No. 10 Killingly rebounds from first loss with big win over Branford

BRANFORD -  With Covid precautions forcing the CIAC to cancel the 2020 season, and Killingly rolling to a magical undefeated season a year ago, last Friday’s stunning defeat against Windham was the first time many of Killingly’s players experienced a high school loss on the gridiron.

“It started Saturday morning after the loss,” Killingly junior Soren Rief said. “We came in and we just put that in the rear-view mirror, and we were focused on Branford. It definitely woke us up. We got our jobs done all week and we came out with intensity this week.”

Killingly (5-1), which is ranked No. 10 in the GameTimeCT football poll, began a brand new winning streak with a 67-0 rout over Branford at Branford High School’s James MacVeigh Sports Complex.

“I thought we played real well at NFA (a 56-6 win) but tonight was top to bottom the best game we played,” Killingly coach Chad Neal said. “All three phases. Defensively, a shutout. We executed both running the ball and passing the ball and then special teams were also very good.”

The game was a rematch of last year’s Class M state semifinal, won by Killingly, 13-12.

“We knew they were a great team, especially from last season,” Killingly senior Ben Jax said. “We obviously had a tough week last week so it’s easy for us to just duck our heads. It was a great thing for us to come out and play like we did. It’s tough to do after a loss.”

Jax caught two touchdown passes, including a gorgeous 62-yard bomb from senior quarterback Thomas Dreibholz that gave Killingly a 20-0 lead early in the second quarter.

After Branford went three-and-out, Dreibholz found senior Noah Colangelo for a 70-yard touchdown. The two long pass plays seemed to stun Branford and its home crowd.

“Whenever a pass play is called I just love it,” Jax said. “Even if it’s not me. It just makes my day better just to see Noah make the catch.”

Dreibholz also added a pair of touchdown runs, while senior Brady O’Donnell had a 16-yard rushing touchdown to highlight Killingly's big night.

What it means

Against Branford, Killingly looked like … well, Killingly again.

The defending state champions, who have been to the state semifinals six straight seasons, are in the thick of the Class MM playoff race.

“You definitely learn a lesson (from a loss),” Neal said. “It humbles you. Forget about what happened but don't forget the lesson from it. We were pretty upset with the way we played last week. It’s unacceptable. We don’t expect to play like that and the kids had a great week of practice. Tonight, they played the way we are supposed to play and the way we are capable of playing.”

Key play

Killingly led 34-0 at intermission and if Branford harbored any thoughts or strategies during the halftime break about regrouping and getting back into the game, those ideas were quickly squashed when Rief returned the second half kickoff 73 yards for a touchdown.

It was Rief’s first career touchdown return.

“I’ve only fielded a kick once,” Rief said. “I’ve never ever taken a kick return so it was a pretty special moment. I got great blocks. I just found a hole and made a good cut, and the guys did the rest blocking for me.”

By the numbers

Killingly outgained Branford, 501-115.

Rief gained 119 yards on 13 carries with two TDs.

Dreibholz completed 4-of-4 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns.

Killingly had 319 yards rushing.

Unsung hero

Killingly junior Gabe Torrente: Torrente made a number of tackles on special teams and also had a 28-yard touchdown run. “I thought our special teams gave Branford poor field position tonight,” Neal said. “They were always on that side of the field.”

They said it

“In a way, being on the road and just focusing on the game was a good thing for us,” Jax said.    “At home there can be a lot of distractions, a lot more pressure. Being on the road this week really helped us.”

What’s next

Killingly travels to Groton next week (Oct. 28) for a matchup against Fitch (4-2). The Falcons only losses came against unbeaten Berlin and perennial SCC power Xavier. Fitch is coming off a 35-0 win over Stonington.

“We usually say 0-0 every week but I feel in the back of our heads that we lost that game (against Windham) so that is going to linger with us full season,” Jax said. “That’s going to drive us and help us throughout the way.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: No. 10 Killingly routs Branford: CT high school football