Photos from football’s 49-18 over Central today. More on the ludlowesports Instagram. #cthsfb pic.twitter.com/sh2ipLj2uB
— Ludlowe Athletics (@LudloweSports) October 12, 2019
FAIRFIELD — Before the fall weather turns nasty, football teams can find success with the pass.
The Ludlowe football team put that theory into practice Saturday morning as the Falcons tossed their way to a 49-18 victory over Central at Taft Field.
“It’s great to complete a lot of short passes. Get the ball out quick and keep the offense moving,” Ludlowe senior quarterback Quinn Pavoz said. “Our receivers are very good when they work in open field.”
Ludlowe led 35-6 at halftime. Pavoz completed 21 of 25 passes for 349 yards in that span. The lefty quarterback had touchdown strikes of 43 yards (to James Bourque), 19 and 40 yards (to Andrew Delangelo), 51 yards (to Colin Fleming) and 30 yards (to Carlos Moreno).
And, oh yes, the Falcons ran once for 10 yards in the opening 24 minutes.
“Ludlowe passes the ball so well,” Central coach Derrick Lewis said. “It’s a very intelligent offense.”
Pavoz, who began his morning by throwing an interception that Central’s J.T. Green returned for a 50-yard, touchdown, took the second half off.
A great benefit for Ludlowe and coach Mitchell Ross was top running back James Bourque had just the one carry and spent most of his first half on defensive responsibilities.
With Ludlowe headed into its bye week before meeting Trinity Catholic/Wright Tech Co-op on Oct. 26, the rest should pay dividends for Bourque down the stretch drive of the season.
While the second half spent only limited moments in running time (lead of 35 or more points), Ludlowe used the second half to sharpen its reserves and hopefully provide more depth going forward.
“It was good to see our whole team pitching in today, not just the starters,” said Ludlowe defensive coordinator Jeff Cavagnaro as Ross made a fast exit to make the most of his bye week. “We had a number of young kids step up. We want to work more young guys in and gain experience. We don’t want our starters to wear down late in games.”
The Falcons defense limited Central to 25 yards rushing on 17 carries. The Hilltoppers managed just 21 yards passing (3 of 13 completions) in the first half.
The Falcons (3-2, 3-1 FCIAC) earned their third victory in the last four contests as they continue to build off last season’s 7-3 campaign.
“Last year’s senior captains made it clear they were tired of losing. The kids have bought into the systems of this new coaching staff,” Cavagnaro said. “They are carrying the torch forward this year.”
Central (0-5, 0-5) also scored on touchdown passes from quarterback Rafael Garcia to Green (43 yards) and Jean Desir (27 yards).
“Our effort was tremendous. I’m thankful every day for the work ethic of our group. Our coaching staff respects what these kids are doing,” Lewis said. “The immediate goals are to keep putting the pieces together and help these kids become better football players.”
