Just some brief thoughts after our Friday night games, with less than half of the NVL's Week 3 games in the books.
The Wolcott-Woodland contest was an excellent football game. Woodland blew me away with the caliber of defense it played, making key stops when it needed to. It had two moments of major weakness--the long kickoff return to start the game which led to a field goal and the drive ending in the score by DeVante Bonvillian. Otherwise, very aggressive and intense defense by Woodland.
Wolcott didn't look quite as good as I was expecting, so I'm trying to determine whether I overestimated the Eagles or whether I should give more credit to Woodland's defense. Regardless, Wolcott's defense looked very good, as well, and the running game came through in the end. Like Pat Russo told me, they think being within striking distance in the second half is a good spot to be with how well conditioned his players are. It definitely showed. (More on this game here.)
Not sure of any details on Watertown-St. Paul or Sacred Heart-Crosby, but it looks like the Falcons and Bulldogs hung around for a while. I know both games were neck-and-neck at the half. I wasn't surprised to see the Indians let St. Paul hang around, but I was expecting the Hearts to put up bigger numbers.
Anyway, onto the next three games of the weekend. Can't wait for Ansonia-Holy Cross at Jarvis on Monday night.
Here are some in-game video clips that were uploaded to Twitter during the game:
Wolcott returns the opening kickoff deep into Woodland territory
DeBiase pass intercepted but late hit on Wolcott gives Woodland possession again
Woodland's Rob Johnson 16-yard TD reception. Woodland 7, Wolcott 3
Wolcott's Gambino stopped
Wolcott's Bonvillian flips into the end zone to put the Eagles up 10-7 over the Hawks. 1:39 3rd qtr
Woodland's Plourde lays a VICIOUS hit on Wolcott QB Gambino
Wolcott's Christiano puts a nice hit on Woodland's Pinho
Wolcott stuffs Woodland QB DeBiase on 4th and 1 with 3 min remaining
