West Hartford’s Hall High School traveled to Bristol Central Friday night.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

Benjamin Carlson is trying to find an opening after a kickoff. Hall vs. Bristol Central football. Oct. 10, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

By Savannah Cote

It was a gritty, determined night for the Hall Titans, who left everything on the field in a tough 24-21 loss to Bristol Central Friday night. The final outcome may not have gone their way, but Hall played a game filled with heart, hustle, and a series of big plays that kept the contest close until the last second.

From the very first drive, the Titans set their tone on defense. Bristol Central drove down the field with ease, but Hall’s defense tightened up when it mattered most. On a fourth down in the red zone, the Titans’ defensive line held strong, forcing a turnover on downs and keeping the game scoreless early on. That stop was a preview of the grit Hall showed all night.

In the third quarter, Hall’s defense delivered once more. Declan Mitchell had a game-altering sack that energized the sideline and reversed field position. Soon, the Titans recovered a fumble, another spark that gave the offense a chance to fight back. Bryan Amorim also had a crucial sack in the second half, ending a Bristol Central drive with momentum. These defensive plays were essential in staying within three points late in the fourth quarter.

Isaiah Gaston is attempting a catch near the sideline. Hall vs. Bristol Central football. Oct. 10, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

Offensively, Hall found its rhythm in bursts. The Titans struck first with a touchdown from Isaiah Gaston in the first quarter, setting the early confident tone. While the offense showed moments of inconsistency, they stirred in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver Quinn O’Neil was the spark plug, hauling in two receiving touchdowns that gave Hall a chance for the dramatic comeback. His stellar performance in crunch time defined the never-give-up attitude of the team, not letting Bristol Central get away comfortably.

Quinn O’Neil receiving a touchdown catch. Hall vs. Bristol Central football. Oct. 10, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

Head Coach Steve Markie reflected after the game on what worked – and where there is plenty of room for improvement. “I don’t think we did a great job at stopping the run game,” Markie said, citing the defense’s struggle to contain Bristol Central’s running game. “I think offensively we seemed to be a little bit out of sync at times,” he added, citing where at times execution faltered.

Still, Markie praised the team’s effort and the way they fought through adversity. He said that the next step for the Titans is more mental than physical. “I think we just need to get our minds right the bye week next week is going to be very helpful to us,” he said, highlighting the necessity for focus, consistency, and discipline moving forward.

Spencer Boucher- Zazzaro and Isaiah Gaston are celebrating after a touchdown. Hall vs. Bristol Central football. Oct. 10, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

Even though the scoreboard didn’t indicate such, Hall’s start was full of encouraging signs. The defense’s ability to finish with stops at the right moments and the offense’s end-of-game eruption demonstrated what this team can do. Should the Titans be able to build on this performance and make strides in the areas that counted, they’ll be positioning themselves well going forward.

As Hall (2-3) shifts focus to their next contest, there’s plenty of motivation to be gleaned from this one. The Titans may not have emerged victorious in the standings, but their heart, energy, and composure under pressure demonstrated that this is a team capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone. For Hall, this wasn’t so much a defeat as it was a statement of resilience, pride, and promise for what lies ahead.

Benjamin Carlson is attempting a tackle on Malikia Holley from Bristol Central. Hall vs. Bristol Central football. Oct. 10, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

Spencer Boucher-Zazzaro attempting to receive a pass from Tommy Hussey. Hall vs. Bristol Central football. Oct. 10, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

A Hall and Bristol Central player are attempting to recover a fumble. Hall vs. Bristol Central football. Oct. 10, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

Carlos Nunez is attempting a run after a kickoff. Hall vs. Bristol Central football. Oct. 10, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

Spencer Boucher-Zazzaro running down the field. Hall vs. Bristol Central football. Oct. 10, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

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