Waterford — Not many other high schools throughout Connecticut punch above their weight better than Waterford, whose numerous banners across many different sports belie its relatively modest enrollment.

But there are times when success can morph from a blessing into a curse. Exhibit A: The football program, whose 4-6 record a year ago nonetheless earned the Lancers a brutal season opener Friday against Branford, a state semifinalist and nine-win team from 2021.

The result wasn’t a stunner. Branford emerged from Alumni Field with a 42-20 win before just under 1,000 fans who stayed to the end of a near three-hour game, awash in big plays, injuries and cramps.

“It was a challenge,” said Waterford coach Zeth Nolda, whose team opened with eventual Class M champion Killingly last year. “You know you’ve got to put in a lot right away because you’ll need a lot of stuff to beat a playoff team. It was a lot like last year.”

Branford lost senior Nate Chieffo, the leading returning rusher from last season to an injury in the first period. It turned out to be an opportunity for the Hornets to show their depth.

Junior Nate Florio ran for 247 yards and four scores, while sophomore Akiel Lomotey scored on a 51-yard run late in the third quarter to all but ice the game for the Hornets.

Waterford quarterback Nate Hynes finished 13-for-28 for 165 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 51 yards as well. Hynes, ever shifty, threw the scoring passes to Jax Higgins, Quinn Speller and Brady Wenc, giving his team a chance into the fourth quarter.

“Nate makes big plays,” Nolda said.

The Lancers trailed 21-13 at halftime and had the ball to begin the second half. But they failed to get a first down and then allowed a 10-play, 70-yard scoring drive. Still, they cut it to 35-20 early in the fourth before its defense forced a punt. The offense could get no closer, however.

“I’m happy with the way the kids showed up,” Nolda said. “We told them they had to be ready for a fistfight and they were. There were times in this game we showed how tough we can be and that’s a good sign against a really good team we played.”

m.dimauro@theday.com