On Opening Day of the 2009 season, Guilford 8th Grade faced a tough North Haven team that runs an old-fashioned single-wing power football offense.
With each team trading some success on Offense but not scoring, Guilford finally punched it in on a Sweep Play blocked beautifully by the Offensive Line of Robert Nero, Fred Trotta, Jon Paecht, Ford Linell, Hunter Martins and Dave Laurie. The touchdown, by Andrew Meoli, was made possible by a drive-sustaining long pass reception by Ryan Hart. Joey Nault kicked the 2-point conversion with an excellent hold by David Knapp to put Guilford up 8 – 0.
After halftime, North Haven began to move the ball the length of the field and finally scored against the stingy Guilford Defense. On a critical play of the game, Guilford blocked the PAT attempt leaving the Green and White in the lead 8 – 6. The teams traded possessions in the 4th Quarter with Guilford ’s Defense regaining its footing – led by linebackers Eric Zergiebel and Ford Linell. Guilford held on for the victory with a complete Team effort of all 18 players – but a strong Defense won the day. While it wasn’t pretty, overall it was a solid win against a hard-working, quality opponent. Now Milford on Wednesday…
7TH GRADE TEAM - 0 at NORTH HAVEN - 22
The 7th grade GYF team took on a talented North Haven squad in the battle of the Indians. Guilford was led by game captains, "Ek" Eckman, "Stone Cold" Reynolds and "Hacksaw" Van de Bovenkamp.
North Haven scored three quick touchdowns on several mishaps in the first quarter, and Guilford was on their heels for the rest of the game. The offense moved well in the second half, and the defense was strong as well.
The Skynyrd Breeze will be blowin' down the road home to Guilford this Sunday to face Tri-Town.
6TH GRADE TEAM - 14 vs. AMITY - 12
Guilford 6th graders faced an equally determined Amity team Sunday at Kavanaugh Field. Guilford struck first after consistently driving the ball right through the Amity defense. The drive was filled with great plays from "Jumpin'" Jack Jankura, & Nick "Sunshine" Poretta.
Once on defense Amity realized what they were truly up against. Great defensive plays were made by Ben Fazzina, Nick "Boulder" Moscato, & Billy "The Hammer" Conover. A few miscues on offense & one on defense lead to a 7-6 lead for Guilford at the half.
Upon getting the ball to start the 2nd half, some great runs by Nate "Little Earl" Tepley, Carm Ciardello, & Ben Fazzina led to a second touchdown by Guilford & an extra point by Nick "Sunshine" Poretta. Other great plays were made by Cody "Flash" Cox, Tony "Goose" DiNitto, & Cory Carregal. Time went quickly in the 2nd half, too quickly for the resurging Amity offense who scored a second time, but could not convert leaving Guilford with a 14-12 win.
5TH GRADE TEAM - 0 vs. MADISON B - 27
While the results didn't go their way, the Guilford boys fought hard on an opening day loss. Ben Currier had a good day both offensively at RB and defensively with some spirited LB play and a couple of sacks. James Bright had a fumble recovery and a pass reception.
