Brett Phillips, Wilton’s senior quarterback, drops back from the Wreckers’ 26-yard line, a minute left on the clock, and releases a bullet towards the end zone. Bobby Jacowleff ’14 leaps up and pulls the ball down at the four-yard line, putting an end to a threatening push by the Wilton Warriors. Jack Massie ’14 comes on to the field and runs out the minute remaining on the game clock, giving the Wreckers a 14-7 homecoming win.

The Wreckers had a rough start, with an interception on their first drive down the field. The defense came out strong, however, and forced Wilton to punt after 3 downs.

Captain Will Johnson ’14 scored the Wrecker’s first touchdown on a 75-yard punt return about 5 minutes into the game.

The defense continued to play well, first forcing Wilton to punt and then recovering a fumble. The first quarter ended with the score still 7-0.

In the second quarter, Patrick Lesch ’14 toughed out a series of productive carries before tearing his way into the end zone on a 9-yard run.

Now down by 14 points, Wilton pushed back hard. Phillips ran for their first touchdown with 1:07 left in the half. Then the Warriors picked-off a pass attempt from Massie and powered to the Wreckers’ 9-yard line. With seven seconds remaining, there was a chance the half could end 14-14, but the defense for Staples held them, with the half ending in a missed field goal from Wilton.

Wilton maintained control of the ball for most of the second half, but the Wrecker defense held them scoreless.

In the fourth quarter, Wilton made a last minute drive down the field, ending with Jacowleff’s interception.

Coach Marce Petroccio will take the win, but he says he knows the team can do better.

“We made a lot of mistakes,” Petroccio said. “We’ve got to move the sticks. We’ve got to stop [our opponents].”

Despite a bit of a rough start to the season, Lesch has high hopes. “Our team is coming together well and we have the same goals as every season, which are to get an FCIAC and a state title.”