This year’s boys varsity football team had a historic season, finishing 8-1 in the regular season. In the Wyverns’ final regular-season game, they traveled to New Milford, Conn., to take on their rivals, Canterbury, in a matchup that would crown one of the teams as Evergreen League champions.
The Wyverns were firing on all cylinders in this game, especially offensively, putting up 44 points. Senior wide receiver Captain and Boston College signee DJ Biggins was tremendous, scoring three touchdowns. Another highlight from this game was senior lineman Captain and Central Connecticut State signee Nick Chomko’s interception early in the first quarter. The Wyverns walked off the field with a 44-21 victory over the Saints and were eager to see which bowl game they would be placed in.
On Sunday, Nov. 9, the Wyverns learned they would face Rivers School at home in the NEPSAC Class C championship. “They’re a physical and strong squad,” Head Coach Brandon Batory noted in the team’s Monday meeting, “but we have the talent and mentality to match up with them.” The week leading up to the game required focus and dedication, as it was cold at every practice. However, despite the weather, nothing changed in the Wyverns’ preparation.
After a good week of practice, the Wyverns arrived on campus Saturday with confidence and the mentality needed to be victorious.
As the game began, it was evident that the cold weather was affecting both teams. KO and Rivers both got off to slow starts offensively, and it wasn’t until early in the first quarter that KO got on the board with a 27-yard field goal by senior kicker Jordan Cipriano. Unfortunately, that 3-0 lead was the only lead KO would see all day. After special teams mistakes, a muffed punt, and an onside kick allowed, the Wyverns found themselves down 14-3 going into the half despite feeling like they had outplayed Rivers.
The second half saw much of the same struggles for the Wyverns. The offense had difficulty establishing the run, and whenever they did gain momentum, turnovers or penalties cost the Wyverns points. With two minutes left, in desperation, junior quarterback Justin Ocasio led the Wyverns down the field and found junior wide receiver Xavier Hernandez-Newton in the back left corner of the end zone to cut the lead to five points. Following the touchdown, senior running back Captain Justin Morle bulldozed his way into the end zone for two more points, cutting Rivers’ lead to just three. However, despite the offense figuring it out, it was too little, too late, and after a failed onside attempt, Rivers was able to take a knee and celebrate their victory.
Despite the heartbreaking and disappointing result, this game did not take away from the success the Wyverns had this season, as seen when teams were notified of which players received postseason honors. An incredible 13 Wyvern football players received either all-NEPSAC or all-NEPSAC honors, a tribute to the impressive, record-breaking season the Wyverns had this year.
Congratulations to all the players and coaches who were a part of this year’s KO football journey, and the community is excited to see what the program can do next season.
