5th-Graders Drop Opener to Wilton

A long season lies ahead, but losing the first game of the year is always disappointing. The Darien Junior White fifth-grade team could not get across the goal line Sunday as it dropped its season opener to Wilton Junior Black, 14-0, at Wilton High School. Darien head coach Tom Conte said that despite the end result, the team showed strength.

"I thought our defense did really well, so they can take that," Conte said. "We didn't let them score in all of the second half. The kids are upbeat. We'll get something out of this."

Wilton scored two early 1-yard touchdowns, which proved to be too much for Darien to overcome. Will Enzor provided highlights on defense, at one point making tackles on five consecutive plays. The defense also made a goal line stand to keep Wilton from making the game a blowout.

Darien's biggest offensive threat came in the beginning of the fourth quarter when it started on its own 1-yard line. The team marched 76 yards on the shortened 80-yard field but could not push the ball into the end zone.

"We need to work hard. Our offensive line needs some work," Conte said. "I'm proud of the kids, though. They didn't give up, and that's all I'm asking for."

It was a mixed bag on opening weekend for the different age levels of Darien Junior Football League. All the teams went a combined 4-4-2.

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