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    Monday, May 06, 2024

    NFA pulls away from Stonington in second half for 35-0 win

    NFA's Michael Hamlin (6) attempts to break away from Stonington's Austin Rewick during the second half of Saturday's game at Norwich. NFA won 35-0. (Tim Martin/The Day)
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    Norwich — Shea McManaway threw three touchdowns passes as Norwich Free Academy scored four second-half touchdowns to celebrate Homecoming with a 35-0 win over Stonington on Saturday afternoon.

    NFA (3-3) led 7-0 at halftime.

    "Once our offense got clicking we made some plays" said NFA head coach Jason Bakoulis. "We had a tough road trip last week (a 42-19 loss at West Haven), but it feels good to be back home and get a win.”

    The Bears (1-4) contributed to the halftime score as they used their double wing offense to control the clock. They had a 17-to-7 minute edge in time of possession.

    “It was a tough offense to figure out, but we stayed together as a team and got the victory,” NFA’s Kenyatta Peake said.

    McManaway threw a 23-yard touchdown to Kevin Pomroy in the first half.

    George Sechen’s 24-yard field goal pushed the Wildcats ahead, 10-0, early in the third quarter.

    Stonington put itself in position to score later that quarter, but Peake intercepted a deflected pass and returned it for a 95-yard touchdown.

    McManaway threw touchdowns of 60 and 9 yards to Nolan Molkenthin in the fourth quarter.

    The Bears trailed 29-0 with over five minutes remaining and had the ball when head coach A.J. Massengale had his team take a knee.

    “Our kids competed extremely hard,” Massengale said. “I'm very proud of them. This was purely a decision made for the protection and safety of our kids.

    “Never again will my team be put in this type of position again. We talk about safety in football, yet I've got 29 kids going up against a school like this. Never again. I don't care what anyone thinks. I did what's best for these kids.”

    NFA’s Surasak Stowe scored on a 23-yard run in the final minute.

    Jahiem Spruill of NFA is tackled by Stonington's Hayden Parrilla, right, after catching a pass in the first half of Saturday's game at Norwich. (Tim Martin/The Day)
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    Nolan Molkenthin of NFA , top left, is brought down by Stonington's Travis Pacheco, bottom right, after catching a pass reception as Jon Curtin (14) of Stonington looks on during the second half of Saturday's game at Norwich. (Tim Martin/The Day)
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    Stonington head coach A.J. Massengale argues with officials after a play was changed from a player being down to a Stonington fumble in the second half of Saturday's game against NFA at Norwich. (Tim Martin/The Day)
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    Travis Pacheco of Stonington is visibly upset after his team took a knee with over five minutes remaining in Saturday's game against NFA at Norwich. (Tim Martin/The Day)
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