In an FCIAC football showdown that plotted teacher versus pupil, experience once again reigned supreme.

Under the bright Friday night lights at Fairfield Warde, long-time New Canaan head coach Lou Marinelli led the Rams to a rousing win against his former assistant and current Fairfield Warde head coach Duncan Della Volpe, 34-13.

For the Rams, who moved to 4-0 with the win, the offensive onslaught came courtesy of great balance. Quarterback Matt Milano tossed a trio of long-range touchdown passes, while backs Conor Goodwin and Joe Costigan each punched in rushing scores for New Canaan.

While the final score suggested a rout from the onset of action, early indications provided all in attendance with quite the surprise, as the underdog Mustangs began their homecoming game against the vaunted visiting Rams in explosive fashion.

Warde kick returner Craig Lowery roared down the right sideline on the opening kickoff for a 90-yard trip to pay dirt to make it an immediate 6-0 score in favor of the Mustangs.

"That first play by Lowery had us on our heels right away," Marinelli said. "He's (Lowery) a heck of a football player, and overall, Duncan (Della Volpe) really has that program headed in the right direction. They didn't back down one bit."

While Lowery would add another electrifying 80-yard return in the fourth quarter, his two touchdown returns would prove to be the only scoring on the evening for Warde, as the New Canaan offense consistently clicked for big plays to eventually roll to it's fourth win in as many bouts on the gridiron this Fall.

New Canaan signal caller Matt Milano dropped back behind a stout New Canaan offensive line all evening long, delivering deep scoring strikes to Kevin Macari, Patrick Newton and Peter Kraus.

Armed with a decisive 27-6 halftime lead, the Rams offense faltered a bit amid a pair of third-quarter interceptions, but the New Canaan defense proved unforgiving in not surrendering an offensive touchdown to an opponent for the second straight week.

"That's the way New Canaan plays and the way they are coached by Lou (Marinelli)," Della Volpe said. "We moved the ball some but when we found ourselves in a third-and-short scenario, they wouldn't budge. They consistently locked us down when it counted most."

For Marinelli, there were some positive signs along with a few things that need to be corrected once film review takes place.

"Our offensive line deserves a lot of credit for the work they did tonight, and Matt (Milano) had some nice throws," Marinelli said. "We'll need to watch the tape this week to see what went wrong on those interceptions, but overall, our offense was solid. There were a few plays we left on the table, but we will work on those during the week when we get a chance to watch the film."

For the undefeated Rams, a visit from a Valley opponent is in store, as Seymour will venture to New Canaan next week.

"Seymour is a good program, so we'll need a good week of practice in preparation," Marinelli said. "Just looking at tonight though, it was clear that Fairfield Warde is on the up-and-up. They fought and they competed all night long, and that's a real credit to Duncan (Della Volpe). Now it's time to focus on Seymour."