The Shelton Gaels opened their season with a tough loss Friday against the Wilbur Cross Governors, by a score of 32 – 21.
Cross senior running back James Ward scored four touchdowns for the Governors (1 – 0), including an impressive 33-yard run with 2:05 left in the third.
Shelton (0 – 1) head coach Jeff Roy was impressed with Ward’s play on the field, which gave the Gaels problems all evening.
“[Ward] was the best on the field, and he might be one of the best in the state,” Roy said. “He had a great run in the third quarter. He is a great back.”
The game started off with a bang, when Ward returned the opening kickoff 71 yards for Cross, silencing the usually loud Shelton crowd for the moment. The extra point failed.
The Gaels returned fire immediately by a 43-yard kickoff return by Karcher; but it was nullified by an in inadvertent whistle. Shelton went on to fumble the ball away later in the drive to give it back to the Governors.
Roy was happy with his players’ bounce-back ability after the opening kickoff was returned.
“The kids really responded,” he said. “We had the lead at the half. I am really proud of our kids.”
The Governors shut Shelton’s offensive production down in the second half, after the Gaels were quite successful throughout much of the first half.
Ward put the Governors in front for good when he ran for an 84-yard touchdown with 7:52 to go in the third quarter. The conversion was no good.
Dantay Long threw a 12-yard pass to Ward to give the workhorse four on the day with 10:40 left in the game.
Senior quarterback Jonathan Groth had two opportunities to get the Gaels back into the game late. Midway through the fourth he led them on a drive nearing Cross territory.
But it wasn’t to be.
On third and long, Groth was sacked for a huge loss, forcing the Gaels to punt. The second drive was much more successful, as Groth connected with senior wide receiver Dan Guerrera for a 10-yard touchdown, with 3:13 left.
The extra point was blocked, which would have brought the game to a 10-point gap.
The onside kick was recovered by Cross, who finished off the game.
Groth finished with three touchdowns, including an 8‑yard scamper before halftime to give Shelton a 15 – 14 lead.
“[Cross] is a dangerous football team. They had a few more athletes than we did,” Roy said. “We have to forget this and get ready for next week.”
Senior wide receiver Michael Georgalas was suspended for the game, due to an incident during last year’s season finale. Running back Ryan Deangelis is out for the season with a knee injury sustained over the summer.
“When you lose your best receiver and your best tailback, it hurts,” Roy said. “Georgalas will be ready next week against Sheehan.”
Shelton hosts Sheehan Friday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.
