Defense Helps Windsor Survive Notre Dame, 14-7

With its season on the line, Windsor, propelled by its stout defense, staved off a fourth-quarter, Notre Dame-West Haven comeback to win the CIAC Class L quartfinal matchup, 14-7, Tuesday night.

With its 14-0 lead cut in half on Notre Dame's first offensive possession of the fourth quarter, the Warriors' defense shut down the Green Knights' attack on its final two possessions of the game — first on an interception by Aaron Berardino, and then a sack by Cole Ormsby on fourth down, with 1:03 remaining, to secure the win and a birth in the state semifinals.

The sack was Ormsby's twelfth of the season. He entered the contest with the fourth highest sack total in the state.

"I feel great right now, but I know we have to continue to work harder, win the next game and try to go to [the state championship]," said the junior defensive lineman after the win.

"[Coming in to the game] we were focusing on just stopping the run, stopping the I-formation, and that's all we had to do," he added.

While Windsor allowed more yards Tuesday than in any other contest this season, it also managed to contain the twelfth best rushing attack in the state. 

Notre Dame (8-3) entered the matchup averaging 271.1 yards per game, and managed only 178 against Windsor — its third lowest rushing total of the season (Notre Dame was held to 60 yards and 128 yards on the ground against Xavier and Daniel Hand, respectively).

"Windsor is good. They're fast, they're physical. I thought they were very good on defense," said Notre Dame Coach Tom Marcucci.

"We had too many plays for losses. We'd gain some yards and then we'd lose some. That hurt us against a good team... We played our hearts out like we've done all year," he added.

Windsor's first touchdown of the night came on a fumble recovery by junior cornerback Sherrod Peay, who returned the ball 22 yards to put Windsor up 7-0.

To Notre Dame's credit, they took everything Windsor gave them, adapting to the Warriors' scheme, and throwing for a season high 103 yards, including their only score of the night, which came on a 12-yard pass from senior Nate Schamback to junior wideout Chris Perry.

Windsor (11-0) may have surprised many in attendance at Jack O'Brien Tuesday, as they were a different team offensively.

Adapting to the five and six players Notre Dame put in coverage throughout the night, Windsor employed a rushing attack, led by senior Kymm Gordon, that kept the Green Knights's defenders on their heels.

Gordon, who had amassed 548 yards coming into the game, rushed for 143 yards on the night, including 97 in the first half.

"It came at a time when we really needed it. This was a big game, but the credit goes to my [offensive] line. I can't do anything without them," said Gordon.

"That kid is probably the most-improved player on our team" said Windsor Coach Rob Fleeting of Gordon. "As far as attitude, as far as leadership... he pays attention to detail, and he just works hard at trying to be a coach on the field, and it's a blessing to have him."

With Gordon's contribution Tuesday night, Windsor's offensive unit showed more balance than in any other game during its 2011 campaign, gaining 199 yards through the air and 200 yards on the ground.

Although Notre Dame's defense held Windsor's passing game in check, Windsor was able to catch opposing defensive backs sleeping mid-way through the third quarter, as junior quarterback Quinn Fleeting connected with junior wideout Ryheime Moore on an 88-yard touchdown strike.

Fleeting finished the game having completed 10 of 18 passes for 199 yards and one touchdown, and gaining 60 yards on the ground.

Windsor will face No. 5 New Canaan on Sat., Dec. 3. The time and location have yet to be announced, but kickoff will either be at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m.

New Canaan (10-1) enters the semifinals following a 27-26 win over No. 4 New London Tuesday night.

The Rams' only loss came against Stamford (7-2). The loss marked New Canaan's first against Stamford since 1971.

A perennial power, New Canaan has made the trip to the CIAC state championship game 11 times, winning eight. It's last championship came in 2009.

New Canaan lost in the state championship last year, falling to Masuk, 50-20.