Football

The North Branford football team started its season by recording a thrilling 18-14 victory at Granby Memorial on Sept. 7. Nick Mancini scored on a touchdown run for the Thunderbirds, while Tyler DiNapoli had two touchdowns, including the game-winner late in the fourth quarter.

It was a defensive matchup early as North Branford scored the lone touchdown of the first half in the second quarter. Mancini powered home a 1-yard TD run to put the T-Birds up 6-0 going into the break.

Both teams both traded touchdowns throughout the second half. Granby scored first when Sam Attianese ran home a 25-yard score, after which DiNapoli notched his first score of the game with a 54-yard scamper. Attianese scored on a 2-yard run, before DiNapoli took home the game-winner from 32 yards out.

Sophomore quarterback Brandon Fratta was 7-of-10 passing for 76 yards for the T-Birds, who gained 178 yards on the ground. DiNapoli rushed 12 times for 138 yards, while Mancini earned 43 yards on 16 carries. Lou Raffone caught four passes, and Alex Clinton had a big catch-and-run that went for 54 yards in the victory.

Defensively, North Branford forced a turnover and held Granby to 234 yards. Mancini led the way with 14 tackles, and RJ Sobask finished with 10 tackles. Marquis McFadden recorded North Branford’s lone sack and also intercepted Granby quarterback Jackson Rome.

Next up, North Branford will take on Cromwell-Portland (1-0) in its home opener on Friday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Girls’ Soccer

The T-Birds’ girls’ soccer squad began the year on the road and battled to a 1-1 tie against East Haven on Sept. 8. North Branford put plenty of shots on East Haven’s net and saw senior goalkeeper Allie Augur make several saves to preserve the tie.

Last season, the Thunderbirds won 15 games and claimed the Shoreline Conference Tournament championship with a 2-1 win versus Old Lyme.

Volleyball

North Branford opened the season by taking a 3-0 loss at Fairfield Warde last week. The Thunderbirds are welcoming first-year Head Coach Tori Ramada to the program this year.