In case the link doesn't work, this is what I wrote for the Greenwich Citizen...
Brunswick Football
Same Ol', Same Ol'
'Wick Back to Winning Ways in Season Opener
By Rob Adams
Greenwich Citizen
Article Last Updated:09/21/2007 11:57:03 AM EDT
WEST HARTFORD - No excuses.
That's a statement on a T-shirt worn by Brunswick football Coach Sean Brennan, and it's the motto for the Bruins' 2007 team.
Excuses weren't necessary last Saturday at Kingswood-Oxford as the Bruins punished the Wyverns, 35-12, in the season opener for both teams. The turf at Hoffman Field had just been finished the day before, and fans at the game received hats saying "Wyvern Turf," a reference to protecting their home-field advantage and the pride in their new artificial surface field. The Bruins seemed to be the only ones enjoying the new digs.
The teams exchanged punts early, with the Wyverns' kicking game looking sloppy at best. Following a second short punt, this time of only eight yards, the Bruins used just three plays to get into the end zone from 25 yards out, with all of the ground being chewed up by senior Phil Cutler. His 13-yard dash up the middle, along with Chris Ghaffari's extra point (one of five for the senior) set the Bruins up, 7-0.
Cutler led the ground game with 52 yards on 14 carries and that was the focus of the Bruin offensive charge.
"I thought we got some guys running a little better than we did (in last week's scrimmage) against Greenwich," said Brennan. "Getting our running game going is important."
The Bruins would get right back in the scoring column as Tri-Captain Tommy Hoyos picked off Wyvern quarterback Devin Dillard with 3:22 to play in the opening quarter. Senior Andrew Reed then caught a 13-yard touchdown pass on fourth down from senior quarterback Jack Barrett to help lead the Bruins to a 14-0 lead. Barrett would finish the afternoon with 6-of-13 passing for 109 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw one interception.
The Wyverns had so much trouble offensively that they didn't get a first down until a roughing-the-passer penalty late in the first quarter.
"We cannot have penalties that give the other team first downs," said Brennan.
Cutler added, "We made way too many mental mistakes today."
The second quarter continued to be all in the favor of the Bruins. Following another poor special teams effort by Kingswood-Oxford, the Bruins went on a six-play drive capped by Cutler's second touchdown of the day, this time from six yards.
Yet the quarter was dominated by the Bruins defense led by Hoyos, Nick Philip and Kareem Campbell. The defense constantly harassed Dillard and held the Wyverns to just 127 total yards - most coming in the final quarter.
The Bruins went to the locker room up, 21-0, and struck again early in the second half as Barrett threw his second touchdown to Reed on a catch-and-run on the right sideline by the talented senior receiver. Twin brother Will Reed would get into the act as well, catching a four-yard score midway through the third.
"Without question, we're a tight group," said Barrett, talking about the relationship he has with his receivers. The group stays loose by playing football video games, of which Barrett stressed he is the champion.
The Bruins would make mistakes during the game, including three turnovers, but two of those came in the fourth quarter, as the starters had mostly been replaced and were now cheering on their teammates.
The Wyverns found the end zone twice in the quarter to round out the scoring. Zach Wholley scored from a yard out and Tylon Smith took off down the left sideline for a 45-yard touchdown.
The Bruins also played yesterday in their home opener against St. Luke's. A recap of that game will be included in next week's Greenwich Citizen.
On one hand, this seems so self-serving to post. On the other hand, I don't think there's anything wrong a little pride. I guess I'll leave it up to you.
Thanks to Citizen sports editor Zack Greenspon for putting his faith in me, and being patient as well (it took a while to work out some scheduling!)
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