Cougars Pecked by Owls
It was a cold, windy day out on the fields at Rippowam-Cisqua, and although the Cougars came up short at the end of our season finale, it was one heck of a way to finish things off.
While there was quite a bit of hand-wringing about the cold to start off the game, once we got going, it was all business. Rip started with an early touchdown, but the Cougars were quick to counter. Townsend LeConey found running back Sammy Wagner in the end zone on a beautiful wheel route, a play that Sammy called himself. 6-6 tie.
Then, Rip went on a run, scoring back to back touchdowns. The Cougars needed a score before half, and that’s exactly what they got. Running back Archer MacClear was hitting the spin button early and often today— reports are saying that he is still feeling a bit dizzy. To cap the half, he spun his way into the end zone, leaving the score 19-14 going into half. The Cougars continued to pound the rock in the second half, and after a sustained drive, Townsend LeConey scampered into the end zone to take the lead, 20-19.
This is where the Cougar D finally stepped up, and after a key deflection by Charlie Glover on fourth down, the Cougars got the stop they needed. On the next possession, Townsend LeConey dialed up a beautiful go route, this time to slot receiver Devon Havens, who caught the ball perfectly in stride in the end zone for a touchdown. Cougars 26, Rip 19.
This is where the wheels came off. Rip scored a quick touchdown to tie, and then after a failed Cougar drive to take back the lead, Rip scored a full field touchdown on the first play of their final drive to go up 33-26 with 40 seconds left.
The Cougars had one last chance for glory. The play? Time for the "Nathan Special." Miles Chandor chucked one deep, and like he does, Nathan came down with it. With the clock ticking towards zero, the Cougars ran to the line of scrimmage for two final chances from the ten yard line to tie the game. As fate would have it, the ball hit the turf on the final play, and Rip won. It was a hard fought game by all. Props to Rip for finishing off this instant classic. They'll be talking about this one for years and years to come.
The Cougars finish the year at .500, but 1000 in our hearts. Thanks to all for making this such a fun season— see you again next fall!
New Canaan Country School
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