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NEW CANAAN, Conn. – New Canaan football coach Lou Marinelli has been part of the rivalry against Darien since 1981. He’s anticipating Thursday’s game as much as any of the games in his long tenure.
“It just doesn’t get any better,’’ said Marinelli, who is 20-11 against Darien during his career, including a 1-1 record in state tournament games. “The kids are excited, the whole community gets behind it, and it’s just a great thing for the entire community in both towns.”
Thursday’s game kicks off at New Canaan at 10:30 a.m. Besides Turkey Bowl bragging rights, a state tournament berth in the Class L playoffs is on the line for each team. Both teams bring 8-1 records into the game. New Canaan, currently seeded sixth, needs a win to get into the playoffs. Darien, currently seeded 10th, also could use a victory. Due to the formulas for compiling the eight teams in the playoffs, Darien could be on the outside looking in even if it wins. A loss for either team will end their season.
Since the teams began playing on Thanksgiving in 1994, the Rams have earned a 12-4-1 advantage. The Rams have won 10 straight games in the series, including a state championship game in 2008. Darien’s last Turkey Bowl win came in 2001.
The Rams’ only loss this season came against Stamford, 36-29, on Nov. 5. They also played tight contests against Fairfield Warde and Norwalk. In the loss to Stamford, starting quarterback Matt Milano left late in the first quarter with a concussion and did not return. He bounced back a week later to lead New Canaan to a 49-13 win over Trumbull.
“He’s ready to go,’’ Marinelli said. “He’s a little worse for wear, but he should be OK.”
Milano, a senior, has been sensation this fall with 26 touchdown passes and just three interceptions. He has thrown for 2,084 yards and has climbed near the top of several team passing records. Louis Hagopian leads the team with 310 rushing yards. Hagopian, Kevin McDonough and Teddy Bossidy have run for three touchdowns apiece. Patrick Newton (44 receptions, seven touchdowns) leads a dangerous cast of receivers.
McDonough (team-high 72 tackles) and Dylan Leeming (71) anchor the defense. The Rams have given up 158 points on the year, but the offense has made up for any shortcomings by compiling 331, just six behind league-leading Greenwich.
“Darien is a very good football team with a lot of weapons,’’ Marinelli said. “We expect it’s going to be another tough game, and we’re going to have to play our best to win.”
