The New Canaan Rams, a name synonymous with football excellence, etched another glorious chapter in their storied history by clinching their 14th CIAC crown, demonstrating once more why they’re a perennial powerhouse in state football.
To get there the Rams had to defeat rival Darien, the Blue Wave, who tallied a thrilling journey to the state playoffs including road wins over No. 1 ranked Naugatuck and No. 4 ranked Newtown.
On Saturday at Rentschler Field, the Class L final unfurled like a Shakespearean drama, with the Rams and the Blue Wave locked in a fierce battle of wills and skill. It was a game that encapsulated the spirit of high school football — a roller coaster of emotions, a test of resilience, and a display of sheer athletic brilliance.
Down but never out, New Canaan mounted a stunning comeback in the game’s final moments.
The Rams were in a tight spot, facing a challenging situation.
Darien’s Charlie Thom notched his second touchdown of the game with a one-yard run, putting Darien ahead 21-14 at the start of the fourth quarter. The Wave then foiled New Canaan’s attempt at a fake punt, taking over a promising position near the Rams’ 29-yard line.
Darien couldn’t capitalize against the Rams’ stalwart defense. In response, New Canaan mounted a determined 74-yard drive, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Luke Robinson to Will Langford with just over five minutes left in the game.
Ryan Barnard made a pivotal play, dislodging the ball from Darien’s quarterback Ben Rolapp and securing it at the Wave’s 16-yard line. This set the stage for Alex Benevento, who, four plays later was the hero of the hour as he dashed for a six-yard run to score the winning touchdown with the poise of a seasoned veteran, . His performance was a testament to the team’s depth and versatility, embodying the ethos of New Canaan football — resilience, tenacity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Coach Lou Marinelli, a figure as iconic to New Canaan as the sport itself, once again proved his strategic mettle. Since 1981, he’s been the architect of the Rams’ success, molding teams that not only win but do so with a grace that speaks volumes of his coaching philosophy. His first state title may feel like a distant memory, but his influence remains as potent as ever.
This victory was a reaffirmation of New Canaan’s football legacy. The Rams didn’t just play; they showcased a masterclass in football artistry. Benevento’s words echoed the sentiment of the team, “Being able to step on Dunning Field every day for practice is such a blessing. You feel that culture, that legacy.”
The road to this championship was built on those very moments of resilience at the core of any great football team. The Rams’ semifinal victory over the Maloney Spartans was a nail-biter, with Tucker Stevens booting a 37-yard field goal as time expired. This game also tested their ability to perform under pressure.
And they did.
