"It's a great thrill to be back and see the teammates and reminisce and see Coach Fern (Tetreau), who we get to see occasionally over the years," said Jack Schneider, who kicked the game-winning field goal against Bridgeport Central in the last game of the 1959 season to preserve Warde's undefeated record. "It's great to be back here at Andrew Warde."
Walt Beck, pictured above holding the jacket, was a tri-captain and all-state guard on that team. He was moved by the occasion. "We've lost a lot of guys (over the years)," he said. "That's sad. But, they're still here (in spirit)." Beck was especially happy to see Coach Tetreau, who was elected to the FCIAC Hall of Fame in 2008 and after whom the Warde field was named and dedicated in 2006.
Tetreau, pictured above looking at a photo of the 1959 team, still attends many Warde home football games. His heralded gridders, one of just four unbeaten high school teams in the state that year, posted six shutouts, including four straight to open the 1959 season, and they outscored their opponents, 175 to 24. The Eagles blanked arch-rival Roger Ludlowe High School, 26-0, to highlight that memorable season.
Following a reception in the Warde cafeteria, the former teammates watched the first half of action from just below the press box and rooted for the Mustangs. Schneider, Beck, Phil Golino, Larry Gill, Ed Magi, Ronnie Toth, Fred Gates, Dave Larsen, and Todd Flanagan, son of the late Jack Flanagan, joined Tetreau at the 50-yard line at halftime.
Tetreau received a hearty ovation from the crowd and spoke about his memories from that magical season. His former players were introduced individually and given plaques from Fairfield Warde High School athletic director Chris Manfredonia. Fairfield First Selectman Ken Flatto offered a proclamation saluting the accomplishments of the 1959 Andrew Warde Crimson Eagles.
Todd Flanagan, seen in the foreground in the photo below, was joined by his sister, Kerry, and their children. He brought a wealth of newspaper clippings, photos, and memorabilia which his father saved. They included detailed statistics and play-by-play descriptions of each game. Naturally, the guests of honor were riveted to the material.
Schneider vividly recalled the dramatic ending of the final game of the 1959 season, in which the Eagles were tied, 6-6, against Bridgeport Central. "We probably should have been ahead by quite a few more points than we were," he remembered. "We got down to the end of the game, and we were getting nip and tuck, and I guess we were down to the 30-yard-line or so.
"Fern Tetreau decided that it was time to kick a field goal," he continued. "We had practiced a lot of field goals during the year. (We) did not kick extra points in those days. As a matter of fact, we ran for two (points following touchdowns) during most of those games. So, we went in and kicked a field goal, and from that point on, the game kind of turned our way." Warde eventually won, 15-6.
Despite Warde's outstanding defense, Beck is still bothered by the first points scored against the Crimson Eagles during the fifth game of the season against Staples. "The first team that scored on us, I had the guy behind the line of scrimmage," said Beck, who had an interception in the victory over Bullard Havens.
"I had him," he lamented. "It was a screen pass, and he just stepped out of my tackle and went on and scored. A good friend of mine he turned out to be." Warde eventually blanked New Canaan and Ludlowe the following two weeks, so that was the only score yielded by the Crimson Eagles during the first seven games of the season.
"It was a great defensive unit," added Schneider, who has been the director of the Joe Namath Football Camp for the last 38 years. "We were just talking about that first touchdown being scored (against us). We almost felt like we lost the game."
What was the highlight for Beck 50 years ago? "Coming off the field after the last game," he answered, fighting back tears. Now, a half century later, Beck was back on that very same field with seven of his lifelong friends and former teammates as they were recognized and applauded for their tremendous season. It was well-deserved.
Paul
Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.
Warde's line, a key factor in the success of the Eagles since the season started, was superb again against New Canaan. Center Dave Schempp, subbing for the injured Ed Zelle, was particularly impressive on defense, while standout performances were also turned in by tackles Jim Roberto and Fred Gates.
While the defense held nine opponents to a cumulative total of 24 points and shut out six of them, the offense opened up wide gaps in the opponents' lines for the hard-running backfield. The potent rushing attack included fullback Jack Flanagan, wingback Al Bennett, quarterbacks Howie Ratner and Joe Vige, and tailback Larry Gill, pictured below.
Campbell thanked the many people who helped make the reunion a success. "We are most grateful to Jay Sanza (AWHS 1978), who shared with us the wealth of his experience working with his class's reunions and get-togethers," he said.
Campbell continued, "I'd most especially like to thank the committee, which made this happen: Maria Cerrone, Lucie Aldridge, Dean Coclin and Elaine Falkenberg. Without you, this never could have happened." 
Although Staples outrushed the Crimson Eagles by a 156 to 114 yard margin, the Wreckers found Warde's strong defensive unit tough to crack until midway through the fourth quarter. Quarterback Bob Denham faked a jump pass over the line to end Nick Delgass and instead handed off to halfback Ted Dreyfuss who ran for 43 yards for the first points scored against Warde all season. Dreyfuss was stopped on the all-important two-point conversion attempt, but Staples was in the game and trailed 8-6.
Stellar fullback Jack Flanagan, pictured above running against Staples in that very game and who saw limited action due to an injured leg, powered the drive from that point. He carried the ball eight times over the next 13 plays to account for 30 of the 39 yards during the drive. He bulled over the goal line from three yards out through tackle for Warde's winning touchdown. Schneider's attempted point-after kick, however, went wide of the goalposts.
It wasn't long into the second period before the Eagles produced another sustained drive beginning at their own 23-yard line. They picked up five first downs prior to Ratner's scoring thrust which culminated the drive. The conversion try failed, however, and the Eagles led 14-0.
Jerry Fishman opened the second stanza with a one yard gain to the two yard line. However, halfback Everett Jess fumbled as he went through the line, and the loose football rolled to the goal line where Warde's right end Walter Ruby recovered it. Norwalk never again advanced inside the hosts 10 yard line.