By Barth Keck
(November 22, 2023) — Haddam-Killingworth High School (4-6) defeated the co-op of Valley/Lyme-Old Lyme (1-9) by a score of 20-7 on November 21, 2023 to win the annual Principals’ Cup game for the first time since 2018. HK’s run-heavy offense proved the difference, as the Cougars got one rushing touchdown from Wyatt Solosky and two from Josh Frith in the win.
Valley got on the board when Grady Lacourciere threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Pannier in the third quarter, but HK ate up the clock in the final stanza and iced the game on Frith’s second touchdown, a one-yard plunge with just under four minutes remaining.
“I’m so proud of our kids,” said HK Head Coach Tyler Wilcox after the game. “We’ve been saying all season how we’re so close yet so far, but tonight’s effort showed how we were able to close the gap by the end of the season.”
“I guess you could say the third time is the charm,” said the third-year HK coach after losing the past two Principals’ Cup games. “Our defense tonight was outstanding, and we pounded the ball effectively on offense. I can’t say enough about the way these players hung in there all season and were able to reel off three straight wins to end the season.”
Defensive leaders for the Cougars were Trevor Dixon (three sacks) and Jamien Evans (one interception).
Game Summary:
HK 6 8 0 6 20
V/L-OL 0 0 7 0 7
1Q:
HK – Wyatt Solosky 1 run (run failed)
2Q:
HK – Josh Frith 2 run (Frith run)
3Q:
V/LOL – Jackson Pannier 27 pass from Grady Lacourciere (Michael Chirinois kick)
4Q:
HK – Frith 1 run (run failed)
Records: HK 4-6; V/LOL 1-9
