We’re just starting to sift through the 2009 season here at the Connecticut Post offices. We’re in the process of contacting coaches and getting feedback for our annual all-Connecticut Post team — which encompasses southwest Connecticut. (Coaches, check your email this evening, if not email me at sbowley@ctpost.com).
But before we do that, we’re looking to hear what you think.
Who is the Southwest Connecticut MVP for the 2009 High School Football Season?
We want an offensive MVP. We want a defensive MVP.
Players only from our coverage area are eligible. We cover the whole SWC, FCIAC and the following teams from the SCC: Amity, Fairfield Prep, Foran, Hamden, Hillhouse, Law, NDWH, Shelton, West Haven, Wilbur Cross; From the NVL: Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Woodland; From the CSC: Abbott Tech, Bullard-Havens, Platt Tech.
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Sean:
How come the Post doesn’t cover Hyde? Hyde is a New Haven Public School that is physically located in Hamden? I see you cover both Cross and Hillhouse, and also Hamden. Most of the school’s population is from New Haven, Hamden, and West Haven all in the Post’s area.
Comment by chris — December 8th, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
Come on Ben Crick has to be the offensive MVP not only in the SWC but the State….
Comment by HSFOOT — December 8th, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
We attempted to cover Hyde years ago, before I was here, and it really didn’t work out. They play in the Pequot Conference, which has teams from all over the place and it’s tough to get a handle on Hyde games when they’re all over the state. …Maybe if they joined the SCC?
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 1:18 pm
Matt Kelly Staples
Comment by the judge — December 8th, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
Sean Thanks for repsonding.. I’ve heard that the SCC won’t take them in just football. They would be a great fit to replace Derby in Div II. If I remember correctly, Derby played an out of leauge schedule for the other sports when they were in the SCC. Sounds like you have some info that your not sharing !!!!!
Comment by chris — December 8th, 2009 @ 1:33 pm
Ha. No not holding back except to say there are those in the SCC who want Hyde — as a New Haven Public School member — to fill the gap. And there are others adamantly opposed to it.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 1:36 pm
Spb, By MVP you are opening a can of worms throughout the region. If you mean what team would do nothing without a certain player then by all means the kid Cocheran from Masuk is the MVP hands down. Also the kid GILL from Central merits strong consideration.
All the other teams like ST.Joes, New Canaan, Staples, Greenwich, POMPY, NDWH, Hamden and Ansonia would have had terrific teams while losing a certain player.
Comment by frnkiefiveangels — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
Well, we pick an MVP for the all-star team so…
I think, when you come down to it, we want your Offensive Player of the Year and your Defensive Player of the Year
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
Ben Crick – Great all-around player.
Offensively, the kid had about 2,500 total yards, averaged 12+ yards per carry and scored about 35 touchdowns five different ways (Running, Receiving, Throwing, Kick Return and Defensive).
Defensively made big plays at Safety (Interceptions, Forced Fumbles, etc…)
Did a great job on Kick Returns.
He is also the holder on Extra Points and Field Goals and did a great job with that.
He could have had 3,000 yards rushing if he carried the ball 25 per game like some backs did this year and in the past.
Who did more this year??????
Comment by PompFan — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
Offensive Payer of the year: Casey Cocheran
Defensive player of the year. GILL of Central
Comment by frnkiefiveangels — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
Tyler Matakavich MVP could be offense od D but i would go O beast watch out next year
Comment by FCIACGUY — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
The monster from Berlin, Matt D. Look at the numbers he put up against Bethel in the final. He is only a junior….He has to get MVP???????????
Comment by Donald C — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
DeLorenzo was awesome on Sunday. Unfortunately, we’re talking about our regional team, Donald.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
I would say Ben Crick if they gave him the ball but for some strange reason, in crunch time they go away from him. At least that is what I witnessed in games against Masuk and NDWH. Maybe someone in the know from Pomperaug can give us some information as to why this is. And don’t go mentioning how he carried the ball against Weston or Oxford. I’m talking about crunch time against NDWH and MASUK.
The offensive player of the year has to be(I do not respect his father)CASEY Cocheran. Look at the numbers. He will break every passing record in state history before he graduates. Nobody comes close. Five hundred yds passing in back to back games. Who does that!!! He is only a sophomore but should not be penalized for that.
Defensively :I haven’t see the player from STamford High School but according to the newspaper articles coming out of the Stamford Advocate they rate him the second coming of Lawrence Taylor.
Those I have seen though-I like the defensive back from NDWH. his name escapes me but he returned an interception for a TD and makes all the plays.
Comment by ArtVandelay — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
At QB, Cochran, Della Vecchia and Baty all have great, but comparable numbers. Being an FCIAC fan I want to say Matakevich, but one look at what Crick has done this season makes this almost a no-brainer.
He has 1,973 on only 162 carries. That’s almost 12.2 yards/carry coupled with 29 RUSHING touchdowns.
Comment by Dr. Von Nostran — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Connor Keniry….Defensive Player of the Year
Turner Baty
Casey Cocheran Hard to choose from these boys-but would give
the edge to Cocheran
Ben Crick
Tyler M
Matt Kelly
Frank Gill
Comment by john — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:20 pm
Tyler Matakavich on both sides of the ball
Comment by Randy The Ram — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
COCHRAN vs. CRICK – CRUNCH TIME AGAINST QUALITY TEAMS
CASEY COCHRAN
TEAM Cmp Att Yds TD Int Result
Pomperaug 34 63 565 2 4 Lost
Bethel 21 32 511 5 1 Won
Newtown 15 27 229 2 2 Lost
BEN CRICK Car Yds TD Result
Bethel 4 87 2 Won
Newtown 26 258 2 Won
Masuk 23 180 3 Won
Simsbury 12 124 2 Won
ND West Haven 12 132 1 Lost
Crick by a landslide: Cochran will have a great career and is legit but 6 picks in the 2 biggest games for Masuk does not allow you to be the MVP.
Comment by PompFan — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
Turner Baty…hands down
Comment by Richmond Spider — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:29 pm
Without QB Turner Baty, New Canaan goes from a 7-3 team who is sitting home during the playoffs, to an 11-1 team who won the state championship. You can’t get much more of an MVP than that.
Comment by Richmond Spider — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
As for pure offensive production the Qb Cocheran was in a class by himself.
Crick is a great player. I’d love to have him on my team. He goes both ways and is one tough cookie.
However Sean said who is the Most Valuable Offensive player of the year. Not offensive and defensive player combined.
Cocheran’s numbers are off the charts and stand alone. I’m not a Masuk fan but the kid is a freak of nature. He is strickly a shot-gun passer but the numbers don’t lie. Lets be fair here. Take Cocheran off of Masuk and take Crick off of Pomperaug. What team would you rather go to war with. POMPERAUG-too much talent.
Comment by Teddy Morales — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
You have to give Ben C. the MVP!!! Casey C is right behind him. You have to remember Casey put up some big numbers for a 10th grade kid.
Casey has 2 more years of high school football. The numbers for him will only increase in the next 2 years.
Comment by Donald C — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:54 pm
funny that we are talking about crick “good player by the way” and cochran about mvp. Who did they amass all those stats against. Not playing each other. In the SWC. I would love to see both of them amass those stats against teams in the scc division1. They didn’t even give crick the ball against ND West Haven. Look these kids are good but they are playing against nobody really. Some of those teams in the SWC are just bulked up Pop Warner teams.
Comment by mon78 — December 8th, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
I love how nobody can spell Cochran’s name right.
Not totally unrelated, but something I have noticed all season:
You “lose” a game. You don’t “loose” a game. But players can certainly be “loose” during a game. You can also “loosen” your chin strap.
Speaking of your. It’s “your” when talking about personal possessive. It’s “you’re” when you’re trying to say “you are.”
“You’re out of your mind.”
It’s also “They’re” not “their” when trying to say “They are.”
“They’re No. 1.”
But it is “their” when you’re talking about a group possessive.
“Their passing attack is awesome.”
Hey, I make mistakes too — this is just a friendly reminder.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
Cochran’s numbers are good, but hardly “in a class by himself” good. Also, take into account post #23 when digesting the numbers below.
Cochran 165 – 273 (60%) 2,968yards 12ints 26tds
Della Vecchia 165 – 257 (64%) 2,546yards 6ints 28tds
Comment by Dr. Von Nostran — December 8th, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
Cochran had a very good year and his numbers don’t lie but you can argue that Della Vecchia and Baty had as good or better seasons. Who is the Running Back that came close to Crick in this area? He averaged 12 yards per carry. No one is close to that. Delorenza averaged 8 yards per carry and Matakevich averaged 7.4 yards per carry. Cricks TD number is much better than both of them. Crick had big games against quality teams. Crick was the best PLAYER in the State regardless if he is considered the Offensive MVP. All of the kids I mentioned had great years and are very talented but it has to be Crick this year.
Comment by PompFan — December 8th, 2009 @ 4:20 pm
Post 23 – Did you watch the ND-Pomp State game????
Crick had 12 carries for 134 yards (11 yards per carry) and 125 Return yards on 5 Returns plus a TD. He had big games against Simsbury and Masuk. What else do you want the kid to do????
I agree that the SWC is not that good. The problem is it has too many bad teams. BUT, it also has had very good teams that have done very well in the States. Since 2004, the SWC has 5 State Champions and a combined record of 16 wins and 7 loses. Not to shabby for a weak Conference.
Comment by PompFan — December 8th, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
id like to throw a vote out for pete gallagher from bethel. they wouldnt of gotten where they went without him. but Crick was hands down amazing this year. he deserves it.
Comment by bethel — December 8th, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
Offensive: Conor Keniry of NDWH was the best wide reciever in the state the entire year and made every big play when he was called upon. great captain. Crick also has a great year but again, Notre Dame did win.
Defensive: to ArtVandelay, the kid your thinking of was #42 Tirrell Young-Williams..another great player..Rob Bowman had i believe 9-10 sacks
Comment by SCC — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:23 pm
Casey Cochran was the best quarterback in the SWC.
Comment by MasukRules — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:23 pm
Alex Trump had a monster year.
Comment by MasukRules — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
we are not talking about years past. I do agree though crick is a great player. I would just like to what he would do in the Scc division1. He did have a great state game. Why only 12 carries? I am just sick of these padded records from the swc and fciac. 10-0 11-0 9-1. Play a schedule that means something. i quess we will see what happens next year. Teams now that 8-2 maybe even 7-3 will get in the playoffs and beat some of these 10-0 and 9-1 teams from weak leagues.
Comment by mon78 — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:29 pm
I liked Pete Gallagher,carried Bethel on his back. Without him Bethel would not have gotten as far as they did. Gallagher carried the team on offense and defense. Didn’t get to see Crick but of those who saw both and say Crick deserves MVP, he must be something. But was impressed with Gallagher this year. Of all the games I did see he was the best I saw. I am not a Bethel fan but after watching them very impressed.
Comment by HS football fan — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:31 pm
#27 The argument that many on this blog are saying is that Crick very rarely runs the ball during crunch time. Your post proves the point that some of us are stating.
I was at the ND vs Pomp game and the POMP vs Masuk game. Why did he only carry the ball 12 times in the state title game. And against Masuk when Masuk cut the lead to seven late in the game-Pompy started passing rather than give the ball to Crick. Why?
These are fair questions and I would hope some fans of POMP can answer them.
Crick is a great player. I love the way he plays on both sides of the ball. He can do it all-so why don’t they give him the ball. Is there a personality conflict- a fumbling problem- jealousy, what is it. Please give us some information so we can re-evaluate.
Mr. Cochran is the Most Vauable offensive player along with Mr. Baty from New Canaan.
DellaVechia had a great year but I would not put him ahead of his teamate Tyler Matakavich.
Matt Kelly was a game breaker for Staples and Frank Gill did everything for Central.
Someone who going under the radar is the Quarterback from Shelton. He is so far under that I can’t remember his name.
Just one mans opinion but if I had to rate the top six it would be:
1. Cochran
2. Baty
3. Crick
4. Matakavich
5. Dellavechia
6. Kelly
Comment by tom — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:36 pm
QB-Gotta go with Della Vecchia from SJ.. led that team to a state title along with terrific numbers
(Not to mention he doesn’t play in the SWC)
Comment by FCIAC — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:40 pm
the best TB i saw in regular season was Julian Hayes from Xavier, however, i changed my opinion when i saw Crick play twice. different kind of backs and since Hayes is not in our region, there really is no other TB like Crick in our region. he is your MVP…that kid did everything, offense, defense, special teams…sorry, but a sophmore QB who threw many, many interceptions and did not “lead” his team to the post-season does not qualify.
Comment by football guy — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:42 pm
Crick – Hands down – Even better on “D”.
Gallagher like #44 to many 1 yard runs. Coaches making them look like hero’s.
Nobdy has mentioned # 44 for Pompy. Tough on “D”
I’m not from Pompy either – They should have won the states and could have killed Masuk. Ever hear of getting a new coach. If coach P from Stapels had that team along with Ridgefield,Cental, and Trumbull
Comment by big guy — December 8th, 2009 @ 6:24 pm
The Shelton QB is Ray Pendagast and he had a great year
Comment by Dave k — December 8th, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
gotta go with metakavich of sj… hes a total power house on both sides of the ball
Comment by bill — December 8th, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
Now being that I am from NDWH I will give you two choices. Conor Keniry who can be offensive or defensive and Sean Goldrich. For this I picked Goldrich as my offensive which can be debatable, but I believe Keniry is hands down one of the best if not the best Defensive player.
Sean Goldrich, Junior, QB
GP: 12
Comp: 86
Att: 118
Pct.: .726
Yards: 1645
Yds/G: 137.1
TDs: 20
Int: 1
Rating: 151 (Best QB Rating in the state I believe)
Conor Keniry, Defensive, FS, Senior
GP: 12
INT: 7 (Most in the state)
Yds: 142
Solo Tackles: 55
Asst: 30
Total Tackles: 85
Keniry was outstanding on both sides of the ball and made great plays when we needed them. He has to be the top defensive player in the state. Goldrich is also outstanding especially for being a QB, yes he does take his fair share of sacks, but the result of that is 1 INT the whole season! If if you need reminding of how important INT’s can be take a look at film from the Pomp vs. ND final.
Comment by NDSenior — December 8th, 2009 @ 6:50 pm
Christon Gill , or Shabashe McIntosh
Comment by Random — December 8th, 2009 @ 6:56 pm
My nominations:
Offensive POY
Ben Crick, Pomperaug
Defensive POY
Conor Keniry, ND-WH
Comment by FauxRealism — December 8th, 2009 @ 7:02 pm
One kid that I’d like to point out has gone unnoticed all year. Alex Trump. Yes, Casey Cochran is an amazing football player, however he doesn’t get anywhere without playmakers to give it to. I took a special interest in this kid after reading the highlight on him from the post, and followed Masuk’s games. I think he goes unnoticed because of his mixed states.. in 10 games he had something like 23 touchdowns, and around 600 yards receiving, 600 yards rushing. 40 tackles, 4 Int’s – 2 returned for td’s.. From what I’ve seen he’s an amazing player that carried Masuk, and I think he should be given some credit for Cochran’s success, can’t be the only one to think this.
Also think Trump and Crick are extremely similar backs, if they got the ball equally on equal teams it would be interesting to see who had more success.
Comment by hsfootball — December 8th, 2009 @ 7:33 pm
Offense-Rankowitz WR Staples-Game Changer!
Hon. Mention-Lefflebine QB Greenwich
Defense- Wiggins Bpt.Central-Great Plsyer!
Hon. Mention Santora LB Staples
Clyde
Comment by Clyde — December 8th, 2009 @ 7:50 pm
Defensive MVP Christon Gill
Offensive MVP Casey Coachran
All around MVP Ben Crick
I,m curious as to why no one from Pomperaug has answered #34 question.
Comment by bigred — December 8th, 2009 @ 9:02 pm
St. Joe’s 1-2 punch of Matakevich and Dellavecchia the best there is. Matakevich on both sides of ball, beast on defense. Dellavecchia, look at numbers, but look at intangables too. Both played in rugged FCIAC where teams actually play defense, not like SWC and some SCC where points are scored faster than you can blink. Their numbers weren’t padded. Game in hand they let up, very rarely threw late in games. I’ve seen other conference games in which I wondered if they ever practiced defense. Those two carried that team to title.
Comment by football observer — December 8th, 2009 @ 9:06 pm
Ndwh, Shelton West Haven and Daniel Hand played the toughest schedule in the state. Every week was a dogfight. Daniel Hand would fair very well in the MM tourney but sometimes they can’t qualify because of their schedule. How about a New Canaan=Hand final.
When you pick an MVP you have to look at Conner Keniry. his coach has called him the best player in the entire state-though i might give the edge to Glastonbury All-Everything McQuillen. He is the Mvp in sw Ct. Connor Keniry
When you pick the best offensive player you have to look at the numbers. Baty of New Canaan, Dellavechia and Matakavich of St. Joes. Kelly of Staples, Crick of POmperaug and Coachran of Masuk. On numbers alone it looks like Coachran and Baty.
Comment by Mr. D — December 8th, 2009 @ 9:26 pm
Sidenote: Remember Baty only started five games for the Rams and his stats are off the charts.
Comment by Mr. D — December 8th, 2009 @ 9:28 pm
This is probably not a likely choice, but Santiago Cuartas of Staples deserves some mention as offensive MVP. He set the state field goal record this year and made the difference in three of Staples’ biggest games (Ridgefield, Greenwich, Xavier).
Comment by fciacfootballfan1 — December 8th, 2009 @ 9:41 pm
Greg Lewis
Comment by Jim — December 8th, 2009 @ 9:50 pm
You have to give Pete Gallagher of Bethel alot of credit this year.
He was the work horse behind there offense all year. But what happen to him on the biggest game of the year???????
Comment by Donald C — December 8th, 2009 @ 9:53 pm
People have given a lot of though as to who the offensive MVP should be, so I’ll give my two cents as to who deserves the defensive honor based on who I’ve seen play:
Christon Gill – Big time playmaker (e.g. causing the fumble against Greenwich); combined incredible athleticism with fierce hitting ability; probably the favorite in my opinion
Tommy Jordan – An absolute force at NG; constantly broke up inside rushes and put tremendous pressure on opposing QB’s; had to be double teamed seemingly every other play
Jake Santora – The anchor of Staples’ defense; possessed superb game vision and had excellent hitting ability, not to mention incredible toughness and character in playing through the last three games of the season with a broken wrist.
Others who I haven’t seen play but have heard great things about are Matakevich and Patrick Atkinson (Stamford); Kaihri Fortt, though clearly a gifted football player, was severely limited this season due to a knee injury, so I wouldn’t consider him in the running
Comment by fciacfootballfan1 — December 8th, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
Why haven’t any NC fans mentioned the state’s leading receiver?…Cody Newton 70 catches for 1,156 yards (16.5 avg) and 12 TD’s in 12 games.
Posts keep referencing vague “based on the #’s” arguments. You can check the stats here http://www.casciac.org/fb.shtml
Comment by Dr. Von Nostran — December 8th, 2009 @ 10:25 pm
Big Guy,
Coach Drury from Pomperaug is one of the most respected coaches in the state. Also, 2009 coach of the year and several other coach of the year awards. I definitely do not agree with that statement. Btw, I’d have to go with Crick. If anyone has saw him play they would know.
Comment by ct football — December 8th, 2009 @ 10:37 pm
There are many so many deserving players it makes it difficult to narrow down. Sometimes the numbers don’t tell the whole story. On offense I have to go with Baty from NC. I know the argument does a system make the player or does the player make the system. With Coach Marinelli he always finds the right combination to maximize the talent he has to work with. Not an easy thing to do and to make it happen year after year, its impressive. But the Baty did make a big difference. Kudos though to the Staples and St. Joes top offensive players. Saw a lot good players on the other side too. Some teriffic lineman down in Stamford who accomplished a lot. But I have to go with Troy Deakin of Newtown, the times that I did see him he had a huge impact on the games. Saw him against Masuk and he just destroyed them. Also like Ridgefields Jordan, Bethel’s Velenti among others
Comment by jetpower — December 8th, 2009 @ 10:42 pm
If anyone saw Greg Lewis play, they would know.
Comment by Jim — December 8th, 2009 @ 10:44 pm
Conard had some good players this year. Thats why we had so much success. It was fun look forward to next year !!!!!
Comment by conardfan1 — December 8th, 2009 @ 10:57 pm
Post #34 and #45 – Sorry for the delay, I was putting up lights on my Christmas tree.
Crick only fumbled 3 times all year. The players and coaches like him a lot. He works very hard. He is a leader. No issues with him at all.
I do not know what the game plan was for Masuk and ND.
Against Masuk, Crick did carry the ball 23 times so it’s not like we ignored him. I do not remember how many carries he had in the 4th qtr.
Against ND, we did pass more than usual but we were down 14 points in the 3rd Qtr. The entire team ran for 232 yards on 32 carries so it’s not like we struggled running. Maybe we ran well because we used 4 different running backs and ND could not key on Crick. As a team, 7.25 yards per carry is not shabby against the best team in the State.
ND only scored 21 points on offense against us and they have a great offense. We scored 21 points as well and we have a great offense. The pick six was the difference.
Bottom Line – The turnovers and penalties killed us, not the game plan, not ND and absolutely not Ben Crick.
Only the coaches can give you the correct answer on the game plan. I’m just a fan.
Comment by PompFan — December 8th, 2009 @ 11:02 pm
Bottom Line – The turnovers and penalties killed us, not the game plan, not ND and absolutely not Ben Crick.
Post is self explanatory.I guess there was only one team playing Saturday in the L final and that team lost.
Comment by Give It a break — December 8th, 2009 @ 11:58 pm
Cuertas? PLEASE! A kicker is NOT big in a 30-0 game…and it was Ridgefield!
Comment by Richmond Spider — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:15 am
Rankowitz and Kelly for their game breaking plays! Mention has got to go to Gelman for what that kid accomplished. His Fourth Qtr performance kept the Wreckers in the State Championship Game. His stats for taking over the QB position from the second qtr in game 6 are pretty incredible. If you double the amount of games he could have played, you have the highest completion % in the state! How about Cuartas, he was a huge scoring threat that changed an opponents strategy. He breaks the state record for Field Goals. Defensively, Santora is one of the best and Graber flew under everyones radar by silently making more tackles than most defensive linemen in the state. Great job to CT Football for a great year!!!
Comment by WreckersFB — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:56 am
post #52 is on the money,couldnt agree more.offensively,crick,i ant help but get excited for next year,so many great underclassmen coming back,not only in our region,but in the whole state.should be fun.
Comment by theruler — December 9th, 2009 @ 3:01 am
Spider, Are you kidding me? You don’t think a kicker is important? And you’re putting Ridgefield down? Hmmm, this sounds like a NC comment to me.
Comment by WreckersFB — December 9th, 2009 @ 3:15 am
Again, I said this one would be a long shot.
And yes, he was a HUGE factor against Ridgefield. He made 3 first half FG’s (and came very close to a 4h) to put Staples ahead big early in the game.
Comment by fciacfootballfan1 — December 9th, 2009 @ 6:43 am
The reason Ben Crick only carried the ball 11 times is because we have talented kids at many other positions. We have two excellent Quarterbacks that share time, great wide-outs and a huge fullback. We don’t need him to carry the load for us.
In the two games you mentioned against Masuk and NDWH you would have to ask the coaches and the coaches only. They are in charge of the game plan.
Comment by Mr. Pomp — December 9th, 2009 @ 8:32 am
Crick might have the stats, but Matavevich, for those who’ve watched his games, was clearly the best player on both sides of the ball all year. Plus he has a state title ring!
Comment by SJHogfan — December 9th, 2009 @ 8:32 am
The Baty kid couldn`t tie Lefflebines shoes,don`t be wowed by system stats,Baty couldnt throw the ball in Northeast weather,well guess what this is Northeast football-Lefflebine was a stud at QB for Greenwich,throwing and running!I also thought the NDWH QB was “top notch”.
Clyde
Comment by Clyde — December 9th, 2009 @ 8:56 am
The Lb #42 From Nd of Fairfield was hands down the best def. we came across thiss yr..He’s a tough kid and after the game he showed a ton of class and made sure he shook every hand and was very humble when i told him he was a HELL of a lb and fb to mention..He was Thank you very much sir and he had s great nose for the ball and motor, and to boot a class kid on a bad team he won’t get many votes…Good luck 42 next yr in school, coach at ihs…
Comment by coach — December 9th, 2009 @ 8:57 am
SPB
Why were their no MVP’s at the state championship games
Comment by footballfan 127 — December 9th, 2009 @ 9:23 am
Ben Crick is the Offensive MVP. Doesn’t have breakaway speed but he’s extremely shifty and runs low to the ground, making him hard to tackle. It doesn’t hurt to have a moose like CJ Elser lead blocking for him either. His yards per carry speak for themselves.
Christon Gill Defensive MVP. Made huge plays all season and was the key to their success. He’ll be tough to replace on both sides of the ball and will make some college’s day when he signs with them.
Coach of the Year is between Tom Marcucci and Joe Stochmal. Marcucci took a 4-6 team that was a couple of bad breaks from being 6-4 or 7-3, finetuned them and turned the Green Knights into the #1 team in the state. Joe Stochmal took Oxford to a 5-5 season in just their second year of varsity football after an 0-10 opening campaign.
Comment by Spurrier's Visor — December 9th, 2009 @ 10:01 am
Tyler Matakavich OFFENSE MVP and DEFENSE MVP
Comment by Maroon and Gold, ST JOE's! — December 9th, 2009 @ 10:10 am
Offensive MVP: Cody Newton New Canaan WR…1156 recieving yards 12 TDs 75 receptions.
Defensive MVP: Jake Santora Staples LB….Led arguably best defense in the state to an almost perfect record. had close to 100 tackles.
Comment by prophet — December 9th, 2009 @ 10:21 am
When looking at MVP stats, don’t forget level of competition and type of offense. The Masuk and New Canaan QBs threw many more passes against weak teams, and from what I’m told, Masuk QB played whole games, even in blowout wins, passing right up to the end of game. The NDWH QB, threw less passes, but had comparable yardage and TDs, and very low INTs. And, won the states, #1 ranking. As far as QBs go, he’s the MVP, and second would be the QB from St. Joes, also comparable numbers, less passes, state champs. And SCC, FCIAC, tougher comp.
Comment by shelton fan — December 9th, 2009 @ 10:41 am
Bobby Wood is the Best QB in the SWC/State. If Wood would have been on Masuk or Pomperaug they would be State Champs. Not talking bad about any kid but when teams played New Fairfield there focus was on Wood. Masuk/Pomperaug had three and four options each. Wood led his team in rushing and passing.
Bobby Wood In 10 Games
Passing 134/224 1940 14TD’s/10 Int’s
Rushing 114/791 10 TD’s
Total Yards 2731
Add also Wood was the punter and led the team in INT’s
Casey Cochran In 11 Games
Passing 165/273 2968 26TD’s/12 Int’s
Rushing 1/20
Total Yards 2988
Joe Della Vecchia In 12 Games
Passing 165/267 2546 28TD’s/6 Int’s
Rushing 52/443 5TD’s
Total Yards 2989
Bowley what do you think all things considered not just because it’s Masuk/Pomperaug/St Joe’s? All the kids above are great players but if you take them away from there team New Fairfield would go in the tank and the others would not.
Comment by The Truth — December 9th, 2009 @ 11:19 am
Bowley is it true that Wood is going to sign with Tenn?
Comment by The Truth — December 9th, 2009 @ 11:21 am
#65
It was poor coaching in both games not to have Crick touch the ball more often. When you have a stud you go with him until he can’t go any further. Too many football clinics trying to get everyone involved.
As for the Offensive MVP: I hate to say it–Cochran
Defensive MVP: Christon Gill
Comment by tbone — December 9th, 2009 @ 11:32 am
I forgot
Coach of the year: Not even close..Dave Candelina from Bridgeport Central.
Comment by tbone — December 9th, 2009 @ 11:34 am
It’s interesting that most of the bloggers this year are either from St.Joes, New Canaan , Staples, Pomperaug and Masuk. It’s because they all had very successful teams.
Next year I hope we hear from all the Ansonia, Bunnell, Greenwich, Darien, Brookfield, Shelton and Trumbull fans. Too much bickering about who can beat who, strength of schedule, muddy fields, ets.
These leagues should do what the SCC does…let the good teams play each other and let the lesser teams play each other. It makes for a very competitive league and many more exciting games.
Comment by Dirt — December 9th, 2009 @ 11:47 am
My vote is for Cochran from Masuk as Offensive MVP
He is the first QB in Connecticut State History to throw 500 + yards twice in the same season. He threw for close to 3,000 yds in 11 games. He did all of this with a young line and receivers. Take him away from that offense and the team is subpar.
Defense: Matakavich from St. Joes
Comment by Rocky — December 9th, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
I think it’s clear that Pomperaug felt that they had to mix it up offensively vs. ND, and couldn’t just line up and jam it down ND’s throat, nor could they go shotgun spread backfield chuck the ball all over the place. Seems like they wanted to mix the 2.
In hindsight, the stats make it seem that they should have run Crick more. On the other hand, their logic was prob correct: it is hard to be one dimensional vs. a good team. Just ask Conard – they were a good club but basically relied on their stud RB to carry it ~40 times. He had 150 yds vs. ND, well below his avg, but Conard really only had 2 drives turn into 2 scores. Once they got behind, they did not pass well enough to get back in it.
Comment by Ziggy StarDust — December 9th, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
Coach of the Year = Lou Marinelli.
For him to win the state championship with THAT team? Come on! They had to replace 17 or 18 starters from the 13-0 team!
Cody Newtown was the best wideout in the sate and Baty was the best QB in the state.
Comment by NCExit37 — December 9th, 2009 @ 12:37 pm
To post # 79, Goldrich from NDWH, Della Vechia from St. Joes, both won state titles, AND had better stats than Cochran from Masuk, against MUCH better competition. Masuks recievers were all seniors, and playmakers. Baty from New Canaan also would be MVP over Cochran, great stats, state title.
Comment by shelton fan — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:26 pm
And ALL Masuk QBs put up big numbers every year, throw so much, and overall weak league.
Comment by shelton fan — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
NCExit37, if New Canaan had the best WR and the best QB, why is it such an amazing feat for Marinelli to win a title? I would think most coaches could win a few games if a major Division 1 QB appeared out of nowhere to help the defending state champs.
Comment by Spurrier's Visor — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
Masuk had a young O-Line but all of the top WR’s were seniors (Giamo, Trump and Allen).
Don’t forget, in one of the games that Cochran threw for 500+ yards, he had 63 attempts. That’s two games worth of throws.
In the other game where he threw for 500+ yards, he threw the ball 32 times and was impressive.
The kid is the real deal but not the MVP this year. Masuk is good every year and if he was not the QB, they would have run the ball more with Trump and Markus and they still would have won at least 8 games this year.
Pomperaug was 6 and 5 last year and this year’s success has plenty to do with Crick
Comment by PompFan — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:38 pm
All the teams and kids you’re talking about have great supporting cast. The MVP for Masuk is Trump!!!!! Every QB had a great running back except Wood. He deserves some credit for not transferring like Baty and Cochran. Also he played in the state of Florida which Baty could not!!!
Comment by The Truth — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
if you think Baty is a major D1 quarterback, than you listen to the media too much! Low D2, tops! Probably D3.
Comment by NCExit37 — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:56 pm
i wanted to add that if not for tyler matakevich,i dont see that st joes team being what it was.he played huge in all the big games,even in defeat,and i think the ncanaan team st joes played was a diff&better team earlier in the year,greenwich steady all year and he played big there too.Contrary to spbs early season predictions,i think central was a built to win now team this season-gill 3 year starter (w plenty of offseason conditioning,state weightlifting champs in offseason,many seniors,chip on shoulder from winning 2 games last year,and the personell to make their system go-meaning little speedy backs to hide behind their big lineman and make plays.Not to take anythng away from cadelina,because they could have packed it up after trumbull,but they regrouped and had a great season.
They get some key kids back this year and if mr mcintosh does what he needs to during the offseason,he could carry that team.Theyll be mmotivated.
Comment by theruler — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:59 pm
I was looking some things up on Maxpreps for RB’s to me Crick is in a class by himself,and thats in spite of the coaches,if anything he gets it because of the few amount of times he touched it(?????)GET THE KID THE BALL. I believ someone on here said Crick doesnt have “BREAKAWAY SPEED” are you serious? ND players didnt catch him on his long TD run or his 73yd KO return. Anyway here are some of the numbers:
Crick- 174 carries for 2105 yds(12.10 per att) and 30 tds rushing. he also has 2 tds rec,2 tds throwing,2 tds on KO ret(with 3 others of 60yds or more)
Kelly- 119 carries for 1186yds(9.97 per att) and 15 tds rushing
Matakevich- 190 carries for 1407 yds(7.41 per att) and 20 tds rushing
DeLorenzo- 267 carries for 2154 yds(8.07 per att) and 26 tds
Comment by HSfootballfan09 — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:00 pm
Cochran was overrated from the beginning of the year. He will be a good QB but needs more mobility and maturity. Under pressure Masuk was 0-2 mostly due to picks and bad decisions. He should not be mentioned in the MVP’s this year. He has two more years. Enough of the Cochran hysteris
Comment by Masuk Fan — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
Poor play calling cost pomp the ND game plus turnovers…..Not to mention the refs. Crick should be the CT player of the year, if you go with his entire body of work. Offense,defense, and special teams the kid never left the field………..Thats a true MVP
Comment by HSFOOT — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:05 pm
i gotta say i just looked at the state football program and looked at pomperaugs team pic-im so mad i didnt get a chance to see them play in person this year,they look massive& loaded at almost every position,so if nd knocked them off,they gotta be a great team as well.You know you got something special when an opposing coach(nmilford i believe)is so excited about scheming them(pomp)well and having a great gameplan,and still loses by 21 points and gives up 49-thats a good team.
Comment by theruler — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Best by position:
QB- Wood (Strong Arm, good vision, runs well)
FB- Matakevich (Great feet, runs like a bull, great player)
RB- Crick (Great vision, nice movement, very quick)
WR- Newton (Runs well, great body control, good hands)
TE- Clement (College Position wish he could have played more TE/WR)
Bowley no comments? Remember we’re talking best players not teams.
Comment by The Truth — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
Im a HS football fanatic even though Im alittle older then most of you on here.I was at the Pomp-ND game and Im wondering why everyone is blaming the play caller and coaching? They dont execute on the field,they dont throw the ball,they dont fumble the ball,they dont go offsides or hold. I think it was a combination of ND being good and capitalizing on PHS’s mistakes and PHS not playing their best. Give credit to ND thats what good teams and like someone said the best team doesnt always win. THAT’S LIFE,deal with it
Comment by HSfootballfan09 — December 9th, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Wood plays in a bad league and does not have good enough numbers to even be in this conversation
Comment by Football — December 9th, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
Great comment he plays in the same league as Masuk, Pomperaug. His numbers alone put him in the conversation. Not playing on a great team makes him the best for putting up those numbers. Do your homework!!!
Comment by The Truth — December 9th, 2009 @ 3:55 pm
Alex Trump from Masuk thats That
Comment by StupidNighthawks — December 9th, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
The Platt-tech running back deserves an honorable mention for Offensive MVP.
Comment by MasukRules — December 9th, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
I’ve heard great things about Grate of Platt Tech. People in the FCIAC who’ve watched him said he would have done well anywhere.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 9th, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
Why should Grate only be an honorable mention, if the player has a talent, has the stats, why down play what they do because of the school? Believe it or not Platt tech has some great talent coming up the pike, remember this is only year three. Camera still has Carroll, Mondo, Hudson and others that are future playmakers!!!!
Comment by Lee — December 9th, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
How about Abbott Tech for team of the year. just missed out of the playoffs by nine games. They would be .500 in the SWC.
Question #1. How can a player with Cricks ability carry the ball 11 times in the State Cahmpionship Game?
Question #2. Does Ridgefield play the same god-awful schedule next year?
Comment by Mr. ChooChoo — December 9th, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
Crick is a great runningback, but Alex Trump was best all around player this year. He plays nearly every position on the team and I’ve never seen him leave the game. If you’re voting offensive MVP he has to take it because his versatility is shown in him playing all over the field.
Matakevich is good as well but needs another year to mature.
I like Elser from Pomperaug for defense. HUGE kid, yet he gets all over the field. Had tons of big plays in big games vs. ND and was MVP of SWC championship partly due to the pickoff of Cochran which he almost took back.
Comment by Fight — December 9th, 2009 @ 5:14 pm
I didn’t see everyone, including Crick who certainly has the numbers, but of the players I saw in person, or on the MSG Thanksgiving game, I’d have to nominate Tyler Matakevich of St.Joe’s in a toss up with Christon Gill of Cental for offense…Talk about crunch time, in real lousy weather St.Joe’s came out down 3-0 in the second half against Montville, knew they really couldn’t throw it, so gave it to the big tough guy for 19 of their 23 plays in the second half, including 8 straight carries to a TD that put them ahead for good…Gill is a real heads up, crafty player with tremendous speed & quickness, with a nose for the end zone…
I’d go with Matakevich again for defense along with Santora of Staples (he was everywhere even with a broken wrist)…
As someone previously mentioned, the QB from Masuk played most of every game, while other QB’s were pulled after the 1st series in the 3rd quarter, b/c of blowouts…Lefflebine comes to mind…I agree with Clyde, he can run & throw, but only played 4 quarters in 3 games, so didn’t put up the numbers he might have…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 9th, 2009 @ 6:05 pm
NVL MVP tossup between Remmy and Ray Brown
Comment by ulish — December 9th, 2009 @ 7:04 pm
Crick is the top runningback by far. Difference maker, division one back.
Cochran top quarterback matured beyond his years. Best skills and technique of any quarterback. He will shatter all passing records in
the state!!
stop all the hating!!
Comment by football hen house — December 9th, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
My choice is Pete Gallagher of Bethel. He came out of nowhere this year to score 24 tds, at FB, 1200+ yds. rushing, long snapper, LB on defense, team captain, 4.0 GPA, WONDERFUL KID! He’ll play D III and make a difference in the world! BTW…Jason Gill for SWC Coach of the Year!
Comment by HS football fan and youth coach — December 9th, 2009 @ 7:57 pm
How could you say casey cochran is the MVP? most qb’s would have incredible throwing numbers if your throuwing the ball 60 times per game. Masuk is such an overrated team. They shouldnt even be in the top 8 anymore. How did they do against pomp and newtown? the only good team they beat was bethel. Other than that it was all their schedule. Crick from pomp has to be the offensive mvp.
Comment by Football Fan — December 9th, 2009 @ 8:05 pm
The qb debate in my opinion has to be a toss up between the fciac qbs in Baty or Dellavechia
Comment by Goomba — December 9th, 2009 @ 8:41 pm
Why are you blaming Crick for only carrying the ball 11 times. The Quarterback and the offensive coordinator call the plays. i’m sure the QB can check off if he sees a different defensive set. Head coach has got no clue who the stars of his team are. No excuses!!
Comment by Hutch — December 9th, 2009 @ 9:02 pm
The definition of “statistics” in the Encarta Dictionary is: “a branch of mathematics that deals with the analysis and interpretation of numerical data.” Therefore, statistics are only applicable when comparing apples to apples. As NDWH has the toughest schedule AND came out on top it seems pretty clear that the MVPs should come from the ND roster. Take your pick from Sean Goldrich, Conor Keniry, Justin Willis, or Tirrell Young-Williams just to name a few.
Comment by ND Fan — December 9th, 2009 @ 9:13 pm
I would say as someone who saw a considerable number of Ridgefield and staples games, in addition to a smattering of nvl games and a few pomperaug games, including the swc and L championships, that Ben Crick on offense, and Jake Santora and Tommy Jordan were the most outstanding players in terms of their ability to impact a game single-handedly.
Crick’s running style and ability to run after initial contact, whether on set run plays or kick off returns set him apart from anyone else offensively in the entire region. Although Rankowitz deserves considerable consideration given his playmaking ability, however the limited opportunities for Rankowitz in an option offense limited his statistical impact. Defensively, the much-maligned Ridgefield Tigers possessed the most physically dominant player in the region. Tom Jordan, offers from Florida and BC notwithstanding, occupied no less than two blockers on defense while playing nose tackle in a three man front. Importantly, his perceived failure in the Staples game was attributed to the astute game planning by Marce and Lou Socchi. The wreckers decided to attack the tigers in a completely different manner and Callahan was unable to adjust his defensive scheme to utilize his best talent. Otherwise, Jordan was men amongst boys and will surely become an even more dominant talent next season, ala John Sullivan in his Greenwich days. Jake Santora was an absolute warrior for Marce’s d, he seemed to make every tackle for staples, and if they had managed to pull out the game over Cheshire, his virtuoso display in the second half against the rams, where he must have had more than a dozen tackles, would have merited more attention.
Comment by tburke — December 9th, 2009 @ 9:53 pm
I was at the Pomp vs. ND game and was astonished at how fast the momentum changed after the int for 6…bad play calling, and 5 turnovers, BUT anyway I have to say that Crick is a potential D1 back that was fueled by an insane fullback #44 as a blocker and an offensive line that was stacked with big physical guys. Crick still gets my vote even though the offensive play calling did not allow him to win the game for them.
Comment by Love this Game — December 9th, 2009 @ 10:26 pm
I think some of these posters are the fathers of these kids! Maybe a Bethel father and a Masuk and Pomperaug father! All had a great year.
That kid from Berlin is the best player in the state. At the rate he’s going, he could play with a big time D-1 program, though they will probably turn him into a Mike Alstott-type back.
But he’s out of the Post area.
So, my choise would be Crick. Dominated at every position he played and scored every way you can. He’s the leader on that team.
Cochran has great numbers. Expect he’ll reduce the int’s and put up historic numbers which will shatter every record in this state. He’s his team’s MVP, but give Crick the edge.
There are great teams in the much under-rated SWC.
Comment by Art Vandelay — December 10th, 2009 @ 12:32 am
You all make me laugh, really…Where do you think in the end Crick is going to end up compared to Matakevich, or Gill?…Or Lefflebine?…It’s not the first time the Cardinals have had a run first, pass second QB…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 10th, 2009 @ 12:57 am
Best Players by Position:
QB: Baty (Best completion percentage in the state, didnt play first 4 games and only played in first half of the first 6 he started…still had 2300 yards and 19 Tds also ran for another 3 during the year)
FB: Matakevich (Dominant player who still has another year
TB: Crick (Despite who he plays the number are crazy)
WR: Newton (Best wideout hands down in the State)
Comment by prophet — December 10th, 2009 @ 8:30 am
For Off MVP it has to be Crick, just check the stats and consider the kid did not play many full games. At the Pomp/ND game offensive play calling has to be call into question. Pomps run game got them to final and then passing on 6yd line? OC run the ball and just get the score!!!
Comment by WaltK — December 10th, 2009 @ 8:34 am
I am a father of a player at Pomperaug and all you people who think you know so much about play calling and coaching maybe you should step up and get between the lines and coach. I have coached baseball for years and believe me all you 2nd guessers are frustrated couch coaches who know nothing about what goes on. Did any of you think that maybe in Pomp”s offensive scheme of “zone read” that the QB is reading the defense? Maybe ND was keying on Crick and Clements had to keep the ball because that was the read.Speaking from a parents point of view i couldn’t be happier with the coaching and my son doesnt even see the field.
The person in #109 “Hutch” you truly are clueless,coach Drury has been coaching football for more years then you have been alive probably and has forgot more football then you know,show some respect.
Finally this is my first and last time I will waste my time reading this crap I only responded because Coach Drury and his staff do a great job and I felt compelled to respond,so you jock-sniffing wanna be coaches could continue to spew your venomous attacks on coaches and players if it makes you feel better about your pathetic lives. I do want to say Congratulations to Notre Dame who is a very good team and they deserved to win that night,no excuses
Comment by phsFBdad09 — December 10th, 2009 @ 8:45 am
Love this game,
Yeah momentum changed so fast that Pomperaug came right back and scored the very next play after the int for a td. they must have been real devastated? It was the 72yd TD pass on 3rd down that I thought changed momentum,credit ND coaches for that. I also thought 2 other plays were crucial, the first was the fake punt which caught PHS completely off-guard and the second was that Interference call,which was one of the worst calls in championship history and ND scored the winning TD off that call.
Comment by HSfootballfan09 — December 10th, 2009 @ 8:59 am
Dear #117,
You make some excellent points about Coach Drury-but lets be honest here- Pomp is on the six yd. line, and Crick is averaging twelve yards a carry, wouldn’t you think a Coach with any math skills would give the ball to his best player. C’mom 117. I’m sure Coach Drury is a great father and a perfect son but a play caller he is not. Why didn’t one of his assistants question the call before it happen.
That turned the whole game around and deprived the Pomperaug kids a chance to win. CASE CLOSED
Just a side note-he did the same thing against Masuk in the SWC title game. They were cruising up 31-10 and started throwing the ball around allowing Masuk a chance to get back in the game. If you were at the game you will know what I’m talking about.
One other comment: If the QB can change the play at the line of scrimmage then he should have given the ball to Crick instead of trying to make the ALL_STATE TEAM
I am one aggravated Pomperaug fan but I congtatulate ND because we were out coached.
Comment by todd — December 10th, 2009 @ 11:47 am
Prophet,
Goldrich had the highest completion percentage in the state (by a wide margin)
Comment by roto — December 10th, 2009 @ 12:13 pm
I would like to respond to the father ,Blog 117,who has a son on the Pomperaug team. Maybe you are correct that the quarterback was reading NDWH defensive schemes and went to a pass, hoping to catch ND by surprise, if that was the case then the coach is off the hook. Coach Drury is a great coach who has the best interest of all his players in mind.
If you were in the stands, as I was, and you see the quarterback throwing the ball, what was your reaction? Probably the same as mind and the ten former POMP players sitting next to me. “What the hell was that”.
Coach Drury does a great job and he has a dedicated staff but a huge mistake was made on that play even if it was sucessful.
When a game is on the line you always give it to your best player. Don’t get cute or try to outsmart the opposition. Ram the ball from the six and hope for the best.
If I have offended anyone then I am truly sorry. This will be my last post.
Comment by Hutch — December 10th, 2009 @ 12:19 pm
Prophet,
According to the CIAC website, both Della Vecchia and Cochran have better completion %’s than Baty.
http://www.casciac.org/fb.shtml
Cochran 165 – 273 (60%) 2,968yards 12ints 26tds
Della Vecchia 165 – 257 (64%) 2,546yards 6ints 28tds
Baty 180 – 306 (59%) 2,452yards 8ints 26tds
Out of curiousity, is there a better source for current year stats?
Comment by Dr. Von Nostran — December 10th, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
How about #42 from Notre Dame Fairfield, Brody Brandstatter. He is a powerhouse on both sides of the ball!
Comment by football fan — December 10th, 2009 @ 12:29 pm
SPB – this thread should be called “Pimp my football player”!
Comment by THS Fan — December 10th, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
Defensive MVP – Connor McNammara from Newtown. Kid is a monster at DT.
Comment by swc fan — December 10th, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
being a nvl guy i think losing kinnebrew would have been a killer,but i think the kid from st.joes is probably the mvp offensively.would they have been succesful without him?
Comment by ray brown — December 10th, 2009 @ 2:05 pm
Ray…I agree totally with you…Matakevich is a special player, and just a junior…He’s also just as awesome on Defense, which many overlook…
Dr.Von Nostran…Go to http://www.maxpreps.com and you can get just about any stat you want, including QB ratings…
BTW: Baty QB rating 102
Cochran ” ” 111
Della Vecchia ” 123
Lefflebine ” 128
I didn’t check the others mentioned in this blog…Takes too much time…LOL
Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 10th, 2009 @ 3:07 pm
Stats on ND QB: Sean Goldrich, Notre Dame (West Haven)
86 comp – 118 att (73%) 1,645 yds 1 INT 20 TDs
He basically threw 1/2 as much as Baty, Cochran, and Della Vecchia, had a better completion rate, same yds per catch, WAY fewer INTs, and almost as many TDs. Usually MVP type awards go to people with the freakish stats, but that was a Troy Aikman-like season by Goldrich.
He’ll be back next year.
ND was such a balanced team that they will have a hard time winning MVP type honors; I’m guessing they will have Keniry and 1 big lineman as all-state.
Comment by Ziggy StarDust — December 10th, 2009 @ 3:09 pm
Dr. Von Nostran, the CIAC took those stats from MaxPreps. On the MaxPreps website you can see more detail like completion percentage and QB rating (Justin Goldrich of ND-WH leads in both those categories- .729 and 151, respectively).
But Maxprep has a flaw: your stats are only listed if your school inputs them. For instance, Conard had an RB who broke that school’s rushing record, but he doesn’t show up anywhere on MaxPreps because his coach doesn’t input the stats.
Comment by roto — December 10th, 2009 @ 3:10 pm
Anybody got any good offensive lineman candidates for me? Tough category, since they typically toil anonymously but are the keystones to any good offensive team. I’ll be reviewing our information and discussing candidates with coaches and others in the know. But I’m curious what you think.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 10th, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
Roto…Good point…The data is only as good as the input…The coaches usually get around to entering it, though…Some just take longer than others…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 10th, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
Sean…You’re right…That’s a tough one for a fan to determine…Better off polling the offensive/defensive line coaches…The only one that comes to my mind is the all state center from GHS, James Utton, he really moves the pile…But, I saw very limited games, and probably have a bias…The Central line (who I did see) was also really good, and pushed everyone out when they had to, I can’t remember any of their names, though…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 10th, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
Ziggy…I looked up Goldrich of NDWH…You’re right he beats everyone I’ve seen in Pct & QB rating…The only thing I can say in defense of Lefflebine is he also had 12 rushing TD’s along with 15 passing TD’s…Goldrich had 2 rushing TD’s…I don’t think any QB in the state scored running the ball like Lefflebine (but I can’t check them all)…Christon Gill had 4 rushing TD’s (suprising, I thought he had more), Della Vecchia had 5, Baty 2, and Cochran had zero (he only ran the ball once all season)…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 10th, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
This pomperaug debate is getting crazy. Folks,players play,coaches coach. Hutch, I think what that father was saying by his rant was that in a “zone read” the QB has the option to either run or give the ball to the RB,depending on whether the DE closes down hard or soft, not if he could throw the ball. I looked at maxpreps again and the QB carried the ball 16 times in the Simsbury game too along with the 12 vs ND. fellas,he’s no slouch ,heard he has a full ride to CCSU,URI,and Marist. Not defending anybody just trying to put a little more info out there.
Comment by HSfootballfan09 — December 10th, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
One last thing, and maybe it’s already been posted, but since it’s been so contentious between New Canaan & Staples fans on this and another blog, I thought I’d add fuel to the fire, and list the Max Prep final CT State rankings:
1. ND-WH
2. Chesire
3. New Canaan
4. Staples
5. Pomperaug
6. St.Joe’s
7. Xavier
8. Berlin
9. B.P. Central
10. Greenwich
I have no idea what formula they use to determine their rankings, but thought it might be of interest…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 10th, 2009 @ 4:20 pm
the QB from ND-WH didnt even make his all-conference team and some of you want him as the POY.wow. What are those coaches thinking?
Comment by HSfootballfan09 — December 10th, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
hsfootballfan09…….I understand if the QB faked to Crick and then ran it in himself, that would have been different. What I’m talking about on the six yard line why do you Pass out in the falt with arguably the greatest running back in the STATE.
If I’m wrong then somebody please respond. The quarterback was not using his head on that particular play.
Comment by Todd — December 10th, 2009 @ 5:19 pm
137 your right. When I saw that play I said over coaching. Should have been 14-0 game over.
You have a QB, FB, & TB that are all good and could run.
Pound it.
You can’t tell me the coach doesn’t want that call back.
Sorry Daddy.
Comment by big guy — December 10th, 2009 @ 6:16 pm
no uestion if the coach could take that play back he would have. The question is why was he even thinking of calling a play with that much danger involved.
Rule #1. When a quarterback, in any league, throws a ball out into the flat he always chases it just in case the ball is intercepted. The Pomperaug QB wss nowhere to be found.
Rule #2. When you have a good team on the ropes you never let them back into the game with poor play calling.
Rule3. Why the hell are you passing the ball with outstanding runners who have gone up and down the field without being stopped?
Don’t feel too bad Pomperaug because I saw Yale ahead by three points go for a fourth and 26 from their own 27. They didn’t get it and blew the game. Welcome to the club.
Comment by butch — December 10th, 2009 @ 7:19 pm
If the play worked then nobody would be questioning the play calling…. Maybe we fumble or slip on the wet field if we ran the ball. I think the ball slipped out of Clements hand–it was so wet and cold it was very difficult to hold onto the ball.
Does anyone know what Coach Drury said after the game? I’ll take the finals of the state championship any day of the week. We will be good again next year and the SWC will rise again.
Comment by young/abe — December 10th, 2009 @ 8:41 pm
It does not help that the person that made that interception,Tirrell Young-Williams,has extraordinary speed as he was a member of Notre Dames State L title winning 4 by 100 track team.
Comment by Give It a break — December 10th, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
Hey Young/Abe… go back to Illinois!! The ball slipped..Are you serious.
Comment by charkie — December 10th, 2009 @ 9:28 pm
Sean – to your question on #130 – the best linemen I saw this year were #65 for Greenwich and #70 for SJ.
Comment by CraigD — December 10th, 2009 @ 10:25 pm
CraigD…#65 from Greenwich would be the all-state center James Utton…Don’t know who #70 from St.Joe’s is, but he has an offensive guard number…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 10th, 2009 @ 11:10 pm
Agree with you Butch #139. Run the ball! Play to win, go with your strengths.
Comment by WaltK — December 10th, 2009 @ 11:42 pm
o line-utton from greenwich,wiggins or bish from central,hanratty,tommie jordan(although hell proob ably get it for defense)the twins from ridgefield were pretty solid too,jeff starr from mcmahon was solid,but hurt alot,#75 bohling staples,and even though i didnt see them im sure pomperaug had a roadgrader on that line,they do every year.
Comment by theruler — December 11th, 2009 @ 2:13 am
With Maxpreps, not only does the coach or someone involved in the program have to input stats, they have to be accurate. How many times have you read a boxscore or recap of a game, and you’ll see a long TD pass that one person has as a 62 yard pass, someone else as a 65 yard pass, and someone else as a 60 yard pass! I know it’s simple math, but if it’s a yard or two per play, and maybe involves the same player 10 times a game X 10 games, that’s 100 opportunities for discrepancy (that’s about the extent of MY math skills!)– could be a lot of yards!!! Same thing when counting tackles on defense….some probably get credit for jumping on the pile!
Comment by fciacfootballfan — December 11th, 2009 @ 6:37 am
# 70 for the hogs is captain
Comment by 726541 — December 11th, 2009 @ 6:57 am
Nick Pulaski
Comment by 726541 — December 11th, 2009 @ 6:58 am
70 from sj is ot/de Nick pulaski
Comment by Had — December 11th, 2009 @ 8:38 am
Crick – SWC MVP
Matakavich – FCIAC MVP(for play on both sides of the ball)
Taking a shot in the dark on the SCC.. but am guessing you could build a strong argument for Hayes(Xavier)
What is the name of the fullback on ND Fairfield and where is he headed next year?
Pompy, you run the ball in that situation. Ground game got you to that point, you don’t abandon it regardless of down and distance. ND defense could only stop Crick 2-3 times the entire game. RUN THE DAMN BALL!!!
Comment by Galloping Ghost — December 11th, 2009 @ 9:36 am
Tom Scanlon lead the state of CT of interceptions and was on a subpar team. He did everything for Amity who played through just as hard of a schduele as all the other SCC teams. Scanlon made every play even though others around him weren’t a great supporting cast. He should be denfensive player of the year.
Comment by Sam — December 11th, 2009 @ 10:38 am
Scanlon had 9 ints playing the same teams keniry did. Just because his team did not win the state championship he isn’t getting the press he deserves.
Comment by Sam — December 11th, 2009 @ 10:41 am
Why jump on me…I’m only stating my opinion. O.K. next time give Ben the ball.
Comment by young/abe — December 11th, 2009 @ 11:40 am
Great point, Mr. Scanlon.
Comment by Dave — December 11th, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
Pompy….YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME….”Rover took Over”
Comment by DiceClay — December 11th, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
Sean, all I ask is that if a coach does not submit a ballot for all area, then no player from that team can make first team all area. To me, it is a huge sign of disrespect to the kids if a coach does not vote for all area. Send a message to all coaches that the only kids that get disrepcted will be your own if you do not vote. Do this in all sports.
Comment by 31 — December 11th, 2009 @ 2:48 pm
#156…..Funny post..I think I’m the only one that got the joke though. Love the Dice-clay take off. And Herm Edwards. These posters are in their teens some its over their head.
Comment by charkie — December 11th, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
Galloping Ghost…..the kids name is Brody Brandstatter from ND ffld
Comment by SWC — December 12th, 2009 @ 6:20 pm
DiceClay,
Comical but do you really think that pomp played not to win the game? thats just a stupid thing to say,if anything I thought they were to aggresive in the play calling: case in point: the pick 6 was a 3rd and goal from the 9yd line and if the OC would’ve run it and settled for a FG instead of being aggressive I believe Pomp wins the game. To say they weren’t trying to win or coaching like they “weren’t trying to lose” is WRONG. we are talking about the team that scored over 500pts on the season,the OC must be doing something right
Comment by HSfootballfan09 — December 13th, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
Of course pomp tried to win the game I’m just upset with the terrible paly calling by the coaches or the quarterback. Little Miss Muffet……
Comment by dice/clay — December 14th, 2009 @ 8:38 pm