Milford — It took until there was 4 minutes, 23 seconds left in the game for the New London offense to finally get into the end zone on Friday night.

It wasn't for lack of opportunities.

The Whalers ran nine plays in the red zone against Notre Dame of West Haven in the first quarter alone and couldn't convert.

The Green Knights, after a rocky start, finally began making plays to beat New London, 33-19, in a non-conference game played at Law High School.

"We visited the red zone about as many times as we needed to in a game like this," first-year Whalers head coach Johnny Burns said. "Executing and finishing with those opportunities, we've got to get back to the drawing board. There's no excuse."

Anthonio Lebron-Jones recovered a blocked punt in the end zone to give New London a 7-0 lead with 4:39 left in the first quarter.

The Whalers' defense forced five turnovers in the first half but still trailed 13-6.

"It's one of those things where between us being inept in the red (zone) and then getting big plays, it just hurt us," Burns said.

Jackson Zalinsky completed 11 of 14 passes for 193 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Green Knights (1-1). He also scored on two 1-yard runs in the first half.

Warren Murphy ran 25 times for 207 yards and two touchdowns for Notre Dame.

Owen George completed 20 of 47 passes for 228 yards with a touchdown for the Whalers (1-1). Zehki Burgis added 10 catches for 156 yards, Francisco Pratts caught a 1-yard touchdown, and Jaylen Callender scored on a 1-yard run.

New London also hurt itself with 13 penalties for 87 yards.

"Hats off to the team that kept us out of the end zone," Burns said. "We were able to put together drives towards the end of the game, which is more of what we have to be able to do for four quarters."

n.griffen@theday.com