Northwest Catholic dominated Ansonia High School, 21-0 in the Class S Semifinal win.

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One of the Northwest Catholic players is trying to find an opening. Northwest Catholic vs. Ansonia. CIAC Class S football semifinal. Dec. 8, 2025. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

By Savannah Cote. Photos by Savannah Cote and Scott Sulkazi

Northwest Catholic is headed to the Class S state championship, where the Lions will take on Sheehan this Saturday. Their ticket to the final came after a hard-fought 21-0 semifinal victory over Ansonia – a game that was scoreless until the middle of the fourth quarter, due to an outstanding defensive battle.

From the opening whistle, the Lions’ defense set the tone. In the first quarter alone, Caiden Reese amassed two sacks and a tackle for no gain. There was also a crucial third-down stop from Bryce Jones, as well as a fourth-down stop by Patrick Knorr and Ayden Ayala that ended an early Ansonia drive.

Vincent Burbank is trying to find an opening. Northwest Catholic vs. Ansonia. CIAC Class S football semifinal. Dec. 8, 2025. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Northwest Catholic’s defense continued to hold strong in the second quarter, with Vincent Burbank recovering a fumble, Knorr recording a tackle for loss, and Reese adding another third-down sack – one of many on the night. Ultimately, their efforts sent the teams into halftime locked in a 0-0 stalemate.

The defensive dominance continued beyond the break. In the third quarter, Ayala contributed a tackle and a tackle for loss, Obinna Chidiadi added a stop behind the line, and Reese recorded yet another sack along with a fumble recovery. Reese would later add his sixth sack of the game in the fourth quarter, finishing the night off with the game-sealing tackle. His performance was nothing short of spectacular.

Cayden Reese is celebrating after one of his sacks. Northwest Catholic vs. Ansonia. CIAC Class S football semifinal. Dec. 8, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

“My job was to bend down the line and make a play. And I did that tonight,” Reese said after the win.

While the defense was the clear headliner on the night, the Lions’ offense showed up when it needed to. Davis and Ayala each hauled in crucial first-down catches that were instrumental in sustaining drives and flipping momentum. Northwest Catholic finally cracked through with a touchdown reception from Patrick Knorr, followed by another from Davis. A touchdown run from Bryce Jones sealed the 21-0 victory and punched the Lions’ ticket to the championship game.

With a stifling defense and timely offensive execution, Northwest Catholic now looks ahead to its showdown with Sheehan for the Class S state title. The time and location will be announced later this week.

Vincent Burbank is trying to find an opening . Northwest Catholic vs. Ansonia. CIAC Class S football semifinal. Dec. 8, 2025. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

A few of the Northwest Catholic players are celebrating after one of their touchdowns. Northwest Catholic vs. Ansonia. CIAC Class S football semifinal. Dec. 8, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

Vincent Burbank is attempting a pass. Northwest Catholic vs. Ansonia. CIAC Class S football semifinal. Dec. 8, 2025. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Cayden Reese is celebrating after his fumble recovery. Northwest Catholic vs. Ansonia. CIAC Class S football semifinal. Dec. 8, 2025. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Kayden Davis is scoring a touchdown. Northwest Catholic vs. Ansonia. CIAC Class S football semifinal. Dec. 8, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

Cayden Reese is completing a sack. Northwest Catholic vs. Ansonia. CIAC Class S football semifinal. Dec. 8, 2025. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

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