No. 4 Xavier comes from behind to stun Hillhouse

NEW HAVEN — The Xavier football team responded to its coaches’ challenge at halftime to play more aggressively and as a cohesive unit.

It just wasn’t until early in the fourth quarter, and the Falcons facing an almost insurmountable deficit, that the message finally resonated.

Once it did Xavier, ranked fourth in the Register Top 10 Poll, rallied for a dramatic 50-49 Southern Connecticut Conference interdivision victory over host Hillhouse Friday afternoon at Bowen Field.

Senior DeAngelo Berry scored on a 1-yard run, and then ran in the successful two-point conversion with 51 seconds remaining, to provide the winning score for the Falcons (6-1).

Xavier scored 29 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to erase a 49-21 deficit. Xavier also trailed by 21 points on three separate occasions in the contest.

PHOTOS: Xavier rallies to beat Hillhouse

“There was never any doubt in our minds,” said Berry, who carried 17 times for 90 yards and three TDs. “Every time we come down here it’s always a hard environment; no fans, and they have all their fans. But the coaches let us know that it’s never over until it’s over. We knew we could do it.”


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No. 9 West Haven takes out Cheshire 

WEST HAVEN — The Cheshire football team had West Haven right where the Rams wanted it in a Southern Connecticut Conference Division I East contest Friday evening.

Leading in the first quarter and having taken 7 minutes off the clock, momentum was clearly on Cheshire’s side.

Then West Haven, the No. 9 team in the Register Top 10 poll, turned to Ervin Philips and its running game to score 22 unanswered points in a 49-20 West Haven victory in a Southern Connecticut Conference Division I East game at Ken Strong Stadium.

PHOTOS: West Haven takes out Cheshire

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Guilford runs past Branford 

GUILFORD — The Guilford football team came into Friday night’s game wanting to prove that it was better than its 1-4 record.

After close losses to Hillhouse and West Haven, the Indians proved just that by rushing for 483 yards in beating Southern Connecticut conference Division II West rival Branford 41-14 at Kavanaugh Field.

“What I wanted was for our guys to show the fans, their families and the town that they are an excellent team,” said Guilford coach Tommy Unger. “There’s no morale victories, but these kids are really good. I’m happy we got this win tonight.”

PHOTOS: Guilford tops Branford

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ROUNDUP: Amity shocks Fairfield Prep