NEWS AND COMMUNITY
Branford Football Building New Team Chemistry Amid Challenges
Every fall brings about a whole new cast of characters and chemistry within a high school football team that doesn’t rest on the laurels of the year prior, and such is the case for the Branford football squad. But what’s more with the Hornets is that they additionally are ready to cultivate hard-working young men who can convey a great sense of pride from their community.
Last season, Branford finished all even at 5-5 on the regular season, knocking off rival East Haven on Thanksgiving Day to qualify for the Class M State Playoffs as the final and 8th seed. They took a 35-25 road loss to top-seeded and eventual runner-up Berlin in the quarterfinal round.
BY JOHN LECARDO • 09/11/2023 03:08 PM EST • 09/11/2023 03:11 PM
Branford Football Eliminates East Haven from CIAC Playoffs as Harvard-bound Lomotey Returns
For the last nine weeks, Branford football's senior running back Akiel Lomotey had to watch from the sidelines with a knee injury. Lomotey returned to the Hornets’ lineup Thanksgiving morning with a bang as he rushed for 213 yards and scored two touchdowns 0in a 19-0 victory over East Haven in the 82nd Beehive Bowl at rain-soaked James L. MacVeigh Athletic Complex. Branford rushed for 317 yards. “Coming out in in my first game since, I was excited to be out there,” said Lomotey, who has committed to Harvard's admission process. “It felt really good knowing East Haven had a shot at the playoffs.” And with the loss, East Haven was eliminated from contention for the CIAC M state playoffs. The Yellowjackets had to win and get help. Branford also eliminated East Haven from state playoff contention in 2015 with a 10-7 win. The Yellowjackets have never qualified for the state playoffs.​​
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By Dave Phillips, Correspondent Nov 28, 2024
BHS- Premier Team Effort Drives in Toys for CDR Families
A True team effort by members of Branford High School (BHS) football and cheer squads and Premier Kia and Premier Subaru of Branford helped drive in plenty of new, unwrapped toys for nonprofit Community Dining Room (CDR) to provide local families for the holidays.
CDR Operations Director Diana Vaicunas said the annual collaborative effort is now in its second year. The high school students teamed up with staff at Premier Kia and Premier Subaru of Branford for a combined toy drive to benefit families assisted by the CDR.​
By Pam Johnson / Senior Staff Writer