By Barth Keck
(November 28, 2024) — Thomas Troy scored on a one-yard run with 13 seconds remaining to give the co-op of Valley Regional/Lyme-Old Lyme (7-3) the win over Haddam-Killingworth (7-3) in the annual Principals’ Cup game in Higganum on November 26, 2024.
HKHS took an 18-15 lead into halftime on the strength of two touchdowns from
Ryan Rafferty, one on a five-yard run and another on a five-yard pass from Bryce LaCoss. Gunnar Howes opened the scoring for the Cougars with an 11-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The second half remained scoreless until Valley scored on its final drive.
“This was an absolute heartbreaker,” said HK Coach Tyler Wilcox after the game. “We could have qualified for the playoffs with a win, but didn’t get it done tonight. Tip your hat to Valley — they came out hard and did just enough to beat us.”
“I told my players after the game not to hang their heads,” added Wilcox. “They had one of the best seasons in HK football history with seven wins. I have a special place in my heart for the seniors because I came in with them when they were freshmen — that was my first year as head coach. They’re a great group of kids who played their tails off this year.”
GAME SUMMARY:
V/L-OL (7-3) 7 8 0 7 22
HK (7-3) – 6 12 0 0 18
1Q:
HK – Gunnar Howes 11 yard run (kick failed)
V/L-OL – Thomas Troy 14 yard run (Cameron Atkinson kick)
2Q:
V/L-OL – Troy 4 yard run (Troy run)
HK – Ryan Rafferty 5 yard run (run failed)
HK – Ryan Rafferty 5 yard pass from Bryce LaCoss (run failed)
4Q:
V/L-OL – Troy 1 yard run (Atkinson kick)
