Redhawks Drown Lakers

By Joe Cribari

CVU’s varsity football squad took care of a bit of business from last season and beyond as the Redhawks beat the Colchester High School Lakers 23-14 on Saturday in Hinesburg. The winning score came early in the second quarter as Konnor Fleming rushed 86 yards from scrimmage for a touchdown.

Colchester had won every prior game between these teams, most notably in the 2009 Division II State Championship. There were similarities with last year’ s game: both were played on muddy fields in chilly, rainy weather; both were tough, hard hitting games between well matched teams with big ground games; the final scores were eerily similar (22-14 last year).

The difference this year? “The line dominated,” Redhawks linebacker Ryan Fleming said, “And we limited [Lakers running back Devon] Grammo,” he added. CVU’s defense did an outstanding job of just that. Grammo, one of the state’s best running backs, gave fans an early scare as he returned a kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown just over four minutes into the game. The extra point gave the Lakers their only lead, 7-6.

Dale Conger lead the Redhawks with 6 tackles, but was well supported by Ryan Fleming, Konnor Fleming, Cameron Fitzgerald, Eric Palmer, Taylor Gingras, Nick Meunier, Tyler Barnes and the rest of the Redhawks defense. CVU not only limited Grammo, but shut his team out for the second half of the game – the second time CVU’ s defense has done so this season (CVU also kept Rice scoreless after halftime).

‘Avatar’ Gingras was on fire, knocking down passes and harassing Lakers’ receivers all day. Taylor also had an interception. Konnor Fleming was all over the field making tackles; Ryan Fleming was outstanding in getting to the ball carrier. “Barnes was huge,” Ryan Fleming said. Indeed, it was Barnes’ interception and ensuing 62-yard touchdown run with 3:11 left in the game that helped secure the game for the Redhawks.

The Lakers could not be written off yet, although after Barnes’ touchdown, time was against Colchester and they had to go to the air. The Redhawks’ big pass rush combined with superb play in the secondary held the Lakers to just one yard total in their last two possessions.

On offense, there was great blocking by the line, especially Dylan Raymond. Barnes was “huge” as well – both as a runner and lead blocker. Konnor Fleming led the ‘ Hawks, rushing 21 times for 173 yards, including his 86-yard touchdown run. This was a big day for K-Flem, who also threw for 81 yards – all to Gingras - and a 27-yard touchdown.

Barnes (defensive), Konnor Fleming (rushing and passing) and Gingras (receiving) scored CVU’ s three touchdowns. Tucker Kolasch rounded out the scoring with a perfect 37-yard field goal in the first quarter. Tucker also had two good extra point kicks.

Devon Grammo scored both touchdowns for Colchester.

CVU’s cheerleaders made their debut in style and were well received. The large squad added to the festive atmosphere with well synchronized cheers, calls, pyramids and handsprings. Coaches Michelle Filardi, Susan Delisle, Kimberly Downs and Jill Gorms called the day ‘awesome.’ “It went well and the girls had fun,” Filardi said, admitting that the “girls and coaches alike” had been a bit nervous.

The Redhawks travel to Milton High School Friday October 22, 2010 to play the Yellowjackets. The game starts at 7:00 pm. Milton (3-2 in Div II; 5-2 overall) handed CVU its only regular season loss in 2009, so the Redhawks are looking to settle that score. The Redhawks are still holding on to second place in Division II with a 5-1 Division record (5-2 overall).