Photo caption: Kennedy’s Luis Rivera breaks free for a long run during Saturay’s game against Sacred Heart/Kaynor Tech at Jimmy Lee Stadium. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69)
It got a little too close for comfort in the fourth quarter, but Kennedy hung on for an 18-14 win over Sacred Heart/Kaynor Tech on Saturday in the NVL football opener for both teams.
Tre Graves ran for a short touchdown and took an interception back for another score to lead the Eagles. Hector Ginorio ran for Kennedy’s other touchdown. The Eagles led 18-0 after three quarters, but the Hearts made it a game in the final quarter.
Alexandre Gonzalez threw a pair of fourth quarter touchdown passes to pull Sacred Heart/Kaynor to within 18-14 with 4:46 to play. The Hearts forced a punt on the ensuing Eagle possession, but the really short kick hit off of a Heart player, and the Eagles recovered. Sacred Heart/Kaynor forced another Kennedy punt, but this time it took over with just 1:40 to play and at its own 18-yard line.
A Gonzalez pass to the Sacred Heart/Kaynor sideline was picked off by Kennedy junior captain Zeck Rountree. Rountree stepped in front of Josue Salazar to intercept the pass. The Eagles kneeled on the ball and held on for the victory.
The game was played at Crosby’s Jimmy Lee Stadium, which is home to Waterbury football until the turf renovation at Municipal Stadium is complete.
Gallery
Here are my photos from Saturday’s game.
Note
Holy Cross picked up the 300th win in program history when it defeated Crosby 35-0 on Friday night at Jimmy Lee Stadium. The Crusaders led the Bulldogs 35-0 at halftime.
Other scores from Week 1
Thursday’s game
Ansonia 49, WCA 12
Friday’s games
Bristol Central 27, EO Smith 6
Middletown 35, Bristol Eastern 7
Naugatuck 36, Wolcott 0
Oxford 12, Wilby 0
Seymour 21, St. Paul 14
