Defense helps undefeated Windsor gain first-ever state championship

Windsor’s Tyler Coyle catches the second of his TD passes in Windsor’s 38-16 win over Notre Dame-West Haven Saturday in New Britain.

NEW BRITAIN, Dec. 13 – They took the lead with the offense. They secured the lead and the first football state championship in school history with their defense. 

Windsor forced three second half turnovers to pull away from Notre Dame-West Haven and capture a state title with a 38-16 victory in the Class L Small Division final before 2,666 fans at Arute Field on the campus of Central Connecticut State University Saturday afternoon. 

Windsor (12-0) leapt out to a 19-0 lead in the second quarter only to see the Green Knights cut the lead to three, 19-16 in the third quarter. And Notre Dame got the ball back when Tajon Toms forced a fumble that Matthew Jambor recovered. 

But Windsor’s Eric Vinson intercepted Notre Dame QB Christian Lupoli, who overthrew his receiver, and ran it back 69 yards for a touchdown. The extra point was blocked by the Warriors lead was extended to nine, 25-16. 

Unfazed, Notre Dame began a drive on their own 20-yard line and marched 79 yards on 13 plays to the Windsor nine-yard line. They converted on third down three times to keep the drive alive. But on a short pass from Lupoli to Hunter Burns, the ball was jarred loose on a hit by Windsor’s Jordan Knight. Windsor’s Tyler Coyle scooped the ball and ran 89 yards for a touchdown and a 31-16 lead with 1:57 left in the third period. 

“They jumped out to a 19-0 lead and a lot of people thought the game was over,” Notre Dame coach Tom Marcucci said. “But we got it back to 19-16 and we had the ball. I thought we were in good shape.”

 The Green Knights coughed up the ball for the third time late in the fourth quarter when Lupoli was stripped of the ball on the Windsor 18-yard line after a 17-yard run thanks to a hit from Aaron Bell. A few plays later, Knight raced around the end for a 65-yard run and a touchdown to begin the Warriors’ championship celebration. 

“People don’t realize what kind of defense we have,” Windsor coach Rob Fleeting said. “They were outstanding. Every time we needed something there was another kids stepping up.” 

The Windsor High football team celebrates a state championship.

Windsor coach Rob Fleeting gets a celebratory shower from his players after Windsor won its first-ever state title in football.

Malik Ellis led the Warrior defense with 11 tackles while Kevaughn Bennett had nine tackles and a sack. Vinson had eight tackles while Knight had five. 

Offensively, quarterback John Nolan completed 9-of-15 passes for 165 yards and three touchdowns. He did have two interceptions. Bennie Fulse gained 118 yards on 16 carries while Knight ran for 101 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. 

Lupoli completed 19-of-47 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. He threw three interceptions. He was also Notre Dame’s leading rusher with 76 yards on 16 carries, scrambling for several first downs during the afternoon. 

Windsor 38, Notre Dame-West Haven 16
At New Britain
Notre Dame (9-4)              0  8    8  0 – 16
Windsor (12-0)                13  6  12  7 – 38
First quarter
W: Tyler Coyle 20 pass from John Nolan (Eric Foster kick), 9:03
W: Courtney Rush 67 pass from Nolan (kick blocked), 2:35
Second quarter
W: Coye 18 pass from Nolan (run fails), 8:15
ND: Hunter Burns 6 pass from Christian Lupoli (Lupoli run), 3:25
Third quarter
ND: Nico Ragaini 53 pass from Lupoli (Ragaini pass from Lupoli), 8:33
W: Eric Vinson 69 interception return (kick blocked), 7:11
W: Coyle 89 fumble recovery (run fails), 1:57
Fourth quarter
W: Jordan Knight 65 run (Foster kick), 3:56