Now, THIS was a great football game.
And one I believe has vindicated me somewhat since I was just finishing a my second heaping helping of Crow as far as New Canaan’s 2-0 start was concerned. (Even Ned Griffen of The Day had basically been throwing every New Canaan win in my face via email).
After questioning how a team that lost all but a few key players from a state championship team could be ranked as high as New Canaan, the Rams took down Trumbull and Ridgefield impressively. Finally, I capitulated, and started voting New Canaan higher in my polls and eventually put them in my Elite 8.
Then, the dreaded Bowley curse. New Canaan falls victim to a great game plan and some outstanding play by St. Joseph’s kids, who came in here with boulders on their shoulder after suspect wins over Bassick and Fairfield Ludlowe.
And here’s how the ending looked on the St. Joseph sidelines.
Ryan Carino caught eight passes for 108 yards, had two interceptions and 11 tackles. Mike Dinihanian caught 8 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Nick Piccirillo completed 19of-32 passes for 373 yards. Jack Shannon returned an interception 11 yards for the clincher.
You can just see the look on the St. Joseph players and coaches faces, especially Carino, Piccirillo and, especially coach Joe DellaVecchia.
After the ball corralled by Shannon on the far right, you can see assistant Jim Chaves helping the refs find the ball, then Joe D pumping his fist and giving AD Jim Olayos a bear hug. Ryan Carino is 88 and Nick Piccirillo is 7 and Dinihanian is 10 during this whole exchange.
There was a little confusion over whether the game was over or not. But that was decided when New Canaan Lou Marinelli had already started shaking St. Joseph’s players hands at midfield.
Staples “BYE” this week no longer looks “Kindergarten” but brilliant, if they run the table they will HOST the FCIAC Championship game….(especially w/ 4 top ten teams losing this week) ..also,rating Shelton ahead of Greenwich University is comical…imo
What a great win for St. Joes!! It is refreshing to see some upsets in the FCIAC, which could be considered the state’s most competitive league. This leads to interesting conversation like “Who can we expect in the FCIAC championship?” Greenwich is NOT unbeatable, and Staples is suspect as well as untested.
Staples untested?…5 straight trips to the State Championship = untested…lol, no one in this millenium has been better than Staples.
untested….hah..hah…hah. I guess six straight state appearances and 5 trips to the finals are never good enough…
Yes, untested. Staples tradition is not untested, THIS year’s team is. Shall we rest on yesterday’s laurels to prove today’s worth? Who have they played? Maybe they should get an automatic berth based on the last 6 years…
Jim…really you sound to put it nicely . Like irrational. The point is six state appearances…those kids know only big games…i.e. state championships….( they probably believe that there were born to play in those games)so not to diminish a nice win for the cadets but you’ll never be Staples. Enjoy last weeks game. Hopefully you’ll accomplish more this season.
Be careful. Before you canonize Staples, recall their dreadfully woeful past in the ’80s and a good portion of the ’90s. Marce is a great coach and they are expected to be a bonified contender. BUT you cannot RATIONALLY say that they are just going to run the table because of last year’s team. Let them prove themselves. This weekend may be an indicator.
Staples got a great program no doubt but i agree they havent been tested THIS YEAR and i think they are a little suspect but if i have to put my money on it,it will be them and greenwich again for the fciac..by the way what happened to staples in 2003? i forgot j/w and the fciac isn’t the best league semi close second to the scc but in a few years is capable of catching the scc maybe..
SCC- 2007- Fciac 2-0
Greenwich 40- Prep 6
Staples 27- West Haven 7
what are those scores from?..and i think Greenwich and Staples are great but from top to bottom SCC has been the deeper conference over the years and harder hitting may i add