By Patrick Z. McGavin- Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill
** Additional Photos are Available for Purchase at https://justallsports.zenfolio.com/p931224914 **
The comeback is one of the great cinematic stories in sports.
Playing technically solid and fundamentally sharp football sounds a little boring.
It remains a very efficient way to play the game.
“Scoring first the way we did, I think, got us a lot more hyped, and ready to play,” Thomas Walsh said.
The Jr Celtics 11U program connected all the right parts in the 19-6 Homecoming victory over the Oswego Bears in a Pop Warner league game at Main Park on Saturday, September 16.
Running back Nakhati Thompson scored two touchdowns to set the early tone.
The team played rugged and opportunistic defense against the physically imposing Bears, who featured several players with striking physical characteristics.
Thompson scored on a 26-yard run on the opening possession that put the Jr Celtics on the board.
That proved meaningful, symbolically and emotionally.
“I thought that helped us a lot,” Thompson said. “I think if we didn’t have success on that first drive, the game would have been negatively impacted.”
A week ago, Thompson scored on a 65-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage.
The Jr Celtics had to show more patience and versatility against the tough and aggressive Bears’ front.
“Right when I got the ball, I just thought this was going to be a game,” quarterback Michael Brown said.
“Normally we score on the first play. We didn’t this time. We had like 10 plays this time.”
The defense was certainly fired up.
On the opening drive by the Bears, Jackson Shanahan smashed through the line for a five-yard loss.
Thompson and Walsh followed suit with their own tackle in the backfield for a five-yard loss.
“We were more physical during the play,” Thompson said.
Brown overcame a first quarter interception to direct the attack with precision.
The Jr Celtics relied on their speed and athleticism, and the open field running of Thompson and Bryce Robinson to take control.
“On offense, we all know what we’re doing,” Robinson said.
“When we go out on the field, we get things done. When we are on defense, we have a very stable defense, and it’s hard to get first downs against us.”
Mason Jones and Adrian Friscia also stepped up with strong inside pressure against the Bears’ quarterback, resulting in a hurried throw that was picked off by Cameron Bateman.
“I think I got my style from my dad,” Friscia said. “He teaches me a lot. I also have great defensive coaches.
“I am athletic, and I can be faster on defense and it’s easier for me to get around.”
The interception set up the second touchdown. Thompson set the stage with runs of eight and four yards.
Brown took over from, getting around the right edge for a seven-yard burst.
He completed the five-play drive with the three-yard keeper. For good measure, he also threw a passion to Izhok Jaber for the conversion.
The Jr Celtics led 13-0 at the break.
“We all did our job, and it worked out well,” Brown said. “A lot of the running backs not only ran really well, but they did a good job blocking.
“We have great chemistry on this team. We’re all friends, and we’re all leaders.”
Thompson, Friscia, Walsh, Robinson, Jones, Bateman teamed with Christian Taphorn and Kaiden Alexander for a complete and impressive defensive performance.
The 11U has an animated and intense style of play reflected in the personality of their coach, Bob Russell.
“We all came in really angry, and the weather conditions didn’t really help,” Jaber said.
“We had a big audience today, and we wanted to make a point. We were fired up, and it made us excited because we had to defend our home.
Even during those moments when the offense struggled against the size and speed of the Bears, the defense reacted in kind.
Oswego never got into any consistent offensive rhythm.
The Jr Celtics put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.
Taking over at midfield, Brown tailored another one of his classic extended drives.
The team ran on nine consecutive plays, only an 11-yard burst by Thompson gaining double-digit yards.
The balance of the drive showed versatility, drive and toughness.
“Our offense can score from anywhere,” Jaber said. “It just means even if they put all of their defense on one person, we could use another weapon.”
Thompson carried the ball five times for 25 yards on the drive. His final carry produced his two-yard touchdown
Oswego did not achieve a first down until the fourth quarter. Their touchdown drive, which was impressive, was largely window dressing.
The hard work was already done
“I think practice makes perfect,” Thompson said.
“Last year they lost on Homecoming, so today was a very special day when it comes to the festivities and everything.”
The Jr Celtics 11U team showcased many excellent players and special contributors in the 19-6 victory. The other players included Jaxon Brown, Brayden Firlit, Nolan Purtill, Frank Vosholler IV, Andrew Lowry, Caden Russell, Dominic Nemchausky, Kyle Tompkins, Caleb Jablonski, Carter Gericke, Benjamin Tiernan, Anthoni Stefos, Maximus Dukups and Logan McGrath.
The Pee Wee cheerleaders also excelled with their beautiful routines and high flying energy. They included Brianna Adair, Madison Baker, Chloe DiBennardi, Angelica Enright, Charlotte Fowler, Madison Janik, Luciana Kolenko, Gabrielle Migacz, Eloise Morrison, Penny Oeser, Gianna Picciola, Gianna Ponzi, Mia Rhodes, Bevin Scanlan, Jessica Short, Teagan Smith, Anya Stojak, Madison Varnado and Alexis Vollman.