CVU football players prepare for Shrine Bowl

Published in The Shelburne News

Champlain Valley Union's Cameron Fitzgerald, Konnor Fleming, Eric Palmer, and Vermont coach and CVU head football coach Jim Provost will report for a nine-day training camp at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire this week in preparation for the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl. The 58th annual All Star competition of recently graduated seniors between Vermont and New Hampshire will be held Aug. 6 at 2:30 p.m. at Windsor High School for the third straight year.

The first Twin State contest, the Shrine football game, was held in 1954. The wildly popular event used to draw over 20,000 fans and raise anywhere from $50 to $100,000 for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Last year nearly 4,000 fans were in attendance and the event generated $30,000 in donations for the hospitals.

Playing in Shrine football game among Fleming's Goals

Published in The Burlington Free Press
By Alex Abrami

Suffering an ACL injury on the second play from scrimmage in last year’s Division II semifinal, Champlain Valley Union High School quarterback Konnor Fleming’s football future was in jeopardy. The Redhawks lost the game, and Fleming tore up his right knee, a crushing blow to his senior season and collegiate plans. “When it happened, I was certainly devastated. I thought my football career may be over,” Fleming said.

With an invitation to the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl — a senior all-star game against New Hampshire — on the table, Fleming was determined to play. Also hoping to play lacrosse in the spring, Fleming returned to the practice fields less than five months after surgery. His doctor’s original prognosis was six-to-eight months.

“First and foremost I wanted to get back to sports. Another goal was to get a state championship and lacrosse was the last chance,” said Fleming, listing off his driving factors during rehabilitation. “(Shrine) was up the list. I have another chance to play ball, and for it to be the last (high school) experience — it’s a nice outlet and sense of relief.”

Fleming checked off one goal after helping the Redhawks win the Division I lacrosse title in June. Next month, he’ll notch another when he plays in the Shrine game, an event that also raises money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The trip to the hospital will change your life, said Vermont coach Jim Provost, who last led the Green Mountain State against the Granite State in 1990. “If you lose sight of why you are playing the game, then it becomes a chore,” said Provost, CVU’s coach. Fleming understands that. “We are playing the game we love and giving 100 percent for a good cause,” Fleming said. “That will only be strengthened, and our appreciation will only go up once we get to camp and visit the hospitals.”

A two-time Burlington Free Press first-team selection for his play on the defensive side of the ball, Fleming will attend Macalester College, a private liberal arts school in Minnesota, to play football.

Redhawks earn football honors

By Mal Boright for the Williston Observer

Their second — and final — football season in Division 2 saw the Champlain Valley Union High Redhawks gain the semifinals and then place five players on the Burlington Free Press All-State team. Sixteen players earned All-Division honors.

Junior place kicker Tucker Kohlasch was named to the All-State first team offense while wide receiver Taylor Gingras earned honorable mention.

On the All-State defense, senior Konnor Fleming got a defensive back slot and senior Cameron Fitzgerald was named to the line. Linebacker Eric Palmer, also a senior, got an honorable mention.

During the season, Kohlasch, Old Thunderfoot, nailed 25 extra points and six field goals, one of 42 yards.

Fleming, who also led the CVU offense from his quarterback slot, was a prime time defender with big pass interceptions and tackles.

Fitzgerald, a stalwart on the defensive line, also scored three touchdowns by breaking up plays with fumble recoveries and in one case an interception.

All-Division 2 offensive stars were Gingras on the first team and Fleming on the second team as quarterback. Honorable mentions went to running backs Tyler Barnes and J. P.Benoit, tight end Ryan Beaudry and linemen Alec Distler, Quinn Kropf and Dylan Raymond.

On the first team defense were Fitzgerald as lineman and punter, and Fleming. Second team selections went to linebackers Palmer and Barnes, along with lineman Dale Conger. Honorable mentions were awarded to defensive backs Derek Goodwin and Gingras, linebackers Ryan Fleming and Drew Nick and linemen Crawford Morris and Ian Solomon.

CVU's Provost tabbed as Vermont's Shrine coach

Congratulations to CVU Redhawks Football's Jim Provost and staff for being selected to coach the 2011 Vermont Shrine Team.

The Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl Football Game is played between two all-star teams of graduated seniors from Vermont and New Hampshire. The game is preceded by a spectacular parade of Shrine Units from throughout the Northeast Region. All net proceeds are donated to the three nearest Shrine Hospitals Montreal, Canada and Springfield, MA, and Boston Burns, Boston, MA.

The 58th Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl will be played on MacLeay-Royce Field in Windsor, VT on August 6, 2011. To learn more visit the Shrine web site.

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.

CVU Moves up to Division 1

Football realignment could bring bigger playoffs

By Alex Abrami for the Burlington Free Press

The Vermont Interscholastic Football League gave its approval of the next two-year alignment Thursday, highlighted by team and playoff expansions in Division I. Champlain Valley, Colchester, Mount Mansfield and Middlebury — all teams that played in Division II the last two seasons — will make the move to crowded Division I starting in 2011. With 14 teams slotted in D-I, the league also approved an eight-team playoff.

“It’s absolutely what I expected. No surprise there,” Champlain Valley coach Jim Provost said. “We knew we wouldn’t be in Division II very long.”

Colchester coach Tom Perry, a board member of the VIFL committee, said expanding the playoff system to eight teams will create more balance. “This is a big change in high school football,” said Perry whose team went undefeated and won the D-II title in 2009. “It will allow teams to be more competitive and that’s what everybody wants.”

Division II and Division III will have 10 teams each and retain the four-team playoff format. In essence, the same number of teams in each division will miss the playoffs, Perry said. “This is a major change in philosophy,” Perry said. “It was all about every division will send six teams home.”

In Division I, the teams will play an eight-game regular season followed by a VIFL-run quarterfinals among the eight playoff teams. The six teams that do not make the playoffs will play each other in the Week 9, the final week of the regular season.

The semifinals will be considered a Vermont Principals’ Association tournament, said South Burlington athletic director Mike O’Day, who is the VIFL’s scheduler and treasurer. “This is the first time we’ve had quarterfinals (in football),” O’Day said. “We’re not sure what we are going to call it, but we are going to give it some buzz. It’s good for high school football.”

Schools will have the opportunity to challenge their changes in division, and Thursday’s proposals still needs to go through the proper channels at the VPA, O’Day said, but no road blocks are likely. The VPA is expected its stamp of approval in early 2011.

Also approved Thursday: Bellows Falls and Springfield moved from Division III to Division II; teams may only play one nonleague game, reserved for rivalry battles like St. Johnsbury-Lyndon or Burlington-Rice; Overall Quality Point Rating (QPR) will decide the playoff spots. In the past, a league QPR was used.

Introducing Crawford Morris

By Sheri Duff for the Shelburne News

Crawford Morris is in the zone. He is not in the end zone, because offensive and defensive linesman like Morris can't carry the ball or make a pass that would result in a touchdown. Instead, this zone refers to an elevated mental state that peak performers achieve in any profession or personal endeavor: sports, performing arts, education, or business. The zone is that magical place where attention is focused on what is important to making a goal happen. This year in particular Morris had his eye on this prize: CVU's first state championship in football.

Born in Burlington's Fletcher Allen Heath Care, Morris, who turned 18 on Nov. 3, lived briefly in Stowe before his family moved to Shelburne when he was three-years-old. His family includes parents, Darrell and Dan, stepmother Karen, an eight-year-old stepsister Brooke, and two dogs, Chester and Lilly.

Morris reminisced about playing football for the CSSU Buccaneers, a youth football program for the towns of Charlotte, Shelburne, Hinesburg, Williston and St. George. "I wasn't interested in soccer," he said. "So in eighth grade I went out for football. I actually missed the deadline that year but since I knew the coach I was able to play." And Morris didn't stop there. The three-year varsity standout continued to train and hone his football skills during the summer at camps in South Burlington and Hanover, N.H. "I also worked out with football coach Rahn Fleming. He pushes people to their limits," Morris said. "But he does it in a calm, kind way." Morris finds ways to train even when he's off the playing field. Last summer he was a stonemason for Morning Dew Landscaping. Morris easily found a way to use his job to bulk up and prepare for football. He plans a return to stonemasonry after graduation.

The preparation was obviously worthwhile. The Redhawks went 7-2 during the regular season with their only losses at the hands of defending D-I champ Essex and undefeated Middlebury. Going into the post season, the Redhawks were on a four-game winning streak and gaining momentum. Then misfortune struck. During the second play of the semifinal game against Rice on Nov. 6 quarterback Konnor Fleming went down with a knee injury. Although they couldn't find a way to win, the Redhawks showed real character when faced with adversity.

"Crawford was a key component to the Redhawk's success on both sides of the ball this year," according to CVU head football coach Jim Provost. "He is a true team player and most deserving of his status as captain," he added. Morris admitted, "Being voted captain of the football team is one of my proudest moments to date." And he felt his greatest strengths as captain were his ability to lead by example, keep spirits high, and remain calm. "I could get the job done without being super aggressive. My role was to remain calm and keep everyone's spirits high. I was steady Eddie," he shared.

In addition to football, Morris is a varsity lacrosse player who enjoys snowboarding and photography. Once a hobby, Morris has turned his photography into a small business: Crawford Morris Photos. "Photographing people is the most challenging," he states. "But that's probably why I like it so much. I've been hired to take a few senior pictures. And I sell my photographs at the Shelburne Craft Show," he added. Look for his specialties: nature, landscapes, and capturing moments and people in the SCS cafeteria and gym on Dec. 4 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Morris's interest in photography is more than a diversion. He is working with professional photographer Jordan Silverman for his Grad Challenge.

There's more to Morris than sports or business, there's performing arts and education too. In answer to a question, Morris suggested that most people would be surprised to know that he's musically inclined. "I play the baritone saxophone in the school band."

As for education; by the time this article is published, Morris will have already carried out one of his plans for the future. On Nov. 15 he applied early decision to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Penn. "I went for a campus visit a few weeks ago and really liked the campus and the school," Morris noted. "I will probably start out studying biology. But fully expect to change my major a time or two," Morris commented. He should hear about his acceptance to the nation's top liberal arts college by Dec. 15. Regardless of his acceptance, have no doubt, Morris is prepared to make his goal happen. After all he's in the zone.

Redhawks' Season Ends

By Joe Cribari

FAMILY! CVU's football Redhawks shout this cheer when they bring it in at the end of a game.

And what a family this team has built. In 2008, it would not be uncommon to hear the phrase, "I didn't know CVU had a football team." Now, hoards of fans come out to watch football at CVU. The Redhawks' season ended Saturday as CVU fell to the Green Knights 29-8 in the playoffs.

The Redhawks only score came on a fumble recovery run 84 yards by Ryan Beaudry late in the game. On the extra point attempt, the Redhawks pulled a fast one as Tucker Kolasch prepared to apparently kick; holder-quarterback Ian Solomon instead lobbed the ball to JP Benoit in the end zone for two points.

The excitement and enthusiasm displayed by the Redhawks' fans is proof that this team has brought together a new family. This was a great season in which the Redhawks lost only one regular season game in their division to the undefeated Middlebury Tigers. CVU settled some old scores by beating Colchester for the first time ever and by shutting out U-32—the team that beat the Redhawks in its first playoff game in 2005. A CVU record six players have been chosen to play in the North-South Game at Castleton on Nov. 20. We saw the creation of a cheerleading squad and saw a fan base grow each week. We saw a group of young men conduct themselves with class and come together more and more each week as not only a team, but as a family.

There were some tears at the end of Saturday's game. The seniors saw their championship slip away. However, we can all share Head Coach Jim Provost's words, "Every one of you is a champion in my book."

Everyone watched in horror as quarterback Konnor Fleming went down with a knee injury in the opening moments of the game. Cameron Fitzgerald went down with an ankle injury shortly thereafter. Fitzgerald returned; Fleming did not. These events did not squash the Redhawks—they continued to play with intensity, to support each other and to have fun until the end.

We are proud of our Redhawks and wish them well—especially those seniors who have given so much to this team and to this school, and who have been instrumental in bringing the team this far. So the torch is passed and next year the Redhawks will be back: they will be strong and they will be winners.

Redhawks Selected to North-South All-Star Team

Congratulations to the six CVU Seniors who were named to the North team for the Vermont North-South Senior Bowl Football Classic scheduled for Saturday November 20 at Castleton State College. The Classic pits top players from the north against their counterparts from the south.

Rice-CVU Football Semifinal Preview

By Alex Abrami for the Burlington Free Press

Friendships and general acquaintances will have to put aside when Champlain Valley Union and Rice Memorial tangle in a Division II high school football semifinal Saturday afternoon. There’s CVU coach Jim Provost’s link to the Rice program he coached to a pair of state titles in the 1980s. Neil Brodeur, Rice’s current coach, played on the 1983 championship team. CVU lineman Cam Fitzgerald and Rice running back Danny Bolger work together at Mills & Greer. Others are friends through sports teams like American Legion baseball, or they live close to one other. “The kids know each other. It’s in each other’s backyards,” said Brodeur, who still talks to Provost on a regular basis. “They have mutual friends.” “People in green; people in red. It’s going to be crazy,” added Provost.

Come Saturday’s 2 p.m. kickoff in Hinesburg, those alliances will be put on hold for two-plus hours. The second-seeded Redhawks (7-2) have had a season-long goal to return to the D-II final while the third-seeded Green Knights (8-1) have rolled over nearly every opponent to earn a playoff spot for the first time since 2006.

The one opponent Rice hasn’t defeated handily? CVU. About a month ago at Rice, quarterback Konnor Fleming led CVU to a second-half rally in a 30-22 win. Rice quarterback Christian McCormick left with concussion-like symptoms in the third quarter. But the reasons for Rice’s lone loss go beyond their missing star, who has thrown for 2,076 yards and 26 touchdowns. Miscues — four fumbles and two INTs — proved costly, Brodeur said. “We only played 24 minutes. We gave CVU six extra offensive possessions,” Brodeur lamented. “That’s not going to help you win, it’s just that simple.”

Teams’ strengths

Rice put up 401 points while yielding only 116 this season. The Knights offense, of course, starts with the mobile McCormick, who stands at 6-foot-2. His receivers — Austin Robinson, Casey Tipson, Nick Elderton, Evan Healey, etc. — are big-time threats that make Rice’s spread attack very potent. “The problem with Rice, they have so many weapons,” Provost said. “We have to stay disciplined. We have to go after McCormick.”

Pressuring the quarterback worked for CVU during its second-half charge. It’s been a staple during the team’s standout season. Fitzgerald and Dale Conger are two bruisers in the middle of the line that cause all sorts of issues for opposing offenses. Their leading efforts have helped CVU pitch shutouts against Milton and U-32 to close out the regular season.

Like McCormick is to Rice, Fleming is the CVU’s offensive force. Fleming’s command is with his legs, but the veteran QB will certainly make the crucial pass. “He’s the little engine that could,” Provost said. “He’s our catalyst. Both teams have QBs with different styles. That’s what makes it so intriguing.”

Field conditions Saturday?

Rain from the past two days will surely make for sloppy conditions in Hinesburg for this showdown. The question remains, however, will it cause concern for a Rice team that’s built for a passing attack. “We are not too worried about the rain,” Brodeur said. “For the last four weeks, we’ve played like that … we are still scoring points. We have to execute.” Regardless of the weather, the matchup will be intense in CVU’s first home playoff game. “It will be standing room only,” Provost said.

Redhawks Finish Regular Season with Crushing Win

By Joe Cribari

CVU’s varsity football Redhawks dismantled the U-32 High School Raiders in a decisive 33-0 victory Saturday in Hinesburg. It was a perfect end to the regular season. Supported by its enthusiastic fans and cheerleaders, this game was almost a continuation of the prior week’s victory in Milton; but with added intensity by the Redhawks. Offense, defense and special teams all executed well. Every player contributed.

A chilly, rainy day on a wet, muddy field, this was a game that gave Redhawks fans a lot to cheer about -- and a lot to cringe about. Konnor Fleming and Taylor Gingras took big, midair hits, thrown through the air, flipped and muddied – and sprung back up as if it were nothing. J.P. Benoit, while blocking on a wild second half punt return, flipped an opponent in midair in dramatic fashion, as Tyler Barnes advanced the ball to howls of approval from the Redhawks side of the field.

The Redhawks defense shut down and shut out an opponent for the second consecutive week. “Ten straight quarters,” came the correction from a proud Assistant Coach Kevin McCarthy, “Starting with the second half of the Colchester game.” “I challenged them to [shut out opponents], and they did it,” McCarthy said. “We had a great game plan, and it makes me proud to see them execute so well, with passion and excitement.”

The Raiders’ trouble began on their first possession, starting on their own six-yard line thanks to a beautiful 43-yard punt by Cameron Fitzgerald. U-32 went three and out. The ensuing Raiders punt was blocked and recovered in the end zone by none other than Fitzgerald. CVU went up 6-0 only 2:38 into the game. Another U-32 punt early in the second quarter that Ryan Fleming blocked and Ryan Beaudry recovered set up another Redhawks score. After handing off to J.P. Benoit on first down, quarterback-turned-lead-blocker Konnor Fleming plowed down and scattered aside defenders for 25 yards as J.P. ran unimpeded behind him for the touchdown.

Adding to the excitement was the tough tackling of sophomore Michael Fournier who, along with his fellow defensemen, helped make life miserable for U-32’s offense. Fitzgerald, Dale Conger, Dylan Raymond, Tyler Barnes, Konnor Fleming, Michael Fuller, Eric Palmer, Ian Solomon, Taylor Gingras, Matt Bauer, Joe Kaszubowski, Johnny Curtis, Brendan Davitt, Ryan Nakhleh, Derek Goodwin and Nick Meunier, to name a few, all got their hands dirty. Add to that list Ryan Fleming, whose interception with four minutes remaining secured the shut out for CVU.

The Redhawks defense had a lot of help from the offense. Anchored by that solid wall of a line, CVU’s offense moved the ball methodically, eating up the clock. Along with Fitzgerald’s and Benoit’s scores, CVU scored two one-yard touchdowns on the legs of Derek Goodwin. Tyler Barnes put the icing on late in the game on a 13-yard touchdown run. Tucker Kohlasch rounded out the scoring with three extra point kicks.

Barnes, Goodwin, Benoit, Jeff Palmer and Konnor Fleming all had success running the ball. Some of Konnor’s runs were option or bootleg plays; the senior quarterback slithered, wriggled and muscled his way around, over and through discouraged Raider defensemen. Barnes was an animal as usual, and it was his 40 yard run halfway through the first quarter that helped set up the Redhawks’ second score.

It was senior day for the Redhawks. The 12th Grade players and their parents were honored prior to kickoff, each player handing his mother a red rose and his father a red Gatorade. After the photos and Hinesburg Community School 7th grader Cooper Bouchard’s rendition of the National Anthem, the Redhawks got down to business.

CVU now heads into post-season play. The Redhawks host their first ever home playoff game next Saturday November 6, 2010 against the Rice Memorial High School Green Knights, who will be looking for a battle. CVU handed Rice its only loss of the season. It is one more game – one more step on the way to the ultimate prize the Redhawks hope to achieve - a State Championship.

“We’re getting better each week,” Coach McCarthy said. That momentum is tangible. The team is living the sentiment we have heard so often from Head Coach Jim Provost: “We didn’t come this far just to come this far.”

The senior players all deserve recognition for their leadership, athleticism, sportsmanship and contributions to the team every day. Although only 11 players take the field at a time, these young men are all part of the effort that has brought the football Redhawks to the respectable position they now hold at CVU and in the state of Vermont. We should be very proud of each of them and wish them success in their time remaining in high school and beyond. The senior players are: #8 Kyle Vatis, #10 Konnor Fleming, #11 Matt Bauer, #15 Jesse Duke, #18 Ian Solomon, #21 J.P. Benoit, #23 Jeffrey Palmer, #28 Derek Goodwin, #29 Nick Meunier, #30 Eric Palmer, #31 Alex Bonfigli, #32 Kevin Lambert, #40 John Curtis, #42 Evan Sturtevant, #54 Joe Kaszubowski, #55 Crawford Morris, #56 Cameron Fitzgerald, #57 Dale Conger, #58 T.J. Schmoker, #72 Michael Cribari, #79 Mike Fuller, #84 Ryan Nakhleh and #88 Taylor Gingras.

Mike Fuller (79) picks a chunk of mud off of Nick Meunier's (29) shoulder. Dana Adams photo.

Redhawks Trounce Raiders, 33-0

Burlington Free Press Staff Report

Champlain Valley 33, U-32 0: At Hinesburg, Division II playoff-bound Champlain Valley unloaded three first-quarter touchdowns and downed U-32 on a muddy field.

CVU's 258-pound defensive tackle Cameron Fitzgerald got the Redhawks (7-2 overall, 7-1 Div. II) going when he blocked a U-32 punt and recovered the ball in the end zone with less than three minutes gone in the game.

Halfback Derek Goodwin scored on two 1-yard plunges. Early in the second quarter, halfback J.P. Benoit slashed 25 yards for a score and Tucker Kohlash kicked his second point-after to put CVU up 26-0 at halftime.

Running back Tyler Barnes (9 carries,101 yards) ran 12 yards for a touchdown in the final quarter. CVU quarterback Konnor Fleming ran for 90 yards and completed five of 12 passes for another 66 yards. The Redhawks rolled up 248 yards on the ground while holding the Raiders (3-5) to 139 yards of offense.

U-32 quarterback Logan Farrell paced the Raiders with 47 yards rushing and 32 yards with three pass completions.

Nick Meunier (center) makes a tackle during Champlain Valley Union High’s football win over Milton High on Friday. Meunier had a strong game on defense in the 21-0 victory. Joe Kropf photo.

CVU Football Team Aims For High Playoff Seed

By Mal Boright for the Williston Observer

Redhawks face U-32 in regular season finale

Champlain Valley Union High’s football Redhawks (4-0 at home) need to defend their nest one more time to assure a solid seed in the upcoming Division 2 playoffs. A win would likely net the Redhawks a second seed in the playoffs. Rolling in at 1 p.m. Saturday to square off with CVU — 6-2 against all foes and 6-1 in the division — will be the U-32 Raiders, who are 3-4 overall after losing 48-21 Friday night to North Country Union High in Newport.

Although his Redhawks are coming off a solid 21-0 triumph at Milton High on Friday night, head coach Jim Provost is not taking the visiting Raiders for granted. “They have an offense with a lot of misdirection and a big fullback,” he said, adding that a key for CVU will be discipline on defense.

Friday, the Redhawks established control of the game on their very first play from scrimmage when quarterback Konnor Fleming rolled out and sped 54 yards for a touchdown. “I always hope that the second play I call in a game is for Tucker Kohlasch to kick the extra-point,” Provost said. He did and Kohlasch did. “That play really took the wind out of Milton’s sails,” the coach said.

Later CVU scores came on a 31-yard pass from Fleming to halfback J.P. Benoit and a 5-yard run by back Derek Goodwin. Goodwin, a stalwart senior defensive back, saw his first significant offensive action since playing nearly a half at quarterback in relief of an injured Fleming at Essex High in the second game of the season. The 5-11, 180-pound senior rushed for 87 yards in 16 missions. “We had a gut feeling about Goodwin,” Provost said. “We have some good running backs.”

Provost also praised the team defense that held Milton “to very few first downs.” One individual the coach cited was linebacker Michael Fournier, who was in his first varsity contest after being elevated from the junior varsity.

Defensive lineman Cameron Fitzgerald, who along with Crawford Morris and Dale Conger comprise the pachyderm people of the tough interior trench, recovered another opposition fumble but made it only to the Milton 4-yard line before being brought down, no easy task. The Redhawks will be without sophomore lineman Alec Distler this week after he sustained a cut below a knee.

As for the upcoming battle, Provost said there is work to be done. “We got deep into Milton territory a couple of times and didn’t score,” he said. “We have to get better.”

Cameron Fitzgerald (56) heads towards the goal line after a Milton fumble. Dana Adams photo.

Redhawks Defense Shuts Out Yellowjackets

By Joe Cribari

CVU's varsity football Redhawks took one step further towards postseason play Friday evening at Milton High School with a decisive 21-0 win over the Yellowjackets. This was another big victory for the Redhawks, as Milton had shut out CVU last season.

“It was a complete team effort. Everyone played well. Every player contributed,” Redhawks Head Coach Jim Provost said of his team. “Milton gave us a battle, but we scored early and were able to hold on.”

The Redhawks offense performed superbly, controlling the pace and hogging the ball with a 168-yard ground game that left Milton little opportunity to get anything going.

Quarterback Konnor Fleming set the tone early – on the first play of the game. Taking advantage of great blocking on the left side, especially by Alec Distler, Fleming flew 54 yards for a touchdown on a keeper. Tucker Kolasch kicked the extra point, and 23 seconds into the game, CVU was up 7-0.

The Redhawks second score came at the end of a 13-play drive that ate up much of the first half. Derek Goodwin rushed in untouched from the five yard line between linemen Mike Cribari and Crawford Morris. Kolasch kicked another extra point to make the score 14-0.

J.P. Benoit’s 30-yard pass reception in the end zone early in the third quarter provided the final Redhawks touchdown on the evening. This was a beautiful effort by J.P., pulling in the ball despite tight double coverage by Milton. Konnor Fleming’s efforts cannot be overlooked on this score. The Redhawks quarterback first cut right; then left; then tossed the ball to Benoit on the run while Yellowjackets defenders ran him down. Kolasch once again came through with the extra point kick that put CVU up 21-0.

Goodwin led the Redhawks rushing 17 times for 83 yards and a touchdown. Benoit led in receiving with his 30-yard touchdown reception.

The Redhawks crushing defense was the other side of this story. It was apparent on Milton’s first possession that the Yellowjackets were in trouble, as Crawford Morris sacked Milton quarterback Brandon Beliveau on first down. Three plays later, Derek Goodwin intercepted a Beliveau pass. CVU’s defense prevented the Yellowjackets from getting a first down on their next two possessions.

The second half was no easier for Milton. The Yellowjackets went three and out on their first possession – their next two ended in turnovers. Milton had one long second half drive and threatened on CVU’s 12 yard line. However, on a fourth and five quarterback sneak, Konnor Fleming (at linebacker) stuffed the QB, ending the threat.

Cameron Fitzgerald led the Redhawks in tackling with seven; Fitzgerald also recovered a fumble. Crawford Morris and Derek Goodwin each had an interception. Morris had four tackles, plus a sack for a seven yard loss. Ryan Fleming had six tackles and a sack for a seven yard loss.

Eric Palmer, who had five and a half tackles, three and a half assists and a sack shared with Tyler Barnes, was a force in this game as always. On playing defensive end in this game? “It’ s easy; I don’ t have to think – I just go after the guy with the ball,” joked Palmer, typically a linebacker, who indeed makes it look easy to the rest of us. “It feels good,” Palmer said, “especially against Milton - we needed the win.”

“We’ re in a pretty good position, but we have one more game,” Coach Provost reminds us. The Redhawks’ final regular season game is at CVU on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 1:00 against U-32 High School – this will be Senior Day. U-32 beat CVU in the playoffs in 2005.

Eric Palmer (30) and Michael Fournier (66) team up to bring down a Milton Yellow Jacket ball carrier. Dana Adams photo.

CVU Tackles Milton

Redhawks' defense shines in 21-0 Division II victory

By Alex Abrami • Free Press staff writer

On the first play from scrimmage, Champlain Valley Union High School quarterback Konnor Fleming broke one tackle and scampered 54 yards for a touchdown. Momentum and an early lead belonged to the Redhawks in Friday night’s key Division II football matchup against Milton. And the CVU defense made sure momentum never swung back to the Yellowjackets.

Behind a suffocating defense, strong running from Derek Goodwin and Fleming’s early score, CVU solidified its hold on a playoff spot in the 21-0 win over Milton.

“They took the wind out of our sails right from the getgo,” Milton coach Chris Hughes said. “It was not good and we just never bounced back.”

CVU’s first touchdown was a run to the outside, a designed call to counter Milton’s strong cast of linebackers. “We had to utilize the outside how ever we could. ... I got some great blocking,” Fleming said. “Their linebacking core is outstanding. Dino Georgakis — if he’s not starting on the Shrine team, I would be very astounded. We had to pay respect to that.”

On CVU’s third possession, with 8:47 left in the second quarter, Goodwin (16 carries, 87 yards) capped the team’s 15-play, 59-yard drive with a 5-yard TD dash for a 14-0 lead. The two-possession lead was more than enough for a CVU defense that was still smarting from last year’s 14-0 loss to the Yellowjackets. Cameron Fitzgerald and Dale Conger led CVU’s strong push up the middle, holding Milton to less than 150 yards on offensive.

“Me and Dale, we knew a lot laid on us to get in the backfield, which we did,” Fitzgerald said. “Execution was key tonight. They have a good (offensive line); it was a dogfight all night.”

The Redhawks’ final score came with 7:36 left in the third quarter. Fleming fired a strike to J.P. Benoit in the back of the end zone on a 31-yard play, helping CVU improve to 6-2 overall and 6-1 in the league. “Every kid on the roster contributed tonight. It was a complete team win, which we really needed,” CVU coach Jim Provost said. “We are getting it figured out at the right time.”

Milton is 5-3 overall and 3-3 in Division II.

Redhawks Eric Palmer (30) and Derek Goodwin (28) make a tackle during CVU’s 23-14 win over Colchester. Joe Kropf photo.

Redhawks Buoyed By Win Over Lakers

By Mal Boright, Williston Observer correspondent

With the Division 2 playoff race waxing hotter than a Phoenix heat wave, the Champlain Valley Union High football team heads for a nocturnal block and tackling session at Milton High at 7 p.m. on Friday.

The Redhawks (5-2 overall, 5-1 division) shook off their second loss of the season, which came Oct. 8 in Middlebury to the unbeaten Tigers (7-0, 5-0), by bumping off defending Division 2 champ Colchester High 23-14 on Saturday. The game put the Lakers at 3-2 in the highly competitive grouping.

“Milton will be fighting for its (playoff) life,” CVU head coach Jim Provost said Monday. “They will throw everything they have got at us.” Milton is 4-3 overall, 2-3 in Division 2. Last Friday night at home, the Yellow Jackets scored on an 8-yard pass play with 13 seconds left to snap a tie and win 18-12 over visiting North Country Union, which fell to 2-3 in the division.

CVU’s prescription for victory on Saturday was a smoothly operating offense early and some stubborn, all-hands-on-deck defense in the second half that blunted serious Colchester threats.

Helping things along was the presence of 23 cheerleaders in the red colors, the first CVU enthusiasm-building squad in years.

The contest teetered on the brink of a shaky 16-14 lead for the Redhawks until sophomore linebacker Tyler Barnes halted a fourth quarter Laker drive. Colchester had reached the CVU 31 before Barnes made a critical pass interception and 62-yard return for a touchdown with 3:11 remaining.

Tucker Kohlasch knocked through his second extra point of the day for the final nine-point margin. Kohlasch, Old Thunderfoot, had booted a 35-yard field goal in the first half.

Primary threat and gray hair producer for the CVU coaching staff was Colchester’s Devon Grammo. The all-state halfback legged out 144 yards in 20 carries and returned a kickoff 88 yards for a score the first time he touched the ball in the first period. “He never stops,” CVU linebacker Konnor Fleming said of the apparently slight 5-foot-8, 155-pound Grammo. “He twists and turns and is strong and hard to bring down.” CVU defenders did keep the little dynamo out of the end zone after the long kickoff return, although Grammo got loose for runs of 40 and 30 yards in Laker drives. “If you had told me before the game that we would hold Grammo to 144 yards I would have taken it,” Provost said.

CVU had some churning legs of its own, led by Fleming with 166 yards in 20 totes. The quarterback’s stats included a second period, 86-yard scoring dash around right end on a keeper that, with the point after, put CVU up 16-7.

The Redhawks had opened the game with a nifty, all-tools 64-yard scoring drive, with Fleming and Barnes running and Fleming hitting three-for-three in passes to end Taylor Gingras. It was Gingras on a slick run, delay and then scoot pattern down the right sideline who got loose for a perfectly placed pass from Fleming for the touchdown. After a missed extra point, Grammo made his long sortie and Colchester had a 7-6 lead.

Fleming and Barnes produced some ground pounding and CVU rolled right back to the Colchester 19, from where Kohlash booted his field goal for a 9-7 CVU edge.

The Lakers did not get their offense untracked until late in the first half. After recovering a CVU fumble at their 8, Colchester rumbled 92 yards in 12 plays, Grammo putting up runs of 16 and 30 yards. Alec Kozlowski plunged 3 yards for the six-pointer.

In the second half, the CVU defense bent but did not break. A lethal-looking Colchester clock-killing 14-play drive in the third quarter ended in a failed field goal try from the 10. Barnes had tackled Grammo for a 6-yard loss on a play that started on the 4, and an incomplete pass failed to convert on third down.

A Grammo pass interception (his second) gave Colchester the ball on the CVU 46 early in the fourth quarter. That thrust stalled at the 23 following sure tackles by Fleming, Barnes and hefty defensive lineman Dale Conger on consecutive plays. The middle of the CVU defense then rose up to deny a fourth-and-one plunge by occasional quarterback Taylor St. Germain.

“The whole team really played well on defense,” Provost said. “Our coaches had us well prepared,” said veteran lineman and co-captain Crawford Morris, who thought the action in the trenches went well for CVU.

Barnes slammed into the Laker line for 24 yards in 11 carries while J.P. Benoit had 15 yards in seven lugs. Gingras caught eight balls for 83 yards and the touchdown.

The pass defense and rushing of the passer held Colchester to three completions for 31 yards, and two interceptions (Gingras had the other) in 13 throws.

Provost said one of the overlooked big CVU plays was Fitzgerald’s only punt of the day, a 42-yarder that knocked the Lakers back to their 25 with 4:57 to go in the fourth quarter.

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).

SHANE BUFANO, for the Free Press

Barnes Seals CVU's Win

By Burlington Free Press staff writers

INT Return Secures Redhawks' Victory Over Lakers

Sophomore linebacker Tyler Barnes’ 62-yard interception return late in the fourth quarter helped Champlain Valley Union High School clinch a 23-14 victory over Colchester Saturday in a key Division II football contest between last fall’s title-game finalists. The victory lifted the Redhawks to 5-1 in D-II and 5-2 overall. The defending champion Lakers fell to 3-2 in the division (4-3 overall).

Barnes’ big play came with CVU clinging to a 16-14 lead and Colchester driving. On second down at the CVU 33-yard line, Barnes picked off the Colchester pass and ran it back 62 yards for the TD. Until that point, CVU quarterback Konnor Fleming and Colchester halfback Devon Grammo had been chewing up big chucks of turf in a battle of flashing feet.

Fleming carried 20 times for 166 yards, including an 86-yard touchdown jolt early in the second quarter that put CVU up 16-7. The Redhawks’ signalcaller also completed 5 of 11 passes for 83 yards, including a 27-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Taylor Gingras on the game’s first series.

On the ensuing kickoff, Grammo raced 86 yards for the score. Tim Palmer added the point-after and Colchester held a 7-6 lead. Grammo, a senior back, also carried 20 times for 144 yards and intercepted two passes on defense. Colchester got back to within 16-14 just before halftime, marching 92 yards following a fumble recovery by defensive tackle James Bean. Alex Kozlowski capped the drive on a 3-yard TD run with 1:05 left.

CVU’s Tucker Kohlasch also booted a 35-yard field goal in the first half.

See Joe Kropf's game pics...

SHANE BUFANO, for Vermont Scoreboard

CVU Beats Colchester 23-14

Posted by Trey Peiffer of Vermont Scoreboard

On a soggy field Saturday, Champlain Valley beat Colchester at home 23-14. The win came on CVU’s homecoming weekend and also featured the debut of CVU’s new cheerleading team.

CVU put points on the board first when Redhawk quarterback Konnor Fleming connected with Taylor Gingras on a 27 year pass to give the Redhawks a 6-0 advantage. On the ensuing kickoff, Colchester’s Devon Grammo returned the ball for a touchdown, and a successful extra point conversion gave the Lakers the lead. Tucker Kohlasch added a 37 yard field goal to give the lead back to the Redhawks at the end of the first quarter.

Konnor Fleming had the play of the game as he was able to score on an option play for 86 yards to give CVU a 16-7 lead. After trading turnovers, Colchester put together a scoring drive to bring the score within two at 16-14. Grammo’s 32 yard run powered the drive which was capped by a Alec Kozlowski rushing touchdown.

After halftime, each team had a fumble. Colchester then had a long drive which ended with a field goal attempt that was no good. Redhawk defender Tyler Barnes sealed the game with a long interception returned for a touchdown. The bench exploded with excitement after Barnes scored the touchdown on defense. Barnes typically scores as part of CVU’s running attack.

CVU improved to 5-2 on the year while Colchester fell to 4-3. The Redhawks are 5-1 in Division II which is good for the #2 seed currently while Colchester falls to 3-2 in Division II which puts them in a large pack fighting for the last two playoff seeds.

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Redhawks Rally in Mud Bowl

By Joe Cribari

CVU’s varsity football team received its first in-league loss of the season Friday night in Middlebury. The Redhawks fell to the Tigers 27-6.

The field was atrocious – chunks of sod flying up, players sliding, running in place. By the third quarter, it was difficult to see the players’ numbers. Running was a challenge, but Tyler Barnes still managed to plow through the mud, dragging defenders.

CVU’s defense did a good job of holding the Tigers to only 6 points in the first half. Twice towards the end of the half the Tigers were in striking range – both times the Redhawks stopped them.

The stands were filled on both sides of the field. CVU’s fans were decked out in red, with painted faces, signs, banners, bells, horns and cheers -- it was a great showing of support.

Members of CVU’s brand new cheerleading squad were on the scene ‘unofficially’ cheering with some help from fellow students in the stands alongside them. The cheerleaders will make their official debut on Spirit Day at CVU next Saturday, October 16th.

The rally came in the final moments of the game. With just over one minute remaining, the Tigers were leading 27-0 and had possession, threatening a shut-out. In this slippery mess, the Tiger’s quarterback fumbled the ball and CVU’s Brendan Davitt came up with it on Middlebury’s 40 yard line.

The Redhawks were not going to win this game, but that was not evident based on the determination of the offense as they stepped back onto the field. After two incomplete passes intended for Taylor Gingras, quarterback Konnor Fleming connected with number 88 on a third and ten. Taylor had the wits to get out of bounds at the 6-yard line to stop the clock. The coverage on Gingras was tight. Four seconds were left on the clock. It looked as if the Redhawks would go out of this game with a zero. The ball was snapped . . . Fleming dropped back . . . good protection by the line . . . Gingras, lined up left, ran into the end zone and cut right . . . the ball was thrown and – TOUCHDOWN! The clock went to 0:00. “I didn’t want us to go out of here with a shut out,” Gingras said.

Middlebury’s scoring came on pass plays from quarterback Brendan Burrell to Marshall Hastings and Bryan Ashley-Selleck, and runs by Burrell & Dillon Robinson.

The Redhawks host the defending Division II State Champions Colchester Lakers next Saturday October 16, 2010. This will be the first matchup between these two teams since the 2009 state championship game. It will be Spirit Day at CVU and a huge rally of Redhawks fans is expected to help boost their team to keep playoff hopes alive.

Redhawks Cook Rice

By Joe Cribari

CVU’s football Redhawks scored 17 unanswered points in the second half of Saturday’s game at Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington to beat Rice’s Green Knights 30-22. The winning score came with 4:34 left in the third quarter as Konnor Fleming took the keys and drove in from the 2-yard line between linemen Quinn Kropf and Mike Cribari to hand Rice its first loss of the season.

This contest was two games within a game. The first half belonged to Rice. The Green Knights came out with an arsenal of offensive weapons, including trading quarterbacks and trick plays that had the Redhawks defense on its heels. Rice’s defense was giving CVU’s offense grief as well.

The Redhawks defensive line started winning the battle in the second quarter’s waning moments. Cameron Fitzgerald, Ian Solomon and Eric Palmer began pressuring the Green Knight’s backs. Konnor Fleming, Ryan Fleming, Drew Nick, Derek Goodwin and Tyler Barnes started shutting down lanes, making tackles and applying intimidation. The half ended in wild back and forth possession changes including penalties, fumbles and an interception . . . . but one could sense things changing.

The second half was a new game; a new Redhawks team. CVU’s defense shut down Rice’s offense for the entire half. Period. Taylor Gingras started it off with an interception on the Green Knights’ first possession. “[Alex] Bonfigli, [Ryan] Nakhleh, [Brent] Carreiro all played well. We changed up the formations, blitzed up the middle,” Konnor Fleming said. “We came out second half. . . NOT one-dimensional,” J.P. Benoit said.

The Redhawks defense came through with the topper at the end of the third quarter. A swarm of Redhawks lead by Drew Nick caused a fumble that Fitzgerald grabbed and brought into the end zone. This was Fitzgerald’s second defensive touchdown for the season; the fourth in his varsity career. “That one was for Drew Nick, the school, the community and Coach,” Fitzgerald said.

CVU’s offense was on fire as well. “At halftime we shared some information,” according to left tackle Alec Distler, who had a couple of nice lead blocks. “First half, their linebackers shot through the midde. We figured out we could run to the outside,” Distler said. Fleming, Barnes, Benoit and company pounded the Green Knights. Konnor was a force with a dazzling rushing attack behind the offensive line, to which Fleming gave credit, naming each man. “Especially Kropf and [Dylan] Raymond,” Fleming said. “Oh, and Barnes’ lead blocking – he was incredible,” Konnor added.

J.P. Benoit scored twice in the first half on a 1-yard run and a four-yard pass from Fleming. Tucker Kohlasch kicked a 37-yard field goal in the third quarter that looked as if it would have been good from 50. Kohlasch was also three for three on kicks after touchdowns to complete CVU’s total.

Rice scoring came on the passing of Christian McCormick and Evan Healey. Patrick Colmenero caught one and Austin Robinson caught two. Colmenero also caught a pass for a 2-point conversion. Dan Bolger rushed for 2-pointer.

The Redhawks brought a huge contingent of boisterous fans that massed along the fence. “The fans coming out like they have really helps get us pumped,” Fitzgerald said.

The Redhawks road trip next takes them to Middlebury on Friday October 8, 2010 at 7:00 to play the undefeated Tigers in their home jungle. CVU beat Middlebury last year 7-0 in a defensive struggle. The Tigers currently sit atop Division II pending Monday’s matchup between Milton and Mount Mansfield. The Redhawks are now 4-0 in Division II; 4-1 overall.

Redhawks Respond to Beat Rice

By Mike Donoghue • Free Press staff writer

Champlain Valley scored 17 unanswered points in the third quarter and the Redhawk defense shut out Rice Memorial in the second half to post a 30-22 Division II high school football win Saturday.

Rice took a 22-13 halftime lead behind quarterback Christian McCormick’s three touchdown passes — one to Casey Tipson (9 yards) and two to Austin Robinson (9 and 35 yards).

During intermission CVU coach Jim Provost blasted his defense for its first-half play, according to lineman Cameron Fitzgerald.

The Redhawks responded, with Fitzgerald scoring the sealing touchdown on a fumble.

“He called us out, but usually when he calls us out we definitely come back and perform,” said Fitzgerald, who credited teammate Drew Nick with stripping the ball on the touchdown that extended a 23-22 CVU lead.

“I saw Drew get to the ball and it got stripped,” Fitzgerald said. “I saw it in the air and took one step toward the goal line and dove and hoped for the best. Tell you what, I got the touchdown, but I give the credit to the guys who got in there and got the ball out.”

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ESPN Radio Interviews JP Benoit

EveryMorning's Quarterback is broadcast Saturdays 10 am- Noon on ESPN WCAT 1390 am

EMQ: You've been a part of the CVU football program for the last 4 years. Alot of changes to the program happened during those 4 years. What has this current coaching staff, led by Coach Jim Provost, done for you as a player?

Benoit: Having Provost as my coach has helped make me a much better player. Since I have known Jim since Pre-K, I think I understand a little bit how he functions. I definately think I am less lazy than I would have been with Jim as a coach, he doesn't let much slide when I screw up, but he is always the first one there when I succeed.

EMQ: Redhawks football lost Matt Long, a standout in the state, this season to graduation. How have other guys filled his role as the leader and producer for this team?

Benoit: Ryan Beaudry has stepped up amazingly. He truly has been a great addition. The kid can catch everything and is strong as an ox. He isn't as strong as Matt Long...but who is honestly? Beaudry is filling in at TE and giving us another down field weapon, which wasn't always the case with Matt. Also Taylor Gingras is an Avatar. He is unstoppable, catches everything and can take a hit very well.

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Redhawks Claw Cougars

By Joe Cribari

The CVU Redhawks varsity football team showed heart Saturday with a decisive 21-3 win over the Mount Mansfield Union (“MMU”) Cougars. Emotion spilled from the playing field and permeated the crowd as J.P. Benoit scored three touchdowns on the day.

Benoit, wearing #17 instead of his usual #21, was unstoppable – pushing through, fighting, even tripping and lunging forward for 1, 3, 5 or more extra yards as he dragged the numerous MMU tacklers trying to take him down. He rushed 18 times for 115 yards and caught 2 passes for another 16.

“I’m wearing #17 in honor of my grandmother who just passed away,” J.P. said after the game. “That was her softball number – I have the sticker on my helmet too.”

JV-A Head Coach Rahn Fleming summed it up with, “The Redhawks team cheer is ‘Family’ . . . . when we yelled ‘FAMILY’ today, we included J.P’s Grandma.”

“I needed that,” Benoit said with a sigh. “My grandmother was the 12th person out there blocking today; everyone played better. The offensive line – it was one of the best games they’ve played – they made the blocks, made the holes,” Benoit said, and proceeded to give praise to every man on that line by name.

“[Alec] Distler, [Quinn] Kropf, Mike [Cribari], [Crawford] Morris, and especially Dylan Raymond had a great game,” he said. “Also, Tyler [Barnes], [Ryan] Beaudry and [Eric] Palmer,” J.P. said, adding some defensive names to his list of players stepping it up a notch in this game.

Both teams played a defensive game. Despite CVU’s solid offensive line, the Cougars managed a couple of quarterback sacks and blocked a field goal attempt – they hit hard and tackled without mercy.

CVU’s entire defense was intimidating. Their 2 official sacks by Dale Conger and Taylor Gingras (add a very close call by Barnes) were only part of the story as these Redhawk defenders harried and hassled the Cougars’ offense all afternoon, shutting down their passing game and 3 times pushing them back “into the next zip code” in Coach Rahn’s words. Drew Nick had 8 tackles and 2 assists. There were some great tackles by Ian Solomon, Derek Goodwin and Ryan Nakhleh as well.

“The tackling was voracious; we were hitting hard, wrapping up. ‘Intense’ is the word that comes to mind,” Coach Fleming said. “We saw 3, 4, 5, 6 guys coming in [tackling] on every play – a lot of red. Everyone on the team played hard today,” he said.

Benoit returned a punt 31 yards in the closing moments of the 1st quarter for the game’s first score. J.P. also had a hard fought 3-yard rushing touchdown in the 2nd quarter. His reception of Konnor Fleming’s pass over the middle from the 10 late in the game added a 3rd score for J.P. Tucker Kohlasch provided the balance of the Redhawks points with 3 point-after-touchdown kicks in a stiff wind.

A nice 33-yard reception by Matt Bauer helped set up Benoit’s rushing score. Gingras had 4 receptions for 34 yards.

The Cougar’s lone score was a 25-yard field goal kicked by Paolo Rossi late in the 2nd quarter.

The Redhawks are clearly building and improving each week – and the growing ranks of Redhawks fans were out in force once again doing their part. On this warm afternoon, cheering was heard and emotion was felt from students, parents and townspeople in the bleachers, at the fence all around and on the hill behind the east goal post. The Redhawks and their fans next travel to South Burlington to face the Rice Memorial High School Green Knights on Saturday October 2, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. CVU beat Rice last year 33-8. The Knights, however, are charging strong this season with a 4-0 record including a huge win over Burlington.

Buccs and CVU Dad Chris Roy speaks to the group for his firm, Downs Rachlin & Martin, the Golf Tournament Season Sponsor

Golf Tournament Success

Thanks to Nancy Barnes for again leading a premiere effort in fundraising and fun. The annual Golf Tournament raised nearly $14,000 for the CSSU Buccaneers and the CVU Redhawks Football programs!

Heartfelt appreciation goes out to all our sponsors, players and volunteers for making this event such a success. In particular, the Booster Board would like to acknowledge Downs Rachlin & Martin, the Golf Season Sponsor, and Heritage Automotive Group who was our Hole-In-One Sponsor.

See all Golf Tournament sponsors...

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GLENN RUSSELL, Free Press Staff

Benoit Lifts CVU Football

By Mike Donoghue for the Burlington Free Press

Champlain Valley Union running back J.P. Benoit wanted to remember his grandmother, who died Thursday, in a special way.

The senior speedster scored three touchdowns Saturday as the Redhawks posted a 21-3 win over Mount Mansfield in a Division II high school football contest.

The loss of his grandmother Marilyn Palmer, a longtime Hinesburg resident, was clearly on his mind as Benoit arrived at the field several hours early and recollected earlier times with her.

“I switched my (uniform) number from 21 to 17 because it was her softball number. It meant a lot,” said Benoit, who scored on a 31-yard punt return, a 1-yard run and a 9-yard pass.

“I was expecting it to be a lot closer,” said Benoit, who finished with 17 rushes for 116 yards. Quarterback Konnor Fleming had 10 carries for 43 yards.

“He was playing like a man possessed. It doesn’t surprise me at all,” CVU head coach Jim Provost said. “He’s had a really rough week and dedicated the game to his grandmother. He played like it. I’m proud of him.”

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Introducing Ian Solomon

By Sheri Duff for the Shelburne News

Ian Solomon is well-rounded. He admitted as much in a phone interview last week and it's an apt description. Head football coach Jim Provost agrees, "Ian is a hard working young man and a key member of our team. But more importantly he is a great student and a model citizen in the CVU community," he emphasized.

Shelburne born and raised, Solomon will be 18-years-old on March 26, 2011. His family includes parents, Linda and Jeff, older sister Hannah, a junior at UVM, and their 8-year old dog Lucy.

He picked up a football for the first time while attending the Shelburne Community School. "I always loved football," said Solomon. "In the fifth grade I begged to stop playing soccer so I could play football," he added. The begging apparently worked because he began playing football for the South Burlington Dolphins that fall. "I played for the Dolphins because the Buccaneer football program didn't exist at the time," he explained. "In the seventh grade I switched to the Buccaneers."

His early football training has paid off. Solomon is more than satisfied with being part of the varsity team for the past three years. "I'm proud that we made it to the Division II title game last year," he mentions. Although he would love to go out with a championship win this year, he is happy being part of the experience.

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Redhawks Outlast North Country Falcons

By Joe Cribari

There’s no place like home. Suspense was the theme of the day as the Redhawks squeaked past the North Country Falcons 25-22 in Saturday’s home game.

Fueled by the return of Konnor Fleming at quarterback, CVU was able to come through with the win on a beautiful early fall day in Hinesburg. The fans were out in force once again, chanting, cheering and enjoying a great afternoon of football. These football Redhawks are for real and so are their fans.

Taylor Gingras caught the pass with 2:10 left in the game that put the Redhawks ahead for good. Fleming scrambled for the 2-point after touchdown conversion to top it off.

This was a better team than the one the Redhawks readily beat 21-14 last season on a frigid October night up in Newport. These 2010 Falcons came out fast, with a flock of quick, slippery runners led by Nick LeClair. These Falcons chewed up yardage to the frustration of the Redhawks defense.

The Redhawks defense, however, would not back down. Assistant Coach Kevin McCarthy described the Falcons as “one of the best option teams in the state.”

“We stepped up when we needed to. Drew Nick (linebacker) played phenomenally. Our defense gave the offense one more chance, and that was all we needed,” McCarthy said.

Along with Nick (who had a sack), defensive players Derek Goodwin, Eric Palmer, Ryan Nakhleh, Cameron Fitzgerald, Tyler Barnes, Ryan Fleming and his brother Konnor came through when they needed to.

The Redhawks scoring came on three beautiful pass plays by Fleming. Konnor’s first TD pass was to sophomore Ryan Beaudry in the 2nd quarter. Beaudry also made some plays on defense, having stopped one of the Falcons 2-point conversion attempts. Sophomore Tyler Barnes grabbed the next touchdown pass mid 4th quarter – Tyler made a spectacular dive at the post for this score. The final score (the ‘one more chance’) was a 50-yard pass play to Gingras late in the game. The remaining points were on Fleming’s 2-point conversion following the Gingras touchdown, a pair of point-after-touchdown kicks by Tucker Kohlasch, and a Kohlasch Field Goal from the 23 yard line as the clock ran out on the first half of play.

North Country’s three touchdowns came on the feet of Nick LeClair. Quarterback Tre Sanville scored one 2-point conversion on a keeper and one with a pass to Taylor Miller.

This was a hard fought, nail-biter. Fans were on the edge of their seats for much of the game as neither team gained a significant lead. When Dale Conger and the rest of the Redhawks defense stopped LeClair and the Falcons on a 4th and 2 with 3:53 remaining in the game, the excitement and tension peaked. The Redhawks were behind by 5 points. CVU’s offense returned to the field. The ball was snapped, the offensive line held, Konnor had time, Taylor made his hard fought run down field and pulled in that winning score.

It was not over yet. CVU was ahead now, but the margin was only 3 points. Tension and suspense pressed on everyone present. North Country had the ball one more time – one more chance for that option to work. With less than 1 minute to go, on a 1st and 10 on the CVU 38 yard line, the Falcons instead went to the air. Konnor Fleming picked off the pass and it was over for North Country.

The Redhawks are home again next week, facing the Mount Mansfield Cougars (1-2 overall; 0-2 DIV II) on Saturday September 25th at 1:00 P.M. CVU beat the Cougars in the semifinals last year. A pumped up Redhawks crowd may be the 12th man needed for this re-match.

CVU Beats North Country 25-22

By Trey Peiffer for Vermont Scoreboard

In a thrilling game on Saturday, the CVU Football team held on to beat North Country 25-22. The game in Hinesburg was a back and forth affair with neither team gaining more than a 5 point advantage, and plenty of fumbles and ball strips to keep even the most casual fan interested. North Country used its powerful running attack while CVU leaned mostly on its passing, although there was a healthy pass-run mix by the Redhawks.

North Country drew first blood after a CVU fumble gave them the ball with 7:07 remaining in the 1st quarter. Nick Leclair caught a touchdown pass from Tre Sanville for a 6-0 lead. Champlain Valley quarterback Konnor Fleming threw a touchdown pass to sophomore Ryan Beaudry and the extra point was successful to give the Redhawks their first lead of the game. CVU added a field goal just as the half expired to break at 10-6.

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Tyler Barnes dives into the end zone for a touchdown. Photo by Ben Sarle (Burlington Free Press)

Free Press: Redhawks Outlast Falcons

Burlington Free Press

Quarterback Konnor Fleming hooked up with end Taylor Gingras on a 49-yard scoring pass with 2:10 to play and ran in a two-point conversion to give Champlain Valley a 25-22 victory over North Country in high school football Saturday.

Fleming sealed the victory with an interception after the Falcons (2-1, 1-1 Division II) drove to the CVU 39 on their final posession. “I was running as fast as I could,” Gingras said of the winning score. The receiver got loose at about the 25 and Fleming found him in the right flat for his seventh catch — totaling 131 yards.

The lead changed hands three times in the fourth quarter. The Redhawks (2-1, 2-0) took a 17-14 edge with 6:02 to go on Fleming’s 12-yard scoring toss to back Tyler Barnes and Tucker Kohlasch’s second point-after kick.

North Country came right back at 4:28 on a 47-yard scamper by junior halfback Nick Leclair, who finished with 236 yards on 25 carries and had scoring sorties of 70 yards (first quarter) and 13 yards (third quarter). The Falcons had a chance to seal the win but CVU made a key stop on a fourth-and-2 plunge at the North Country 49 to allow Fleming and Gingras to go to work.

The Falcons unleashed a punishing ground attack that chewed up 316 yards. Fleming had an efficient passing game, hitting 16 of 25 attempts for 216 yards and three touchdowns. He was intercepted once.

Kohlasch also booted a 24-yard field goal to give CVU a 10-6 halftime lead.

Redhawks to Defend Grid Nest Against Falcons

QB hurt in loss to Essex

By By Mal Boright, Williston Observer

The Champlain Valley Union High football team returns home Saturday and to its Division 2 after last Friday’s experience in Division 1. In the top division, the Redhawks suffered a 39-13 defeat at Essex High at the hands and quick feet of the defending state champions.

North Country Union High will make the trip from Newport to Hinesburg for 1 p.m. Saturday. North Country carries a 2-0 record, following Friday night’s 22-13 victory over Mount Mansfield Union, a team that nipped Essex in overtime the previous week in Jericho Center. “North Country is tough,” CVU head coach Jim Provost said Monday. “They run the option very well.”

Health is a concern of the Redhawks’ staff. Senior co-captain and quarterback Konnor Fleming had an angry ankle flare up early in the second quarter against Essex and had to leave the game. His status will be evaluated all week.

There are other dings and bruises as well, including a balky wrist that, while protected, limits junior linebacker and co-captain Drew Nick to defense. Nick was the backup quarterback but that chore Friday fell to senior Derek Goodwin, who ran the offense over the last two-and-a half quarters. “He only started taking snaps in practice on Thursday,” said Provost. “Derek gave us a heroic effort.”

Right after the game, Provost had nothing but praise for the effort of the entire team. The Redhawks fell behind the pass happy, quick striking Hornets 14-0 early, but then regrouped to trail 20-10 at intermission.

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Redhawks Fans Rock the Red on the Road

By Joe Cribari

The intensity was tangible as the stands filled up at Essex High School where the Redhawks suffered their first loss of the 2010 season this past Friday night. Although a loss is never easy, this was an exciting game in which Redhawks fans showed their colors and made themselves heard. Chants from fans in the bleachers of “KON-nor FLEM-ing” and “ER-ic PAL-mer” were heard throughout the evening. It was loud. The love from the students making the road game was electric.

Essex came on strong and fast. On the opening kickoff, the Hornet’s Mike Maloney took the ball past every Redhawk on the field but one. CVU kicker Tucker Kohlasch showed that he can think fast for the second week in a row, making the touchdown-saving tackle.

Essex jumped to an early 14-0 lead, and bad fortune for the Redhawks came in the 2nd quarter as quarterback Konnor Fleming had to leave the game with an ankle injury. However, Konnor first managed to score what would turn out to be the only CVU touchdown of the game with a nice 39 yard keeper. Kohlasch’s extra point was good.

With both backup quarterbacks out with injuries, Coach Provost turned to Derek Goodwin to fill in for Fleming. As running back / defensive back turned quarterback, Derek played tough and gave an impressive effort. “We played OK with the people we had,” Derek said afterwards. “We just came up short against a good team.” Derek and the Redhawks stood tall - making plays, showing heart and remaining poised all night long. The Redhawks offensive line rose to the call and gave Goodwin time to execute. And the fans cheered on.

After Fleming’s injury and a quick Essex score, the character of Goodwin and CVU’s offense was displayed in their following drive. This drive included several penalty flags and a fumble – a drive that in real time was much longer than the 4+ minutes that ticked off the clock. When the dust settled, a 37 yard Kohlasch field goal put another 3 points up for the Redhawks. Kohlasch provided the final CVU points with another 37 yard field goal with just over 7 minutes remaining in the game.

On defense, the Redhawks had their hands full against the Hornets’ screen. Key tackles by Goodwin, Taylor Gingras, J.P. Benoit, Tyler Barnes and Brent Carreiro may have prevented additional touchdowns for Essex. Dale Conger, Cameron Fitzgerald, Crawford Morris and Eric Palmer pressured the quarterback. Morris and Palmer each got through for a sack. Late in the game, CVU’s defense continued to play solid with a notable tackle by Michael Fuller. The game clock running down, the Hornets backed up on their own 10 yard line; steam coming from the facemasks, this Redhawk team did not give up . . . . and the fans cheered on.

The Hornets’ scoring came on pass plays, as quarterbacks Ryan Mitchell and Joey Picard connected with Mike DiMambro, Jordan Goodrich, Pat Mulcahy and Derek McAdoo, and one touchdown run by Ammon Doney.

Gingras lead the Redhawks in receiving, pulling in 5 passes for 72 yards. Sophomore Ryan Beaudry had a 33 yard reception, with the remaining receiving yardage coming from Benoit (40), Barnes (15) and Matt Bauer (4). Goodwin’s 16 carries for 84 yards lead CVU in rushing, with another 47 yards from Fleming (in a little over one quarter of play), 42 from Barnes and 18 from Benoit.

The Redhawks next play at home against the 2-0 (overall) North Country Falcons on Saturday September 18th at 1:00 P.M. This is an important Division II game against a team CVU beat last year and who will no doubt come to Hinesburg looking for redemption. Both teams are 1-0 in Division II.

Friday Night Lights: CVU at Essex

Vermont Scoreboard's Game of the Week!

Friday night, CVU’s football team (1-0) will travel up to Essex (0-1) in Vermont Scoreboard’s Game of the Week. The match up pits last year’s Division I state champion Essex against last year’s Division II runner up, CVU.

The Hornets are coming off a 13-6 overtime loss to Mount Mansfield, giving MMU their first ever win on school grounds. Mount Mansfield Union High School used to play many of their home games at Essex High School. The Redhawks are coming off a 56-26 pounding of Burr & Burton at home.

Champlain Valley Union senior QB Konnor Fleming will lead the Redhawk charge after passing for 2 touchdowns while running in another in his first game of 2010. Fleming was last year’s leading rusher for CVU and continued his successful running with 137 yards against Burr & Burton on Saturday. “It’ll all come down to the 5 guys up front, saving my skin every running play we call,” says Fleming. “I’ve got a ton of faith in my linemen, and I know they will protect me. Our coaches have always done a really good job of scouting as well, so I know we’re going to go in ready.” Senior RB J. P. Benoit had 13 carries for 139 yards to lead the Redhawks running attack last week.

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CVU Redhawks Soar, Shred Bulldogs 56-26

Redhawks Dominate in 2010 Season Opener

By Joe Cribari

Wild plays, penalties and gusty winds were the story Saturday when our football Redhawks defeated Burr & Burton’s Bulldogs 56-26 at home. The Redhawks took an early lead – a lead they held until the final horn. In the words of JV-A Head Coach Rahn Fleming, “A definitive win - we scored every way you can think of.”

Coach Jim Provost described this as a “Game of big plays.”

“It’s nice to get a win under our belts,“ he said, but admitted that the Bulldogs gave him a bit of a concern. “I don’t like us giving up 26 points,” Provost said, “But the kids really came through, kids like Ryan Fleming and some others really came through.”

Our defense had four interceptions to Burr & Burton’s none. One of these, by Cameron Fitzgerald, resulted in a 40 yard defensive touchdown.

“I have three touchdowns now – one in each of my varsity seasons,” said Fitzgerald, now a senior. “It feels good . . . but we have a lot of work to do; the defense needs work,” he quipped and said he “hopes for a few sacks.”

Heroic efforts were many - from quarterback Konnor Fleming’s quick head and quick feet, to Eric Palmer’s defensive rush, to the skill, strength and will of the Offensive and Defensive Lines in deciding the battles each down. Taylor Gingras’ return to football in his senior year was welcome, as he is already making his mark on offense and defense.

J.P. Benoit returned the second half kickoff 85 yards for what would prove to be the winning touchdown - fifteen seconds into the third quarter of play. This was one of three touchdowns for Benoit for the day, and one of eight for the Redhawks in this important league contest.

Fleming scored the first Redhawks touchdown on a hard-fought 12-yard rush halfway through the first quarter. The quarterback also scored with passes to Taylor Gingras and Kevin Lambert. Other CVU scores were Benoit’s three, a huge rush by sophomore Tyler Barnes and a defensive score by Cameron Fitzgerald.

Burr & Burton’s touchdowns came from sophomore quarterback Jake Stalcup’s passes to Mitch Magarian, Evan Sawyer and Jake Coyle. Magarian scored another touchdown on the ground.

On one extra point attempt, kicker Tucker Kohlasch turned a botched snap into a 2-point conversion in his very first football game. Kohlasch, a former soccer player known to split the uprights from more than 40 yards out, said he “was going to take the Fall off until Coach Provost asked me to come out and kick.” It appears Tucker can do more than kick.

CVU’s defense had their work cut out for them, as the Bulldogs alternate attacks from Mike Marino on the ground and Stalcup’s passes to Magarian, Coyle and Adis Muminovic moved the ball effectively. But pressure from Palmer, Fitzgerald, Gingras, Crawford Morris and the rest of the Redhawks defense proved to be too much for the ‘Dogs to overcome.

The Redhawks’ defeat over the Bulldogs is their second in two years since both teams entered Division II in 2009. Last year’s season opener in Manchester had a similar result. CVU will next face the 0-1 Division I defending State Champion Essex Hornets on Friday September 10 at 7:00 P.M. in Essex.

GLENN RUSSELL, Burlington Free Press

CVU Builds a Football Power

by Alex Abrami, Burlington Free Press Staff Writer

After playing three years of youth football for the South Burlington Dolphins, Zach Foutz entered the ninth grade at one of the state’s largest high schools knowing he had no chance to play the sport he loved.

“I was really big into playing football,” Foutz recalled. “I remembered being really disappointed I couldn’t play.”

CVU — a school commonly referred as “Soccer Central” — didn’t have a football team in 2000. For Foutz and dozens of athletes like him, the choices in the fall were limited: Try out for the state’s premier soccer program or run cross country.

Was there even enough interest to provide another outlet at CVU? Jay Michaud thought so.

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A Turning Point for CVU Football

by Alex Abrami, Burlington Free Press Varsity Insider Blog

Last year’s CVU homecoming was an event football coach Jim Provost called a festive atmosphere.

“It was a sea of people. It was like a fair or carnival. The atmosphere was really cool,” Provost said. “The kids noticed that. When you are playing a sport and you notice your classmates are there, it’s huge.”

While CVU teams each collected impressive wins that late September day, the football’s 7-0 triumph was a turning point for its 2009 season — and one of the signature wins in the program’s brief history.

“It’s kind of a realization that we took down a team that used to be D-I and we were D-III,” CVU running back J.P Benoit said. “It was like, ‘wait a minute, we actually have something here. Let’s use it.’”

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CVU Redhawk Discusses his Grad Challenge Project

Click here to listen to the Burlington Free Press interview.

Redhawks Score with New Football Camp

by Sheri Duff, Shelburne News

The first-ever Redhawks football camp for third through ninth graders began Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. July 12 at Champlain Valley Union High School (CVU). The new non-contact football camp, run by long-time head football coach Jim Provost and Redhawks top running back and pass receiver JP Benoit, scored with the 59 campers in attendance.

"I initially thought of running a football camp for my Graduation Challenge a while ago," said Benoit. "Lucky for me coach Provost was on board from the beginning. I didn't have to do anything to convince him to become camp director. We basically had the exact same idea at the exact same time. Coach Provost spoke with CVU Athletic Director Kevin Riell and everything else fell into place," Benoit commented.

"I picked football camp as my Grad Challenge because it's another way to build up the CVU program. And that's important to me. Plus football is fun," Benoit said enthusiastically. "If I'm having fun teaching the game and the kids are having fun learning then it's twice as fun."

"We were expecting about 20 campers this year," Benoit pointed out. "I think we had more kids sign-up because the CVU football program has been so successful. Plus I've put a lot of time and energy into advertising and marketing. Not to mention the additional 1,000 miles I put on my car plastering camp posters all over the Chittenden South Supervisory Union (CSSU) district." Readers may recall that football is a relatively new sport at CVU, having debuted as a varsity sport in 2005 in an area known for devoted lacrosse and soccer players. Yet, an informal survey at the camp showed that nearly 70 percent of the participants watched the CVU championship football game in November. "For the CVU football program to have that kind of following after just five years," Benoit shared, "well, that was pretty cool to hear."

Interest in football is growing, and these current campers may be future Redhawk players within a few years. Benoit's efforts, coupled with Provost's support and enthusiasm, seem to have paid off at the end of the first day of the camp. Judging by the smiles on the faces of the campers and the coaches, the future of football camp at CVU looks bright. Benoit's opinion? "My hard work paid off. It was worth it. And I'd do it again in a minute," he said with a grin.