The Oxford Wolverines and the New Fairfield Rebels both had records of 4-2 coming into this game. While the expected next-day arrival of Hurricane Sandy prompted nearby evacuations, these two teams had more on their mind than the weather. The Great American Rivalry Series was in town and kicked off the game with the United States Marines honoring Scholar Athletes Bucky Gumberwicz from Oxford and Liam Moriarty from New Fairfield. The Marines stayed on the field as honorary captains for the coin toss to begin the game.

MVP

Brennan Diaz

Oxford

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Bucky Gumberwicz

Oxford

Bucky is a 3 year varsity football letterman and co-captain. He has the highest GPA of the senior footballers with a 97.4. He is a member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. He is planning on studying engineering or secondary math in college.

Liam Moriarty

New Fairfield

Liam is a 4 year letterman on the varsity lacrosse team and a two year letterman in football. Liam is also in the National Honor Society and Vice President of his senior class. Liam has committed to play lacrosse for Vassar College next year.

HALL OF FAME

Nick Donfrio

Oxford

Nick played in two of the Oxford/New Fairfield rivalry games, his sophomore and senior years. As a captain of the 2010 team, Nick led the Wolverines to a 54-21 victory. In that game, he rushed for 137 yards and scored 4 touchdowns; 2 on offense, one on defense and one on special teams. This 88 yard kick off return set a school record. Nick is currently enrolled in Coastal Carolina College in South Carolina.

Ryan Howley

New Fairfield

Ryan played four years at NFHS as a varsity starter. He was All-Division Patriot League freshman year, All-Area Danbury News Times, All-State sophomore year, All-Conference, All-Area Danbury News Times, All-state, Team MVP, Team Captain junior year, All Academic team, All-Conference, All-Area Danbury New times, All-State, Hartford Courant First-Team, All-Star game in New Haven, Team MVP, Team Captain. In his time at NFHS Ryan scored 40 touchdowns, had over 400 tackles and five punt returns for touchdowns. Ryan attended the Dean College where he was a two-year starter, male athlete of the year in 2006 for the school and all conference. Also, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy he was a two-year All-Conference starter and team MVP both years. He is currently a Danbury City Police officer, married to Amy with one child.

GAME SUMMARY

Oxford scored first and led the Rebels 14-0 into the half. At half time, The United States Marines honored hall of Fame Inductees; Oxford alum Nick Donfrio and Ryan Howley from New Fairfield. The second half was full of action as New Fairfield tied the game and took the lead. But the Wolverines were not finished yet. Oxford came back in dramatic fashion and received the Great American Rivalry Championship trophy presented by the Marines. Senior Quarterback Brennan Diaz was honored as game MVP for his leadership and accurate passing ability. His never-quit attitude led his team to a 22-21 victory in this exciting Saturday afternoon game.