Mountaineers looking to build on week-one win

09/21/2007
Mountaineers looking to build on week-one win


By TIMOTHY W. GAFFNEY
Register Citizen Correspondent

FALLS VILLAGE - The Housatonic football team finds itself in a position it would love to see more of, tied for first place in the Uncas Division of the Pequot League.

The 1-0 Mountaineers travel to Deep River to take on 0-1 Valley Regional today under the lights with a 6:30 p.m. scheduled kickoff.

Things have been buzzing all week in this small town, fresh off its football team's opening-week 34-20 home win over Coginchaug/Vinal Tech.

Second-year head coach Deron Bayer liked what he saw in the week-one win, but understands the task ahead versus a team that mirrors his in many ways is no easy one.

"Over the past 10 years (Bayer was assistant coach before taking over the reigns this year), we have matched up evenly with Valley almost every year." Bayer explained.

"Tim King is their head coach and he always gets the most out his players." he continued. "You have to be on your toes when you face him because he knows and runs a game very well."

Last week, senior running back Tom Kennedy scored four touchdowns as the Mountaineers ran out to a 20-0 lead before holding on for the win in the second half.
Kennedy earned the Athlete of the Week honor in the Register Citizen last week, but Bayer credits Kennedy for understanding how it happened.

"Tom would be the first to say it was a team effort." Bayer said. "He understands he wouldn't be able to do much without his line blocking as well as they did last week."
Valley was blanked by Ellington 24-0 last week on the road, but playing under the lights in its home opener should provide extra motivation for Regional.
"They will want to get their first win on their home field in front of a big crowd." Bayer said.

Like the Mountaineers, Valley won't be bringing many surprises to the game, it's smashmouth football, and running will be the name of the game.




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