DJ Sixsmith ’11
Web Sports Editor

With Trumbull, Central and New Canaan all losing this weekend, the Wreckers strengthened their drive to the FCIAC championship game with a 42-20 victory over the Harding High School Presidents. Led by senior running back Tyler Jacobs and his three touchdowns, the Wreckers dominated the Presidents scoring 42 points in the first half.

After struggling in the second half against McMahon last week, the Staples offense got back on track with its powerful running game. For Jacobs it was a day to remember as the senior broke off two touchdown runs within the first four minutes and then returned a punt return 45 yards to give the Wreckers a 21-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Staples would add three more touchdowns before the first half was over to take a commanding 42-0 lead heading into the locker room. The Presidents just had no answer for the Wreckers on the defensive side. The defensive struggles of the Presidents were highlighted when senior tight end and captain Pat Murray took a shovel pass from senior quarterback Chester Pajolek and ran 20 yards for a score.

Despite the poor first half, Harding did make things interesting against the second unit of Staples. With Julius McCord starting the half at quarterback, the Presidents scored 20 unanswered points to cut the Wrecker lead to 22 midway through the third quarter. McCord’s 75 yard touchdown forced head coach Marce Petroccio to put his starters back in on the defensive side.

The starters picked off right where they left off. Sophomore cornerback Greg Strauss had two interceptions in the ball game and senior defensive back Robbie Herman added two as well. The victory over Harding gave the Wreckers their 6th win of the season and pushed them ahead of the Trumbull Golden Eagles for sole possession of 1st place in the FCIAC standings.