Clash of the Titans (Boys Lax @ Weston)

Rebels look to force overtime late in the 4th quarter

New Fairfield senior Andrew Kerner said it best before the game when he stated the keys to the game against the Weston Trojans (11-1) would be ground balls and time of possession. Weston proved to be superior in both facets as they consistently beat the rebels to loose balls en route to a back and forth 7-6 win.

As expected it was a low-scoring defensive game between the two SWC powerhouses. The two teams traded goals in the first half, but thanks to a late second quarter goal by Lyle Mitchell the Trojans held a slim 4-3 lead at halftime.

The Rebels came out firing in the third quarter and tied the game at 4, a score that would not last long as Weston scored to take a 5-4 lead, and Faller of Weston scored with 5 minutes remaining in the third quarter to take a commanding 6-4 lead.

An offsides penalty in the closing seconds of the third quarter led to an early 4^th quarter goal by Ryan Mallon to put New Fairfield down 1. Momentum stayed with the Rebels as Mallon tied the game less than two minutes later, setting the stage for an exhilarating final ten minutes.

Nick Costabile made a spectacular save, but on the following Weston possession a series of crisp passes concluded with Captain Morgan Faller feeding Lyle Mitchell for the go-ahead goal, a lead Weston would not relinquish. Over the final 7:30 New Fairfield had several opportunities to tie the game including a strong drive by Max Blum with less than two minutes remaining, however he was knocked down as he shot and missed wide. The Rebels last chance was thwarted when goalie Alex Peyreigne saved a desperate shot by Sam Reynolds.

This likely will not be the last meeting between the two schools with the SWC playoffs looming two weeks away. A determined well-coached New Fairfield team will surely be eager to avenge a frustrating one goal loss.