Fall Football 2023: Game 6 Recap

Written by Logan Glass '25

Avon Old Farms traveled to New York on Halloween weekend to face the Pride of Trinity-Pawling. Coach Jon Wholley, his staff, and his team did not disappoint as they had tons of momentum to keep their 5-0 undefeated season alive. University of Georgia commit Ryan Puglisi ’24 and his offense are particularly looking at the post season and what needs to be done to find success there. With that being said, Trinity-Pawling started by kicking off and the Winged Beavers offense began the game with possession. 

 On the very first play, Puglisi completed a 44-yard bomb right into the hands of junior Rafferty McSweeney ’25. Following that, Kristian Strong ’24 and Brandon Hutchinson ’24 got the ball close to the goal line and a rush from sophomore Kharon “Buck” Craig ’25 finished it off. Cameron Stewart ’26 took the field for the extra point attempt which was good. After this offensive drive, the defense only gave the Pride one set of downs leading them to punt after three snaps. 

Once the Avon offense regained possession, Puglisi showed why he’s one of the top recruits in the country at his position. He took off on a scramble and showed the crowd that his legs work just as well as his arm. McSweeney had another long gain for the Avon offense. Unfortunately, Puglisi threw an interception and, after two plays, the Pride went on to score a touchdown. The score of the game was 7-7. 

Puglisi didn’t let the interception phase him. On his next possession, he connected on a short pass to Hutchinson who did the rest with his legs. He brought the ball all the way past the 20-yard line in TP territory. Junior Owen Morland ’25 came in and took a direct snap and pushed into the endzone for the touchdown. With that, Stewart kicked the PAT and it was good. The score was 14-7 early in the second quarter. The defense has been exceptional all season with the likes of: (but not limited to), Bennett Della Valle ’24, Moreland, KeShawn Adams ’24, Connor Cronin ’24, and Rayshon Andrews ’25. Andrews made a statement in the game with an insane interception to give the ball back to the offense. From there, it only took one play for Buck Craig to take the handoff and run it in for the touchdown. Avon was up late in the first half with a score of 21-7 once Stewart completed the extra point. 

The Avon defense again gave nothing to the Pride. The punting unit came out for TP and downed the punt in their own territory. The AOF offense started with the ball in a great field position. Throughout the season, Puglisi has had a lot of time to maneuver in the pocket with the ball. His offensive line has not disappointed one bit. Individuals Owen Aliciene ’25, Jack Hines ’24, Zack Gluckman ’24, and Hampton Bachelder ’27 have all shown much success toward keeping Puglisi protected. The Avon Old Farms offense kept racking up points in this game and with seven minutes to go in the first half, they scored again. The scoreboard read 28-7 after this offensive drive. Trinity-Pawling got the ball back and punted on their offensive possession. Avon did the same thing, but back up QB and punter Austin Bourgoin ’26 had an amazing punt, pinning the Pride on their own 1-yard line. Attempting to get out of their endzone, the TP QB handed the ball off to the running back, and as he attempted to run through a crowded line of scrimmage, he was hit which caused a fumble, and the ball fell on the ground. Moreland immediately dove on the ball in the endzone for six more points on the board. The PAT made the score 34-7. This is all the scoring that would occur in the first half. 

After a few uneventful drives, Avon had their final two scoring possessions. Most notably, Cronin received a punt from the TP punting unit and from his own 35-yard line took it all the way to the endzone for the final six of the game. Overall, Avon ended with 47 points on the board. Late in the fourth quarter TP had the opportunity to score two more times leaving them with a total of 20 points. The final score in Pawling, New York, was 47-20. 

Avon left New York remaining undefeated! The Winged Beavers celebrated in the locker room but have already shifted their focus to the task at hand which is debatably the biggest game of the year. AOF travels to Choate Rosemary Hall this Saturday. The Wild Boars also stand at 6-0. The Winged Beavers are looking for all the support they can get and thanks everyone who has supported them throughout the season thus far.