On Saturday, August 9th, several players from around the New Castle County league ventured north to Downingtown, Pennsylvania to play in their 7-man rough-flag tournament.
The N.C.C. All-Stars had the odds stacked against them from the get go. New to the rules and each other, they knew that one loss could be the difference between a long day, and a short day.
The first game N.C.C. drew one of the weaker opponents in the tourney and used it to get a grasp of the game. Undersized at both offensive and defensive lines, they relied mostly on speed and athletics. It took the All-Stars a good half of football to adjust and settle in before pure talent took over.
Led by captain, Bob Scarfo the N.C.C. offense was an unstoppable force. Spreading the ball out, teams were perplexed on who to cover. The defense was equally strong. Carlton Brooks, Doug Phillips, Arsh Manejwala, and John Boyer were the sack specialist. What made this group so unique was the fact they were outsized by the offesive linemen and each man gave up 50-100lbs in difference. Despite the disadvantage, they used their quickness to compensate for it.
N.C.C. prevailed in their first game and was faced with 5 time defending champions, the Raiders. They both battled back and forth exchanging TD's. In the home stretch the N.C.C. defense hunkered down and shut it down.
In the next round it was now win or go home. Playing their thrid consecutive game, N.C.C. grew stronger. With inspirational plays from key guys, this team fed off of each other in route to the championship round and another match with the defending champs.
The finals were all about the defense. As the Raiders thought they had contained the explosive offense of N.C.C., the Raiders went in to the half up 7-6. Starting the second half with the football, Scarfo found a streaking Dan down the center of the field for and unmolested TD. After a failed conversion, N.C.C. held a slim 5 point lead. The Raiders tried to answer with quick strike of their own. With their best reciever running between Antonio and Mike Tate, it looked like a sure TD. Antonio thought different as he made a leaping interception in front of the endzone. This pretty much sealed the deal as the offense took over and scored again making it a 19-7 game with about 4 minutes to go. The defense caused the Raiders to go 4 and out, got the ball back, and scored again to seal up the championship.
N.C.C. All-Stars
Pictured front going left to right
John Capagna, Danny Neall, Frank Smith, Arsh Manejwala
Pictured back going left to right
Doug Phillips, Mike Tate, Chris Francisco, Jason Liles, TJ, Bob Scarfo, Carlton Brooks, John Boyer, Dan, Antonio
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Reminder -
I hope you veteran teams remember to put your registration in on time this season. Unless you guys like the stress of not knowing if your team got in or not.
League -
I was speaking with a couple different managers and they said a letter came out about the incident with Ref Joe. On the letter it had a list of players that were banned for life from NCC sports. Looks like the league finally stepped up.
Rumor Mill -
Fusion/Apex merger in the works.
Practice/Scrimmage
Every Sunday from now until the season starts, pick up games are being played at Stanton Middle School at 11am until ?. Bring your team or come as an individual. I know for a fact there will be enough to have a game. Frogwood and NYAC both have commited to being there every Sunday. If we get enough interest, I'll go as far as to have someone ref the game and keep a clock for free.
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NCC Sports and Athletics
Department of Community Services
77 Reads Way New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5890 (office) (302) 395-5892 (fax)
http://www.nccdesports.com
2008 FALL ADULT FOOTBALL LEAGUES
GENERAL INFORMATION: Registrations are now being accepted for all adult recreational football leagues on a first-come first-served basis
for the 2008 fall season. Non-resident teams (new & old) will receive the lowest priority for acceptance based upon order of receipt of
registration. The registration deadline (if openings exist) is August 19, 2008, 4:00 PM. All league organizational meetings will be held at
the Sports Office located in the Gilliam Building (77 Reads Way off of Commons Boulevard).
Registration Form Click HERE
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| New Castle County 2008 Spring Champions
"A" Division
APEX ENGINEERING
"B" Division
STYLES/ATLAS WELDING
"C" Division
CROWN ROYALTY
"D" Division
BARCLAYS
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