Killingly rolls past Wethersfield in Class MM quarterfinal
KILLINGLY - Run. People. Over.
Leading 14-7 at halftime, Killingly went back to its “roots” in the second half. With chants of “RPO” raining down from the stands, Killingly’s punishing ground attack proved to be too much for Wethersfield.
Powered by a physical offensive line that paved the way for 100-yard rushers Keith Perry and Soren Rief, No. 3 Killingly rolled past No. 6 Wethersfield, 34-13, in the Class MM quarterfinals Tuesday at Killingly High School’s Morgan Field.
“What a night,” Killingly football coach Chad Neal said. “We went back to our roots running the ball and being physical and wearing out teams.”
Killingly gained 384 yards on the ground, including a 62-yard touchdown run from Perry on their first play from scrimmage after falling behind 7-0.
“That is, indeed, Killingly football,” said Perry, who also had an interception. “It’s ingrained in us from the youth days all the way until now. It’s in us. It’s what we do.”
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What It Means
This is defending state champion Killingly’s seventh straight trip to the state semifinals.
“It’s so special,” Neal said. “It’s not easy. It’s hard. It’s a lot of work but it's the kids. They work hard, they’re coachable, and they’re a lot of fun.”
Key Plays
Tied at 7 late in the first half, Killingly’s defense stopped a 14-play Wethersfield drive that reached the red zone and regained possession at their own 17-yard line.
Facing a second-and-10 at the Eagles 44, senior quarterback Thomas Dreibholz pitched the ball to junior Soren Rief, who tossed an option pass to senior Ben Jax for a touchdown with just 38 seconds left in the second quarter.
“We practiced (that play) yesterday,” Rief said. “I didn't think (Coach Neal) was going to call it but we did and we were prepared for it and it worked. It did look like (Jax) was covered but a guy bit up on the toss and I just let it rip.”
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Killingly received the second half kick-off and went 55 yards on four RPO runs from Perry and Rief. Rief capped the quick drive with a 1-yard TD plunge and Dreibholz’s extra point gave Killingly a 21-7 advantage.
“We had a couple of key stops in the red zone and then the score before the half and the score again in the second half was big,” Neal said. “That’s a two-touchdown turnaround and was a big difference in the game and the momentum.”
By The Numbers
Killingly outgained Wethersfield, 476-252.
Perry gained 171 yards on 16 carries with one TD.
Rief ran for 166 yards on 27 carries with three rushing TDs.
Dreibholz completed four of eight passes for 48 yards.
Wethersfield sophomore quarterback Camden Righi completed seven of 18 passes for 80 yards.
Junior running back Jova’n Hill rushed for 65 yards on 12 carries for the Eagles (9-3).
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They Said It
“It really just came down to us becoming physical and making tackles and coming together as a team,” Perry said. “Our defense played amazing when we had to.”
Unsung Heroes
Killingly offensive line: Senior Terrence Allen, juniors Alexis Ruiz Ortiz, Devin Exarhoulias, Darin Exarhoulias, and freshman Jonathan Ramos shined against Wethersfield’s big defensive front.
“It was the best the offensive line has blocked all season,” Neal said. “They just did a tremendous job.”
“They blocked their butts off all night,” Rief added.
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What’s Next?
No. 3 Killingly (10-1) advanced to host No. 7 Masuk (8-3) in Sunday’s semifinal. Kick-off is at 12:30 p.m. at Morgan Field. Masuk defeated No. 2 Northwest United, 46-6, on Tuesday.
No. 5 North Haven (9-2) hosts No.8 Wilton (8-3) in the other semifinal.
The state championship will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford or Central Connecticut State in New Britain.
“It’s incredible,” Perry said. “Back in 2017 they laid down the foundation and our players and everyone coming up through we just know how to put the work in the weight room and do what we have to do on the field.”
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Killingly advances to seventh straight state semifinal
