(Writer’s note: I read Ned Griffen’s weekly “Lonesome Polecat” story, and it mentioned how Morgan rallied from a 28-point deficit to claim a 44-42 victory over SMSA. Morgan tied the state record for the biggest comeback in history. Wolcott also pulled off a 28-point comeback in 2013.)
The Wolcott football team put together a solid season in 2013, posting a 7-4 record.
All four of the Eagle losses came against teams with eight or more wins (Naugatuck, 9; Newtown, 11; Ansonia, 11; Holy Cross, 8). Of the seven wins, one stood out more than most.
Wolcott 48, Seymour 41.
On Sept. 27, 2013, the Eagles pulled off a comeback that had only been done three times before in Connecticut high school football history, according to the state Record Book. Wolcott erased a 28-point second quarter deficit and pulled off the comeback victory.
The Eagles couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start that night on the turf of Joe Monroe Field. The Wildcats rocked the home team to the tune of a 26-0 second quarter lead. Wolcott got on the board, 26-6, but Seymour responded and extended its lead to 34-6, still in the second quarter. The Eagles were in trouble, but they didn’t respond like a team in trouble.
Led by a monster performance from Vincent Gambino (21-for-37, 410 yards, 5 TD; 8 rushes, 54 yards), Wolcott outscored Seymour, 42-7, the rest of the way. Jayson Matos caught 10 of Gambino’s 21 completions for 183 yards and two touchdowns. Adam Santopietro claimed seven catches, 179 yards and two touchdowns while Jay Pelletier added three receptions, 44 yards and a touchdown. Joseph Lynch ran 13 times for 43 yards and two touchdowns.
The win was a huge one at the time for Wolcott. The Eagles lost, 42-36, in overtime at Naugatuck the previous Friday. Wolcott won its next two games over Torrington and Crosby to get to 4-1. The Eagles lost their next two games, but those losses came against Newtown (Class LL No. 1 seed in playoffs) and Ansonia (Class S state champion). Wolcott claimed victories in its next three games against Derby, Wilby and Watertown before losing its season finale to Holy Cross on a last-second Hail Mary.
Gambino threw for 2,756 yards and 35 yards in 2013, and he ran for 295 yards and another score. Lynch ran for 1,362 yards and 17 touchdowns. Santopietro finished 2013 with 972 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. Matos had 867 yards and 10 touchdown receptions. Pelletier tallied 664 yards receiving and seven touchdowns.
