Colonials can’t stay perfect
Sloppy start proves costly against Rams
DANBURY — WestConn’s attempt to extend its perfect season was virtually over before it began Saturday evening.
The Colonials suffered a number of blows within quick succession early in the first quarter — including a blocked punt return for a touchdown and a pick-six in consecutive snaps — eventually succumbing to a 48-26 defeat to Framingham State in a pivotal game for both teams.
WestConn trailed 28-0 inside six minutes before the avalanche temporarily stopped.
“I just told the team you can’t be down five minutes into the game 21-0,” coach Joe Loth said. “Because it’s a hard mountain to come back on. We ended up losing by those three touchdowns. Then you’re really trying to push the ball down the field and trying higher-risk plays.”
WestConn (8-1, 6-1 MASCAC) would have clinched the MASCAC title and a spot in the Division III playoffs with a win. In- stead the first loss means the Colonials will need help to qualify. The Rams (7-2, 6-1) can clinch the title with a win over 2-7 Worcester State next week, as they now hold the tiebreaker over WestConn.
Turnovers and a dominating Rams defense each played roles in the lopsided result. After allowing an opening drive touchdown, WestConn had its punt blocked and returned 23 yards for a score. The next play, Rams’ freshman Kyle Quinn snared a pass at the line of scrimmage and returned it for a touchdown.
WestConn turned the ball over four times while generating 259
yards of offense.
The lone player on Framingham from the Nutmeg State was quarterback Adam Wojenski, who orchestrated the Rams’ attack. More effective running than throwing on the blustery day, the Stratford native rushed for 62 yards. Wojenski graduated from Bunnell in 2016 and had this one circled on the calendar.
“Circled in red,” Wojenski said. “It was homecoming. I chose between (WestConn) and Framingham when I was making my decision if I wanted to play football. We ran the ball and played defense.”
Framingham fullback Rufus Rushins scored four rushing touchdowns in the first half as the visitors led 41-6 at the break. The Rams spent the second half shortening the game, running the play clock down to close to zero with each snap before Rushins and Quron Wright took their turns running the ball.
“They are the most talented team we play all year and we can’t afford to turn the ball over and do those kind of things to compete with those guys,” Loth said.
WestConn closed the gap in the second half behind a fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown and a 30-yard run from Kyle McKinnon, who scored twice. The Colonials had several chances to pull to within striking distance, but a drive ended at midfield and another near the red zone after a fumble. The teams traded late touchdowns.
The Colonials will now hope for a victory over Westfield State at home next Saturday — game time is set for noon — to finish the season 9-1.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Quron Wright, Framing- ham: Rushed 12 times for 173 yards and a score for the Rams, who accumulated 374 yards on the ground.
QUOTABLE
“We have another game next week and we have to decide whether we are going to let this one effect us,” Loth said. “We have to be ready to play next week.”
“I’m really happy, it feels good,” Wojenski said. “It was very important, we had to win four straight and we’re here. This is three, we need one more.”