Archive for the ‘Fairfield County’ Category

‘About Last Night’ Week 8: North Haven 28, Foran 7 (The Movie) and other notes

Monday, November 5, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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♦♦♦

Foran and North Haven clashed Sunday evening in a relatively big game with playoff implications, not to mention the SCC Division II East title.

While Foran fought the good fight, North Haven used heavy doses of Ethan Suraci in the second half and got a key fumble recovery for a touchdown to post a 28-7 victory at the Vito DeVito Sports Complex.

North Haven (5-3) wins the SCC D-II East title and keep its faint Class L playoff hopes alive. Those hopes, however, had already taken a crushing hit when Fitch defeated New London on Saturday.

Foran drops to 4-3, well back in the Class M playoff race.

[Here are your updated CIAC playoff standings]

RickVolk21 was there among the nice Sunday media contingent. His highlights are posted above.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Guilford hammered Law, East Lyme and Morgan won.

We have a few local games on the docket today. Rivals Bullard-Havens and O’Brien Tech play at 2. Derby and Seymour face off at 6.

We’re also anxiously awaiting any further news from the FCIAC which, despite repeated weather warnings and continued school closures in Fairfield County,  is on track to proceed with its Thursday-Tuesday Week 8-9 schedule.

The board of directors is meeting today to discuss options in the already messy league tournaments in other sports. Sources have told me they might take a look at the football situation.

Let’s hope so.

Sunday’s Results

  • ECC: East Lyme 48, Woodstock Academy 6
  • PEQUOT: Morgan 20, Nonnewaug 6
  • SCC: North Haven 28, Foran 7 | Guilford 48, Jonathan Law 0

Monday’s Schedule

  • CSC: Bullard Havens Tech at O’Brien Tech, 2
  • ECC: Waterford at Windham, 6:30 p.m.
  • NVL: Derby at Seymour, 6:00 p.m.
  • PEQUOT: Cromwell at Old Saybrook/Westbrook, 2:00 p.m.

That’s a Wrap! Week 6

Monday, October 22, 2012 by:Gary Rogo
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♦♦♦

A look at who did and said what during Week 6 of the southwestern Connecticut high school football season. Compiled by executive editor Gary Rogo and the Hearst Connecticut sports staff.

arlow quarterback Jack Shaban escapes the sack from Bunnell’s Kevin Hernandez Friday.

BULLDOZERS

  • Jack Shaban, Barlow: Junior quarterback ran for 135 yards with a touchdown and also threw for a score in the 6-0 Falcons’ 28-14 win over Bunnell.
  • Joe Pacheco, New Fairfield: Ran for 238 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-21 win over Weston.
  • Joe Piatnik, Bethel: Ran for four touchdowns (and passed for another) to lead Bethel past Stratford 49-32.
  • Jim Vartelas, Seymour: Ran for 108 yards and two touchdowns and also caught a touchdown in a win over Crosby.
  • Vochan Fowler, Bassick: Ran for two touchdown, including the game-winner in the fourth to give Bassick its first win of the season in a 14-6 result against Harding.
  • Chris Golger, Fairfield Prep: Ran 50 yards for the winning TD in the fourth quarter as the Jesuits survived Hamden 27-20. Golger also scored on a 7-yard pass from Strecker Backe.
  • Arkeel Newsome, Ansonia: Returned from injury to run for 162 yards and 2 TDs on 10 carries in 49-21 victory over Watertown.
  • Davell Cotterell, Westhill: Ran for 236 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries in a 24-20 victory over Danbury.

GUNSLINGERS

  • Jake Kasuba, Foran: Threw for 298 yards on 20-for-28 passing, with two touchdowns in the Lions 50-35 win over ND-West Haven. He also ran for 65 yards.
  • Liam O’Neil, Greenwich: Completed 14 of 15 passes for 261 yards and a career-high five touchdowns — all in the first half — in Greenwich’s 56-6 rout of Bridgeport Central. Even more impressive was the fact that he compiled these statistics in the first half, as he did not throw a pass in the second half.
  • Mark Piccirillo, Shelton: Completed 8 of 12 passes for 158 yards and two TDs (35 and 12 yards to Kyle Drost) in a 42-2 rout of Lyman Hall.

GAMEBREAKERS

  • Kyle Jordan, McMahon: Ran for two touchdowns and caught an 86-yard score in a 27-7 win over Fairfield Ludlowe.
  • Will Bonaparte, Ridgefield: Ran for 126 yards with two touchdowns and caught a 52-yard touchdown pass from Connor Rowe in the Tigers’ win over Norwalk.
  • Nick Weissauer, Foran: Caught nine passes for 111 yards and a touchdown in a win over ND-West Haven.
  • Jack Massie, Staples: Junior quarterback completed 10-of-13 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns in a 57-14 win over Trumbull. He also rushed for 142 yards, with touchdown runs of 76 and 53 yards. Teammate James Frusciante,a senior wide receiver, had five catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns in first half.
  • Thomas Milone, Masuk: Do-everything Panther was a handful for Brookfield, scoring TDs on runs of 20 and 59 yards to put the finishing touches on a 42-14. victory.
  • Marcus Esteves, Oxford: Scored all of Oxford’s touchdowns — three rushing, an interception return — in the Wolverines’ 27-0 win over New Milford.

    • New Canaan's Casey Ouellette drags down St. Joseph's Shane Miller in the Rams' 27-21 victory.

  • Andrew Matos, Ansonia: Caught TD passes of 5 and 48 yards from Jai’Quan McKnight and threw a 72-yard score to Rashaun Finney in a 49-21 rout of Watertown.

BRICK WALLS

  • Brian Wigand, Darien: Returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown in the Blue Wave’s win over Wilton.
  • Matt Montani, Fairfield Prep: Made a fourth-quarter interception to seal Prep’s 27-20 win over Hamden.
  • Cole Harris, New Canaan: Returned an interception 57 yards for a TD to rally the Rams over St. Joseph 27-21. New Canaan had trailed 21-12 at halftime.

VALIANT IN DEFEAT

  • Devante Teel, Bunnell: Caught touchdowns of 83 and 53 yards in a loss to Barlow.
  • Marc Cesare, Trumbull: Junior returned a kick 90 yards for a touchdown in 57-14 loss to Staples.
  • Jake Pelletier, St. Joseph: Caught six passes for 136 yards vs. New Canaan.

“The guy actually has no class whatsoever. The guy was 100 percent wrong and he knows he’s wrong. The way I took it, I think he was saying [explicative] to the CIAC.”

–Stamford coach Bryan Hocter on NFA coach Jemal Davis after a 51-0 loss that broke the CIAC’s score management policy.

Staples quarterback Jack Massie (center) celebrates at TD with Joey Zelkowitz and James Frusciante during their 57-14 win over Trumbull.

“I honestly don’t know. That’s for them to figure out.”

–Staples quarterback Jack Massie, responding to the question, ‘How do you top Staples’ offense?’ following a 57-14 win over Trumbull.

“Relieved is how I am, we came close to losing this. For some reason we didn’t give them the respect they deserve and we almost paid the ultimate price for it.”

-Fairfield Prep coach Tom Shea, on his team’s 27-20 win over Hamden

“This was about a bunch of kids from the city’s West Side who don’t get a chance to succeed in much, getting to get a win.”

–Bassick coach Derrick Lewis on his team’s 14-6 win over Harding, the Lions’ first win of the season.

“The team had faith in me to try it again. Ryan just threw it up and I knew I could get it. (Cory Chaffee) is a great player but I just came up with it.”

–Westhill’s Yveson Cassamajor, on the 33-yard pass from Ryan Coppola that set up the winning touchdown in Westhill’s 24-20 comeback win over Danbury.

“It’s been a difficult year in that we’re so young and dumb at times. … It just does my heart so good to see this young team getting better every week.”

–New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli on his team’s 27-21 win over St. Joseph

“I’m not quite sure what was going on out there, but we definitely gave one away.”

–St. Joseph coach Joe Della Vecchia

“It’s an art form, maybe a dying art form in football, but an art form when you run it properly.”

–Barlow coach Rob Tynan on his team’s option offense, which has the Falcons 6-0 for the first time since 1974.

“This is a difficult time for us, but we’ll continue to fight to the finish like we always do.”

–Bunnell coach Craig Bruno on his team’s 5-game losing streak.

“He’s a special talent and I’m lucky to have him on my side.”

–New Fairfield coach Anthony Fata on standout tailback Joe Pacheco

“I’m just trying to enjoy every moment with Tyler. He’s a special, special player.”

-Weston coach Joe Lato on QB Tyler Hassett, who played with a nagging injury throughout the Trojans’ 42-21 loss to New Fairfield

“These kids were tired of losing the past three seasons. They want to play football. And they all want to win. This season has been a very great thing.”

–Trinity Catholic coach Peter Stokes on his team’s 6-0 start

FCIAC

Staples (5-0) at Darien (4-2), Saturday, 1:30: Staples continues to use the rest of the FCIAC as sparring partners in preparation for the bigger prize at the end of the season. Will Darien, whose playoff hopes are already on life support, put up any kind of resistance? The good news is Peter Gesualdi is back. The bad news is, Staples has a full head of steam barreling into this matchup.

Greenwich (5-0) at Westhill (4-2), Saturday, 1:30: Westhill’s having a dream season. Davell Cotterell and the Vikings keep finding ways to win and are inching closer to their first winning season in decades. But just how far is the gap between them and the FCIAC’s upper echelon? Lace up. Time to find out.

SWC

Oxford's Marcus Esteves scored four touchdowns in the 4-2 Wolverines' 27-0 win over New Milford. Photo by Michael Duffy

New Fairfield (4-2) at Oxford (4-2), Saturday, noon: Ace back Joe Pacheco and the Rebels are honing in on a fabulous season. They’d love to keep it going in this tough, competitive road game vs. Brennen Diaz and the Wolverines. It’s of minor significance on the state stage, with the winner moderately improving their faint chances. Still, this should be good.

Stratford (2-4) at Weston (5-1), Saturday, 1: It’s Weston’s homecoming, but the Trojans are limping back from their first loss of the season. With Masuk and Barlow still left on the schedule, their Class M playoff hopes depend on this game. Worse, the availability of star quarterback Tyler Hassett is in question after a groin injury suffered vs. New Fairfield. Stratford’s looking for a signature win to propel itself forward. Now’s the time.

SCC

Cheshire (4-2) at West Haven (5-1), Friday, 7 – West Haven’s up against it following its thrilling, but heartbreaking 21-20 loss to No. 1 Hand. With Xavier and Fairfield Prep looming, the Westies can ill afford any more losses in a tight Class LL race. But you knew that.

Fairfield Prep (5-1) at Amity (2-4), Friday, 7 – Fairfield Prep got some needed experience playing a close game. They’d be better off taking care of Amity quickly, resting up and continuing their drive for a Thanksgiving showdown.

Xavier (5-1) at Hillhouse (5-1), Friday, 3 — There’s a reason Hillhouse played Guilford without Harold Cooper: The banged-up standout back needs to be ready to take on the once-jilted, two-time defending Class LL champs. Yes, we all know how close ‘House came two years ago at Bowen…

Hand (6-0) at North Haven (4-2), Friday, 7 – North Haven’s Class L playoff hopes will live/die here. We say die. Valiant effort this year, Indians. (Maybe?)

CSC

Platt Tech (4-1) at Bullard-Havens (5-1), Saturday, noon – Both schools were handed their their first losses of the season and now sit a game behind the teams that beat them: Capital Prep and Prince Tech. The winner of this vastly important rivalry game will have a good grasp on third or second place. Also some state considerations here. Bullard-Havens in M, Platt Tech in Class L…

Updated: Outrage as NFA suspends football coach for conduct vs. Stamford

Monday, October 22, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Well this is an interesting development.

Norwich Free Academy preempted the CIAC football committee’s pending ‘Score Management’ decision by suspending football coach Jemal Davis one week for defeating Stamford 51-0, according to our own Dave Ruden.

Dave caught up with Stamford athletic director Jim Moriarty and NFA’s Gary Makowicki to get the details of the deal.

From Moriarty:

“He told me he didn’t like the way the game was handled and they were going to suspend him for a week,” Moriarty said. “We are going to accept it. …(Makowicki) told me (Davis) is getting carried away and they were embarrassed by what he did.”

From Makowicki:

“We weren’t looking to take the CIAC off the hook, we did what we thought was right,” Makowicki said. “We met and we support all the CIAC’s efforts to promote sportsmanship. There was no intent to embarrass anybody in the way the game transpired.”

Read Ruden’s whole story’s here.

Once school got out at NFA, the players were naturally upset at the proceedings.

And the news began picking up steam… Here’s outrage from Barstool Sports.

So this is where we are now as a society? The coach of the team that lost 51-0 is quoted as saying “He’s not really OK with the 51 points scored? He is “annoyed” at the other team. Hey buddy here is a wild thought. If you don’t like getting 51 hung on your a** maybe you should get better?

Hooboy. Well then…

Couple things on the ruling:

1. This was a good public relations move by NFA and athletic director Gary Makowicki (if it indeed happened this way). Why wait for the CIAC committee to make a move when you, as an administrator and a boss, can make the move yourself? That’s brilliant PR. Well done, NFA.

2. This preemptive strike deflates any further outrage against the misguided and stupid ‘Score Management’ policy over this particular case. The CIAC appeals committee didn’t need to make a decision. They’ve skirted enforcing the policy again.

Hey, NFA suspended Davis, not us. Score management lives. All’s well.

Move along. Nothing to see here.

3. ARRRRRGHHH!!!!! I really, really, really wanted the CIAC to make a decision on this. Just DUMP THE DUMB POLICY. Do we have to go through this rigamarole every … single … time?!?!

Good lord, we are a backward state.

Anyway…

Here’s the whole breakdown of the online response following NFA’s decision.


Dom Quinto (1929-2012): Monroe loses a sporting legend

Sunday, October 21, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Dom Quinto, Sr., who coached Masuk to its first football state championship games in 1985 and 1986, died Thursday. He was 83.

Before he established Masuk football’s tradition in the 1980s, Quinto was a pioneer of the town’s sports tradition. He began the Monroe Lions Pop Warner program in 1966, and guided the 7-8 grade teams to five consecutive unbeaten seasons and Candlewood Valley League titles. He also took the 1978 team to the Walt Disney World Bowl. Quinto also served as the CVL President.

The football field at Wolfe Park is dedicated to him.

He started as an assistant coach at Masuk in 1979 and took over as coach in 1984. Masuk was 1-9 his first year, but in the second Masuk won nine straight games and played in the Class MM championship vs. Hillhouse. Masuk lost 16-6.

The next season Masuk again reached the MM title game, losing to East Catholic 42-3.

Quinto was a man about town. He was one of the original owners of the Monroe Sports Center and the first maintenance superintendent of the Town of Monroe’s Parks and Recreation. He started the town’s first youth recreation basketball league and served as its director for 23 years. Quinto also began the town’s recreation girls softball league and served as its director. He was Masuk’s softball coach in 1989 and 1990.


“About Last Night…” Week 6: Wreckers roll, Falcons rally, Trojans fall

Saturday, October 20, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Weston quarterback Tyler Hassett (right) sits spent on the bench in the late stages of New Fairfield's 42-21 victory Friday.

Weston's Zach Cannon walks off the turf as New Fairfield players celebrate their 42-21 victory behind him.

First thing’s first.

RAIN? WHAT RAIN? Some of you athletic directors and coaches have to ease your fingers off the button and slowly back away from your telephones.

There were a few drops Friday night, but nothing really past kickoff. Yet just hours before many games were postponed. (The SCC almost went whole hog on postponing games. And we thought you guys were tough). Schools with turf fields have no excuse.

I’m not the only one angry. Cue Mr. Polecat.

Second, I did a silly thing on Friday night.

While Staples was making Trumbull uncomfortably numb with a deluge of points, I hopped into the car, pointed the compass north and jetted up route 53, to 7, to 39 and inexorably to New Fairfield. I had to see Tyler Hassett and Weston. I had to see New Fairfield and back Joe Pacheco. It was only 21-14 Rebels at halftime.

Which way to New Fairfield?

The iPhone said 1 hour, 3 minutes.

I made it in 45.

…or at least would have made it in 45 had the dumb map not dropped me onto a road spur that goes near New Fairfield High School, not into it. (Yes, this was my first time at Rebels Stadium.)

So I had to backtrack and wound up missing Pacheco’s clinching score, a short run that put New Fairfield up 35-14 with just over 9 minutes remaining. No worries. I did get to see gorgeous Rebels Stadium and a couple scores, including Nick Guardi’s scamper for a touchdown. New Fairfield won 42-21.

So Weston’s miraculous five-week unbeaten run is over. New Fairfield celebrated a 4-2 record. Weston slinked away 5-1.

And now there are three unbeaten teams left in the SWC.

Miraculously, one of them is Barlow, which moved to 6-0 for the first time in school history by rallying past Bunnell, 28-14. This is the Falcon’s best start in Rob Tynan’s 22 head-coaching career. It’s the best start since the 1974′s team began 9-0 under coach Gary Engler. (hat tip to high school football historian Bob Barton for correcting me and providing the correct information.)

Elsewhere, in the FCIAC, Staples finished off Trumbull 57-14 and moved to 5-0.

Darien whupped up on Wilton. The Blue Wave are now 4-2 heading into their home match vs. the Wreckers. Ridgefield and McMahon also won.

In the NVL, Derby proved no match for Wolcott. The Red Raiders will likely have to settle on a getting that winning season. Wolcott faces Watertown in a prep before its — ahem — big game vs. Ansonia in Week 8.

And, finally, in the SCC, Wilbur Cross put a huge scare into Cheshire — up 21-6 at halftime! — before succumbing to a fierce Cheshire rally, 28-23.

Staples' James Frusciante hauls in a touchdown pass in Staples' 57-14 win over Trumbull.

Anyway, that’s the news from Shangri La. Below is the scoreboard and the schedules for today.

There are few huge games. Two, unfortunately, are going on almost at the same time: West Haven at Hand at 1 p.m., then New Canaan at St. Joseph at 2:30. Later tonight, we’ll see Masuk travel to Brookfield for another SWC showdown.

(Believe it or not, this will be my fourth time seeing Brookfield… My first seeing Masuk outside of a scrimmage.)

More excitement in store today. Follow the live blog for all your updates. Let the good times roll.

Friday’s results

  • CCC: Simsbury 21, Hall 14 | Windsor 40, Middletown 35 |  Platt 30, Tolland 19 | Berlin 47, Rockville 0 | East Catholic 56, Weaver 26 | Northwest Catholic 20, Plainville 0
  • CSC: Putnam/Tourtellotte/Ellis Tech 38, Abbott Tech 22
  • ECC: Montville 54, Waterford 20 | Stonington 47, St. Bernard/Norwich Tech 0 | New London 41, Plainfield 0 | Ledyard 48, East Lyme 7 | Griswold at Fitch (Ppd. to Sat., 7 p.m.)
  • FCIAC: McMahon 27, Fairfield Ludlowe 7 | Ridgefield 46, Norwalk 13 | Darien 34, Wilton 7 | Staples 57, Trumbull 14
  • NVL: Wolcott 41, Derby 7 | Wilby 52, St. Paul Catholic 50
  • SCC: Cheshire 28, Wilbur Cross 23
  • SWC: Barlow 28, Bunnell 14 | New Fairfield 42, Weston 21 | Pomperaug 42, Immaculate 0 | Oxford at New Milford (Ppd. to Mon., 6 p.m.)

Saturday’s schedule

  • CCC: Manchester at Newington, noon | East Hartford at South Windsor, 1 |  New Britain at Conard, 1 | Fermi at RHAM, 1 | Wethersfield at Hartford Public, 6:30 | Glastonbury at Southington, 7 |
  • CSC: Bullard Havens Tech at Prince Tech, 11| Capital Prep at Platt Tech, 1 | Whitney Tech at Wolcott Tech, 1:30
  • ECC: Windham at Bacon Academy, 10:30
  • FCIAC: Fairfield Warde at Trinity Catholic, 2:30 | New Canaan at St. Joseph, 2:30 | Westhill at Danbury, 1:30 | Central at Greenwich, 2 | Bassick at Harding, 2:30 |
  • NVL: Sacred Heart at Kennedy, 11
  • PEQUOT: Coginchaug at Old Saybrook/Westbrook, 1 | Morgan at Cromwell, 1:30 p.m. | Hyde at Lewis Mills, 2 | Ellington/Somers at Windsor Locks/Suffield/East Granby, 1 | Enfield at Housatonic/Wamogo, 1 | Avon at Granby Memorial | Coventry/Windham Tech/Bolton at Canton, 2 | Stafford/East Windsor at SMSA/University, 2
  • SCC: Hamden at Fairfield Prep, 5 | North Haven at Sheehan, 6
  • SWC: Notre Dame-Fairfield at Newtown, 3:30 | Masuk at Brookfield, 7
  • OTHERS: Stamford at Norwich Free Academy, 1

Live Update Blog

That’s a Wrap! Week 5

Tuesday, October 16, 2012 by:Gary Rogo
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♦♦♦

We are at the midpoint of the 2012 high school football season. Here’s a look at who did an said what during Week 5 in southwestern Connecticut. Compiled by executive sports editor Gary Rogo and the Hearst Connecticut sports staff.

Bulldozers

Trinity Catholic's Randy Polonia (left) after scoring one of his five touchdowns vs. Stamford.

  • Mike Burns, Wilton: Scored two touchdowns and rushed for 81 yards on 13 carries in the Warriors’ 35-21 defeat of McMahon.
  • Randy Polonia, Shaquan Howsie and Sean Brown, Trinity Catholic: Combined for 345 yards rushing in a 41-20 victory over Stamford that earned the Crusaders the city championship. Polonia scored the team’s final five touchdowns and finished with 116 yards on 13 carries.
  • Joey Zelkowitz, Staples: Senior running back rushed for 124 yards in first half and added a 3-yard touchdown run in third quarter of Staples’ 51-6 rout of Danbury.
  • Nick Kelly, Staples: Ran for 97 yards in first half and scored on 56-yard run in win over Danbury.
  • Ryan Pearson, Trumbull: Scored on TD runs of 1, 20 and 21 yards in Eagles’ 39-26 upset of Darien.
  • Niko DeRosa, Foran: Ran for 195 yards and two TDs to pace the Lions’ 338-yard rushing effort in a 51-12 rout of Lyman Hall.
  • Andrew Louis, Central: Bruising fullback carried 22 times for 129 yards and two scores as Hilltoppers outlasted Bassick 38-24.
  • Saiheed Sanders, Ansonia: Rushed for 100 yards and three TDs as the Chargers blanked Seymour 47-0 despite playing without star back Arkeel Newsome.
  • John Shannon, Jacqua Solomon: Bullard-Havens: Each scored 3 TDs in 46-10 rout of Wilcox Tech. Shannon (11 carries, 115 yards) scored on runs of 46, 3 and 9 yards. Solomon (10 rushes, 125 yards) scored on runs of 63 and 21 yards and caught a 49-yard TD from Equan Brooks.
  • Alex Lockwood, Barlow: Scored four first-half TDs (runs of 24, 9 and 55 yards and a 59-yard pass from Jack Shaban) as the Falcons ripped Immaculate 56-0. Gained 118 yards on just 5 carries in the first half.

Gunslingers

  • Jordan Vazzano, St. Joseph: Sophomore threw four TD passes, including two to Jake Pelletier, as the Cadets romped past Harding 42-6.
  • Mark Piccirillo, Shelton: Completed 12 of 15 passes for 205 yards and two TDs (31 and 30 yards to Ed Cochiss) in the Gaels’ 34-8 victory over ND-West Haven.

Gamebreakers

Bethel's Joey Piatnik during his monster night vs. New Milford

  • Joe Piatnik, Bethel: Ran for a 3-yard TD in overtime and threw the winning 2-point conversion pass as the Wildcats edged New Milford 34-33. Finished with 48 carries for 242 yards and two touchdowns, also completed 14 of 19 passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns.
  • Thomas Milone, Masuk: Scored six TDs — runs of 59, 1, 2, 70 and 43 yard and a pass reception of 75 yards from Malik Cummings — as the Panthers pulled away from New Fairfield 54-19.
  • Austin Longi, Greenwich: Sophomore returned a punt 99 yards for a touchdown in Greenwich’s 40-14 win over Ludlowe.
  • Tyler Hassett, Weston: Senior quarterback passed for 233 yards, rushed for 83 yards and accounted for three touchdowns in 27-20 overtime win over Bunnell.
  • Dan Hebert, Cooper Gold, Newtown: Each ran for two TDs and caught a pass from Andrew Tarantino for a third score in 47-21 victory over Oxford as Nighthawks went to 5-0.
  • Tim Maher, Law: Ran for 128 yards and three TDs and threw for a fourth score in a 40-0 rout of East Haven.
  • Zack White, Foran: Scored on a 70-yard punt return and a 81-yard kickoff return.
  • Dillon McMahon, Derby: Threw for a TD, ran 18 yards for a second score and returned a kickoff 45 yards for a third as the Red Raiders ripped Watertown 47-19.
  • Andrew Matos, Ansonia: Set the tone early against Seymour with 85-yard punt return for a TD and accumulated 76 yards rushing on just three carries.
  • Noah Provo, Stratford: Returned a kickoff 75 yards for a TD and caught a 65-yard score from Mike Cannata in a 20-13 win over Pomperaug.

Brick Walls

  • Mitchell D’Eramo, Fairfield Prep: Linebacker recovered two fumbles in the Jesuits’ 39-6 win over Cheshire. Jesuits defense forced three turnovers.
  • Lance Lonergan, Staples: Senior linebacker returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown in 51-6 win over Danbury on Friday.
  • Ryan Moran, St. Joseph: had a pair of sacks to lead Cadets in 42-6 rout of Harding.

Valiant in Defeat

  • Kyle Jordan, McMahon: Rushed for 142 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries in the Senators’ 35-21 loss to Wilton.
  • Corey Chaffee, Danbury: Senior wide receiver/cornerback had a 60-yard touchdown catch and intercepted a pass in a 51-6 loss to Staples.
  • Vochan Fowler, Bassick: Junior QB threw an 88-yard TD pass to Tyreik Gilbert and ran 9 yards for a second score in a 38-24 loss to Central.
  • Brennan Diaz, Oxford: Threw 3 TD passes in first half to help Wolverines to a 21-12 lead. Newtown rallied to win 47-21.

“These kids, they just don’t give in.”

Oxford quarterback Brennan Diaz threw three TDs but Oxford eventually succumbed to Newtown 47-21

–Weston coach Joe Lato after his team rallied from 20-7 down to defeat Bunnell 27-20 in overtime.

‘We came here to play football. So I have no problem with that at all. And I don’t think Rob will have any problem, and if he does, I will step up and defend him.’

–Immaculate coach Tom Taylor on Barlow’s violation of the CIAC’s score management policy.

“It’s a tough situation, as a coach. But I’m not going to tell a kid to miss an extra point or something.’

–Barlow coach Rob Tynan, who was eventually absolved for defeating Immaculate 56-0

‘They call this the Black Hole. But tonight it was the Surf Club.’

–Hand fullback/linebacker Matt Walsh on the Tigers’ 40-20 win over Xavier.

“They were upset we stuck the ball in the end zone, I guess. Twenty-one point, 18-point game, whatever it would have been, just trying to win the game, you know?”

–Newtown coach Steve George after Oxford coaches took exception to his team’s last-minute of touchdown pass a 47-21 Hawks’ victory

“There’s a lot of emotion in football, it’s how it is.”

–Oxford quarterback Brennan Diaz on the brouhaha following Newtown’s 47-21 victory over the Wolverines.

“It felt great to be back under center after missing so much time.”

–Greenwich quarterback Liam O’Neil after leading the Cardinals to a 40-14 victory over Ludlowe, his first game back from a finger injury.

“We played our hearts out. We just wanted this so bad.”

–Fairfield prep back Chris Golger on the Jesuits’ 39-6 victory over Cheshire.

Trumbull's Ryan Pearson vs. Darien

“He was fantastic. He made money yards.”

–Trumbull coach Bob Maffei on back Ryan Pearson, who shredded Darien with three touchdowns in the Eagles’ 39-26 upset.

“We’ve worked all summer. It was just great to have it all pay off. … I’m speechless. This is amazing.”

–Bethel quarterback Joey Piatnik on his winning 2-point conversion pass to Cal Daniels in a 34-33 overtime victory over New Milford.

“That is no excuse, I’m sick of people saying that.”

–New Milford coach Chuck Lynch on the idea that his team’s tough schedule has contributed to the Wave’s 0-5 start.

“We’re better for him having not played this week.”

–Ansonia coach Tom Brockett on keeping back Arkeel Newsome on the sidelines during the Chargers’ 47-0 win over Seymour.

“I never thought in my 20 years of coaching that I’d be unhappy leading 30-6.”

–Staples coach Marce Petroccio on his team’s penalties and turnovers in the first half vs. Danbury.

SCC

West Haven (5-0) at Hand (5-0) – Hand earns its biggest victory of the season, knocking off reigning No. 1 and two-time defending Class LL champion Xavier, which just happened be on a 30-game win streak. Just a few days later, Ervin Phillips and West Haven come to town. Just ain’t no rest in the SCC. None. In case you were wondering, this is why No. 1 teams usually come out of this league, kids.

FCIAC

Trumbull (2-3) at Staples (4-0), Friday, 7 — Hello Trumbull. Whatcha knowin’? It’s nice to see your helmets glowin’… (Ask coach to sing it for you.)

New Canaan (4-1) at St. Joseph (4-1), Saturday, 2:30 — OK, New Canaan, time to play another big game again. Time to prove you haven’t gone anywhere. This is how you erase the pain of that Trinity Catholic loss. But you knew that much.

NVL

Derby (4-1) at Wolcott (5-0), Friday, 7 — Derby isn’t just on pace for its first winning season in 16 years, it’s inexorably lining up to qualify for the Class S playoffs. Yeah, we know! That hasn’t happened since the unbeaten season of 1990! The Red Raiders must this one against QB Mike Nichol and the Eagles to really grab hold of a special season.

SWC

Barlow (5-0) at Bunnell (1-4), Friday, 7 — Nothing’s gone Bunnell’s way this season. Not a thing. But they’re still scary. They’re still dangerous. Barlow wants to go to the state playoffs for the first time in school history. Every game’s huge from here. And this one’s not easy.

Masuk (5-0) at Brookfield (4-1), Friday, 7 — Though we’re skeptical after watching Brookfield melt in a 35-7 loss to Newtown and because of how Masuk is steamrolling all comers, this game still has potential. The Bobcats are in the thick of the Class M playoff race and are looking for a benchmark victory. Masuk loves to prove it owns the SWC.

Weston (5-0) at New Fairfield (3-2), Friday, 7 — The Rebels got a dose of reality in their 54-19 loss to Masuk. But they remain one of the SWC’s better teams. Joe Pacheco is still a tough back to bring down. Hanging on by their chinstraps sometimes, Tyler Hassett and Weston have found incredible ways to win. They are now a part of the Class M playoff hunt. Is this where the Trojan magic ends?

Barlow’s Tynan won’t be suspended for violating CIAC 50-Point Policy

Monday, October 15, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Joel Barlow High School's Scott Dineen secures the ball after a hit during a game against Immaculate High School, played at Immaculate. Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012

The CIAC has spoken, Barlow coach Rob Tynan won’t be suspended for violating the CIAC’s ‘Score Management’ policy for defeating Immaculate 56-0 on Saturday.

The CIAC said ‘proper sportsmanship protocols’ were followed during the game.

On Sunday’s Laxworm Radio high school football show, Tynan said when it became apparent that Barlow might score more than 50 points, the coaches and athletic directors from both schools agreed Tynan should not resort to gimmicks to stay under the barrier.

“Those second-string kids practice hard all week, too, and they deserve some success. We just ran our offense,” Tynan told Rich Gregory of the News-Times. “It’s a tough situation, as a coach. But I’m not going to tell a kid to miss an extra point or something.

“We started switching kids in the first quarter. It’s not a great position. Games like this, I don’t take a lot of pleasure in. I don’t. I feel bad.”

Immaculate coach Tom Taylor agreed.

“I have no problem with Rob at all. He could’ve had 100,” he said. “He apologized to me after the game. He could’ve kneeled on the ball, but that would’ve been an insult to us. And he was right. We came here to play football. So I have no problem with that at all. And I don’t think Rob will have any problem, and if he does, I will step up and defend him. He couldn’t help it. He was running fullback dive the whole second half.”

♦♦♦

So, that’s that. Thanks for playing another round of: ‘Let’s give a good football team and a good coach some bad attention.”

Having gone on about CIAC ‘Score Management’ for the better part of six years, I leave you with just a mission statement broadcast on Twitter, directed to the CIAC football committee and the CIAC.

‘About Last Weekend…’ Week 5: The Changing of the Guard

Saturday, October 13, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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♦♦♦

Hand's Matt Walsh scores the last of his five touchdowns in the Tigers' 40-20 victory over Xavier at Palmer Field Friday night.

With keen and wisened eyes, a number of Xavier High School football alumni grouped together in shallow right at Palmer Field Friday night.

It was a who’s who of Xavier’s recent, glorious past: Ryan Murphy, Jovan Santos, Austin Wezenski, Sean Marinan, Ryan Jacobucci, Graham Stewart.

Their alma mater was leading Hand 20-14 at halftime in Connecticut’s high school football game of the year.

The game was still in doubt. The alumni, all of whom had been the architects, foremen and builders of two state championships and all but last four of Xavier’s previous 30 victories, were edgy, but confident.

“We got this,” said Ryan Murphy, the former all-state end and back. “They’re not going to be able to keep Tim down. …I’m pretty sure (coach Sean) Marinan gave them lashing in the locker room.”

‘Tim’ is quarterback Tim Boyle, the Boston College-bound quarterback who helped Xavier rally twice in the first half to take their lead.

Outside an unfortunate punt snap and, later, a trick play that helped Hand score its two touchdowns, Murphy’s assessment of the second half seemed to be on-target.

But even he and his band of brothers could tell: Their understudies aren’t as polished as they were a season ago. This wasn’t the same Xavier. This was 2012, not 2011.

Someone said they’d love to see Staples and Class LL championship game. “Yeah,” said Santos, his teammates nodding around him.
“But you know what?” he added. “…It’ll be a much closer game.”

This was before Hand turned the game upside-down. This was before the Tigers marched 95 yards in 23 plays to tie the game. This was before Hand’s defense smothered Xavier on three plays and then marched right back down the field and scored again.

Forget Staples-Xavier fighting for No. 1 in a potential Class LL championship game. UConn recruit Matt Walsh and Hand proved what everyone wearing black feared: Xavier’s reign atop the Connecticut football world is in dispute, if not over already.

Hand's Caleb Ewald scores on a touchdown catch-and-run in the third quarter of Hand's 40-20 victory over Xavier Friday night.

Boyle and Xavier managed just eight plays to Hand’s 48 in the second half. Though outsized on the lines, the Tigers weren’t out-toughed, outclassed or out-played. Hand churned its way up the field, converting a pair of huge fourth downs — one on a tipped-pass catch by offensive lineman Cam Gravina, the other a pass-interference call — to score the tying and go-ahead touchdowns.

Then Xavier flubbed the ensuing kickoff. Hand got the ball back and that was that.

“I didn’t have to say a whole lot (at halftime),” Hand coach Steve Filippone said. “It was just a matter of us playing our game and getting into rhythm.”

Hand outgained Xavier 305-39 in the second half and by the fourth quarter, Xavier’s notorious fan section — The Black Hole — had been drowned out by the legions of Hand fans who paraded up Route 79 in a caravan Ray Curren described as “Hickory-esque.”

From the start, their presence reverberated across the complex. The Hand band, not the Xavier band, performed on the field at halftime.

The Hand student body jeered, ‘OVER-RATED’ at Xavier … when it was just 7-0.

Late in the game, they cheered, ‘START THE BUSES!’ … at the home team.

Yeah.

The Xavier student body, meanwhile, sat in stunned silence.

“They call their fans the Black Hole, but it felt like the Surf Club out there tonight,” said Walsh, who scored five touchdowns on five carries before a garbage-time run at the end of the game.

Heh. An an opponent working with garbage time. …At Palmer Field.

“They out-physicaled us up front, on both sides of the ball in the second half,” said Xavier coach Sean Marinan, who tasted defeat for the first time since the 2009 Class LL semifinals vs. Staples, and for the first time at Palmer Field since a 37-19 loss to Wilbur Cross in Week 1 of that year. “We couldn’t get anything going with offense. We couldn’t stop them defensively.”

We didn’t make a pregame prediction, but quietly I had it pegged 35-24, Xavier.

I saw a few Hand predictions floating around. But most, if not all, said Hand would win in a close game.

Not 40-20.

“We know we’re a second-half team,” Walsh said. “We were last year. I don’t know if any of you were at the Masuk (Class L semifinal) game, but it was 14-14 and we came out of (halftime) and we just exploded and we did the same thing today.”

Now we enter new territory as the second-half of the 2012 high school football season.

For the first time since Xavier toppled Notre Dame-West Haven on opening night of 2010, we’re looking for a new No. 1.

It’s a brave new world.

Xavier has lost its mojo — for now. Hand has an extra swagger. Meanwhile, Ansonia is rolling in the NVL. Staples is rolling in the FCIAC. Masuk is dominating the SWC. Windsor, Glastonbury and Southington are taking care of business in the CCC… etc.

Lest we forget the teams we cover southwestern Connecticut, here’s what was what in Week 5. While everyone had their eyes fixed on Palmer Field,  we same some surprising results down in Shangri La:

To wit:

Trumbull coach Bob Maffei pumps his fist as his team scores in their upset of Darien on Friday night.

Whew. Crazy week.

Here are your recaps and links to all of Week 5′s proceedings.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday Crunch: Attack of the Creatures from the Pits!

Sunday, October 7, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Prepare yourself!

Prepare to scream in TERROR!

Deep! Deep from the depths of the nether regions, come creatures to vile, so merciless, so unrelenting, they threaten to ruin the season of your favorite high school football team!

You’ll experience Thrills! and Chills! as these nightmares come to a football field near you.

You grab your girlfriend or boyfriend tight! You won’t want to let go!

You’ll be petrified in sheer terror as these dark creatures run amok across this land!

They are, the Creatures from the Pits!

This is no B-Movie.

This is real.

Here at high school football central, we keep waiting for the other shoe to drop — heavily, like in some Monty Python skit — on long-dormant, often muddling programs.

Yet these teams, most of whom have served as fodder for the traditional powers over the years, don’t look like they’re going away any time soon.

Trinity Catholic handled Norwalk. The Crusaders are unbeaten. Westhill crushed Central 40-0 to move to 3-1. Barlow hammered Stratford, they’re 4-0. Weston defeated Immaculate. They’re 4-0. Fairfield Prep crushed Shelton. They’re 3-1. Derby, New Fairfield and Oxford are all 3-1.

It’s been quite a year for the underdog programs in southwestern Connecticut.

Sure, the usual suspects still rule. Masuk and Newtown are ruling the SWC. Staples, Greenwich, St. Joseph, Darien and New Canaan (for the most part) are in control in the FCIAC. Xavier, Hand, Hillhouse and North Haven are handling the SCC. Ansonia, the NVL.

But these underdogs — many of whom have been down on their luck recently (Prep), or haven’t had a winning season in a long time (Westhill) — are adding some extra spice to the 2012 season.

They’re giving us reason to be excited about the possibilities — the possibilities of seeing new names and faces playing big games entering the second half of the 2012 high school football season.

But who among these teams are legit?

Who among them are just passing fads?

Let’s take a look at these creatures from the pits who have risen up and are running wild among the citizenry.

Trinity Catholic

Last winning season: 2008 (7-4)
Record: 4-0.
Signature win: 35-28 (OT) over New Canaan.
Why they’re winning: The FCIAC’s top tailback in Shaq Howsie, and a class determined to win.
What’s their limit?: The Crusaders have answered the bell. A huge game with rival Stamford is up next. Win that, and Trinity Catholic will be set up wonderfully for a legitimate run at a postseason berth in Class S. Monster games with Darien and St. Joseph in Weeks 8 and 9 will determine their postseason fate.

Barlow

Last winning season: 2006 (7-3)
2012 Record: 4-0
Signature win: 34-14 over New Fairfield
Why they’re winning: The triple option has been unstoppable under the direction of star QB Jack Shaban and HB Alex Lockwood. 1,700 rushing yards in four games? Yow.
What’s their limit?: We can’t see this freight train grinding down anytime soon. They’re looking good at least until November, when the Falcons finishe with big games vs. Brookfield and Masuk. They’d have to beat both to reach their first league title game since 1987 (when the SWC was the WCC). That’s a tall order. Then there’s a suddenly huge Thanksgiving Day game with Weston, which figures to have major Class M playoff implications.

Fairfield Prep

Last winning season: 2008 (8-2)
Record: 3-1
Signature win: 42-3 over Shelton
Why they’re winning: Third-year coach Tom Shea has mined his roster of 80 players, found the right pieces and has them in the right spots, especially sophomore back John Moten.
What’s their limit?: Prep’s only loss was to Xavier. It avoids Hand. The only heavy hitter left on the schedule until Thanksgiving is Cheshire. That’s Friday. Win, and the Jesuits can start thinking big — like state-playoff big, like old school need-to-beat-West-Haven on-Thanksgiving big. This is not in dispute: After last week’s result, we can say Fairfield Prep is back.

Westhill

Last winning season: 1986 (8-2)
Record: 3-1
Signature win: 37-30 (OT) over Trumbull
Why they’re winning: Davell Cotterell has given the Vikings a weapon they haven’t had in years. Now, team confidence after its 40-0 win over Central is at a level unseen in almost two decades. While their victories to date have been against struggling programs, Westhill is taking care of business. That’s something, oh, about 26 predecessors could never say.
What’s their limit?: Expect Westhill to continue its rise in the standings for at least two more weeks. They’ll be favored vs Franklin, Mass. and Danbury. Then Greenwich comes calling at the end of October and Staples two weeks later. Hard to believe Westhill is ready to play at that level. But they do have a great shot at winning at least seven games, which would be an incredible feat for this program.

Weston

Last winning season: 2011 (7-3) … but before that, 2003, 8-3.
Record: 4-0
Signature win: 22-21 victory over Pomperaug
Why they’re winning: As expected, QB Tyler Hassett (900 yards total offense) is having a great season. His teammates have elevated their games to match. The Trojans have yet to play any of the SWC’s heavyweights. That’ll change this week.
What’s their limit?: It gets tougher, of course. Weston takes on struggling, but cornered Bunnell on Friday. New Fairfield, Masuk and Barlow loom in the season’s second half. If Weston wins the first two, they’ll be in a good place to make their Thanksgiving Day game vs. Barlow for a playoff spot.

Derby

Last winning season: 1996 (6-5)
Record: 3-1
Signature win: 21-20 over Naugatuck
Why they’re winning: The Red Raiders have relied on a nice roster of talented playmakers, Dillon McMahon, Jordan LaRue and Tyrae Small (to name a few).
What’s their limit?: Derby hasn’t had a winning season since 1996. Winning a Week 6 game at Wolcott would be huge step toward making that a reality. The Red Raiders also have tough opponents remaining in Torrington, Seymour and Shelton. They haven’t beaten the Gaels since 2003. They’ll need to beat at least two of those teams to reach those elusive six victories.

New Fairfield

Last winning season:2009 (6-4)
Record: 3-1
Signature win: 41-24 over Bunnell
Why they’re winning: Joe Pacheco has given the Rebels a bona fide star at tailback. He’s second in the state (behind North Haven’s Jalon White) with 787 yards rushing. They haven’t had a player of his caliber in… over a decade? Maybe?
What’s their limit?: As good as this feels, New Fairfield’s road gets significantly harder. It heads to Masuk on Friday (yipes), then it plays Weston, Oxford, Pomperaug and Brookfield, before wrapping up with New Milford. The Rebels probably won’t beat Masuk (sorry, guys), so that means the they must win out to have a decent shot at a Class M playoff berth. As fun as this team has been since losing its opener to Barlow, that’s a lot to ask.

Oxford

Last winning season: Never (program began in 2008).
Record: 3-1
Signature win: None
Why they’re winning: Give them credit, QB Brennan Diaz and Wolverines have rallied around the memory of Brandon Giordano and have taken care of the SWC’s lesser squads.
What’s their limit?: They’re solid. But the Wolverines may not be ready for prime time, as a recent 32-14 loss to Weston showed. They host the Newtown juggernaut on Saturday and still must play New Milford, New Fairfield, Bunnell, Stratford and Pomperaug. A winning season is not too much to ask, but the Wolverines have work to do to secure the program’s first one.

Platt Tech

Record: 3-0
Signature win: Cheney Tech 24-14
Why they’re winning: In the realm of the Tech schools, Platt Tech has been the surprise of the CSC so far. The pitch, catch and run combo of QB Anton Graham and RB Lamont Barham have been solid.
What’s their limit?: The Panthers have all three of the CSC’s top teams yet to play: Bullard-Havens, Capital Prep and Prince Tech. They’ll need to beat two, if not all three of those teams to make a significant dent in the Class L playoff standings (and make a few Class L coaches pretty unhappy, to boot).

Seymour

Last winning season: 2008 (11-2)
Record: 3-1
Signature win: None
Why they’re winning: Undefeated after facing three teams that are a combined 1-11, the Wildcats faced their first strong NVL squad in Wolcott last Week and lost, 48-19. The Cats have been getting solid play from its few seniors, QB Mike Conlan and RB Jimmy Vartelas (7 TDs), in particular.
What’s their limit?: The Wolcott loss was a wake-up call. The Cats will get a slap in the face when they play Ansonia on Thursday night. Luckily, the schedule gets significantly softer afterward. Seymour have a good shot to squeeze three more wins against the likes of Crosby, Watertown and Wilby for a winning season. They also must play Derby and Woodland.

A bit late, but here are Saturday’s results and links:

‘About last night…’ Week 4: Blowout City

Saturday, October 6, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Fairfield Prep's Strecker Backe looks to pass during a 42-3 victory over Shelton Friday night.


Jeez, kids. What got into your pregame pasta dinners this week?

As the scores rolled across our ticker Friday night, it was blowout, after blowout, after blowout.

“Look at all these points being scored,” WELI’s George DeMaio cooed as the night’s action was read to him on his Friday night broadcast. “Unbelievable.”

They came in all shapes in sizes. They developed in a variety of ways.

You had supernovas, like Hillhouse scoring 27 points in the first quarter in a 47-0 win over Law, or Masuk hammering Bunnell with a 28-point second quarter in its 63-14 victory.

You had rolling thunderstorms like Barlow’s 40-6 win over Stratford, in which the Falcons hammered away with three-consecutive 20-point quarters.

You shootout blowouts, like Amity’s 61-43 victory over Guilford, where the teams trade scores until one of them finally asserts its offensive dominance.

You had see-saw blowouts, like Greenwich’s 62-31 victory over Trumbull. The Cards took a 42-0 lead in the first half. Then Trumbull went into blowout mode, outscoring Greenwich 25-7 to make it a 48-25 game in the third quarter before Greenwich turned on the jets again in a 62-31 win.

And there were shocking blowouts, like Fairfield Prep’s 42-3 victory over Shelton. Well, that one was shocking to everybody who isn’t a Fairfield Prep fan.  Yes, we know you believe Prep is good. But I think that result really jarred the rest of us. Now we’re convinced. Welcome back.

Bassick's Vochan Fowler hands off during Friday night's 29-28 loss to Fairfield Warde.

Anyway, blowouts, blowouts, blowouts ruled in Week 4.

Except in Fairfield where Warde defeated Bassick in a contentious and controversial 29-28 victory. Connor McGuinness kicked a 20-yard field goal with 4 seconds left to give the Mustangs the victory.

But was it legit? Reports say Warde was tackled in-bounds with approximately 7 seconds remaining and no timeouts. Apparently the clock didn’t run, which allowed the Mustangs to set up for McGuinness’ field goal.

Bassick coach Derrick Lewis said late Saturday he would protest the result to the FCIAC and CIAC on Monday. “My kids are crushed,” he said in a text message. “That game was ours.”

Here are the results and links from Friday night’s regional games:

* Games summaries included in Friday night’s high school football roundup.

Light schedule for Saturday. Check here for the statewide scores and Saturday’s results.

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