by Patrick Z. McGavin- Photos by Renee Kaspar
** Additional Photos are Available for Purchase at https://justallsports.zenfolio.com/p165270845 **
In a bubble two plays are never going to truly decide a game.
The mathematical possibilities and number of plays inevitably even out. The Jr Celtics 8U could only reflect upon, and wonder what might have been.
Just as the Jr Celtics were about to answer one significant action with its own, things fell apart.
“We didn’t finish our first drive,” coach Tommy Comise said. “We had a penalty and then two mental mistakes inside the goal line.
“We didn’t punch it in.”
That inability came back to haunt the Jr Celtics in their 13-0 Homecoming loss against the Memorial Park Spartans in a Pop Warner league game at Main Park on Saturday, September 16.
The Spartans ripped off a 65-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage for the fast 7-0 lead.
The Jr Celtics did not flinch, creating an exhilarating moment on their fifth play. Running back Ashton Bradshaw exploded through the line for a 54-yard run down the left.
“I have played a lot of soccer, and I am pretty fast, and kids can’t really catch me,” Bradshaw said. “I like to get outside with the ball, and I thought I got in.”
Seemingly on the verge of scoring, he was tackled inside the one-yard line.
Disaster struck with Bradshaw being dropped behind the line of scrimmage for a three-yard loss on first and goal. A false start penalty and another negative-yardage play sealed the fate of the Jr Celtics.
They were forced to play catch up the rest of the game.
“This whole organization, not just my team, we pound away at the fundamentals: blocking, tackling, and just knowing the game,” coach Comise said.
“We want the kids to know, and love the game. That’s the biggest thing.”
Despite the loss, the feeling of pleasure and passion radiated in all directions.
The defense settled into a nice groove after the stunning opening play of the game.
Finn Ward had a big quarterback sack in the first half that helped shut down a separate Spartans’ drive.
Michael Comise, John Skuzinski, Ryder Dow, Owen Miller, Vincent Venegas, John Drabeck and Caleb Partin showed superb energy and technique.
The defense used their speed and quickness to contain the Spartans on the outside, and make sure and hard tackles at the point of attack.
“I like to play how my dad played,” Skuzinski said. “He always tells me when you are trying to make a tackle to go for the hips and legs. My favorite part is running the ball.”
Venegas is typical of the second-year player becoming more comfortable and assured of what they are doing.
“I understand the game better now, and I just like going out and playing hard,” he said.
Partin was the secondary runner to Bradshaw in the backfield. His style complements the outside speed and athleticism of Bradshaw.
Michael Comise is the quarterback who orchestrates the attack.
“I get to throw the ball sometimes, and also run it, and it just feels great to get to run the ball and make people miss you,” Michael Comise said. “My favorite part is just running the ball.
“We are getting better all the time. We just need more effort, more hustle, and the guys to do their jobs better. We are trying hard.”
The defense remains ahead of the offense. Outside of the big Bradshaw run on the opening drive, the Jr Celtics lacked the big play, momentum changing action to get back into the game.
They had to chase the entire way.
“Our defense has played well,” Benard said. “We held the Oswego Bears to zero points. Our season is going pretty well, and we are having a good time out there.”
The size differential was telling.
“They used to weigh kids last year, and now this is the first year of 7U as an unlimited team,” coach Comise said. “We are starting to see bigger kids.
“It’s good in a way, seeing these bigger teams, so our kids are not caught off-guard when they get older.
With the exception of the Spartans’ two big scoring plays, the Jr Celtics held them largely in check. Timothy Gena, Iacovos Christou and Jack Mackiney also showed great energy and resolve playing for the defense.
“We are undersized, but they fight until the end,” coach Comise said. “Unfortunately, the results might not always show it, but the progress from day one is night and day.
“I was pleased.”
Despite the 13-0 loss, the Jr Celtics 7U team had many key contributors who played with energy and conviction. They included James Short, William Fitzgerald, Joseph Paciorek, Rocco Macaluso and Corbin Caine.
Three different cheerleading groups also took part in the festivities, showing camaraderie and great spirit. The first half featured the Tiny-Mites, including Brooke Copack, Mila Fox, Jayde Dorosz, Brooklyn Firlit, Calrleigh Gill, Ella Koschnitzki, Maggie Lepore, Sloane Ludwig, Ellie Mahalik, Hayden Neal, Kelsey Niemeyer, Nicole Pflug and June Smith.
The Junior Varsity also took part in the first half action, including Raelynn Anderson, Vivienne Andresen, Kalista Balenciaga, Mia Calleros, Maleah Capadona, Grace Crowhurst, Ella Dobbelhoff, Alexis Firlit, Skyler Guinea, Emma Hamstra, Riley Hoffman, Audrey Larson, Roe Lubovich, Gracelyn Marienllo, Charlotte McDonald, Charlotte Ozinga, Giulianna Ramus, Elle Taylor.
The second half showcased the style and energy of the Mitey-Mite cheerleaders, featuring Gabriella Bal-Denton, Madelyn Breymeyer, Lily Burke, Julianna Capadona, Leah Doman, Lucia Garofalo, Shea Kelly, Annabelle Osborne, Lilly Pearson, Emma Price, Olivia Richards, Ellie Roberts, Rylie-Ann Runia, Tessa Taylor, Liliana Wood.
