Four-Peat for Hall Over Conard in West Hartford Mayor’s Cup Game
Audio By Carbonatix
Hall football team and coaches poses with the Mayor's Cup trophy after the win. Conard vs. Hall football Mayor's Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Hall defeated Conard 16-10 in the annual crosstown West Hartford rivalry football game.
Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
By Ted Newton. Photos by Ronni Newton
The raw, chilly weather for the Saturday’s Conard Hall football game at McKee Stadium couldn’t cool down this annual heated rivalry, with the Red Wolves and Titans playing for the Mayor’s Cup and the bragging rights that go with it. This year, as in the last three years, the Titans prevailed, with the final score 16-10.
“It’s awesome” said first year Hall coach Steve Markie. “I’m just so happy for these guys. The senior class has been great. And they’ve gone 4-0 [against Conard] which is outstanding.”
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The key to the Titans’ victory was their relentless running attack and their ability to slow down Red Wolves’ ground game. “We stopped them pretty much the majority of the time with their run game,” said Markie. “And we were just grinding it out. We had a couple of injuries early on in the game, and the kids just battled on. We were down to five healthy offensive linemen, and one got injured early in the first half and he played through the injury. Just love the toughness we showed.”
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The host Red Wolves had success moving the football in the first quarter, with a mix of long runs by two of its captains, quarterback Brady Cersosimo and all-purpose back Nathan Blumes. On their second drive, Cersosimo fired an over the middle pass to receiver Darien Tejada who scampered for extra yards deep into the Titans’ territory. The drive stalled there, however, and facing fourth down and four to go, Conard opted for Blumes attempting a 27-yard field goal. His successful kick put the Red Wolves up 3-0 as the quarter ended.
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The second quarter saw the teams trade punts after going three-and-out in their first drives. Starting their second possession at their own 20, Titans’ running back Jackson Bracken ripped off a 42-yard run into Red Wolves territory. Lining up in a wildcat formation to help mask its running game, Hall gained two more first downs before quarterback Thomas Hussey tossed a 15-yard pass to halfback Dylan Hosmer in the end zone. The two point conversion attempt failed, and the Titans led 6-3.
Dylan Hosmer scores for Hall. Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard couldn’t get a first down on the following possession, and Zach Fenton’s punt into the strong north wind was fielded by the Titans at Conard’s 46 yard line. Again relying on its run game, Hall marched down to the Red Wolves’ 10 yard line. With only 16 seconds left in the half, the Titans attempted a pass play into the end zone. But pressure by the Red Wolves’ Jackson Hardman resulted in quarterback Wells Gengras throwing the ball away to stop the clock.
Kicker Noah Kabakoff nailed a 27-yard field goal to put the Titans up 9-3 going into the half.
Noah Kabakoff kicks a field goal for Hall. Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Opening the third quarter, the Titans were unsuccessful running against a swarming Conard defense, including a big tackle by Ryan Gillis to keep Hall from getting a first down. Other than an initial 16-yard scamper by Blumes, however, the Red Wolves’ offense couldn’t penetrate the Titans’ defensive line, and again punted into the wind, which had gotten more fierce during halftime. Hall found itself in good field position at Conard’s 44.
Relying on its wildcat formation, Hall pounded the ball up the middle. Conard’s Luke Jones made several key tackles to slow down the Titans’ offense, but the Red Wolves couldn’t stop their drive, with Gengras running in from the 5-yard line for a touchdown with 19 second left in the quarter. The extra point put Hall up 16-3.
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
With time running out to make up the deficit, the Red Wolves became more aggressive on offense, with Cersosimo passing 25 yards to Noah Macko and 15 yards to Blumes. Facing two critical third downs, Blumes was key – first with a powerful, determined six yard run to get to the Titans’ 15-yard line and, two plays later, catching a 10 yard touchdown pass from Cersosimo to narrow the score to 16-10 (with kicker Luke Rubino’s extra point).
Nate Blume scores for Conard in the fourth quarter. Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
With just under nine minutes left in the game, the pressure was on Conard to hold Hall’s running attack to hopefully get the ball back for a chance for another score. The Titans, however, continued to deploy their wildcat formation and successfully ran the ball up the middle, gaining three first downs while wearing down the Red Wolves’ defense and running down the game clock.
With two minutes to go and Conard making one last defensive stand after using most of its time outs, Hall faced fourth down with four to go. Opting to go for a first down that would allow them to run out the clock, Bracken gained just enough yards to allow the visitors to do just that.
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
“That was our biggest challenge – stopping their run game,” said Conard coach Matt Cersosimo. “They got into that wildcat system, which we knew they did well, and they just grinded the clock on us and getting first downs, and sometimes in football that happens – just like an old school Conard-Hall game,” Cersosimo said.
“But I’m super proud of our team – just the fight, the resilience. We were down 16-3 and there was no letup, no give up, just ‘hey let’s go.’ Super proud of their effort. That doesn’t happen without senior leadership. It’s been exciting to coach these guys, and will definitely miss being with the seniors. They’ve poured so much effort and energy into this season, but I’m also excited about what’s coming up in our system.”
Said Titans quarterback Gengras: “I have to give credit to the O-line, they were the difference in the game. Once we clicked and [knowing] how hard we’ve worked for this we knew we could make it happen. I’ve waited for this for so long, I’ve been dreaming about this, and celebrating with these guys and my family – it’s really amazing.”
Both teams end the 2024 season with three wins and seven losses.
Conard Principal Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble (left) and Hall Principal Sara Isaacs. Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Courtesy photo
Conard Principal Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble lost the bet, and will have to wear a Hall Titans sweatshirt on Monday. Administration from both schools posed after the game. Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Courtesy photo
Conard seniors are honored before the game. Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard seniors are honored before the game. Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard seniors are honored before the game. Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard seniors are honored before the game. Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard seniors are honored before the game. Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard vs. Hall football Mayor’s Cup. Nov. 23, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.
