Redhawks give Tigers a fight

By Joe Cribari

CVU’s Football Redhawks kept fans on the edge of their seats in an exciting home game against the Middlebury Union High School Tigers Saturday. The good news: CVU played well, fought hard, made plays at key moments and is bound for the post-season in its first year as a Division I team. The not-so-good news: the Redhawks came up just short, falling 27-21 in favor of the Tigers.

CVU drew first blood after an impressive 81-yard opening drive that consumed over six minutes. The offensive line dominated on that drive, giving quarterback Drew Nick time to connect with John Keen, Trevor Kennedy and three times to Ryan Beaudry. Nick kept the ball for some nice gains as well, thanks to key blocking by Brent Carreiro. Converting on third down four times, the Redhawks ultimately gave the nod to Carreiro, who punched it in from the 5-yard line.

The Redhawks defense had its say shortly thereafter. Middlebury was forced to turn over the ball as Matt Bauer and the Red D-line denied the Tigers on 4th and goal at the 5-yard line. Michael Fournier and Nick led the ‘Hawks in tackles, with a lot of help from Tucker Kohlasch, Harvey Ottinger, Carreiro, Beaudry and the rest of the defense.

CVU’s passing game was impressive. Drew Nick threw 16 for 27 for over 200 yards. Nick also scored two rushing touchdowns. Ryan Beaudry and John Keen took turns catching Nick’s passes. Beaudry was often acrobatic, fighting and pulling in tipped balls. Keen’s beautiful, thirty-six yard reception to the 1-yard line in the second quarter set up Nick’s second rushing TD. Tucker Kohlasch rounded out the Redhawks scoring, hitting three for three extra point kicks.

Middlebury’s scoring was provided by two rushing touchdowns by QB Dillion Robinson and one each by Patrick Foley and Jordan Connor. Connor also ran in for a 2-point conversion.

The Redhawks defense made a valiant stand as the Tigers attempted and failed to convert on 4th and 12 on the 23–yard line late in the 4th quarter. Middlebury’s following drive was stuffed once again, thanks in part to Bauer’s quarterback sack. Bauer also recovered a Tiger’s fumble. CVU’s defense got to Robinson three more times earlier in the game; once by Alec Distler, and twice in one drive by Michael Fournier & company.

This game ended in disappointment for the Redhawks but opportunity lies ahead. CVU travels to South Burlington next week to face the Rebels in the first round in the playoffs. This re-match of last week’s game should prove exciting. The Redhawks will be hungry and ready to take care of business. Expect a huge crowd of fans Rocking the Red on the Road. The game is Friday October 28, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday was Senior Day for the Redhawks – prior to the game each senior player escorted his parents onto the field to be recognized in a pre-game ceremony. There were photos and the boys presented small gifts to their parents. These seniors are commended for their leadership and contributions to the team, school and community. May they have success and good fortune for the remainder of the year and in their future endeavors.