Rye Country Day Football is back for what looks to be a fierce season!

The Wildcats faced the Pennington School in their season opener on Saturday, September 10th. Pennington started with the football, but it didn’t take long for the Wildcat defense to show their power as Billy Fallon ‘24 blitzed off the edge and sacked the quarterback, causing a fumble just two plays into the game. 

Despite this early momentum shift, the RCDS offense was unable to score due to a slew of penalties. Pennington trotted back out on offense, however, the RCDS defense was stifling, holding them to a net of two yards backwards on the drive before forcing a punt. The Wildcat offense, led by quarterback Henry Cohn ‘23, marched down the field, the drive capped off by an eight yard touchdown run from Alex Pearle ‘23. 

Pennington and RCDS then exchanged touchdown drives twice, Pennington’s first a long methodical drive while the Wildcats utilized the speed of Cole Denson on a simple flare route, who took it all the to the endzone and even juked a few defenders on his way. On RCDS’ next possession however, they fumbled, giving Pennington the ball and an opportunity to take the lead. The Wildcat defense stepped up led by Trey Stevens ‘24, who made a sack on the last play of the half. 

22-20, Wildcats leading, at halftime. The team wasted no time to start the second half by scoring just one minute and twenty-eight seconds into the half. Cole Denson capped off the drive with a 6 yard touchdown rush. Pennington came back fast, however, scoring in just six plays. The Pennington defense stiffened, holding RCDS on a 4th and 6 and completing a deep bomb for a touchdown just three plays later. 

The RCDS offense was able to drive it all the way down the field before a turnover let Pennington back on offense. The Wildcats were victim to more penalties, pushing them back to a 4th and 16. Unable to convert, Pennington got the ball back and drove down the field to the RCDS eleven yard line. But then, a wild snap caused a twenty yard loss. On 4th and 36, Pennington attempted to convert but another wild snap caused a huge tackle for loss by Pat Leonard ‘24. 

The RCDS offense was back on the field, but time was not on their side. As the clock ran to 0:00, the Wildcats refused to go down without a fight and ran their final plays. Ultimately, RCDS lost 28-36.

Despite their loss against Pennington, the Rye Country Day football team looks promising. With breakout games from players all across the offense and a young, dedicated defense, the team looks to make great strides this year!