North Branford Football Rallies to Beat Coginchaug

The found itself in an unfamiliar situation against Coginchaug on Nov. 4–behind. The T-Birds trailed 16-12 entering the final frame, but a fourth-quarter Brandan Basil to Joe DeLucia touchdown pass and a Ryan Magnotti PAT gave North Branford the 19-16 win for a 6-1 record this season.

"Week one's and week seven's had help shape our confidence in these tight games," said Coach Mark Basil. "The guys have begun to learn to play and perform under pressure–no one is shying away from it."

North Branford struck first in the contest with Basil and DeLucia connecting for a 73-yard touchdown pass for a 6-0 lead. In the second quarter, Dale Hausman added a four-yard score and after the two-point conversion failed, the T-Birds led 12-0.

The Blue Devils proved troublesome with two TD passes from Tyler Meeker, both to Ethen Donecker, of 74 yards and 10 yards, respectively. Coginchaug added to its lead  by converting both of its two-point attempts to go up 16-12 before halftime.

The third quarter was scoreless before North Branford notched the game-winner in the final frame.

Basil was 20-for-35 passing for 333 yards and two TDs along with one interception. DeLucia had four receptions for 107 yards and two scores to go with six carries for 27 yards. Hausman had 12 carries for 44 yards and a touchdown.

Other offensive contributions came from Chris Caron (6 receptions for 121 yards), Cory Onofrio (6 receptions for 90 yards) and Magnotti (2 receptions for 31 yards).

Anthony Franco led the defense with 13 tackles, while John Burke added six. Damoy Hunter and Gary Falanga each had five tackles.

"Doubt is not allowed in our locker room or on the field," said Basil. "They understand that these are the opportunities that will help shape them as people and they welcome it. They are getting better by the week."

North Branford next travels to Nonnewaug on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. before hosting Lewis Mills on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. and then travels to New Haven to take on Hyde on Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 23, at 5 p.m.