Scores and highlights of games played September 21, 2014.

Submitted by the West Hartford Youth Football League

The West Hartford Youth Football League (WHYFL) continued its 59^th season Sunday afternoon at Sterling Field in West Hartford and at Westwood and Farmington High School 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.

PONY DIVISION

West Hartford Health & Rehab Raiders 28 – Farmington A Squad Black 6

The West Hartford Raiders played Farmington A Squad Black at Sterling field in West Hartford Sunday afternoon, and the Raiders won the hard fought game 28-6.  Zach Cohen scored the first touchdown for the Raiders on a 5-yard run.  Kyle Bridgman and Mario Volpe played very strong on the offensive line.  The defense held strong the whole game lead by Otis Donaldson and Jack McHale.  Josh Kennedy and Gabe Salomons had several great plays on defense. Farmington played hard and never gave up on offense or defense.  McHale, Silas Bridges and CJ Denson scored on touchdown runs, but the credit goes to the Offensive line for clearing the way.  The team was very impressed with the heart showed by Farmington Black.

Northstar Wealth Partners Wildcats 20 – Farmington A Squad Blue 6

The Northstar Wealth Partners Wildcats hosted the Farmington A Squad Blue team, for a midday matchup, with the ‘Cats coming out on top 20-6. The Wildcats started off the game by attempting to catch the Farmington Blue off guard with an onside kick, but Farmington managed to recover the ball at midfield.

The aggressive West Hartford defense stuffed Farmington’s first run attempts and, on 3rd and 10, when Farmington dropped back to throw, a tipped pass ended up in the hands of a diving Matt Keller. Wildcats first and 10 at the wildcat 40. On the Wildcats first play from scrimmage, QB Franklin Robinson eluded the Farmington Blue pass rush and managed to get rid of the ball, but the ‘Hogs were penalized 15 yards for roughing the passer, giving the ‘Cats a nice advantage.

RB Nolan Tibball ran off left tackle for a nice 5 yard gain to start the drive, and continued excellent run blocking by the Wildcats then released RB Hughie Wells for a for a Wildcat first down on the 50 yard line.  Daquan Shaw ran wide left for another West Hartford first and 10 at the Farmington 17 yard line. Franklin then pitched to George Andrews for a sweep right, but the ‘Hogs stopped him for no gain; a holding penalty on the play left the Wildcats with second down and 20.  Farmington’s defense kept the ‘Cats in control for the rest of the drive, and runs by Hughie and Daquan, and a pass to George left the Wildcats at the Farmington 18.  ‘Cats turned the ball over on downs.

Dario Laraia started off the Farmington possession with first of his two sacks on the day and the D-line forced a Farmington Blue punt on fourth and 10 to midfield. Tough run blocking by the big Wildcat front continued to allow yardage up the middle on the ensuing possession for first down at the Farmington 28. Nolan ran up the middle for a nice gain, and Nathan Bones picked up another four yards to the Farmington 22. Nathan ran off left tackle to make it fourth and 1, and Hughie kept the drive going by running up the middle for a West Hartford first down at the 17 yard line to end the first quarter.

On the first play of the second quarter, Nathan ranged wide right and busted free to the 1 yard line: first and goal. Nolan got the ball to the 2 inch line, but a false start penalty set the ‘Cats back to the 5 yard line. The Wildcats regrouped and Nolan worked his way outside behind outstanding blocking for the first score of the day. Daquan ran off left tackle for the extra point and Wildcats led 7-0.

The Wildcats tried another onside kick, but Farmington returned it for a quick score. The Wildcats held the ‘Hogs on the extra point attempt. Wildcats 7 – Farmington Blue 6.

Nolan returned the ensuing kickoff for first and 10 at the Wildcat 45, and then got the call to carry wide right for a nice 15 yard gain. Daquan kept the ‘Cats moving with a run around the left end for 7 yards, setting up a Wildcats fake to Daquan and hand-off to Hughie for a first down at the Farmington 30. Nathan then made a great move outside to the right and stiff armed the Farmington defender but was called for a face mask, resulting in a tough penalty for the Wildcats. With four minutes remaining in the half, third and 12, Franklin set up in the shotgun and faked a throw, but the Farmington defense stopped his run up the middle, short of the first down, and the Mud Hogs took over on downs at the 30 yard line.

A determined Wildcat defense then forced another four-and-out at the Farmington 37. The Wildcats took to the air for the next series, with Franklin hitting Jimmy Sabia and George on consecutive plays to set up first and 10 at the Farmington 17. Daquan sprinted off left tackle for 6 more yards, but a last second pass to the end zone was intercepted as the half expired. 7-6 Wildcats at the half.

The Wildcats received the second half kickoff, with Nolan getting the ball to midfield, but a holding penalty set the ‘Cats back 10 yards. West Hartford scratched and clawed for yardage, but could not overcome the penalty and turned the ball over on downs at the 50 yard line.

The stingy Wildcat defense then held the ‘Hogs to four and out and took over near midfield. Three plays later, Daquan scrambled outside and broke a 46 yard touchdown run to make it 13-6 Wildcats. The two-point conversion was incomplete, and the ‘Cats kicked off deep to Farmington, who returned the ball to their own 40. George and Hughie made huge tackles to prevent movement by Farmington, but a pass interference call gave the ‘Hogs a first down at the 50, and a face mask penalty against West Hartford ended the third quarter with the score remaining at 13-6.

Dario and Daquan then led the Wildcat defense with a sack and key tackle, and the guys in green forced a turnover on downs. Nolan ran straight up the middle for 5 yards to start the possession, and then a big run by Hughie moved the chains to first and 10 on the 35. The momentum of another good run was stopped, however, with a fumble at the 45, and the defense was faced with the task of holding back another Farmington drive. The teams fought like cats and hogs, but with only four minutes left in the game, an incomplete pass put the Wildcats in charge at the Farmington 30. Daquan then broke three tackles and turned up field for 31 yards. It was all Daquan as he scored on the next play and then made the extra point as well.  20-6 Wildcats, and the ‘Cats managed to hang on for the final minutes to secure their second victory of the season.

Notable performances: Daquan Shaw 2-TD, 1-PAT, 139 rushing; Dario Laraia 2- sacks, 3 solo tackles, 3 assists; Nolan Tibball 1-TD, 51-yds rushing, 22-yds on kick return.

Farmington Blue will play the Eagles on Sunday, while the Wildcats visit Farmington White.

Brewer Paving Eagles 41 – Farmington A Squad White 0

The Eagles ran their record to 3-0 with a dominating 41-0 win over Farmington A Squad White.  The offensive line of David Regan, Jake Garafalo, Mike Mancini, Jonathon Perez, Zeus Woods and Alex Heath opened wide holes for the Eagles backs and the defensive line made up of the same six Rodrigo closed the rushing lanes for Farmington.

The Eagles started the scoring after Pierce Cannon intercepted a pass from White.  Quarterback Jeff LaRosa then scored on the first play from scrimmage on a 40-yard run.  The two point pass from LaRosa to Regan was good for an 8-0 lead.

After a long drive produced no points for the Eagles, they got the ball back after a C Squad White punt and quickly got back in the end zone on a 31-yard run from RB Anthony Palace.  The 2 point pass from Sean Guevara to brother AJ was good for a 16-0 lead.

The Eagles would go up 22-0 when LB Jeff LaRosa returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown.  The point after was no good.

The Eagles continued their quick strike ways when AJ Guevara bolted 51 yards down the sidelines on the first play from scrimmage in the second half.  A LaRosa run put the lead at 29-0.  Guevara added another score the next time the Eagles got the ball, when he raced 66 yards for his second score of the game putting the Eagles up 35-0.

In the 4th quarter, Anthony Palace capped the scoring for the Eagles with a 31 yard touchdown run to close out the score at 41-0.  The Eagles ground game once again was very strong pounding out 266 yards on the day and scoring five times.

Also playing well for the Eagles was Elijah Botnick who recovered a fumble, Miles Sierra who gained 18 yards on the day from his fullback position and Sean Guevara who played flawlessly at QB subbing in for LaRosa.

West Hartford Chargers 34 – Farmington A Squad Maroon 6

The West Hartford Chargers raced to a 27-0 lead by half time and outlasted Farmington A Squad Maroon 34-6. Gabe Suarez, Valentino West, Derrick O’Connor, and Cam Wilson each scored for the Chargers. The Chargers move on to next week’s game vs the much improved West Hartford Health & Rehab Raiders at Sterling Field Sunday afternoon.

 

PEE WEE DIVISION

The Sports Authority Colts 35 – Farmington B Squad Black 12

On a muggy afternoon at Sterling field the Sports Authority Colts defeated a tough, well-coached Farmington team to remain unbeaten in week three of the season.  From the sidelines, offensive coordinator John Moran, pulled out the Madden ’15 playbook to guide the Colts down the field. On the opening drive, big gains by Namar Gaynor and Emmett Coco on the ground and Ben Woerlin at receiver brought the Colts to the 1 yard line.  From there, gritty fullback Drew Currier blasted into the end-zone. Gaynor then added the extra points off tackle.

Mateo Moran then booted the ensuing kickoff which bounced around liked a greased pig and was eventually pounced on by the Colt pursuers.  Resuming their march down the field, Gaynor bounced off-tackle, spinning and weaving behind the well-placed blocks of Dominic Bavaro and Chris Dowd for a 35-yard touchdown jaunt.  Quarterback Column Flaherty went aerial to Woerlin again for the extra points.  A determined Farmington answered with a volley downfield of their own as QB Drew Cormier (#44) weaved his way down the field into the end-zone bringing the score to 15-6.  Before the half, Gaynor added another notch in his belt, running 10 yards for his 2nd score.

Opening the second half, a determined Colt defense, led by Chris and Charles Dowd and Nate Cavo held the Farmington squad. Following this, Flaherty rolled out, dodging defenders and found Coco downfield for a 15 yard gain.  Coco tight roped it down the sideline deep into the red zone.  Currier then took a reverse down further in an acrobatic fashion, first scooping his own fumble and then literally flipping for the first down. Then Gaynor scored his 3rd of the day.   Farmington then went to the air with great success, and despite great defensive line pressure and pursuit by Aiden Guzman and Matt Sampt were able to get off a well-placed pass that Flaherty unfortunately read well and nabbed for the interception. The final Colt score of the day came on a well-executed 15 yard strike from Flaherty to Rodman deep in the end-zone.   The Farmington squad never retreated and, with true grit, marched down the field striking and plowing through a now mud-filled field into the end-zone closing out the day at 35-12. Colton Propiescus led the Farmington team on defense.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Patriots 30 – Farmington B Squad Blue 0

The Dick’s Sporting Goods Patriots leveraged strong defensive play en route to a 30-0 victory over Farmington A Squad Blue Sunday afternoon in front of a great turnout at Sterling Field.

The Patriots’ offense was led by a bevy of ball carriers, as Dillon Bent, Wyatt Reid, Walker Beverly, and Tommy LaSpada each reached the end zone behind solid blocking from Dylan Swift, Luke Duzan, Logan Murphy, Christian Maldonado, Joey LaSpada, Beverly, Ben Brockway, and Aidan Dorian.

The Patriots received the opening kickoff and executed a quick six play, 60-yard drive, capped by a Bent score behind a great lead block from Luke Duzan and Robert Parrotta. Reid converted the extra point to push the Patriots out to a quick 7-0 lead.

On Farmington Blue’s first possession, the Patriot defense stepped up as linebacker Parrotta single handedly held Blue’s offense to no gain to force a quick fourth down attempt. Farmington Blue turned to the air, and safety Aidan “The Brain” Dorian stepped in front of the pass for his first interception of the season to give the Patriots favorable field position. Bent scored three plays later, and quarterback Jack Brown connected with Tommy LaSpada to push the Patriots out to a 15-0 lead.

On Farmington Blue’s next possession, the Patriot defense notched their first of two defensive scores on the day, as Bent forced a fumble and returned it for a score to push the lead to 21-0 entering the half.

Patriot rookies Dylan Swift, Logan Murphy, and Tommy LaSpada saw extended playing time in the second half and nearly capped the opening second half drive with a score on a great run by Swift down the right sideline, but great defensive play by Farmington Blue forced a fumble on their own 3-yard line. The Patriots responded and notched their second defensive score on a safety to push their lead to 23-0.

Farmington Blue put together several nice plays on their ensuing drive, but could not cross the end line, and eventually turned the ball over on downs. Brown and Reid captained the Patriot offense to one last score, on a nice pass to Tommy LaSpada. Walker “Beast” Beverly converted the extra point to cap the scoring for the Patriots.

The Patriots received outstanding defensive play from Parrotta (who made several big tackles on key downs), Bent, Luke Duzan, Ethan Tiffany (great stop on a screen attempt) Brockway, Beverly, Joey LaSpada, Maldonado, Swift, Murphy, and newcomers Abraham Dunn and Daniel Chavez.

The Patriots move on to face Farmington Maroon at Farmington High School, while Farmington Blue will matchup against the Giants.

Hartford Healthcare 49ers 31 – Farmington B Squad Maroon 0

This was the Niners’ first road trip to the hospitable and immaculate FHS field. On the opening drive Josiah Rivers was able to turn a broken play into a 32-yard TD. Maroon stopped the PAT and the score was 6-0 Niners. After forcing a quick fumble, the Niners were able to score quickly on another long run, this time 38 yards by Nick Urso. Following another stopped PAT, the Niner’s were up 12-0 early.

An interception by “Izzy” Henriques-Sento gave the Niners mid-field possession and Rivers was able to get his second touchdown of the day. This time the PAT was successful by Brooks McConnell. Maroon stopped the 49ers to start the second quarter. On a 4th and 10 attempt, Maroon was able to get a key interception. Unfortunately time ran out for Maroon to get points on the board, and the score was 19-0 at the half.

The 49ers received the ball to start the third quarter and put together a 10 play drive that cumulated in a “hat trick” by Rivers, his third touchdown of the day. Maroon stymied yet another PAT and the score was 24-0. Maroon was not giving in and moved the ball nicely on their next drive including a 20-yard deep pass and an acrobatic sideline catch.  Maroon was eventually stopped and the drive ended with a turnover on downs. In the final quarter, Matt Schwab playing fullback for the 49ers was able to break free for a 60-yard dash for the last touchdown of the day. Matt punched in the PAT and the final score was 31-0 Niners when the clock struck 0:00.

The 49ers were blessed with outstanding running by the aforementioned scorers, but credit should also be given to the line (including Eziah Velazquez, Scott LaBranch and Mason Chabot) who opened nice holes for them to run through. Defensively, Andrew Reicher, Matt Schwab and Devine Edwards were standouts.

The 49ers will return to Sterling Field Sunday to face off against Farmington B Squad Black, while Farmington B Squad Maroon will play the Patriots.

The Watts Group Giants 30 – Farmington B Squad White 8

In a well-played and hard fought contest, The Watts Group Giants outlasted Farmington B Squad White 30-8 Sunday afternoon at Farmington High School.

The Giants will return to Sterling Field Sunday to face off against the Farmington B Squad Blue, while Farmington B Squad White will play the Colts.

 

MIGHTY MITE DIVISION

Beachland Tavern Jets 6 – Fischman Orthodontics Browns 0

On a perfect Sunday afternoon for football, the Beachland Tavern Jets edged the Fischman Orthodontics Browns 6-0 in a true defensive battle at Sterling Field.

Trailing 6-0 late in the fourth quarter, the Browns’ Matt Farber returned a punt 45-yards to give the Browns a chance to tie or win, but the Jets’ defense was able to hold to secure the team’s first victory of the season.

The Jets’ offense was led by the triple threat backfield of Spencer “The Stiff Arm’ Schwartz, Ged Gengras, and Jonny “football” Robinson.  The Jets’ offensive line of Sam MacGilpin, Caleb Ramsey, Luke Boucher, Mia Ficaro and Joe Sabia provided solid blocking to open up running lanes for the backfield.

When the Jets turned to the air, quarterback Austin Bourgoin was a perfect 4-for-4, connecting with Ryan “The Question” Smith for several big gains.

On defense, the Jets received great linebacker play from “Big” Ben Hall. Also chipping in with great solo tackles were Robinson, Schwartz and Smith. Each also had solo sacks. Solid gang tackling by Austin Bourgoin, Isaac Ramsey, Caleb Ramsey, and Ged Gengras helped to turn back the stingy Browns’ offense.

For the Browns, Simon Levy led the team in rushing with several strong runs up the middle and played solid defense, getting in on or making several tackles. Matt Farber played solid at QB, and made several tackles on defense Jack Gold had two tackles for loss and also made five other tackles, while defensive ends Michael and Kel Parizo each had multiple tackles for loss. Ryan Zydanowicz, Mason Wright, Tristin Gaddy and Malachi Fountain also played solid on both offense and defense.

Both teams fought hard. The ball was moved by both teams but getting in the end zone proved difficult due to tough defensive play.

The Jets return to Sterling Field Sunday to match up against the Macca Plumbing Cowboys, while the Browns host Farmington A Squad Black.

Macca Plumbing Cowboys 38 – Farmington C Squad Maroon – 7

Chase Fountain scored four touchdowns to lead the Cowboys to a 38-7 victory over Farmington C Squad Maroon.

On the opening drive, the Cowboys potent offense marched down the field with a series of plays and scored on a 45-yard touchdown run by Fountain.  On the next series, the Cowboys led by a dominant defensive front held Farmington C Squad Maroon on a fourth down play.  With a turnover on downs, Walker Disque scored on a 58-yard run to expand the lead.

On this day, the Cowboys defense was too strong.  With solid interior line play by brothers Bruce and Luke Jones, Braden Sohn, and Jack Archambeault the Farmington offense could not penetrate the Cowboys’ front line leading to another defensive stop.

On the next series the Cowboys marched down the field and capped off another drive with a 35 yard touchdown run by Trevor Tanis and a conversion by CJ Nelson.

The Cowboys opened the second half with a kickoff recovery by Tanis which led to another 45 yard touchdown run by Fountain behind the lead blocking of Tight End, Jamie Kennedy.

Capitalizing on the legs of Fountain, the Cowboys scored on another 60 yard run.

Farmington Maroon would not quit.  With a few minutes left in the game, Farmington drove down the field with a series of runs that led to a touchdown and conversion.  With an attempt to execute an onside kick that penetrated the front line, once again Fountain found the end zone with a hard earned 60 yard kickoff return that ended the game.

The Cowboys defense was led by Bruce Jones, Disque, Fountain, Tanis, Kennedy, and Rashad Collier.  The Cowboys offense was led by great offensive line play by Nathaniel Corona, Bruce Jones, Braden Sohn, Jack Archambeault, CJ Nelson, and Kennedy.

The Cowboys return to Sterling Field next week to face the Jets.

Doctors Express Urgent Care Steelers 27 – Farmington C Squad Black 7

The Doctors Express Urgent Care Steelers improved to 2-1 on the season with a 27-7 victory over previously unbeaten Farmington B Squad Black Sunday afternoon at Farmington High School.

The Steelers will return to Sterling Field Sunday to face off against Farmington B Squad Maroon, while Farmington B Squad Black will play the Browns.

 

FLAG DIVISION

Mooyah (Green) 26 – Joey’s Pizza Pie (Black) 19

The Mooyah’s (Green Team) squared off against the Joey’s Pizza (Black Team).  This week he Mooyah’s played a balanced offensive and defensive game against a tough determined Joey’s Pizza team.

As for the game highlights, on the Mooyah’s team in the first quarter Joe O’Connell raced up the right side line to score the first touchdown of the game. On their next offensive possession, Cooper Tantraporn sprinted again up the right side for another fantastic full length of the field run to add to the Mooyahs first half scoring.

In the second half, Dominic Burgos ran the full length of the field to score another exciting touchdown for the team. A second half long run by Benji set up another score which was made by a Cooper Tantraporn. This score capped the team’s touchdowns for the game. Two extra points were made by Leo Sussman and Benji Halpert to round of the team’s offensive contributions. On the defensive side it was impressive; the Mooyah’s team had well balanced defensive stops which were spread-out by all players. Caleb Salomans lead the team with 5 fantastic run play defensive flag pulls. This was a hot sweaty long game as the Mooyah’s came out on top with their third win of the season. Great job to the green team!

For the Joey’s Pizza squad there were several excellent defensive stops made by Luc Abbatemarco and Spencer Boucher-Zazzaro.  Anothy McKeown had a spectacular interception and after the pick he ran for an impressive touchdown, nice job with heads up play! Jack Wahl Cox also score a touchdown for the Joey’s Pizza Team with an excellent run of determination down the right side of the field while out pacing the Mooyah’s defense.

Sweet Frog (Purple) 32 – Dick’s Sporting Goods 20

The game was tight in the first half as Dick’s Sporting Goods tied up the game 13-13 at halftime with the Sweet Frogs Ravens. Brendan Kennedy scampered left and scored from 50 yards out. Tommy Hussey’s strong run from the five added the extra point. Sean Moleti ran a crossing route completing a catch over the middle for 15 yards. In the first half for the Sweet Frog Ravens, a Cole Keegan breakout run setup Tyler Redden’s first touchdown. Cal Farrell’s evasive running skill closed the gap in scoring with a touchdown as Griffin Krupp added the extra point. The second half was a battle but the Sweet Frog Ravens pulled out the victory 31-20. Dick’s Sporting Goods competed to the end as strong defensive plays were made by Ben Walsh, Brady McDonald, and Donovan Lumpkin.

Brendan Kennedy zipped down the left sideline dancing along the tight rope sideline, his second score of the game. For the Ravens, Ben Goldstein showed his colors, as he raced in from 45 yards out with a Soly Levy extra point from the 5. Calvin Borio had a great run to the 5 yard line in Sweet Frog’s first possession.

AC Petersen Farms (Blue) 34 – Fresh Ink (Orange) 33

In a well-played and hard fought contest, AC Petersen Farms outlasted Fresh Ink 34-33 on Sunday afternoon at Sterling Field.

AC Petersen Farms will return to Sterling Field Sunday to face off against the Sweet Frog (Purple), while Fresh Ink (Orange) will play Joey’s Pizza Pie (Black).

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