Still kinda getting my head together after last night’s proceedings. I have a wrap-up column to write for Monday and such. So here’s a quick look at the carnage.
Ansonia 35, New London 0: Ansonia rolls past New London
Everything you need to know about what I thought of that game is here:
Bowley: Chargers prove they are state’s top ranked team
Bunnell 22, Masuk 14: Bunnell wins second straight crown
Masuk has lost five times in two years. All five are against Bunnell.
New Canaan 34, Hand 30: Westfal rallies New Canaan past Hand
The FCIAC-SCC Challenge Part 1. Probably the best game of the day. Hand and Nick Merullo jump out to a 30-13 lead. New Canaan’s Charlie Westfal scripts a tremendous comeback, and his place in family lore.
Greenwich 28, Shelton 14: Greenwich rallies to beat Shelton
The FCIAC-SCC Challenge Part 2… Goes to the FCIAC again. Yikes. The SCC got shown who’s boss today.
Seymour 44, Tolland 34: Seymour holds off Tolland
Every time the scoring updates came over from this, I told everybody in the press box I’d be sending Tolland coach Pat Cox a card. They didn’t win, but we all should send them something for showing up the way New London didn’t.
By the way, shout outs to some of the guys on the CPTV broadcasts at Trumbull, Central and Southern, who have all either worked for me, worked with me or, in some cases went to college with me: Mike Madera, Phil “Wordman” Brodsky, and Phil Soto-Ortiz.
Forget the overrated scc-forget bunnell-forget greenwich-for all you scc and fciac bloggers—–ansonia is the best football program in state-16 state championships-no one is even close——–see u at the walter camp dinner—- the pretenders banquet will be at the bunnell cafeteria.
wow i might have to agree that there the best in the state but with the not even close and the pretenders comment thats taking it a little far. how can you call a team that played one of the toughest schedules in the state(masuk 3 times, staples, stratford) and going 13-0 a pretender. get a clue bro, come see us at bunnell and well be more then happy to show you were no pretender.
wow Ray – always with the daggers
If you are still posting next year, and Ansonia loses just one game, people are going to hammer you
Ansonia is the best program in CT history, not just my personal opinion, but without question because of the 16 titles in 32 years
But lets win with class be a little humble when we do it
I love how passionate you are about the Chargers, I am too. But the other fans can be proud of their teams and their town as well.
Cmon, we don’t win a state title every year either. Just every other year. haha
Congratulations to Ansonia and Seymour on their titles.
Nice job by Shelton in fighting hard too. I would have liked to see the Valley go 3-0, but the Cardinals are a good team.
Nice job by New Canaan in storming back like that. I was one of the few to be picking the Rams in this one, and I just felt they were the better team and they proved me right.
Good job by Coach Lights and the Bunnel staff as well.
Like it or not, Ansonia is your number 1 team folks. Next year, they won’t be, so it will be up for grabs. And we can all argue about a new team next year. Should be fun.
i respect your opinion but your one is even close and the pretenders comment is ridiculous. get a clue. how can you consider bunnell, a team that plays one of the toughest schedules in the state(masuk 3 times, stratford, staples) and goes 13-0 a pretender. come see to bunnell and well show you what kind “pretender” we are
i totally agree that there the number 1 team but to call a 13-0 bunnell team and a greenwich team whos only loss was to naples is ridiculous
Ansonia’s No. 1 overall rank is deserved. What would happen though if Ansonia played Greenwich or Bunnell on a neutral field? Would the defenses be able to contain AT? Would Ansonia be able to stop either team from scoring? Who knows. It would be interesting. Too bad it won’t happen but with three teams standing out this year, it’s too bad we won’t ever know the “true” No. 1 team.
Ray – your comments are pure cretin . Bunnell is 13-0 and they are undefeated, “L” State Champs. The opinion of a nitwit (like you) just doesn’t matter. Crawl back in your cave, pick the ticks off your head and keep chewing on those squirrel carcasses. Next season will come quick and you need to make sure you’ll survive the winter.
As for Ansonia, congratulations on another great season and your #1 state ranking.
Ray Brown give credit where credit is due. Stop hating on Bunnell. Back to back SWC Champs, Back to Back Class L State Champs…they lost 1 game in 2 years. I think that’s pretty darn good. You’re entitled to your opinion but you know the old saying “opinions are like ——–, everyone has one” (fill in the blank) Ansonia has won many titles and Alex Thomas definitely put some awesome numbers up. However, let’s look at Bunnell…1st year QB throws for over 2500 yds for 33 tds, runs for over 500 yds, has 2 of the best WR in the state along with a supporting cast of others who contribute…”pretender banquet in the bunnell cafeteria” you’re talking about, whatever dude. Bunnell will sit in the cafeteria with their 2 state championship rings on!!!!!! Thumbs up to Ralph and Ryan for your comments.
Congrats to all the State Title winners.
Ansonia #1
Bunnell #2
Greenwich #3
Seymour #4
New Cannan #5
Thats should be the top five in my book.
Yet I think the people who vote on the final state rankings will push Greenwich to #2 above Bunnell just because they are Greenwich.I hope they prove me wrong.
So before I start reading Greenwich is better than Bunnell, you just need to hold your horses.
Yes Greenwich did play a really tough Naples team.However, a lost is a lost no matter how you look at it.It counted, so get over it.
When Greenwich plays a team like Mausk(Who by the way is a very good team themselves) & beats Mausk 3 times in one year.Along with beating Staples & Stratford.Bunnell deserves the #2 spot.
bunnell beat masuk 3 times and beat a staples team that lost 37-0 to greenwich.stratford?u guys must be serious? ansonia would beat bunnell by three touchdowns-that 400 lb. lineman would be down to 225 by end of game———u guys have been killing the n.v.l. all year and they have two state champions-the good thing about the cptv broadcasts is u got to see evrybody–after watching bunnell hang on to beat masuk-the biggest playoff losers in state history-and watching greenwich beat a overrated shelton team-i did say that all year——theres no doubt in my mind or anyone else who has seen ansonia-who the best in connecticut is—–ansonia—cyas next year—–hopefully ull stop making excuses for ur sorry programs.
you cant be serious there is no way ansonia can cover the button, harrison and the jett. never mind guerrero out of the backfield and a defense that has been stopping the run all year. sloat is very similiar to rob moir of seymour and you guys had plenty of trouble with him and he has nowhere near the supporting cast of sloat. so run your mouth and youll get yours next you when alex thomas isnt there to throw a team on his back for 3000+ yards
I’m sure if Masuk or Bunnell was in a different class SWC would have 2 title holders to.Can only have one class “L” champ buddy.Both teams were from the SWC.
Nice to see both teams there, yet like I said there can only be one winner.Trying to beat a team you played 3 times in the same seaon.It’s extremely diffcult to do.
Ansoina will be nothing without AT next year.Be back to 2004, 2005 when Woodland laid the smack down on Ansonia.
Masuk, Bunnell & Greenwich will be back next year playing strong schdules once again, while Ansonia will be crying the blues “Where is our Alex Thomas”
If you think Mausk is not good, just look at their record.They have only lost to one team the last 2 years.Guess who Bunnell.
Ray, you’re a big boy so I’m not going to tell you how to act. I just hope folks don’t generalize all AHS fans as having no class. Congrats to Bunnell and Greenwich. Bunnell has had a helluva run as Coach Bruno has established the foundation of a vey strong program. And major props to Greenwich for seeking out a challenge and hanging with one of the better teams in Florida – your kids’ level of mental toughness is obvious and impressive.
After watching a full day on CPTV today, I can’t say that any team stuck out head and shoulders above the rest
Not having ever seen Ansonia in person, I was ready to see some magic…that game to me was about New London not being that good more than it was Ansonia being awesome
While it’s a great argument to fight over who’s the best, the state playoffs do more to showcase the weaker parts of the state than they do to show the best part of the states
Hand is a perfect example…New Canaan lost to a few very beatable teams this year (st joes and staples)…yet they were able to handle Hand pretty well (even with a ton of mistakes…not sure what this says for Hands league
Ray – all your rant boils down to is this – you don’t like company at the top. Bunnell and Ansonia are both 13-0. You, obviously, hate to see another team with just as good an accomplishment. Last year it was easier for you, Ansonia was the state’s only undefeated team. This year its different, Bunnell ran the table (13 wins and no losses), beat a strong Masuk team three times (no small accomplishment) and defeated Staples (again – when it mattered). 27 wins in their last 28 games. No excuses here, just plain, factual, unemotional statements. Those are the best kind.
Again, I congratulate Ansonia football on their accomplishments – “S” State Championship and their #1 rankings. This is truly a great football team – as I have said all year.
hey ray brown
keep your stuck up comments to yourself i dont care how many titles ansonia has i dont care how many yards or touchdowns or carries AT has yea hes good and yea he has impresive numbers but you need a reality check. the swc has some of the hardest teams to play,bunnell, masuk, pomperaug, stratford, then you have greenwich, shelton, in the other classes, ansonia plays woodland, watertown, walcott, naugatauk…..be serious thomas ran up points on teams that ****, when this years schedules came out they basically handed ansonia a title i hate how evryone hates on bunnell let there be an ansonia bunnell showdown you would see an upset bunnell beating ansonia by 2 touchdowns, plain and simple and they would shut down alex thomas with no trouble so until your valley programs start playing some teams that actually have tallent dont put down other programs and as for bunnell let them live and let them have there banquet in ther cafiteria but you know what at least bunnell will be sitting there with there rings with there heads held high because they worked as a team the get what they deserved! and for you to try and put there program down for what they have achived or because they didnt win 16 state titles or one evry other year [MESSAGE TRUNCATED]
I can not believe you think Bunnell’s Defense is not good.
It was Bunnell’s defense that won them that game.Bunnell’s Defense has been the meal ticket this year for them.
As for Ansonia/Bunnell match up.I think its a good game but Ansonia could not stop Bunnell’s air attack.I saw the Seymour game & Seymour had no problems pasing the ball.Seymours offense is good, but nothing like Bruno’s squad.Ansonia’s secondary would get eatin up by Easly, Harrison, Stringfellow & Jackson.
Ansonia will be taking the picture tomorrow for the top ranked team in the state, so the debate is over. They deserve the #1 ranking. Knock the NVL as much as you like, the fact is for two straight seasons they have topped the poll. Ansonia has won 27 straight games. The pressure was on them from the very start of 2007. It wasn’t like 2006 when they were chasing #1 the whole year. They started the season #1 and did nothing but win football games. Early in the season people said Woodland would be a good test. Ansonia wins 62-35, Thomas runs wild. Well, Woodland stinks. Then Holy Cross, same thing. Cross plays Ansonia tough for a half. They stink. Then Crosby, as talented a team as any in the state on offense, their passing game will give Ansonia problems. Ansonia shuts they down, they stink. How about Seymour? They play Ansonia closer than anyone. Again, their balanced offense will give Ansonia fits and their passing game against Ansonia’s terrible secondary is a mismatch. Ansonia, aside from two long runs, shut the Seymour offense down. They made the plays the need to and won the game. Seymour stinks. Then, Northwest. Then, Jack Cochran and New London. A team who led the state in points scored and least points allowed. A team who was bigger and faster then Ansonia. A team with a D1 QB who can throw the ball all over the field. Against, Ansonia’s awful secondary. Ansonia was finally up against it. The one team everyone wanted to see them play other than Greenwich. This was judgement day. Ansonia’s defense held New London to 91 total yards in the game. New London had 57 yards in the first quarter. They managed 34 the final three. Couldn’t run, they completed only 3 passes in the game, and were sacked 6 times. It’s almost impossible to sack a QB who is releasing the ball on his second step. Alex Thomas carries 54 times out of 63 offensive plays, he touched the ball all but one play in the second half against a bigger and faster Whaler defense. Ansonia’s one-dimensional. Your damn right they are! There is not one coach in this state who would give a kid who averages over 11 yards a carry ( over 10 yards a carry for his career) the ball, especially behind Ansonia’s offensive line. If it ain’t broke…The end result, they take JC and the Whaler’s behind the woodshed. Now, they suck. Maybe, Ansonia’s defense is better than they get credit for. Maybe, they force teams into mistakes. There will always be the, “Well, if they played this team, or they played that team.”. The fact is, for two years they have beaten everyone in front of them. No other team in CT can say that.
The Ansonia coaches have great respect for both, Greenwich and Bunnell. They are both very good teams, with great coaching staffs and had Ansonia stubbled, they are both qualified and worthy of a #1 ranking. Unfortunately, the Charger players wouldn’t allow that to happen. They put Ansonia back on top of CT football. They have won an unmatched 16 state titles, appeared in more championship games than any other team, and now they have the most #1 finishes of any team in CT history, with four.
good post kris1, i myself wasnt hating on ansonia juss the ansonia fan that i dont even have to say his name, comes on and runs his mouth. ansonia wins, they are #1 in the state, the players, coaches, and fans all deserve it and won with class. its juss a shame that one fan has to come on and say things that may lead people to look down on a great team.
PBL – By no objective measure can you say that Bunnell deserves No. 2 over Greenwich. “A lost is a lost no matter how you look at it?” That’s like saying that Hawaii is the only team that went undefeated this year and so they should be national champs. When Greenwich goes to seek out a challenge (instead of taking a bye week, which it easily could have done) and plays one of the best teams in Florida and played them closer than any other team had done, it shouldn’t and hasn’t been penalized for it. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s too bad that the top 3 teams don’t play each other, and who knows how it would end up.
Kris – Certainly appreciate the thoughtful statement above. Please don’t get us Bunnell fans/players/former players wrong (I know there were some contentious responses above), but when a guy like Ray posts such irresponsible and inflamatory statements as he has – it won’t go without response. There is no reason for Bunnell or Ansonia fans to be slamming each others’ teams for furthering their own team’s cause. Both teams, proved themselves by beating every team on their schedule – regular season, play-offs and championship game. Both teams went 13-0. Short of playing each other, each has their own claim to the #1 ranking this year. In the end, though, we don’t vote – the media and the coaches do. They’ll decide who the #1 team in the state is – not you, me or Ray (for that matter).
Nice post Kris1.
Just to repeat what your main point was, all year people cry that Ansonia does not play ANY good teams.
That is of course until Ansonia does actually play a good team, and beats them (usually convincingly)
At this point, the team they beat is no longer considered a good team.
If this is the pattern we are going to use, how can Ansonia ever win people over?
Hey idiot…I mean Ray…like Ralph mentioned you need to crawl back into your fox hole for the winter. (SPB, I know you frowned upon name calling in your Top 10 column, but Ray Clown needs a taste of humble pie). The only good thing about this season ending is nobody has to read your illiterate comments anymore. And FYI, Bunnell was represented at Walter Camp last year, and will probably go again this year. But just because I think you are a joke, I won’t bash your team, I’m not that narrow-minded. Ansonia is a great team, but not the only great team of this season. Bunnell has clearly earned the right to be mentioned with them, and I think they would present Ansonia with the best game of the season. Although the New London matchup was much anticipated in Ansonia, they certainly don’t have the talent Bunnell does(or Greenwich), especially at the receiver position. And Sloat can definitely battle Reed as best QB in the state next year.
Ansonia, Bunnell, and Greenwich would be dream matchups, but for now we can only speculate…
These teams should only focus on celebrating their huge wins Saturday.
Some of the comments made on this board are just mind boggling.
People get so caught up in hating Ray Brown, I think they just start making things up.
From reading just the latest posts I have learned the following things:
1. Bunnell would beat Ansonia by 2 touchdowns. Probably wouldn’t even be that close. I mean, Ansonia might not even score. AT would probably have negative yardage or get hurt in the first quarter and just get back on the bus.
2. Ansonia will be nothing when AT leaves. Because before he got there, the program was in shambles. And after he leaves, it will be 3-7 seasons for the next few years at least.
3. New Canaan beat Hand easily. That whole plan of falling behind by a lot of points early on was just a ploy they used.
All three things were said in one form or another just in the last few posts, and all three have no basis in fact.
John E:
Greenwich took a risky move by playing Naples.The game counted towards states.So yes a lost is a lost man.
Greenwich/Naples game was over by halftime.
Rob – I couldn’t agree with you more. Trashtalking about Ansonia is wrong. Enough with the hypothetical scenarios – its all fiction. The Ansonia program, clearly is the standard-bearer for Connecticut State Football programs. Alex Thomas is a great kid/player, the line is spectacular, and their linebacking corp is one of the best in the state. Rob – the way you’ve handled the Bunnell side of this discussion, says alot about you. Bunnell is building a strong program (engineered by Coach Bruno and his staff) and the last 2 seasons is a testament to that fact.
Next year will come quickly and with all of the marqee name departures (for many teams around the state) – #1 will be up for grabs quickly. Enjoy the offseason.
Greg
I am assuming you’re calling me on pt 3
Hand had one legitimate scoring drive on offense…against an average NC defense…the rest of their scores were all off bad, bad NC mistakes
I’ve doubted Ansonia all year and remain skeptical due to the fact that it’s so one-dimensional offensively–I just couldn’t imagine that more than a few of the programs I’m more familiar with down in the FCIAC couldn’t shut that offense down, and moreover could score on Ansonia due to the varied offenses they run in the FCIAC (look at how NC just shredded Hand through the air).
That said–Ansonia must be named #1 this year and Bunnell number 2 and Greenwich 3. In truth I think Greenwich would beat both of them by a couple of scores, but the rankings must be based on the facts at hand. And Ansonia and Bunnell earned the two top spots by going undefeated.
Just my opinion.
rob-ansonia program in shambles? theyve never been in shambles in 100 years-look at the record–
beating masuk every year and having ur quaterback throw 5 yard patterns , and beating joel barlow doesnt qualify. seymour would have waxed bunnell——-now that i think about ansonia would have beaten bunnell by five touchdowns——by the way the walter camp dinner is in new haven-bunnell players and fans can take the bus down barnum avenue to get there.well take limos–hail ansonia-the best program in state over 100 years -look up the records
ive been to over 35 games this year-ive seen every team except tolland ledyard and berlin-that participated in playoffs-i can tell u this i love watching high school football–and i can also unbiaselly say ansonia is the best team in state.their lines are big fast aggressive,they had great linebackers and the thomas kid ran against eight man fronts most of the time and still got his yards.plus i understand they lost one of theyre better players to a suspension and still finished unbeaten. they are no.1
PBL, yeah the Greenwich/Shelton game was over by halftime too. Shelton dominated the game. But Greenwich came out and proved why they are the best team in CT in the 2nd half. They hung in there against one of the best teams in Florida.
Alex Thomas had a poor day against an above average defense. 4.5 yds a carry?? Thats not gonna cut it against an elite defense like Greenwich or Bunnell. Ansonia proved to me on Saturday they are not the best team in the state. Anyone can beat New London like that when NL plays so terribly. They shut down AT but got beat by the pass (nice job Ansonia there). I’d love to see that game on a fair weather day and let Reed and Schiavone work their game. AT doesnt need good weather, and was still shut down…yes 250 yards on 50-something carries is being shut down for a back that is considered to be one of the best in CT history…haha come on, what a joke. Average running back.
AT in the playoffs – 81 carries for 498 yards. 6.1 yards per carry. Take away that 86 yard run vs NWC, 412 yards on 80 carries. 5.2 YPC. Best in CT history? Please.
Imagine what Pinnock, Lewis, or Sheets would have put up for yards on 81 carres? What about Andre Henderson or Jon Meyers? I’ll take any of those 5 guys over AT any day.
Folks-Lets admit it.Big bad New London got all the hype and media hoopla only because of Cochran.Take Cochran away from this team,put them in a legit league and they go 7-3 at best.Cochran deserves all the credit but lets face it this was not Bloomfield or New Britian.Ansonia’s a great team but at least show up and compete with them.Kudo’s to the other underdog teams that showed up and played a championship game like it should be played[Shelton,Masuk,Tolland]and how about that New Canaan comeback.I am an FCIAC follower who was at the Greenwich game,but can now see why Shelton is a top 10 team year in and year out.Those kids play hard right to the final whistle.
Ansonia beats 4th ranked New London 35-0 and somehow people are using this game as evidence that Ansonia is NOT the best team in the state. I can do nothing but shake my head.
And if that isn’t strange enough, the argument they are using isn’t even the same.
FB is saying that New London is a good team, bigger, stronger, faster than Ansonia who simply played poorly and had to deal adverse weather conditions. He implies that if they played again, New London would win.
But Pete just said that New London is not a good team, only average at best and simply over-hyped because of Cochran.
So who is correct?
at-gatorade state player of year ————–not only led ct. in rushing but was top rusher in country according to max preps——-henderson and nolan couldnt carry his jock.but they can call each other and tell themselves how good they were——noticed u havent heard from any prep fans or anton from shelton? did they stop bloggin?
the scc wants accolades for losing games not winning them
ansonia program in shambles??????? puhleeeeezzzzeeee!!!!! get a clue greg, theres an old saying around this town we dont rebuild we reload. and while we wont be the powerhouse of the last 2 years, we will still be atop the nvl, 3-7???? lol what a joke. this team loses a great seior class but still returns some key players including the best LB in the state in flynn, and soph RB montrell dobbs will make a name for himself very quick
of course ansonia is one dimensional…… how many other teams will flat out tell you, we are running power and lead on every single play and you are not going to stop us…… saying they are one dimensional just proves they are the best in ct
Joe
I said nothing about Ansonia being in shambles, you are confusing me with someone else. They’ve been great for years and will continue to be a state power in the future.
Best teams for next year?
My early #1 is Bunnell.
As for Ansonia, probably 7-3, good team but can’t beat the stronger teams of the NVL.
This comment shows how little some posters know about football on here.
“AT in the playoffs – 81 carries for 498 yards. 6.1 yards per carry. Take away that 86 yard run vs NWC, 412 yards on 80 carries. 5.2 YPC. Best in CT history? Please.
Imagine what Pinnock, Lewis, or Sheets would have put up for yards on 81 carres? What about Andre Henderson or Jon Meyers? I’ll take any of those 5 guys over AT any day.”
Correct me if I’m wrong at 5.2 yards a carry, wouldn’t that mean a first down on his second carry. There is not a football coach at any level who wouldn’t take second and short. AT was also running against 8, 9, 10 guys in the box. Is there anything he or Ansonia can do that you will ever respect? Some of these posts are moronic. Furthermore, If any of those names you dropped could do better, how come they are all behind him in the record books. Some aren’t even close. AT is the greatest running back in CT history. The numbers say it, his performances say it, those with an objective opinion say it, and the record books will say it. You can’t change history.
Why does most you all keep saying Greenwich hung tough with Naples.
31 to 12 is a blow out in my book.
19 points, thats a lot of points to lose by when your the “So called best team in Connecticut”
Correct me if I am wrong, but Naples is not #1 in Flordia.
joe, your a little confused about your “best LB in the state.”
JONATHAN MEYERS.
30 Division 1-A offers..
Enough said
As an alumnus of Ansonia High, I`m proud of the accomplishments of this year`s team especially AT.
The opposing team knows he is getting the ball and still he and teammates overcome – a sign of greatness. Give them them due along with the other state champions. Stick to this year. Two for both the NVL and FCIAC. Quit bashing for no good reason.
We respect the other programs and their coaching staffs. Isn`t there a game where the New Haven area
players compete against the Fairfield area players and dominate? There are very good teams in southern ct. I know because I live in Stratford. So temper the opinions and stick to facts we can look up in the records.
alright first off Ray, you dont even have to go near barnum to get to new haven from Bunnell. and 5 yard patterns, ask the teams in the SWC how many times Eazy, Harrison or Jett went 5 yards, ill guarentee you its not alot. You think AT would run all over bunnell? the best backfield in the state in ox and Tmack couldnt run all over bunnell, and trust me if you give either of them the ball 40+ times youll see some very identical numbers to AT. seriously grow up, ansonia is a very good program, the have the best player in the state but for what your doing to their name on this forum i really hope you see the team New London puts on the field next year in the state finals and JC runs that one to 75-0.
Oh and a little off topic saying “take away the 85 yard run against northwest” how are you just going to take away an 85 yard run and then try to tell us how bad he is by using stats. i mean the kid has set every state record imaginable, he may not be the most talented in CT history, but numbers dont lie, hes great.
Good points Ryan about Mcoy & Mack.I was at the Bunnell-Stratford game & Bunnell stopped both from get far.
Statford keep in the game with the pass attack.If Stratford had a bit better Offensive line & a better Defense they become a really scary team.
Mack had to share the carries with Mcoy plus both of them had to deal with a decent pass attack.That also lowers the rushing attempts.
I wish Stratford had the chance to play Seymour instead of Woodland.Seeing how Tolland pushed Seymour to the limits, Mack & Mcoy would given Seymour hell.
fb did you even leave your house on sat??? bad weather??? it was cold, last time i checked we dont play football championships in june so if u cant win when its cold you wont win any titles in this state
“AT in the playoffs – 81 carries for 498 yards. 6.1 yards per carry. Take away that 86 yard run vs NWC, 412 yards on 80 carries. 5.2 YPC. Best in CT history? Please.”
thats like saying take away the imaculate reception and the steelers would have lost.
you cant just take away a play because you dont like the stats look after the fact
and greg i misread that post sorry about that
Hats off to Ansonia, Greenwich and Bunnell for winning the state championships! These kids from all three teams put in a lot of time and energy in the off-season to accomplish there goals, winning back to back state championships! All three were targets in their respective conferences and in the state and every team they played considered it a championship game. These three teams all ran the table in CT….To truly call one of them the offical #1 would be unjust, all three are deserving of the ranking, but unfortunaltely they don’t get a chance to prove it against one another….AT, congrats on setting the state records and awards. He was truly deserving….All I want for christmas is a Greenwich vs. Ansonia, Bunnell Vs. Seymore, Bunnell vs. Greenwich, Seymore vs. Greenwich, Bunnell vs Ansonia.(ansonia and seymore, we’ve seen already!) Those would be some great games!And all of the nonsense would be settled!! Wishful thinking though!!!! Congrats to all of the State Champions and look forward to see what these teams do next year! I would also like to see Ansonia put a quality opponent in that 11th game next year…please, not Sacred Heart!! Happy hollidays everyone!
Hey no one has talked about what a great job shelton did against greenwhich they just got lucky all the hype and everyone in the stands couldnt beleive they played naples .They were horrible luck was on there side they are soft. Gaels ran all over them physically. Ansonia is definetly #1 Jon Meryers was a joke.Talk about hype.They got lucky plain and simple put them up against the big boys they were so flat.Gaels keep tose heads up high you should be prud no one has you strenghth on and off the fiel we love yoy guys Coach roy you really know how to make a team .Our hats off to you good luck next year i heard the kids coming up are great also.Schultz, Konapka,Kelly.Mainiero.fenton, Grimalli, Wigglesworth. Korweck, Henderson,good luck in all you do and to all the rest we missed .Piccorillo you will take over what Bendito did.Mainiero no one else will be that much fun to watch you were fantastic. Kelley your one tough dude and Schulz you are the best by far.
RYAN U CANT BE OVERWHELMING EVERY YEAR-ITS IMPOSSIBLE-HOWEVER CAN U EXPLAIN TO US HOW BARLOW
HUNG 35 POINTS ON YOUR VAUNTED BUNNEL DEFENSE?NEWLONDON SHOULD BE GOOD AGAIN BUT ILL GUARANTEE YOU WITH THEIR HORRIFFIC SCHEDULE JC FIGURED IN PLAYOFF POINTS BEFORE HE SCHEDULED HAND.PBL-STRATFORD STINKS-THEY HAD BOTH RUNNERS LAST YEAR AND GOT EMBARRASED BY NVLS HOLY CROSS.IF..IF..IF THATS WHY THEY WIN NOTHING–
ray get a life
Alex Thomas never ran up yards on any team! He should have more yards than he does! For the first 6 games Alex never saw the 2nd half of the game! He ran 3,4 and even 500 yards in those games in the 1st half alone! Imagine if he played all 4 quarters all 13 games? Think about it!! Like PBL said, Ansonia will never get any credit for what they have accomplished because no matter who they beat someone will always have a excuse why that team lost! If they did play Greenwich and happened to win, there would be some kind of excuse why! For example, they had a bad day and didn’t execute, they had too many turn-overs, etc, etc! So give credit where credits its due to the AHS football program!!
Ray, Ansonia and Greenwich are the 2 best programs in the state, all-time. Did they ever have a bad game on one side of the ball like Bunnell’s “D” vs. Barlow ? Bunnell still beat Barlow by 30, beat Stratford, Masuk 3x and Staples. And finished 13-0. As great as Ansonia is, what were the big wins this year besides Seymour ? Holy Cross and Woodlands were down a little, New London was way over-rated and who even remembers their opponent in the semis. ?
What I find funny is the MSG Tri-State top 10.
They have Greenwich #5 & Ansonia #10.
Bunnell is #19.
Max Preps has Ansonia #1, Bunnell #2 & Greenwich #3.
No way would Ansonia lose to Greenwich.I really thought that Greenwhich could but never seen them play until they played Shelton the papers make them out to be a great team and their not it is indivdual greatness not team you feel it in the stands I really beleive it.By the way they like to show off in their coach bus and they wear underarmor on a chilly day by the way they wore their coats wussys no I am being mean sorry LOL but really Ansonia you will still be great without Alex.Greenwhich on the other hand will see.Goodbye class of 2007 its been fun individually you guys are all #1 but team greatness Ansonia all the way
Mack and McKoy are as overrated as they come. Go back and look at the numbers those two put up in “BIG” games (i.e., Masuk and Holy Cross last year or Pomperaug and Bunnell this year). They have done nothing when the lights are the brightest. At best, they have been inconsistent. Holy Cross made them look like a Pop Warner players in the SS State Finals last year. Great players show up in big games, they have never done that with consistency. In Fact, the only big performance either had, against a quality team, was Mack rushing for 201 yards against Bunnell in 2006. That’s it, not one 100 yard game from either, against a good team. It will be interesting to see if they are named to the All-State team when it comes out in a couple weeks. There a number of RBs that I would put ahead of them, obviously Thomas (Ansonia), Schultz (Shelton), Dunster (Greenwich), Nolan (Prep), and Pagan (Newington), immediately come to mind. And for what it’s worth both Mack’s and McKoy’s numbers are down from 2006.
Anyway, I was going through withdraw and started looking at Alex Thomas’ numbers compared to Tim Washington’s. People have said AT is overrated, Ansonia plays no one, his numbers are inflated, he’s not that impressive, or there are other backs that could do what he did if they carried the ball 40 times…etc…etc. When you look at AT’s season and career it is hard to justify any of those statements. What he did is remarkable. He not only broke records, he obliterated them. He set the standard so high, it will be a long time before those numbers are touched. Here is a quick overview.
For his career, Tim Washington rushed for 7712 yards on 1011 carries. Alex Thomas rushed for 8270 on 812. That’s 558 yards more on 199 less carries. Rashon Spikes, one of the greatest backs to play in CT, had 5091 career yards on 783 carries. He ran the ball only 29 times less than Thomas, but is nearly 3200 yards behind him. So for those that thought AT carried the ball a lot, think again. In his best season, Washington rushed for 3005 yards on 342 carries. AT had one less carry (341) but rushed for 582 more yards (3587, which led the nation). What people forget is that Ansonia lost their best receiver (Tristan Roberts) in Week 3, that changed the way teams game-planned for Ansonia. They had to respect Robert’s ability on the outside, with that gone they could commit more defenders to the box. Ironically, that was the same week AT rushed for 518 yards against Woodland. Big players step up in a big games. Alex did that in EVERY big game he ever played in. He flourished on the big stage. Here’s a look:
2005
Torrington (1st varsity start) 210 yards, 4 TDs
Holy Cross (SS semi-finalist) 202 yards, 2 TDs
Seymour 230 yards, 2 TDs
Woodland (SS Champs) 189 yards, 3 TDs
2006
Woodland (1st half) 137 yards, 3 TDs
Seymour 390 yards, 5 TDs
Holy Cross (SS Champs, #3 in CT, NVL Championship game) 276 yards, 3 TDs
North Branford (S semi-final) 287 yards, 4 TDs
Bloomfield (S finals) 261 yards, 3 TDs
2007
Woodland 518 yards, 7 TDs
Holy Cross 356 yards, 2 TDs
Seymour 269 yards, 1 TD
Woodland (NVL Championship game) 245 yards, 3 TDs
Naugatuck (211 yards from the rushing record) 261 yards, 4 TDs
Northwest Catholic (S semi-final) 267 yards, 2 TDs
New London (S final) 240 yards, 3 TDs
The NVL produces at least one state champion every year. There are some very good coaches and some great athletes. To put up the numbers AT did is just unreal. His O-Line deserves a lot of credit for opening the holes, but as you saw at the end of the season when teams were putting 10 guys in the box, he still managed to churn out yardage and very rarely ran for negative yards. He wasn’t breaking the long runs, but he moved the chains, controlled the clock, and found the endzone. Which in the end, added up to 13 “W’s” for the second year in row, and the state’s #1 ranking. It’s very hard to look at his production and knock the kid. He is without question, pound-for-pound, carry-for-carry, the greatest running back in CT history. Good Luck to all in 2008.
Kris1, Your comments regarding AT and his stats are true. He is a fantastic football player. You couldn’t be more off base when speaking about Tori Mack and Octavious McKoy. They’ve shared the spotlight for 2 years, earning all league honors on either side of the ball. Their numbers might equal AT or would be comparable if they had a line half as big, strong, aggressive and talented as Ansonia’s. They are tremendous football players on a good, but far from great football TEAM. AT behind their offensive line, sharing carries would look similar to them.