NHS Grads Participate In Wild All-Star Football Win

WEST HAVEN — Newtown High School graduates Bob Lapple and Jamie Goodwick were members of  the Fairfield County All-Stars which defeated New Haven County 31-30 in a double-overtime thriller in the 12th Annual Hall of Fame Classic football game at Ken Strong Stadium last Friday night.

They celebrated a wild victory in a battle of some of the state’s best players.

The win ended Fairfield County’s five-game losing streak to New Haven County and came in dramatic — and bizarre — fashion. Trailing 17-10 and facing a fourth down and 10 yard situation at its own 42 yard line with just 1:09 remaining in the game, Fairfield County tied the game on an improbable play. New Canaan High quarterback Charlie Westfal completed a first-down pass to high school and All-Star teammate Ryan Kilbane who was hit by Hyde’s Rodney Williams, jarring the ball loose. Receiver Mike Easley, of Bunnell, scooped the bouncing ball and sprinted nearly 30 yards into the end zone to force overtime. New Haven County coaches and players pleaded to officials that the ball was never caught but the call stood.

The game went to a Kansas-style overtime in which both teams had four downs to score from the 10 yard line. Both teams scored touchdowns in the first overtime, forcing a second OT. New Haven County answered Fairfield County’s second OT touchdown but a botched snap on the extra point attempt ended the game.

Goodwick, who also was a key member of Newtown’s track and field team, will pursue track at Roger Williams University. Lapple, who caught nine touchdowns for Nighthawks in his senior season, plans to play at Western New England College.