Left to right: Cameron Fitzgerald, Eric Palmer, JP Benoit, Konnor Fleming, Dale Conger.

CVU Seniors Shine in North-South Game

By Joe Cribari

CVU Football fans were joined by fans from around the state of Vermont Saturday afternoon for the 10th annual North-South Senior Bowl Football Classic at Castleton State College Spartans Stadium. The Redhawks players selected performed superbly in the North’s 74-48 clobbering of the South.

On offense, J.P. Benoit gave a tremendous effort as he always does as running back, blocking back and receiver. J.P. zigged and zagged and dragged defenders with him with a number of great carries. Most significant was a huge break Benoit made on a screen play, making to the 4-yard line and positioning the North for a subsequent touchdown.

CVU was well represented on defense. Short official statistics, it is safe to state that Dale Conger, Cameron Fitzgerald and Eric Palmer were major factors for the North. These three hassled the South’s quarterbacks and runners all day, and were instrumental in keeping the South’s score in check in this high-scoring contest – all three played a great game.

Conger and Fitzgerald formed the core of the North’s D-line as they did for the Redhawks during the 2010 season. Fitzgerald can be credited with a touchdown saving tackle. Eric Palmer was on fire at defensive end, with two sacks for which he was credited and uncounted tackles. Whoever had the ball for the South had to worry about Palmer, because he was always there. Late in the game, Palmer came up with the ball for the North on an on-side kick attempt.

Konnor Fleming, although not able to play due to a knee injury, was on the side-line with his teammates old and new. Fleming was not in uniform, but he was also not idle, and could be seen during the game having a catch with and helping to warm up his teammates. Konnor’s attendance despite his inability to take the field demonstrates his class and sportsmanship. He is representative of the character with which we associate our Redhawks.

It was a great afternoon in which many former adversaries from the North (and alternately the South) came together as a team to do what they love to do – play football. We can be proud of all of our Redhawks so admirably represented on the Northern team in this game of the best of the best of Vermont high school seniors.