On Friday, November 22nd, the South Windsor High School Bobcats traveled to Enfield High School to take on the Eagles in a cold game under the bright lights in the annual Route 5 Rivalry Game.
The ‘Cats came in with the trophy following their 28-21 victory one season ago that helped the squad clinch a spot in the playoffs, but this year’s game had less at stake for the two teams. Both schools came into this year’s game at 3-6, but the records meant nothing as the intensity of a rivalry game was overwhelming.
The Bobcats opened the game with the ball but quickly stalled out on offense and punted it away to the Eagles, but just a few plays into their opening drive, quarterback Sawyer Pequita threw a pass that found ‘Cats safety Dominic MacNeil for an early interception.
South Windsor senior quarterback Jake Pflederer soon found the end zone on a run for a touchdown, which he followed with another run for the two-point conversion that gave the team an 8-0 lead.
Enfield followed with a quick touchdown of their own but muffed the snap on the kick to set the score at 8-6.
On the ensuing Bobcat possession, Pflderer hit senior tight end Jayshaun Barret for a huge pass play that would be topped off with senior Ethan Burke pushing in a 3-yard rushing touchdown to extend the South Windsor lead.
The Eagles responded with another touchdown to make it a one-point game but Burke wouldn’t let that stand for much longer as he rushed for a 24-yard touchdown to once again extend the lead for the ‘Cats.
When the horn sounded to send the game to halftime, the ‘Cats led 24-13.
Enfield scored quickly to start the half to bring the lead down to just three points, but in a flash of deja vu, Burke would take off for a long touchdown run to make it a two-score lead for the ‘Cats.
In the second half, the Bobcats defense became dominant. Another interception for MacNeil and a kickoff fumble recovery for junior Edward Casionan helped the ‘Cats keep the Eagle’s offense off the field.
In the fourth quarter, Burke snagged a 36-yard pass from Pflederer to once again add to the lead.
Following the game, Burke spoke to The Prowl. “It was a great team win to end the season. I’m proud of the work we put in this year and hope the culture lasts for the next couple of seasons,” Burke said.
With time running low, Pflederer would put the final nail in the coffin when he hit junior Ryan Laguardia for an 18-yard touchdown reception to bring the game to a close at a score of 44-21.
The celebration started on the field with the Bobcats emerging victorious for the second straight Route 5 Rivalry game.
Coach David Hodge and South Windsor High School principal Joseph Leroy spoke to the team and congratulated the seniors following the final game of the career.
With the season coming to a close, the ‘Cats finish at 4-6, and while the record may be seen as a disappointment to some, the victory in the season finale let the seniors who helped bring the Bobcats to their first playoff appearance in several years end their careers together on a high note.
