged victorious.
Each team found a way to break through during the droughts, and the wins came quickly, with the performances standing out along the way.
Across Connecticut, high school football teams met longtime rivals, and the week revealed how deep the sport runs in the state. The results were historic.
A memorable week
Six victories stood out for their distinct causes. A few came from bold individual efforts, while others owed themselves to tight defensive play. Every single one of them finally put an end to long stretches of frustration.
Every side needed a path to victory, and each found its own.
That week served as a reminder that high school football can deliver unforgettable moments, even when the contests fail to attract national notice.
Looking ahead
These victories put an end to the long waits, yet the old rivalries remain. The teams will face each other once more, with these triumphs still fresh in their minds.
The attention is currently fixed on the present. Six clubs broke lengthy losing runs, and that is cause for joy.
The contests have concluded, the statistics stand recorded, and the recollections will endure.
See the video the story is built around at Yahoo Sports.
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