New Britain’s “slay the kings” mantra found new life on Thursday night as the Blue Knights dismantled the last unbeaten team in Class LL, defeating No. 6-ranked Southington 28-27 at Fontana Field. The contest featured explosive offensive performances from both squads, with each team recording four touchdowns, but the outcome hinged on a critical moment in the third quarter. With the score tied at 27-27 and 4:50 remaining in the third quarter, New Britain scout Javier Zenquis delivered a game-saving play, swatting away the extra-point attempt following Ben Beaulieu’s touchdown. Zenquis, who earned his spot on special teams through relentless practice, turned a potential tie into a decisive one-point lead that Southington could not overcome.
A blocked PAT by scout Javier Zenquis sealed the upset in a high-scoring Class LL thriller.
The final quarter transformed into a defensive chess match, as both teams abandoned field goals for aggressive fourth-down stops to protect their leads. Despite the earlier high-scoring exchange, the game’s momentum shifted entirely to the defensive units, which locked down the opposing offenses in the closing minutes. The result eliminates Southington from the undefeated column and validates New Britain’s resilience after earlier-season losses to Greenwich and New Canaan. This victory not only secures a prestigious win for the Blue Knights but also signals a potential shift in the Class LL power rankings heading into the postseason.
Key takeaways from the matchup highlight the importance of special teams in close contests, where a single blocked kick can alter the trajectory of a season. Zenquis’s performance underscores the value of depth and work ethic in high-stakes high school football, proving that contributions from non-starters can be just as pivotal as those from star players. For Southington, the loss serves as a harsh reality check, while New Britain emerges with the confidence and momentum needed to challenge for a state title. The Blue Knights’ ability to execute under pressure in a Tier 1 showdown marks a significant milestone in their campaign.
Source: Yahoo Sports
