Under the bright lights of Jack O’Brien Stadium on Thursday, September 18, the Bobcats of South Windsor traveled to Windsor for a showdown with the GameTimeCT seventh-ranked Warriors. It’s been a rough go of things for the ‘Cats against the Warriors as of late, having lost four straight without scoring a single point against Windsor since their 14-12 victory in 2010.
The ‘Cats got the opening kickoff and quickly started driving down the field. A few good runs from juniors Jahlil Montgomery and Ryan Faux, as well as senior Dom MacNeil, set the team up in the red zone. Faux took a handoff and streaked down the left side of the field and into the end zone for the game’s first score.
Despite failing to convert the two-point conversion, the 6-0 score marked the Bobcats’ first lead and first points against Windsor in 15 years.
On the ensuing kickoff, Bobcats senior kicker Aiden Saada surprised the Warriors return team by going short and got the ‘Cats the ball back after it deflected off a Windsor returner. South started to mount a drive toward the end zone but couldn’t convert a fourth down and gave the ball to Windsor.
The Warriors, led by senior quarterback A.J. Robinson, would not be held down for long. Just a few plays into their opening drive, Robinson uncorked a ball deep down the Windsor sideline and right into the hands of his receiver for a huge touchdown. After a missed kick, the game was tied at 6 as the first quarter ended.
Windsor forced a quick stop and scored in just a few plays once more to give them a 14-6 lead. In a feeling of déjà vu, the Warriors stopped the ‘Cats and got the ball back before scoring quickly and extending their lead.
With the first half winding down, the Bobcats got the ball back and threw a screen to Faux, who took off and could not be caught for a huge 70-yard touchdown.
At the half, the Warriors led 21-14, with Robinson throwing three for the home team and Faux holding two of his own.
Right out of the gate, the Warriors struck quickly to make it a two-touchdown lead. However, the Bobcats looked to keep the pressure on the Warriors, a team unfamiliar with this type of game against South Windsor.
A long run by Faux and a catch-and-run by MacNeil set the ‘Cats up at the one-yard line. MacNeil capped off the drive with a rushing touchdown to bring the score to 28-20.
In another déjà vu moment, Saada’s kickoff deflected off the Warriors and into the arms of the Bobcats, giving them the ball back with a few minutes to go in the third.
The visiting squad began marching as the quarter ended, setting up a movie-esque start to the fourth.
Montgomery and Prather rifled off two big runs to get the ball deep into Windsor territory. Faux spun out a defender for a big first down inside the 25-yard line.
Faux got his number called again, faked out several defenders, and broke multiple tackles en route to his third touchdown of the game. When all seemed good, the two-point conversion was stopped, leaving the Bobcats down two.
As the Warriors began marching, they started to stall around midfield. Saada made a massive diving tackle to stop a potential touchdown. Robinson couldn’t escape Montgomery or senior Ny’kem Jackson, resulting in a close spotting on the fourth-down play.
After bringing out the chains, the ball was ruled short, giving the ‘Cats the ball back. The very first play was given to the scorching-hot Ryan Faux.
Faux erupted down the middle of the Warriors’ defense and seemed to be on his way to a fourth and go-ahead touchdown, but before he could get all the way there, a Windsor defensive back made a last-ditch effort at Faux.
Instead of trying to make the tackle, he dove for the ball, jarring it free before recovering it and saving the game for the Warriors.
Robinson immediately made the Bobcats pay as he delivered yet another devastating touchdown pass. The score now read 35-26.
The ‘Cats quickly came down the field and seemed to have their chance to make it a one-score game again. It was Faux again who broke left and found the end zone, but a late holding call negated the play and led to the drive stalling and its eventual end.
Windsor now had the ball with under three minutes to go. After picking up a few first downs, they could ice the game. Robinson added on a garbage-time touchdown for good measure, bringing the final score to 41-26.
Despite the loss, there are many positives to look at for the Bobcats. Senior captain Dom MacNeil feels strongly about his team.
“We fought to the end but came up short. [I’m] proud of our effort but we have to finish and win these types of games,” MacNeil said.
After his three-touchdown effort fell short, Faux spoke to the Prowl about the team.
“We battled the whole game and really stepped up against a tough opponent,” Faux said.
The ‘Cats now sit at 0-2, and with a game against Avon next Saturday, they’ll look to enter the win column during their home opener.
