Yesterday, the Staples football team did what they’ve done all season — on the biggest stage of all.
The offensive line gave record-setting quarterback Caleb Smith all the protection he needed. The defense came through, huge.
The result — a dramatic, come-from-behind, saved-in-the-last-seconds 21-20 win over West Haven, at Central Connecticut State University — earned the Wreckers the state “LL” (extra large schools) championship.
It’s their first Connecticut crown since 2005. And it may be the one that will be remembered the longest.
The win avenged Staples’ only loss of the season: 33-22 on opening day, to the same West Haven squad.
It confirmed Smith — who ran for all 3 touchdowns, after connecting with receivers like his brother Nathan and Sam Petrosino — as one of the finest QBs in Wrecker history. He had already set career marks in passing and rushing.
But it was Max Maurillo who was the final hero. After missing a 3rd-quarter extra point attempt that left them down 14-13, he redeemed himself when the Blue Devils scored to make it 21-20 with 1:15 left in the game, then went for a 2-point conversion to win it all.
West Haven’s star receiver Armani Reid hauled in a pass. But before he reached the end zone, Maurillo hauled him down with a crunching, game-saving, state championship-winning tackle.
Congratulations to head coach Adam Behrends, his superb staff, and the entire Wrecker team. This is one for the ages.
Meanwhile, check out the photo below. It shows Maurillo’s tackle on the 2-point conversion attempt, which gave the Wreckers the state crown.
Just as impressive is the photographer: Staples principal Stafford Thomas.
The principal also took this post-game victory shot:
(Photos/Stafford Thomas Jr.)
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Due to predicted bad weather, today’s trash pick-up beginning at the transfer station is canceled. Organizer Andrew Colabella will provide details soon on a rescheduled date.
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Westporters continue to react to the war in the Middle East. A new sign has joined the Israeli flags, “kidnapped” posters and blue ribbons seen around town.
This was spotted yesterday, at Myrtle Avenue by the Post Road:
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
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Westporters are well on our way to raising $60,000, to supply our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine with 2 wood pellet machines. Each will heat over 1,000 homes through what will be a second brutal winter.
But what exactly is a wood pellet machine?
Brian Mayer — the Westporter who founded Ukraine Aid International, and helped build ties with our sister city — explains, in the video below.
It’s a simple concept. Each machine costs $30,000 to build, deploy and run for 3 months.
We are just a few thousand dollars short of our $60,000 goal. To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
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Does your non-profit need money?
Of course. That’s like asking, does Santa need to go on a diet?
You’re in luck. The Westport Woman’s Club is now accepting grant applications.
Grants are given to non-profit organizations in Fairfield County for projects that make a continuing difference in the community. They may be in the form of funds, or a one-time use of the Westport Woman’s Clubhouse for an event. G
Grants are given each year to organizations in education, health, and safety-related programs, and the arts.
Click here for the application form. The deadline is January 31.
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‘Tis the season to be hearing the Orphenians caroling.
Yesterday, several members of Staples High School’s elite, 63-year-old a cappella group entertained shoppers at 101-year-old Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center.
They’ve got a full schedule this week. This coming weekend, many will be featured in a variety of choral groups at the 83rd annual Candlelight Concert.
Orphenians at Gilbertie’s. (Photo/Allison Ziering Walmark)
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It’s now as much a Westport holiday tradition as the “06880” Stroll, or Orphenians caroling: the Saugatuck River Christmas Tree.
It made its appearance this weekend, to the delight of everyone on shore.
Want to know more? Just like the secrets of Santa Claus and his elves … we’ll never tell.
(Photo/Tina Bory)
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New at Sherwood Mill Pond: a fence on the northern side of the pedestrian path leading to Compo Cove.
It matches the style of the one on the other side. In time, the colors will match too.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
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This Carolina wren was surrounded by sparrows, in trees by the Westport Library Riverwalk.
It landed on the railing for a brief moment — just long enough to pose for a “Westport … Naturally” photo.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … as Jews in Westport — and around the world — celebrate the 4th night of Hanukkah, everyone should heed this song:
(“06880” is your home for the holidays — and every other day too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
It is a shame that the kidnapped signs and ribbons on the bridge are starting to look all rag tag. The people who were thoughtful enough to place them there have an equal responsibility to maintain them as well.
Maybe the rag tag look is a reminder of what condition the remaining hostages must be in?
I haven’t followed Staples football closely since my son played under coach Petroccio and then I moved out of Westport about a dozen years ago. But I do follow the FCIAC standings and of course was thrilled to see them beat Greenwich this year.
I listened to the game last night on Staples radio 90.3. First of all I have to say that the two guys doing the commentating were awesome. I should know their names, but of course I don’t. I loved their spirit and enthusiasm and I thought they did a great job describing all of the action. they made me feel like I was there.
Also, what an amazing game. It was so fun to listen to and congratulations to the Staples football community on an awesome win! State champs. Something those guys will be telling their grandkids and great grandkids about.
Congratulations Wreckers! Just reading about the game gave me goosebumps. Great defense wins championships. What a stop on the two point conversion. I hope there is a video to watch the game even though we know the outcome.