Sammy Petrosino intercepts the ball to lock down the win. Zach Roseme (No. 42) and Leo Sequenzia (No. 22) join the play–Photo Chris Greer
Sammy Petrosino intercepts the ball to lock down the win. Zach Roseme (No. 42) and Leo Sequenzia (No. 22) join the play–Photo Chris Greer

By Andy Hutchison

TRUMBULL — The Staples football team posted a hard-fought 36-29 victory at FCIAC rival Trumbull on Friday night. The Wreckers improved to 3-1 and the Eagles were dealt their first loss. They also stand at 3-1.

The Wreckers jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter only to see the Eagles use their ground game to come back for a 14-13 edge at the half. 

Quarterback Caleb Smith throws a pass as Andrew Rossman (No. 52) blocks during the Wreckers' 36-29 win at Trumbull High on Friday night–Photo Chris Greer
Quarterback Caleb Smith throws a pass as Andrew Rossman (No. 52) blocks during the Wreckers’ 36-29 win at Trumbull High on Friday night–Photo Chris Greer

The Staples offense was too much for the Eagles in the second half. With Staples trailing 29-28, Tyler Clark scored the go-ahead touchdown to give Staples a late lead. A two-point conversion by James Hillhouse put the Wreckers up by seven.

Tyler Clark, left, and James Hillhouse celebrates one of Clark's two touchdowns–Photo Chris Greer
Tyler Clark, left, and James Hillhouse celebrates one of Clark’s two touchdowns–Photo Chris Greer

The game was still up for grabs as the final seconds ticked away. Sammy Petrosino had a clutch interception with just 17 seconds left, securing the win for the Wreckers.

James Hillhouse hauls in a pass for a two-point conversion late in the game–Photo Chris Greer
James Hillhouse hauls in a pass for a two-point conversion late in the game–Photo Chris Greer

The Staples offensive attack was well-balanced: Staples quarterback Caleb Smith ran for a touchdown, Clark scored a pair of TDs and racked up well over 100 receiving yards, and Alex Fiala ran for a touchdown.

Trumbull and Staples head into the bye week. Staples returns to action at home on Friday, Oct. 14, when Danbury comes to town at 7 p.m.

Coach Adam Behrends, Coach Ryan Connors and Coach Phil Abraham celebrate as the Wreckers close out a hard-fought win over Trumbull–Photo Chris Greer
Coach Adam Behrends, Coach Ryan Connors and Coach Phil Abraham celebrate as the Wreckers close out a hard-fought win over Trumbull–Photo Chris Greer

Andy Hutchison has been covering school sports — including Staples athletics — as well as news and feature stories in Fairfield County, since the 1990s. Learn more about us here.