For the past two high school football seasons, preparing to play the New Fairfield Rebels presented opposing coaches with a question few were able to answer: how to stop quarterback Bobby Wood.
After a stellar junior campaign in which he threw for nearly 1800 yards and threw for 16 touchdowns, the hype surrounding Wood before his senior year was unparalleled. Universally touted as one of the best quarterbacks in the state, expectations were high for both Wood and the Rebels coming into the 2009 season. Sometimes the pressure of expectations gets to a player, and he and his team suffer as a result. This was not the case with Bobby Wood.
All Wood did was amass more than 2700 yards of total offense (1940 passing, 791 rushing), score 24 touchdowns (14 passing, 10 rushing), lead the Rebels to a 6-4 record and a Patriot Division championship, and earn 1st team All-SWC and All-State honors.
More recently, Wood added another accomplishment to his already impressive credentials by being selected to play for Team Connecticut in the 12th Annual Governor’s Cup, becoming the first New Fairfield player to do so. The Governor’s Cup pits the best players from the state of Rhode Island against the best players from the state of Connecticut. The Connecticut All-Stars, who will be coached by Roy Roberts of Bloomfield, are 8-3 all-time against their counterparts from Rhode Island, and have won the game seven years running.
“It’s pretty exciting to be able to play with the best players in Connecticut, especially after playing against some of these guys during the regular season”, says Wood. Some opponents turned teammates include Andrew Clements, Ben Crick, and C.J. Elser of Pomperaug, Connor McNamara of Newtown, and Alex Trump of Masuk. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the field and seeing how I stack up against the cream of the crop”, Wood added.
Notably missing from Team Connecticut, however, are players from some of the premier programs in state. FCIAC Champion Staples, Class LL Champion Cheshire, four-time defending Class MM Champion New Cannan, and Class SS Champion St. Joseph will send no players to the Governor’s Cup.
If this past season was any indication, Wood will handle himself just fine among, as he put it, the “cream of the crop”. Against SWC runner-up Masuk, Wood posted 396 yards of total offense. Against Class M runner-up Bethel, he threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. Against perennial contender Newtown he racked up 389 yards of offense, and accounted for four touchdowns. After falling behind by fourteen points against the Nighthawks, Wood’s two highlight reel scramble-turned touchdowns sparked a Rebel offensive explosion that resulted in a stunning 42-21 victory over Newtown.
It seems as though football will be a part of Wood’s future beyond the Governor’s Cup as well. Wood plans on doing a post graduate year at Salisbury School, where he will compete for the starting quarterback position. “I got a couple of offers but none of them seemed to be the right fit for me,” said Wood when asked to explain his decision to PG. Whatever the case, Salisbury is lucky to land the services of a superb quarterback like Wood.
June 26th looks as though it will be a fairly busy day for Bobby Wood. Sometime around 10 am, he and his classmates at New Fairfield High School will receive their diplomas. After walking at graduation, Wood will depart for Rentschler Field in East Hartford to help Team Connecticut defend its Governor’s Cup title at 7 pm. Team Rhode Island will attempt to accomplish what the teams of the Southwest Conference could not: contain Bobby Wood. Good luck Rhode Island, you’re going to need it.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
US Draws With England
The USA took on rival England for the first time since 1960 when the Americans upset the Brits 1-0. This was the first game for each team to open up group play. England struck first when Emile Heskey crossed the ball over to Steven Gerrard who put it in to take a 1-0 lead. Determined to win the US defense stepped it up and smothered the British offense. There was a scary moment when goal keeper Tim Howard took a cleat to the chest on an attempted shot by Emile Heskey. Howard made the save but seemed to be in serious pain but stayed in the game for the Americans.
The US struck back in the 39th minute when Clint Dempsey took a long shot which deflected off the hands of England goal keeper Robert Green and trickled in to the net for the US goal. It was a goal keeper error which cost the Brits the win. The game ended in a draw giving both teams one point and tying them for second in group play.
The US continues their World Cup on Friday against Slovenia at 9:30 on ESPN.
The US struck back in the 39th minute when Clint Dempsey took a long shot which deflected off the hands of England goal keeper Robert Green and trickled in to the net for the US goal. It was a goal keeper error which cost the Brits the win. The game ended in a draw giving both teams one point and tying them for second in group play.
The US continues their World Cup on Friday against Slovenia at 9:30 on ESPN.
Friday, June 11, 2010
FIFA World Cup Opens
Today June 11, the FIFA World Cup opens in South Africa. The Opening match was between home country South Africa and Mexico. The first 20 minutes was dominated by Mexico, but they had no goals to show for it. As the game went on South Africa attacked the Mexican defense with relentless shots on goal and passes. The first goal of the World Cup was scored by none other than the host country to take a 1-0 lead. They held that lead until the 79th minute when Mexico squeaked one in to tie it 1-1. That is how the match would end in a tie, both countries received one point each and continue play Thursday and Friday. South Africa will continue their quest to advance to the round of 16 versus Uruguay.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Blackhawks Win Lord Stanley's Cup in Overtime
The Chicago Blackhawks worked overtime Wednesday night to beat the Philadelphia Flyers on the road 4-3, and win the series 4-2, thus earning Chicago its first Stanley Cup in fifty years.The series has been back and forth between the two teams, but it seems fitting that the most exciting game of the series by far is also the deciding one. Chicago dominated the first two games of the finals, but let the flyers back into the series before roaring back to life in game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead. However game 6 was notted at 3 heading into overtime, and both teams' seasons hung in the balance. Patrick Kane of the Hawks had been stifled by the Flyers defense throughout the series, but scored when it counted, taking a tough angle shot and fitting it between the legs of the Flyers goaltender to win the Stanley Cup for his team, and for his city.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Young Rebels Take Down New Canaan 8-4
Zach Anderson scholar-athlete had 1 goal and 3 assists for the Future Rebels
Zach Anderson was dominant in face-offs and won eight of nine in the first half assisted by a hard-charging Billy Gantert coming in from the wing with his long pole. The Rebels scored quickly less than a minute into the game, Collin Cioffi finished off of a Zach Anderson pass. In the ensuing Rebel possession Zach Anderson fired a shot over the goalies left shoulder putting the Rebels up 2-0. New Canaan then scored to bring it to 2-1 before Ralph Baldelli delivered a pass to Collin Cioffi who bounced a shot past the New Canaan goalie.
New Canaan scored again to bring the score to 3-2, and the score did not change until a minute left in the half when the Rebels scored three goals in quick succession highlighted by Michael Librie's goal with time expiring.
With the game in hand the Rebels and Rams traded goals in the second half, and with a strong effort in goal by Carlucci their was never any doubt about the outcome of the game as the Rebels won 8-4. Collin Cioffi had three goals to lead the Rebels.
Blackhawks Take Charge
After falling in game 4 5-3 to the Flyers, the Blackhawks came back home looking to take the series lead. On Sunday night they easily beat the Flyers down 7-4 taking a 3-2 lead in the series. Although it didn't seem like it, Antti Niemi was solid in goal saving 23 of 27 shots. Patrick Kane again had a solid game scoring another goal and also getting an assist on the Patrick Sharp wrist shot. The Flyers starting goalie, Brian Boucher, was pulled after giving up 3 goals for Micheal Leighton who also gave up 3 goals. Game 6 takes place in Phily where the Blackhawks look to win the cup.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
NBA Finals Game 2: Lakers vs. Celtics
The NBA Finals are tied at 1 game apiece after the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 103-94 in Game 2 at the Staples Center, handing the Lakers their first home loss of these playoffs. After being down by as many as 14 in the second quarter, the Lakers closed the gap to 9 at the half when Kobe Bryant stole an outlet pass and hit a long three pointer with 7 seconds remaining. The Lakers evened the game at 72 after three quarters, but the Celtics pulled away in fourth. Boston was able to seal the deal due to the efforts of point guard Rajon Rondo, who scored 8 of his 19 points during a 15-4 Celtic run to end the game. In addition to his impressive play down the stretch, Rondo posted his fifth career playoff triple double, scoring 19 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists.
The Lakers were able to keep it close in the first half despite a historic shooting performance by Ray Allen, who set an NBA Finals record with 8 three point field goals in the game, 7 of which came in the first half. Allen finished the game with 32 points, 27 of those coming the first half. Allen and Rondo shouldered the scoring load for Boston, with the other three Celtic starters (Garnett, Pierce, Perkins) combining for just 28 points. After Garnett and Perkins got into early foul trouble, Glen “Big Baby” Davis provided tremendous energy off the bench, recording 8 points and 7 boards.
For the Lakers, Pau Gasol had another outstanding game, scoring 25 points, snagging 8 rebounds and blocking 6 shots. Gasol has been much more effective in these NBA Finals than he was in the 2008 Finals when Kevin Garnett dominated him in every facet of the game. His play while Kobe Bryant was on the bench in foul trouble was the main reason why the Lakers were able to keep pace with the Celtics. Despite the aforementioned foul trouble Bryant managed to score 21 points, drop 5 dimes, and record 4 steals in the game. Andrew Bynum, the other Laker big man also played exceptionally well. Playing through a partially torn meniscus, Bynum had 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 blocks.
It seems the Celtics took my advice from the Game 1 article to heart. They were physical and limited the scoring of Kobe Bryant, and it led to a 9-point victory. The series now heads across the country to Boston for 3 games, where the Celtics have played very well thus far in the post-season. In order to bring the series back to Los Angeles, the Lakers must steal a game at the TD Garden, not an easy task by any means. However, if there is a team that can pull of such a feat it is the Los Angeles Lakers. Game 3 will be played on Tuesday night at 9 pm on ABC, and we can only hope the series continues to be as exciting as it has been up to this point.
The Lakers were able to keep it close in the first half despite a historic shooting performance by Ray Allen, who set an NBA Finals record with 8 three point field goals in the game, 7 of which came in the first half. Allen finished the game with 32 points, 27 of those coming the first half. Allen and Rondo shouldered the scoring load for Boston, with the other three Celtic starters (Garnett, Pierce, Perkins) combining for just 28 points. After Garnett and Perkins got into early foul trouble, Glen “Big Baby” Davis provided tremendous energy off the bench, recording 8 points and 7 boards.
For the Lakers, Pau Gasol had another outstanding game, scoring 25 points, snagging 8 rebounds and blocking 6 shots. Gasol has been much more effective in these NBA Finals than he was in the 2008 Finals when Kevin Garnett dominated him in every facet of the game. His play while Kobe Bryant was on the bench in foul trouble was the main reason why the Lakers were able to keep pace with the Celtics. Despite the aforementioned foul trouble Bryant managed to score 21 points, drop 5 dimes, and record 4 steals in the game. Andrew Bynum, the other Laker big man also played exceptionally well. Playing through a partially torn meniscus, Bynum had 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 blocks.
It seems the Celtics took my advice from the Game 1 article to heart. They were physical and limited the scoring of Kobe Bryant, and it led to a 9-point victory. The series now heads across the country to Boston for 3 games, where the Celtics have played very well thus far in the post-season. In order to bring the series back to Los Angeles, the Lakers must steal a game at the TD Garden, not an easy task by any means. However, if there is a team that can pull of such a feat it is the Los Angeles Lakers. Game 3 will be played on Tuesday night at 9 pm on ABC, and we can only hope the series continues to be as exciting as it has been up to this point.
Avon Falls to New Fairfield
New Fairfield opened the state playoffs with a strong performance against the visiting Avon Falcons. On senior night 4th year goalie Nick Costabile turned in another gem with his older brother and Duke National Championship hero C.J. in attendance.
New Fairfield got off to a slow start, scoring only once in the first ten minutes of the game and holding a slim 1-0 lead. Longpole Jesse Broderick finally sparked the Rebels attack when he scored with two minutes remaining in the first period. Over the next fourteen minutes New Fairfieled would score six more times, including a Ryan Mallon goal with 20 seconds left, to go into halftime with a commanding 8-0 lead.
Mallon picked up right where he left off, scoring the first goal of the second half to extend the lead to 9-0. For the first time all day Avon responded and scored a goal of their own, it would prove to be the lone blemish of Costabile's stellar performance. The unfazed Rebels continued their methodical dismantling of their opponents, scoring three more goals to go into the fourth quarter with an insurmountable 12-1 lead. With the game in hand coach Marty Morgan began pulling starters in the final period, starting with the goalie. Replacement Matt Reynolds, also a senior, allowed two quick goals before settling down and keeping the Falcons off the board for the rest of the game. New Fairfield scored the final two goals of the game to extend the lead to the final score of 14-3.
Next up for the Rebels is Conard of West Hartford, a team which is a notch above the Falcons of Avon and will surely put up more of a fight. The game is Tuesday, June 8th at 7pm and will be played at Fairfield-Ludlowe.
New Fairfield got off to a slow start, scoring only once in the first ten minutes of the game and holding a slim 1-0 lead. Longpole Jesse Broderick finally sparked the Rebels attack when he scored with two minutes remaining in the first period. Over the next fourteen minutes New Fairfieled would score six more times, including a Ryan Mallon goal with 20 seconds left, to go into halftime with a commanding 8-0 lead.
Mallon picked up right where he left off, scoring the first goal of the second half to extend the lead to 9-0. For the first time all day Avon responded and scored a goal of their own, it would prove to be the lone blemish of Costabile's stellar performance. The unfazed Rebels continued their methodical dismantling of their opponents, scoring three more goals to go into the fourth quarter with an insurmountable 12-1 lead. With the game in hand coach Marty Morgan began pulling starters in the final period, starting with the goalie. Replacement Matt Reynolds, also a senior, allowed two quick goals before settling down and keeping the Falcons off the board for the rest of the game. New Fairfield scored the final two goals of the game to extend the lead to the final score of 14-3.
Next up for the Rebels is Conard of West Hartford, a team which is a notch above the Falcons of Avon and will surely put up more of a fight. The game is Tuesday, June 8th at 7pm and will be played at Fairfield-Ludlowe.
Friday, June 4, 2010
NBA Finals Game 1: Lakers vs. Celtics
On Thursday night June 3rd, the Lakers took on the Celtics in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. This matchup is the latest chapter in the most storied rivalry in NBA history. Between them, the Lakers and the Celtics have accounted for 32 of the 63 NBA championships and have provided some of the most memorable games in NBA history. With stars such as Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce taking the court, this series is sure to provide some unforgettable moments.
The Lakers took the lead early and did not relinquish it for the rest of the game, earning a decisive 102-89 victory over the visiting Celtics. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, and Pau Gasol added 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, while Paul Pierce posted 24 points and 9 boards for the Celtics. Celtic point guard Rajon Rondo, who has arguably been the most valuable player of the playoffs thus far, was unusually quiet, scoring only 13 points. An impressive third quarter by the Lakers put the game out of reach for the Celtics. After leading 51-41 at halftime, the Lakers exploded for 34 points, outscoring the Celtics by 11 and pushing their lead to 20. Kobe Bryant had 14 points in the third quarter.
After losing Game 1, the Celtics have some work to do. Teams coached by Phil Jackson are an astounding 47-0 when winning Game 1 of a 7 game series. If the Celtics are to break this most impressive streak, they will need to play physical and limit the scoring of Kobe Bryant, a daunting task. Good luck Celtics, you’re going to need it.
The Lakers took the lead early and did not relinquish it for the rest of the game, earning a decisive 102-89 victory over the visiting Celtics. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, and Pau Gasol added 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, while Paul Pierce posted 24 points and 9 boards for the Celtics. Celtic point guard Rajon Rondo, who has arguably been the most valuable player of the playoffs thus far, was unusually quiet, scoring only 13 points. An impressive third quarter by the Lakers put the game out of reach for the Celtics. After leading 51-41 at halftime, the Lakers exploded for 34 points, outscoring the Celtics by 11 and pushing their lead to 20. Kobe Bryant had 14 points in the third quarter.
After losing Game 1, the Celtics have some work to do. Teams coached by Phil Jackson are an astounding 47-0 when winning Game 1 of a 7 game series. If the Celtics are to break this most impressive streak, they will need to play physical and limit the scoring of Kobe Bryant, a daunting task. Good luck Celtics, you’re going to need it.
Game 3 Preview (NHL)
After a big OT win, the Flyers are hoping that they could ride their momentum to win game 4. A win here would put immense pressure on the Blackhawks. A loss though would put the Flyers on the ropes of elimination, which I honestly think they would prefer. Last time they were down in a series (against the Bruins down 3-0) they won four straight in dominating fashion. I think though that the Black hawks will win for one main reason. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are playing better. After not getting points in their previous games Kane had a goal and an assist while Toews had an assist. Also their goal tending is much better. One game means nothing and with Anitti Niemi between the pipes I think the Blackhawks are going to win. Score 3-1 Blackhawks.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Rebels Baseball Falls In The First Round
The Rebels baseball team took on the Rockville Rams in the first round of the state tournament. The game started at 3:30 on Tuesday. The Rebels sent P.J. Jamison to the mound to face the Rams and got on a roll. He went 5 strong innings and only allowed two runs (one earned) and 4 hits. But the Rams pitcher was even more brilliant.
Through 5 innings the Rams pitcher was throwing a perfect game before being broken up on a Frank Guardi single with two outs in that 5th inning. Then play was suspended due to heavy rain and intense thunderstorms. The game was to be continued the next day at the same time.
On Wednesday they continued play at the top of the 6th, the Rams still throwing the same pitcher they had the day before hoping to get the same results. The Rebels though brought the momentum their way when Jake Patton started off the inning with a single. Then a costly error by the first basemen put Jim Andreozzi on with one out. After a fielders choice that put runners on first and third with two outs Captain Anthony Muratore came to the plate. He singled and scord the first run for the Rebels now only trailing by one. Next, the four hitter Captain Frank Guardi stepped in the batters box and stroked a single to left to score Joey Silva from second tying the game at 2
In the bottom of the sixth Anthony Muratore took the mound for P.J. Jamison. Anthony struck out the side in impressive fashion as the Rebels came back up to the plate to try and take the lead. Unfortunately they went down 1-2-3 and took the field again.
The bottom of the seventh Muratore got the first out but the next batter singled. The next batter for the Rams tried to bunt over the runner on first but missed. As this occurred the runner took off for second where Joe Roberti threw a strike to the bag but none of the Rebels middle infielders where covering. The ball fell into center field and the runner tries to take third on the over throw. Center fielder Joey Silva took the ball and gunned it to third baseman Tyler Hooper who caught the ball, laid down the tag, and blocked the bag at the same time. The runner was called safe on a quite questionable call. With the infield in Muratore barred down and struck out the batter for the second out. Now needing one more out to force extra Muratore got ahead of the Rams batter. But on a 1-1 count, the batter stroked a single to center allowing the run to score ending the game 3-2 in favor of Rockville.
The Rebels ended their season in a heart breaking loss. Frank Guardi went 2-3 with and RBI and Jake Patton went 1-2 with a key run scored. P.J. Jamison pitched a solid 5.0 innings allowing 2R (1ER) and 4 hits. Anthony Muratore pitched a masterful 2 innings striking out 4 and only allowing one run while going 1-3 with a key RBI. The Rebels finished the season 9-12
Through 5 innings the Rams pitcher was throwing a perfect game before being broken up on a Frank Guardi single with two outs in that 5th inning. Then play was suspended due to heavy rain and intense thunderstorms. The game was to be continued the next day at the same time.
On Wednesday they continued play at the top of the 6th, the Rams still throwing the same pitcher they had the day before hoping to get the same results. The Rebels though brought the momentum their way when Jake Patton started off the inning with a single. Then a costly error by the first basemen put Jim Andreozzi on with one out. After a fielders choice that put runners on first and third with two outs Captain Anthony Muratore came to the plate. He singled and scord the first run for the Rebels now only trailing by one. Next, the four hitter Captain Frank Guardi stepped in the batters box and stroked a single to left to score Joey Silva from second tying the game at 2
In the bottom of the sixth Anthony Muratore took the mound for P.J. Jamison. Anthony struck out the side in impressive fashion as the Rebels came back up to the plate to try and take the lead. Unfortunately they went down 1-2-3 and took the field again.
The bottom of the seventh Muratore got the first out but the next batter singled. The next batter for the Rams tried to bunt over the runner on first but missed. As this occurred the runner took off for second where Joe Roberti threw a strike to the bag but none of the Rebels middle infielders where covering. The ball fell into center field and the runner tries to take third on the over throw. Center fielder Joey Silva took the ball and gunned it to third baseman Tyler Hooper who caught the ball, laid down the tag, and blocked the bag at the same time. The runner was called safe on a quite questionable call. With the infield in Muratore barred down and struck out the batter for the second out. Now needing one more out to force extra Muratore got ahead of the Rams batter. But on a 1-1 count, the batter stroked a single to center allowing the run to score ending the game 3-2 in favor of Rockville.
The Rebels ended their season in a heart breaking loss. Frank Guardi went 2-3 with and RBI and Jake Patton went 1-2 with a key run scored. P.J. Jamison pitched a solid 5.0 innings allowing 2R (1ER) and 4 hits. Anthony Muratore pitched a masterful 2 innings striking out 4 and only allowing one run while going 1-3 with a key RBI. The Rebels finished the season 9-12
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
French Open: Roger Federer Falls in Quarterfinals to Robin Soderling
It would be an understatement to say that Roger Federer has owned Robin Soderling over their respective careers. Entering the French Open quarterfinal Federer was 12-0 against the Swede Soderling, and just last year easily had his way with him at last year's French Open title. Even more impressively Federer had been to 23 straight Major semifinals, the previous best streak was a lowly 10 straight major semifinals. Needless to say the odds were stacked against Soderling.
However, something curious happened at Rolland Garros as Soderling had his way with Federer, the World's number 1 player, in four sets. Sports Illustrated's SL Price writes "This was a different player than the one who had seemed, like so many others, almost honored to lose when Federer took the Roland Garros title with a straight-sets coronation a year ago.” Soderling is suddenly two wins away from a major championship, and a player that has already beaten Rafael Nadal, his likely opponent in the Finals.
Video highlights of the match can be viewed here
However, something curious happened at Rolland Garros as Soderling had his way with Federer, the World's number 1 player, in four sets. Sports Illustrated's SL Price writes "This was a different player than the one who had seemed, like so many others, almost honored to lose when Federer took the Roland Garros title with a straight-sets coronation a year ago.” Soderling is suddenly two wins away from a major championship, and a player that has already beaten Rafael Nadal, his likely opponent in the Finals.
Video highlights of the match can be viewed here
Rebels Win SWC Championship in 2OT
May 28 would prove to be the beginning of a historic weekend for New Fairfield lacrosse. The night began with the girls SWC final with the Rebels (11-7) facing off against powerhouse Newtown (18-1). The Rebels were not able to compete with the crisp passing and the athletes of Newtown and fell 20-4. The Rebels have qualified for the Division 1 state tournament and play Southington in the qualifying round today at 3:30 at Southington High School. If the Rebels win they will play New Canaan in the first round of the tournament Thursday, June 3.
The boys game began at 7:30 and would be a very different affair than the girls game. The energy was clearly there during warm-ups and as the game began. Weston (16-3) and New Fairfield (17-2) had previously met May 12 when the Trojans won 7-6, Friday night would be another one goal game.
Through the first quarter Nick Costabile had a number of saves to keep the shutout alive. Unfortunately the Rebels had a number of errors clearing the ball and running their offense, and failed to score. Through the first quarter and into the second the Trojans looked to be the superior team. With under two minutes to go Morgan Faller of Weston broke the 0-0 tie, and at halftime the score was a surprisingly low 1-0.
Scoring resumed at the 9:56 mark in the third quarter when Morgan Faller notched his second goal of the game. The Trojans would not score again for over 21 minutes. Andy Scalesi finally got the Rebels on the board at the 6:43 mark firing a righty shot over the goalie's right shoulder. Mallon then tied the game up three minutes later. The unforced errors continued for both teams as they entered the fourth quarter tied at 2. The critical Rebel possession came halfway through the fourth quarter when sophomore Dylan White controlled the ball for what seemed like an eternity, then found a streaking Dan Miley from behind the net and Miley finished to give the Rebels a one goal advantage.
The Rebel defense was truly impressive for the last six minutes of the game, highlighted Jesse Broderick consistently guarding his man one-on-one and forcing turnovers leading into fast-breaks. It was clear watching the game that Broderick was the best player on the field. The Trojans last chance came with thirty seconds to go in the game. The crowd was on their feet as a Trojan shot was fired, saved by Nick Costabile and launched straight up high into the air. Costabile left his goal to attempt to win the jump ball, but Matt Brooks came away with it and fired a shot that somehow found its way through the traffic in front of the goal and tied the game at 3 with 15 seconds to go.
The Trojans entered the first four-minute overtime with momentum and the Rebels needed their goalie to step up big and make some saves. The Trojans also hit a crossbar in overtime where if the shot was placed two inches lower the Trojans would have been SWC champions. In the second overtime Sam Reynolds was given the ball on the left side of the goal and knew what to do with it, firing a low shot and waiting to see the net ripple, which it did, and the Rebels were SWC champions for the second time in four years.
After the game it was announced that Jesse Broderick was the MVP of the match, an award that will not be questioned, however if there was a second MVP it would be without question goalie Nick Costabile who held the Trojans to just three goals. The Rebels have received the number 1 seed in the Class M state tournament and will face the winner of Brookfield vs. Avon in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The complete bracket can be viewed here.
The historic weekend continued on Sunday when Andrew Fiamengo, a 2009 Rebel graduate won a Div. 3 national championship with the Tuft Jumbos, and on Monday CJ Costabile, a 2008 graduate won a Div. 1 national championship with the Duke Blue Devils. As is common knowledge now CJ scored six seconds into overtime after winning the faceoff to win Duke's first national championship. The video of CJ's soon to be legendary goal can be seen below.
The boys game began at 7:30 and would be a very different affair than the girls game. The energy was clearly there during warm-ups and as the game began. Weston (16-3) and New Fairfield (17-2) had previously met May 12 when the Trojans won 7-6, Friday night would be another one goal game.
Through the first quarter Nick Costabile had a number of saves to keep the shutout alive. Unfortunately the Rebels had a number of errors clearing the ball and running their offense, and failed to score. Through the first quarter and into the second the Trojans looked to be the superior team. With under two minutes to go Morgan Faller of Weston broke the 0-0 tie, and at halftime the score was a surprisingly low 1-0.
Scoring resumed at the 9:56 mark in the third quarter when Morgan Faller notched his second goal of the game. The Trojans would not score again for over 21 minutes. Andy Scalesi finally got the Rebels on the board at the 6:43 mark firing a righty shot over the goalie's right shoulder. Mallon then tied the game up three minutes later. The unforced errors continued for both teams as they entered the fourth quarter tied at 2. The critical Rebel possession came halfway through the fourth quarter when sophomore Dylan White controlled the ball for what seemed like an eternity, then found a streaking Dan Miley from behind the net and Miley finished to give the Rebels a one goal advantage.
The Rebel defense was truly impressive for the last six minutes of the game, highlighted Jesse Broderick consistently guarding his man one-on-one and forcing turnovers leading into fast-breaks. It was clear watching the game that Broderick was the best player on the field. The Trojans last chance came with thirty seconds to go in the game. The crowd was on their feet as a Trojan shot was fired, saved by Nick Costabile and launched straight up high into the air. Costabile left his goal to attempt to win the jump ball, but Matt Brooks came away with it and fired a shot that somehow found its way through the traffic in front of the goal and tied the game at 3 with 15 seconds to go.
The Trojans entered the first four-minute overtime with momentum and the Rebels needed their goalie to step up big and make some saves. The Trojans also hit a crossbar in overtime where if the shot was placed two inches lower the Trojans would have been SWC champions. In the second overtime Sam Reynolds was given the ball on the left side of the goal and knew what to do with it, firing a low shot and waiting to see the net ripple, which it did, and the Rebels were SWC champions for the second time in four years.
After the game it was announced that Jesse Broderick was the MVP of the match, an award that will not be questioned, however if there was a second MVP it would be without question goalie Nick Costabile who held the Trojans to just three goals. The Rebels have received the number 1 seed in the Class M state tournament and will face the winner of Brookfield vs. Avon in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The complete bracket can be viewed here.
The historic weekend continued on Sunday when Andrew Fiamengo, a 2009 Rebel graduate won a Div. 3 national championship with the Tuft Jumbos, and on Monday CJ Costabile, a 2008 graduate won a Div. 1 national championship with the Duke Blue Devils. As is common knowledge now CJ scored six seconds into overtime after winning the faceoff to win Duke's first national championship. The video of CJ's soon to be legendary goal can be seen below.
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