Individual leaders
FINAL, 2008
RUSHING Att-Yds TDs
M. D'Onofrio 130-1201 20
McDonald 99-801 13
Lesczynski 50-294 2
Wyrick
49-232 3
McGreevey 11-136 2
Olsen 15-112 1
Livingstone 17-101 3
Brady 14-76 1
Pavano 14-45 1
Shin 4-17 1
Dugan 2-9 1
Others: Savarese 2-22, Stolzenberg 1-7, Lee 1-5, Cianci 1-minus 1, Burciaga 1-minus 6
PASSING C-Att-Int Yds TDs
Livingstone 42-69-3 704 7
Wyrick 36-70-6 516 4
RECEIVING C-Yds TD
M. D'Onofrio 20-278 4
Stolzenberg 19-328 3
Olsen 15-250 2
Savarese 10-226 2
T. D'Onofrio 9-165
McDonald 4-36
Ponziani 1-13
POINTS
TDs PAT 2pt Pts
M. D'Onofrio 20-4 0 0 144
McDonald 13-0 0 0 78
Wyrick** 3-0 50 0 71
Olsen 2-2 0 0 24
Livingstone* 3-0 0 0 24
Stolzenberg 0-3 0 0 18
McGreevy 2-0 0 0 12
Savarese 0-2 0 0 12
Lesczynski 2-0 0 0 12
Brady 1-0 0 0 6
Dugan 1-0 0 0 6
Pavano 1-0 0 0 6
Shin 1-0 0 0 6
*Interception for TD
**FG
FIELD GOALS: Wyrick 1 (36)
PUNTING: Stolzenberg 8-228 (28.5 avg.), Blawie 2-65
PATs: Wyrick 50
Return yardage
KICKOFFS: Savarese 7-120, McDonald 6-193, Stolzenberg 6-101, Mike D'Onofrio 3-93, Olsen 3-45, Dugan 2-8, Schroeder 1-6, Tyler D'Onofrio 1-4, Dlugolecki 1-0.
PUNTS: Mike D'Onofrio 12-184, Olsen 6-95, Savarese 2-12
Defense
Interceptions (15): Mike D'Onofrio 3-43, T.J. Stolzenberg 3-17, Livingstone 2-79, Terence Olsen 2-32, Tyler D'Onofrio 2-24, Mike Dugan 1-6, Terence Olsen 1-0
Fumble recovery (11): Brandon Burciaga 3, McDonald 2, Mike D'Onofrio 2, Wyrick 2, Livingstone , Matthews
SACKS (18.5): D.L. McDonald 6-45, Mike Dugan 2.5-35, Wyrick 3-11, Brandon Burciaga 2-9, Dan Matthews 1.5-11, Mitch Givens 1.5-9, McPherson 1.5-1, Lambert Blawie 1-2, Lesczynski 0.5-0
TACKLES (11 games): Mike Dugan 133 tackles for 197 points; Tyler D'Onofrio 83 tackles for 155 points; David Wyrick 92-148;
D.L. McDonald 86-148; T.J. Stolzenberg 65-110; Zak Blawie 80-108; Mike D'Onofrio 54-102; Lambert Givens 64-94; Dan Matthews 44-72;
Terence Olsen 33-67
n Players get 3 points for each solo tackle and 1 point for every assist.
Brookfield 36, Avon 19
At Danbury
Brookfield (11-1) 0 7 20 9 – 36
Avon (9-3) 0 12 7 0 – 19
Second quarter
B: Travis Treibt 27 pass from Jordan Burandt (Nick Cacace kick), 9:19
A: Mike D'Onofrio 1 run (kick blocked by Brendan Slattery), 3:54
A: Andy Livingstone 16 run (conversion pass fails), 0:57
Third quarter
B: Trevor Treibt 1 run (Cacace kick), 8:13
B: Trevor Treibt 58 pass from Burandt (Cacace kick), 6:17
B: Brendan Slattery 3 pass from Burandt (kick failed), 3:35
Fourth quarter
A: Mike D'Onofrio 50 run (David Wyrick kick), 10:17
B: Trevor Treibt 52 run (Cacace kick), 1:38
B: Safety: Trevor Treibt tackles Livingstone in end zone, 1:24
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon – Mike D’Onofrio 17-78, Andrew Livingstone 6-11, Terence Olsen 2-16, Ross McDonald 6-14, David Wyrick 2-1 ; Brookfield – Trevor Treibt 10-79, Jordan Burandt 6-6, Travis Treibt 10-44, Michael Palicz 3-5, David Varela 3-5
PASSING: Avon – Andrew Livingstone 11-24-2, 191; Brookfield – Jordan Burandt 14-24-2, 220
RECEIVING: Avon – Mike D’Onofrio 1-6, Terence Olsen 2-61, Tyler D’Onofrio 2-25, T.J. Stolzenberg 5-62, Vince Savarese 1-17; Brookfield – Nicholas Cacace 3-36, Trevor Treibt 6-120, Matthew Snyder 2-24, Kevin Mechione 1-9, Travis Treibt 1-27, Brendan Slattery 1-4
RETURNS: Kickoffs – Vince Savarese (A) 2-21, Ross McDonald (A) 3-70, Travis Treibt (B) 3-78, David Varela (B) 1-12, Jaime Bogle (B) 1-3; Punts – Trevor Treibt (B) 2-5, Travis Treibt (B) 1-0, Mike D’Onofrio (A) 1-35
SACKS: D.L. McDonald and Dan Matthews (A) 1-7, David Wyrick (A) 1-1; Kyle Vacca (B) 1-3, Trevor Treibt (B) 1-11
INTERCEPTIONS: Terence Olsen (A) 1-32, Rhys Stockwell (A) 1-0; Brian Kelly (B) 1-20, Matt Bonavita (B) 1-0
FUMBLE RECOVERY: David Wyrick (A) 2, Mike D’Onofrio (A), Team (A), Kelly McGorty (B), Scott Benzing (B)
Avon 53, Stafford 14
At Stafford
Avon (9-2)19 20 7 7 -- 53
Stafford (2-7) 0 8 0 6 – 14
First quarter
A: Mike D’Onofrio 65 run (kick failed)
A: Mike D’Onofrio 16 run (David Wyrick kick)
A: Mike D’Onofrio 4 run (kick failed)
Second quarter
A: Andrew Livingstone 1 run (Wyrick kick)
A: Mike Dugan 4 run (kick failed)
A: Colin Pavano 9 run (Wyrick kick)
Third quarter
S: Matt Dugan 89 kickoff return (Matt Dugan pass from Ian Learned)
A: Mike D’Onofrio 70 run (Wyrick kick)
Fourth quarter
S: Billy Johnson 9 pass from Learned (pass fails)
A: June Shine 2 run (Wyrick kick)
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon -- Mike D'Onofrio 17-269, Ross McDonald 9-90, Andrew Livingstone 2-10, Mike Dugan 1-4, Pat Lesczynski 1-4, June Shin 1-2, Colin Pavano 6-26, Kyle Brady 1-1
PASSING: Avon -- Andrew Livingstone 4-5-0, 50
RECEIVING: Avon -- Tyler D'Onofrio 1-15, T.J. Stolzenberg 1-5, Terence Olsen 1-minus 3, Mike D'Onofrio 1-33
RETURNS: Punt -- Mike D'Onofrio (A) 1-12, Vince Savarese (A) 1-0; Kickoffs -- Ethan Schroeder (A) 1-6
PUNTS: David Wyrick (A) 1-24; Fumble Recovery: Mike D'Onofrio (A)
Avon 38, Morgan 0
At Avon
Morgan (3-6) 0 0 0 0 -- 0
Avon (8-2)0 17 7 14 -- 38
Second quarter
A: Mike D’Onofrio 38 run (David Wyrick kick), 4:36
A: Terence Olsen 16 pass from Andrew Livingstone (Wyrick kick), 1:03
A: Wyrick 36 FG, 0:06
Third quarter
A: Ross McDonald 1 run (Wyrick kick), 9:57
Fourth quarter
A: Mike D’Onofrio 45 run (Wyrick kick), 10:03
A: McDonald 19 run (Wyrick kick), 7:37
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon – Colin Pavano 3-9, Kyle Brady 3-10, Ross McDonald 10-26, Mike D’Onofrio 12-122, Terence Olsen 1-1, David Wyrick 1-2, Andrew Livingstone 2-12, Pat Leszcynski 3-5; Morgan – Eric Berzinskas 9-minus 5, Jeremy Finkeldey 10-11, Joe Casosella 4-5, Nainy Bah 2-minus 3, Sean Guerra 1-minus 5
PASSING: Avon – Livingstone 3-9-0, 44, Wyrick 0-2-0; Morgan – Berzinskas 11-24-3, 88, Bah 1-2-1, 0
RECEIVING: Avon – Mike D’Onofrio 1-3, Tyler D’Onofrio 1-25, Terence Olsen 1-16; Morgan – Chris Alfano 6-43, Finkeldey 2-16, Bah 4-29
INTERCEPTIONS: Avon – Tyler D’Onofrio 2-24, Mike D’Onofrio 1-43, T.J. Stolzenberg 1-17; FUMBLE RECOVERY: Brandon Burciaga (A) 1-0; SACKS – Mike Dugan 1-8, Wyrick 1-7, Dan Matthews 1-16
RETURNS: Kickoffs – Mike D’Onofrio (A) 1-33, Alfano (M) 3-41, Finkeldey (M) 1-16, Joe Carosella (M) 2-16, Bah (M) 1-5; Punts – Mike D’Onofrio (A) 3-70
PUNTING: Wyrick (A) 1-24, Blawie (A) 2-71
Avon 49, Gilbert 6
At Avon
Gilbert (4-4)0 6 0 0 -- 6
Avon (7-2)14 14 7 14 – 49
First quarter
A: Patrick Leszcynski 5 run (David Wyrick kick), 5:09
A: Mike D’Onofrio 40 pass from Andrew Livingstone (Wyrick kick), 0:46
Second quarter
A: Livingstone 31 run (Wyrick kick), 9:38
A: Mike D’Onofrio 69 pass from Livingstone (Wyrick kick), 6:12
G: Bobby Lippencott 52 pass from Paul Kurtz (pass fails), 5:00
Third quarter
A: Leszcynski 11 run (Wyrick kick), 10:05
Fourth quarter
A: Ross McDonald 4 run (Wyrick kick), 9:57
A: Kyle Brady 35 run (Wyrick kick), 6:59
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon – Kyle Brady 3-41, Colin Pavano 4-10, Ross McDonald 8-89, Pat Leszcynski 5-36, Mike D’Onofrio 13-81, Andrew Livingstone 2-33, Mike Dugan 1-5, June Shin 1-11; Gilbert – Joe Martinez 2-3, Jay Farkas 16-48, Paul Kurtz 7-minus 6; Delany Morgan 1-10, Derrick Zima 6-12, Cody Stone 1-minus 3; No. 30 2-10
PASSING: Avon – Andrew Livingstone 8-11-0, 192; Gilbert -- Paul Kurtz 4-14-1, 81; Bob Lippincott 1-3-1, 19
RECEIVING: Avon – T.J. Stolzenberg 2-59, Mike D’Onofrio 2-109, Vince Savrese 2-18, Tyler D’Onofrio 1-9; Ross McDonald 1-minus 3; Gilbert – Bob Lippincott 1-59, Casey Ramthun 1-5, Ross Lopardo 1-19, Cody Stone 2-17
SACKS: Avon – McDonald 1-8, Givens ½ -3, Leszcynski ½ -3
INTERCEPTIONS: Avon – Mike D’Onofrio 1-0, Livingstone 1-32
FUMBLE RECOVERY: Avon – D.L. McDonald 2, Dan Matthews 1
RETURNS: Avon – Mike D’Onofrio 2-20 (punt), 1-41 (kickoff), T.J. Stolzenberg 1-29 (kickoff); PUNTING: Zak Blawie 1-29
Avon 34, Canton 0
At Canton
Avon (6-2)0 14 6 14 -- 34
Canton (1-6) 0 0 0 0 -- 0
Second quarter
A: Mike D’Onofrio 55 pass from Andy Livingstone (Dave Wyrick kick)
A: M. D’Onofrio 15 run (Wyrick kick)
Third quarter
A: M. D’Onofrio 5 run (kick wide)
Fourth quarter
A: M. D’Onofrio 4 run (Wyrick kick)
A: Ross McDonald 64 run (Wyrick kick)
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon – Pat Leszczynski 2-3, Ross McDonald 9-95, Mike D’Onofrio 19-95, Vince Savarese 2-22, Andy Livingstone 2-13; Canton – Nick Grabowski 11-minus 9, Greg Cole 1-2, Luke Talbot 8-17, Mike Frazer 20-79, Joshia Durbois 1-minus 5
PASSING: Avon – Andy Livingstone 6-8-0, 101; Canton – Nick Grabowski 5-11-0, 38
RECEIVING: Avon – Mike D’Onofrio 3-70, John Ponziani 1-13, Stolzenberg 1-7, Tyler D’Onofrio 1-11; Canton – Tyler Plourd 2-21, Luke Talbot 2-13, Greg Cole 1-4
RETURNS: Canton – Plourd 3-39 (kickoffs), No. 11 3-18 (kickoffs); Avon – Mike Dugan 1-0 (kickoffs), Mike D’Onofrio 2-9 (punts)
SACKS: Avon – Mitch McPherson ½ -1, D.J. McDonald 2 ½ -18, Mike Dugan ½ -14
Penalties: Avon 4-50, Canton 1-15
Avon 48, Ellington 20
At Avon
Ellington (5-2) 0 0 14 6 -- 20
Avon (5-2)14 14 13 7 -- 48
First quarter
A: Mike D’Onofrio 39 run (David Wyrick kick), 10:47
A: Ross McDonald 86 run (Wyrick kick), 4:48
Second quarter
A: Vince Savarese 10 pass from Andrew Livingstone (Wyrick kick), 5:17
A: Mike D’Onofrio 7 pass from Livingstone (Wyrick kick), 1:14
Third quarter
E: Cody Anselmo 22 pass from Pete Vamvilis (Scott Tiernan kick), 6:37
A: Mike D’Onofrio 7 run (kick wide), 2:04
E: Anselmo 90 kickoff return (Tiernan kick), 1:47
A: Savarese 39 pass from Livingstone (Wyrick kick), 0:00
Fourth quarter
A: Livingstone 45 interception return (Wyrick kick), 10:57
E: Nate Tembi 4 pass from Justin Vamvilis (no kick attempted), 0:00
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon -- Mike D'Onofrio 12-95, Pat Leszcynski 3-19, Ross McDonald 12-127, Andrew Livingstone 3-22, T.J. Stolzenberg 1-7, Brandon Burciaga 1-minus 6, Colin Pavano 1-0, Kyle Brady 1-1; Ellington -- Shane Hatheway 2-23, Nate Tembi 3-3, Sam Ziter 21-80, Cody Anselmo 3-3, Pete Vanvilis 1-1
PASSING: Avon -- Livingstone 8-10-1, 101; Ellington -- Pete Vamvilis 16-30-1, 194, Justin Vamvilis 3-5-0, 39
RECEIVING: Avon -- Stolzenberg 2-19, Vince Savarese 4-65, Mike D'Onofrio 2-17; Ellington -- Anselmo 2-34, Ziter 1-3, Nick Kelner 1-19, Hatheway 8-87, Tembi 6-71, Tyler Strogoff 1-16
RETURNS: Punts -- Mike D'Onofrio (A) 2-29; Kickoffs -- Tyler D'Onofrio (A) 1-4, Ross McDonald (A) 2-84; Hatheway (E) 5-85, Anselmo (E) 2-109
FUMBLE REC: Livingstone (A) 1; INTERCEPTIONS: Livingstone (A) 1-45, Hatheway (E) 1-5; SACKS: D.L. McDonald 1-5, Mike Dugan 1-12; PUNTING: Blawie (A) 1-39
Avon 21, Tolland 13
At Tolland
Avon (4-2)0 14 0 7 -- 21
Tolland (3-2) 7 0 0 6 – 13
First quarter
T: Kevin Rioux 30 run (Sal Ternullo kick)
Second quarter
A: Ross McDonald 53 run (David Wyrick kick), 6:15
A: McDonald 10 run (Wyrick kick), 0:23
Fourth quarter
T: Devin Roper 15 pass from Ternullo (kick failed), 8:24
A: McDonald 6 run (Wyrick kick), 3:37
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon -- Mike D'Onofrio 7-39, Ross McDonald 14-147, David Wyrick 4-minus 2, Terence Olsen 1-0, Pat Leszczinski 5-22
PASSING: Avon -- David Wyrick 1-7-1, 1 yard
RECEIVING: Avon -- Mike D'Onofrio 1-1
RETURNS: Mike D'Onofrio 1-19 (punt); Terense Olsen 2-29 (kickoff), Mike D'Onofrio 1-19 (kickoff)
PUNTING: T.J. Stolzenberg 3-89
SACKS: D.L. McDonald 1-7
Hyde 35, Avon 14
At New Haven
Avon (3-2)0 7 0 7 -- 14
Hyde (4-1)14 14 7 0 – 35
First quarter
H: Zane Marks 30 run (DeShawn Murphy kick)
H: Marks 62 run (Murphy kick)
Second quarter
H: Myles Morrison 3 run (kick failed)
A: Mike D’Onofrio 34 run (David Wyrick kick)
H: Morrison 2 run (Joe Lambert pass from Kendall Groom)
Third quarter
H: Marks 14 pass from Groom (Murphy kick)
Fourth quarter
A: T.J. Stolzenberg 1 pass from Wyrick (Wyrick kick)
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon -- Mike D'Onofrio 16-121, David Wyrick 12-77, Pat Leszcinski 6-30, Ross McDonald 9-40, Terence Olsen 4-18; Hyde -- Zane Marks 14-204, Myles Morrison 9-46
PASSING: Avon -- David Wyrick 9-19-3, 47
RECEIVING: Avon -- Terence Olsen 3-22, Mike D'Onofrio 4-10, Ross McDonald 1-14, T.J. Stolzenberg 1-1
RETURNS: Vince Savarese (A) 1-12, punt; T.J. Stolzenberg (A) 2-26 kickoff, Ross McDonald (A) 1-9, KO; Vince Savarese (A) 1-18, KO; T. Olsen (A) 1-16 KO
INTERCEPTIONS: Morrison (H), Joe Lambert (H), Cedric Alston (H)
PUNTING: Zak Blawie (A) 1-26
OF NOTE: Terence Olsen blocked a Hyde PAT
Avon 55, Housy/Wam 21
At Avon
Housatonic (0-3) 7 0 6 8 –21
Avon (3-1) 21 20 7 7 –55
First quarter
H - Tanner Brissett 3 run (G.Lodevole kick)
A - David Wyrick 1 run (Wyrick kick )
A - Terence Olsen 2 run (Wyrick kick)
A - Ross McDonald 16 run (Wyrick kick)
Second quarter
A - David Wyrick 2 run (Wyrick kick )
A - Terence Olsen 38 pass from David Wyrick (kick failed )
A - Ross McDonald 49 run (Wyrick kick )
Third quarter
A: Ross McDonald 2 run (Wyrick kick )
H - Will Kennedy 2 run (run failed )
Fourth quarter
A - Zach McGreevey 15 run (Wyrick kick )
H - Will Kennedy 5 run (Lodevole run)
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon – Ross McDonald 9-106, David Wyrick 6-9, Terence Olsen 2-9, June Shin 2-5, Kyle Brady 3-15, Zack McGreevey 5-70, Pat Lesczynski 13-78, John Cianci 1-minus 1
PASSING: Avon – Wyrick 5-7-0, 145; Andrew Livingstone 2-2-0, 21
RECEIVING: Avon – T.J. Stolzenberg 2-48, Terence Olsen 3-97, Ross McDonald 1-16, Vince Savarese 1-5
RETURNS: T.J. Stolzenberg (A) 2-34 (kickoffs), Mike Dugan (A) 1-8 (kickoffs)
INTERCEPTIONS: Mike Dugan (A); FUMBLE RECOVERY: Brandon Burciaga (A)
Avon 40, Coventry/WT 7
At Avon
Coventry/WT (2-1) 0 0 0 7 – 7
Avon (2-1) 13 13 14 0 – 40
First quarter
A: Mike D’Onofrio 5 run (David Wyrick kick)
A: M. D’Onofrio 35 run (kick failed)
Second quarter
A: Ross McDonald 4 run (Wyrick kick)
A: T.J. Stolzenberg 21 pass from Wyrick (kick failed)
Third quarter
A: Stolzenberg 31 pass from Wyrick (Wyrick kick)
A: Wyrick 20 run (Wyrick kick)
Fourth quarter
C: Tyler Campbell 6 run (John Chevalier kick)
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon -- Mike D'Onofrio 7-56; Wyrick 10-79, Terence Olsen 1-25, Pat Leszczynski 4-39; Ross McDonald 6-33; June Shin 1-10;
Kyle Brady 3-8; Zach McGreevey 2-29
PASSING: Avon -- David Wyrick 8-10-0, 174 yards, 2 TDs
RECEIVING: Avon -- T.J. Stolzenberg 5-127, Olsen 2-30, Vince Savarese 1-17
Punting: T.J. Stolzenberg 1-34
RETURNS: T.J. Stolzenberg 1-12 (kickoff); Olsen 3-18 (punts)
FUMBLE REC: Brandon Burciaga; INTERCEPTION: Terence Olsen
Avon 48, WL/Suffield 0
At Windsor Locks
Avon 14 6 14 14 – 48
Windsor Locks 0 0 0 0 – 0
First Quarter
A - Mike D'Onofrio 35 run (David Wyrick kick )
A – M. D'Onofrio 29 run (Wyrick kick )
Second Quarter
A – M. D'Onofrio 2 run (kick failed)
Third Quarter
A - Terence Olsen 63 punt return (Wyrick kick)
A – M. D'Onofrio 28 run (Wyrick kick)
Fourth Quarter
A - Ross McDonald 4 run (Wyrick kick)
A - Zach McGreevey 20 run (Wyrick kick)
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon – Mike D’Onofrio 13-219, David Wyrick 1-1, Terrence Olsen 2-17, Zach McGreevey 3-36, James Lee 1-5, Pat Leszczynski 4-34, Ross McDonald 5-32. Totals 29-344
PASSING: Avon – Wyrick 5-8-1, 64
RECEIVING: Avon – Mike D’Onofrio 2-24, Tyler D’Onofrio 1-19, Olsen 1-17, Vince Savarese 1-4
RETURN YARDS: Avon – Olsen 1-63 (punt), Savarese 1-28 (kickoff)
INTERCEPTIONS: Avon – M. D’Onofrio 1-0, Thaddeus Stolzenberg 1-0
SACKS: Avon – Wyrick 1-4, Lambert Givens 1-6, Mitch McPherson 1-0, Brandon Burciaga 2-9, Dan Matthews 1-4. Totals 6-23
Cromwell 21, Avon 0
At Cromwell
Avon 0 0 0 0 – 0
Cromwell7 0 7 7 – 21
First quarter
C: Robert Jordan 2 run (Kevin Molde kick), 0:49
Third quarter
C: Michael Zimmitti 3 run (Molde kick), 6:38
Fourth quarter
C: Jordan 4 run (Molde kick), 5:07
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Avon -- Mike D'Onofrio 7-34, David Wyrick 13-65, Pat Lesczynski 4-14, Terence Olsen 2-26, Ross McDonald 4-2, Zach McGreevey 1-1; Cromwell -- Mike Zimmitti 97
PASSING: Avon -- David Wyrick 8-17-1, 85; Cromwell -- Bobby Jordan 10-17-0, 103
RECEIVING: Avon -- Terence Olsen 2-10, Ross McDonald 1-9, Tyler D'Onofrio 2-61, Mike D'Onofrio 3-5; Cromwell -- Dominique Carr 6-62
RETURNS: Punts -- Terence Olsen (A) 2-15; Kickoffs -- Chris Dlugolecki (A) 1-0, Vince Savarese (A) 3-53
PUNTING: T.J. Stolzenberg 4-105
BLOCKED FIELD GOAL: Wyrick (A) 23
D'Onofrio earns All-State honors for 2nd year
AVON, Jan. 25 – Avon High running Mike D’Onofrio earned All-State honors for the second straight year. D’Onofrio was named to the Class M team as a defensive back by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association and is the first Avon player to ever earn All-State honors in more than one season. He was named to the CHSCA’s Class M team in 2007 as a defensive back.
D’Onofrio, who rewrote the AHS record book, rushed for a career-high 1,201 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. He set new school records by scoring 24 TDs and scoring 144 points in a single season. He also caught 20 passes for 278 yards and 4 TDs.
D’Onofrio was one of Falcons to earn All-Pequot Conference honors along with teammates T.J. Stolzenberg, David Wyrick, Lambert Givens, D.L. McDonald, Tyler D'Onofrio, Mike Dugan, Terence Olsen and Sonny Portelance.
DANBURY, Dec. 2 – Trevor Treibt scored 3 TDs, had a safety and a sack to lift top-ranked Brookfield to a 36-19 win over the Falcons in the Class M semifinals at Danbury High. The Bobcats rallied from a five-point deficit at halftime, 12-7, with 20 points in the third quarter. Brookfield (11-1) prevailed despite turning the ball over six times (4 fumbles, 2 interceptions).
Bobcat QB Jordan Burandt completed 14-of-22 passes for 215 yards and 3 TDs. “Our adjustments, quite frankly, were execution," Brookfield coach Rich Angarano said. "We didn’t execute in the first half. We executed in the second half and that was the difference in the game."
Mike D’Onofrio scored 2 TDs for Avon (9-3) and finished with a team-high 73 yards. David Wyrick recovered two fumbles and had a sack while Terence Olsen and Rhys Stockwell each had interceptions. Avon coughed up the ball four times with a pair of fumbles and two interceptions. Brookfield will meet defending Class M champion Ledyard in the finals.
Brookfield feels ready for Avon
BROOKFIELD, Dec. 1 – Brookfield High coach Rich Angarano and his Bobcats have lofty goals each season – win a league championship and get a shot at a state championship. "We know what's on the line," Angarano told the Danbury News Times. "The kids have a great opportunity and they don't want to waste it."
Brookfield will depend heavily on its talented linebacking core of seniors Kyle Vacca, Kelly McGorty, Travis Treibt, Trevor Treibt and junior Mike Palicz. The Bobcats have allowed just 14 points a game. "Our strength on defense is speed," Angarano said. "We are going to have to chase and pursue the football. If we do that we should be fine."
Danbury News Times, Dec. 2: Bobcats ready for Avon
First playoff game is Tuesday night
AVON, Dec. 1 – For the first time in school history, the Falcons will be playing December football. After winning their second straight Pequot Uncas Division championship and 18 of their last 21 games, Avon (9-2, 8-0 Pequot Uncas) will be challenged by Southwest Conference champion Brookfield in Tuesday’s Class M semifinal at 6:30 p.m. at Danbury High School. Brookfield’s home field was unsuitable due to construction issues.
Brookfield (10-1, 7-1 SWC Colonial) is led by Travis and Trevor Treibt, a pair of 6-foot-1 brothers who play on both sides of the ball at running back and linebacker. Junior QB Jordan Burandt has been excellent all season and has thrown for over 2,200 yards and 25 touchdown passes. In the other Class M semifinal, defending champion Ledyard (9-2) hosts Cheney Tech-Manchester (10-0), also make its first-ever CIAC appearance.
It's Brookfield
AVON, Nov. 27 -- The Falcons (9-2) will face Southwest Conference champion Brookfield (10-1) in the Class M semifinals on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Danbury High School. It is Avon's first-ever appearance in the CIAC football tournament. In the other Class M semifinal, defending champion Ledyard (9-2) will host undefeated Cheney Tech (10-0). The finals will be Saturday, Dec. 6.
Avon earns playoff berth
Mike D'Onofrio runs for record 269 yards in win
STAFFORD, Nov. 21 – It was dark and cold at Stafford High on Friday night but the Falcons were flush with the warmth of success. For the first time in school history, Avon qualified for the CIAC state playoffs with a 53-14 win over the Bulldogs, clinching a spot in the Class M semifinals on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Avon (9-2, 8-0 Pequot Uncas) also won its second straight Pequot Uncas Division championship by winning their 17th straight Uncas Division contest dating back to 2006.
Senior back Mike D’Onofrio rushed for 4 TDs and a school-record 269 yards to lead Avon. He scored on runs of 65, 16, 4 and 69 yards. He broke a 41-year-old record held by Bill Loeffler, who ran for 259 yards against Housatonic in 1967. Avon ran for 8 TDs including scores by Mike Dugan, Colin Pavano, Andrew Livingstone and June Shin. D'Onofrio's 23 TDs ties the school record he set a year ago.
The CIAC playoffs began in 1976 and the Falcons have come close to qualifying several times. Last year, the Falcons were 9-1 but finished fifth in Class M due to a low strength of schedule.
Prior to 1995, only the top two teams in each class qualified. In 1989, the Falcons were 8-2 and finished third in Class S. In 1983, Avon (8-1) won its first eight games but lost in the season finale to Farmington, 27-0 and finished fourth in Class S. In 1980, Avon (9-1) had six shutout victories but finished fourth in Class S.
Avon will probably play Southwest Conference champion Brookfield (9-1) in the semifinals with Cheney Tech and defending Class M champion Ledyard in the other semifinal. Cheney Tech (9-0) could be the top seed if they beat East Catholic on Thanksgiving and Brookfield is upset by Bethel (6-4) on Thanksgiving. The finals will be Dec. 5-6.
Avon can clinch berth with win
LEDYARD, Nov. 20 – Defending Class M champion Ledyard (8-2) qualified for the state playoffs with a convincing 27-6 win over No. 1 New London (9-1) Thursday night. QB J.J. Jablonski passed for 2 TDs and rushed for a third for the Colonials. The victory means Avon (8-2) needs to beat Stafford (2-8) on Friday night to win its second straight Pequot Uncas championship and clinch its first-ever state playoff bid. A loss would virtually eliminate the Falcons from playoff consideration.
Defense sparks Falcons on Senior Day
AVON, Nov. 16 – With the offense getting off to a slow start on Senior Day, the defense jumpstarted the Falcons in a 38-0 win over Morgan in the final home game of the season. Leading 7-0 in the second quarter, Avon forced a fumble, intercepted a pass and had two sacks to add another 10 points in the final four minutes and seize command of the game.
Overall, Avon (8-2) held Morgan to just three yards rushing and 92 yards of offense. The Falcons intercepted four passes, recovered a fumble and had three sacks for 31 yards. David Wyrick kicked the longest FG of his career, a 36-yarder with six seconds left in the second quarter.
Senior Mike D’Onofrio ran for a game-high 122 yards and 2 TDs. He also had a 43-yard interception return and a 33-yard kickoff return. Senior Mike Dugan had a 8-yard sack of Morgan QB Eric Berzinskas. Terence Olsen returned from an ankle injury to catch a 16-yard TD pass in the second quarter. D.L. McDonald, Zak Blawie and Lambert Givens each had tackles. Mitchell McPherson and John Ponziani also played well for AHS.
With the 38-yard point outburst, Avon set a new school record for most points scored in a season. The Falcons have scored 347 points, breaking the old mark of 345 set in 1980 (9-1). It is just the third time in school history that Avon has scored more than 300 points. Avon had 334 a year ago.
PLAYOFFS: Avon is currently ranked fourth in Class M with 1100 points and a 110 average. If Avon can beat Stafford next Friday, they will clinch its first-ever CIAC playoff berth. Avon could finish as high as third if they win and Ledyard loses to undefeated New London (9-0) on Thursday. Brookfield (8-1, 1140, 126), Cheney Tech (9-0, 1100, 122) and Ledyard (7-2, 1010, 112) are ahead of Avon.
Loss by Berlin helps Avon's playoff hopes
AVON, Nov. 15 – The Falcons moved a step closer to qualifying to the CIAC playoffs for the first time when Northwest Catholic made a first quarter touchdown stand up in an 8-6 win over Berlin (6-3) in the rain Saturday morning in West Hartford. Avon still has to win its final two games over Morgan and Stafford and if they do, Berlin cannot overtake Avon.
Avon could have a shot at finishing third and earning a semifinal date with Cheney Tech if they win their final two games and Ledyard (7-2) loses to New London (9-0) next Thursday night.
Cheney Tech (9-0) is favored to win its season finale with East Catholic on Thanksgiving Eve.
Game with Morgan postponed to Sunday
AVON, Nov. 14 – Due to the forecast of rain on Saturday, the game with Morgan has been postponed to Sunday at 1 p.m. at Avon High.
Girls soccer
Avon falls in semifinal, stunned in overtime
WATERBURY, Nov. 11 – The Joel Barlow girls soccer team had only a few opportunities but they made the most of them to stun No. 2 Avon in the Class L semifinals with a 2-1 victory in overtime Thursday. The Falcons outshot Barlow, 31-2 in regulation but were only able to get one shot past goalie Kara Davis, who made 19 saves, including several spectacular stops.
Avon (16-2-1) took a 1-0 lead with 6:56 left in the first half when Jessica Gower tapped in a rebound. Jillian Strassner headed the ball on net and Davis was able to deflect the ball but it went right to Gower. Barlow tied it with 2.9 seconds left in the half on shot from freshman Katherine Lombardi, who slipped behind the defense.
In overtime, Barlow (15-2-2) got off three shots, including one by sophomore Fiorella Johnson from about 30 yards away that just sailed in under the crossbar to win the game.
Falcons clinch tie for 2nd straight title
AVON, Nov. 8 – In the rain, the Falcons (7-2, 7-0 Pequot Uncas) clinched at least a tie for its second straight Uncas Division championship with a dominating 49-6 win over Gilbert/Northwestern. Mike D’Onofrio caught a pair of TD passes from Andrew Livingstone while Pat Leszcynski ran for two touchdowns. Livingstone completed 7-of-11 passes for a career-high 191 yards and 2 TDs.
Gilbert drove to the Avon 29 on its first possession but an interception by Livingstone ended the threat. The Falcons had two interceptions and recovered three Yellowjacket fumbles. Avon scored their first four drives to take a 28-0 lead. The Falcons rushed for 318 yards.
PLAYOFF HUNT: The Falcons moved up to No. 4 in the CIAC's Class M playoff rankings. The top four earn a spot in the playoffs. Brookfield (7-1) remained No. 1 despite a 34-3 loss to Newtown.
Ledyard (7-2) beat Plainfield, 40-14 to move up to No. 3. With a 64-50 win over St. Paul, Berlin moved up from No. 7 to No. 5, just 1.6 points behind Avon.
Avon needs to win its final two games to remain in contention. They also need Ledyard (7-2) to lose to either New London (8-0) or Fitch (1-7). If Ledyard and Berlin (6-2) win their remaining two games, they'll both pass Avon in points earned. Berlin has games remaining with N.W. Catholic (6-2) and Windham (4-4).
Tolland leaving NCCC for CCC
NEWINGTON, Nov. 7 – Tolland and Rocky Hill officially were admitted to the Central Connecticut Conference and will begin play in the CCC next fall. The CCC will become the largest high school league in the state with 32 teams. Tolland’s departure leaves the NCCC with 13 teams and will leave Avon and Suffield without one of their most competitive all-around rivals.
Avon still ranked
No. 5 in Class M
AVON, Nov. 2 – The Falcons remained at No. 5 in the CIAC’s Class M playoff rankings. St. Paul moved up one spot to No. 3 with a 40-21 win over Middletown and Ledyard leaped from No. 6 to No. 4 with 14-7 win over St. Bernard/Norwich Tech. Berlin blew a 24-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost on the road to Enfield, 52-50 and fell from No. 3 to No.7 in the ratings.
Avon and Ledyard are actually tied with the same 98.75 average but Ledyard holds an 84-82 edge in tiebreaker points, which are the combined number of wins and ties by the teams that Avon and Ledyard have beaten.
Avon needs to win its final three regular season games to remain in contention. Other key games that will affect Avon’s playoff bid are Berlin at St. Paul this Saturday and New London at Ledyard on Nov. 20. Bethel still has games remaining with Newtown (7-0) and Brookfield (7-0) and could make a giant leap in the standings with victories in these games.
Berlin broke a 40-year-old state record for largest blown lead, snapping the old mark of 22 points by New London on Nov. 16, 1968. New London led Norwich Free Academy, 25-3, fell behind 33-31 but rallied for a 37-33 victory.
D'Onofrio scores 4 TDs in victory
CANTON, Nov. 1 – Mike D’Onofrio scored 4 TDs and rushed for a game-high 95 yards as the Falcons (6-2, 6-0 Pequot Uncas) shutout Canton, 34-0. Andy Livingstone completed 6-of-8 passes for 101 yards. D’Onofrio caught 3 passes for 70 yards. The Falcons scored a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter for a 14-0 halftime lead.
Avon scored on its first two possessions of the second half to cement control of the contest while holding Canton (1-6, 1-5) to seven yards of offense on its first three possessions of the half. Ross McDonald scored on a 64-yard run in the fourth quarter for Avon.
Girls soccer team wins share of league title
AVON, Oct. 29 -- Senior All-New England forward Jillian Strassner took the ball through three defenders and scored five minutes into the second half to spark the Falcons in a 1-1 tie in double OT with Suffield Wednesday. The tie gives Avon (14-1-1, 12-0-1 NCCC) a piece of the NCCC championship with Suffield (15-0-1, 12-0-1), which tied the game with 2:35 remaining in regulation. It is Avon's sixth league title this decade and second in the last three years.
Avon remains in contention for playoff berth
CHESHIRE, Oct. 27 – With four games remaining in the regular season, Avon (5-2) is contention for a Class M playoff berth for the second straight year. While the Falcons are seeded fifth, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility to see Berlin, St. Paul, Ledyard, Sheehan and Bethel lose at least one more game.
Berlin plays St. Paul and finishes the season against Windham. Ledyard has games remaining with New London and Fitch. Ledyard could leap past Avon with a win over New London and Fitch. Avon has to win its four final games to have a shot at the first playoff berth in school history.
Falcons in driver's seat for 2nd straight Uncas title
AVON, Oct. 26 – Playing to control its own championship destiny, the Falcons leaped out to a quick 14-point lead in the first six minutes of the game to beat Ellington/Somers, 48-20 Sunday night. Defending Pequot Uncas champion Avon (5-2, 5-0 Pequot Uncas) has just three Uncas Division games remaining against teams with a combined record of 2-16.
QB Andrew Livingstone, making his first-ever varsity start, completed 8-of-10 passes for 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns to Vince Savarese. Livingstone also returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown. Ross McDonald rushed for 127 yards and an 86-yard TD run early in the first quarter while teammate Mike D’Onofrio rushed for 95 yards and three TDs on 12 carries.
Three times, Ellington/Somers (5-2, 5-1) moved into the red zone (inside the 20-yard line). Twice, they were as close as the 8-yard line. They didn’t score a point, turning the ball over on downs twice and fumbling the ball away. Starting QB David Wyrick played just defense and kicked because of a sprained thumb.
Showdown under the lights Sunday
AVON, Oct. 21 -- The only two remaining undefeated teams in Pequot Uncas play battle on Sunday night in Avon for control of the Uncas Division and control of its championship destiny. Avon (4-2, 4-0 Pequot Uncas) hosts Ellington (5-1, 4-0) on Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. under portable lights. The game was moved from Saturday due to the forecasted heavy rain.
After Ellington, the remaining Uncas DIvision opponents on Avon's schedule are Canton (1-4), GIlbert (3-2) and Stafford (0-4). A year ago, the Falcons beat Ellington/Somers in the final game of the season, 13-6 to win the Pequot Uncas crown and its first championship since 1993.
Falcons grind out big victory over Tolland, 21-13
TOLLAND, Oct. 17 – Ross McDonald ran for three TDs and a career-high 148 yards as the Falcons took a big step toward defending its Pequot Uncas title with a hard-fought 21-13 win over rival Tolland Friday night under the lights and in front of a full house at Tolland Middle School.
The Eagles (3-2, 3-1 Pequot Uncas) cut the lead to one when Devin Roper scored on a 15-yard TD pass from QB Sal Ternullo but the extra point attempt by Ternullo failed. Avon (4-2, 4-0 Pequot Uncas) iced the game with a 12-play drive capped by McDonald’s six-yard run with 3:37 remaining. QB David Wyrick converted on the key extra point to push the lead to eight.
Tolland drove deep into Avon territory but linebacker T.J. Stolzenberg intercepted a pass at the goal line in the final minute to seal the victory. A year ago, Avon rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Tolland, 21-14, with a touchdown with 9 seconds left.
Tolland has applied to join 30-team CCC
Tolland will be leaving the NCCC next fall. Tolland and Rocky Hill are expected to receive approval shortly to become the newest members of the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) beginning next fall. "We're still working on the applications for Tolland and Rocky Hill and the entire realignment of the conference," CCC commissioner John Tarnuzzer told the Hartford Courant. "We will have definitive answers by November."
The CCC approved applications from six members of the Northwest Conference (Berlin, Plainville, Middletown, RHAM, Northwest Catholic, East Catholic) in September. The addition of Tolland and Rocky Hill would give the CCC 32 teams.
Howling Wolves handle Avon
NEW HAVEN, Oct. 11 – Avon’s Mike D’Onofrio ran for 121 yards and a 34-yard touchdown but it wasn’t enough as the Howling Wolves (4-1) handed the Falcons their second loss of the year. David Wyrick rushed for 77 yards and had a TD pass to T.J. Stolzenberg for Avon (3-2). Hyde’s Zane Marks rushed 14 times for 204 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also caught a TD pass.
Avon, which gained 286 yards rushing using an array of misdirection plays, turned the ball over three times with interceptions. “You can’t throw the ball up for grabs like that and expect to compete against a fine team like Hyde,” Avon coach Brett Quinlon told the New Haven Register. “I credit Hyde. They took advantage of our miscues and turned them into touchdowns. I’m pleased that we hung in there, and we did move the ball on the ground, but we have to get a lot better. That is a real good team.”
McDonald has 3 TDs in win over Housatonic
AVON, Oct. 4 – Sophomore back Ross McDonald rushed for a career-high 109 yards and 3 TDs as the Falcons (3-1, 3-0 Pequot Uncas) rolled to a 55-21 win over Housatonic/Wamogo at home. It was Avon’s 12th win in its last 13 games. Terence Olsen caught three passes for 97 yards and a TD. QB David Wyrick completed 5-of-7 passes for 145 yards, all in the first half.
Many of the starters didn’t play in the second half but the second team offense still marched for a pair of TD scoring drives. Joe Rosati, Jerry Condon, Chris Dlugolecki, Clint Wallberg, Dan Matthews, Leo Hebert and Jason Conner played well in the second half for the Falcons. Running back Mike D’Onofrio sat out the game with a hip pointer.
A strong Mountaineer team scored on its opening drive but the Falcons adjusted to keep Housatonic from stringing together any more scoring drives. “We’re doing many things well,” Falcon coach Brett Quinion said. “But there are many things that need improvement to compete with the better teams.”
Avon had three tough games ahead beginning on the road next week at Hyde-New Haven and night games at Tolland and against Ellington at home. ... The 55 points ties the fourth-highest scoring output in team history.
Wyrick sparks Avon past Pats in home opener
AVON, Sept. 28 – Falcon QB David Wyrick was 8-of-10 for 174 yards and a pair of TD passes as the Falcons captured their home opener on a sunny Sunday afternoon with a 40-7 win over Coventry/Windham Tech. The game was moved to Sunday due to rain.
AHS receiver T.J. Stolzenberg (5-127) pulled in TD passes of 21 and 31 yards. Mike D’Onofrio ran just seven times, gaining 56 yards and scoring a pair of TDs. Avon (2-1, 2-0 Pequot Uncas) led 40-0 after three quarters. Coventry slips to 2-1, 1-1 Pequot Uncas.
Falcons run over Locks for victory
WINDSOR LOCKS, Sept. 20 – Senior Mike D’Onofrio ran for 219 yards and 4 TDs on 13 carries to lead the Falcons to a 48-0 victory over Windsor Locks/Suffield. D’Onofrio also had seven tackles and an interception.
QB David Wyrick completed 5-of-8 passes for 64 yards and had a team-high 15 tackles on defense, including four unassisted stops. Avon (1-1, 1-0 Pequot Uncas) had six sacks in the game, led by Brandon Burciaga with a pair. Wyrick nailed 6-of-7 extra points for the Falcons.
The 48-point win was the fourth largest in school history and the most lopsided victory since a 57-point win over Putnam in 1977 by a 63-6 score. D'Onofrio scored 4 TDs or more in a game for the fifth time in his career.
Cromwell wears down Falcons
CROMWELL, Sept. 13 – Robert Jordan scored a pair of touchdowns to lead Cromwell to a 21-0 win over Avon in the season opening game for both teams. Avon started well, driving to the Panther 16-yard line with a long 13-play drive but Cromwell’s Jamie Scott blocked the 21-yard FG attempt. "They've just put some new people in new spots. That's a good team. They're going to give team fits," Cromwell coach Sal Morello told The Herald Press.
Leading 7-0, Cromwell opened the second half with a 12-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Mike Zimmitti scoring from the 1-yard line for a 14-0 lead. The Panthers ate up nearly seven minutes of the fourth quarter with a 15-play, 69-yard drive for its third TD. Zimmitti had a pair of key first down runs and Dominique Carr caught a pair of passes for first downs as well. "I think we wore them down at the end," Morello said. "Our conditioning definitely paid off."
The win snapped a nine-game winning streak for Avon, the second-longest streak in school history.
Cromwell is an opening day challenge
AVON, Sept. 9 – The Falcons will receive a stiff challenge when they put a nine-game winning streak on the line in the season opening game at Cromwell at 1:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Middletown's WCNX-AM (1710) and CNXradio.com. Avon was 9-1 and won the Pequot Uncas championship but missed the Class M playoffs. Cromwell finished undefeated at 10-0 and won the Pequot Sassacus title for the second straight year before bowing in the Class S semifinals to New London, 34-14.
Opening day milestones
Record: 25-23
Biggest win: '76, Avon 42, Pomperaug 0
Last win: 2004, Avon 28, Wright Tech 0
Biggest defeat: 1999, Windsor 40, Avon 0
D'Onofrio, Wyrick look to defend Uncas title
AVON, Sept. 11 – The Falcons return several outstanding specialists with All-State running back Mike D’Onofrio and All-Uncas QB David Wyrick but significant rebuilding of the offensive and defensive line could be challenging this season. D’Onofrio rushed for 1,042 yards and set single season records with 23 TDs and 142 points while Wyrick completed 69 of 121 passes for 1,103 yards and a school record 12 TDs.
Avon (9-1, 8-0 Pequot Uncas) has 11 seniors and will lean heavily on them. The Falcons will have three new starters on the defensive line and some new starters on the offensive line. All-Uncas LB Mike Dugan, Terence Olsen and All-Uncas lineman D.L. McDonald bring solid experience to the squad. T.J. Stolzenberg, Brandon Burciaga, Zak Blawie and Lambert Givens look to be key contributors.
The Falcons, who had their best record in 27 years (1980, 9-1), will be challenged by games with Cromwell and Hyde-New Haven this year. Tolland and Ellington look to battle with the Falcons for the Uncas Division title.
Avon to host Ellington under the lights
AVON, Aug. 12 – The Falcons have added another night game to the 2008 schedule. Avon will host a game under the lights at the high school on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. when they host Ellington/Somers. Avon also plays a pair of night games on the road at Tolland and at Stafford.
Falcons to train at Camp Rell
AVON, July 29 – As part of their preseason preparations for the 2008 season, the Falcons will practice for three days (Aug. 21-24) at Camp Rell in Niantic with New Britain High and Hartford Public. The state National Guard runs conditioning programs in the morning and teams can go through triple sessions of football practice and a professional leadership program. On Saturday, Aug. 23, Ledyard and Wethersfield will scrimmage with Avon, New Britain and Hartford Public. Practice begins for the Falcons on Monday, Aug. 18.
Season opener on radio and the net
MIDDLETOWN, July 14 -- Avon’s season-opening game with Cromwell on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. will be broadcast on WCNX-AM (1710) radio in Middletown and CNXRadio.com. A CD copy of the game broadcast will be available for $24.95 through CNXRadio.com.
Athletes get $150 bill to play
AVON, July 9 – As part of measures to cut $1.52 million from the education budget, the Avon Board of Education will institute a new $150 fee for students to participate in high school athletics beginning in September. The board also cut three staff positions and eliminated most of the interscholastic athletic program at the middle school. Field hockey, cross country and track will continue as interscholastic events at the middle school while the remaining sports were eliminated. Students at the high school will have to pay $150 for each sport they want to participate in. The school plans to add a new indoor track team this winter only if 67 students participate to make the program self-funded.
Rocky Hill interested
in joining the NCCC
ROCKY HILL, July 7 – The New Britain Herald reports that Rocky Hill has applied to join the NCCC. "The coaches got together and we talked and the majority of the coaches wanted to go to the NCCC," Rocky Hill football coach David Coyne said. "So that's where we applied." Rocky Hill currently is a member of the Northwest Conference and plays in the Nutmeg League in football. But with Farmington’s departure to the CCC this fall and Berlin, RHAM, Plainville and Middletown reportedly applying to the Central Connecticut Conference, the Terriers didn’t want to be left out in the cold.
Enfield, a member of the NCCC, plays football in the Nutmeg Conference. The addition of Rocky Hill could jumpstart a pure NCCC league in football with Avon, Canton, Windsor Locks, Ellington, Stafford and Coventry already fielding teams. But at this point with no official words from any league officials, it is all pure speculation.
Tougher schedule in '08
AVON, April 15 – One reason that the Avon High football missed the CIAC playoffs despite a 9-1 record in 2007 was because their strength of schedule was low. That shouldn’t happen in 2008. Avon will play two of the strongest teams in the Pequot Conference’s Sassacus Division with a pair of road games at Cromwell and at Hyde-New Haven this fall.
Cromwell went 10-0 in the regular season last fall, won the Sassacus Division championship for the second straight year and qualified for the Class S playoffs for the fourth time in five years. Hyde, 8-2 last year, won back-to-back Class S titles in 2004 and 2005. ... Former Avon High assistant coach Roger Pearl, who coached with the Falcons from 2001-03, was named as the new head coach at Canton.
Sunblade honored
ROCKY HILL, Feb. 29 – Jeff Sunblade, Avon’s athletic director, received a Distinguished Service Award from the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors on March 27.
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