West Hartford Youth Football Holds Super Bowls This Sunday

The 2012 West Hartford Youth Football season will come to a close this Sunday with the annual Super Bowls. The following games will be held on Nov. 11 at Sterling Field:

Mighty Mite Super Bowl – 12:30 p.m. – Field B

Pee Wee – 2:30 p.m. Field B

Midget – 12:30 p.m. – Field D

Pony – 12:30 p.m. – Field E

The 2012 season of the West Hartford Youth Football League (WHYFL) continued Sunday, Nov. 4, with a full slate of playoff games at the Mighty Mite (7-8 year olds), Pee Wee (9,10, and 11 year olds), Midget (12 year olds), and Pony (13 year olds) divisions at Sterling Field.

MIGHTY MITE DIVISION

(2012 PLAYOFFS - SEMIFINALS)

(#1 Seed) Macca Plumbing Cowboys 32 – (#4 Seed) Spine & Sports Medicine Associates Steelers 6

The Cowboys leveraged a strong rushing attack en route to a 32-6 victory over the Steelers Sunday afternoon to advance to next week’s Super Bowl against the #3 seed Browns.

The Cowboys received the kickoff and after a pair of strong runs from running back Nick Urso, the Cowboys punched in their first score on a Jack Kennedy QB keeper down the middle.  The Steelers received the ball and were stopped on downs turning it back over to the Cowboys.  The Cowboys quickly countered on tough runs by Chase Fountain and Urso to quickly set up another Kennedy touchdown making the score 12-0.  The Steelers then moved the ball effectively with a nice drive sparked by a 15 yard pass from QB Drew Taylor to Dylan Swift.  The Steelers punched in their first score of the game on a Taylor QB keeper bringing the score to 12-6. 

With a minute to go in the half the Cowboys picked up some big yardage on a pass from Kennedy to Jack Correia and eventually scored as time ran out for halftime.  The halftime score was 19-6 Cowboys. 

The Steelers received the second half kickoff and turned the ball over on downs after a few successful conversions.  The Cowboys started another nice drive mixing in runs by Urso and Kennedy and scored on another Kennedy touchdown down the left sideline. 

As the game marched into the fourth quarter, the Cowboys defense stayed strong with outstanding line play by Peter Langevin, Steven Mascolo, Ethan Vest and Ben Woerlin. 

After another turnover on downs, the Cowboys scored the final touchdown on a long Kennedy run down the right sideline after great blocking by the offensive line. 

Standouts for the Cowboys were Urso, Tanis, Woerlin, Disque, Mascolo, Vest, Kennedy, Mcann and Langevin  Steelers Standout were: Taylor Swift, Kirklin, Porrino, and Lemieux.

(#3 Seed) Center Orthodontics Browns 34 – (#2 Seed) Kenneth Namnoum Jets 14

On a perfect autumn day, the Browns leveraged a strong rushing attack to defeat the Jets 34-14 to advance to next week’s Mighty Mite Super Bowl against the #1 Seed Cowboys.  

Dajuan Banks rushed for 80 yards and four touchdowns for the Browns.

Tommy LaSpada and Aidan Dorian led the Jets’ rushing attack. LaSpada rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown and Dorian rushed for 20 yards and the other Jet score.

The Browns received the opening kickoff and marched 33 yards on six plays, capped by a Banks touchdown to push the Browns to a 6-0 lead. The Jet defense denied the extra point as linebackers Ged Gengras and Aidan Dorian tackled the Browns ball carrier short of the goal line.

The Jets answered by methodically moving the ball down field.  Eight plays later the Jets took the lead, scoring on a great run by LaSpada, behind solid blocking by Troy Griffith, Charles Dowd, Nathan Gallo, and Sam “Tebow” Rosa. Romano added the extra point to put the Jets up 7-6.

The Browns next possession was almost stymied by some great Jets defense as Charles Dowd made an excellent open field tackle – stopping Banks for a seven yard loss, but a second down Jets’ penalty kept the Browns drive alive.  Banks later scampered 35 yards for a touchdown and Salomon’s two point conversion pass to Matt Farber put the Browns up 14-7.

Clayton Gengras received the ensuing kickoff and returned the ball to midfield to give the Jets great field position.  In four quick plays, the Jets marched 30 yards and scored as Dorian swept left behind a bruising LaSpada lead block en route to a 15 yard touchdown. LaSpada converted the extra point to tie the game at 14-14 late in the second quarter. Banks later added another score on a 10-yard run to put the Browns up 21-14 at the end of the first half.

The Browns came out fighting in the second half. The Browns recovered an on sides kick, and the Jet defense responded by locking down the Browns rushing attack. Banks, Farber, and Salomons were each held for minimal gains as Romano, Dowd, defensive ends Ben Brockway and LaSpada, cornerback Jonny Robinson each came up with big tackles to force a turnover on downs.

The Jets just could not capitalize offensively and also turned the ball over on downs after a fumbled snap and offensive penalty.

The Browns took control on their next series of downs, and on fourth down and two, thanks to hefty blocking by Tommy Parker, Henry O’Connor and Hunter Keena - Dajuan Banks broke free from the 30 and scored.  The Browns converted the extra point to go ahead 28–14.

The Browns defense played inspired football, recovering a fumble and took control of the game. Facing another fourth down, Dajuan Banks ran left and scored the final points of the game. 

The Browns defense played a great game led by some up and coming stars like Boomer Staunton, James Livingstone, O’Connor, Nicky Zaleski, Ravenberg and Chuck Blanchard.  Eli Salomons and Patrick Schwab also made a couple of “game saving” tackles.

The Jets received outstanding play from their eight-year old starters Brockway, Dorian, Dowd, Nathan Gallo, Griffith, LaSpada, Reid, Robinson, Romano, and Rosa. They also received inspired play from seven-year old stars Marcus Bjarke, Ged and Clayton Gengras, Joseph Sabia, and Spencer Schwartz. The Jets players should be commended on a great season where they played as a true team, and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship.

PEE WEE DIVISION

(2012 PLAYOFFS - SEMIFINALS)

(#1 Seed) Walter Hussey Giants 35 - (#4 Seed) Wealth Management Group of North America, LLC Titans 0

In a rematch of last year’s Pee Wee Super Bowl, the Giants returned the favor, and downed the defending champions 35-0. Jeff LaRosa scored four touchdowns on a series of long runs. Otis Donaldson also scored for the Giants. The Giants offensive line, led by Shaun McNamara, Sekope Colon, Mike and Anthony Mancini, and Brian Namnoum) dominated the line of scrimmage to enable the Giant rushing attack. On defense, Skye Dolce, Kam McKain, and CJ Denson made big tackles for the Giants.

The Titans did advance the ball several times within the Giant 10-yard line, but were denied by a determined and relentless defense. Standing out for the Titans were Joey Lemieux, Dario Laraia, and Cameron Wilson.

The #1 seed Giants will advance to play the #3 Seed Vikings in the Super Bowl next Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

(#3 Seed) Venora Electric Vikings 12 - (#2 Seed) Brewer Paving Packers 0

The Vikings avenged a regular season loss and topped the Packers 12-0 in the semifinal playoff matchup to advance to next week’s Super Bowl against the #1 Seed Giants.

The Vikings got to work early with excellent field position and trudged their way to the Packers 12-yard line behind the great blocking of Neil Gustafson, Brock Pizzoferrato, Griffin Van Rye, Michael Pollack, Ryan Venora, Tim Cotter, AJ Guevara and Cooper Silver.  This blocking allowed Matt Langevin to weave his way 12 yards to the end zone and put the first six points on the board.  The Packers defense denied the Vikings point after attempt and it remained 6-0. 

The ensuing kickoff left the Packers offense with excellent field position to start their drive.  The Vikings defense “fixed bayonettes” and stood their ground in what has become legendary Vikings- Packers trench warfare.  On the fourth play of the series, Tim Cotter knocked down a pass and the Vikings took over on downs at the Packers 28 yard line.  Six plays later, Dobbins connected with Cotter who dove into the end zone for the second touchdown of the day and another six points for the Vikings.  Again the Packers prevented the extra point and the Vikings were now up 12-0.

The Packers started their next drive from their own 20 yard line.  They soon ran and passed their way to the Vikings 20 yard line.  The Vikings defense would bend but not break.  A big hit from Sean Clifford coughed up the ball and the Vikings Ryan Venora came up big with the fumble recovery at the Vikings 19 yard line.

The Vikings offense took to the field and found a determined Packer defense.  The Vikings offense then found themselves in a fourth and long at midfield.   Electing to punt, the Vikings were able to pin the Packers down at their own six yard line. 

Now late in the half, the Packers offense took to the field.  The Packers started the drive with a 20 yard run and soon found themselves near midfield.  The Vikings determined not to give back their hard earned points dug deep and took the ball back on downs at the 30.  The Vikings’ Drew Currier, Dan Loftus, and Max Rodman stuck with their tough blocking assignments and allowed the Vikings to close out the half up 12-0.

In the third quarter, the Packers offense took to the field against a determined Vikings defense including Michael Pollack, Griffin Van Rye, Neil Gustafson, Brennan Ravenberg, Luke Wilson and John Doar.   The Vikings secondary were exceptional, getting in on every tackle with great gang tackling and pursuit of the ball by Sean Guevara and Christian St. Juste.  The Vikings were able prevent the run and short pass and it was soon 4th down.  The Packers were unable to convert and the Vikings took the ball back on downs at midfield.

The Vikings drove the ball down to the Packers 10 yard line and threatened to score again.  The Packers defense needed a big play and got it with a fumble recovery deep in Packer territory.  With the score 12-0 it was still just a two score game with plenty of time left on the game clock. 

The Packers offense put the ball in the air and quickly found themselves at the Vikings 25 yard line.  The Vikings defense was called on again to stop the Packer momentum and stymie the drive.  The Vikings Alex Dobbins then ripped his way into the backfield and provided a much needed sack.  On fourth and long, the Packers went back to the air and it was Matt Langevin that ended their drive with a diving interception at the Vikings 22 yard line.

To start the fourth quarter, the Packers put together a string of 10 yard plays to put themselves deep into Viking territory at the 18 yard line.  The Vikings defense would surrender no more.  They forced a fumble, shut down the pass and took the ball back on downs with gang tackling in the Packers backfield. 

At their own 26, a relieved Vikings offense took to the field in what was still a tight game.  That sense of relief was short lived as the Packers defense took the ball back on a fumble recovery at the Vikings 27 yard line.

Again, the Vikings defense was called on to protect the lead and took to the field at their own 27.  Great gang tackling led by Neil Gustafson and pass coverage by Matt Langevin, Sean Guevara and Christian St.  stopped the Packers late in the game and took the ball back on downs to preserve the shutout and the win. 

The Vikings move on to play the Giants for the town championship in the Super Bowl next Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

MIDGET DIVISION

(2012 PLAYOFFS - SEMIFINALS)

(#1 Seed) Sinatro Agency One Wildcats 48 – (#4 Seed) West Hartford Rotary Club Raiders 0

In a repeat of last week’s final regular season finale, the undefeated Wildcats faced off against the winless Raiders in round one of the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Raiders, this ended up with the same result as the prior mismatch, as the Wildcats outlasted the Raiders 48-0.

Behind the outstanding play of Center Dominic Mongillo and Quarterback Max Main, the Cats led from start to finish along with the help of some fine blocking from Carter Horton and Elijah Bryan Henriques. Running back Griffin Smith led with Wildcat offense with three touchdowns. Max Main and David Torres hooked up on a 42-yard pass play for a score as well as a 25-yard scamper into the end zone by Torres. Ryan Orlowsky and Michael Farley also ran the ball for scores.

Quarterback Jack Moore gallantly tried to move his Raiders downfield with passes to James Gadue and Kevin Manning, but two interceptions by Wildcats Chris Chukwura and one by David Torres shut down the pass attack.

Raider running plays to Jaden Shaw and Spencer Witter yielded little as relentless pressure from Jon Kirklin and Cullen McCaffery stopped the ground game.

The Raiders fought hard but were just outmatched as the Wildcats will move on to play the Chargers for the town championship in next week’s Super Bowl. 

(#2 Seed) Eastern Rehabilitation Network Chargers 42 – (#3 Seed) West Hartford Firefighters Association Eagles 20

The midget Chargers rolled to a 42 -20 victory Sunday afternoon, pushing their record to 6-3 and move on to a Super Bowl matchup with the undefeated Wildcats .

Eagles took the opening kickoff and drove down the field until the Charger defense held on their own 10 yard line.  The Chargers drove down the field 70 yards to score on a 3 yard quarterback sneak by Grant O’Connell and a O’Connell to  Colby Lytle conversion pass to go up 8 -0 to end the first quarter .

The Eagles took the kickoff and drove down into Chargers territory where on fourth and 12, Eagles QB Andrew Nicklas threw a beautiful pass to Thomas Crevadi for 24 yards and a Eagles first down.  Three plays later, Nicklas hit Aidan Stabnick on a eight-yard pass for a touchdown. Nicklas threw for a two point conversion to make the score 8-8 at halftime.

The Chargers took the kickoff to start the second half and drove down the field on a number of great runs by Valentino West culminating with a  touchdown by quarterback Grant O’Connor to take a 14-8 lead.

The Chargers defense held and the offense rolled in another touchdown on an eight-yard sweep by Spencer Merkel to take a 20-8 lead. The Eagles came right back with 40-yard kick return by Dominic Niman and a number of good runs by Dominic till he scored on a five-yard run up the middle to make the score 20-14.

The Chargers took the kickoff and in two plays, A.J Fair went 60 yards for the touchdown and a 26-14 lead to end the 3rd quarter.

The Eagles took the ensuing kickoff, and went to their passing game only to be intercepted by A.J. Fair. The Chargers drove down field with A.J. Fair scoring  from eight yards out and then catching the two point conversion pass from Grant O’Connell for a 34-14 lead. The Eagles came right back - passing their way down the field and eventually scoring on an 11-yard pass from Nicklas to Stoughton to make the score 34-20.

The Chargers responded with a Spencer Merkel 50-yard run for the touchdown and an A.J. Fair conversion pass from Grant O’Connell to finish the game 42 -20.

The Chargers defense played a great game stopping the Eagles terrific ground attack for most of the game.

The Chargers will have their hands full with their third match up with the undefeated Wildcats in next week’s Super bowl at 12:30 p.m. at Sterling field.  

PONY DIVISION

(2012 PLAYOFFS - SEMIFINALS)

(#4 Seed) Sinatro Agency One Wildcats 28 – (#1 Seed) Universal Connectivity Raiders 0

In the surprise game of the week, the winless Wildcats upset the undefeated Raiders to advance to next week’s Pony Super Bowl.

The game began as both teams moved the ball cautiously with neither able to maintain a drive into the end zone, resulting in a scoreless first quarter. Although they had yet scored, this began to build some new found confidence for the Wildcats, as they had not held any team scoreless in the first quarter all season.

As the second period began, the Cats began driving downfield with some outstanding running by Jaeshawn Wilson. This led to a 57-yard Wildcat strike from Michael Mathews to Henry Fisher for the first score of the game. Mathews then converted another pass to Wilson for the extra point to put the Wildcats up 7-0.

Then on defense Kyron Bridges, Trevor Marsh and Marvin Prados stepped up with some terrific tackling on the line of scrimmage. Patrick Gustafson also added a clutch open field tackle which held off the Raider attack giving the ball back to the Wildcat offense.

Back came a heavy dose of Wilson, who ground out several hard fought runs before breaking into the open field for a 40-yard touchdown.  As the half ended the unheralded Wildcats led 14-0.

The third quarter began with the Cats receiving the opening kick. As a harbinger of good things to come, Vincent DeCristatis made a fine play recovering the squib kick to open the half. Linemen Cameron Martin, Will Keller and Tucker Walters continued to execute some fine blocking which allowed Wilson to grind out the yards on the ground. Again Wilson capped off the drive with another Wildcat touchdown to push the lead to 21-0.

Surely now was the time for the big counter attack from the Raiders who have been most potent all season. Raider QB Declan Flaherty valiantly attempted to get the ball to his most dangerous weapons Kevin Vaughan, Jonathan Lagoy and Alex Haggerty, but the Cats continued to answer the challenge with an all around team effort in tackles. Kyron Bridges and Henry Fisher also stepped up big on defense as Fisher added two interceptions and Bridges added one.

In the fourth quarter, the determined Wildcats added their final touchdown of the game on Wilson’s third touchdown. Mathews completed the extra point on a short pass to Mohammed Codjoe. Now it was up the defense to close out the game. Key tackles by Max Main, Griffin Smith and David Torres helped seal the win.

For the Raiders, who played well all season, they are to be congratulated for a fine undefeated regular season. For the Wildcats, the win was a total team effort and gives them the chance to play for the Town Championship in next week’s Super Bowl.      

(#2 Seed) West Hartford Police Association Eagles 29 – (#3 Seed) Wiremold Legrand Chargers 12

The Eagles defeated the Chargers 29-12 Sunday afternoon to advance to next week’s Super Bowl against the #4 Seed Wildcats.