Staples Destroys Wilton

Staples’ powerful offense and strong defense prevailed once again Saturday afternoon as the team stayed undefeated with a 37-6 victory over Wilton, extending the team’s record to 8-0.

Coming into the game, Staples knew this was a game they should win, as they played a struggling and hurt Wilton team that was 2-5 heading into the game. Both those factors enabled Staples to control the game and cruise to victory.

Staples’ took advantage of Wilton’s shortcomings less than three minutes into the game when senior running back Matt Kelly rushed 75 yards down the field and scored the game’s first touchdown.

After scoring, Staples took advantage of Wilton when senior Brendan Rankowitz picked off Wilton quarterback Jackson Wilbur on Wilton’s first offensive play of the game. Two minutes later, junior running back Ryan Burke ran for a 7-yard touchdown to give his team a 14-0 lead.

“We played hard on both sides of the ball this afternoon,” said Staples head coach Marce Petroccio. “Our offensive game was extremely strong.”

On the team’s next offensive possession, senior quarterback Keith Gelman connected with senior wide receiver Brandon Rankowitz for a 29-yard touchdown pass.

After Staples’ touchdown made it 21-0 with less than three minutes to go in the first quarter, Wilton got the ball back but lost it once again when they fumbled and Staples recovered.

“Our defense had another great game,” said Petroccio. “We have been strong on defense all year long.”

The team would not score a touchdown on the drive but did manage to put up three points as senior kicker Santiago Cuartas kicked a 6-yard field goal to give his team a 24-0 lead to start the second quarter.

Later in the second quarter, Gelman connected with Rankowitz once again, this time with a 37-yard touchdown pass that gave Staples a 31-0 lead with less than four minutes to go in the first half.

Staples would score their last touchdown of the game midway through the third quarter when Burke ran four yards for his second touchdown of the day to give his team 37-0 lead.

Wilton would finally get on the board with less than six minutes to go in the fourth quarter but all in all, Staples proved to be too much for Wilton to handle.