NFA pulls away from Stonington in 2nd half
Norwich — Shea McManaway threw three touchdowns passes as Norwich Free Academy scored four second-half touchdowns to celebrate Homecoming with a 35-0 win over Stonington on Saturday afternoon. NFA (3-3) led 7-0 at halftime. "Once our offense got clicking we made some plays" said NFA head coach Jason Bakoulis. "We had a tough road trip last week (a 4219 loss at West Haven), but it feels good to be back home and get a win.”
The Bears (1-4) contributed to the halftime score as they used their double wing offense to control the clock. They had a 17-to-7 minute edge in time of possession.
“It was a tough offense to figure out, but we stayed together as a team and got the victory,” NFA's Kenyatta Peake said.
McManaway threw a 23-yard touchdown to Kevin Pomroy in the first half.
“Our kids competed hard. I’m very proud of them. This was purely a decision made for the protection and safety of our kids. Never again will my team be put in this type of position again. We talk about safety in football, yet I’ve got 29 kids going up against a school like (NFA). Never again. I don’t care what anyone thinks. I did what’s best for these kids.” STONINGTON COACH A.J. MASSENGALE, ON TAKING A KNEE WITH FIVE MINUTES LEFT
George Sechen's 24-yard field goal pushed the Wildcats ahead, 10-0, early in the third quarter.
Stonington put itself in position to score later that quarter, but Peake intercepted a deflected pass and returned it for a 95-yard touchdown.
McManaway threw touchdowns of 60 and 9 yards to Nolan Molkenthin in the fourth quarter.
The Bears trailed 29-0 with over five minutes remaining and had the ball when head coach A.J. Massengale had his team take a knee.
“Our kids competed extremely hard,” Massengale said. “I'm very proud of them. This was purely a decision made for the protection and safety of our kids.
“Never again will my team be put in this type of position again. We talk about safety in football, yet I've got 29 kids going up against a school like this. Never again. I don't care what anyone thinks. I did what's best for these kids.”
NFA's Surasak Stowe scored on a 23-yard run in the final minute.