So, it's no surprise that New Britain High defensive end Josh Jennings was a bit nervous before the most-hyped game in years as he awaited the opening kickoff from No. 3 Bloomfield High Friday at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Jennings had been dropping kickoffs in practice and even bobbled a few during warmups.

"They were bouncing all over my chest," the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder said. "The coaches were really getting on me about it."

But when the whistle blew and the ball finally sailed into the cool night air, Jennings was ready. He caught the ball cleanly, avoided a hit, turned upfield to his left toward an opening and into the open. With a group of Warhawk defenders trailing, Jennings rambled 75 yards to score an electric touchdown.

Bloomfield scored a touchdown on its first offensive play but the tone had been set -- big game and big plays.

Thanks to Jennings and his teammates, the top-ranked Hurricanes made more big plays in a thrilling 42-35 victory over Bloomfield before an estimated 9,000 fans. Much of the pre-game hype centered around Bloomfield High coach Bobby Gibson and New Britain High mentor Jack Cochran and but for 48 glorious minutes, the kids were the show.

Jennings was the first of many Hurricane players to step up. Not only did he score the game's first touchdown, but he had an outstanding evening defensively. He made four tackles for losses (12 yards total) and had 91 yards returning kicks.

Not bad for a player who had never returned kicks before -- even in Pee-Wee football.

"I didn't want to return it," Jennings said of the opening kickoff. "I was hoping it wouldn't come to me. And then it is a squib kick that is on the floor."

Cochran was pleased to have Jennings on the kickoff squad. "Josh will run through a wall," he said. "He's a great football player."

Bloomfield cut the lead to seven points, 35-29, by scoring on its first possession of the second half and the tide seemed to be changing when New Britain gained no yards on its first offensive possession. But on the punt return, Jennings laid a big hit on Bloomfield's Marlon Thornton, who had no yards on the return.

Bloomfield lost 14 yards on its next series, capped off by Jennings tackling Warhawk running back Matt Lawrence for a three-yard loss in the backfield.

"Defensively, we all did well," Jennings said. "We were all flying around. The way we practice is the way we play in the game and it paid off for us. We all joined together and became a team."

Lamar Thomas had an 11-yard sack in the second quarter while George Burke and Richie Mireles combined for an 11-yard sack. Andrew Madigan and Corey Thomas shared a five-yard sack.