Sports: Fitch remains unbeaten with 72-26 football win over Branford

Falcons remain spotless with win over Branford

Branford — Fitch played a (wacky) football game Friday night that was a good barometer for how one views life — glass half empty, or glass half full.

The Falcons scored two plays into their game against Branford and never stopped scoring.

One problem — Branford kept scoring, too.

Fitch finally got its defense settled in the second half and zipped away for a 72-26 win in an Eastern Connecticut Conference vs. Southern Connecticut Conference crossover.

"I think six (out of 10) because we didn't play as hard as we could," Falcons senior fullback/linebacker Hollis Scott said about the defense.

"We were sleeping on them, and that's a big thing. We could definitely do better."

Fitch outscored the Hornets 34-6 in the second half.

"I think the defense had a tough night," Falcons head coach Mike Ellis said. "Branford was able to make plays when they needed to make plays to keep drives going, so we have to stop that from happening.

"(The first half) kept going from (a two-score lead) to three scores to two scores to three scores. And that's where I give my kids credit. They were iffy there at halftime, and they were able to crank it up and get it together and play a nice second half. So it wasn't easy, but we'll take it. Give Branford a lot of credit for what they did."

Who scored for Fitch (5-0)? It's more like who didn't score for Fitch.

Scott ran eight times for 64 yards and three touchdowns, broke multiple tackles to turn a dump off pass into a 36-yard touchdown, and had a 38-yard scoop-and-score off a botched Branford punt.

“They were iffy at halftime, and they were able to crank it up get it together and play a nice second half ... So it wasn’t easy, but we’ll take it.” FITCH COACH MIKE ELLIS OF FALCONS’ PERFORMANCE

Fitch also hit big on the third option of the triple option as junior quarterback Tyler Nelli was an efficient 4 of 6 for 158 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran 13 times for 166 yards.

Senior Antonyo Figeuroa (41 yards) and junior Hamear Stephens (49) both had touchdown catches for the Falcons.

Juniors Sal Aiello (65 yards) and Kazmire Pray (48) both scored on interception returns for Fitch and senior Tyler Andrews ran for a 2-yard touchdown. Figeuroa added an interception and Nelli kicked a 30-yard field goal.

Sophomore Sean Kelly completed 14 of 27 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown and scored on a 3-yard run for Branford (1-5).

Senior receiver Daniel Thomas was nearly unstoppable for the Hornets as he had seven catches for 132 yards.

Junior Jackson Seward ran 10 times for 55 yards and two touchdowns and caught an 18-yard touchdown for Branford. n.griffen@theday.com