On a chilly Saturday afternoon in Watertown, Connecticut, Boys Varsity Football fell before rival Taft, 19-21.
In a back-and-forth game, Taft ultimately broke through the Bearcat defense to score a touchdown with only 30 seconds left in the game.
The red sea of Taft fans erupted into cheers, and speakers blasted music to celebrate the Rhino’s game-winning drive.
Despite a final attempt at a miracle drive, Hotchkiss was unable to move the ball, resulting in a Taft victory.
Heading into the contest, Hotchkiss’s season record was 1-6, with one win against Trinity Pawling.
Before the game, safety Daniel DeVerna ’25 said, “After what happened last year [when Taft rushed the field after the game and a Taft student punched Coach Quinn in the face], this game is especially personal for Seniors like myself, so I think we’re all going out there to put everything on the line.”
The game was close from start to finish. In the first and second quarters, both teams traded scores, with the score tied 13 -13 at halftime.
After a touchdown gave Hotchkiss a lead at the end of the third quarter, they attempted a two-point conversion. However, Hotchkiss fumbled the ball, and the Rhinos ran into the other end zone, giving Taft two points instead.
Going into the fourth quarter, the score was 19-15 Hotchkiss. The team’s defensive line made two key stops down the stretch, maintaining the lead.
After a failed Bearcat trick play, Taft drove down the field to score a touchdown on fourth down with 30 seconds remaining, ending the game in a 21- 19 Taft victory.
The Bearcats totaled 214 yards during the game, with 61 passing and 153 rushing, respectively.
The Rhinos threw for 171 yards and ran for 83.
Hotchkiss’ record for the previous eight years against Taft is 1-7. Reflecting on this year’s game, player Ian Choi ’27 said, “The Seniors played their hearts out. A lot of the younger kids also stepped up and we played a great game, it just sucks that we lost.”
Co-captain Yuv Banker said, “Obviously, it was a heartbreaker, but no regrets today. I think everyone left it all out there on the field, and it was one hell of a game. I’m sure Hotchkiss will come back next year.”
Head Coach Dempsey Quinn said, “I’m not going to sugarcoat it; it was a tough season, but we showed a lot of growth from the start to end and came together as a unit. Everyone is quick to jump to the wins and losses, but I’m proud of the way the guys stuck together and how they worked.”
The team finished the season with a 1-7 record.
