I went to the wrong game.
It doesn’t get much more blunt than that.
I went against my gut feeling all week, when it said this wasn’t 2006 anymore and the two teams playing up at Monroe were nowhere near the caliber of teams playing down the road at Finn Stadium.
That Shelton-Fairfield Prep game, and God bless Emmett Spillane Jr. for getting a real good one, was probably one of the season’s best games year.
Here are the video highlights shot by Jeff Bustraan: Shelton vs. Fairfield Prep
The Bunnell-Masuk game turned out to be a major dud. I wish I kept track of penalties because that’s all this game was: Penalty, after penalty, after penalty. We were told it was a defensive struggle, but the big defensive plays only came because of offensive futility. As ugly as my game story was (and that was just awful), this game stunk it up twice as much.
It.
Was.
Bad.
Meanwhile, the sportswriters dream was going on in Shelton. Packed house–the largest crowd observers had seen at Finn Stadium in years–and an absolute classic.
Prep up 14-0, Shelton comes roaring back. Prep up 21-14, Shelton comes back. But not to tie: Ryan Nolan, who had himself a game to back up his strong words, blocked the extra point try. Then Geoff Schultz, who could barely hold back his contempt for Nolan’s comments when I showed up for practice earlier in the week, scoring the winning touchdown by outracing Nolan to the end zone.
Just incredible and a sense of poetic justice washes over the Gaels.
I missed the game of the year.
I knew–I KNEW–I was making the wrong choice. It started last week at the Law-Prep game and its aftermath. Then with the way people were look at me when I arrived in Shelton on Tuesday and when we started to put together our package for big games in Thursday’s paper. Once we had Bunnell-Masuk as the only photos and it became a dominant Bunnell-Masuk page, I got a terrible feeling that we were highlighting the wrong game. At least, I thought to myself, we should highlight both games equally.
But, photo assignments being photo assignments, there was little I could do about it by then.
Then the MSG guys who I saw at Bill Gonillo’s funeral on Thursday, were talking about how they noticed Shelton-Prep was the overwhelming choice for the game of the week on our website and, when I told them I was going to Masuk, said they were shocked.
But I decided on Masuk-Bunnell–not because I thought it was the bigger of the two games–but because MSG was going to be at Shelton-Prep and I could watch it on TV on Sunday.
That said. I should have my head examined. I will never, ever make the wrong choice again.
This upsets me, especially since my game was so bland and almost inconsequential, making for a rather bad story.
Anyway. From Sunday to Friday, I was off my game. Big time.
Here’s promising I’ll be on it for the rest of the season.
As soon as I saw the quote from the young man from Prep (“Shelton should be afraid…”), I was reminded of the Jim Croce line “you don’t tug on Superman’s cape..”. I’m sure Prep’s coach pointed out why it isn’t a good idea to fire up your opponent, and the virtues of humility. Sorry I missed the game, but will definitely watch MSG. Go Gaels!
Since both games were relatively close in location I did not decide on which of the 2 games I would attend until I was in Derby.Fortunately I choose the Prep/Shelton game .I also believe this game turned out to be the more exciting of the two.
Hey I was at the Shelton-Prep Game and I cant imagine that any of the teams SWC can compete with either of the 2 teams (seriously) including Startford High and Bunnell. I watched Stratford High pound Brookfield and the kids were so small that i thought i was watching a Popwarner game. Torey and Ox are intense players but lack the overall talent around them defensively the only kids around the ball were the 2 all-stars. Not like the shelton-prep teams 11 men to the ball. And it looked like a real highschool game!!!! Bunnell yeah a good sophisticated offense…but you seen what can happen against a good D….with Staples looking sloppy yeah Bunnell has a great chance of winning it all again…
But bunnell cant compete with shelton or prep
The Bunnell-masuk game was still an exciting game. The fans were into it and the defenses did do a great job. The penalties were a little ridiculous, but it seemed like all the penalties only hurt Bunnell. They had to long touchdowns called back and were in the redzone a bunch of times. The game should of been a blow out. the Game was a little sloppy but any one who left that game said it was a great game
Doug, I almost fell asleep in the third quarter, that’s how bad this game was. Nine total turnovers, good lord this was a bad game IMO. The Shelton-Prep game had electricity, drama and almost flawless play from what I heard. Then the students stormed the field afterward. It was absolutely nuts and made the Bunnell-Masuk game look like kindergarten.
Check out our video of the Prep-Shelton game on the Post’s main website connpost.com. And you’ll see what you missed.
Coach Ty – all that I can say is my son has a class “L” football state championship ring from last year and is working towards possibly winning a second one this year. For you to try to marginalize this accomplishment and discount a possible state championship this year – it won’t work. He’s got the hardware to back it up. The Stratford kids (Bunnell and Stratford) deserve better from you – especially since our kids competed against each other and, believe it or not, support each other. I thought there was a mutual respect, but I guess not. If you think that they can’t compete with Shelton or Prep – that’s your opinion and I’ll simply disagree. But discounting this year’s state championship run is “below the belt”. We both know that the Stratford teams will never play Shelton or Prep and for you to make hypothetical comments like this – its irresponsible and impossible to prove. Lets’ set the right example for our young men and speak/write responsibly.
Doug F – don’t back down, I’m damn proud of both the Bunnell and Stratford teams. For a town, the size of Stratford, to field two state championship caliber teams – two years in a row – it is almost unheard of. Your brother and his teammates epitomize what Stratford is all about. There are alot of other towns and cities, from across Connecticut, that wish they were in our position. For their kids sake, I hope they get to experience where we’ve been and are still going. Go Bunnell! Go Stratford!
Sean,
If you couldn’t see any merit in Bunnell’s performance last evening – further conversation isn’t worth the energy. Enjoy the SCC race -its obviously where your interest is. No need to respond.
Ralph
kindergarten!!!!!!!! someone should have woken-up woodland at nap time.
Ralph, give me a break.
I’m simply saying that was an impossible game to watch–turnovers, penalties, incomplete passes and generally clunky play–for somebody like me.
So, yes, this year, I will gladly enjoy the rest of the SCC season if the SWC is going to put on a show like that.
SP
DOES MASUK EVER WIN A BIG GAME?
SPB….You learned to eat your words last year when it came to Bunnell….When are you going to learn….By the end of the season you may be throwing praises all over Bunnell like you did last year….And yes you might have to eat your words again….It may not have been the game of the year…But if memory serves me correctly you thought Staples would win in a walk, just like many of your fellow writers…So maybe just maybe you don’t know what a good game is…Or maybe you pick a good one and sometimes you pick a bad one…But to go on a tirade like you just did makes you sould like a whiny little baby…You are better than that…Or you just have no clue when to keep your mouth closed…..Keep eating your words and the Bunnell faithful will be happier for it
Dear Bunnell fans,
I know you’re all excited about beating Masuk but, to me, your game was awful to watch. It was just terrible. I couldn’t take it. I was falling asleep.
I was just watching the Prep-Shelton game and MSG and it made me feel even worse about not attending. Thankfully, St. Joseph and New Canaan made up for it with a great and well-played game on Saturday.
It’s nothing personal, so please Bunnell parents and fans, let’s calm down with the personal attacks.
[Man... give an honest and fair opinion and people blow it out of proportion. Now I know how Ryan Nolan felt. I feel your pain, Ryan]
SP
Sp…
I was actually thinking that when I was writing my post…You did give an honest opinion, and for that you should be appluaded. You still sounded a little whiny, but your opinion is your opinion…I just like to stir the pot…..Keep writing what you feel, and keep picking the way you do…It is not a friday or thursday(in some cases) with out the post and you…..
Hey Ralph,
I’m just saying the comp this year in the scc isn’t anything like what it is in the swc…come on now this is “high school” football….not Popwarner (in which i am a coach of) coaches no longer hold your hand in Highschool you have to be yor best and play your best…as of now im just a fan…looking for somewhere to send my kid brother….im not saying that Stratford and Bunnel stinks yeah right i have much repsect for Bruno (which coached me in baseball and put me in college) and shriden….what i’m saying is if those are the top 2 teams in that confrence….then the level of comp isnt that good…so yes “SORRY WRONG GAME” is a proper title for this blog.
“Attitude reflects leadership”
just a comment….
Fairfield Prep could have still won that game even after shelton scored….but what really made me leave early to avoid the traffic because i knew prep wouldn’t rally back, was after Nolan missed the tackle he put his head down and the whole Prep team looked at there leader…and knew the game was over….but can you imagine what kind of game ending it would have been if he bounced up and was ready to ball…
Coach Ty……
On a week in week out basis you maybe right about the SCC….You have a bigger league with bigger schools in division 1….But the division 2 is full of weak teams….Just like the SWC…You have half of the league that can play with anyone on any given day…And the other half probably couldn’t…..Bunnell/Staples for one example….Also the Pomperaug team of a few years ago I would have put against anyone and Kielt may have had a field day against them….Ask Branford(SCC)….That is what is great about high school football….Yeah so Bunnell and Masuk put up a stinker in some opinions but you can’t say they can’t compete…Ask Staples(mighty FCIAC)….Personally I have been on the sidelines right next to Bruno for many years and I played in the SCC.(Shelton)…On any given Friday a team can win…..Before the FCIAC/SWC games no one gave the SWC a chance…Go and Look back at the records of which league won the series….I know the Biggest boys of the Fciac were left out but the SWC is a very good conference that I think gets slighted way to often when compared to the SCC and the FCIAC
I was on the fence on Friday as to what game to watch myself and luckily I chose Prep/Shelton. What a great game and that Nolan kid is great. In years past Prep always flunked the big game test so I don’t really blame Nolan for saying what he said. actually I thought it was needed for his team to finally “show up”. He knew his team has been miserable in past big games so whats wrong with firing up his team as well as shelton with some words. My hat is off to both these teams and staffs and to Nolan & Schultz. The LL playoffs will be great no matter who gets and While I want Greenwich to win it, I really do think Shelton and Prep deserve to get in as well. Maybe a semifinal rematch and u guys can do it all over again !! great job !
OK, everybody. Let’s ease back.
Remember, everyone’s entitled to their opinions.
Coach Ty, Pat is right – nobody wants to give the SWC any respect. Everyone, including Sean and probably you, gave Bunnell no chance last year. At the end of the day, Bunnell beat the best of last year’s FCIAC powers – Staples, in the biggest game of the year. Now because one game this season didn’t fit Sean’s fancy – the skeptics are out taking their pop shots. If you were at the game and could have judged for yourself – that would carry much more weight. The best that the SWC has to offer isn’t just Bunnell and Stratford, it also includes Masuk and Pomperaug – in my estimation (possibly Newtown, but I haven’t been to a game yet). Masuk proved that they could go toe-to-toe with Greenwich (pre-season, full game condition scrimmage) and Pomperaug hasn’t even had their full team on the field yet (two or three starting linemen have been injured). I know that many people will discount a scrimmage (especially if it doesn’t match their point of view), but hear me out. Can you, as an athlete (someone who competed), honestly say that the coaches and the players didn’t try their hardest to make a statement and at least look good in this contest. Masuk at least proved that they could compete with the State’s big boys. I was there and saw no discernable difference between the teams. Bunnell scrimmaged Staples this year and for Bunnell it was at worst a draw. I’ve seen Ridgefield, Wilton and New Canaan play this year – they are about as good as Notre Dame (Fairfield)and New Fairfield. The SWC has at least 7 teams that could compete very well in the FCIAC – and one or two of them would have a shot at winning it. Have you looked at Central’s or Staples schedule? Do you really think that either will be challenged (besides Staples vs. Greenwich) the rest of this regular season? On the SCC side – I’ve seen Shelton play twice (scrimmages), they are a very good team and are of championship caliber. Our best can compete with them. I’m not going to make bold statements (especially ones that can’t be proved) and state that our best would definitely beat them, but I’ve watched enough to say that our best can compete with them. I witnessed Prep play against Wilbur Cross – they looked good, but the game was uncompetitive. Wilbur Cross simply self-destucted. The SWC powers can compete with them. Prep has nothing that Bunnell hasn’t seen or handled before. Kabonga is a great player and I’m not discounting him – but Bunnell’s kids have played against Lutrus, Pellegrino, Santoro, Sedlacek, Lerner, Kennedy, Auzerais, DeVellis, Mack, McCoy and so on. This group is battle hardened and ready to play – especially the defense. Bunnell’s offense will continue to gel and get better. Trust me on this one. No one has seen their best yet. As for your brother, if he can play at Bunnell – that’s where I’d send him. Duane Shirden and his coaches are great guys (and great coaches), but I’m partial to Bunnell. Heck, we’re shooting for a second ring…that’s not so bad.
Final note – I wish people would stop saying that Staples is down this year. They are easily in the FCIAC’s top 3 and once they get their offense figured out – may prove too much for Greenwich – again. Staples vs. New Canaan shouldn’t be close.
Hey guys again to my point, this is why High School Football is the greatest…It opens the door to great conversations….Best of luck to all the boys this year, in all leagues throughout the state…..
Prep shouldnt fall out of the elite 8 after their performance.
As an unbiased fan i would rank them…….
1.Ansonia
2.Shelton
3.Greenwich
4.Bunnell
5.Staples
6.Stratford
7.Prep
8.SJ
Sean, You missed a great game that you attended. For one there was hard hitting on both sides,granted the officiating was pathetic for both sides.If you were looking for scoring it was there.The score could have been 40 to 8.Follow me: Two touchdowns called back for whatever reason. One about 65 yards and the other about 80 yards. Another pass caught and was fumbled at the one. The last one was picked off at the two. Both times very good defense by Masuk.Bunnell quaterback had 279 yards passing per your article.What other excitement do you need. Everyone we have spoken with that attended the game thought it was a great high school football game and from the sound of the crowd of 2499 that is excluding you of course reacted as proof of that.
Sean, You missed a great game that you attended. For one there was hard hitting on both sides,granted the officiating was pathetic for both sides.If you were looking for scoring it was there.The score could have been 40 to 8.Follow me: Two touchdowns called back for whatever reason. One about 65 yards and the other about 80 yards. Another pass caught and was fumbled at the one. The last one was picked off at the two. Both times very good defense by Masuk.Bunnell quaterback had 279 yards passing per your article.What other excitement do you need. Everyone we have spoken with that attended the game thought it was a great high school football game and from the sound of the crowd of 2499 that is excluding you of course reacted as proof of that.
I agree Pat – we’re all on the sidelines and the kids will do all the work. I’m done with this subject and am moving on. Just like the barber says…..”Next”.
i think ct needs an open tourney at the end of the year, and scrap our system we have now. we are one of the smallest states in the country but we have so many state champs. we gotta come up with somthin better.
Dear Bunnell fans:
You know what? I apologize.
Every game your team plays is great. Prep-Shelton was terrible by comparison. I mean, just watching that MSG game, wow, did I ever jump to conclusions about a penalty-filled, incompletion and turnover-riddled game. I was so fortunate to be there.
Sorry I ever said otherwise.
I think everyone is just a little sensitive about this topic…..
Lets lay off SPB…..He is entitled to his opinion, just like we are entitled to ours….Look around at the state papers there isn’t a better guy out there than him…..
If we could get 27 comments on this topic I can’t wait to see what we can do with another topic that has a little more merit….
Keep bringing your predictions, keep bringing your comments, keep bringing what ever you got….Lets just say we agree to disagree and move on to another topic…
How about predictions on this week games??? Can we pick what game SPB should go and see….Ha ha ha…Joke…..A little laughter never hurts
Hey SP….
Just a question…I watched the Prep/Shelton game on MSG…I talked to a few people and they all told me that Kobongo seems overated, and seems to small for an ACC lineman….You probably have seen him more than most either games and or practice….What do you think??? Now I am not setting you up to say he is overated that is not my intention, but I just figure you might have a better outlook than my friends who have only seen him once…..By the way they are Maryland Grads so they were a little dissappointed….
SPB,
You the man !! LOL. As far as Ralph goes, get off the drugs. To say New Canaan is as good as New FAirfield and or ND is an insult to the rams. AS far as your scrimmage theory goes 100% in accurate. MAsuk will never beat Greenwich and during the year never play with them. They had 6 starters out in that scrimmage and yes I was there and know much more about the team than u do. I am not saying the SWC is a bad conference, I’m just saying don’t go where u just went.
Hey im not discounting SWC I think that it is a wonderfull league I predicted a state championship from bunnell in 2003 i said give’em some years ask (central Terrence Mercer and Akeem wright) I had to actually make coaching plans against kids like mack…..and i watch OX (mccoy) grow up with my kid brother in the backfield of bpt raiders as well as pelligreno…i think its a wonderfull leauge…i just thin that this year….scc is great…and dount count out Hillhouse….them Wright brothers are awesome….
But as far as my brother yes Bunnell is in our top 3 as far as schools go…..
Bunnell (swc)
Notre dame (swc)
Central (fciac) im not a fan of Cadalina
He takes Notre dame test on sat…he’s a good kid and has great talent in which i want him to use….i wanna read about him in the papers…
bunnell is at the top of the list because he’s a QB and he loves he offense….
Notre Dame is just different he wants to make a name for himself plus (we are fighting irish fans and that come close)
and Central my younger brother Akeem wright and cousin eric (dashawn) brown (2005 10-0) are talking to him about central….if you think akeem was an athlete my youngest bro is a problem
I believe for a team like Bunnell to come out of no where and beat a team like Masuk, Pomperaug and especially Staples, that is a great feat and bunnell should get a little more respect from fans. Bunnell doesn’t have size, they don’t have tremendous speed, but they have heart. A huge heart. Put Bunnell up against any team in the state of CT and we will be right in the game. Maybe they won’t win, but I can guarentee that they will keep up with the competition. What has shelton or FP done to deserve this much respect from everyone. Also with not giving stratford high respect, they might have gotten blow out last year in the states game, but look how far they have made it. They are a great team just like Bunnell. Stratford is such a small town and for two great teams to come out of it, it is amazing, not only in football but all the sports both schools excell at. People that don’t give respect to bunnell or stratford are ignorant and only want to think the team is as good as thier size, not their heart. If stratford high and bunnell were one school, you people would still not give the teams any respect just because you like to believe what the media says and the looks of the team.
Go Bunnell. Go Stratford.
Brian,
Being a Bunnell person – I’ll go where I want – especially to talk about the FCIAC. I know about the FCIACs best…we played them last year and scrimmaged one of them this year. If you consider Wilton, Trumbull and Trinity Catholic (last year) some of your better teams – we’ve played them too. Maybe you should speak to their coaches or best players – they can give you an informed view. We respect the FCIAC ….but won’t put up with the comments that guys like you make!
On New Canaan – don’t you think St. Joes should be higher ranked than New Canaan? I do. St. Joes totally outplayed them and could have won by 2 more TDs. If you go with this logic, why don’t you ask St. Joes their thoughts about New Fairfield. A little diligence might not hurt.
PS – As for Sean – let’s leave him alone, he’s heard enough. Our message was clear and his response was too. Time to worry about this weeks games.
Bunnell is good, very good. Two very good teams playing eachother is not always pretty, especially different styles of teams like masuk and bunnell. Bunnell beat New Fairfield 44-16. In a game scrimmage, much like masuk’s battle with greenwich, New Fairfield dominated St Joe’s 28-0 who just took down New Canaan. I would not be surprised to see Bunnell repeat. Bowley has never liked the SWC.
You can praise the SWC and the FCIAC all you want, but the toughest conference year in and year out is the SCC. Averaging about one state champion in different classes every year, they play the toughest schedule, because unlike the other leagues, it is divided up between division one and two. A division one SCC schedule plays all other division one teams and is the most brutal in the state. Every week you play a worthy opponent.
“the two teams playing up at Monroe were nowhere near the caliber of teams playing down the road at Finn Stadium.”
Yes SWC fan I too was wondering why Bowley said the above statement. NOWEHRE NEAR??? It was only weeks ago when he was singing Masuk’s praises for drubbing Shelton in a scrimmage (yes, I know it was a scrimmage, calm down) and Bunnell for going toe to toe with Staples. I don’t think he dislikes the league (Yes the top SCC teams are probably stronger) but you can be sure he will come back around when Bunnell, Stratford, Masuk, and maybe Pompy make some noise in states.
Everybody needs to relax.
1. On Friday night, of the two teams I saw on TV and the two I saw live, the two teams that played on TV would beat the other two every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Remember, though, the way a team plays one week and the way it plays the next is completely different.
But I stand by my original statement even though people are practically burning me in effigy because — How dare he say we’re not better than them!!!
2. Scrimmages mean nothing, Masuk fans. Beat Staples in December, then we’ll talk.
3. Bunnell fans (and, to a certain extent, Staples fans): Stop living in the past. This team has not accomplished anything yet. Ditto for everybody else. Debate about who can do what, fine. Just remember your opinions are opinions, not absolutes.
Now get off your computer and get outside. It’s a gorgeous day!
-sp
SP-
Do you remember that you’re covering kids? Right now, defending yourself, you’re not attacking the people coming at you, you’re attacking the teams and at points antagonizing people, encouraging not thoughtful opinion, rather aggressive comebacks. You are a great writer, I have enjoyed your style since you started a few years back with the CT Post. I understand how much you have put into the High School Football Coverage section of the CT Post, both in print and digitally. But here, on your blog, you are tip-toeing the professional line.
You are covering young adults, kids ranging generally from 13-18. You are not covering guys recruited to play football, or guys being paid to play. You’re covering kids, and most of them will never see another game through a helmet after their senior seasons.
Am I saying to congratulate every kid even when they’re bad? No, not at all. Should you write all positive articles despite outcomes of games? No, not at all. But to antagonize people on this board, and not realize that behind the team names are KIDS, not adults, is unprofessional.
Just think before you type, you’re a great writer, you don’t have to get chippy because someone disagrees with you.
Examples of what I am telling you.
“2. Scrimmages mean nothing, Masuk fans. Beat Staples in December, then we’ll talk.”
“3. Bunnell fans (and, to a certain extent, Staples fans): Stop living in the past.”
“Every game your team plays is great. Prep-Shelton was terrible by comparison. I mean, just watching that MSG game, wow, did I ever jump to conclusions about a penalty-filled, incompletion and turnover-riddled game. I was so fortunate to be there.”
“It was absolutely nuts and made the Bunnell-Masuk game look like kindergarten.”