Monumental Montie Milestones
Boys Clinch Third Consecutive Division III Title While Girls Break 28-Year Drought Garnering First Title Since 1984; A Plethora Of Personal Bests Evinced By Kids As Liberty Gives Its Best Vying In Tougher Division; Burke On The Scene As A Non-League Entry
Boys: OCIAA Division III: Monticello 94, Liberty 47; Liberty 119, Burke 15; Monticello 134, Burke 1
Girls: OCIAA Division III: Monticello 95, Liberty 46; Liberty 92, Burke 47; Monticello 108, Burke 33
By RICHARD A. ROSS
Photos at: www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com
Scenes from the historic meet in which Monticello's boys clinched their 3rd straight Div. III title and the girls got their first crown in 28 years (clockwise). Monticello's boys and girls track teams pose with their coaches following the epic wins by both squads. Monticello twins Camryn and Sydney Johnson lead the way in the 1500. They also went one-two in the 800 and ran in the victorious 3200 relay. Monticello Coach Joe Seidl undergoes his annual dousing after the title victory. Liberty senior Rebeccah Harman wins the 100 high hurdles. She also won the 400 hurdles and ran a leg in the winning 400 relay. Monticello's Joe Klein won the 1600 and 3200. Liberty's Andy Hazelnis turned in a personal best 41-2 in the triple jump. Liberty's Vinny Webbe clears 11-0 in the pole vault, Liberty's Nikole Snyder jumps a personal best 15-6 to win the long jump. Liberty's Kane Sauchuk swept the 110 and 400 hurdles and ran a leg in the winning 3200 relay despite being afflicted with the stomach flu, Monticello senior Tania Walker wins the 200. She also won the 400. Monticello senior Onique (Tino) Taylor wins the 200 just one tenth of a second shy of the school record. Monticello's boys and girls team pictures are at the bottom of the panel.
MONTICELLO,NY—Simply historic. Nothing less than one for the ages.
That’s what Monticello’s boys and girls Division III clinching track victories over Liberty translated to as the boys team marshaled its third consecutive division title ,while the Lady Panthers captured their first title in 28 years. Not since the spring of 1984 has a Monticello girls team claimed such bragging rights. That year they won Section Nine titles in the Winter of ’83 and the spring of ’84. So this honor was a long time coming.
For the Monticello boys and girls to emerge victorious they had to stave off the noble Indian Tribe which came with its best effort, evincing personal bests here, there and everywhere countering the sea of blue with their vibrant red as the two flagship schools of Sullivan County went at it.
Not surprisingly, Liberty which by all rights should not have been bumped up to Division III could not keep up with the Monties’ arsenal of weaponry. But to be sure, in some of the events at least, the story was quite compelling.
But most captivating was the unfoliding of the Monticello girls capture of the Division III crown. More on that momentous accomplishment momentarily, the latest volley in Monticello’s rising tide of track feats.
Three years ago when the Montie boys bested Cornwall a new era of Monticello track grandeur was ushered in. Last year’s repeat win over the Dragons was if anything, even more impressive. Doing it a third time suggests the hint of a dynasty. Given the outstanding work of the modified team legions under the careful watch of Coach J. Daniel Granville, there are apt to me more standout runners, jumpers and throwers coming up the pipeline in years to come.
Needless to say this year’s unbeaten Division records by both the boys and girls varsity squads were an outstanding achievement, a product of hard work, great coaching and meet strategy and most of all, the will and determination of a group of special kids. Add to the allure the fact that the girls team is replete with scholar athletes demonstrating the mantra of ancient Greece: “Sound body; sound mind.”
Bright smiles abounded as the girls took their victory lap with their fists raised in the air while the boys were busily plotting to douse Coach Joe Seidl (again) in what has become a traditional rite of spring over the past three years. Lacking a Gatorade bucket, they accomplished the task with bottles of water which dripped down off Seidl’s famous and ever-present red baseball cap onto his bemused face.
Each year brings its own special circumstances and this year was no exception. With nemesis Cornwall bumped up to Division II, the boys would now have to turn their attention to Port Jervis and Liberty.
“We felt in March that Liberty and Port would be tough. As usual, my focus is on the quarter milers and of course team unity/effort,” said Seidl. With a number of key athletes lost to graduation, Seidl and his assistant Matt Buddenhagen had to rework the puzzle, taking into account the team’s strengths and thin spots.
In bygone years Monticello had its share of distance standouts like Brendan Devine, Dave Wilbur and Tom Gonzalez, just to mention a few. With the likes of those tireless warrriors, Monticello could always count on points in the distance events. They’ve been gone awhile now and no such guarantees exist at present.
These days the Monties rely on up-and-coming Joe Klein as the leader of the pack. Despite his youth, he seems prepared to assume the mantle and on this day, his victories in the 1600 (5:08) and the 3200 (11:20) gave Monticello points it hadn’t figured on garnering.
Monticello would have more highlight moments and as Coach Seidl saw it, they also included the following:
Tino Taylor-100 11.0 (PR) 200 22.1 (PR .10 off school record)
Talon Watson-TJ-41’2.5″ (PR) 200-23.1 (PR)
Mike Rogers-PV-10′ (PR)
4 x 100-Terry Duncan/Mistah Alli/Austin Colon/Rahjel Smith 44.2 (.10 off school record)
Track and field athletes are known for their resiliency and mettle as they often compete despite ills and even minor injuries. Liberty’s Kane Sauchuk was fighting off a stomach virus which has kept him out of kilter all week. But in between heaving episodes, Sauchuk still managed to run a winning leg in the Indians’ 3200 relay and win the 110 high hurdles (16.3) and the 400 intermediate hurdles (60.2). By the time this narrative ends I’ll be sure to celebrate more great Indian feats.
For Monticello seniors this day would be special indeed. Montie elder statesmen include Earl Allen, Connor Alvarez, Dan Braunstein, José Cruz, Ian Kolaitis, Garrett LaPolt, Gabriel Ramos, Shatei Reynolds, Onique Taylor, Brendan Thomas and Talon Watson.
Monticello girl seniors include Bryana Sewell, Erica Concors, Katie Fisher, Tania Walker and Alexis Watkins. Prior to the meet the seniors posed for a group shot in anticipation of what they expected would be a memorable day.
Monticello’s sweep of the boys 200 with Taylor missing the school record by .1 of a second, Talon Watson’s 23.1 and Terry Duncan’s 23.3 pointed to the blinding speed the Panthers possess. Figure in the 400 relay which also came in one tenth of a second off the school record at 44.2 and that done w/out Tino Taylor That record is destined to be broken before this season is over.
Liberty’s Andy Hazelnis set PR’s in the long and triple jump. The latter at 41-2 was just a half inch shy of Watson’s winning jump of 41-2 ½. Liberty’s Nikole Snyder broke PR’s with her winning long jump of 15-6 and hear winning 100 time of 13.1. Liberty’s Vinny Webbe hit the stratosphere with his pole vault of 11-0, but Monticello’s Mike Rogers, a newcomer to the event was impressive in his clearing of 10-0. Pictures show just how close he was at 10-6 too. Liberty got its usual standout performance from Rebeccah Harman who captured the 100 hurdles (17.3) and the 400 intermediate hurdles (69.7). She also ran a leg in the victorious 400 relay.
Liberty Coach Deb Simpson listed a bunch of personal bests evinced by the Lady Indians. Some of these did not score but they are personal milestones nevertheless. They included:
Montie twins Camryn and Sydney Johnson were unbeatable.They are the grandaughters of assistant Coach Charlie Delmonico whose 35-year track coaching career at Washingtonville makes him a Hall of Famer.
Much can be said about the girls and their grandpa. First the twins: Camryn won the 1500 (5:38.7) with Sydney in second. The duo was also key in the victorious 3200 relay which they shared with Brittany Rupp and Erica Concors. They added a one-two finish in the 800 as well with Camryn turning in a 2:37.3 and Sydney right behind at 2:41.8.
Delmonico came on to assist Matt Daly with the girls team this year. He was delighted to be on hand for the storied win. “They deserve it,” he noted as he reflected back on his trips to Monticello back in the day. “I remember coming here with Washingtonville’s team and our running on the old cinder track. We had some great meets here. It’s been fun this year working with the distance runners, jumpers and hurdlers and anyone else who needed help. These girls are smart too! Some of them have 99% averages,” he added.
Coach Seidl talked about garnering the three-peat and what it took to bring it off this year. “In track kids graduate and we had to replace them. The expectation is that the younger kids will step up. It was interesting because of the changes in the division. Cornwall left band we had Port Jervis come in as well as Liberty. We lost Burke.
It’s a more even division now. I thought we had the kids to win it, but I knew it would be tough this year. Track is like a puzzle. It’s unique from other sports. You have to match up differently against other teams. We had to shift people around in some meets to see how we’d go against Liberty and Port Jervis. We knew our distance runners would have to pick it up today and they did as we swept the mile,” he noted.
Seidl went on to reference Tino Taylor’s impressive showing as well as the 400 relay. “We’ve got a one-two punch in the triple jump (although on this day Liberty’s Andy Hazelnis broke that up with his second place storied leap).
“Coach Buddenhagen and I are on the same page and we have big expectations for our kids. But frankly, the girls are an even bigger story today,” he noted. “Coach Daly came in and did a phenomenal job, as did assistant Coach Delmonico.”
With that I shifted over to talk to Matt Daly to get his take on the Ladies’ momentous accomplishment.
“We were excited at the beginning of the year even though we had a little turbulence. We came to our first meeting to find a great group of girls. Our numbers were strong and we had the right people in all the right places. We felt we could compete and our goal was to win the division championship,” he averred.
“It was great for the seniors to out like this. Leadership is contagious and it went from our seniors right on down to our eighth graders.” Daly gave props to seniors Erica Concors and Katie Fisher for “trying to get these girls to be even better.”
Here are the results
Boys: OCIAA Division III: Monticello 94, Liberty 47; Liberty 119, Burke 15; Monticello 134, Burke 1
100 meters: 1. Tino Taylor (M) 11.0; 2. Mistah Alli (M) 11.1; 3. Kenny Jaycox (L) 11.4[ 200: 1. Tino Taylor (M) 22.2; 2. Talon Watson (M) 23.1; 3. Terry Duncan (M) 23.3; 400: 1. Tino Taylor (M) 52.5;2. Watson (M) 53.2; 3. Raquon Malloy (L) 56.4; 800: 1.Nery Campos (L) 2: 23.2; C.J Forrest (M);2: 24.1; 3. Ryan Schauer (M) 2;26.5 1,600: 1. Joe Klein (M) 5:08.0; 2.Bryan Gil (M) 5:14.4; 3. Chris Maroldi (M) 5:15.5; 3,200: 1. Klein (M) 11:20.3; 2. Campos (L) 11;26.5; 3. Gil (M) 11:30.5; 110 hurdles: 1. Kane Sauchuck (L) 16.3; 2, Steve Padin (M) 16.8; 3. Michael Rogers (M) 17.2; 400 hurdles: 1. Sauchuk (L) 60.2; 2. Padin (M) 61.2; 3. Erick Cuellar (L) 61.5; 400 relay: 1. Monticello ( Mistah Alli, Terry Duncan, Austin Colon, Rahjel Smith) 44.2; 1,600 relay: 1. Monticello (Talon Watson, Terry Duncan, Austin Colon, TinoTaylor) 3:36.2; 3,200 relay: 1. Liberty (Sauchuk, Campos, Campos, Malloy) 9:08.2; high jump: 1. Colon (M) 5-2; 2. Kyle Hanes (M) 5-0; 3. Otha Smith (M) 5-0; long jump: 1. Mistah Alli (M) no distance; 2. Andy Hazelnis (L) distance not submitted; 3. Jaycox (L) distance not submitted); triple jump: 1.Talon Watson (M) 41-2.5; 2. Hazelnis (L ) 41-2; 3. Alli (M) 40-9; shot put: 1. Garrett LaPolt (M) 43-6.5; 2. Mike Hinton (L) 39-10; 3. Earl Allen (M) 36-9; discus: 1. Hinton (L) 106-8; 2. LaPolt (M) 105-10; 3. G. Klein (L) 102-2; pole vault: 1. Vinny Webbe (L) 11-7; 2. Rogers (M) 10-0; 3. Jose Cruz (M) 9-6.
Note: Burke meets are non-league.
Girls: OCIAA Division III: Monticello 95, Liberty 46; Liberty 92, Burke 47; Monticello 108, Burke 33
100 meters: 1. Nikole Snyder (L) 13.1; 2. Tania Walker (M) 13.3; 3. McDonnell (B) 14.0; 200: 1. Walker (M) 27.3; 2. McDonnell (B) 28.0 3. Snyder (L) 28.3; 400: Walker (M) 64.2; 2. Jaclyn Bellamy (M) 66.2; 3. Bianca Rey (M) 68.4; 800: 1. Camryn Johnson (M) 2:37.3; 2. Sydney Johnson (M) 2:41.8; 3. Julianna Kane (M) 2:47.6; 1,500: 1. Camryn Johnson (M) 5:38.7; 2. Sydney Johnson (M) 5:39.0; 3. Brittany Rupp (M) 5:48.7; 3,000: 1.Brittany Rupp (M) 11:58.3; 2. Camryn Johnson (M) 11:59.2; 3. Sydney Johnson (M) 11:59.3; 100 hurdles: 1. Rebeccah Harman (L) 17.3; 2. D. Saravia (B) no time submitted; 3. Kristen McEnerny (M) no time submitted; 400 hurdles: 1. Harman (L) 69.7; 2. L. Doherty (M) 1:14.4; 3. Erica Concors (M) 1:17.2 400 relay: 1. Liberty (Harman, Snyder, Bertholf, Brickhouse) 54.0; 1,600 relay: 1. Monticello (Walker, Julianna Kane, Jaclyn Bellamy, Erica Concors) 4:34.2; 3,200 relay: 1. Monticello ( Camryn Johnson, Sydney Johnson, Rupp, Concors) 11:11.7; high jump: 1. Doherty (M) 4-8; 2.Walker (B) 4-4; 3. Katie Fishher (M) 4-4; long jump: 1. Snyder (L) 15-6; 2. Doherty (M) 14.6; 3. Yami Reyes (M) 14.5; triple jump: 1. Concors (M) 31-2.5; 2. Harman (L) 30-9; 3. Doherty (M) 29-2; shot put: 1. Alexis Watkins (M) 24-6; 2. Herring (B) 23-1; 3. E. Cano (L) 22-7.75; discus: 1. D. Kisane (B) 57-6; 2. pole vault: 1. Amanda Bertholf (L) 8-6; 2. McEnerny (M) 6-6; Lauren Katz (M) no height submitted.
Note: Burke meets are non-league.
For an album of photos, visit www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com
“A”drenaline Rush
Cornwall Defeats Monticello To Return To Class A Finals Looking To Topple Defending Champ Wallkill; Monticello Survives Early Turnover Woes To Avoid First Quarter Blowout Yielding Just 16 Points In Dragons’ First Five Possessions
Section Nine Class A Semifinals
Cornwall 36, Monticello 14
By RICHARD A. ROSS
rross@sportsinsightsny.com
Scenes from the Class A semifinal wherein Cornwall downed gritty Monticello 36-14 (Clockwise). Offensive MVP, Cornwall senior Peter Catal gains great yardage on his first touch of the ball. Catal carried the ball 17 times for 150 yards and scored the first three TD's for the Dragons. Monticello's Anthony Gray makes an unbelievable catch as he intercepts a pass intended for Cornwall's Alex Cruz. Gray later scored on a 73-yard TD pass from Shane Jackson. Cornwall sophomore quarterback Mike White lays the ball down in the end zone after scoring the Dragons' final TD of the night. Monticello''s Shane Jackson takes off for a first-down scamper. Playing on an ankle still sore for an injury two weeks prior, Jackson gritted it out and gave it his all, as did his teammates in the Monties' best showing in four tries against immensely talented Cornwall.
MIDDLETOWN, NY—College players who move on to play professional football will say time and time again how the speed of the game in the NFL is so much quicker than they’ve ever experienced before..
Watching elite Cornwall, abetted by Monticello turnovers that contributed to the Dragons getting the ball in the red zone for its first five possessions, required an adjustment to a level of play this writer hasn’t seen this year. As fast as my lens is, I had to quickly get used to the pace of the action to keep up with it all.
Tough as nails: Monticello's Mike Rogers has lost his helmet but not his grit as he tries albeit unsuccessfully to keep Cornwall's Offensive MVP Peter Catal from scoring his second TD of the night, a product of a Monticello turnover.
It’s no knock on the fine teams I cover, it’s just that Cornwall plays on a whole other level.
That Monticello’s defense allowed just two TD’s during that early maelstrom is a credit to the toughness of the Panthers and an indication of just how far they’ve come this season.
As compared to their prior meeting with Cornwall when a bevy of first half turnovers turned into a 35-0 Cornwall margin, Monticello’s early struggle to hold onto the ball afforded the Dragons just 16 points, keeping this game within reach.
By all rights as the teams would enter the locker room at the half with Cornwall holding a 23-0 lead, it it might well have been 37-0 or worse.
Two solid defensive stands by the Monties had resulted in a pair of missed field goals by junior kicker Damon Neil.
Considering Cornwall’s dominance over Monticello in their three prior meetings since last fall that had resulted in the Dragons outscoring the Monties 148-13, this game would prove to be Monticello’s best showing of the four encounters and proof positive of the program’s ongoing improvement and viability.
For the three-seeded Monties to have any hope of upsetting the two-seeded Dragons, they were going to need every conceivable break, flawless efficiency in every facet of the game and a game for the ages from still-ailing quarterback Shane Jackson.
Still partially hobbled by an ankle injury suffered in the Port Jervis game, Jackson not only sat out last week’s win over Goshen, he hardly practiced during the past two weeks. “I think he was about 75%, observed Coach Matt Buddenhagen following the game.
Green lightning: Cornwall's first possession advance is accelerated by Kevin McNally's catch from quarterback Mike White as Monticello's Jacob McLaughlin defends.
Jackson was quite healthy though earlier this year when Cornwall beat Monticello 52-7. So to win this one, the Monties would probably have had to call on the hopefully beneficent football gods and as well as the sword of the legendary St. George to slay this cadre of lethal Dragons.
Cornwall won the toss and elected to receive as the night grew chillier, an ominous foreshadowing of an unseasonal blizzard that would blanket the area the following day.
Cornwall’s cheerleading captains came over to greet the Montie cheer squad in an amicable pre-game showing of class and sportsmanship. During the game, after each Cornwall touchdown, the Lady Dragons would get down and do seven pushups to commemorate each seven point acquisition.
Cornwall’s Aidan Carroll pounced on Angelo Niforatos’ kickoff at the Dragons’ 30 and the game was underway. On the first play from scrimmage Cornwall’s Offensive MVP Peter Catal carried it for a first down. Another first down by Rashard Wroten and a completed pass to Kevin McNally had the ball advancing at light speed to the 16.
At 10:54, Catal carried it from there to cap off the one minute, six seconds seventy yard drive. The PAT was good and the Dragons led 7-0.
Anthony Gray returned the kickoff to the 29 yard line. Jackson began the game as slot receiver with Mike Rogers at quarterback. Rogers had an epic game against Goshen last week. An offsides penalty showed the Montie jitters. Jackson took the handoff looking to pass it on the option play and was thrown for a loss by the charging Dragons.
Jackson took over the reins and the ball was fumbled on the next play, recovered by Cornwall’s Joe O’Rourke at the Monticello 11. Cornwall picked up seven on the first carry. Wroten was racked up twice, the second tackle coming by Otha Smith as the Monties held Cornwall out.
Neill’s field goal was no good and the Monties had dodged their first bullet. That said, there were more rounds to come.
Gone in the night: Monticello senior Talon Watson gallops 85 yards after intercepting a pass from Cornwall's Mike White for the Monties' first score of the game with 2:27 remaining in the third quarter.
The Monties took over on the 20. Jackson hit Reuss for completion but the play was nullified by an offsides penalty. On the next play, it was fumbled again at the Monticello 11. Catal needed just one play to make the Monties pay for their second turnover to make it 13-0 at 6:46.The PAT failed and the Dragons got set to kick it off again.
Gray returned it but things went from bad to worse as O’Rourke intercepted a Jackson pass that was tipped affording the Dragons had a first and ten at the Panthers’ 26. O’Rourke was thrown for a loss and sophomore QB Mike White’s two passes to Alex Cruz fell incomplete. Neill’s field goal attempt fell short at 5:13. Make that two Dragon rounds fired which turned out to be blanks.
The Monties had their first positive yardage as José Cruz gained four on the first play of the ensuing series. Cruz took it again. Jackson was sacked leading to a short punt by Reuss that gave the Dragons the ball at the Montie’s 39
Catal took it seven yards before White uncorked a 31-yard TD pass to McNally to the four-yard line. Wroten was tossed for a loss. Catal took it to the two but the Dragons were assessed five yards on a motion penalty. McNally dropped White’s third down pass and Neill came on to make the field goal to widen the lead to 16-0 with 58 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Give me seven: Cornwall cheerleaders accentuate a Dragons TD and PAT with seven push ups.
A nice return by Gray brought the ball out to the 27. Jackson completed a short pass to Conor Briggs as the first quarter ended with the Monties facing a third and six from their own 31.
Settling in, the Monties began to move the chains, first with a run by Cruz and then with a breakaway run by Jackson to the Cornwall 25 yard line. They then advanced it to the 16. Two plays later the Monties appeared to cough it up again but officials ruled it not to be the case. A Cornwall encroachment penalty led to a fourth and two at the eight-yard line.
An incomplete pass intended for Gray gave the Dragons the ball back and despite their heroic drive, the Monties had no points to show for their efforts.
With 9:15 remaining in the second quarter it was Cornwall in possession again. Catal ferreted it 34 yards out to the 42 as once again Cornwall looked like a green blur on the attack. White completed a second down pass to Casey Kerdesky as Cruz drilled him to stop his progress leading to a third and eight.
White went back to Kerdesky for a first down conversion at the Panthers’ 44. Cornwall fumbled but recovered it as they lost yardage. White hit Cruz as Gray brought him down leading to a third and nine. White moved the chains again with a completion to Chris Bauer as the ball was now at the Panthers’33.
Though this was not Anthony Gray's epic 73-yard TD catch, but rather a great grab that turned out to be just our of bounds, the leaping senior who I have affectionately nicknamed "Gray Skies," for airborne antics like this will be sorely missed next year. Cornwall Coach Marcus Hughes referred to Gray, Sean Reuss and Shane Jackson as "phenomenal" players. Gray will now take his aerial act to the hardwood and Cornwall hasn't seen the last of him yet.
White went for the home run as he looked to hit Cruz but Gray went airborne for the pick as he came down on his tailbone but still holding onto the ball. It was an amazing play by “Gray Skies” and not the first he would register in the last football game of his high school career.
Gray appeared to be hurt badly but soon got up and left on his own power. He’d be back on the very next play. That kid is tough.
That takeaway kept the Monties close. Consider the alternative reality: the Dragons had failed to score on three viable possessions up to this point.
The Monties took over on their own two at 5:55. Cruz barreled ahead out to the 18 but the series ended with a three and out from there. Reuss punted and Cornwall got it going again from their own 41 with 3:29 to go in the first half.
Reuss ripped Wroten down for a loss. White took it on a keeper to the Monties’ 27 with 1:58 to go. After an offsides penalty he hit Bauer for a completion. White dodged a sack by throwing it away. A completion to Wroten gave the Dragons a first at the 16 before he uncorked a TD pass from there to O’Rourke with 22.8 seconds remaining in the half for the 22-0 lead. Neill’s PAT was good and the Dragons took a 23-0 lead.
The Monties went to the hurry up offense but time ran out and the teams retired to the locker room with the Dragons nursing their 23-0 lead.
The Monties received to start the second half. A completed pass for 15 yards gave the Monties a first down and another to Briggs had the ball moving out to the 39 but the Dragons held firm and the Panthers had to punt.
Most Valuable Players: Cornwall's Peter Catal (top) had 17 carries for 150 yards and a trio of TD's. Joe O'Rourke was the Defensive MVP with five tackles, half a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Cornwall began at its own 36. Jackson just missed an interception on a tipped ball. Wroten nearly broke loose but was held to seven. Monticello was called for back-to-back unsportsmanlike conduct penalties that led to a 28-yard TD pass to Cruz at 7:09 as the lapse of self-control proved to be costly for Monticello. Cornwall now led 29-0. Neill’s PAT failed.
Steve Demestrio returned the kickoff to the 24 but the Monties went three and out on the series.
O’Rourke returned it and White went back to the air with passes to Kerdesky and Cruz as the ball advanced rapidly to the Monties’ 16. Just when it was looking like Cornwall would score again, White tossed his second pick of the game, this one grabbed by Talon Watson who returned it 85 yards for the Montie’s first score as the gorgeous Faller Field jumbotron read Cornwall 30, Monticello 8 with 2:27 remaining in the third quarter after Jackson had run in the two-point conversion.
The Monties tried an onsides kick but Cornwall’s Anthony Vega recovered it. Wroten twisted and turned his way forward for first at the Cornwall 47 but on the next series the agile senior was dragged down on a third down play leading to a Cornwall punt.
The Monties got it at the 18 as the quarter wound down with the Monties facing a third and six at their own 22.
The final stanza began with Jackson running for a first down. Cruz carried it out to the 49 and then took it three straight times leading to a fourth and four at the 43 with 9:56 to go. A pass to Reuss was overthrown and the Dragons were at it again. Catal got it going again with repeated carries. O’Rourke brought it to the ten. Catal carried it twice bringing it to the two. White ran it in from there at 5:26 and Neill’s PAT made it 36-8.
The squib kick was recovered by Mike Rogers. Jackson wasted no time in rearing back and throwing a 73-yard TD pass to Gray on the far side of the field at 5:11 to make it 36-14. Jackson was pulled down on the two-point conversion attempt.
Gray appeared to recover the onsides kick with a nifty catch but officials ruled it as interference with a fair catch and what appeared to be an epic recovery turned into a penalty.
Cornwall Coach Marcus Hughes inserted subs into the mix as sophomore Matt Smith soon took over at quarterback. Little else of note transpired before the final whistle as the Dragons advanced to play Wallkill, the team they lost to by two points in last year’s Class A tltle game. Wallkill beat Cornwall 7-6 on September 23 in the teams’ only encounter this season thus far.
Interesting it is indeed that Monticello nearly toppled Wallkill this season, losing to them late by the score of 28-21 back on September 30.
A great throw by Shane Jackson translates into a 73-yard TD pass to Anthony Gray. The immensely talented Jackson will hopefully be lighting it up again next season.
Cornwall’s Peter Catal was named the Offensive MVP. He carried the ball 17 times for 150 yards and scored Cornwall’s first three TD’s.
With his five tackles, a half a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery, Joe O’Rourke was named the Defensive MVP.
Coach Hughes acknowledged that his team had chances to put this game away early but he had plenty of praise for Monticello.
“It’s a credit to them. They also made mistakes early and they kept fighting. It’s good for the Section. Monticello is playing well and they’re only going to get better. It was a good game,” he noted.
Asked to comment about his team speed and high capacity offense, he noted, “They play well. It’s a brand new offense with a sophomore quarterback. He makes his mistakes but he does a heck of a job. The line blocked well tonight and the running backs and receivers did their job.”
Hughes had lots of praise for Jackson, Gray and Reuss. “Those guys are phenomenal,” he averred.
Asked about the coming rematch with Wallkill. “It’s going to be a good game. They’re tough and theydo a lot of good things. I’m excited for the challenge. I love playing close games. Unfortunately, the last three we lost to them by a total of six points. That’s football,” he concluded.
Cornwall beat Class AA playoff contenders Kingston and Washingtonville this season, but a win over Wallkill for the title would make those victories pale by comparison. Wallkill beat Port Jervis 30-0 to set up the title rematch with the Dragons slated for November 4 at Faller Field at 7:00pm.
Buddenhagen said this about his team. “You could see these guys have gotten a lot better and grown into young men. This started out like the first time we played them with four turnovers in a row. But this time it was only 16-0. Once our defense settled down they played their butts off. We were knocking on the goal line and it could have been 16-8 at halftime,” he reflected.
“We were lucky it wasn’t 35-0 after the first quarter. They had the ball four times inside the 30. I kept telling the kids they were lucky it was only 16-0.
This was another solid season. We lose a lot of seniors, about 15 of them. This was a senior-laden team. It’s only the second year of varsity and we’re playing with the big dogs. We’re right there. Look at Cornwall and Wallkill, these kids are playing since they were five years old. Our kids have only been playing two or three years. The experience factor is crucial. We’ve got to get our kids playing at a young age so they know the in’s and out’s of the game, the basics and stuff.
This group of seniors have been with us for four years. They’ve worked their tails It takes a special person to play football and these guys are going to be great men and they’ll move on to be productive citizens.”
Asked about Jackson’s return, Buddenhagen noted, “He was maybe 75 percent. He’s a gutty kid and a great competitor. He hasn’t practiced much in two weeks and it was a serious ankle injury. Give him credit he took some shots and kept playing.”
Buddenhagen felt his team was a bit overwhelmed on Cornwall’s first series. “We have a lot of checks. We put in a very aggressive defense and I told them we’re bringing the punch to the fight and suddenly on their first drive we’re on our heels.. But when you turn the ball over, that’s adversity,” he noted.
“What do young men do in the face of adversity? You could have folded tents there after four turnovers and our kids battled. They missed a field goal and we held them out how many times. That’s a damn good job,” he noted.
This was the swan song for seniors Earl Allen, Connor Alvarez, Jermel Branch, Connor Briggs, Ian Campbell, José Cruz, Steve Demestrio, Anthony Gray, Adam Kaiser, Garrett Lapolt, Brendan Madsen, Joe Mulvey, Sean Reuss, Brendon Thomas and Talon Watson.
Congratulations to these warriors for their great effort and their historic part in the resurrection of Monticello football.
Monticello stat line:
Passing: Jacskon 4/15/87 with one TD and one interception.
Rushing: Jackson 15/37; Cruz 15/61;
Receiving : Gray 2/66 with a TD. Briggs 1/6; Reuss 1/15.
Defense: Watson one interception for a TD; Gray one interception. Reuss nine tackles, four solo tackles; Jacob McLaughlin nine tackles, three solo; Otha Smith seven tackles, four solo. Mistah Alli had eight tackles.
Monticello ended its season at 5-4, while Cornwall improved to 8-1.
For an album of photos visit www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com
De(Port)ation
Monticello Shuts Out Port Jervis To Earn A Playoff Rematch With Cornwall; Monties Profit From Seven Takeaways And Jackson’s Run And Pass Prowess To Lock Up Class A Three Seed On Homecoming/Senior Day
Monticello 34, Port Jervis 0
By RICHARD A. ROSS
rross@sportsinsightsny.com
Scenes from the 34-0 Monticello win over Port Jervis (Clockwise) Sean Reuss hauls in a 22-yard TD pass from Shane Jackson, Port quarterback Matt Smith goes airborne to pick up yardage, Port's Bret Sauschuck breaks a tackle on a kickoff and carries it all the way to the Monties' 14. Port's Russell Williams starts another fine Port return. Monticello and Port Jervis captains gather for the coin toss. Monticello's Shane Jackson heads off on an electrifying run. He had two rushing touchdowns and passed for two more. Montie sophomore London Gandy pounces on the ball to preserve the shut out just as it seemed the Raiders would finally score. It was his second fumble recovery of the day. Monticello cheerleaders await the seniors and their parents in a pre-game ceremony.
MONTICELLO NY- “Now is life’s most precious time,” were the words that emblazoned a plaque in the mess hall of a camp I attended every summer from age eight to 17.
Those sentiments should be the bywords for each and every one of us.
And indeed, for the Monticello Panthers coming off their commanding 34-0 league win over Port Jervis, now is a precious time to revel in the joys of recent success.
Shane Jackson calls signals. The lethal weapon ran for two TD's and threw for two more before exiting the game with an ankle injury incurred on a broken PAT-conversion run.
Unlike a year ago, it looks as if the Panthers will approach their looming playoff rematch with Cornwall two weeks hence, coming in on a three game winning streak should they take care of business as expected next week at Goshen.
That outcome will surely be influenced by the health of Montie quarterback Shane Jackson who rolled his ankle trying to turn a poor snap on a PAT into a two point conversion just moments after racing 78 yards for an electrifying touchdown.
More on Jackson and the game details erelong.
Monticello’s victory came on the occasion of Homecoming and a celebration of the team’s 15 football seniors along with two cheerleader seniors who were honored prior to the game as they posed for pictures with their adoring and supportive families.
You could see the pride on the faces of the grid warriors, wearing their royal blue Monticello uniforms, about to take the field with confidence to try and beat out the Raiders for the three-seed. That Monticello nearly bested number-one seeded Wallkill and was trounced by Cornwall 52-7 in regular season encounters is now a matter of history and will count for naught once playoffs begin on October 28.
Looking ahead and not behind, Monticello Coach Matt Buddenhagen was speaking about his team’s 34-0 victory over Port Jervis and assessing what went well and still needswork.
“Playoffs are right around the corner,” he mused. “Our goal is to play a complete game on both sides of the ball and on special teams. You’ve got to be at the top of your game in playoffs to advance. In two weeks it’s do or die,” observed the Coach whose lifetime of experience in the game is fire-tested to say the least both at the high school and college level.
Incensed by early turnovers and a failure to capitalize on good field position, Raider defensive coordinator Craig Fisher implores his team to do better during a time out. The Monties scored two plays later.
Buddenhagen knows firsthand what it takes to win and the joy that comes with it. He has also been schooled on what leads to defeat and the sullen sensations that go along with that contingency. When it comes to Cornwall in both last year’s playoffs and this year’s turnover-ridden loss, the fiery Coach is hoping his team will put the past in the rearview mirror and concentrate on playing their best brand of football.
The English teacher in me can’t resist inserting an apropos quote:
“The past has no power over the present moment,” averred Eckhart Tolle,
Speaking of the present, this day was about the encounter with Port Jervis, a team rife with great football history which found itself with an identical 2-2 league record to the Panthers prior to this tilt.
Monticello won the toss and elected to receive as Port Jervis’ Matt Smith got set to boot it. Monticello began its quest at its 39 yard lines. Jackson took off on a keeper to the Raiders’ 30 on a fourth down jaunt to move the chains.
An eight yard pass to Anthony Gray preceded a 22-yard TD pass to Sean Reuss. Angelo Niforatos provided the PAT and just like that the Panthers had converted their opening drive into a 7-0 lead at 9:06.
Niforatos kicked it off but poor coverage afforded Port’s Bret Sauschuck a return to the 14-yard line much to the chagrin of Buddenhagen and his coaching staff. Port had little success in penetrating the Monties’ stalwart interior defense. On a third and 11 Smith was sacked for the second straight play. Gray broke up a pass intended for Christian Rodriguez and the Panthers took over on downs.
The Monties went three and out despite an illegal substitution penalty against the Raiders . Reuss punted and the Raiders had it at their 39 with 5:02 to go. Reuss then sacked Smith on third down forcing a Raiders’ punt.
Monticello's Angelo Niforatos kicks a PAT as Shane Jackson holds. On a later sequence following a 78-yard TD run by Jackson, the snap went awry on the PAT try and he tried to run it in and was injured on the play.
José Cruz had a nice carry on the Monties’ first play of the series but an illegal formation and an incomplete pass led to a quick end to the series.
Port took over at their own 41. A Port fumble by Rob Knight was recovered by Mike Rogers who stripped it and recovered it as the quarter ended. A Monticello fumble on a pitch was then recovered by Port’ Chris Barnes. The Monties ‘defense held sway as the Raiders faced a fourth and sixth at the 20.
The Monties were abetted by a second illegal Port substitution penalty. Jackson knocked down a pass intended for Da’Von Adamson and the Panthers got it back on downs. Jackson broke loose to the Raiders’ 41 and then hit Gray across the middle to the 18. Cruz advanced it eight more and then got a first and goal at th six. Cruz took it in from the five at 4:33. Niforatos’ PAT sailed wide left and the Panthers now led 13-0.
Port had no return and started its series at the 30. A fumble was recovered by Port’s Chris Miller before Smith tossed a screen pass to Dan Bloom who advanced the ball as Monties missed tackles .But ocne again Port shot itself in the foot with an illegal block in the back on the play. On the next play Gray stripped the ball from the Port receiver again and the fumble was recovered by Jackson.
The talented QB then fired a 34-yard pass to Gray at 2:51 for the 19-0 lead. He then caught the two-point conversion pass to make it 21-0.
Things went further awry for the Raiders as Monticello’s Otha Smith recovered a Port Jervis fumble. Gray had another reception before Jackson ran the ball all the way to the one and two plays later toted it in from there with one minute remaining in the half to make it 27-0. Niforatos punctuated the score with a PAT and the Panthers took a 28-0 lead. Jackson would add an interception as the half ended.
Monticello's Mike Rogers sustains a helmet-to-helmet blow after taking over for Jackson at quarterback. Rogers came out of the game but soon went back in. On the same afternoon a 16-year old player just south of Syracuse died after sustaining a blow to the head. All of this prompts concern about safety, changes in rules and more as the health of the kids is of the uppermost concern.
Niforatos began the second half with a booming kickoff. Port went to a ground attack with nice runs by Smith. A Monticello encroachment penalty abetted the cause as the chains kept advancing. Dan Bloom turned the edge and gained another first down as Port was showing some fire to the 37. Jackson threw Smith for a loss as the Montie defense solidified.
An incomplete pass to Adamson led to a fourth down. The ball was punted to the 22 and on the Monties first play Jackson ran behind a gathering wall of blockers 78 yards at 6:17 for the TD to make it 34-0. Acting as holder for the Niforatos PAT attempt, he took a poor snap and ran towards the left corner of the end zone for the attempted two-points.
Port players appeared to pile on much to the chagrin of Buddenhagen and Jackson got up limping badly. To the bench he went replete with an ice bag and would not return to the game. With second string quarterback Jonathan Harned on crutches from a high ankle injury suffered in practice this week, quarterback duties now fell to Mike Rogers.
Reuss had his second sack of the game. Port was then flagged for intentional grounding as they soon looking at a second and forever behind yet another penalty, this one a sideline infraction.
After a three and out by the Monties the Raiders coughed it up again. This fumble was recovered by London Gandy with 33 seconds left in the third quarter.
Rogers advanced the ball and sustained a helmet-to-helmet hit that caused him to exit the game. Shaken up on the play and bleeding from a cut behind his ear, he went to the bench as Connor Briggs took over the signal calling.
Anthony Gray intercepts a pass in the second half. Gray also caught four passes for 66 yards that included a 32-yard TD. The interception was emblematic of a game in which Monticello recorded seven takeaways to Port Jervis' one.
There was no penalty assessed on the helmet-to-helmet contact which was more of a glancing blow as opposed to an intentional one. That said, just such an infraction is whistled regularly in the NFL.
This gave me pause as I read about the death of Ridge Barden, a 16-year old high school gridder from John C. Birdlebough High School who sustained a hit to the head during a game played on the same afternoon against Homer High School, just south of Syracuse. Though Barden sat up and was talking, he subsequently died while being transferred from Barden hospital to a larger medical center.
Rogers maintained that he was okay and was soon back in the game drawing accolades from players and coaches alike citing him as “a tough kid.” That he is to be sure, but after a blow like the one he sustained, one would have to question his return even though Briggs had only logged a few reps in practice.
The entire subject of player safety, concussions etc is already a hot topic. From this writer’s viewpoint, it’s time to act further, not just talk about it. True, there has been much more attention paid to concussions, but officials need to lay down the law. Players should not be leading with their helmets on tackles, not just for fear of concussion, but to prevent spinal cord injuries and potential paralysis.
Gray logged an intercepton as Port surrendered turnover number six. The final one came in the game’s final minute as Gandy pounced on a ball just shy of the end zone to preserve the shut out. Monticello improved to 4-3 (3-2 OCIAA), while Port Jervis fell to 2-3 (2-3 OCIAA).
Buddenhagen said, “We had a little sluggish start but we scored on the first drive. Then on the next two drives we faltered a bit. We’ve got to get into a better rhythm. That said, look at the conditions. The field is really wet and you’ve got 30 mile an hour winds. That changes things a little bit especially in the passing game.
Buddenhagen felt there was piling on in the play in which Jackson was hurt and told officials just that. “But he’s an athlete and reacts to situations like that trying to score on the conversion. He just got rolled up on and it doesn’t appear to be anything major.”
As to Rogers, Buddenhagen noted. “He took a pop and was bleeding but then said Coach I’m ready. That’s the kind of kid he is.” Buddenhagen praised Gandy’s alert fumble recoveries. “London’s only a sophomore and we put him in the starting lineup two weeks ago. He’s an athletic kid and worked hard as a second stringer, working his way up the depth chart and now he’s starting for us.”
Buddenhagen recalled that last year the Monties lost two or three heading into the playoffs Now our goal is to win three straight going in. We need to be playing on all cylinders and playing great football by that time,” he concluded..
Port Jervis Coach Matt Polanis felt his team came in prepared to win. “The guys were pretty confident coming off a bye week. Their defense played a heck of a game. They gave us a short field at the start of the game and we didn’t capitalize…some missed assignments. We’d get a couple of first downs and then fumbles afterwards. As soon as we’d get something rolling we’d shoot ourselves in the foot.”
Polanis went on to say that great runbacks didn’t turn into points. “We’ve got to get that kill shot in and get it in the end zone. You’re facing some good teams here and they’re not going to give you the openings as much as you’d like. If they give you one they’ve got to take it..
Asked to cite the day’s most positive instance, Polanis referenced Shaun O’Brien. “He’s our starting center who was hurt all year. It was his last game and he’s going in for surgery. The heart he showed and the respect he earned from our players hopefully translates to the rest of the team.
Monticello stat line:
Passing: Jackson 6/9/94 with two TD’s. Rogers 6/0;
Rushing: Cruz 16/45 with one TD; Jackson 9/164 with two TD’s; Rogers 3/22;
Receiving: Briggs 1/6; Reuss 1/22 (TD); Gray 4/66 with a TD.
Defense: Garrett LaPolt eight tackles; Smith five tackles, Jacob McLaughlin five tackles; Reus s five assisted tackles and two solo tackles, two sacks; Jackson one fumble recovery and one interception. Gray one interception; Rogers one fumble recovery and one forced fumble; Gandy two fumble recoveries.
Monticello’ seniors: Earl Allen, Connor Alvarez, Jermel Branch, Connor Briggs, Ian Campbell, Jose Cruz, Steve Demestrio, Anthony Gray, Adam Kaiser, Garrett Lapolt, Brendan Madsen, Joe Mulvey, Sean Reuss, Brendan Thomas and Talon Wilson.
For an album of photos showing all of the above as well as shots from the game, visit www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com
By The Numbers
Liberty Scores Seven In Season-Opening Win Against An Inexperienced Monticello Squad Hampered By Diminished Roster Strength
Liberty 7, Monticello 2
By RICHARD A. ROSS
rross@sportsinsightsny.com
Scenes from the Liberty-Monticello boys soccer game of 9/14/11 (Clockwise) Monticello's Onique (Tino Taylor) advances the ball. Liberty's Erick Cuellar and Eduardo Martinez surround the ball. Liberty junior speedster Pedro Garcia, Monticello's Onique Taylor and Liberty's Matt McPhillips look to control a free ball, Matt McPhillips returns the ball up the field. The 2011 Monticello Panthers, Liberty's Andy Hazelnis shows his dexterity and athleticism.
LIBERTY, NY—Given their prominence as the two largest schools in Sullivan County, Monticello and Liberty always garner attention whenever they play each other . Their basketball rivalry in particular is rife with emotion and history.
In most years on the soccer pitch, Class A Monticello and Class B Liberty stage a competitive clash. The scores are rarely one-sided or reflect a great disparity in the relative states of the teams. Each school can point to prior success against the other.
But this year as Liberty took to the pitch for its much-belated home opener following rain-cancellations that washed out last week’s action, Indians’ Coach Debora Simpson was anxious to see what her 2011 squad would look like at full game speed.
Having not even played in a scrimmage to assess their performance against any teams, Liberty was essentially untested to date. With a cadre of talent heading out the door in June as the senior-laden squad of 2011 graduated, Simpson would have to gather remaining players and a wealth of young talent and speed to head into this year’s campaign. Naming seniors John Koarki and Andy Hazelnis as captains Simpson looked for the kind of dedicated blue collar work ethic that could forge a team mentality. As Simpson sees it, this group is exactly that: unselfish, cohesive and potentially extremely competitive.
With talent and speed galore evinced by veteran junior Pedro Garcia, track speedster Erick Cuellar, veteran Charlie McNellis and the scoring punch of Jose Cruz, Brendan Siegel, Alejandro Mercado and others, Liberty has depth. Of course losing Will McGuire in the goal leaves big shoes to fill for sophomore Julian Spina or senior Kolarik when he occupies the net.
Liberty made sectionals last year but lost to Tuxedo. The Tornadoes have now dropped down to Class C but with the likes of Burke and O’Neill still to contend with, as well as feisty Sullivan West, the Indians have their work cut out for them.
For its part Monticello has had its struggles in forming up a squad of sufficient depth or experience. Last spring when Coach John Maranzana held a meeting about this fall’s soccer venture, kids came out in large numbers. They were given all the information they needed in terms of what they’d need to do in terms of physicals etc.
To his dismay, on the first day Marazana was looking at seven kids. More joined shortly but not enough to field a junior varsity team. Thus, players with no experience who would normally cut their teeth in junior varsity games now were thrust into the varsity realm.
The dropping numbers have been disappointing and cannot be attributed solely to the resurgence of football. Truth be told, there are only approximately 55 boys out for fall sports including football, soccer and cross-country. Numbers have been dropping for the past few years.
That said, the Monties are not without talent. Standout Ariel Pabon is widely recognized as an impact player. Onique (Tino) Taylor brings his blazing track speed and soccer experience to the pitch. With seven sophomores including first-time keeper Anthony Lombardi learning on the fly, Monticello will garner its experience and earn its stripes as the senior progresses. The team will improve vastly but wins will be hard to come by.
Lombardi injured his finger in this fray and was replaced by freshman Dustin Thomas who recorded nine saves in the game.
Monticello’s first two games played against daunting O’Neill and Cornwall resulted in lopsided scores to no one’s surprise. Maranzana hoped the fray with Liberty would be more competitive but the Indians who won last year’s tilt 3-0, showed great speed, deft passing, the ability to foster runs and break abways and to find ways to penetrate Monticello’s defense which has yet to gel.
The result was five first unanswered goals. Monticello got two goals in the second half from Mentor Gashi to answer Liberty’s pair of goals in the second half . The result was a 7-2 win for the Indians and a confidence booster as they get ready for their first league game to be played at home against Sullivan West on September 16.
Monticello’s schedule ahead continues to look daunting with upcoming games against Middletown and powerful Goshen.
Liberty goals: Sergio Diaz 3; Brendan Siegel 2; Andy Hazelnis; Zac Maniatis.
Liberty assists: Zac Wallgren 2; Adam Murphy; Richard Lander; Matt McPhillips.
Monticello goals: Mentor Gashi 2.
Monticello assists: Austin Colon; Onique Taylor.
Goalie saves: L – Julian Spena 9; M – Dustin Thomas 9.
Records: Liberty 1-0; Monticello 0-3.
For an album of photos, visit sportsinsights.smugmug.com or click on HOT SHOTS at the top or bottom of the page.
One For The Ages
Monticello Pulls Off A Dramatic Upset Against Class AA Behemoth Minisink Valley In A Classic That Will Long Be Remembered
Monticello 37, Minisink Valley 28
By RICHARD A. ROSS
rross@sportsinsightsny.com
Scenes from an historic Monticello win (clockwise) Shane Jackson eludes tacklers for a big gain. He rushed for 183 yards and threw for 233 incurring two TD's on the ground and three in the air. Anthony Gray pulls in a pass. Gray racked up 175 yards on nine catches and scored three TD's in the win. Minisink Valley's Jeff Newlin hauls in a 53-yard pass from Ryan Callaghan to score the Warriors' first TD. Gray catches the ball and heads out of bounds at the one. Monticello failed to score on this drive and proceeded to relinquish the lead by surrendering 21 unanswered points but Gray and company got off the mat to responds by reclaiming and retaining the lead. Montie cheerleaders pose during halftime. Sean Reuss catches a pass and barrels forward.
MONTICELLO, NY—For years to come in the telling and retelling of how undersized, undermanned and under-appreciated Monticello marshaled a 37-28 upset victory over Minisink Valley, the Panther players and coaches will hearken back to a day when heart, soul and true grit prevailed against seemingly unspeakable odds.
A moment to treasure: Monticello players and coaches on the sideline erupt in joy as the game comes to a victorious conclusion.
There are moments in our lives, especially those tinged with unbridled emotion, that remain forever emblazoned in our memory. And this September 10 classic was just such a time.
Stalking the sideline with camera at the ready, absorbing every second of this game’s tenor , this writer bore witness to the courage and determination of a total team effort; one that would not quit in the face of pain, injury, exhaustion and even a late Warriors’ resurgence that threatened to rob the Panthers of a victory in a game they had led up to that point.
Indeed, it is when adversity rises to its most daunting level that character is tested. And as the post-game comments supplied by Panther head coach Matt Buddenhagen, as well as the observations of several of the game’s most salient players will attest, this victory was far more than just a regular season, non-league win. Their words matter and subsequently in this piece they will be quoted.
Far more than just another Saturday afternoon football game, this clash and ensuing upset victory was a milestone, a potential season-changer and above all else, a testimony to what is possible when one is willing to lay it all on the line.
For the 33 players who suited up for this second outing of the young season, the sweet rewards of victory eradicated last week’s sense of despondency following the opening day defeat to Pine Bush and created a newfound determination to make this season one for the ages. Assuredly, next week’s league clash against powerful Cornwall will be greatly anticipated and viewed differently by both teams following Monticello’s showing against Minisink Valley, a team touted as the third-ranked team in Section Nine.
For the Warriors led by classy veteran coach Kevin Gallagher, this day’s outcome will provide its own lessons and motivation for the battles to come, first and foremost next week as the Warriors take on the Kingston Tigers, a team Cornwall battered in week one to the tune of 31-6.
Minisink Valley senior Jeff Newlin did some major damage against Port Jervis last weekend and wrought some more against the Monties, but not enough to put his team over the top. Here Newlin gets into the secondary and looks to make the Monties pay.
Football games have their side stories. This one was marked by the departure of Monticello Athletic Director Doug Murphy who will be taking over the A.D. reins at Minisink Valley this week. “Bittersweet,” was the word Murphy used to describe his emotions about leaving.. “Monticello is a wonderful school with wonderful people. I look forward to the opportunity now to head down to Minisink Valley.
I had a great career at Monticello for the past 18 years as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and athletic director. I’m most proud of how well the athletic program has improved. The boys track team has won the last two division championships and bringing football back which has done great things for the school and community.”
Joking about the coincidence that Monticello would be facing Minisink Valley on his last official day, the affable outgoing A.D. called it “Murphy’s Law.” This writer quipped that hopefully this year’s coming Monticello Games will have great weather which it did every year under his watch.
A new football scoreboard was dedicated to 1975 graduate Phillip Berman. His son Logan and nephew Alan were on hand to be honored in his name.
As the teams completed their warm ups, the disparity in size and numbers was apparent. The Warriors had arrived with a huge squad that outnumbered Monticello two-two one. Behind its 37-0 thrashing of Port Jervis in week one, the Warriors looked to roll over Monticello in the air and on the ground while looking to key in on Panthers’ standout quarterback Shane Jackson.
To their shock by day’s end, it would be Monticello’s seemingly unstoppable offense that would steal the show as the Panthers would rack up 533 total yards including 233 in the air from the scrambling Jackson who was 14/21 with three TD passes to senior wide out Anthony Gray.
Football games are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Here the Montie d-line faces a daunting Minisink Valley o-line that out-sized them. The Panther defense played a remarkable game.
Gray’s heroics produced a remarkable nine catches for 175 yards. With an enormous vertical leap, a quick first step and a hunger for the ball, Gray continuously beat Minisink Valley’s secondary to provide an open target for Jackson.
Similarly, on the ground, the Panthers moved the chains on the hefty Minisink defense as Jackson, often hobbling on not one, but two injured calf muscles eluded tacklers or made gains even running into the teeth of the defense. Jackson carried the ball 26 times for 183 yards and rushed for a pair of touchdowns.
José Cruz put in a yeoman’s effort with 22 carries for 100 yards and one TD. Cruz overcame a fumble which led to Minisink Valley’s first score. Putting the miscue in the rearview mirror, the tough back summoned his will to take the ball time and time again as he was abetted by Monticello’s outstanding offensive line.
Buddenhagen gushed with praise for his o-line’s showing. “Offensive line is the most thankless position. You never get credit or your name in the paper. They’re always getting yelled at and it’s the hardest position too. You’ve got to think constantly. There are so many change ups and calls on the line. They were awesome today”, he said naming them one by one: Brendan Madsen, Brendan Thomas, Ian Campbell, Jermel Branch, Garrett LaPolt and tight end Sean Reuss.”
The Warriors won the toss and elected to receive but Monticello’s fiery defense answered the call by nixing the opening drive. The Panthers got the ball out to their 35 on the punt return and went to work as Jackson scrambled and then threw a first down pass to Gray. The chains kept moving with a first-down pass to Reuss to the Warriors’ 17. Two plays later Jackson burst free for a 13-yard TD run at 4:34. Angelo Niforatos kicked the PAT and the Panthers led 7-0.
Words fall far short in describing the athleticism of Shane Jackson, an omnipresent threat that makes defenses edgy to say the least.
Minisink gained ground off its option pitch from QB Ryan Callaghan to running back Frank Mayo and a toss to Andrew Hannerman but a delay of game penalty slowed the push. The Warriors went for it on fourth down but the Panthers got a key stop of running back Rommel Brantley by Monticello’s Steve Demestrio .
Jackson responded two plays later with a 36-yard strike to Gray at 11:42 of the second quarter to make it 13-0. The PAT failed but the Panthers were rolling.
Gray knocked down a pass from Callaghan on the next Warriors’ series and Minisink had to punt. On the first play from scrimmage Cruz had the ball stripped and Minisink got the ball at the Monties’ 46. Wideout Jeff Newlin hauled in a 53-yard pass at 9:22 and Colin Cazetta split the uprights to make it 13-7.
The Monties overcame a delay of game penalty and used a nice mix of passes to Gray and Reuss and runs by Cruz and Jackson to move the ball forward. The drive was capped by a three-yard TD run by Jackson for the 19-7 lead. The two-point conversion try resulted in an incomplete pass.
Minisink threatened on its next series as it marched relentlessly down the field but an interception by Mistah Alli proved momentous in assuring the Monties of a 19-7 lead at the half and the prospect of receiving the ball after the break.
That they did as they began on their 20 with a touchback. Cruz carried it six but concerns rose as Jackson was visibly hurt and limping and had to come out. Jonathan Harned went in to call the signals. Cruz shouldered the load and Jackson returned two plays later. An encroachment penalty by the Warriors sustained the Monties’ drive and at 5:52 Jackson found Gray with a 14-yard TD pass to make it 25-7. The PAT was blocked but all looked promising for Monticello.
But football is a four-quarter, down-to-the-wire affair. Minisink coaches implored their players to rise to the challenge and they did.
It took them only three plays on the next series to march 67 yards capped off by a 33-yard TD run by Newlin around the left end at 5:28 to make it 25-14 after the successful PAT.
And they weren’t done yet.
The new scoreboard dedicated to the memory of 1975 Monticello grad Phillip Berman reveals the happy ending. A tribute to Berman's memory and the foundation in his name preceded the game.
The Monties went three and out and the Warriors took over at their 19. Suddenly they were moving it at will, eating up huge chunks of field. At 1:59 Branley hauled in an 11-yard strike from Callaghan and moved closer at 25-20.
Monticello had the ball as the fourth quarter began and Jackson hit Gray on a long strike to the one as the deft receiver struggled to stay inbounds for the score. In what looked to be a major shift in momentum, the Warriors withstood the challenge as Jackson’s fourth down pass to Reuss fell incomplete and Minisink shocked Monticello with a first down 99 and a half-TD strike to Frankie Yovino to take a 26-25 lead with 9:49 remaining in the game.
They added a two-point conversion run to make it 28-25 and looked to shut the door on Monticello.
But Buddenhagen’s troops would not be denied. Banged up, tired, but undaunted they took to the field determined to reclaim the lead. Credit Cruz and Gray, along with Jackson and the forceful play of the offensive line. They just kept ramming the ball forward. With 5:58 remaining, the 70-yard drive reached paydirt as Jackson ran it in from the one to make it 31-28. The conversion play failed but now it was on the defense to hold serve.
To that end the Monties came up with a huge turnover as Alli knocked the ball loose and Jacob McLaughlin recovered it at the Minisink 47. Facing a third and five, Jackson unleashed a 47-yard strike to Gray for the 37-28 lead. Niforatos’ PAT was partially blocked but only 1:44 remained in the game.
Minisink made huge gains on a screen pass to Yovino and were moving by leaps and bounds all the way to the Monties’ ten-yard line. Monticello knew the game was far from over but it was about to drop into the bag as Jackson picked off a Callaghan pass with 48 seconds remaining.
Monticello couldn’t get a first down and the Warriors got it back one more time. Monticello’s defense had the last word and the Monties erupted into a jubilant celebration behind the improbable 37-28 win.
Minisink Coach Kevin Gallagher summed it up thusly: “You’ve got to give them a lot of credit. They played a great game, the kind of game they’d need to play to beat us. I won’t say we didn’t play well but when you’ve got big play capability like they have, you’re always one play away from getting back in it , which they did after we got the lead.”
Gallagher went on to praise Jackson. “He broke tackles numerous times and he was playing hurt. He’s a gutsy kid.”
Buddenhagen addressed his troops and praised them to the sky. “They roll in here with sixty players and a program that’s been around forever. This is a huge win for us, one of the best games I’ve ever been a part of,” he added. That’s a double AA team. That’s how you play football! We got in a flow on offense. That’s the way to bounce back,” he barked as he went on to extol the game’s big playmakers one by one, already duly mentioned and in including Adam Kaiser who had pounced on a key onside kick by the Warriors.
Turning to this writer, the fiery coach added. “Our first three games presented a bear of a schedule and people kept telling me: 0-3. This gives us great momentum for the games to come.” Monticello (1-1) travels to Cornwall next week for its first and most daunting league test.
How The Players Saw It..In Their Own Words
Anthony Gray “It really feels great. This is a big win for us, a big statement. We beat a Double AA team when everyone said we were going to lose in a really big blowout. I was impressed by how our offensive line could block that well and Cruz kept it going. He got over that fumble just like Coach teaches us to do.”
José Cruz: “It means a lot to us. When we lost to Pine Bush last week it seemed like the whole team was going downhill. I think this really boosted our confidence.”
Sean Reuss :”This win means a lot to our team. We came out strong in the first and second halves and kept it up. Our line did great today.”
Shane Jackson: “I’m really proud of our team and even though I was hurt I felt I had to pull through for the team. It’s great to have a win but it feels even better coming against the third-ranked team in Section Nine.”
Monticello Stat Line:
Passing: Jackson 14/21/233 with three TD’s.
Rushing: Jackson 26/183 with two TD’s; Cruz 22/100 with one TD.
Sean Reuss led his team with 12 tackles.
Receiving: Mike Rogers 1/6; Gray 9/175 with three TD’s; Reuss 2/30; Connor Briggs 1/7.
Minisink stats are forthcoming and will be added when they are sent.
For an album of photos, visit www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com
