The Xavier Falcons took advantage of a turnover-happy Shelton team Friday, cruising to a 35 – 25 victory at Finn Stadium.
Shelton coach Jeff Roy was happy about his team’s defense, despite giving up 35 points.
He was much more upset about the many Shelton turnovers that cost them the victory.
“The turnover before halftime and the fumble on the punt return cost us the game,” Roy said.
Shelton got off to a promising start, with running back Ryan Deangelis scuffling for a 34-year touchdown run to give the Gaels a 7 – 0 lead early in the second quarter.
Xavier would have nothing of it, as they quickly tied up the game on the very first play of their possession.
Xavier running back, Billy Hayes, ran through a few tackles on his way to a 53-yard run to tie the game at 7 – 7. And, after a 34-yard catch by Mike Georgalas and a Shelton punt — Ryan Murphy, of Xavier caught a 29-yard touchdown pass to grab the lead 14 – 7.
Shelton retaliated with a 20-yard field goal that was set up by a double reverse run by wide receiver Mike Georgalas.
While Xavier could not capitalize on a Shelton turnover late in the second quarter, Shelton quarterback Raymond Pendagast threw an interception which set up a Connor Brunnel 13-yard touchdown catch. The touchdown pushed the Falcon’s lead to 21 – 10, to finish the first half.
Xavier never really looked back.
Alex Pace dashed to the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown in quarter three. This raised the Falcons lead to 28 – 10. Before Shelton could respond again Xavier’s Julian Hayes had a 3‑yard touchdown rush, to push their lead to 35 – 10. Shelton looked to answer their touchdown but Pendagast’s pass was intercepted to stop Shelton’s momentum.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Gaels tried to make a run at a comeback. It started with a 16-yard Pendagast touchdown pass. Soon after he threw a 27-yard touchdown to Shaq Holman to bring the score to 35 – 23 before Shelton successfully scored their 2 point conversion.
But it was too little, too late.
Next week the Gaels will take on the no. 2 team in the state, the Hamden Green Dragons.
“We just need to regroup and try to win next week,” Roy said.
Raymond Bendolph is a senior at Shelton High School.
