WINCHESTER — The fifth-seeded Classical football team gave Winchester everything it could handle in Friday’s Division 3 North opener at Knowlton Stadium.
Daniel Gisonno and the Rams’ offense took over with 3:05 remaining in regulation and crossed into opposing territory with a 17-yard completion to Andy DeLeon, but Tommy Degnan’s interception sealed a 28-22 win for the host Sachems.
“We fought until the end,” Rams coach Brian Vaughan said. “Our guys battled back right after they scored and we had an opportunity, but we had a miscommunication in the end. Both teams had some negative plays, but unfortunately theirs were just a little less.”
Jimmy Gibbons opened the fourth quarter with a 28-yard touchdown for the hosts. Classical immediately moved back within one score as Kalvin So ran in from nine yards out, but wasn’t able to capitalize after a penalty forced Winchester to punt.
The Rams burned nearly half of the first-quarter clock on the way to Gisonno finding the end zone on a quarterback keeper. He also completed three passes on the drive, including two to Jeffrey Hill.
“Coming right out and scoring was good for us,” Vaughan said. “Throughout the game, we did some positive things. We moved the ball pretty well and made some stops on third and fourth downs, but the turnovers hurt us the most. That’s something we really haven’t done all year, but unfortunately they came out.”
After Classical missed the extra point on its first score, Winchester needed just two plays to take the lead. Degnan, also the quarterback, broke through the middle on the first play from scrimmage before a 9-yard Gibbons score helped the Sachems take a 7-6 lead.
A four-play drive put the Rams ahead with 6:34 left in the second as Gisonno’s 3-yard run followed back-to-back carries from So.
Gibbons followed Patrick Ross’ 58-yard reception with an 8-yard scoring run, then a two-point conversion gave Winchester a 15-12 lead. Kevin Durant gave Classical momentum with a 35-yard field goal on the next series. The Sachems jumped ahead, 22-15, on Henry Kraft’s catch before Gisonno’s final pass of the second quarter was also picked off.
Though Classical (5-3) moves into the non-playoff bracket, Vaughan’s message will remain the same.
“Some of the throws just didn’t bounce our way, but (Gisonno) is a tough kid and he’ll bounce back,” Vaughan said. “We just have to finish. We’ll watch the film and learn from it.”
