Colts Midget team pulls off stunner

CUMBERLAND - It was homecoming for the Cumberland Colts Blackstone Valley Youth Football and Cheerleading program last weekend, and the Midget football team found the best way to celebrate - they knocked off previously undefeated Central Falls, 20-13, and earned a playoff spot in the process.

The Panthers were hoping to run the table and complete their perfect season, but the Colts had other ideas.

It was a team effort that gave the Colts the win. Josh Pizzeralli and Josh Hitchcock had an outstanding day running the ball, and Alex Ohara kept drives alive with tough yards running off tackle.

The offensive line took control of the line of scrimmage early in the game, sending a message that the team is ready for the playoffs.

Defensively the Colts were able to hold the normally potent Panther aerial attack to just four completions as John Galang and Tom Lazaras were all over the field batting balls away from the Panthers

The Midgets will face the North End 49ers in a first-round playoff game Sunday.

The Colts Jr. Midget team took on their rivals, the Lincoln Lions, and came away with an impressive 26-12 win.

Colts running back Gian Wilson gave the Colts the lead on their first possession with a long run off the left side, but¬ Lincoln came right back on the next possession to score on a long run.

On the Colts next possession, fullback Matt Kenney was a work horse, piling up tough yards with dives through the line by following the blocks of Nick Ramzi and Nick Giorgio.

Kenney finished off the drive with a 30-yard touchdown run, putting the Colts in the lead 13-6.¬ The Colts' strong defense, was led by Kyle Masse at middle linebacker and defensive tackles Brandon Katzanek and Jon Stoddart.

Also making strong contributions to the defense were Matt Cummings, Brandon Abilheira-Cargill, Michael Stock, Joe Marcolini, Kris Nordby and Kenney.

Before half, the Colts retained possession and once again Kenney broke loose on a 30-yard touchdown scamper as the Colts took a 20-6 lead at half. In the second half, Wilson broke off a 50-yarder, out-racing the Lions defense for the final Colt score. ¬ ¬ 

With control of their own destiny, the Pee Wee Colts let one slip away on Sunday.¬ A 20-6 half-time lead turned into a 31-20 loss to the Lincoln Lions.

Returning to the lineup, Jimmy Votta sparked the Colts early, rumbling for a 50-yard touchdown on the opening drive behind the blocking of Josh Cayer and Jean-Luc Lussier.

In the second quarter, Dustin Mackenzie found Jimmy Votta in the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown pass and Josh Cayer punched in the point-after. The Colts finished the half strong behind some big gains from Kyle Patrie and Brandon Caouette, and with a minute left in the first half, Jared Talbert broke loose and sprinted 55 yards to pay dirt. Jean-Luc Lussier converted the point after, giving the Colts a 20-6 half-time lead.

The second half was a different story however, as the Lions exploded for 25 points, sealing the victory.

The loss put the Colts in a three-way tie with Providence and Lincoln, and will now await the results of the a game between Providence and Lincoln to determine who they will play next.