Football: Rye rallies, slays CHSFL AAA power Monsignor Farrell in 31-21 win

RYE - Score one for Section 1, the public schools and especially, the Rye Garnets.

Monsignor Farrell arrived at Rye fresh off a win over reigning Rhode Island state champion Bishop Hendricken last week, and it appeared the Lions were on the brink of taking down another state title-winner after taking a two-touchdown halftime lead.

However, Rye remained resilient and last year's Class B state champion — who moved back into Class A this season — scored 24 unanswered points in the second half to slay CHSFL Class AAA power Monsignor Farrell, 31-21, for a big statement win that goes well beyond the stats and numbers on Friday night.

"They kind of punched us in the face, it's our first game of the year, but we have no quit," Rye senior Chris Iuliano said. "We just came out (in the second half) and dominated them. ... We can play with anyone. We're the defending state champs, they're not. We sent that message and we can beat anyone."

Rye had to quickly shake off the rust, and the Garnets grew comfortable as the game unfolded.

A crafty hook-and-ladder play where newly-minted starting quarterback Carson Miller connected with Tucker Hess, who flipped it to Iuliano for a 54-yard touchdown, helped Rye trim the deficit to one touchdown after the break.

After forcing a Monsignor Farrell three-and-out, Miller completed 5-of-5 passes in an impressive drive that culminated in the game-tying touchdown pass to Tucker Hess for a 24-yard score.

Momentum continued to roll the Garnets' way, with offensive and defensive units feeding off each other. Rye only punted once in the second half, and the Garnets' defense was unrelenting.

Despite graduating about half of its starting lineup from last year's state title run, the Garnets showed they still shouldn't be trifled with.

"This definitely boosted our confidence," Rye senior Jake Kessner said. "Coming off of a state championship and losing a lot of our guys, we were questionable about some aspects of our game, but this just solidified a lot of our players and shows that we had a lot of guys who could do it on both sides of the ball. We came out flat-footed, but at halftime, we flipped the switch."

Henry Shoemaker converted on the go-ahead field goal to put Rye in front early in the fourth quarter, and Rye's defense held firm from there, recording interceptions on the next two Farrell drives.

Iuliano powered his way in for a game-sealing touchdown in the closing minutes.

"One-hundred percent is everyone's philosophy," Rye junior Archer Fenton said. "No one gave it 99 or 98 percent, everyone gave everything tonight. No matter if they were hurt, sore, cramping, we had guys coming in and out and they were able to fill and play a role. Some of these guys, it was their first varsity game and they played incredible."

What it means

After winning a state title last year, Rye begins its 2024 season in style.

While this game may have no bearing on future playoff seeding, it was undoubtedly a momentous win for the Garnets. It was a marquee non-league opponent to schedule, especially for the first game of the year, but it is a tone-setting victory.

Play of the game

Rye finished off the opening drive of the second half with a 54-yard hook-and-ladder play on third-and-long. Monsignor Farrell sent an all-out blitz, but Miller was composed, got the pass to Hess, who was covered, and he was able to flip the ball to Iuliano for a touchdown. The game shifted from there.

Game balls

Jake Kessner, Rye: There's a reason why he's a two-time Super 11 selection, and he put on a brilliant display on both sides of the ball. Kessner made eight receptions, including a few first-down grabs, for 71 yards. Defensively, he was a menace up front and was involved in shutting down plenty of plays at the line of scrimmage.

Garnet defense: Rye recorded a second-half shutout and got two interceptions. The secondary stiffed up as well, holding Monsignor Farrell quarterback Ryan Walsh to 4-of-12 passing and just 45 yards in the second half. Credit also goes to the first-time starters, who made sure the Rye defense didn't miss a beat after some key players graduated.

Carson Miller, Rye: He got better and better under center as the game went on. Miller played wide receiver last season, switched positions and put on a great display in his first start as the new QB1 after his older brother, A.J., graduated. The recent Harvard lacrosse commit completed 23 of 34 passes for 289 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran the ball six times for 42 yards and a touchdown.

Archer Fenton, Rye: He might not have scored any touchdowns, but he made several big returns on special teams to set the Garnets up with a short field in Farrell territory, weaving his way through the opposition. He also made a key reception, where he was nearly brought down for a loss, but managed to reverse field for a big gain and start the game-tying touchdown drive. He was also involved defensively.

By the numbers

Rye (1-0): Chris Iuliano had 63 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown. He also helped score the touchdown on the 54-yard hook-and-ladder play, and made an interception on defense. Tucker Hess added five receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown. Thomas Goldszer had four receptions for 61 yards. Gage Sasse had an interception, and Hunter Gillies had a sack.

Monsignor Farrell (1-1): Ryan Walsh completed 9 of 23 passes for 167 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Nafis Muhammad had 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Alex Uston made five receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns.

They said it

"Sure it's a Week 0 game, and it 'doesn't really matter,' but it's great for our confidence, our identity," Miller said. "We know who we are. We didn't lose a step from last year, and we're still coming for the big game."

Follow Eugene Rapay on Twitter at @erapay5 and on Instagram at @byeugenerapay.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Football: Rye rallies, slays CHSFL AAA power Monsignor Farrell in 31-21 win