Putting on a show
Colonials come up with enough big plays to stay perfect
DANBURY — The defense of the WestConn football team spent most of second half on the field in its home opener Saturday night, protecting a lead as visiting UMassDartmouth accumulated one first down after another.
But when the situation required big plays, the Colonials more than came up with them.
The Colonials moved to 4-0 for the first time since 2002 thanks to their 40-27 win over UMass-Dartmouth in a battle of undefeated squads. A 97-yard interception return from Justin Witherspoon in the fourth quarter helped sealed the win when it appeared the game would be decided at the horn.
“It was tough and a real battle when they’re trying to drive,” said senior linebacker Jaret DeVellis, a Newtown native. “It can get tough on guys, but the coaches really put it in us that we’re great. We just have to play our game, stick to what we’re good at and bend but don’t break.”
WestConn’s offense resembled the Greatest Show on Turf in the first half as big plays in the pass game became the norm. WestConn racked up 313 of its 420 yards in the opening half; the tone was set on second play from scrimmage when Will Daniels hauled in a 65-yard touchdown from David James. The Colonials built an early
13-0 lead before the Corsairs responded to tie the game.
“I was obviously excited but that was a great credit to my team,” Daniels said. “We got guys up front blocking, a quarterback making plays and four other receivers. I got lucky tonight was my night, but on any given play it can be any of us.”
UMass — which didn’t punt in the second half — trailed 27-13 and had several chances to pull closer, but a short field goal was missed and another ended on a fumble inside the 10yard line. UMass missed two field goals and had three turnovers.
“As well as we played in the first half offensively we didn’t play well in the third quarter,” Loth said. “We went three-and-out a couple times and they had these long drives. We were able to settle down in the fourth quarter and close them out.”
Witherspoon’s clutch interception return — which tied a school record — came with 10:53 left and gave WestConn a 34-20 advantage with 11 minutes left. UMass-responded with a touchdown to pull to within a score before the Colonials’ offense finally sustained a 11-play, 65 yard drive that ended in Kyle McKinnon’s third rushing touchdown of the night.
“Justin Witherspoon came up with a huge play with the pick-six to turn the tide,” Loth said. “We got our feet back under us offensively and were able to close them out.”
HOMECOMING
The game was a homecoming for Bethel High grad Daniels, who transferred from the University of Rhode Island. He made an immediate impact in his first home game with the long touchdown reception and finished with four catches for 105 yards.
“First of all he’s an outstanding football player,” Loth said. “Size wise (6foot-3) he’ll be one of the bigger players at this level. He’s a combination of size, speed and strength and a high football IQ. He’s a great kid. Any time you have those attributes it makes for a really good receiver, and him being local kid is always great.”
PLAYER OF THE GAME
McKinnon, WestConn: His hat trick of touchdowns provided the points for the Colonials.
QUOTABLE
“Every week there’s something to get better on,” DeVellis said. “We just have to keep rolling and playing our game.”
UP NEXT
WestConn will look to move to 5-0 when they head back on the road to visit Worcester State. U-Mass will face Bridgewater State.