NVL TEAMS BOUNCED OUT OF THE CIAC STATE PLAYOFFS
First off, here are some video highlights of last night's Ansonia/Northwest Catholic game:
Ansonia vs Northwest Catholic HIGHLIGHTS
Hats off to the NWC coaching staff and players. I mean, really, this team played a great game against the Chargers last night and never allowed Ansonia to get into any rhythm whatsoever.
One thing that I hate to say, but must be said, is how bad of a fan-base Northwest Catholic has. I spoke with three of the NWC parents and they were very pleasant to speak with. However, there were an incredible amount of BAD fans at last night's game. I'm not sure if they are alumni, friends of the players, or even parents themselves, but they ought to be ashamed of themselves for their behavior. Cussing and threatening Ansonia MOTHERS? Shouting at the Ansonia players (words you don't want your kids hearing) throughout the game. Chanting like a 15-year old would after a shut-out win? Give me a break.
About ten minutes after the game, I congratulated NWC QB Jack Murphy in front of his parents as well as Hayes. Both kids were polite and grateful for the win they had just earned. NWC Coach Mike Tyler also showed class by saying how great of a program Ansonia has had and talked about its great football history.
As far as the game itself, Ansonia never recovered after being punched in the mouth on the opening kickoff return for a TD by NWC. And after that, NWC completely dominated in the trenches. Ansonia's o-line rarely got a push.
You know things aren't going well for the Chargers when their star RB gets only 12 touches and the QB drops back to pass 15+ times in a game.
Many, including some of our bloggers here, are quick to point the finger at Coach Brockett. Let me say this - Where was all of the criticism before last year's loss to Cromwell? And after a few losses, we're ready to run the guy out of town? Give me a break. He called some good plays last night and the kids just didn't execute. It was as simple as that.
It's no excuse in saying the field was sloppy. Yeah, it was sloppy for both teams, but I noticed Dobbs, Kinnebrew, and even Sobin having trouble making cuts on that horrible playing surface. What set NWC apart from the Chargers was that the Indians didn't let the field conditions decide the game for them.
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St. Joe's vs Holy Cross
Blowout of the year.
I received scoring updates from this game and was shocked to hear it was 21-0...with time remaining in the first quarter! The game was pretty much over by halftime and that's when I stopped receiving scores. What a way to end the season for both HC and AHS.
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St. Paul vs New Canaan
It sounded like SP played well based on the score and the chance to actually WIN this game, had SP converted the two-point conversion with under one minute remaining in the game. Gutsy call by Coach Kelly to go for the win on the road. Can you just imagine if St. Paul had won that game 15-14? Coulda, woulda, shoulda - but they definitely showed they could play with a top-tier team in New Canaan. I was quite satisfied with their effort...for the sake of the NVL. They spared us.
Congratulations to all three squads for making the playoffs. I didn't think Ansonia would make the playoffs this season but they went beyond my expectations. I thought they were going to end-up a 7-3 or 6-4 squad.
