Dolgeville, NY November 6, 1999
Alex MacDirmiad, David Misiaszek, Matt King and Shaun McQueary were designated game captains for this final game of the 1999 season. The Shockers won the toss and elected to start on offense. Matt King, Thomas Brown, Bill Haddad, Franklin Leve, and Stephen Antanavige started on the defensive line. John Manganelli, Shane Harrington and Paul Raymond started as the linebackers and Shaun McQueary, Alex MacDirmid and David Misiaszek started in the secondary. This unit held the shockers to 3 plays and a punt. Andrew Postiglion, Robert Denz, Mark Calenzo, Robert Culyer, Edmund Timpano, Rocco Arcuri and Robbie Imobersteg started on the offensive line. Matt Pitaressi, Fran Barres, Stephen Montesano, and Bill Testa started in the backfield. This unit was also held to 3 plays and a punt.
The Shockers were also forced to punt after 3 plays of their 2nd possession. The long snap was bad and the Bears took over on the Shocker 36-yard line. After 3 plays it was 4th and 12 for the Bears. The Bear Golden Offense with Andrew Postiglion, Robert Denz, Mark Calenzo, Bill Haddad, John Manganelli, Tom Brown and Matt King on the line and Alex MacDirmid, Shaun McQueary, David Misiaszek, and Shane Harrington in the backfield responded to the situation with a 27 yard pass play from David Misiaszek to Shane Harrington. It gave the Bears a 1st down on the 11-yard line. Four plays later it was 1st and goal on the 1yard line when a fumble occurred on the quarterback-center exchange. Mark Calenzo quickly pounced on the ball in the end zone for the 1st TD of the game. The extra point kick was good and the Bears led 8-0.
The Shockers answered back on the next possession. Faced with a 4th and 7 situation on their own 38 yard line the Shockers lined up to punt. A short pass to their right side caught the Bear secondary flat footed. The play was good for 62 yards and a TD. The extra point pass was competed to make the score 8-7. The Golden offense with Stephen Antanavige, Franklin Leve and Paul Raymond alternating on the backside line quickly moved the ball down the field to the 2-yard line. David Misiaszek scored the TD on a slant off right tackle. The kick was good and the Bears led 16-7.
The Shockers 4th possession ended when McQueary intercepted a pass and returned it to the Bear 41 yard line. Ironically, McQueary then scored on 59-yard reverse around the left side of the line behind beautiful blocking by Franklin Leve and Andrew Postiglion. The kick was off target and the Bears led 22-7.
The Shockers 5th possession was a very short one. It was a one play: a 65-yard reverse around their left side for a TD. The extra point pass was completed to make the score 22-14. Bear lead was cut to 8 points. This did not last long as Shane Harrington behind excellent lead blocking by John Manganelli, Mark Calenzo, David Misiaszek and Shaun McQueary sweep the left side for 65 yards and a TD. The kick was good and the Bears led 30-14. The Shockers returned to offense for the 6th time. Chris Hensel made a touchdown saving tackle on the 5th play as the first half ended with the score 30-14.
The Bears started the 2nd half on offense. After 15 plays, it was 4th and goal from the 8-yard line. On came the field goal kicking unit. John Manganelli, Mark Calenzo, Thomas Brown and Stephen Montesano protected the left side, Andrew Postiglion snapped, David Misiaszek, Robert Denz, Matt King and Shane Harrington protected the right side. Alex MacDirmid held the ball and Shaun McQueary did the kicking. The snap was good, the blocking was good, the placement was good, the kick was off target and the score remained 30-14. The Shockers were held to 3 downs and a punt once again.
The Bears marched down the field one more time. Fran Barres scored on a 5-yard dive and David Misiaszek passed to Andrew Postiglion for the extra point. Jim Clifford, David Stedman, Michael Martoccia, Joshua Weibel and Mike Deon bolstered the defensive line. Rob Culyer, Michael Hernon and Travis Brown played the linebacker positions and Carlo Pugliano and Chris Hensel played in the secondary, as the defense did not let the Shockers score again. The game ended with the score 37-14.
The coaching staff did not have to say anything when the game was over. Everyone knew the Bear 9 and 0 record spoke for itself. It was a joyous occasion for all: The Bear players, the cheerleaders, the coaches, the parents, the relatives and their friends.
New Hartford, NY October 31, 1999 - Game captains Edmund Timpano, Paul Raymond, Franklin Leve and Stephen Antanavige lost the opening toss and Utica Panthers elected to receive the ball. The Panthers struck quickly. They scored on 6 plays. The biggest gain was a 40-yard run off their left tackle. The scoring play was a 15-yard pass to their left flanker who made a diving catch in the end zone. The Bears trailing 6-0 immediately started to move down field. They made 3 first downs as Misiaszek ran both sides of the line behind the fine lead blocking of Shane Harrington and Shaun McQueary. Harrington then scored on an 8-yard blast up the middle behind excellent line blocking by Bill Haddad, John Manganelli, Thomas Brown and Matt King. The kicking unit performed to perfection. John Manganelli, Mark Calenzo, Thomas Brown and Stephen Montesano protected the left side, Andrew Postiglion snapped, David Misiaszek, Robert Denz, Matt King and Shane Harrington protected the right side. Alex MacDirmid held the ball and Shaun McQueary did the kicking. The extra point kick was good and the Bears lead 8-6.
The Panthers could not move the ball on their 2nd possession as Shane Harrington made a beautiful solo tackle for an 8-yard loss. Nicholas Sinisgalli caught the Panther punt on the Bear 48-yard line. Matt Pitarresi made an excellent block as Sinisgalli returned the ball to the Panther 37-yard line. However, the ball was moved back to the Bear 49 because of a clipping penalty by the Bear tight end. Undaunted, the Bears ran plays of 19, 15 and 17 yards. The last play was a 17 yard blast through the middle of the line by Shuan McQueary for a TD. The kick was good and the Bears led 16-6.
The Panthers fumbled and lost the ball on the next play. The Bears could not capitalize on the turn over as the Bear QB was sacked on the 1st play and a Bear clipping penalty was called on a counter play to the right side on the 2nd play. It was 4th and 36 as the Bears were forced to punt from their own 23-yard line. The punt protection was excellent as Shaun McQueary boomed the ball up, up and away. Down field punt coverage by Fran Barres and William Testa was also excellent, as the ball was downed on the Panther 12-yard line. The Bear defense, with Robert Imobersteg, Rocco Arcuri, Robert Denz, Edmund Timpano and Andrew Postiglion on the line, continued to shut down the Panther offense. It was 4th and long when Matt Pitarresi intercepted the ball and returned it to the Panther 8 yard line. Fran Barres carried it in from there. The kick was wide right and the Bears led 22-6.
The Panthers drove the ball from their own 35 to the Bear 30 before their next possession ended. With seconds to go in the 1st half, David Misiaszek completed a 34-yard TD pass to Shaun McQueary. The kick was good and the Bears led 30-6 at half time.
As Sean Deon, Jim Clifford, Joshua Weibel, Michael Martoccia, David Stedman, and Robert Culyer played on the line and Travis Brown, Stephen Montesano, Rob Hernon, Anthony DeNicola, Carlo Pugliano and Chris Hensel played secondary, the 3rd quarter ended with the score 30-18. Each team scored in the 4th quarter. Strong running by Nicholas Sinisgalli and William Testa moved the ball to the Panther 8-yard line. Fran Barres then scored on another blast play through the middle of the line. The pass for the extra point was incomplete and the score was 36-18. The Panthers came right back to score on their final possession. The game ended with the score 36-25.
Coach Brown stated, "I am really proud of our kids. This is the fourth time this year they came from behind to win." Coach Denz said, " I was really pleased with the line. They played excellent on both sides of the ball." Coach Nevits stated, "The Panthers were a well coached and disciplined team. We out numbered them and had a distinct size advantage; however, no one can deny that our players came ready to play. They executed well and made very few mental mistakes or penalties."
Frankfort, NY October 24, 1999 - It was damp, rainy and bitter cold in Frankfort as the New Hartford Bears posted a 20-13 victory over the Frankfort Knights. Game captains Thomas Brown, Matt King, John Manganelli and Robert Denz won the opening toss and elected to take the ball. The Bears immediately started to move down field. They made 2 first downs as Misiaszek, Harrington and McQueary powered the ball. The drive was abruptly ended when a Frankfort player made a very fine play to steal the ball from the Bear fullback. The starting defense with Robert Imobersteg, Rocco Arcuri, Robert Denz, Edmund Timpano and Andrew Postiglion on the line, held Frankfort to 3 plays and a punt. Neither team scored on their 2nd possession, as the bitter cold was responsible for 2 Bear fumbles.
On the Bears 3rd possession QB Alex MacDirmid, scrambled for 2 first downs as he did an excellent job of executing a beautiful 12 play drive. Stephen Antanavige, Franklin Leve and Paul Raymond played backside line to perfection. The Bears 1st score came on a 26-yard pass play from David Misiaszek to Shaun McQueary. The kick was off target and the score remained 6-0. The Bear secondary of Bill Testa, Matt Pitarresi, Nicholas Sinisgalli and Fran Barres played great pass defense and run support as the Bears forced Frankfort to fumble and lose the ball deep in there own territory. Each team then had very short 4th possessions as a Frankfort defender picked off Misiaszek's pass to Shaun McQueary and Matt Pitarresi intercepted a Frankfort pass to end the 1st half.
Frankfort started the 2nd half on offense and ready to play. They began to move the ball down field. The drive was stopped when Nicholas Sinisgalli intercepted the ball on the Bear 40-yard line. The Bear's joy was temporary as their QB and fullback fumbled the exchange and lost the ball on the very 1st play. Frankfort did not squander this opportunity. They scored from the Bear 29 yard line on a 4th and 7 situation when they completed a 5 yard pass and ran it in for a TD. The extra point attempt was good and Frankfort led 7-6. The Bears tried to strike back. The first play was a deep pass from QB Alex MacDirmid to Matt King. It really looked very bad for the Bears when a Frankfort defender intercepted the ball.
The Bear Golden defense then held Frankfort to 3 plays and a punt. The kick rushing unit of Andrew Postiglion, Thomas Brown, Shane Harrington, Robert Denz, David Misiaszek, John Manganelli, Matt King, Bill Testa, Shaun McQueary, Nicholas Sinisgalli and Matt Pitarresi were awesome as they blocked the Frankfort punt. It changed the entire complexion of the game. The Bears, with Sean Deon, David Stedman, and Joshua Weibel alternating with Jim Clifford, Travis Brown and Michael Martoccia on the line, executed a 54-yard TD drive. The big play was a 20-yard screen pass from QB MacDirmid to Shane Harrington to overcome a 10-yard holding penalty. Shaun McQueary then started up the middle, saw a host of Frankfort defenders and bounce to the outside and around the left end for a 27-yard TD. The extra point kick was off target as the Bears led 12-7.
Shane Harrington intercepted the ball on Frankfort's 1st play of their next possession and ran for a 35 yard TD. The kicking unit performed to perfection. John Manganelli, Mark Calenzo, Thomas Brown and Stephen Montesano protected the left side, Andrew Postiglion snapped, David Misiaszek, Robert Denz, Matt King and Shane Harrington protected the right side. Alex MacDirmid held the ball and Shaun McQueary did the kicking. The extra point kick was good and the Bears lead 20-7.
Frankfort fumbled and lost the ball on the next play. The Bears behind strong running by Fran Barres, Nicholas Sinisgalli and Bill Testa powered the ball down to the Frankfort 2-yard line. The Frankfort defense stiffened. Running back Anthony DeNicola's dive through the line was stopped at the 1. It was 2nd down and goal from there. A dive by Chris Hensel through the opposite side of the line also failed when the QB halfback exchange was fumbled. Fullback Stephen Montesano was standing by to take in the ball but was disappointed when Frankfort recovered the fumble.
The Bear defense with Robert Culyer and Michael Hernon on the line and Carlo Pugliano in the secondary did a very good job of shutting down the Frankfort offense for the rest of the game. In the waning moments of the game safety Bill Testa intercepted the ball in the end zone and ran it out to the 20-yard line. The game was essentially over with 38 seconds remaining on the clock. QB Alex MacDirmid's request to take a knee was rejected by coach Nevits. Instead, QB Matt Pitarresi's pass attempt to Stephen Antanavige was intercepted by an alert Frankfort defender and returned for a TD. The extra point was missed and the score was 20-13. With 18 seconds left MacDirmid took a knee to end the game.
Coach Brown stated, "I am really proud of our kids. This is the third time this year they came from behind to win." Coach Denz said, " You have to give both teams credit. It was a nasty, wet and bitter cold day. It caused several fumbles on both sides of the ball, but neither team quit." Coach Nevits stated, "The Frankfort announcer said it all at the end of the game. "A beautifully played game, fellows. A great job! A great job!"
North Utica, NY October 17, 1999 - Game captains Shaun McQueary, David Misiaszek, Matt King and John Manganelli lead the New Hartford Bears to a 21-13 victory in a very hard fought contest with the North Utica Raiders. The Raiders won the toss and elected to take the ball. The Bears defensive unit with Mark Calenzo, Rocco Arcuri, Robert Denz, Edmund Timpano and Andrew Postiglion on the line held the Raiders to 4 plays and a punt. The punt was a beauty and the Bears were on their own 20-yard line.
The Bears starting offensive line, Stephen Antanavige, Franklin Leve, Paul Raymond, William Haddad, John Manganelli, Thomas Brown and Matt King quickly realized it was going to be a real war in the trenches. Never the less with Jim Clifford, Travis Brown and Joshua Weibel alternating on the line, the Bears executed a 12 play drive to the Raider 1 yard line. A final surge by the offensive line and Alex MacDirmid scored on a 1 yard QB sneak. The kick was wide left and the score remained 6-0.
It was 3 plays and another excellent punt by the Raiders. It traveled 55 yards from the Raider 30 to the Bear 15 yard line. A Raider defender then intercepted QB Alex MacDirmid's pass attempt to Andrew Postiglion. The Raiders were in 4 down territory but the Bear defense spear headed by linebackers Shane Harrington, Shaun McQueary, Fran Barres and David Misiaszek rose for the occasion and did not allow a 1st down. The Raider defense proved to be just as tenacious. The Bears were forced to punt deep in their own territory. The snap was in the dirt and despite a gallant effort by McQueary to pick up the ball and run, the Raiders took over on the Bear 28 yard line. The Raiders then put together a very nice 7 play drive to score. The QB swept his left end for the extra point and the Raiders lead 7-6.
The Bears immediately responded. QB Alex MacDirmid completed successive passes to Shaun McQueary and Shane Harrington. The 1st pass was for 35 yards the 2nd for 30 and a TD. This time the kicking unit performed to perfection. John Manganelli, Mark Calenzo, Thomas Brown and Stephen Montesano protected the left side, Andrew Postiglion snapped, David Misiaszek, Robert Denz, Matt King and Shane Harrington protected the right side. Alex MacDirmid held the ball and Shaun McQueary did the kicking. The extra point kick was good and the Bears lead 14-7.
The Raiders tried to strike back; but, their 1st pass was incomplete and the 2nd was picked off by safety Bill Testa who returned it to the Raider 30-yard line. The Bears also went to the air. The first two attempts were incomplete then MacDirmid hit McQueary on the 4-yard line with 3 defenders wrapped all around him. With what seemed like a super human effort, McQueary dragged the defenders into the end zone for a score as the 1st half clock expired. MacDirmid hit Matt King for the extra point and the score was 21-7.
The 2nd half started with the Bears on offense and Sean Deon, Michael Hernon, and Michael Martoccia on the line. Their play was flawless. The Bears drove the ball to the Raider 40-yard line before yielding the ball. Raider Matt Wald, one of the finest running backs the Bears have faced all year, ran off his right tackle. Matt Pitarressi and Bill Testa gave chase but could not catch the speedy runner. It was a 60 yard TD run for the Raiders. The extra point attempt failed and the score was 21-13. Unfortunately, for the Raiders, Matt suffered a groin pull as he crossed the goal line and could not play the rest of the game. Matt Pitarressi and Bill Testa did a very good job of not running into Watt Wald as he fell to the ground.
The remainder of the game was a real defensive battle with a lot of good, clean, hard hitting by both teams. Rob Culyer and Anthony DeNicola did a fine job while substituting on defense while QB Carlo Pugliano and RB Chris Hensel did a good job of substituting on offense. Late in the 4th quarter Nick Sinisgalli intercepted a pass on the Bear 10-yard to end the Raiders last real threat.
Coach Brown stated, "That was another really tough team. Their line was huge. I hope we don't meet another team with tackles that big. I am really proud of our kids. They were pounded but just wouldn't quit." Coach Denz said, " That game was a gem to watch. Neither team would give an inch. The Raiders are really a very physical team." Coach Nevits stated, "Next week we play another good team, the Frankfort Knights who have a 5-1 record. Another a well coached team with a lot of good athletes who are just waiting to knock us off. We need to work hard this week because it will be another hard fought contest." Coach Deyo said, "Yeah! We gotta stay sharp."
New Hartford, NY, October 10, 1999 - Game captains Bill Haddad, John Manganelli, Thomas Brown and Matt King lost the opening toss in what would prove to be a hard fought contest. Neither team scored on the their 1st possession as the Bears were hampered by a clipping penalty. On their 2nd possession the Utica Jaguars made a 1st down on a fake punt; but, were abruptly stopped when Shane Harrington sacked the QB to force a 3rd down and long situation. David Misiaszek then blocked the Jaguar punt attempt. The Bears took advantage of the turn over when QB Alex MacDirmid complete a 43 yard pass play to Andy Postiglion to move the ball to the 2 yard line. David Misiaszek, behind a lead block by Shane Harrington, scored the TD. John Manganelli, Mark Calenzo, Thomas Brown and Stephen Montesano protected the left side, Andrew Postiglion snapped, David Misiaszek, Robert Denz, Matt King and Shane Harrington protected the right side, Alex MacDiarmid held the ball and Shaun McQueary did the kicking. The extra point kick was good and the Bears lead the Utica Jaguars 8-0.
Mark Calenzo, who started at defensive end in place of injured Rob Imobersteg, made a big play on the Jaguars 3rd possession when he stayed home to stop a Jaguar reverse for a 6 yards loss. Never the less, the Jaguars drove to the Bear 21 yard line where a 4th down measurement was short by inches. Although the Bears committed an encroachment penalty and a procedure penalty on their 3rd possession they were able to score on a 51 yard run by Shaun McQueary. Jim Clifford, Travis Brown and Joshua Weibel were alternating with Stephen Antanavige, Franklin Leve and Paul Raymond at back side line when the score occurred. McQueary's kick was good and the Bears were ahead 16-0.
Each team's 4th possession consisted of 1 play. Bill Testa intercepted the Jaguar's first play. The Jaguars regained possession when the Bears put the ball on the ground on the very next play. Mark Calenzo started the 5th Jaguar possession with a QB sack. The half ended with the score 16-0.
The Bears started the second half on offense with Matt Pitarressi, Fran Barres, Nick Sinisgalli and Bill Testa in the backfield. The Bears made two 1st downs then gave up the ball. The Jaguars also failed to move the ball as Andy Postiglion sacked the QB and recovered a fumble on successive plays. Carlo Pugliano, Chris Hensel, Stephen Montesano and Anthony DeNicola started in the backfield on the next Bear Possession. Sean Deon, David Stedman and Michael Martoccia joined them on the line. It was 3 plays and a punt.
The Bear defense with Edmund Timpano, Rocco Arcuri, Robert Denz, Rob Culyer ,Michael Hernon and Stephen Montesano alternating at interior line continued to shut down the Jaguars. Late in the 3rd quarter McQueary scored on 53 yard run between Robert Denz and Mark Calenzo. His kick for the extra point was wide right and the score remained 22-0. The Jaguars never gave up. They came back to score the next 2 touchdowns to make the score 22-14. The game ended with the Bears running out the clock to protect an 8 point lead.
Coach Brown stated, "That was really a tough Jaguar team. They have big strong kids and our line did a good job of keeping up with them." Coach Denz said, " The defense did a great job too. I saw a lot of good hits out there today." Coach Nevits stated, "Next week we play the North Utica Raiders who are undefeated. They are a well coached team with a lot of good athletes. We need to eliminate the many errors we have been making, if we are to beat them." Coach Deyo said, "Yeah! We gotta get better."
New Hartford, NY, October 3, 1999- Game captains Franklin Leve, Paul Raymond, Edmund Timpano and Matt Pitarressi won the opening toss and the New Hartford Bears started the game on offense. David Misiaszek and Shane Harrington quickly moved the ball to the Ilion 8 yard line where Shaun McQueary then scored around the left side behind excellent blocking by Stephen Antanavige, Franklin Leve and Edmund Timpano on the line and a strong lead block by Harrington. The kicking unit once again performed to perfection. John Manganelli, Mark Calenzo, Thomas Brown and Stephen Montesano protected the left side, Andrew Postiglion snapped, David Misiaszek, Robert Denz, Matt King and Shane Harrington protected the right side, Alex MacDiarmid held the ball and Shaun McQueary did the kicking. The extra point kick was good and the Bears lead the Ilion Angels 8-0.
The defense anchored by linemen Robbie Imobersteg, Rocco Arcuri, Robert Denz, Edmund Timpano, Stephen Montesano and Andrew Postiglion held the Angels to 3 plays and a punt. Starting on their own 42 yard line, the Bears drove down the field for another score in spite of a clipping penalty. Bill Testa’s 30 yard run was very instrumental in setting up Misiaszek’s 1 yard touchdown plunge. The kick was good and the Bears lead 16-0. The Angel's fumbled and lost the ball on the 1st play of their second possession. Back on offense the Bears appeared ready to roll; however, an alert Ilion Angel picked off QB Matt Pitarressi's pass intended for Fran Barres, to end the threat.
The Angel's 4th possession ended just as abruptly when David Misiaszek intercepted a pass and returned it to the Ilion 30 yard line. Nick Sinisgalli carried for 29 yards through a huge hole made by Tom Brown and Matt King, and the lead block of Bill Testa. Sinisgalli then scored on a plunge through the middle of the line. The snap for the extra point was bad and the score remained 22-0.
The Angels came back to score on a 7 play drive. The extra point kick was blocked but a Bear defender was offside on the play. The next kick split the uprights and the score was 22-8. On the next possession Bear QB Alex MacDirmid completed passes to Stephen Antanavige, Andrew Postiglion and Franklin Leve. The TD pass to Leve made the score 28-8. McQueary's kick was good and the half ended with the score 30-8.
Late in the 3rd quarter Bear QB Carlo Pugliano scored on a 2 yard run up the middle when his pass protection broke down. The extra point pass was dropped in the end zone and the score remained 36-8. The Angels and the Bears both scored in the 4th quarter. The Angels on a sustained drive that ate up most of the clock. The Bear score was a 65 yard run by Stephen Montesano.
The defensive unit of Carlo Pugliano, Matt Pitarressi, Anthony DeNicola , Stephen Montesano, David Stedman, Michael Martoccia, Rob Culyer, Joshua Weibel, Travis Brown, Mark Calenzo, Sean Deon, and Jim Clifford was on the field as the game ended with the score 42-14.
Coach Brown stated, "Our offensive line did a great job today. They really controlled the line of scrimmage." Coach Denz said, " The defense was also outstanding. I was pleased with the way they did their job." Coach Nevits stated, "Yes our players did a fine job of playing near error free ball. I can recall only 2 penalties and 1 was a very close call. The Angels didn't make many errors either. It was simply a case of us being too strong for them. We will meet much stronger teams and must keep working for further improvement." Coach Deyo said, "Yeah! We can't rest on our laurels."
Clinton, NY September 26, 1999 - Although game captains David Misiaszek, Alex MacDirmid, Matt King and Stephen Antanavige lost the opening toss, the Bears proceeded to play an almost error free game on their way to a 39-14 victory. The starting line of Stephen Antanavige, Franklin Leve, Paul Raymond, Bill Haddad, John Manganelli, Thomas Brown and Matt King did a very good job of protecting QB Alex MacDirmid as he threw a 50 yard TD pass to Shaun McQueary for the 1st score of the game. McQueary’s extra point kick split the uprights to make the score 8-0.
Lead by Bear defensive linemen Robert Imobersteg, Rocco Arcuri, Robbie Culyer, Robert Denz, Edmund Timpano, Stephen Montesano and Andrew Postiglion, the defense once again held the Clinton Warriors to 3 plays and a punt. McQueary then scored on a sweep around the end behind excellent lead blocking by David Misiaszek, John Manganelli and Mark Calenzo. The kick was on target to make the score 16-0.
On the next possession Shane Harrington scored on a 45 yard play up the middle behind excellent blocking by Thomas Brown and John Manganelli. The kick was wide right and the score remained 22-0. Not to be denied, the Clinton Warriors quickly struck back with a TD and extra point to make the score 22-7. The Bear’s 4th possession was quickly stopped when QB Matt Pitarressi’s pass attempt to Matt King was picked off by an alert Warrior defender.
As the 1st half ended the field goal kicking unit once again performed to perfection. John Manganelli, Mark Calenzo, Thomas Brown and Stephen Montesano protected the left side, Andrew Postiglion snapped, David Misiaszek, Robert Denz, Matt King and Shane Harrington protected the right side, Alex MacDiarmid held the ball and Shaun McQueary did the kicking. The 28 yard kick was good and the half ended with the score 25-7.
The third quarter was a defensive battle for both teams. The Warrior’s first possession ended with a pass interception by Chris Hensel. Although Bear QB Carlo Pugliano completed a pass to Michael Hernon and another to Anthony DeNicola, the Warriors succeeded in scoring first. The extra point was good and the score became 25-14. Following the score, the Warrior defense stiffened and the Bears were forced to punt for the first time. It was a very good punt with excellent down field coverage by Fran Barres and Bill Testa. The 4th quarter belonged to the Bears. QB Matt Pitarressi hit Bill Testa for a 9 yard TD Pass. The kick was straight but too low and the score remained 31-14. The final Bear score came after a bad snap on a field goal attempt. Kicker McQueary picked up the bad snap and completed a pass to Shane Harrington in the end zone. The extra point kick was good.
The defensive unit of Carlo Pugliano, Chris Hensel, Anthony DeNicola , Stephen Montesano, Michael Hernon, David Stedman, Michael Martoccia, Rob Culyer, Joshua Weibel, Travis Brown, and Jim Clifford was on the field as the game ended with the score 39-14.
Coach Brown stated, "Our defense did another great job. The punt return unit with Nick Sinisgalli and Pitarressi as the deep men did an excellent job of keeping the ball off the ground. Sinisgalli, Pitarressi and Chris Hensel all make excellent catches." Coach Nevits stated, "Yes our players did a fine job of eliminating the numerous errors they made last week. I can recall only one penalty, the clipping penalty that negated a fine run by Fran Barres. The Warriors also played a relatively error free game. Remember they were a team small in numbers, as well as, small in size. We simply over powered them and wore them down. We will meet much stronger teams and must keep working for further improvement."
West Winfield, September 19, 1999 - Game captains Bill Testa, Nick Sinisgalli, Bill Haddad and John Manganelli won the opening toss for the second straight week. The Bears started the game on offense with a 4 yard plunge up the middle by Shane Harrington, and a seven yard run off tackle by David Misiaszek. It looked like the Bears front line of Andrew Postiglion, Thomas Brown, John Manganelli, William Haddad, Paul Raymond, Franklin Leve and Stephen Antanavige would do a good job of controlling the line of scrimmage and the Bears would be able to move the ball. Unfortunately, the ball was fumbled and lost on the next play.
The mount Markham Colts lost no time before they took advantage of the miscue. They made a first down on two running plays sandwiched between a Bear offside penalty. Colt quarterback Thom Manning spotted a receiver deep in the end zone without a defender in the vicinity. His pass was good for the first TD of the game. The kick, into a stiff wind, was wide right, and the score remained 6-0.
The Bears came back and started to move the ball down field again. After a 24 yard run up the middle by Misiaszek and a 22 yard sweep by Shaun McQueary , they were again stopped by miscues. A broken play and a holding penalty forced them to punt. The Bear defense with the front line anchored by Matt King, Thomas Brown, Robert Denz, John Manganelli and Andrew Postiglion accepted the challenge. It was 3 plays and a punt for the Colts.
The Bears started their 3rd possession on the Colt 38 yard line. After 6 plays the Bears failed on a 4th and 1 situation when the lead blocking back failed to recognize the defensive alignment. The Colts started on their own 10 yard line. It was another 3 plays and a punt for the Colts. This time the Bears took over on the Colt 44 yard line and relentlessly drove down the field. Although hampered by a holding penalty the Bears reached the Colt 1 yard line. There they fumbled and lost the ball. Again the defense did the job. It was another 3 plays and a punt. Colt punter, Thom Manning, got off a 60 yard punt, easily the best punt of the year. The Bears 5th possession was stopped by the clock; but, not before the Bears fumbled the ball for the 5th time.
The Colts started the 2nd half with 3 plays and a punt. The Bears 6th possession was stopped by a holding penalty and ended with a 12 yard punt. The Colts started on the Bear 38 yard line and again struck quickly for another score. Thom Manning dropped back to pass, scramble to his right under great pressure my Matt King, then proceeded to hit Doug Casale for another TD pass. The snap for the extra point was bad and the Colts lead 12-0.
The Bears, on their 7th possession, inspired by an awesome run by Shaun McQueary and the lead blocking of Shane Harrington, drove the ball to the Colt 5 yard line. After another miscue on the quarterback center exchange Alex MacDirmid carried the ball in for the Bears first score. The kick was wide right, into the same stiff wind, and the score was now 12-6 in favor of the Colts. A swarming Bear defense recovered a fumble on the 2nd play of the Colt’s next possession.
The Bears were unable to take advantage of the turn over. Hampered by an encroachment penalty the Bears gave the ball back to the Colts after 6 plays. The Bear defense did it again. It was 2 running plays for no gain followed by a pass interception by Bill Testa. Starting on the Colt 30 yard line the Bears were quickly face with a 4th and 3 situation. MacDirmid then hit Nick Sinisgalli for a 15 yard pass play to the Colt 8 yard line. Two plays later Sinisgalli powered in for the score. The game was tied 12-12.
The extra point kicking unit once again performed to perfection. John Manganelli, Mark Calenzo, Thomas Brown and Stephen Montesano protected the left side, Andrew Postiglion snapped, David Misiaszek, Robert Denz, Matt King and Shane Harrington protected the right side, Alex MacDiarmid held the ball and Shaun McQueary did the kicking. McQueary drilled the uprights and the Bears lead 14-12.
Each team had 2 more possessions but neither one could move the ball. The game ended with Bear Quarterback Carlo Pugliano taking a knee while being protected by Sean Deon, David Stedman, Michael Martoccia, Rob Hernon, Joshua Weibel, Travis Brown, Mike Clifford, Stephen Montesano, Chris Hensel and Anthony DeNicola.
The coaching staff was very pleased at the way the Bears fought back to snatch the victory from the arms of defeat. Coach Brown stated, "Except for 2 major mistakes our defense did a great job, I am really proud of them." Coach Nevits stated, "We were very lucky to win today. The Colts were only a play or two away from winning the game. We need lots of work this week."
New Hartford, September 12, 1999 - Game captains Thomas Brown, Robert Denz, Shaun McQueary and Shane Harrington won the opening toss and elected to take the ball. Harrington quickly scored behind excellent line blocking by William Haddad, John Manganelli, Thomas Brown and Andrew Postiglion. Matt King snapped, Alex MacDirmid placed the ball and McQueary drilled the extra point to make the score 8 -0. The defense anchored by Bill Testa, Fran Barres and Matt Pitarressi quickly forced a Whitestown fumble and the Bears were back on offense. The Bears drove the ball down to the 1 yard line behind strong running by David Misiaszek and Shaun McQueary. Harrington then scored on a 1 yard plunge.
The extra point kicking unit performed to perfection. John Manganelli, Mark Calenzo, Thomas Brown and Stephen Montesano protected the left side, Andrew Postiglion snapped, David Misiaszek, Robert Denz, Matt King and Shane Harrington protected the right side, Alex MacDiarmid held the ball and Shaun McQueary did the kicking. McQueary drilled the uprights for the second time and the Bears lead 16-0.
After stopping Whitestown for the third time, the Bear offensive unit’s efforts to move the ball was stopped by a clipping penalty. The Bears were forced to punt. Whitestown’s fourth possession ended when Bill Testa intercepted a pass on the 50 yard line. Strong running by Misiaszek and McQueary again moved the ball down the field where Harrington scored again. This time it was from the 5 yard line behind an excellent block by Mark Calenzo. The kick was wide right and the Bears lead 22-0. Whitestown responded with a very nice 10 play drive to score, in spite of excellent defensive play by Chris Hensel and Anthony DeNicola. The extra point kick was good and the half ended with the score 22-8.
The Bears first possession of the 2nd half was stopped by another clipping penalty: however, the Bears were not to be denied on their second possession. Misiaszek hit McQueary deep for a 54 yard reception and TD. The kick was wide right and the score remained 28-8. Whitestown immediately responded with a beautiful 51 yard pass play of their own. The kick was low and the score remained 28-14. Harrington scored one more time. This time on a sweep around the left side behind excellent blocking by John Manganelli and Mark Calenzo. Matt Pitarressi hit Matt King for the extra point and the game ended with the score 35-14.
Coach Brown and coach Denz were elated with the fine line play of the Bears. They stated, "Our line really did a great job. We are really proud of them." Coach Nevits cautioned the team that they make too many mistakes on both sides of the ball and a lot of improvements must be made if they hope to beat the Mount Markham Colts next Sunday. He stated, "The Colts are gunning for us and I expect a very strong performance by them. We better be prepared for a real battle."
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