WIZARDS HOMECOMING LOST TO MV, 27-0
By John Gregory and Jackie Fowler
The
Washingtonville Wizards Varsity Football team failed to win their homecoming
game against
The Wizards started the game off on the right foot by winning the toss and receiving the ball. Minisink’s Kyle Cazetta kicked the ball off to Washingtonville's wide receiver, Kyle Oliver who returned the ball to the 24 yard line. The Wizards had all the right momentum leading into their first drive led by Senior Quarterback John DeCourcey. The Wizard’s first series was unsuccessful leaving it up to Coach Simpson’s defense to stop the Warriors. Despite good efforts Wizard defense couldn't stop the high powered Minisink offense allowing them to score on their first drive less than three minutes into the first quarter. The Wizards thought the outcome would be different due to the absence of Minisink’s senior running back James Ferrier. Key tackles by Alain Alisca #20 and Chris Fernandez #17 rattled Minisink’s offense causing a fumble on the Wizard three yard line where the Wizards recovered the ball early in the first half. Senior defensive end, Ryan Dowling and junior linebacker, Gerry Dubatowka played well in the Minisink backfield helping the Wizards gain the recovery.
As the second quarter started Wizard’s defense had trouble holding Minisink back and within the first minute of the quarter the Warriors gained another touchdown bumping the score up to 13-0. Senior corner back Keenan Bailey made a key tackle at the Wizard 27 y ard line but regardless of the team’s efforts the first half continued and the Wizards couldn’t find their team chemistry. Minisink’s James Vavricka went on to score a touchdown after receiving a 17 yard pass making the score 20-0. When the Warriors kicked off the ball Senior Captain, Bobby Tansey, went on to return the ball to the 38 yard line. A series of runs led by seniors Bobby Tansey and Kevin Reilly as well penalties helped the Wizards pull into Minisink territory. Big Plays by Cameron McLaurn, number 49 and Chris Fernandez, number 17 led to a Minisink Valley Fumble at the ten yard line. With 1 minute left in the half the Wizards had everything in their favor to turn the game around but a devastating fumble just feet away from the end zone by lost the ball for the Wizards. When Minisink started to drive back up the field senior safety Brian Hlavac (T.A.N) helped block a long pass and held up his side of the field with great intensity as the first half came to a close.
In the second half the Wizards never gained composure and due to inadequate field position and lack of inspiration from poor play calling the Wizards were never given the proper tools to win the game. Throughout the game the Wizard boys had the drive to win but witho ut proper guidance they did not have a fighting chance. As the defense was led by defensive end Chris Fernandez, middle linebacker Eric Kowalski, and senior safety Brian Hlavac, the defense held their intensity till the last second. The game ended with a 27-0 victory for the Minisink Valley Warriors. The Wizards next step is a league game against FDR. As said by senior defensive end Chris Fernandez “Next week is a new week, were going to take FDR down one more time.”
Key players for a more favorable outcome to next week game are Senior Captains Kevin Reilly and Bobby Tansey and the Wizards offensive line led by Senior Captain, Jake Butler, and offensive tackle Brian Mahoney. The Wizards defense, led by Seniors Chris Fernandez, Eric Kawolski, Jimmy Reynolds, Brian Hlavac, and Cameron McLourn are going to have to step up their intensity. By John Gregory and Jackie Fowler