TORRINGTON – The Torrington High School Blazers finished the 2025 season locked in battle with the Douglas Bearcats at home on Friday, October 24.
Torrington got on the scoreboard first with a touchdown on its opening possession. Douglas responded with a touchdown midway into the first quarter and reached the end zone twice in the second quarter to pull up, 21-10, at halftime.
The Blazers battled back in the second half to match the Bearcats in scoring but Torrington came up short in overtaking Douglas.
The final score favored the Bearcats, 49-37, with the season coming to an end for the Blazers.
“Douglas is a talented team with a run and pass attack,” coach Russell Stienmetz said. “We gave the game everything we had but it was not enough. It was great the way we came out (in the first quarter) and started with a touchdown on our opening drive with a big solid run by (senior) Landre Greiman. We also saw a solid defense.”
When the dust settled, “costly penalties in the red zone” ultimately cost Torrington, Stienmetz added.
Friday’s game also featured senior recognition. Stienmetz thanked the seniors for providing exceptional leadership for the underclassmen on the team.
“This was the last game of the season, so whenever you don’t go out with a win, it’s always tough,” Stienmetz said. “But I was impressed with how our players handled adversity and injuries throughout the season. The players came to work every day and got better every week. They did everything they could for the team.”
Highlights and stats
The Blazers came out with a touchdown on their opening drive in the first half. Greiman took a handoff from junior quarterback Drew Kramer and sprinted 51 yards into the end zone.
Senior Holden Hackett kicked the extra point and Torrington led, 7-0.
Douglas responded with a touchdown to tie the game, 7-7, going into the second half.
Two additional touchdowns by the Bearcats in the second quarter placed Douglas ahead, 21-7.
The Blazers put a sizeable dent in the Bearcats’ lead when Hacket kicked a field goal to the tune of 30 yards.
The first half ended with Douglas up, 21-10.
Both teams pulled out all the stops in an intense second half that saw the Blazers match the Bearcats in scoring.
On Douglas’ second possession of the third quarter, senior Conner Correll intercepted a pass by the Bearcats.
Taking possession, the Blazers reached the end zone when Kramer bulldozed seven yards into the end zone. An extra point by Hackett narrowed Douglas’ lead, 28-17.
Torrington scored another touchdown late in the third quarter. Senior Colby Sandusky charged up the middle for five yards into the end zone.
Another extra point by Hackett placed Torrington within 11 points of overtaking Douglas, 35-24, as the fourth quarter began.
The Blazers reached the end zone twice in the final 12 minutes of regulation.
On Torrington’s second possession of the fourth quarter, Kramer sent the ball to junior Asher Bumguardner for a 53-yard touchdown pass play. Hackett made good on the extra point to reduce Douglas’ lead again, 49-31.
A gritty Torrington defense shut down Douglas on the Bearcats’ second possession of the fourth quarter with tackles by Greiman, sophomore Brandt Eichenberger, Kramer, junior Beau Martinez, senior Brendan Woodard, senior Brady Dagen, junior Jayden Gross, sophomore Garrett Hager and freshman Danny Bennett. A tackle for loss by Hackett forced a turnover on downs for Douglas.
Torrington took possession and Kramer launched a pass to Greiman for a 35-yard touchdown.
Torrington tallied 193 yards rushing against Douglas. Kramer led with 110 yards on 20 carries for one touchdown. Greiman collected 63 yards on six carries for one touchdown with Sandusky contributing 19 yards on 10 carries for one touchdown.
Kramer completed nine passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Greiman caught three passes for 89 yards and one touchdown. Bumgaurdner was on the receiving end for two passes and 56 yards plus one touchdown.
On defense, Kramer led with 12 tackles. Greiman posted 11 tackles, Gross 10, sophomore Garrett Hager eight and Woodard six. Woodard broke up one pass while Gross, Hackett and Kramer each tallied two tackles for loss and Sandusky, Hager and Greiman one.
