Thanksgiving football capsules

Two Single-Wing Teams in Thanksgiving Day Playoffs



Crosby (4-5) vs. Kennedy (2-7), 10 a.m.

Where: Municipal Stadium's Ray Snyder Sr. Field

KEYS TO THE GAME

Crosby — The Bulldgos must get the passing game established early. An effective running game, led by FB James McMasters Jr., will certainly open things up for QB David Gondek. Defensive front must figure a way to contain the speed of Kennedy's Ronald Naraine and P.J. Stribling.

Kennedy — Besides triggering the Eagles' single-wing offense going, QB Jarrie Hathaway aksi has a soft passing touch to dependable receivers, especially Brad Ingram. The secondary must find a way to keep Crosby speeders Steve Dunbar and Ray Borrelli contained.

Game facts: McMasters has 1,005 yards rushing while Gondek has passed for 1,162 yards and nine TDs, despite missing three games due to an injury ... Kennedy TB Ronald Naraine has eight TDs, including five of more than 70 yards.

Crosby players to watch: David Gondek (No. 14, QB, Jr.); James McMasters Jr. (No. 24, RB, Sr.); Steve Dunbar (No. 4, WR-DB, Jr.); Ray Borrelli (No. 1, WR-DB, Sr.); Hein Ha (No. 57, OL-DL, Sr.).

Kennedy players to watch: Ronald Naraine (No. 1, RB-DB, Jr.); Jarrie Hathaway (No. 16, QB-DB, Jr.); Ashami Curry (No. 54, OL-DL, Sr.); Steve Anton (No. 78, C-DL, Sr.); Ken Fermin (No. 73, OL-DL, Sr.).

LAST YEAR

Kennedy 28, Crosby 21: Kennedy sealed its first four-win season since 1999 when Alex Ortiz recovered an onside kick in the closing minutes at Jimmy Lee Stadium. Lee Brockett, P.J. Stribling and Ronald Naraine all had terrific rushing games for the Eagles (4-6). Bobby Wilcher also caught a TD pass from Brockett. For the Bulldogs (2-8), Allan Karpen threw two touchdown passes to Ray Borrelli and one to Steve Dunbar.


Housatonic (5-4) at Gilbert (2-7), 10 a.m.

Where: Van Why Field, Winsted

KEYS TO THE GAME

Housatonic — Having an above.-500 record for the first time in recent memory is huge for the Mountaineers' program and first-year head coach Deron Bayer. Getting a lead on the road would do wonders for morale. The Mountaineers' [Single-Wing]running offense could be the difference this time.

Gilbert — The Yellowjackets have won two straight Berkshire Bowls, which is important in this 23-year rivalry. Confidence could prevail, especially at home.

Game facts: Housatonic RB Will Kennedy has scored a team-leading 11 TDs, including three in a win over Stafford last weekend ... Tim Terwilliger has scored a team-leading 3 TDs for the Yellowjackets.

Housatonic/Wamogo players to watch — Charlie Horowitz (No. 10, WR-DB, Sr.); Will Kennedy (No. 21, RB-DB, Jr.); Thomas Kennedy (No. 24, HB-DB, Jr.); Jesse Becker (No. 64, G-DE, Sr.); Jameson Martin (No. 35, HBS, Sr.).

Gilbert./ Northwestern players to watch — Matt Ryan (No. 16, RB-DB, Sr.); Tim Terwilliger (No. 5, RB-DB, Sr.); Cody Stone (No. 25, RB-DB, So.); Ryan Baril (No. 62, G-DT, Sr.); Raul Diaz (No. 14, RB-DB, Sr.).

LAST YEAR

Gilbert/Northwestern 14, Housatonic/Wamogo 12: Frank Kawa caught a two-point conversion pass from Dan Lippincott in overtime in Falls Village. Aljeny Silven scored a touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Lippincott in overtime, giving the Yellowjackets a 12-6 edge.

Housatonic's Clayton Keller scored his second TD in OT, cutting the deficit to 14-12. The conversion run failed, ending the game. Housatonic ended the season at 2-8.


==================================================
American-Republican Inc. 389 Meadow St. P.O. Box 2090 Waterbury CT 06722-2090



.