Scores and highlights of games played Sept. 7, 2014.
Submitted by the West Hartford Youth Football League
The West Hartford Youth Football League (WHYFL) kicked off its 59th season Sunday afternoon at Sterling Field in West Hartford and at Westwood and Union Fields in Farmington, with a full slate of games at the Mighty Mite (7, 8 and 9 year olds), Pee Wee (10 and 11 year olds), and Pony (12,13,14 year olds) divisions. In addition, the league welcomed the return of cheerleading and an integrated schedule with the Farmington Valley Mudhogs at all division levels.
Submitted photo. Credit: Farmington Mudhogs Football.
FLAG DIVISION
Dick’s Sporting Goods (Red) 19 – Fresh Ink (Orange) 13
The WHYFL Flag Football season commenced with a fiercely battled game between Dick’s Sporting Goods and Fresh Ink.
Fresh Ink started with the ball and on the first play of the new season Jonathan Garcia ran a sweep right for a 75-yard touchdown run. Dick’s quickly followed, faking left before handing off right to Tighe Johnston who streaked down the right sideline for a 50-yard touchdown. The teams went into halftime tied at 6-6.
Dick’s started with the ball in the second half quickly scoring on a run left to Brady Cersosimo. Tommy Hussey slammed in a 5-yard run for the extra point bringing the score to 13-6. Dick’s Tighe Johnston scored a second long touchdown on their next possession increasing the lead to 19-6. Fresh Ink did not give up, with Jonathan Garcia speeding down the right sideline for his second score of the game. Mathew Williams ran in the extra point bringing the score to 19-13.
The final two series ended with strong defense from both sides. Fresh Inks defense was led by the pursuit of Chance McCoy and Xavien Correa. Dick’s defense was led by Brendan Kennedy with multiple tackles with key contributions from Charlie Ganey who prevented an extra point and rookie Henry Tamaccio who made a key tackle.
Mooyah (Green) 13 – Sweet Frog (Purple) 12
In the first game of the 2014 Flag Football Season the Mooyah’s (Green Team) squeaked out an evenly matched victory over the Sweet Frogs (Purple team), with a score of 13-12.
The Mooyah’s scoring was led by Benji Halpert catching a wide open 15-yard pass and continued the play by running the length of the field for the first touchdown of the game. In the second half Dominic Burgos caught a 10-yard pass and sprinted the length of the field under heavy defensive traffic before running out of gas in the end zone to score the Mooyahs second touchdown.
Following the Burgos touchdown the Mooyahs went for the 5-yard extra point which was led by Leo Sussman who raced into the end zone to deliver a one point victory for the Mooyah’s. Defensive stops were led by Dominic Burgos and then spread out by several Mooyah players.
AC Petersen Farms (Blue) 18 – Joey’s Pizza Pie (Black) 12
The 2014 WHYFL season kicked off to a great start with a match – up between AC Petersons and Joeys Pizza.
AC Petersons had possession of the ball to start the game and got off to a slow start with tough defense played by Joeys. Upon taking possession Joey’s pizza put together an effective drive which ended with a long touchdown run by Wells Gengras putting Joeys up by one touchdown.
Determined to answer back AC Petersons handed the ball off to Michael Griffin-Prado who behind great team blocking led by Brody Dorian, Zachary Zagorski, Patrick Shea, and Blaise Fuller, Griffin-Prado was able to break away for a 60 yard touchdown run to tie the game.
The next series of possessions would prove to be tough defensively as both teams played solid defense. For AC Petersons, Jason Otero, Shawn Fuller, Brody Dorian, Patrick Shea, Nicholas Seymour, Griffin Keating and Colin Walsh all had great defensive stops and awareness.
Joeys Pizza then pounded the ball on the ground with a 60 yard run by Spencer Boucher-Zazzaro and topped off with touchdown from Anthony McKeown.
AC Petersons continued to rush the ball with effective runs from CJ Marrett, Jason Otero, and Shawn Fuller who ran to try and hit the end zone to try. Griffin Keating then ended the drive with a touchdown to tie the game.
On the final possession of the game, Michael Griffin-Prado was handed the ball and ran for 50 yards and scored the game winning touchdown again through great blocking and hustle.
AC Petersons took the game in the last seconds and won 18-12 for their first win of the season.
MIGHTY MITE DIVISION
Macca Plumbing Cowboys 28 – Dr. Express Steelers 0
The Macca Plumbing Cowboys opened the season with a strong performance against the Doctor’s Express Steelers in a 26-0 win at Sterling Field Sunday afternoon.
Quarterback Declan McCann drove the Cowboys’ offense completing 3 of 4 passes and running backs Chase Fountain (2 rushing touchdowns), Walker Disque (1 rushing touchdown), and Trevor Tanis (1 rushing touchdown and conversion) led a fast ground game behind a solid offensive line of Bruce Jones, Jaime Kennedy, Braden Sohn, Jack Archambeault, and CJ Nelson.
The Steelers had impressive kickoff returns by Brian Hernandez and Jay McNamara that got the Steelers deep in Cowboy territory. On the defensive side of the ball, Xavier Burgos, Brian Hernandez and Christopher Ortiz would not let up with solid defensive play.
Although the Steelers had a tenacious offense, the Cowboys team defense forced several turnovers on downs with strong play on the corners by Jaime Kennedy and Rashad Collier as well as an interception to end the half by Declan McCann.
The Cowboys also had strong special teams play by Jack Archambeault and touchdown saving tackle by Luke Jones.
The Cowboys return to Sterling field Sunday to matchup against the Browns at 12 noon.
Farmington C Squad Black 20 – Moe’s Southwest Grill Jets 0
The Farmington C Squad Black team defeated the Moe’s Southwest Grill Jets 20-0 Sunday afternoon at Union School in Farmington.
Farmington C Squad Black will move on to face C Squad Maroon, while the Jets will matchup against the Steelers at Sterling Field on Sunday.
Farmington C Squad Maroon 28 – Fischman Orthodontics Browns 22
The Farmington C Squad Maroon won a see-saw battle with the Fischman Orthodontics Browns 28-22 Sunday afternoon at Sterling Field.
Farmington C Squad Maroon will move on to face C Squad Black, while the Browns will matchup against the Cowboys at Sterling Field on Sunday.
PEE WEE DIVISION
The Watts Group Giants 27 – Farmington B Squad Maroon 7
The Watts Group Giants defeated the Farmington B Squad Maroon team 27-7 Sunday afternoon at Sterling Field.
The Giants’ offense was led by Rowan Sierra, Damien Thompson, and Richie Aponte and had a great effort by the whole team on defense.
The Giants return to Sterling Field Sunday to face off against the 49ers, while Farmington Maroon returns home to play Farmington Black.
The Sports Authority Colts 19 – Farmington B Squad Blue 8
The Sports Authority Colts opened the season sharp, defeating the Farmington B Squad Blue team 19-8 Sunday afternoon at Westwood Field in Farmington.
The Colts return to Sterling Field Sunday to face off against the Patriots, while Farmington Blue returns home to play Farmington White.
Hartford Healthcare 49ers 28 – Farmington B Squad White 0
The Hartford Healthcare 49ers met Farmington Mudhogs B Squad White team on a beautiful day Sunday at Sterling Field in West Hartford.
The 49ers struck quickly on their opening drive as Josiah Rivers slashed his way across the field for a 48-yard scamper for the game’s first score. The rushing conversion was successful, and the 49ers jumped out to an early 7-0 lead. After a defensive stop, the Niners regained possession and Nick Urso was able to streak down the sideline putting his team up 14-0 in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Niners’ defense held Farmington which allowed the offense to score one more time on a 28-yard run by Urso before the half.
Farmington struggled to move the ball in the first half, but they made adjustments and progressed in the second half. While the Mudhogs offense failed to stick it in the end zone, they had nice drives late in the second half with some hard nose running by Finn Sposato. On defense, the Mudhogs made adjustments and only gave up one score. Great defensive plays were made by Maddox Malario, Peter Cenci and Brady Rinoltar. In the third quarter, Rivers got his second touchdown for the 49ers on another long 38-yard run; putting the Niners up 28-0. The score remained the same until the final play of the game.
The Niners were able to achieve success in the running game behind great blocking by Eli Salomons, Marcus Ramsey and Andrew Reicher. Divine Edwards and Izzy Henriques-Sento made several defensive stops to help the team with the win.
The 49ers return to Sterling Field on Sunday to take on the Giants, while Farmington White will play Farmington Blue.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Patriots 35 – Farmington B Squad Black 7
The Dick’s Sporting Goods Patriots opened the season with a solid team effort, turning back a determined Farmington B Squad Black team 35-7 in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Westwood field.
Quarterbacks Jack Brown and Wyatt Reid captained the Patriot offense to a score on each offensive possession. Dillon Bent, Robert Parrotta Logan Murphy, Dylan Swift, and Tommy LaSpada each notched points for the Patriots’ offense behind solid offensive line play of Murphy, Christian Maldonado, Joey LaSpada, Walker Beverly, and Ben Brockway.
After forcing Farmington Black into a three and out on their opening possession, Bent scored on a 50-yard punt return to push the Patriots out to an early 8-0 lead following Brown’s conversion to Tommy LaSpada. Bent later scored on a 60-yard dash up the middle to push the lead to 15-0, following Murphy’s rushing conversion.
Farmington Black struck back with a nice pass pattern to narrow the gap to 15-7. The Patriots responded with both an offensive and defensive score (interception returned for a touchdown by Murphy) to enter the half leading 28-7.
The Patriots continued where they left off in the first half, scoring on their first offensive possession with a methodical 60-yard drive, capped by a quick burst by Swift up the middle to put the Patriots up 35-7 following Parrotta’s rushing conversion.
The Patriots had a great team effort on defense, and received solid play from Parrotta (4 sacks, two forced fumbles), Bent, Murphy, Luke Duzan, DJ Romano Tommy LaSpada and Swift, who each came up with solid tackles. Cornerbacks Jack Brown, Ethan Tiffany and safeties Wyatt Reid and Aidan Dorian also came up with big stops to turn back several Farmington runs. Defensive lineman Joey LaSpada, Duzan, Brockway, Beverly, Daniel Chavez, and Maldonado played very well to shut down the Farmington ground game. Newcomer Abraham Dunn had a solid performance, returning a kick to secure favorable field position, and stepping up at defensive end in the second half.
The Patriots return home Sunday to play the Colts, while Farmington Black will face off against Farmington Maroon.
PONY DIVISION
West Hartford Chargers 34 – Farmington A Squad White 6
It was a beautiful September day as the West Hartford Chargers hosted the Farmington A Squad White team – who last year was the undefeated champion of the Pony division.
Both teams are in a rebuilding year after losing the vast majority of last year’s staring teams on both sides of the ball.
The Chargers kicked off and forced a turnover on downs, taking possession on their own 35 yard line. Six plays later, Valentino West , the lone starter from last year’s team, went 15 yards on a counter to give the Chargers a 6-0 lead. On White’s next possession, on 3rd and 8, West sacked the White QB forcing a fumble which Gabe Suarez picked up and ran 50 yards for a touchdown. West converted the extra point to extend the Chargers’ lead to 13-0.
White took the ensuing kickoff and was forced to punt after 3 plays and the Chargers took possession on their own 35. Cameron Wilson scored four plays later after catching a screen pass and dashing 50 yards for another Charger touchdown. Quarterback Tom Sullivan ran in the extra point to make it 20-0 Chargers midway through the second Quarter.
White took possession on their 35 after the kickoff and their tailback dashed 60 yards for the score to narrow the Charger lead to 20-6 with two minutes left in the half.
The Chargers came right back as West scored to close the half and extend the Charger lead to 26-6. Sullivan made one of three bone jarring blocks that set up West’s second touchdown of the day.
West scored his third touchdown of the day to open the fourth quarter, dashing 50 yards for the final score of the game. Wilson added a two point conversion, making the final score 34-6 Chargers.
The Chargers will take on the Brewer Paving Eagles next week in the 2 p.m. Game at Sterling Field. Both teams are looking forward to a rematch of last years battle and it has all the making of a terrific game.
Northstar Wealth Partners Wildcats 12 – Farmington A Squad Black 6
The 2014 WHYFL season began with the West Hartford Wildcats visiting the Farmington Mudhogs A Squad Black team.
Farmington Black received the opening kickoff and was immediately stripped by Daquan Shaw at their 30. Farmington managed to stop the West Hartford drive, and untimely penalties and turnovers stymied the Wildcats throughout the first half despite strong running by Daquan and Nolan Tibball, and solid defense by Hughie Wells, Jimmy Sabia, George Andrews (touchdown-saving tackle in the second quarter), Daquan and Nolan. The Cats O line rotation of Jim Sabia, Gavin Baker, Marcos Cruz, Zander Boehm, Dario Laraia, Dean Edwards, Wil Carson and Matt Keller looked particularly strong throughout. Halftime score: Farmington 0, West Hartford 0.
The Cats came out more focused in the second half, after some energetic halftime coaching. Early in the third quarter, Daquan blocked a Mud Hogs punt to set up West Hartford’s first score of the game, with Nolan up the middle for six. The 2 point attempt was incomplete.
Farmington looked to be in good position late in the third quarter when they broke up an attempted lateral from QB Franklin Robinson to George, and recovered the ball, but the Cats’ defense put the clamps to them, with Marcos Cruz, Nathan Bones and Dario Laraia leading the way. The third quarter ended with West Hartford leading 6-0.
Midway through the fourth, the Wildcats struck again, with Daquan sweeping to the right to set up first and goal at the three, and Nolan punching it in for the score. Although West Hartford did not complete the two point conversion, they led at 12-0.
After some Wildcat substitutions, a determined Farmington squad proceeded to march down the field for a quick score.
It was a well-contested game with outstanding effort against our first Farmington opponent.
Notable performances: Daquan Shaw: 114 yards rushing, 3 solo tackles, 8 assists, 1 sack, 1TD; Nolan Tibbal: 57 yards rushing, 2 solo tackles, 5 assists, 1 TD; Hughie Wells: 30 yards rushing, 2 solo tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack.
The Wildcats return next week to face the Raiders and Farmington Black will move on to face Farmington Maroon in Week two.
West Hartford Health & Rehab Raiders 26 – Farmington A Squad Blue 6
The West Hartford Health & Rehab Raiders played Farmington’s A Squad Blue team on Sunday, and won 26-6. Raider tailback Silas Bridges ran for a touchdown and also caught a 60 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Zach Cohen. Otis Donaldson also ran for a touchdown and Gabe Salomons returned an interception for a score as well. The Raider offensive front line of Kyle Bridgman, Julian DeCampos, Mark Morales, Jose Dejesus and Mario Volpe, all did a great job blocking for the backs and opening up big holes for long runs. All the players played hard and had a great time. All the coaches were very proud of the team’s effort and attitude.
Brewer Paving Eagles 29 – Farmington A Squad Maroon 7
The Brewer Paving Eagles leveraged a strong rushing game en route to a convincing 29-7 victory over the Farmington A Squad Maroon team Sunday afternoon at Sterling Field. The Eagles’ offense was led by Anthony Palace (3 touchdowns), Jeff LaRosa (1 touchdown and 1 passing conversion), and AJ Guevara (2 receiving conversions).
The Eagles return to Sterling Field Sunday to matchup against the Chargers, while Farmington Maroon will return home to face-off against Farmington Black.
