D1 A-Side FAIRFIELD 44 – SYRACUSE 22
In the final game of their regular season, the Red Ruggers needed to win to get into the conference playoffs. They faced a physical, experienced, and well-coached Syracuse team that has years of playoff pedigree. Donning special black jerseys courtesy of Pat O'Keefe '84, the team came our hungry to make a statement in front of the alumni, their families, and their friends.
Scoring first, Fairfield looked to make the win very convincing. However, Syracuse's #9 showed his individual ability to take a game over. A great inside ball of a scrum to Syracuse #12 saw the score leveled.
Syracuse and Fairfield traded scores until Fairfield went into halftime with a slight edge.
The discussion at halftime was that the intent for the team was clear, but the execution was lacking. Also, Fairfield needed to match Syracuse's physicality by making more dominant tackles on defense, and "banking wins" (Coach Jimmy Sheridan) and not trying to do too much.
The second half saw an impressive adjustment by the Red Ruggers as they lifted the physicality and intent on earning the right to go wide. Nick Lapponese '23, John Thompson '23, and Juan Sturla '24 gave great go-forward in the pack while Danny Enright 'grad stuck to kicking to dominate territory. With a roaring crowd behind them, Connor Rinklin '23, Brady Lewis '23, Chris Giunta '25, and Ben Ehlers '23 took advantage of the space that was created.
John Minogue 'grad was a force on the outside with his kick-chase and his physical ball-carrying.
Towards the end of the game, a driving scrum that led to a forward's try and a scampering run by Sturla '24 showed Fairfield clinical and electric capabilities. These were complemented by hard hits by Rinklin '23, Jude Minnich '24, and John May '25. Stephen Ryan '23, returning from a hamstring injury, showed he hadn't lost a step! Thomas Ryan '25, also returning from injury, re-established Fairfield's dominance in the scrum.
With the win, Fairfield advances to the Liberty Conference semifinals against AIC. The game is scheduled for Sunday 10/30, time still to be determined.
D1 B-Side - FAIRFIELD 67 – SYRACUSE 5
Matthew Schmitz '24 and Kevin Splan '25 captained a hungry, eager B-team who enjoyed the mantle of the first league game of the day. Following the bagpiper and the National Anthem, this team made it very clear from first whistle to last that they were going to put on a show, and many players were intent on putting their hands up for A-side consideration.
Henry Novicki '26 continues to manage a strong game plan with his kicking, ball-distribution, and his attack when he sees gaps. Connor McCabe '25 continues to perform at #13, and is very committed to adding an attacking kick to his repertoire.
JP Crewe '25, Frank DelPonte '24, and Henry Villa '25 continue to show they are the best front row at this level in the Liberty Conference, which speaks highly to the team's depth at this position!
