HIGGANUM, Conn. — The Valley Regional/Old Lyme Warriors pulled off a thrilling comeback on Tuesday night, defeating Haddam-Killingworth 22-18 in the highly anticipated rivalry game known as the Principal’s Cup. With less than three minutes left in the game, the Warriors had been struggling, facing penalties and turnovers that threatened their chances.
Head coach Hill Gbunblee rallied his team with a motivating shout as they took the field for their final drive starting at their own 25-yard line: “We’re built for this!” And built they were. With just 13 seconds remaining, senior Tommy Troy punched in a 1-yard touchdown that sealed the victory for Valley Regional/Old Lyme, ensuring they would have a shot at the CIAC Class S playoffs.
Troy had a standout performance, tallying 29 carries for 258 yards and scoring three touchdowns plus a two-point conversion. “Resilience,” he named as the team’s defining trait this season. “You get knocked down, you’ve got to get straight up. Our whole team are some dogs,” he added, showcasing the grit and determination of the squad.
The game was a rollercoaster, with both teams struggling in the first half. Valley led 15-12 late in the second quarter until Winters fumbled the ball, allowing Haddam-Killingworth to capitalize and score right before halftime. The Cougars had taken an 18-15 lead into the break.
Even when Valley Regional/Old Lyme faced setbacks—including a fourth-down sack and a costly fumble—they managed to regain momentum on their final drive. After a mix of strong runs from Troy, the Warriors found themselves inching toward the end zone. Despite a holding penalty that pushed them back, the determination of the team paid off when Troy converted a critical fourth-and-6 play before scoring the winning touchdown.
After the game, the Warriors celebrated their victory with cheers and a celebratory water dousing for Coach Gbunblee. The win improved their record to 7-3 (4-3 in the Pequot Football League) and allowed them to climb to the No. 8 spot in the Class S rankings, paving their way for a playoff bid.
Haddam-Killingworth, also finishing the season at 7-3 and 4-3 in the league, will need to reflect on missed opportunities. “We had our chance to punch our ticket,” admitted head coach Tyler Wilcox, who commended Valley’s game plan while recognizing his team’s mistakes.
The rivalry continues, with Valley Regional/Old Lyme now leading the series 34-11, and both teams look to build on this season’s experiences as they move forward into the playoffs and beyond.
