GATORS OUTLAST THE MILITIA

BRIDGEPORT,CT- The first NEFL's GAME OF THE WEEK lived up to its offseason billing. &ldquot;The game had highs and lows of both team; we just executed enough to hold on and get an important conference win&rdquot; said Gators quarterback Dino Mancinelli. Mancinelli and the upstart Gators stunned the highly touted Western CT Militia 34-31 in a game that came down to the final play.

Early in the first quarter, Mancinelli hit receiver Ron Christy for an 80 yard pass and catch for the game's opening score. A two yard scoring plunge by Aaron Taylor gave the Gators a 13-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and shocked the Militia sidelines. &ldquot;We came out a little flat and they took total advantage of it&rdquot; said Militia coach Lonnie Young. &ldquot;We had to regroup or this was going to be a long night.&rdquot; A 37- yard field goal by kicker Andy Benzicewicz put the Militia on the board. A wayward Kevin Oberg pass was intercepted by the Gators Leo McTaggeret and returned 48 yards for a touchdown. A 10 yard touchdown pass to the Militia's James Wish from Oberg gave the Gators a 20-10 lead heading into the half.

A 37 yard scoring pass from Mancinelli to tight end Anthony Jubles gave the Gators a commanding 28-10 lead heading into the final quarter of the game. The Gators defense had limited the Militia's star running back Lionel Assie to less than 25 yards rushing with the help of former teammate Dante Williams (7 tackles and two sacks). That put the ball directly in the hands of Oberg to get back in to the game.

Oberg completed 21 of 48 pass attempts for 307 yards. In the fourth quarter he ran for a score (50 yards rushing for the game) and threw for 150 yards completing touchdown strikes to James Mack and Assie. With seven seconds left in regulation, the Militia recovered their second consecutive onside kick and with the ball near mid field, was looking to set up a tying field goal attempt for Benzicewicz. &ldquot;We needed one more big defensive play and we got it&rdquot; said Williams. Oberg's heave towards the endzone was deflected by a Gator defender and the win was preserved. &ldquot;Against a team like the Militia you have to play all four quarters&rdquot; said Williams, &ldquot;this was a great win for us; gives us a lot of confidence for next week.&rdquot; The Gators will travel to Belleville to take on the New Jersey Spartans while the Militia will host the 1-0 Tri State Bulldogs.

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BOXSCORE

Bridgeport Gators

Western CT Militia

TOTAL OFFENSE

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