MSA Youth Fooball Kickoff the Regular Season

This past Sunday the MSA Youth Football teams of grades 4 through 8 kicked off their season in a big way. The 4th grade team won their game against the Southern Dutchess Silver team. Both teams played tough and the game stayed close until the last few minutes when Mahopac was able to come out victorious. Due mainly to the leadership of captains, Frankie Scauzillo, Anthony Pezzello, Tommy Doscos, and Drew Riolo, the team stayed strong and worked well as a unit throughout the game. The winning touchdown was scored by Anthony Corrado.

The 5th grade team, 2009 CVL runner-up, also played against Southern Dutchess. Despite a valiant effort and strong playing by the Indians, Southern Dutchess came out on top with a final score of 22-0 thanks to numerous saving tackles. Mahopac’s Tommy Courtey’s strong running and defensive efforts by James Fennessy, Chris O’Halloran, John Rocco, and Joe Dalo show huge potential for 5th grade to bounce back next week in their game against Hudson Valley.

The 6th grade Indians lost a close game to the Carmel Chiefs. Carmel’s Brandon Rhue scored the game’s first touchdown, and the second was scored with a pass from Kyle Shilling to Nicholas Stefanak closing out the first half 12-0. A costly penalty on the Indians negated a 45 yard run by Greg Libertino. Regaining strength in the third quarter, the Indians cut the lead in half with a 7 yard touchdown pass from Antonia Giannico to Michael Dimicco. A third touchdown by Carmel, followed by Dimicco’s second score of the game put the final score at 18-14, with the victory going to Carmel. The Indians showed tremendous effort and skill overcoming a difficult first half and are ready to work hard and play their best this season.

7th grade played their opening game at Carmel with the Rams seeking an equalizer for last year’s shut out defeat by Mahopac. With the game tied at zero in the first quarter, Mahopac started off the second quarter strong with an offensive lead by quarterback Daniel Foley. Defense also had outstanding plays from Christian Donahoe and Andrew Winogradoff. Several successful drives down the field were ended thanks to Mahopac’s strong defensive line, resulting in another shut out with a final score of Mahopac 18, Carmel 0.

Finally, Mahopac’s 8th grade went to Bethel this Sunday and fought hard all game long. The game stayed close in the first half with an aggressive front line running the offense efficiently and effectively. The Indians first touchdown was scored late in the second quarter as quarterback Nick Mondello hooked up with Jake Shild for a touchdown pass down the left sideline, the two teaming up again in the fourth quarter with another touchdown that brought Mahopac’s final score to 14. Though the win went to Carmel, Mahopac stayed strong and played hard and is looking forward to their home opener next Sunday against Somers.