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PAST AND PRESENT

TRADITION OF THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

November 18, 2012

CH ESH RA I MS R E

2012 SEASON Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 3 Nov. 10

Shelton at Branford at Hand ND-WH Fairfield Prep Wilbur Cross at West Haven East Haven Hamden

Nov. 22 at Southington

REMEMBERING:

Last year: Cheshire 41, Southington 30 2012 SEASON

W, 30-14 W, 20-0 L, 35-7 W, 48-13 L, 42-7 W, 28-13 L, 43-20 W, 39-0 W, 33-0

HOLIDAY SERIES Cheshire has won 5 straight in this holiday series, and leads 9-7 overall.

10:30 a.m.

injured tailback Kyle McIntosh, and fullback Greg Ferry leading the way ofhe collection fensively. Defensively, of high school Ryan Coutant recovered and college three forced fumbles and memories for Sutherland recorded a fumJeff Sutherland is asble recovery and an intertounding. In less than two ception. calendar years, he was a Sutherland and quarterpart of four titles. back Sean McGowan were One football state title senior co-captains.

Where is he now? in 1992; two baseball state “Looking back on it, I am crowns in 1992 and 1993; real proud of our achieveClass of 1993 followed by a 1994 Big ments,” he said. “I knew Age: 37 East Tournament baseball that we had something spe■ A sergeant and 10 title with UConn. cial. It was a collective ef1/2 year veteran of the Two decades later, fort. We had a small group Cheshire Police DeSutherland says he was of seniors, but we had partment. blessed to be around such younger players like Steve great coaches and teamBowman and Brian Samela mates. who were making major “I was probably a better baseball playcontributions to our success.” er, but I truly loved football,” he said.

A year earlier, the Rams felt they had As a high school senior in 1992, Suther- enough talent to reach their goals, but ulland co captained the Rams' first undetimately, underachieved at 5-4-1. That fufeated football regular-season with a eled them in the offseason.

20-14 win over North Haven Thanksgiv“We all had a common goal to be biging Day and the first of an unprecedented ger, stronger and faster,” he said. six straight state titles. That culminated Sutherland credits Addazio, now the with a 28-14 win over Notre Dame-West head coach at Temple, for the team's sucHaven at a frigid Jess Dow Field. cess, and his own, as well.

“Coach (Steve) Addazio would have us “Addazio gave me the starting spot always practicing in bad weather condiand by entrusting me as a sophomore, I tions and got us to understand that it didn't want to let him down,” said Sutherwould always be a factor, but he never land. “I feel like he was always working wanted that to be an excuse for playing to get the best out of all of us. He got me poorly,” said Sutherland. to believe in myself and I was going to do The Rams dominated the Green everything in my power to not let him Knights with Dan Zurolo, substituting for down. We all felt that way.”

BY MARK JAFFEE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

T

FACT CHECK

Cheshire 41, Southington 30

2

■ Michael John Ecke ran for four second-half touchdowns, including three in the fourth quarter, to lead the Rams to their fifth consecutive win in the Apple Valley Classic in Cheshire.

Southington quarterback Stephen Barmore threw two TDs to Corbin Garry.

TOP PERFORMANCES Cheshire Sam Pascale: Rushed for 2 TDs vs. Shelton; Rushed for 87 yards, 2 TDsvs. ND-WH; 2 TDs vs. East Haven Vincent Sansone: Rushed for 2 TDs vs.

Shelton; Ran for 87 yards, pass for 85 yards vs ND-WH; 110 yards, TD vs. East Haven Jack Cunningham: Had 2 conversion runs vs. Shelton Beau Bartone: Had 5 receptions, 55 yards, TD vs. ND-WH Tim Covel: Had TD receptions vs. ND-WH, East Haven

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9

at East Hartford at New Britain New Britain Conard at South Windsor Glastonbury Hall at Simsbury at Manchester

Nov. 22 Cheshire

JEFF SUTHERLAND

LAST YEAR

ON GT TS HIN IGH UT E KN SO BLU

Meeting: 35th

REMEMBERING:

W, 44-14 W, 32-7 W, 35-0 W, 42-7 W, 44-0 W, 28-21 W, 42-0 W, 35-14 W, 13-12 10:30 a.m.

MATT KELLEHER

gate,” said Kelleher. “It couldn't get any worse. I had to take control. Every he statistics tell time the guys got into the part of the stohuddle, I needed to get ry. Matt Kellethem to believe that we her threw for could score and could 6,172 yards and 54 touchcome back.” downs in 29 high school Kelleher made it hapgames. But the 2005 Conpen, throwing for 447 necticut Gatorade Player of yards and six touchdowns, the Year takes little credit, completing 27-of-34 passsaying his coaches and es, en route to an improbWhere is he now? teammates put him in the able 66-32 win.

Class of 2006 position to make plays.

Another fond memory Age: 24 He especially credits forcame in 2005 on Thanks■ Yale graduate is an mer Blue Knights offensive giving when Kelleher assistant loan officer coordinator Frank Stamilio threw three TD passes to at Mortgage Master, with teaching him everygive the Blue Knights a Inc., in Plantsville and thing so he could succeed. lead. He rested for the QB coach at SouthingIt was reminiscent of the fourth quarter, only to see ton High.

Jon Gruden Quarterback Cheshire rally. “Coach Camp shown on ESPN. (Bill) Mella put me back “The passing offense is in and I threw a touchall about timing and trust, and about down to Ryan Leahy on the first play.” practice and repetitions,” said Kelleher.

Kelleher went back to the sidelines, as “I attribute the success with all of the the Blue Knights closed out the win. things spent off the field watching film That 2005 season was a whirlwind. and working with the chalk board. I was Longtime coach Jude Kelly resigned in always over at Frank's house for dinner, the spring to take over at St. Paul in Brislearning the game inside and out. We had tol. to be on the same page. He gave me a lot “It was a little chaotic,” said Kelleher. of flexibility to audible, if need be.”

“We didn't have a coach and spring pracBesides Kelleher's precise throwing ac- tice was right around the corner. Myself curacy, his knowledge and trust in his and the other seniors captains (James teammates made him a great leader. That Mongillo, John Potter, and Max Connolwas never more evident than in what ly) got together and said that we needed Kelleher describes as his best overall to stick together and not worry about anygame against Manchester in 2005. thing else. Once a staff was in place, we'd “We were down 24-0 right out of the knew we would be all right.”

BY MARK JAFFEE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

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Matt Gardiner: Recovery fumble in end zone vs. West Haven Owen Rockwell: Had TD reception vs.

West Haven Andrew Yamin: Rushed for 155 yards, 2 TDs vs. East Haven

Southington Stephen Barmore: Passed for 342 yards, 4 TDs vs. Hall; Pass for 332 yards, 4 TDs vs.

Simsbury; Pass for 202 yards, TD; ran for 2 TDs vs. New Britain Justin Rose: Interception, fumble recovery vs. Hall Zach Jamele: Game-sealing interception

vs. Glastonbury; Recorded 11 tackles vs. Hall Corbin Garry: Had 6 receptions, 183 yards, 3 TDs vs. Hall Anthony Bonefant: Had seven receptions, 126 yards, TD vs. Simsbury

APPLE VALLEY CLASSIC 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Cheshire Cheshire Cheshire Cheshire Cheshire Southington Southington Southington

41-30 49-39 25-11 9-7 35-19 21-20 34-27 28-14

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

WI WI L LD BY CA TS REMEMBERING:

Last year: Sacred Heart 39, Wilby 34

2012 SEASON

2012 SEASON

Sept. 12 Sept. 22 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 8

Naugatuck at Kennedy Watertown at Derby at Wolcott St. Paul at Seymour Crosby Ansonia

L, 48-20 W, 26-12 W, 22-7 L, 53-14 L, 53-6 W, 52-50 L, 23-14 W, 46-14 L, 44-12

Nov. 21

vs. Sacred Heart

6 p.m.

HOLIDAY SERIES Sacred Heart took a 1-game edge in series last year, 3130-1.

CHUCK PAGANO

ways looked at the glass

BY MARK JAFFEE being half full. Today REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN when I am faced with a challenge, I would think, huck Pagano 'What would Fred say,' He never minded was a big hit with me.” long practices Pagano also appreciated with one excepthe opportunity to play tion. Wilby head coach with his childhood friend, Fred O'Brien was trying to the late Jimmy Arline. get the attention of his "Jimmy was passionate players. and driven and showed “The team was lagging, great leadership in that and FO (O'Brien's nickWhere is he now? role,” said Pagano. name) flipped his cork and Class of 1972 After graduation, was drilling us into the Age: 58 Pagano worked as a tool ground,” recalled Pagano.

■ Waterbury resiand die apprentice on the “I was so tired when I got dent is the Executive second-shift at a Waterhome. We had a game on a Vice President of bury factory, Anchor FaciThursday and after FriTechnology for ESPN nators. day's practice, I think I in Bristol.

“My mother worked slept for two days.” there and helped get me an After his playing days at interview and a job,” he Wilby, Pagano never suited said. “That taught me about giving everyup again, but those arduous practices thing I had with gusto.” taught Pagano plenty. It was about basic When he was laid off in the mid-1970s, life lessons of leadership, teamwork, disit forced him to move on as he had a pascipline, trust, commitment and above all sion for technology and the media indusothers, overcoming adversity, says try. He earned several advanced degrees Pagano. in engineering and science, leading him “I had some great mentors and teachto his current role at ESPN and a place ers who were behind me at Wilby,” said into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Pagano. “Fred taught us to work hard, Fame last month. celebrate hard and we all knew that he “It's been a most pleasurable experiloved and cared about each of us. Every ence,” said Pagano, who is one of the time I left practice or went home after a original staff members still at ESPN from game, I never I had a bad day. their opening day in 1979 after moving “I never started a game, and was sort over from WFSB-3. of the buffet line guy,” said Pagano.

“I started as an engineer, but also did “Wherever Fred needed me, he put me in installation of equipment, camera work, where there were weak spots. I always and worked the control board,” he said. saw the positive outlook of things, and al-

C

LAST YEAR

FACT CHECK

Sacred Heart 39, Wilby 34 ■ Jolly Black rushed for 256 yards and scored four touchdowns to lead the Hearts at Municipal Stadium.

Jamoire Gregory earned the Outstanding Defensive Player of the game for the Hearts.

Wilby's Emanuel Zapata caught three touchdown passes from Jay'Len Mahan and also returned a kickoff 79 yards for a score with 10:07 left in the game, cutting the Hearts' lead to 3128.

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

TOP PERFORMANCES Sacred Heart Jacquan Overbey: Scored 3 TDs, 96yard KO return vs. St. Paul; Rushed for 202 yards, 3 TDs vs. Whitney Tech; Rushed for 2 TDs vs. Crosby; Rushed for 3 TDs vs. Kennedy; Had 55-yard fumble recovery for TD vs. Holy Cross Shyquon Thompson: Scored 3 TDs vs.

Kennedy; Had TD reception vs. Naugatuck; Had 96-yard TD reception vs.

Holy Cross David Coggins: Scored 3 TDs, includ-

Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 3 Nov. 10

Woodland at Seymour Whitney Tech Naugatuck Crosby at Kennedy Holy Cross at St. Paul Torrington

L, 46-0 L, 57-12 W, 50-30 L, 55-12 W, 33-14 W, 63-32 L, 52-20 L, 48-26 L, 65-21

Nov. 21

vs. Wilby

6 p.m.

REMEMBERING:

T AR HE ED TS CR EAR SA H

Meeting: 63rd

AMENEMHET ASHENAFI

“I always took it for granted that he'd be here REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN and that there would be time to find out (about nickwo decades ago as a Waterbury name),” he said. “Right beKnight, or with fore the (Hall of Fame) Sacred Heart ceremony, I said a prayer and later at Fitchburg and told my dad how much State, he was known as I missed him, of course, D'Andra Freeman, but afand thanked him for all the ter studying African histolife lessons like being disciry and his own ancestry, plined. He helped me behe made the profound decome the man I am today.”

Where is he now? cision to change his name Likely Peter Jackson Class of 1994 to Amenemhet Ashenafi. used that nickname beAge: 36 Whatever he goes by, cause of the way his son ■ Is an after-school Freeman or Ashenafi, he'll played the game with such coordinator in Washalways be remembered passion, finesse, speed, balington, D.C. for his athletic prowess, as ance and vision. indicated this past Sep“My dad taught me about tember when he was inhaving a strong work ethic ducted into the Fitchburg State Sports and dedication and he was the one who Hall of Fame. kept me grounded,” said Ashenafi. “He It was a bittersweet moment for him, always taught me to be humble and to rethinking back to 14 years earlier on the spect my opponents and to get them to same day in 1998 when his dad, Peter earn my respect.

Jackson, died at age 58.

He always kept his emotions in check.

At the time, Freeman was ready to give He was always so proud of me when I up football until his brother, Johnny, inwould play, always standing near the cortervened and said to D'Andra that he ner of the end zone.” must continue with what he started.

Ashenafi's goal was to always to please Finally, D'Andra believed that his dad his dad and his mom, Cynthia Freeman, would have wanted that and it was a wise who still lives in Waterbury. Now, his decision, as D'Andra set multiple records goal to be a great role model for his two a year later in 1999. young sons, Nasor, 6, and Khafre, 4.

Among his college feats are five "They're spitting images of me,” he records, including single season rushing said. “My ceiling (as a player) is their yards (1,871), career rushing yards floor.”

(3,957) and touchdowns (32).

Peter Jackson would call his son “Magic.”

BY MARK JAFFEE

T

Call for an appointment to visit us for a day!

ing 80-yard KO return vs. Crosby; Had 2 TD receptions vs. Kennedy; Had 93-yard KO return vs. St. Paul

Wilby Jacob Thomas: Rushed for 170 yards, 3 TDs vs. Kennedy; Rushing TD vs. Derby; Rush for 129 yards, 2 TDs vs. Crosby Kasseme Smith: Recorded 8 tackles, fumble rec. vs. Kennedy; Had 4 rec., 76 yards vs. St. Paul; TD rec. vs. Crosby Brandon Sierra: Rushed for 123 yards, 2 TDs, passed for TD vs. St. Paul; Passed for 86 yards, TD, INT TD vs. Crosby

MAKE-UP

PLACEMENT EXAM Saturday December 1, 2012 at 8:30 a.m.

“A Tradition of Excellence”

Sacred Heart High School 1 9 22

142 SOUTH ELM STREET WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT 06706 203-753-1605 www.sacredhearthighschool.org

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

3

SEY WI MO LD U CA TS R

Last year: Woodland 28, Seymour 7

2012 SEASON

2012 SEASON

Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 29 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 5 Nov. 13

Whitney Tech Sacred Heart at Kennedy Wolcott at Ansonia at Crosby Wilby Derby at Watertown

W, 43-6 W, 57-12 W, 42-14 L, 48-19 L, 47-0 W, 43-20 W, 23-14 L, 49-28 L, 30-7

Nov. 21

at Woodland

6 p.m.

REMEMBERING:

HOLIDAY SERIES Woodland has won the last 3, after ending Seymour’s 5-game win streak.

KC SIROWICH

biggest bear hug. My brother wouldn't accept me giving anything but a REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN full effort.”

Reflecting on that mot was a defining ment, Sirowich said it took moment in the high him a while before he school football caswallowed his pride to reer of KC thank his brother. But he Sirowich. eventually did.

During a 1984 preseaSirowich would become son practice as a sophothe state's Most Valuable more, Sirowich was Where is he now?

Player as a high school shown the way by a teamClass of 1987 senior in 1986, helping the mate. He called it a turnAge: 43 Wildcats to a 9-2 overall ing point in his career.

■ A partner at Warecord. Sirowich would “I was on the scout terbury’s American move on to Syracuse Uniteam and my job was to Copy Service. versity and was a member block the middle lineof four bowl teams. backer and the quarterAs a sophomore and back made a pitch to the right and I missed the block and the line- junior, the Wildcats went 4-6 and 4-7, before making a huge jump in 1986. backer made the play,” recalled “Everyone started buying into what Sirowich. “I was on the way back to the Spooney (Paul Sponheimer, former head huddle and the linebacker was flying coach) was saying,” said Sirowich. “He back toward me and knocked me to the was a very good motivator on being posiground and is yelling at me, 'Don't ever tive. The players hung on his every go half speed.'” word. He would say if you work hard and Sirowich was stunned, especially commit, good things will happen. Paul when he realized it was his brother, and Bob Kelo made you believe in yourMichael, a senior captain, who had self and made you feel like you were inknocked him to the ground. vincible.”

“I laid on my back and I finally got up As a spectator now on the same field to go back to the huddle and Bob Kelo he played, Sirowich appreciates the op(the offensive coordinator) calls the portunity to watch his two sons, Zachary, same play,” added Sirowich. a junior, and Tyler, a freshman.

“Right at that moment, I decided I am “My hope is they learn to enjoy every not taking this anymore and I put the moment they have on the field because linebacker on his back. I decided that I their careers really do go by so fast,” was becoming a football player. The said Sirowich. linebacker gets up and gives me the

BY MARK JAFFEE

I

LAST YEAR

FACT CHECK

Woodland 28, Seymour 7

4

■ Matt Zaccagnini led the offensive charge and Anthony Scirpo and Kyle McClintick each had a touchdown and an interception for the Hawks in Beacon Falls. Tanner Kingsley threw for score and ran for another for Woodland (6-4) and Dave Alves had a sack, one of five for the Hawks.

TOP PERFORMANCES Seymour Jim Vartelas: Rushed for 4 TDs vs. Sacred Heart; Had 2 rush TDs, 1 passing vs. Crosby Mike Conlan: Passed for 3 TDs, rushed for TD vs. Kennedy; Rushed for TD, passed for TD vs. Sacred Heart; Passed for 2 TDs, rushed for TD vs. Crosby; Passed for 206 yards, 2 TDs vs Derby Christian Thurmond: Caught 3 passes, 72 yards, TD vs. Kennedy Jack Briggs: Had 81-yard kickoff return TD vs. Crosby; Had TD receptions vs.

Kennedy, Sacred Heart

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 3 Nov. 9

at Sacred Heart at Ansonia Kennedy St. Paul at Torrington at Naugatuck Holy Cross. at Wolcott

W, 46-0 L, 47-16 W, 47-0 W, 54-28 W, 68-20 W, 53-20 W, 28-0 L, 54-12

Nov. 21

Seymour

6 p.m.

REMEMBERING:

ND LA OD WKS WO HA

Meeting: 11th

JARED KATCHMAR

Katchmar, who threw for 437 yards in the game.

“He took time out of his schedule to help me. He ared Katchmar did everything that he downplays his role could day and night to get as the quarterback me ready for that game.” for the Woodland That game put WoodRegional state champiland on the map although onship football team in a few weeks later, reality 2004, in just its third seasunk in when neighboring son as a varsity program Seymour topped the and fourth overall since the Where is he now?

Hawks, 42-14. That ended school opened in 2001.

Class of 2005 the Hawks' thoughts of His reasoning is clearAge: 25 making the postseason. cut: “I was surrounded by ■ Working toward Still, the loss to the great coaches (notably master's degree in Wildcats stung mightily. head coach Chris Anderson special education and “We got spanked,” said and quarterbacks coach is offensive coordinaKatchmar. “Chris and Tim Tim Phipps) and great tor at Masuk High. players (notably Shane had us watch that tape Kingsley and Pat Krakowsabout 5,000 times.” ki) and a great athletic Did they expect to go trainer (Ray Donaghy),” said Katchmar.

12-0, win the Naugatuck Valley League tiKatchmar credits Donaghy for keeping tle and a Class SS state championship the him on the field, especially in 2003, the following year? year he missed only one game against “I wasn't sure, but you could see the Wilby due to a high ankle sprain. town rallying around us and little kids Wilby won that game, as Katchmar asking for our autographs and it felt like stood idly by on crutches. “If I had one the movie, 'Friday Night Lights,'” said regret in my career, it was not being able Katchmar, who moved to Beacon Falls in to play,” he said. fourth grade. “People were tailgating A week later, Katchmar did return to hours before our game.” the starting lineup by engineering a lastWhat put the team over the top? Katchminute fourth-quarter drive, culminating mar said it was mostly Anderson, now at on 16-yard touchdown pass to Krakowski the University of New Haven. on the final play to defeat Naugatuck, 40“I've been around a lot of great coach37, on Halloween night. es, I still haven't found anyone else as “The MSG Network called that week good, the way (Anderson) relates to kids. and gave me Player of the Week, but Ray He is so prepared,” said Katchmar.

Donaghy earned the award,” noted

BY MARK JAFFEE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

J

Frank Marcucio: Booted 7 PATs, rushed for TD vs. Sacred Heart Joey Salemme: Rushed for TD, caught TD vs. Kennedy Nick D'Agostino: Had 61-yard TD reception vs. Derby

Woodland Tanner Kingsley: Passed for NVL record of 8 TDs, 502 yards vs. Naugatuck; Passed for 5 TDs vs. Kennedy; Threw for 323 yards, 4 TDs vs. Torrington; Passed for 263 yards, 4 TDs vs. Holy Cross Anthony Scirpo: Had 12 receptions, 129 yards, 2 TDs vs. Holy Crss; Had 6 receptions,

126 yards vs. Naugatuck; 7 receptions, 79 yards, 3 TDs vs. Torrington; Caught 2 TDs vs. Kennedy Eric Collodel: 9 tack, sack vs. Torrington Brian Reis: Had 2 TD rec vs. Holy Cross Joe Fancher: Rushed for 98 yards vs. Torrington Rahmi Rountree: Had 7 receptions, 77 yards, TD vs. Torrington Joe Masulli: Rushing TD vs. Torrington Brian Zaccagnini: Had 5 receptions, 150 yards, 2 TDs vs. Holy Cross; Had 69-yard TD reception vs. Torrington Jason Rodrigues: Rushed for 74 yards, TD vs. Torrington

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

OX WO FO LVE R RIN D ES REMEMBERING:

Last year: Pomperaug 10, Oxford 7

2012 SEASON

2012 SEASON

Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 30 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 22 Oct. 27 Nov. 11 Nov. 17

at Immaculate Weston Notre Dame at Bethel Newtown at New Milford New Fairfield Stratford Bunnell

W, 35-0 L, 34-15 W, 55-20 W, 40-26 L, 47-21 W, 35-0 W, 22-21 W, 40-20 noon

Nov. 21

at Pomperaug

7 p.m.

HOLIDAY SERIES No matter what else happened, Oxford must win this game to have a shot at the playoffs.

MIKE GIORDANO

physical education, but a back injury sustained in a practice ended his playing career. What began as an hen Oxunwanted crossroad ford High turned out to be a blessing opened in in disguise. He would the fall of transfer to SCSU. 2007, it took a while for In the summer of 2010, Mike Giordano to finally he worked at a three-week embrace the idea of startsummer camp with his ing at a new school, knowgirlfriend, Gretchen, and ing that he'd be leaving Where is he now? her sister Megan, working his friends and roots at Class of 2010 with students at Speech neighboring Seymour Age: 20 Academy. The program High.

■ Junior at SCSU, focuses on speech and What Giordano didn't studying special edulanguage-based academic realize back then was that cation. programs to students with he was about to embark a range of communicaon perhaps the best sports tion, sensory-motor, opportunity that he'll ever learning and social skill disabilities. encounter.

For Giordano, it became an awakening He became the starting quarterback of and an uplifting opportunity. the upstart Wolverines' football team, “People may take for granted their scored the first varsity touchdown in health and the health of the people in program history against St. Paul and entheir lives,” noted Giordano. “The kids gineered the first varsity win, a 20-6 de(ages 4-10) I worked with always have a cision over Notre Dame. smile on their face. They appreciate “It was an amazing feeling,” recalled what they have and they taught me to apGiordano. “There is nothing better than representing your town and being part of preciate what I have a little bit more than I already did.” milestones and a part of history.”

Giordano continues to work upward of As a keepsake, Giordano has his No. 3 35 hours a week at the Speech Academy jersey tucked away in his bedroom. while attending night classes.

As a junior, the Wolverines endured a “Before I worked at that camp three winless varsity season, joining the summers ago, I had never worked with South-West Conference. Finally, as a kids before and had no clue about autism senior in 2009, Giordano led the Wolveror kids with learning disabilities. It was ines to a 5-5 record and history. a shock to me, but I realized that I want Giordano was recruited to play at to help kids. It is so rewarding.”

Springfield College and was studying

BY MARK JAFFEE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

W

LAST YEAR

FACT CHECK

Pomperaug 10, Oxford 7 ■ Mike Foley batted down Alex Miller's desperation pass with no time remaining to secure the win at a rainy Edward Arum Field in Southbury.

Matt Paola booted a state-best ninth field, a 32-yarder, and also caught a 25yard TD pass from Eric Beatty. Pomperaug finished with an 8-2 record record and missed out of the playoffs in coach David Roach's first season by a percentage points due to the pre-determined CIAC computerized system.

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

TOP PERFORMANCES Oxford Chris VanKamerik: Had 3 TD receptions, 265 yards vs. New Fairfield; 3 TD rec. vs. Notre Dame Brennen Diaz: Passed for 3 TDs, 348 yards vs. New Fairfield; Passed for 133 yards, ran for TD vs. Weston Jeff Haney: Caught game-winning 2point conversion vs. New Fairfield Marcus Esteves: Scored 4 TDs vs. New Milford; Ran for TD vs. Weston Kevin Loschiavo: Caught 5 passes, 58

Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 13 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 10 Nov. 16

at Masuk at Newtown Weston at New Milford at Stratford Immaculate Brookfield N.D.-Fair.

New Fairfield

Nov. 21

vs. Oxford

REMEMBERING:

L, 47-10 L, 42-7 L, 22-21 W, 35-7 L, 20-13 W, 42-0 L, 29-15 W, 36-7 7 p.m.

G AU ER RS MP NTHE PO PA

Meeting: 5th

7 p.m.

RYAN SUTER

vorite Brookfield, which had allowed only six points in the regular season, Pomperaug knew it very so often, had a daunting task.

Ryan Suter “On the first play of the takes a glance game, I was playing right around his guard and called for a bedroom wall and looks at double team with Matt the collage of photos from Roberts (right tackle) on the 2004 high school footRyan Pacific (Brookfield's ball season, rehashing the captain). We blew Ryan Pomperaug football Where is he now? five or six yards off the team's undefeated season Class of 2005 ball and the next thing I and the school's first and Age: 25 knew is No. 45 (Mike only state football title.

■ Teaches physical Kielt) runs right past us Even before that special science and physics at for a 65-yard touchdown.” year, Suter learned what Pomperaug.

Suter ran down field to it took to be part of somegreet Kielt, doing his custhing so great. tomary post-TD gesture.

“When I was a sopho“I tapped his helmet twice and it bemore, my brother, Griffin, was part of came known as the Suter tap,” he said. the first conference title (beating ImTwo weeks later, Pomperaug easily maculate, 17-14),” said Suter. “From the beat Bunnell in the semifinals, leading start to the finish, I realized the amount up to the decisive win over Branford in of work that they put it in.” the final.

When Suter was a junior, Pomperaug “We went into the game even-keel,” reached the semifinals, losing 42-15 to said Suter. “We knew what our playoff Hand.

“We were beaten badly in all phases of history was. We lost to Notre Dame and Seymour and Hand three years in a row. the game by Hand and it was an eyeEvery team which gets to that point deopening experience for the players who serves to be there. There are no fluke were going to be seniors,” said Suter. “I teams. Branford's defensive line averremember all of the juniors, getting toaged 290 pounds.” gether once we all licked our wounds.

“My coaches, John Pereira and David We went back to work with the idea of Roach, just told us to go with the basics getting stronger.” of staying low, drive our feet and keep That spring, Suter had an inkling of our feet moving and move them out of how good the team was. But he fell short of making any predictions. Leading up to the way,” he said. “It was a matter of maintaining our technique.” the SWC title game against heavily-faBY MARK JAFFEE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

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yards vs. Weston Steve Perrson: Rushed for 54 yards vs. Weston ■ Playoffs: At publication time the Wolverines were still alive for a possible state playoff berth, which would be their first

Pomperaug Dylan McAllister: Rushed for 3 TDs vs.

Immaculate; 2 TDs vs. New Milford Wade Prajer: Passed for 90 yards, rushed for 65 yards vs. Immaculate

Jack Yule: Scored 2 TDs vs. New Milford Carl Gatzendorfer: Had interception, forced fumble vs. New Milford; Had 4 recpepions vs. Immaculate Eric Beatty: Had rushing TD vs. New Milford Josh LeBron: Had 26-yard TD reception vs. Immaculate Bobby Tzepos: Had 58-yard TD run vs. Immaculate

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

5

NA U GR G EY AT HO U UN C DS K

Meeting: 113th

Last year: Ansonia 49, Naugatuck 14 2012 SEASON

WORTH NOTING In the last 20 meetings in this grand holiday series, Naugatuck has earned just three victories.

Sept. 12 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 10

at Wilby at Derby St. Paul Sacred Heart at Torrington Holy Cross Woodland Watertown at Kennedy

Nov. 22 at Ansonia

REMEMBERING:

W, 48-20 L, 21-20 W, 70-33 W, 55-12 W, 54-20 L, 27-21 L, 56-30 W, 52-14 W, 56-20 10:30 a.m.

KEVIN CRETELLA

decades ago, he approached Roger Ouellette, then the Watertown football coach, about joining the staff and spent five years there.

“Roger taught me the right way to talk to kids and hen Kevin Cretella was an 8-year-old handle tough situations,” said Cretella. “He was a playing baseball in Naugatuck, his real players' coach. I remember him vividly saying to parents Louis and Margaret instilled never use the word 'I.' Rather it's all in him a piece of advice about 'We.' that remains with him three decades “I would never trade the Watertown later. experience. The coach-player bond “My parents kept me grounded and you have is so powerful and emotional. even-keel and always said that if you It's about building relationships and join something, you finish it,” noted friendships and teaching the game and Cretella. “They told me at a young age giving kids the knowledge they will that you never miss a practice or a need to succeed in life. It's more than game. I remember my parents went just wins and losses.” away on vacation and I stayed back When Cretella was working on his with others, so I could play baseball. college degree, there were those who “My parents taught me about comdiscouraged him from making coachmitment and accountability, things Where is he now? ing football a career. He turned to his that I have never taken for granted, not dad, who said “Don't worry, you will at Naugatuck, and certainly not at any Class of 1993 show them.” of the places where I have coached,” Age: 37 While Louis passed away in 2001, he said Cretella, a 1992 Greyhounds' cap■ Defensive coordidid see his son reach his goal. tain. nator at Post UniversiFrom 1999-2004, Cretella worked As a teenager, Cretella knew that he ty; owns KC his way up the ladder at Yale. wanted to be a coach and appreciated Landscaping in NauAt age 24, he approached former the lessons he learned from former gatuck.

Yale head coach Jack Siedlecki about Greyhounds' coaches Craig Peters, joining the Bulldogs. By the middle of Bob Harrison and Vinny Gruszkevich. spring practice in 1999, Siedlecki had “Vinny was a rah-rah guy,” said a spot for him. That paved the way for stints at CCSU Cretella. “Bob was a fundamental guy and Craig was and Western Connecticut. He's now excited about the the one that we got our drive from. He knew how to next opportunities to come his way. motivate kids to get the best out of them. The mix of “I'm as passionate about football now than when I that coaching staff worked. All of the dynamics of played,” he said. that staff worked.”

When Cretella graduated from Naugatuck two

BY MARK JAFFEE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

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ANSONIA 49, NAUGATUCK 14 ■ Arkeel Newsome scored five touchdowns and rushed for 280 yards and also set two state rushing records, one more touchdowns in a season, and another for points scored in a season.

Newsome finished the regular season with 50 TDs, eclipsing ex-Ansonia standout Alex Thomas' 2007 mark of 47. He also had 314 points, 20 more than Tim Washington of Bristol Central had in 2001.

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FINAL DAYS!

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

Ansonia leads the holiday football series with an all-time record of 66-36-10

Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9

REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN ARCHIVE PHOTO

at Torrington Woodland Derby at Holy Cross Seymour at Watertown at Crosby Wolcott at Wilby

Nov. 22 vs. Naugatuck

TOP PERFORMANCES

FACT CHECK

Ansonia Arkeel Newsome: Rushed 249 yards, 3 TDs vs. Wolcott; for 166 yards, 2 TDs vs. Woodland; Had 167 yards, 2 TDs vs. Watertown Jai'Quan McKnight: Completed all 8 passes, 215 yards, 3 TDs vs. Woodland; Threw for 2 TDs, rushed for another vs. Watertown; Had 2 INTs vs.

Torrington, 1 INT vs. Holy Cross Andrew Matos: Scored 3 TDs, interception vs. Wolcott; Had 5 rec., 177 yards, 3 TDs vs. Woodland; Had TD reception, passed for TD vs. Watertown; 85-yard punt return vs. Seymour; Rushed for 105 yards, 2 TDs vs. Derby

Play Hard, Have Fun. Best Wishes For A Great Game!

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NOVEMBER 18, 2012

10:30 a.m.

REMEMBERING:

Naugatuck Mike D'Agnone: Had two interception returns for TDs vs. St. Paul; Had TD reception vs. Holy Cross Mick Pernell: Scroed 3 TDs vs. Watertown; Rushed for 4 TDs, caught another vs. Sacred Heart; Scored 4 TDs, including 83-yarder vs. Wilby; Scored 2 TDs vs. Derby Brandon Kuczenski: Had 4 receptions, 67 yards vs. Holy Cross; Had TD reception vs. Watertown; TD reception vs. Kennedy Jason Bradley: Passed for 4 TDs , 181 yards vs. Watertown; Tossed for 2 TDs vs. Wilby; Threw 2 TDs vs. Sacred Heart

W, 66-26 W, 47-16 W, 48-6 W, 35-7 W, 47-0 W, 49-21 W, 61-20 W, 41-12 W, 44-12

NIA SO GERS AN CHAR

2012 SEASON Long-time Ansonia football coach Jack Hunt enjoyed many Thanksgiving Day victories over Naugatuck in his career.

JAMES LANE

conversion when Ramondo Stallings and Rich MonteREPUBLICAN-AMERICAN fusco stopped Johnson on a t's been 25 years halfback option and forced since James Lane a fumble with 3:50 left in led the Ansonia the game.

Chargers to the “It was a very helpless Class S state title, edging feeling being on the sideNew London, 28-27. lines,” recalled Lane, who That win helped take never played defense. away the sting of the But when Stallings MonChargers losing to Tortefusco made the defensive rington, 19-18, two weeks gem, Ansonia was able to Where is he now? earlier in the 1987 Nausurvive.

Class of 1988 gatuck Valley League title “Our offensive line took Age: 42 game. on the challenge,” said ■ Vice president for Lane and the Chargers Lane. “Games are won commercial real esresponded from their only tackle to tackle. There was tate at Webster Bank loss of the season with a a lot of talk that New Lonin Stamford. decisive 45-6 win over don would take away our Naugatuck on Thanksgivpassing game and we were ing. able to overcome that. We In his final game at Nolan Field, Lane were very balanced and had no supercompleted only seven passes, but four of stars. We were a complete team. them went for touchdowns. He threw “Winning that game was a very rescoring passes to Chris Ahearn, Fran warding experience and the best moment Hendricks, Dave Donofrio and Jeff of my high school career, yes,” he said.

Billing, and earned Most Valuable Player “Absolutely it made up for the loss to honors.

Torrington. That NVL title game at the A week later, Lane tossed for 180 yards old Municipal Stadium field was probaand four touchdowns, completing 14-ofbly the coldest I ever remember with the 22 passes in the title game at Central wind chill. It was bitter cold. The infield Connecticut's Arute Field. Three of the with the partial dirt was so hard and with TDs went to Brent Harvie and another cleats you had no traction. It was like went to Billing. running with ice skates. Players were “Brent had just a fantastic game,” said borrowing shoes and sneakers in the Lane. “He was a great athlete with great stands. I'm almost certain I borrowed turf hands.” shoes from the Rev. Don Bradley. Some Lane joked that as good as at it was, he players even wore work boots.” threw another TD. Ansonia let an 18-0 lead disappear.

“But it went to the wrong team,” re“Torrington beat us that day,” said called Lane. “I threw an interception to Lane. “We had a chance to close it out Jamal Johnson and he returned it for a and didn't and we learned from that. It (83-yard) touchdown." sharpened our focus heading into the That cut the Chargers lead to 28-13.

Naugatuck game. We had lost to NauNew London would score another touchgatuck the previous two years and we down, to close to within a point, but the didn't want to be known as the class that Chargers' defense stopped the two-point didn't beat them.”

BY MARK JAFFEE

I

WATCH VIDEOS FROM THIS YEAR AND LAST THANKSGIVING ON THE RED ZONE AT: ✮✮✮ REP-AM.COM/SPORTS ✮✮✮ SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

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THANKS GIVING F OO TB ALL: HONORING THE SENIORS 45 50 54 57 59 60 63 70 75

ANSONIA 4 6 13 14 15 19 29 54 55 63 69

Andrew Matos Raeshaun Finney Tyler Lester Ryan O’Connor Ephraim Collins Hazekiah Duncan Brandon Reese Jh’mel Trammell Donald Green Matthew Castillo Anthony Cruz

WR-DB WR-DB QB-DB WR-LB RB-LB WR-DB WR-DB RG-DE TE-DE WR-DB DL

Kyle Hodgdon Cody Brissette Vincent Sansone Tyler Sheehan Joe Nowak Beau Bartone Tim Covel Erik Pierson Sam Pascale Matt Gardiner Colin Harding Matt Escoto Kevin Dietrich

11 19 20 54 68 73

TE-LB WR-DB QB-DB RB-LB WR-DB WR-DB WR-DE RB-DB RB-LB OL-MLB OL-LB OL-DL WR-DB

Edward Ellis PJ Bradshaw Roshawn Gainey Corey Butler Nygel Gladney De’Quan Digsby Daniel Estrada Ryan Arriola Adrian Flemming Tyrese Overton

WR-DB WR-DB RB-DB WR-DB OL-ILB OL-DE Ol-DL OL-DL OL-DL WR-DB

DERBY 1 7 27 33 36 38 55 56 59 70 72

John Piazza Dillon McMahon Justin Olenoski Matt Nicolari Josh Porter Sebastian Hernandez Duane Jones Trevor Guillano Dave Ahearn Juan Paez Blair Mitchell

TE-DL WR-DB RB-DB RB-LB WR-DB RB-LB OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

GILBERT-NW 6 16 21 25 54 56 60 62 8

Evan Sobol Nick Sullivan Ed Vanty John Ambrozaitis Jim Schmitz Kyle Gain Shawn Bruey Adrian Roy

WR-DB QB-LB WR-DB WR-DB-K C-DL OG-LB OL-DL OL-DL

Brandon Sierra William Rosado Vincent Espino Jerome James Pedro Rivera Damon Atkinson

QB-DB WR-DB RB-WR-DB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

WOLCOTT

CROSBY 2 3 5 11 52 55 60 63 78 81

DL OL-DL OL-DL Ol-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

WILBY

CHESHIRE 3 4 10 17 18 19 22 25 44 53 54 56 83

John DiMaria Max McCarthy Matthew Keeman Steven Rickevicious Michael Lombardi Jake Bianca Andrew Kalach Joshua Hailstones Mark Mancini

80

Thomas Casey

TE-OLB

HOLY CROSS 3 5 24 26 27 30 33 42 45 57 65 69 71 75 78 81

Kristian Harmeling Adrian Brown Joe Caputo Dave Morrone Kevin Kalosky Nick Barbieri Maurice Fabiani Nick Gambacini Myles Pompei-Grove George Smith Patrick Sullivan James Balsys Brendan Sullivan Sam Hunter Rourke Phalon Tom Rinaldi

QB-DB RB-LB WR-DB RB-LB WR-CB WR-CB WR-S RB-LB TE-DE C-DT OG-DE OG-DT OL-DE OT-DT OL-DT TE-LB

HOUS.-WAMOGO 3 4 10 25 32 61

Anthony Zucco John Haddon Connor MacLaren Matt Perotti Doug Whipple Erik Kenniston

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

RB-DB RB-LB RB-LB RB-DB RB-DB OL-DL

77 80 85

Mark Wildman Sean Cullmer Matt McElhone

OL-DL TE-DE TE-DE

KENNEDY 7 10 69 70 77

Davon Humbles Rich Vo Steve Perrone Sierra Johnson Jordan Perna

RB-DB QB-DB OL-DL Ol-DL OL-DL

LEWIS MILLS 15 21 34 44 69 70 73

Louis Meyer Christian Janco Dale Matusek Thomas Kysar John Gioia Derick Brown Russell Lesage

LB CB HB-LB CB DT NG DT

NAUGATUCK 2 4 9 10

Jerome Love Ronald Parker Brandon Kuczenski Dennis Murphy

RB-LB RB-ILB TE-DE WR-LB

11 12 14 29 32 48 50 66 67 68 75 82 93

Mick Pernell Syed Hashaum Michael D’Agnone Branden Lane Ryan Caulfield Eric Hanley Brian McGrath Aireas Atkinson Brandon Pomerenk Kyle Bruneau Devon Watkins Chris Como Matt Carda

RB-DB WR-DB WR-DB RB-DB RB-DB RB-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL C-DL OT-DL WR-DB OL-DL

NONNEWAUG 10 20 27 29 53 72

Mike Panniccia T.J. Meyer John Scott-Delijia Dave Norris Brian Bowyer Will Mosher

WR-DB RB-DB RB-NG WR-OLB C-NG OG-DT

O’BRIEN TECH 3 12 61

Karl Philemy TE-DE Joseph Fernandes WR-QB-CB Paulo Monteiro OL-DL

66 71 75 80

Ryan Livolsi Steven Sabanski Matthew Gomulinski Justin Rochon

OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL WR-CB

Tyler Orban Steve Hatzikostas Brennen Diaz Salim Lemond Bucky Gumbrewicz Josh Kupec Daniel Lavorgna Ryan Tuttle

WR-DB WR-OLB QB-LB WR-DB Ol-DL OL-DL WR-DE WR-DB

POMPERAUG 2 4 17 23 51 53 54 56 62 70

Robert Torino Earl Harwell Joshua LeBron

OG-DT WR-DB WR-DB

SACRED HEART

OXFORD 8 11 12 13 57 75 80 89

71 81 85

Eric Beatty Michael Calo Carl Gatzendorfer Dylan McAllister Jared Klim Jonathan Pumphrey Jesse Prajer Robert Desmarais Corey Baker Zak Lavish

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

WR-PK FB-LB WR-DB RB-LB OG-DE OT-DT OT-DE C-DE OG-DT OT-DT

1 4 7 18 50 62 69 85

David Coggins Javon Martin Shyquon Thompson Zack Goldberg Brian O’Donnell Andrew Quinones Tyler Meehan Kevin Iles

WR-DB QB WR-DB WR-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL WR-LB

SEYMOUR 3 28 30 32 52 55 57

Mike Conlan James Rossik Jimmy Vartelas Bobby Burns Steve Machnicz Dan Bonney Jackson Rothman

QB-DB WR-DB RB-LB WR-DB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

SOUTHINGTON 2

David DeNeno

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3 4 11 16 17 24 25 27 34 45 48 56 58 61 62 66 68

Austin Gentile Anthony Bonefant Ryan Daigle Luke Threkheld Anthony Oliva Dave Palladino Corbin Garry Nick Spitz Justin Rose Brian Cunningham Shawn Laucks Jimmy Doyle Josh Irizzary Chris Krochko Vin Romano Travis Daly Travis Clark

S WR CB WR CB S WR LB LB DE LB DL OL DL DE OL OL

ST. PAUL 8 22 42 54 57 59 78

Stuart Langer-Marshall Jordan Rowley Guen Park Solomon McIver Max Pryor Mike Skrorupski Eric Zukauskas

P RB-LB PK-LB OL-LB LB OL-DL OL

TORRINGTON 3 6 7 9 10 21 23 26 50 56 57 66 74

Joan Toribio Phil Bresson Jason Abbott Raran Hamzy Andrew Thai Edgar Gonzalez Nick Lorenzo Enrique Bello Dan Schebell John Connel Tom Sommers Brad Brown Zack McNutt

RB-DB QB-LB QB-DB WR-DB WR-DB WR-DB RB-LB RB-LB OL-LB OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

WATERTOWN 1 3 5 8 11 18 22 25 40 43

Jonathan Mitchell Rocco Guerrera Seth McFadden David Marinaro Anthony Chacho Andrew Biello Daniel Brodeur Paulo Villaneuva Carlo Acompora Jason Lombardo

WR-DB RB-DB WR-DB WR-DB WR-DL QB RB-DB RB-LB WR-LB LB

6 10 11 13 18 19 27 30 37 43 44 51 52 58 62 68 72 75

Ryan Caggiano Chris Petillo Mike Nicol Tyler Prescott Alex Waldron Kyle Stender Matt Cyr Brett Brennan Brandon Walker Brett Lanzara Blaise Williams Micheal Watts Jim Nelson Dylan Rossi Tom Bonvisuto Matt Hecker Tyler Evon Zack Lindsey

WR-DB WR-DB QB-S WR-DB WR-DB WR-DL WR-DB WR-OLB RB-OLB WR-DB RB-DL OL-LB OG-OLB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

WOLCOTT TECH 21 38 49 51 52 56 61 65

Mike Sullivan Andrew Pandolfo Jonathon Lee Shane Celone Cody Rickevicius Tom Howell Cody Dallavalle Dan Fortier

RB-LB WR-LB WR-DB OG-LB OG-LB OT-DT OG-DT OT-DE

WOODLAND 4 5 8 14 16 32 34 47 50 55

Brian Reis Rahmi Rountree Anthony Scirpo Jim Barrett Brett Fowler Joe Masulli Joe Fancher Nick Brown Eric Collodel Mike Coelho

WR-DB WR-DB WR-DB TE-DB QB-DB RB-DB RB-LB OL-LB OL-DL OL-OLB

■ Photos by Republican-American photographers Erin Covey, Jim Shannon and Chris Massa, Jonathan Wilcox and Steven Valenti.

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

9

WA TER IND T IAN OW S N

2012 SEASON Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 12

Montville Holy Cross at Wilby Crosby Derby Ansonia Wolcott at Naugatuck Seymour

Nov. 22 at Torrington

REMEMBERING:

Last year: Watertown 18, Torrington 13 2012 SEASON

L, 34-13 L, 28-13 L, 22-7 W, 42-6 L, 47-19 L, 49-21 L, 28-14 L, 52-14 W, 30-7

HOLIDAY SERIES By winning last year the Indians took a 23-22-1 lead in this series.

10:15 a.m.

RICH AVOLETTA

radarie. At the time, there

BY MARK JAFFEE was a large group in the REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN community who wanted to make football work.” n Watertown A year later, Watertown sports circles, joined the Naugatuck Valeveryone likely ley League and the Indians knows Rich Avocompiled a respectable 5letta. For the better part 4-1 record. The tie came of six decades, his upbeat on Thanksgiving, 1966, a personality has made him 8-8 decision with Torringspecial. ton at Fuessenich Park.

What you may not According to the Repubknow is that Avoletta is Where is he now? lican-American archives, the first football player to Class of 1967 quarterback Larry Baker score a touchdown for the Age: 64 scored on a one-yard Watertown varsity footWhere is he now? He plunge for the Indians in ball team in 1965 at North is retired after workthe second quarter and Branford. ing at the Southbury Avoletta ran in the conver“It was an end sweep Training School. sion for an 8-0 edge. Torand the two guards rington's George pulled and I followed Kulhowvick scored on a guard Wayne Garthwait one-yard TD and Torrington added a and tackle Bill Matulewicz and kept my safety in the fourth quarter for the tie. feet going,” recalled Avoletta. “I was “That was the only tie in the 45 years able to get to the left corner and was able of the rivalry,” noted Avoletta. to beat everyone to the end zone. We Perhaps even more important to Avowere so elated that we scored, but we letta was the personal feat of lettering in didn't realize that it was the first one unfive different sports -- soccer, baseball, til coach (Jim) Krayeski said something basketball, track and football. to us on the sidelines.

“I am the only one in Watertown histo“We realized that we had a chance to ry to do that,” Avoletta said. “I keep all win the game, but we ended up losing of those letters with my yearbook, sethe game by a touchdown, so scoring curely fastened away.” didn't mean as much to me.”

He'll always appreciate the lessons When Avoletta arrived at Watertown learned by Krayeski, his guidance counHigh, he initially played soccer. selor, John Hayes, and his basketball “When varsity football was introcoach, Don Borgnine. duced, they made a pitch to us,” he re“I'd go through a wall for those three called. “I had never tried organized football before. I felt I'd give it a shot and men,” said Avoletta. it really grew on me. I loved the cama-

I

LAST YEAR

FACT CHECK

Watertown 18, Torrington 13 ■ Watertown tailback Anthony Avoletta scored all three touchdowns on runs of four, 59 and 40 yards to lead the Indians in Watertown.

The Indians' defense held one of the state's most productive running backs, Brenden Lytton, to 120 yards on 31 carries and no touchdowns and only two carries went for more than 10 yards.

Lytton had averaged 259 yards per game entering the game.

TOP PERFORMANCES Watertown Anthony Chacho: Intercepted 2 passes, including TD return vs. Crosby; Had TD reception vs. Naugatuck Paulo Villaneuva: Ran for TD, caught TD vs. Crosby Dan Brodeur: Had 40-yard interception return for TD vs. Crosby Rocco Guerrera: Had rushing TD vs.

Crosby AJ Cattaneo: Had 226 passing yards, 2 TDs vs. Ansonia; Had TD pass vs. Crosby Jonathan Mitchell: Had 7 receptions,

10 SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 7 Oct. 12 Oct. 21 Oct. 26 Nov. 3 Nov. 8

Ansonia at Wolcott Holy Cross at St. Paul Naugatuck Woodland at Derby at Kennedy at Sacred Heart

Nov. 22 vs. Watertown

REMEMBERING:

L, 66-26 L, 39-34 W, 24-21 W, 70-33 L, 54-20 L, 68-20 W, 52-44 W, 67-36 W, 65-21

N TO ING RS RR AIDE TO R

Meeting: 47th

10:15 a.m.

SCOTT LANGENHEIM

ries, one TD). Ansonia quarterback James Lane ran for two others for the Chargers. Langenheim wenty five had plenty of praise for years ago, the Ansonia.

Torrington "When you talk high High football school football in Conteam wrapped up the Naunecticut, you start with gatuck Valley League Ansonia," said Langenchampionship, edging Anheim. "You have to give sonia, 19-18, to win the credit where credit is due. first league playoff game.

Where is he now?

Pop Shortell, Bill McAllisIt was a major feat for Class of 1988 ter and Jack Hunt created the Red Raiders, who Age: 42 a winning environment.” trailed 18-0 in the second ■ Is a lieutenant at Even after outlasting quarter and 18-6 at halfthe Garner CorrecWatertown, 49-43, a week time, and also had lost to tional Institution in later on Thanksgiving, Ansonia in a regular-seaNewtown.

Torrington didn't qualify son game, 27-13, a month for the postseason, despite earlier.

Torrington quarterback compiling a 10-1 regular Brendan Abbott tossed a 17-yard TD season record, 11-1 overall. pass to Mike Cardello with 1:32 left in “We felt like we had some unfinished the game to rally the Red Raiders. Davie business,” he said. “We felt that we Holliday had rushed for two touchdowns could play with anyone in the state. of 46 and 11 yards, one in the second “That season seems like yesterday for quarter and another in the fourth period. me. We had a senior-heavy team and we “In the locker room at halftime, we just got better and better. We went 2-9 as made some adjustments and didn't fear sophomores and 6-5 as juniors and were that name (Ansonia) in front of their given an opportunity to play.” shirts,” said Langenheim. “We wanted to Langenheim, who later played at Syraproved that we belonged. Chuck Usher, cuse University and was a member of our outside linebacker, willed us to win several bowl games with the Orange, had in the locker room. Davie Holliday was a most memorable game against Waterunbelievable his whole career. There town in his final game, catching 11 passwas no quit in that kid. He was very dees for 136 yards and a TD. termined.”

“It was a pretty satisfying ending beHolliday helped get the Red Raiders cause we hadn't played well the previous back in the game, outdueling Ansonia's two years against Watertown,” said LanFran Hendricks (166 yards on 38 cargenheim.

BY MARK JAFFEE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

T

126 yards, including 69-yard TD vs. Ansonia Carlo Acompora: Had rushing TD vs.

Ansonia Matt Terlizzi: Rushed for TD vs. Naugatuck

Torrington Devone Thomas: Rushed for 315 yards, 5 TDs vs. St. Paul P.J. Kilmartin: Booted game-winning 17-yard FG vs. Holy Cross Connor Finn: Passed for 78 yards, TD vs. Holy Cross; Rushed for TD vs. Kennedy

Edgar Gonzalez: Rushed for TD vs.

Kennedy; Rushed for TD, caught TD vs.

Wolcott Joan Toribio: Rushed for 260 yards, TD vs. Wolcott; Rushed for 2 TDs, 129 yards vs. Holy Cross Jason Abbott: Rushed for 3 TDs vs.

Kennedy; Passed for TD vs. Woodland Phil Bresson: Passed for TD, ran for TD vs. Wolcott; Rushed for TD vs. Kennedy Rayan Hamzy: Rushed for 54 yards, TD vs. Kennedy Desmond Langs: Caught TD reception vs. Wolcott

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

WO EA LCO GL T ES T

Last year: Holy Cross 35, Wolcott 20

2012 SEASON Sept. 15 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9

at Kennedy Torrington at Crosby at Seymour Wilby Derby Watertown Ansonia Woodland

Nov. 22 at Holy Cross

REMEMBERING:

2012 SEASON W, 34-0 W, 39-34 W, 47-26 W, 48-19 W, 53-6 W, 41-7 W, 28-14 L, 41-12 W, 54-12

This has been a tough series for the Eagles, whose last win was in 2001.

10 a.m.

at Crosby at Watertown Torrington at Ansonia Kennedy Naugatuck at Sacred Heart at Woodland at St. Paul

REMEMBERING:

BY MARK JAFFEE

BY MARK JAFFEE

REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

E

TOP PERFORMANCES Holy Cross Adrian Brown: Rushed for 262 yards, 4 TDs vs. Sacred Heart; Rushed for 124 yards, TD vs. Naugatuck; Had 96 rushing yards, 2 TDs vs. Kennedy Kristian Harmeling: Game-winning 53-yard rushing TD, passed for TD vs.

Naugatuck; Threw TD pass vs. Wolcott Andrew Bialoglowy: Scored 2 TDs vs. Sacred Heart Gerron Pendarvis: Scored on a 66yard TD run vs. Sacred Heart Kevin Kalosky: Had two INT vs.

Crosby; Had 4 rec. vs. Naugatuck

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

Wolcott Mike Nicol: Rushed for 5 TDs, 245 yards, TD pass vs. Wilby; Ran for TD, threw 3 TDs vs. Seymour; Had 3 TD runs vs. Crosby; Had 4 TDs, 226 yards vs. Derby Joe Lynch: Rushed for 4 TDs vs. Torrington; 2 TDs vs. Seymour; Rushed for 2 TDs, 120 yards vs. Derby Matt Cyr: Had 3 TDs receptions vs.

Seymour; Had fumble recovery, interception vs. Derby Jason Pelletier: Had 6 rec., 100 yards, 30-yard TD vs. Ansonia; 4 rec. for 58 yards vs. Seymour

W, 55-6 W, 28-13 L, 24-21 L, 35-7 W, 48-12 W, 27-21 W, 52-20 L, 28-0 W, 63-28

Nov. 22 vs. Wolcott

ERIC GREEN

solely on his shoulders.

“I dropped a potential touchdown pass that would have given us the ven though it's win,” he recalled. “I'm been a quarter positive that we should century since have won that game, but it Eric Green didn't work out that way. played his most memoBut I definitely learned rable game for Wolcott from it. I needed to focus High, it's still fresh in his better. I wasn't nervous or mind. worried. That previous He and several of his exdropped pass and one teammates recently revisWhere is he now? mishap was all of the motiited that special 1987 Class of 1988 vation that I needed. I season, in which the Eagles Age: 43 gained redemption.” recorded an 8-2 overall ■ The Coventry resEarlier that season, record, 7-2 in the Nauident is a nurse at St. Green enjoyed his finest gatuck Valley League, culFrancis Hospital in feat when then head coach minating with a 13-6 Hartford.

Joe Monroe informed him victory over Holy Cross. of being in the USA Today That marked the first Player of the Week honor time that Wolcott had beatroll when he rushed for 282 yards and en the Crusaders since the matchup betwo TDs versus Sacred Heart. gan 13 years earlier. With Wolcott “Our offensive line did a great job,” leading 7-6, Green scored the game-sealsaid Green. “Without them, I would have ing winning touchdown with a 57-yard been in trouble. To me, I never thought run late in the third quarter. He took a handoff from quarterback Wayne Chance about my numbers; it actually never crossed my mind when I was playing.” and broke loose down the right sideline.

Green said he appreciated the influ“It was really exciting to close out my ence his running back coach, Mark Bove, high school career with a win and to be had on helping him. Two years before his part of the first team to beat Holy Cross. senior year, Green was thrust into the That was a feather in our cap, teamstarting role in place of his older brother, wise,” said Green, who finished with 152 Joe, who was injured. yards on only 16 carries.

“My brother was very fast and a very The stunning achievement helped good runner and I learned so much by erase the sting of the year before when just watching him play and practice,” Green and the Eagles lost to Holy Cross, said Green. and it was Green who took the blame

FACT CHECK

Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 3 Nov. 10

HOLIDAY SERIES

S OS CR RS LY SADE HO CRU

Meeting: 38th

10 a.m.

TODD BENNETT

ow about this headline from the RepublicanAmerican on Nov. 27, 1992: "Bennett: 317 yards, Sparks HC past Wolcott,12-6."

“It's something that I am very proud of,” noted Todd Bennett, reflecting on his holiday game that year.

His 33-yard touchdown with 1:08 left in the game lifted the Crusaders to the victory, and gave him a season total of 1,527 yards on the year, a school record at the time.

“I actually have that picture and newspaper clipping framed from that day,” said Bennett. “It's fun to be able to show my two boys (Jackson, 7, and Braylon, 4) and daughter (Alexandra, three months) the pictures and stories and explain to them the moment and that period of time.

It was such a fun season and to finish my high school career that way made it very special.”

In the stands at the time was Bennett's girlfriend, Alexis, who became his wife.

As many as 15 family members were in attendance that day. Bennett recalled that the muddy surface made it hard to run, but he found a way.

“I remember not having one piece of my body not covered in mud,” said Bennett, who braved the conditions and wore short sleeves.

Afterward, then Wolcott coach Joe Monroe offered that Bennett was a Division I-caliber player.

He would attend and play at Division III King's College in Pennsylvania, but a knee injury in his junior ended his career.

As a high school junior, Bennett played a blocking fullback and carried the ball in a limited capacity. That changed the following spring.

“I don't remember why (Jerry Ciarleglio) moved me, but I was able to handle the change. I never had blazing speed, but I ran hard. I had a great team around me and great coaching.”

Bennett credits Ciarleglio with providing a positive atmosphere.

“I loved playing for Jerry,” said Bennett. “Everyone played hard for him and

Where is he now?

H

Class of 1993 Age: 37 ■ General manager of Bruce Bennett Nissan in Redding.

always felt that he got the best out of his players. He was very stern and fair. He could be a little intimidating, but he would never say a lot. He always found away to get his point across.”

HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL Different Where It Counts

In the Community

On the Field

In the Classroom

Late Entrance Exam Saturday, December 1st 8:30am Exam Fee $25 587 Oronoke Road Waterbury, Connecticut 06708 (203) 757-9248 www.HolyCrossHS-CT.com

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

11

RE DR AID ER S

2012 SEASON Sept. 15 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 6 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 5: Nov. 10

at St. Paul Naugatuck at Ansonia Wilby Watertown at Wolcott Torrington, Seymour, Crosby

Thursday at Shelton

REMEMBERING:

2011: St. Paul 34, Ham. Hall 12 2012 SEASON

W, 55-26 W, 21-20 L, 48-6 W, 53-14 W, 47-19 L, 41-7 L, 52-44 W, 49-28 W, 46-6

Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 28 Oct. 6 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10

Derby Crosby at Naugatuck Torrington at Woodland at Wilby Kennedy Sacred Heart Holy Cross

L, 55-26 L, 56-49 L, 70-33 L, 59-33 L, 54-28 L, 52-50 W, 41-0 W, 48-26 L, 63-28

10 a.m.

Nov. 21

at Hamden Hall

6:30 p.m.

MIKE SALEMME

Everyone was vying for playing time. It gave me an REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN incentive to really put out a good effort.” rowing up in Not only did Salemme the lower keep his position throughNaugatuck out his junior year in 1971, Valley, Mike he remained in that role for Salemme knew that part the special season of 1972, of his high school days exactly 40 years ago. would be involved with Derby went undefeated football. in 10 games, including a 10“In Derby, if you were 8 decision over Shelton. not part of Derby football, Where is he now?

Among the other wins was it was like you were not Class of 1973 the game against Ansonia part of the community,” Age: 58 (40-14) and running back said Salemme. “Playing ■ Has worked in the sensation Roger Ings. was something that was technology depart“Ansonia had a very big expected of you and repment at Sikorsky Airoffensive line,” said resenting your town and craft for 34 years.

Salemme. school meant everything.”

How did he handle that But varsity playing time difficult task? was not a given.

“I played on pure adrenaline,” admit“It was a big honor to play and usually ted Salemme, who earned All-Valley hononly juniors and seniors get to do that,” said Salemme. “When I was a sophomore, ors that season. “As a team, we all worked hard and together and made a lot I was on the kickoff teams, 'the suicide of sacrifices.” squads.' I was pretty fast and gave it my Salemme credited DeFilippo with leadall. When we did well, we'd get a star (a ing the way for he and his teammates. decal) to put on our helmets. If I got into “Coach DeFilippo was a role model for the game, I tried to hustle and make some everyone and kept us straight and intact. good hits and stops. If I did well, I'd get He stressed family values and team valmore action.” ues and church. We attend Mass before As a junior, Salemme had earned a the games. He always said that we need starting defensive end from legendary to be a good person and work hard and head coach Lou DeFilippo, but was cauthat nothing would be handed to you. tioned by the man known as “Big Lou.” There was no cutting classes. He stressed “He said that 'the starting position is going to school. If you ever skipped, you yours, but it's up to you to maintain and wouldn't play. You never wanted to disaphold it.' He said that was nothing was point him.” guaranteed. That kept you on your toes.

BY MARK JAFFEE

G

REMEMBERING:

eral pursuit.”

Perhaps his best game REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN came against Hillhouse of New Haven when ore than Rousseau recorded three four quarterback sacks. decades Rousseau learned plenty ago, Larry about technique from his Rousseau joined the St. coach, Al Pellegrinelli, Paul Catholic football who compiled 247 career team, never having played wins. football before.

“Al was a disciplinarian “It was the first time that and a pretty intense guy,” I had ever played organWhere is he now? said Rousseau. “He was a ized sports,” admitted Class of 1973 fair individual. If you Rousseau.

Age: 57 worked hard and did But he became a quick ■ Torrington resithings right, you'd get your study, rapidly progressing dent has been service shot.” as a defensive tackle. As a forester for the State In the summer of 1973, high school senior in 1972, DEP for 34 years.

Rousseau and teammate he earned Class M AllJim Dumas, a quarterState honors. back, were invited to play “Playing freshman footfor the West team in the Nutmeg Bowl. ball was probably the first place that I “That was a very good honor,” said learned disciplined,” said Rousseau. “It Rousseau. “It was my first experience of was an enjoyable experience. Overall it being away at a football camp. We pracwas a very good time. I got a lot of it.” ticed at Milford Academy and ate and As a sophomore, he played a limited slept football for 24 hours a day the whole role on the varsity before earning a startweek. I soaked in the moment. It was a ing spot in his junior year. “There were a unique experience to be in a Stadium. At lot of seniors ahead of me; I just had to that time, we didn't play too many night wait my turn,” he said. games. That was a quite a treat.”

Once he gained an opportunity, it led Rousseau would play football as a the way for a sensational senior year. freshman at the University of Maine, but “I had quick hands and was able to didn't continue, opting to devote his time keep the blockers off me,” he said. “I was to his major and future career in forestry. a pretty decent pass rusher. I was pretty He's worked for the State Department quick and aggressive and able to see the of Environmental Protection for the past plays well as they developed. Some peo34 years. ple thought I should switch to linebacker in college because I had pretty good lat-

M

LAST YEAR

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

St. Paul 34, Hamden Hall 12

FACT CHECK

FACT CHECK 12

LARRY ROUSSEAU

BY MARK JAFFEE

TOP PERFORMANCES Tyrae Small: Rushed for 279 rushing yards, 4 TDs vs. Seymour; 100 yards vs.

Wolcott; 73 yards, TDs vs. Wilby Dillon McMahon: Had 132 receiving yards, 2 TDs vs. Wilby; Had six passes, 138 yards, 4 TDs vs. Torrington Michael Kreiger: Passed for 328 yards, 6 TDs vs. Torrington; Passed for 222 yards vs. Wilby; Passed for TD vs. Wolcott Justin Olenoski: Rushed for 77-yard TD vs. Naugatuck Josh Russell: Caught TD pass vs. Naugatuck Matt Nicolari: Rushed for 89-yard TD vs. Naugatuck Sal Frosceno: Booted game-winning PAT vs. Naugatuck Jordan LaRue: Had TD receptions vs. Wolcott, Torrington

UL PA ONS ST. FALC

DE RB Y

2011: Shelton 26, Derby 19

■ Logan Marchi threw for 197 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Falcons in Bristol. Reid Morin caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns and Justin Gonzalez caught the other two scores for the Falcons, who won their only game of the season.

Solomon McIver returned a fumble for a touchdown and Zach Swanson had two-and-half sacks.

TOP PERFORMANCES Daija Fitzpatrick: 8 receptions, 183 yards, 3 TDs, 15 tackles vs. Crosby; Had 6 rec., 145 yards, TD vs. Wilby Logan Marchi: Passed for 367 yds., 5 TDs vs. Crosby; Had 357 yds., 4 TDs vs.

Wilby; 308 yds, 3 TDS vs. Derby; Rushed for 3 TDS, pass for 2 TDs vs. SH Eli Parks: Rush for 151 yds, TD vs. SH Jordan Rowley: Recorded 13 tackles; rushed for 126 yards, 2 TDs vs. Wilby; TDs vs. Crosby, Woodland Reid Morin: Had 7 rec., 140 yds, TD vs.

Derby; Had 4 rec, 121 yds vs. Wilby; Had 7 rec., 98 yds, 3 TDs vs. Crosby

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

2012 SEASON Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10

Wolcott Wilby Seymour at Woodland Holy Cross at Sacred Heart at St. Paul Torrington Naugatuck

Nov. 22 at Crosby

REMEMBERING:

Last year: Kennedy 39, Crosby 24 2012 SEASON

L, 34-0 L, 26-12 L, 42-14 L, 47-0 L, 48-12 L, 63-32 L, 41-0 L, 62-36 L, 56-20

HOLIDAY SERIES Since 2000, Crosby leads this intra-city rivalry with an 8-4 record.

10 a.m.

Eagles, who captured the Waterbury Jamboree, the REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN City championship with a 14-8 win over Wilby, and n an end of the the Naugatuck Valley 1967 season League crown. wrapup in the ReAmong Migliarese expublican-Ameriteammates were center Ed can, Kennedy coach Mazuroski, guards Bret OsCharles Donato described trander and Ron Capaldo, Ted Migliarese in the foltackle Carl Barzilauskas, lowing manner: “As small tackle Rich Nardozza, ends as he was, he was a giant Dennis West and Vin Petion the line, blocking on inWhere is he now? to, quarterback Jim Shove, teriors runs and end Class of 1967 two-way lineman Win sweeps.”

Age: 63 Cheske, fullback Tim ReMigliarese took pride in ■ A salesmen at gan, Al Montambault, Denthat high praise. Growing Bushwick Metals in nis Raymond linebacker Ed up, Migliarese had never Bridgeport and a footRush, linebacker John played football. ball referee with the Thompson and defensive “I always worked hard Western Connecticut back Don Spadola. in practice,” said Board.

“It was a great bunch of Miglarese. “To me, games guys,” said Migliarese. “I were easier than practice. made great friendships. We I wasn't as fast or as big as didn't have any real stars, just a lot of the others. If Charley put you in there good football players who worked well toand you didn't make it, he'd get rid of you. gether.”

If you got the opportunity, you had better Migliarese recalled playing with get it done. It was that simple.” leather helmets.

Initially, Migliarese attended Wilby “You would have thought we were in and played for Fred O'Brien for two seathe 1920s or 1930s,” he said. “I rememsons before moving over to Kennedy for ber getting hit on the side of the helmet his final two seasons. against Wilby in my senior year,” said “When I was a freshman, I was the Migliarese. “It was right before the end smallest kid (5-foot-5, 105 pounds), and I remember Freddie saying that I probably of the first half. I kept playing. They would have had to drag me off the field.” won't do anything until my senior year,” To this day, the 1966 title is the only recalled Migliarese. “I didn't want to beNVL crown that Kennedy has won. In lieve him then, but it ended up being 2008, Kennedy won the Copper Division true.” title, losing to Ansonia in the NVL finale.

That 1966 senior year turned out to be a memorable one for Migliarese and the

I

LAST YEAR

FACT CHECK

Kennedy 39, Crosby 24 ■ Cesar Nunez ran for 236 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Eagles at Municipal Stadium. It marked the first time since 2008 that Kennedy had beaten Crosby.

Tyshon Rogers had 105 rushing yards and an additional 35 yards receiving for the Bulldogs (1-9).

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

TOP PERFORMANCES Crosby Roshawn Gainey: Rushed for 72-yard TD vs. Watertown; 65-yard TD vs. Wolcott; 75yard vs. Seymour Chris Herrera: Rushed for 3 TDs vs. St. Paul; Rushed for 81 yards vs. Wilby Mike Reyes: Rushed for game-winning TD, threw TD vs. St. Paul Myles Gilhbourne: Had 24-yard TD rception vs. St. Paul; Had TD reception vs. Seymour, Wilby Jason Morrison: Had 95-yard interception

Holy Cross at St. Paul Wolcott at Watertown at Sacred Heart Seymour Ansonia at Wilby at Derby

L, 55-6 W, 56-47 L, 47-26 L, 42-6 L, 33-14 L, 43-20 L, 61-20 L, 46-14 L, 46-6

Nov. 22 Kennedy

TED MIGLIARESE

BY MARK JAFFEE

Sept. 14 Sept. 22 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9

REMEMBERING:

BY OS OGS CR BULLD

KE N EA NE GL D ES Y

Meeting: 48th

10 a.m.

REGGIE GREENE

lish and that would soon become a passion of his, REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN perhaps as much as football.

Greene's desire to teach aterbury aspiring international stunative Regdents is being realized now gie Greene after he moved back to the gained naU.S. last year. He now retional acclaim when he sides in New York City rushed for 5,415 yards in with his wife Rama and only 35 games for Siena daughter, Swani, 3.

College. That earned him “Italy, from strictly a the 1998 Connecticut Male Where is he now? football standpoint, enAthlete of the Year honors Class of 1994 abled me to extend my caby the Connecticut SportsAge: 36 reer, but it also helped me writers' Alliance.

■ Teaches English grow as a human being There were bigger and as a second language culturally and as a father better things in store for at Blue Data Internaand husband as I entered him, though. tional Institute in New adult life,” said Greene. “It Upon graduating with a York City. enhanced my perspective degree in philosophy, and made me more culturGreene never lost hope of ally aware to help find who playing professionally.

I am.

Though it didn't come by “I discovered that I was a mentally way of the National Football League or tough person and able to adapt to any sitCanadian Football League, Greene found uation,” Greene added. “I taught myself his place in Italy, leading the league in another language in three and a half rushing 10 of the 12 seasons he played in months and I am proud of that. I became Europe and compiling 15,638 yards in fluent in Italian. When you learn a new only 91 career games. language, people say it opens your spirit Greene's longevity in football was futo another part of the world.” eled by his own belief in his abilities and Greene was on some very talented his inner philosophy.

Crosby teams in high school, and when “You have to believe in yourself and he reflects back on those days, he apprewhen the opportunity comes your way, ciated being selected as the Most Athletic you always need to be prepared physicaland Class Clown by his peers. ly,” he said. “You have to be honest with Always known as a jokester, Greene is yourself and be consistent and adamant now utilizing those qualities to become a that in whatever you want your career to standup comedian, doing live shows in be, that it will happen.”

New York City.

While in Italy, he began teaching EngBY MARK JAFFEE

W

return vs. St. Paul Tyshon Rogers: Had 50-yard TD run vs.

Seymour Nevada Shurtleff: Passed for TD and conversion pass vs. Seymour; Passed for 106 yards, 2 TDs vs. Wilby

Kennedy Davon Humbles: Rushed for 164 yards, 2 TD vs. Seymour; Return interception for TD vs. Wilby; Rushed for 114 yards, TD vs. SH; Rushed for 94 yards, TD vs. Holy Cross Justice McDaniel: Rushed for TDs vs. Holy Cross

Ty'zhon Young: Rushed for 82 yards vs.

SH; Rushed 78 yards vs. Seymour Will Stevenson: Had rushing TD vs. Sacred Heart Larry Lock: Had rushing TD, passing TD vs. Sacred Heart Jake D'Alusio: Had TD reception vs. Sacred Heart Sean Mead: Returned loose ball on kickoff 45 yards for TD vs. SH

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

13

GIL YE BE LLO R WJ TAC N KE W TS

Last year: Gilbert/NW 43, Housy/Wamogo 14

2012 SEASON Sept. 15 Sept. 21 Sept. 29 Oct. 5 Oct. 13 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17

2012 SEASON

at Coventry at Enfield Ellington SMSA at Avon Canton at Granby Wind. Locks Stafford

Nov. 22 at Housatonic

REMEMBERING:

L, 34-21 W, 41-26 L, 20-17 W, 35-0 L, 41-10 W, 21-0 W, 37-0 W, 55-16 1:30 p.m.

HOLIDAY SERIES This one is called the Berkshire Bowl and Gilbert leads series, 15-12.

10 a.m.

shoulders, along with hamstring and ankle strains, and he even endured a 10day stay at the Connecticut s if time stood Children's Medical Center still in the final in Hartford when a staph moments of the infection hit his body).

Berkshire Once he recovered, Lillie Bowl exactly a decade put all of his attention toago, Kurt Lillie recalled ward his studies, toying beone of his fondest memotween the idea of becoming ries in a Gilbert football a medical doctor or physiuniform.

Where is he now? cal therapist.

Lillie, the starting quarClass of 2004 While at UConn, Lillie terback, handed off to PeAge: 26 followed through his lofty ter Brown, who scored on aspirations, as an exercise a five-yard touchdown to ■ Hartland resident science major and proceedlift the Yellowjackets to a completed his doctoring to work four unpaid in29-22 win in Falls Village. ate in physical therapy ternships. Lillie loves the “It was such a great call at UConn last May and regular interaction with pabecause Housatonic was works at Perfect tients as they try to recover expecting us to pass the Workout in Avon. from their various injuries. ball,” recalled Lillie.

“You have more personal But as exhilarating as time to spend with people the moment was, especialand really get to know them as opposed to ly since it was Gilbert's only second win being a doctor when you go from room to of the season, Lillie and his teammates room over a shorter period of time,” he needed to catch their collective breaths. said. “I work three, 12-hour shifts, but the “It was such a hard-fought game and it time seems to fly by.” was so cold out there,” said Lillie. “I Just like his football days. wanted to jump up, but after Peter He'd be remiss to not mention the imscored, no one went to celebrate because pact that his older brother Kevin, also a we were so exhausted. We were all super former Gilbert football standout and 1999 wiped out. Still it was very exciting finish graduate, made. to our season the way we did.”

“When I was younger, I was Kevin's Lillie continued his role as a starter the statistician while he was setting school following season before hanging up the records,” said Lillie. “He was incredibly cleats and embarking on his long-term fast and a strong runner. He taught me goal of being a physical therapist. After about having a strong work ethic and his senior year ended, he admitted that commitment and to be serious about puthis body was worn out from all the rigors ting in the necessary time.” of football (AC joint injuries to both REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

A

LAST YEAR

FACT CHECK

Gilbert-Northwestern 43, Housatonic-Wamogo 14

14

■ Devon Molway ran for 255 yards on only 15 carries and scored three touchdowns of 95, 65 and 12 yards to lead the Yelowjackets at Van Why Field in Winsted.

Molway finished with 1,425 yards and 19 touchdowns to help the Yellowjackets to a 7-3 mark.

L, 40-0 L, 52-20 L, 40-0 L, 36-6 L, 40-12 L, 37-7 L, 36-7 L, 28-14 1 p.m.

10 a.m.

REMEMBERING:

DAN DUBAY

great. It was very satisfying. The year before we had lost to Gilbert, so this game meant everything.” n the aftermath of Secondly, Dubay rethe 1992 Berkshire called that rain had floodBowl, Gilbert coach ed the Gilbert field.

Don Whitley gave “Gilbert (officials) credit where it was due. wanted to cancel the “(Housatonic's) Dan game, but we weren't goDubay ran wild on us; he's ing to cancel it, so the fun to watch if you're a game got switched to our Housatonic fan. He comWhere is he now? field,” noted Dubay. bines speed and power and Class of 1993 Housatonic finished at runs very hard,” Whitley Age: 38 7-3 and with the only losswas quoted as saying in the es were to Plainfield, TolRepublican-American on ■ A Canaan native, land and Putnam, which Nov. 27, 1992. he is a manager of the Dubay classified as very On that day, Dubay ran engineering division tough teams. for three touchdowns of of Monroe Staffing in Two years earlier when eight, 27 and 20 yards, acTrumbull and lives in Dubay was a sophomore, tually, the first three of the Middletown. he was one of only two game. In all, he finished sophomores to start on with 216 yards on only 16 Housatonic's 10-0 regularcarries in a 33-7 win over season team, which advanced to the 1990 the Yellowjackets.

Class S state title game, losing to Derby He left the Falls Village field having and legendary coach Charlie DiCenso, set four school records.

41-0.

Two things immediately came to mind “In a preseason scrimmage against when Dubay recalled that special moNew Milford, coach (Mike) Guy told me ment of the final game of his career. that I was starting and I remember runOn the early morning of the game, ning down the field and getting taken out Dubay's dad rushed into his room to in(down) on a play,” he said. “I found out form him that there were some remarks very quickly that the game never stops. in a local newspaper made by Gilbert Every play is a learning experience.” coaches on how the Yellowjackets would Dubay credits his running back coach stop Dubay.

Mike DeMazza for preparing him well Dubay wasn't mad, but rather inspired. when he put a tire around him with an “After I scored the first touchdown, I elastic rope during running drills. remember pointing to the Gilbert side“He felt that I had the potential to line,” he said. “Throughout the game, break records,” he said. everything just clicked. Everyone played

BY MARK JAFFEE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

I

TOP PERFORMANCES Gilbert-Northwestern Tony Ortiz Jr.: Rushed for 185 yards, 2 TDs vs. Granby; Rushed for 177 yards, 4 TDs vs. Enfield; Ran for 109 yards vs.

SMSA John Lippincott: Ran for 3 TDs, passed for 2 TDs vs. SMSA; Passsed for 93 yards, ran for TD vs. Enfield; Ed Danty: Had TD reception vs. Enfield Thomas Casey: Had 4 receptions, 88 yards, TD vs. Granby; Caught TD pass vs.

Ellington

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

at Windsor Locks Stafford Canton Granby Enfield at Avon, Coventry at SMSA at Ellington

Nov. 22 Gilbert-NW

KURT LILLIE

BY MARK JAFFEE

Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 12 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17

O OG AM ERS Y-W INE US NTA HO MOU

Meeting: 28th

John Ambrozaitis: Booted all 5 PATs vs. SMSA; Booted 4 PATs, 21 FG vs. Granby Aiden Tellier: Rushed for 20-yard TD vs. Granby

Housatonic-Wamogo Doug Whipple: Rushed for 89 yards, 53-yard TD,had interception vs. Enfieldl Recorded 2 interceptions vs.Coventry Jeremy Stiewing: Ran for 93 yards, TD, passed for TD vs. Stafford Matt McElhone: Recorded 12 tackles, TD vs. Coventry; Caught TD pass vs.

Stafford Tyler Sebben: Rushed for 73 yards vs.

Coventry Anthony Zucco: Rushed 51 yards vs.

Enfield Tyler Pilch: Recorded 8 tackles vs. Enfield Mark Wildman: Recorded 5 tackles vs.

Enfield Kenny Weaver: Interception vs. Enfield

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

LEW SP IS M AR TA IL NS L S

2012 SEASON Sept. 14 Sept. 22 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17

2012 SEASON

at Morgan at Cromwell at Coginchaug at H-Kill.

Hyde East Hampton Valley Regional at Old Saybrook North Branford

Nov. 22 at Nonnewaug

REMEMBERING:

Last year: Lewis Mills 26, Nonnewaug 7

L, 40-6 L, 47-14 L, 40-0 L, 42-7 L, 48-0 L, 26-0 L, 41-7 L, 40-14 2 p.m.

Probably the youngest holiday rivalry in the state, Mills leads it 1-0.

10 a.m.

BOBBY MARTINOTTI

This year, the Spartans were only in their third REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN season as a varsity team.

From 2005-08, the Sparis blue and tans were a cooperative white jersey program with St. Paul and No. 27 is Goodwin Tech. Lewis Mills framed and played a junior varsity currently mounted in his slate in 2009.

Harwinton bedroom. That When the Spartans memento means the world moved to varsity in 2010, it to former Lewis Mills was a dream come to true High football player BobWhere is he now? for Martinotti, who lived in

by Martinotti.

Torrington growing up and “That is a big deal,” said Class of 2012 played youth football Martinotti. “Wherever I Age: 18 there, helping the sixth live, I'll always hang that ■ Majoring in engigrade team to a state title. somewhere as a reminder. neering at Western “When I got to high All of the senior presents New England Universchool, I had to play footwe received, like the jacksity where he just ball,” he said. “It never et, are special.” completed his freshcrossed my mind on what What's also special is the man football season. else I would I do. I went to fact that he left the field at the meetings and couldn't Nonnewaug last Thankswait to get started.” giving Day winning his fiNow, the 18-year college freshman at nal game in that uniform. The Spartans won, 26-7, with Martinotti rushing for 126 Western New England University can't wait to return home for the holiday and yards and the game's first touchdown on be included as a member of the Spartans' a 26-yard run. alumni.

“I remember the night before the “It's a good feeling to know that I was a game, all of the seniors got together and expected to play a great game,” said Mar- part of the foundation of the program and knowing that I made it all of the way tinotti. “You always expect to do well.” through,” he said. “I'll definitely be there Martinotti appreciated the loyal fans' on Thanksgiving. I really don't know what support for last year's holiday game. to expect as a spectator, but I am proud to “A lot of people made the trip to Nonsee the program is getting better and betnewaug and it was great to be able to ter. leave there with a victory,” he said.

“Football has taught me so much.

Martinotti is also proud of the fact that You're not going to always win, but you he was among the very first football playcan still accomplish something good and ers who played all four years at Lewis make it a positive experience.”

Mills.

BY MARK JAFFEE

H

LAST YEAR

FACT CHECK

Lewis Mills 26, Nonnewaug 7 ■ Jeremy Dunn caught three passes for 105 yards, including a 56-yard TD pass from Devin Pease, to give the Chiefs the win in Woodbury.

Bobby Martinotti rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown for the Spartans (2-8).

Quarterback Christian Metallo rushed for 113 yards and R.J. Meyer added a rushing touchdown for Nonnewaug (0-10).

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Nov. 3 Nov. 9 Nov. 17

HOLIDAY SERIES

TOP PERFORMANCES Lewis Mills Justin Pease: Passed for 103 yards vs.

Valley Regional; Passed for 88 yards, TD vs. Morgan; Passed for 87 yards, 2 TDs vs.

Cromwell Dominic Jankowski: Recorded 8 tackles vs. Morgan; 6 tackles, 4 receptions vs.

East Hampton Cameron McHale: Recorded 8 tackles vs. H-K; Had 2 fumble recoveries, 6 tackles vs. Valley Regional Thomas Kysar: Had 4 tackles, 4 recep-

Coginchaug Valley Reg. East Hampton Old Saybrook Cromwell at H-K Morgan at North Branford at Hyde

Nov. 22 vs. Lewis Mills

REMEMBERING:

L, 47-0 L, 49-0 W, 8-7 L, 36-14 L, 52-6 L, 50-6 L, 20-6 L, 56-7 1 p.m.

G AU EW S NN HIEF NO C

Meeting: 2nd

10 a.m.

JAKE POGODZIENSKI

tight end and not get much playing time,” he said. “I'd rather be on the field, so I chose the offensive line.” year ago, Jake His best moment turned Pogodzienski out to be an offensive linewanted to exman's dream. pand his hori“My standout game at zons in the athletic the University of Pennsyllandscape by joining the vania when I recovered a Nonnewaug High footfumble on the 1-yard line ball program. A basketand scored a touchdown in ball and baseball player, the fourth quarter. I saw Pogodzienski's athletic Where is he now? the ball fly out and laying talents came in handy Class of 2012 on the ground and just when learning a new Age: 18 dove on it. Just like in bassport.

■ Majoring in busiketball, if there is a loose “It turned out to be a ness management, he ball, you go after it. It was great experience and I is also on the Post Unireal cool feeling.” didn't regret it one bit,” versity sprint football What did he learn about said Pogodzienski. “Makteam. the football experience, ing a change was fun.” especially at Nonnewaug?

As it turned out, if “I learned that you have Pogodzienski didn't play be open-minded about thing and be football, he likely wouldn't be attending teachable and coachable,” he said. “No Post University and playing on the Eamatter what sport you play, if you're not gles' sprint football team. having fun doing it, don't do it.”

“That is true,” he said of his college Which brings to mind his decision to path. “I actually hadn't thought of Post at join the Nonnewaug football program, all. One of my dad's friends mentioned which began in 2005.

Post and we contacted Mike Mannetti “I'm proud to be an alumni of the pro(the head coach) and we talked in the gram and have been to two or three spring and early summer. He seemed games. I still have a lot of friends who interested in my athletic ability and caplay and I'll do whatever I can do suppabilities.” port them.”

Pogodzienski was hooked, but there was one drawback. At Nonnewaug, he played tight end, but a senior, Rashawn Reid of Derby, was a locked-in starter for the Eagles.

“Coach Mannetti said that I could either start at left tackle or be a back-up at

BY MARK JAFFEE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

A

tions, 31 yards rushing vs. Morgan Russell Lesage: Had 5 tackles, Morgan, Valley Regional; Blocked punt vs. East Hampton

point conversion pass vs. East Hampton Nick Bordierre: Scored a rushing TD vs. East Hampton John Gombos: Scored two rushing TDs vs. Old Saybrook

Nonnewaug Christian Metallo: Recorded 2 interceptions, 90 passing yards, TD vs. Morgan; Threw game-winning 2-point conversion passes. East Hampton T.J. Meyer: Blocked field goal to win game; Had 5 receptions, 58 yards vs.

East Hampton Nick Uberti: Caught game-winning 2-

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

15

Put On A Smile...

Last year’s games ANSONIA 49, NAUGATUCK 14

Hearts at Municipal Stadium.

Arkeel Newsome rushed for 280 yards and five touchdowns and set two state records for the Chargers in Naugatuck.

WOODLAND 28, SEYMOUR 7 Matt Zaccagnini rushed for 211 yards and scored a TD for the Hawks.

WATERTOWN 18, TORRINGTON 13

CHESHIRE 41, SOUTHINGTON 30

Anthony Avoletta scored all three touchdowns for the Indians in an upset over the visiting Red Raiders.

Michael John Ecke scored three second-half touchdowns for the Rams in Cheshire.

POMPERAUG 10, OXFORD 7

KENNEDY 39, CROSBY 24 Cesar Nunez rushed for a career-high 236 yards and had scores of 73 and 74 yards for the Eagles at Municipal Stadium.

HOLY CROSS 35, WOLCOTT 20 Gerron Pendarvis had an 80-yard kickoff return, one of five different players to score for the Crusaders in Wolcott.

SACRED HEART 39, WILBY 34 Jolly Black scored four touchdowns and rushed for 258 yards for the

Matt Paola booted a field goal and caught a touchdown pass to lead the Panthers in Southbury.

LEWIS MILLS 26, NONNEWAUG 7

Medicaid and HUSKY. Affordable payment plans are also available.

• Teeth Whitening • Smile Makeovers • Oral Surgery • Fillings • Dentures • Cleanings

Evening and Saturday Appointments Available

From preventative care to smile makeovers

Devin Pease passed for 180 yards and two touchdowns for the Spartans in Woodbury.

ST. PAUL 34, HAMDEN HALL 12 Logan Marchi passed for four touchdowns to give the Falcons their only win.

SHELTON 26, DERBY 19 Gary Thompson had two first-quarter rushing touchdowns to lead the Gaels in Derby.

GILBERT-NW 43, HOUS./WAMOGO 14 Devin Molway rushed for 255 yards and two scores for the Yellowjackets in Winsted.

16

Most insurance accepted including

SPECIAL SECTION OF THE SUNDAY REPUBLICAN

Aman Syed, DDS ~ Sachin Virmani, DMD

1127 W. Main St. Waterbury

203.228.8425 or 203.527.4614 www.smilesofwaterbury.com

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NOVEMBER 18, 2012