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Pyne sets school record for passing yards, leading New Canaan past Norwalk

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FCIAC football action between the Norwalk Bears and the New Canaan Rams played on Friday November 2, 2018, at New Canaan High School in New Canaan, Connecticut.

FCIAC football action between the Norwalk Bears and the New Canaan Rams played on Friday November 2, 2018, at New Canaan High School in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Gregory Vasil / For Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW CANAAN—New Canaan quarterback Drew Pyne had no clue he was nearing history until offensive coordinator Dante Correnty told him during a timeout.

When Pyne hit Wyatt Wilson for a 19-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, he launched himself into first place all-time in career passing yards at New Canaan.

Pyne was 97 yards short of Matt Milano’s record of 6,335 yards starting the game and the connection with Wilson pushed him to the top. He also passed second-place Michael Collins (6,323 yards) on the same play.

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The scary part is, Pyne is only a junior with an opportunity to run away and hide with the record before it is all said and done.

Pyne threw for 205 yards in the game and two touchdowns as New Canaan defeated Norwalk 34-0 at a rain-swept Dunning Stadium Friday night.

Pyne was as surprised as anyone when Correnty told him he was on the cusp of history.

“I had no idea. Dante (Correnty) told me in the huddle the next time I dropped back to pass I would be the all-time leading passer at New Canaan and I just gave him a big hug and thanked my o-linemen,” Pyne said. “It means so much to me. The guy before me is starting at TCU now (Michael Collins) and we have had a history of great quarterbacks here. I can’t give it up enough for my line all three years I have been here, all my receivers and all my coaches. It is great to be a part of the tradition here.”

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The win on the field was also an important one for the Rams (6-2) as they try and stay relevant in the race for a Class LL state playoff spot.

New Canaan put up 21 points in the first quarter, coming out firing.

Quintin O’Connell took a shovel pass from Pyne 24 yards for the opening score.

After an interception gave New Canaan a short field, Christian Sweeney plowed in from 2-yards out for the touchdown.

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Pyne then hit Wilson for the 19-yard touchdown and the record.

Norwalk held its own the rest of the way, holding New Canaan to two field goals by Nicholas Radman (34, 33 yards) and a 44-yard punt return touchdown by O’Connell in the third quarter.

Norwalk coach Sean Ireland was pleased with what he saw from his team after the first-quarter outburst.

“We played tough. Now the first quarter, we are a very young team and they got to us a little bit,” Ireland said. “Second quarter, we hunkered down, third quarter we did well besides the punt return. We played well. I am proud of our kids. They could have very easily tucked in and it could have been 42-0 at halftime but our kids fought and New Canaan is going to know they played a tough game tonight.”

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PLAYER OF THE GAME

Playing his final home game at Dunning Stadium on senior night, Quintin O’Connell scored twice for the Rams.

QUOTABLE

“I think we came out for the last game at Dunning for the seniors and played really well,” New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli said. “We are still trying to make up for our early-season sins. I think we are getting better. We have to keep on working and see what happens. We have two really tough games left (Ludlowe and Darien) and all we can do is get ready for those and see what happens.”

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Sericson@stamfordadvocate.com; @EricsonSports

NEW CANAAN 34, NORWALK 0

NORWALK 0 0 0 0—0

NEW CANAAN 21 3 10 0—34

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Records: N—3-5; NC—6-2

NC—Quintin O’Connell 24 pass Pyne (Nicholas Radman kick)

NC—Christian Sweeney 2 run (Radman kick)

NC—Wyatt Wilson 19 pass Pyne (Radman kick)

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NC—Radman 34 field goal

NC—Radman 33 field goal

NC-O’Connell 44 punt return

|Updated
Scott Ericson is a high school sports writer with GameTimeCT, focusing on boys soccer, girls basketball, baseball and football. Co-hosts the "High and Tight" baseball podcast. Lifelong Connecticut resident, thinks Roseland Apizza in Derby is the best in the state.