West Hartford Youth Football – Week Two Game Summaries

Scores and highlights of games played September 14, 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 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.

PONY DIVISION

Brewer Paving Eagles 24 – West Hartford Chargers 16

The Eagles defeated the Chargers 24-14 in a hard fought Pony division game at Sterling Field.  The Eagles got on the board first on a 5 yard touchdown pass from Jeff LaRosa to AJ Guevara that capped an 11 play 70 yard drive that ate up the entire first quarter.  The extra point attempt was no good so the Eagles led 6-0.

The Chargers then marched on a long drive of their own scoring on a TD pass and a two point conversion to take an 8-6 lead.  The Eagles continued their ground and pound game and ended the second quarter with an 12 play drive capped by a LaRosa 1 yard touchdown run as time expired.  LaRosa carried 7 times on the drive for 47 yards while Anthony Palace picked up 8 yards on 3 carries.

The Eagles capitalized on a Chargers muffed punt that gave the Eagles the ball at the Chargers 5 yard line.  Anthony Palace scored on the first play on a 5 yard run to give the Eagles an 18-8 lead.  The Chargers Cam Wilson took the ensuing kickoff 70 yards escaping several tackles to bring the Chargers within 18-14.

The Eagles then went on another long drive going 57 yards on 8 plays that was capped off by a 6 yard TD run by LaRosa who finished the game with 131 yard on 14 carries and 2 rushing TDs.  The Eagles missed the extra point attempt giving them the 24-14 lead.  Their aggressive defense kept the Chargers off the board again and the lead held.  Anthony Palace finished with 47 yards on 11 carries for the Eagles.  AJ Guevera had 2 receptions for 32 yards.

Props to the The Eagles offensive line who opened holes all afternoon for the running backs as they piled up 205 yards rushing.

Both teams played hard football throughout the game giving the crowd a good show on a perfect Sunday afternoon.

West Hartford Health & Rehab Raiders 28 – Northstar Wealth Partners Wildcats 14

The West Hartford Health & Rehab Raiders locked horns with the Northstar Wealth Partners Wildcats Sunday afternoon, with the Raiders coming out on top 28-14.

The Raiders were led by strong performances from CJ Denson (2 forced fumbles and several key tackles), Andrew Lagoy (interception return to set up a touchdown), Otis Donalson (2 touchdowns), Josh Kennedy (1 sack), and James Cheverier (2 sacks and several key tackles for losses).  Mario Volpe also made several tackles up the middle and blocked well on offense.

The Wildcats received the opening kickoff, but Andrew Lagoy made a nice interception on the third play of the game. The Raiders returned the ball 25 yards and the Wildcat defense took the field on the 18. The Cats struck back hard with a big sack right away by Nolan Tibball, but despite a couple more nice defensive stops, the Raiders scored on a sweep right by Silas Bridges, followed by an extra point run up the middle to lead 7-0 early in the first quarter.

After the kickoff, the Wildcats put together a long drive, with Nolan, Nathan Bones, Daquan Shaw and Huey combining on the ground attack to bring the ball to the four yard line at the end of the first quarter.  Daquan then broke two tackles on a sweep right to score the Wildcats first touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. After Daquan ran it up the middle for the extra point, the game was tied at 7-7.

The Raiders received the kick off and started their second-quarter drive on their 39 yard line.  The stingy Wildcat defensive front, led by Dario Laraia, kept the Raiders in check, setting up a huge stop by Daquan on a fourth and six sweep by the Raiders and resulting in a turnover on downs to the Cats at the Raiders 48.  But the Raiders paid the Wildcats back immediately, taking over after 4 downs at the Raiders 40.

The Raiders then ran a right sweep which was totally stymied by the Wildcats, but the Raider ballcarrier reversed field, broke several tackles and scampered all the way in for a touchdown.  As they did on many occasions during the day, however, the Wildcats showed their heart, dug down and stopped the extra point with a great tackle by Dario, leaving the score at Raiders 13 – Wildcats 7.

The Cats came up empty on their next possession, and the defense had to dig in and fight.  A swarming Wildcats defense stopped the Raiders cold on two consecutive running plays, but on fourth and four the Raiders ran a sweep right for a first down, followed by a solid 7 yards gain on first down. The Raiders broke it open with their first pass play of the game for another touchdown, followed by a 2 point pass conversion to the right flats. Score 21-7 Raiders.

On the ensuing kickoff, Nolan returned the deep kick 10 yards to the wildcat 40 with 1:10 left in the half. An incomplete pass and a short run ended the half with the score Raiders 21 – Wildcats 7.

Wildcats kicked off to start the second half, and things started going the Wildcats’ way, with the Raiders called for a holding penalty on the second play from scrimmage to bring back a good Raider running gain. Two plays later, the Raiders punted, and the Wildcats started over again with the ball spotted at their own 35.

On the first play from scrimmage, Daquan bulled the ball straight up the middle for an 8 yard gain, followed by a sweep left to the 48. Then, just as the momentum was building, the Raiders forced a fumble that was recovered on the Wildcat 48.  The Wildcats then held the Raiders to three and out, with Nathan Bones returning the punt to the Wildcat 45. The offensive line turned up the volume to allow Daquan for gains of 5 and 20 yards, bringing the Cats to the Raider 25, and Nolan chipped in with a couple strong runs to set up fourth and two.  QB Franklin Robinson surprised the Raiders with a keeper and brought the ball to the 14 to end the third quarter still trailing 21-7.

Unfortunately, the Wildcats got no closer than the 10 yard line, as the Raider defense stiffened. With 4 minutes left in the game, the Raiders broke a big run wide left to take the ball to the Cats’ 18.  Four plays later, the Raiders lead increased to 28-7.

But the stout-hearted Wildcats were not done fighting.  After the kick, Franklin completed a screen pass to Nathan who turned it up field for a big 40 yard score.  Franklin ran in the extra point and the Raiders were getting nervous. Raiders 28 – Wildcats 14.

The excitement built, as Nolan recovered a well-executed onside kick at the Raiders 47. Two plays later, on third and long, Nathan broke three tackles and rumbled down the left sideline to the Raider 10 as time expired.

Notable performances: Daquan Shaw: 161 yards rushing, 2 solo tackles, 4 assists,  1TD; Nathan Bones: 63 yards rushing, 2 solo tackles, 4 assists,  1TD; Nolan Tibbal: 46 yards rushing, 4 solo tackles, 4 assists; Dario Laraia: 2 solo tackles, 5 assists.

The Raiders return to Sterling Field on Sunday to host Farmington A Squad Black at 2 p.m., while the Wildcats host Farmington Blue at noon.

Farmington A Squad Black 19 – Farmington A Squad Maroon 13

Farmington A Squad Black leveraged a strong rushing game and solid defense en route to a hard fought 19-13 victory over the A Squad Maroon.

A Squad Black returns to Sterling Field Sunday to matchup against the Raiders, while Farmington Maroon will return home to face-off against the Chargers at Farmington High School.

Farmington A Squad Blue 20 – Farmington A Squad White 12

Farmington A Squad Blue defeated A Squad White 20-12 Sunday afternoon at Farmington High School.

A Squad Blue returns to Sterling Field Sunday to matchup against the Wildcats, while A Squad White will return home to face-off against the Eagles at Farmington High School.

 

PEE WEE DIVISION

Hartford Healthcare 49ers 12 – The Watts Group Giants 7 

On another gorgeous weather day at Sterling field, a great clash took place in the Pee Wee division with the Giants taking on the 49ers.  The 49ers were able to stop the Giants on their opening drive and forced a punt. The Niners then scored on their first possession with the help of a 40-yard run by QB Matt Schwab.  A failed conversion left the score 6-0.  After another defensive stop, the Niners were able to put together a 60-yard drive with hard running by Josiah Rivers and Nick Urso who punched it in to bring the score to 12-0.  The score remained the same going into halftime.

In the third quarter, both teams fought valiantly with big plays on offense and defense that didn’t result in any scoring.  The Niners saw big defensive plays by Divine Edwards and John Schulz.

The Giants were blessed with elusive running by Jack Kennedy.

In the fourth quarter, the Giants put together a 60-yard drive including a few great runs by Rowan Sierra who made several cut moves to get into the end zone.  Rich Aponte got the point after try on a fullback dive play making the score 12-7.  On the next play, Jackson McDonald received the onside kick from the Giants to help secure the victory for the 49ers.

The Niner’s front line, anchored by Marcus Ramsey, helped establish their run game.  The Giants saw all around positive performances from Patrick Schwab, Luke Wilson and Damien Thompsen.  Next week both teams travel to Farmington High School to take on the Mudhogs.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Patriots 13 – The Sports Authority Colts 13

In what is sure to be rebroadcast as an Instant Classic on ESPN, the Dick’s Sporting Goods Patriots and Sports Authority Colts played to a 13-13 tie Sunday afternoon at Sterling field.

After the Patriots pulled ahead 13-7 late in the fourth quarter, the Colts scored with two minutes left on a QB sneak by Column Flaherty to tie the game at 13-13, only to see the Patriots thwart the extra point attempt by Namar Gaynor on a great gang tackle by Christian Maldonado, Walker Beverly, Ben Brockway, Logan Murphy, and Parrotta. The Patriots received the ensuing kick at midfield, quickly moved into scoring position, and nearly scored as time expired, but Dillon Bent’s pass to Parrotta in the end zone was tipped by safety Emmett Coco and fell incomplete.

The Patriots offensive attack was fueled by a ground game led by Bent, Parrotta, Logan Murphy, Dylan Swift, and Wyatt Reid. Bent’s two scores paced the Patriots.

The teams exchanged great offensive and defensive plays during the first half, with the Colts driving deep into Patriot territory only to turn the ball over on downs after a great fourth down stop by Bent who sacked Flaherty shy of the first down marker.

Starting their final first half possession deep in their own territory, the Patriots turned to the air, and Bent connected with Parrotta on what appeared to be an 85-yard touchdown strike, if not for the amazing hustle (and speed) of Flaherty, who tackled Parrotta at the 5-yard line with 15 seconds remaining in the half. The Colts’ defense held, and the teams entered the break scoreless.

The Patriots received the second half kickoff and quickly reeled off a 6-play, 50-yard drive, capped by a Bent score to pull ahead 6-0. The rushing conversion was good, and the score stood at 7-0.

The Colts responded with a scoring drive of their own, as Gaynor, Coco, and Flaherty combined for several nice gains. Coco capped the drive with an 11 yard score, and Gaynor converted the extra point to tie the score at 7-7.

With four minutes remaining in the game, the Colts attempted an on-sides kick which was recovered on a nice heads up play by Tommy LaSpada. The Patriots responded and mounted a second scoring drive, and pulled ahead 13-7. The passing conversion fell incomplete.

The Colts received the ensuing kickoff with two minutes left, and mounted their final drive to tie the game. Facing a tough 2nd down and 6 late in the game, Patriot Luke Duzan sacked Flaherty for a loss, but Flaherty responded with a nice strike to Coco on the next play to setup Gaynor’s game tying touchdown.

The Colts received outstanding offensive play from Flaherty, Gaynor, Coco, Aiden Guzman and Drew Currier. On defense, Chris Dowd and Mateo Moran made several key tackles. Patriot standouts included the offensive line of Murphy, Maldonado, Joey LaSpada, Walker Beverly, and Ben Brockway. On defense, the Patriots received solid contributions from Bent, Parrotta, Dylan Swift. DJ Romano, Jack Brown, Tommy LaSpada, Aidan Dorian, and Wyatt Reid.

The Patriots move on to face Farmington B Squad Blue on Sunday, while the Colts will matchup against Farmington B Squad Black.

Farmington B Squad Maroon 20 – Farmington B Squad Black 12

Farmington B Squad Maroon responded with a strong Week 2 performance, defeating B Squad Black 20-12 at Farmington High School.

B Squad Maroon returns to Sterling Field Sunday to face off against the 49ers, while B Squad Black will play the Colts.

Farmington B Squad Blue 20 – Farmington B Squad White 7

Farmington B Squad Blue defeated B Squad Black 20-7 at Farmington High School.

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

 

MIGHTY MITE DIVISION

Doctors Express Urgent Care Steelers 25 – Moe’s Southwest Grill Jets

The Doctors Express Urgent Care Steelers took the field in their second game against the Moe’s Southwest Grille Jets at Sterling Field Sunday afternoon. Both teams entered the game looking for their first win. Only one would prevail.

The Steelers won the coin toss and elected to defer to the Jets. The Jets received the kick off and on their opening drive proceeded to matriculate the ball down field behind the strong O-Line and fast legs of Ged Gengras and Spencer Schwartz. The Jets drive ended just short of the Steelers goal line, as the D-Line aka “The Steel Curtain” refused to back down. With the turnover on downs, the Steelers offense took the field and took charge. On their first play Jay McNamara, behind a perfectly snapped ball from Xander Bona, scampered down the sideline for an 80-yard score. The Steelers attempted the extra point but were met with the Jets’ solid defense to keep the game at 6-0. The Jets started their second drive with a methodical offense lead by QB Austin Bourgion, who throughout the drive completed several passes to his WR Ryan Smith. But again the Jets were kept out of the end zone behind solid defensive play from Grant Kanaga, Bodie Smith, Andrew Hunter, Dylan Jackson and Christopher Ortiz. With one minute to go in the first half Jay McNamara was able to break loose down the field for the Steelers’ second touchdown. Again the extra point was thwarted by the Jets solid defense.

The second half was equally thrilling. With the Steelers emotions still riding high from an excellent first half. Xavier Burgos received the kick on the 30 yard line and proceeded to run the ball up the left field side line where he was met by heavy Jet traffic around the 50-yd line, Burgos crazy legs would not let him be denied as he spun his way out of tackles and zig zagged his way back across the field before he finally gassed out in the end zone for the Steelers third touchdown. The Jets still holding strong would deny the Steelers again for the extra point. This made the score 18-0.

Midway through the 3rd quarter the Jets mounted another explosive drive getting down deep into Steeler territory. But the Steelers resolve would not be broken and the Jets drive was stopped by a great tackle from new comer Harris Berson.

The Steelers were able to punch in their final score on a broken play behind the legs of Jay McNamara with solid offense blocking by Zachary Alvarez, Damien Simpson, Silas Hawkins and Spencer Berson. Xavier Burgos was able to out run the Jets to the outside of the field scoring the Steelers only extra point. This brought the final score to 25-0 with the Steelers first win of the season.

Tailback Tyler Hazel was able to see extended playing time and his first carry of the season for a run of 5 yds due to great hustle in practice during the week. Andrew Hunter was also able to see his first carry of the season as well as pin the Jets deep in their territory after taking over kicking duties in the second half.

Defense Standouts for the Steelers include Chase Hanawalt, Jaylen Zamorano, Dylan Jackson, Grant Kanaga, Brian Hernandez, Zachary Alvarez, Christopher Ortiz and the Berson Brothers.

Macca Plumbing Cowboys 34 – Fischman Orthodontics Browns 6

Week two of the WHYFL season saw the Macca Plumbing Cowboys matchup against the Fischman Orthodontics Browns.  The Cowboys received the opening kickoff and began a solid running game with a 30 yard gain by Walker Disque. The Browns defense held their ground.  However, on 4th down the Cowboys offensive line of Bruce Jones, CJ Nelson, Jaime Kennedy, Nathaniel Corona, Jack Archambeault, Brayden Sohn and downfield blocking by Tyler Walsh led the way for a 25 yard touchdown run by Trevor Tanis. The following play was capped off by a pass conversion from the trustworthy arm of Declan McCann to Trevor Tanis.

The Cowboys defense led by Chase Fountain held the Browns to a few short gains before a 40 yard punt return by Declan McCann.  Special teams play for the Cowboys was a team effort as the following punt was returned for 50 yards by Chase Fountain behind a convoy which included Nathaniel Corona, Brian Acevedo, and Brayden Sohn.  The defense continued to swarm with a forced fumble by Rashad Collier that led to a QB keep touchdown by Declan McCann.

As the Browns got settled, tight defensive coverage by Mason Wright led to a 75 yard interception return for a touchdown.   The Browns managed the clock in the 3rd quarter keeping the Cowboys offense off the field with runs by Mason Wright and Matt Farber who rushed for over 50 yards on offense and a 35 yard kickoff return.

While the Browns defense led by Mason Wright, Matt Farber, Simon Levy and Jack Gold held their ground, the Cowboys were able to continue their ground attack with the legs of Fountain, Disque, Tanis and McCann.

On the defensive side of the ball, there was strong play by Corners Jaime Kennedy and Rashad Collier and Linebackers Declan McCann, Trevor Tanis and CJ Nelson who picked off a pass which led to a drive ending with a 10 yard touchdown run by McCann.

The Cowboys return to Sterling Field to face the Farmington C Squad, while the Browns matchup against the Jets.

Farmington C Squad Black 27 – Farmington C Squad Maroon 13

The Farmington C Squad Black defeated C Squad Maroon 27-13 Sunday afternoon at Westwood Field in Farmington.

Farmington C Squad Black will move on to face the Steelers, while C Squad Maroon will matchup against the Cowboys at Sterling Field on Sunday.

 

FLAG DIVISION

Mooyah (Green) 20 – Fresh Ink (Orange) 19

The Mooyah’s (Green) squared off against the Fresh Ink (Orange), with Mooyah ending up victorious 20-19 Sunday afternoon at Sterling Field.

This game was evenly matched on both sides of the ball, where ultimately the defensive of the Mooyah’s is what enabled the team to pull of another one point very tight victory.

As for the game highlights, on the Mooyah’s team in the first quarter Ben Halpert scored a touchdown after catching a short pass where he sprinted the length of the field to end up in the end zone. Scoring the second touchdown for the Mooyah’s was Dominic Burgos who had a long touchdown run.  In the second quarter Leo Sussman caught a short pass and turned it into a super run and was stopped at the one yard line just shy of a touchdown. This play was followed up by Cooper Tantraporn who swung out wide to sprint to the counter of the endzone to finish off the Leo Sussman prior play. The Mooyah’s called for a two point play to attempt to get on top of the Fresh Ink team.  Dominic Burgos made it happen with a 10 yard 2 point conversion; this play was successful based on an excellent block made by Leo Sussman enabling Dominic to get into the corner of the end zone.

On the defensive side of the game notable defensive plays were made by Leo Sussman, Donimc Burgos, Cooper Trantaporn, and Joe O’Connell. On the last play of the game Benji Halpert got the game saving flag plug off Jonathan Garcia to pull off a very tight victory for the Mooyah’s.

For the Fresh Ink (Orange Team), Jonathan Garcia ran for a 75 yard touchdown on the first possession of the game. Matthew Williams scored on cutting and weaving 55 yard touchdown.  Jonathan Garcia ran in the extra point. Jonathan Garcia also scored a touchdown a 50 yard run.

The Orange also had nice passing plays and runs of 15 to 20 yards from Ronan Foley, Ryan Haggerty and Xavien Correa. The defense was led by Jonathan Garcia and Will Davis who made key contributions, and by Matthew Williams who broke up an extra point pass.

Sweet Frog (Purple) 25 – Joey’s Pizza Pie 20

The pendulum of scoring swung and when the final bell rang, the Sweet Frogs Ravens came out on top 25-20. There was a pinball of scoring from both sides of the ball as most players were involved directly with each score. Joey’s Pizza Pie had some long touchdown passes that included the scores of Anthony McKoewn, Eric Guzman and Anthony Guzman. They followed up with extra points that were converted by Jack Wahl and Jake Monaco.

For the Ravens, Solomon Levy started off the game with a great scamper around the right end for 25 yards. After a long scamper by Griffin Krupp to the one yard line, Aiden Bailey punched it in for the first score. There were key defensive plays by Calvin Borio, Griffin Krupp and Tyler Redden.  Sweet Frog also received scores on two extended runs and a play action pass to Tyler Redden. The final run of the day won the game for the Ravens as time soon expired.Anthony McKeown touchdown. Eric Guzman Touchdown. Anthony Guzman touchdown.

Jack Wahl-Cox 1 point conversion. Jake Monaco 1 point conversion.

AC Petersen Farms (Blue) 20 – Dick’s Sporting Goods 13

In a well-played and hard fought contest, AC Petersen Farms outlasted Dick Sporting Goods 20-13 on Sunday afternoon at Sterling Field.

AC Petersen Farms will return to Sterling Field Sunday to face off against the Fresh Ink (Orange), while Dick’s Sporting Goods will play Sweet Frog (Purple).