Coginchaug Blanks Nonnewaug 48-0 To Open Season

The bleachers were packed and fans were ready to celebrate Coginchaug football's innaugural game at the school's new stadium on Saturday. 

The team didn't disappoint, routing the the Nonnewaug Chiefs 48-0

Many, including members of the Durham Volunteer Fire Department, were tailgating in anticipation of the start of the game. Blue Devils cheerleaders got the crowd ready with their team spirit.

The first tackle of the game was made by linebacker Tanner Pedersen, who later scored the Blue Devils' first touchdown of the game.

"I wanted Tanner to score the first touchdown in the new stadium as a tribute to his father, Hans," said Coginchaug coach John Bozzi. "Hans spent endless hours as a member of the building committee for the athletic complex. He's been a volunteer coach for four years and is involved in just about every activity the football club runs. He even donated his time and talents to build the press box. He's one of the most generous, kind-hearted people I've ever met.

"I really wanted Hans to score the first touchdown but he doesn't run as well as he used to so we had to give the ball to Tanner," Bozzi joked.

Pedersen is in his first year as an assistant coach for the varsity team and works with linemen and defensive ends.

Running back Zev Kartiganer scored the Blue Devils' second touchdown of the game to put Coginchaug up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. Safety Alec Corazzini was a standout on the defensive side of the ball.

During the second quarter, senior lineman Andrew Paxton was injured.

"Losing Andrew took the joy out of my day. He's such a great kid and a key contributor to the team. We're hoping for the best for him because he deserves to be out on that field. We're really going to have to scramble if we need to replace him," Bozzi said after the game.

Corazzini scored back-to-back touchdowns in the second quarter, and after another score by running back Sean Harper Coginchaug had a comfortable 35-0 halftime lead.

Great plays were also made by Jack Granger and Bryan Paxton on defense.

Durhing halftime, elementary student Derek Grant won a limo ride to school after winning a relay race. He generously offered the ride to the friends he competed with in the relay race and wil be able to take five friends along.

At the start of second half, Coach Bozzi again demonstrated good sportsmanship by allowing Nonnewaug to receive the ball to start the half.

Defensive back Ryan Bogen's solid play on defense eventually led to a touchdown by Jack Granger, to put Coginchaug up 42-0. Before the third quarter was over Harper sacked Nonnewaug's quartback.

The final touchdown was scored by Christian Adams. Great kicking throughout game by Sam Baker.

Coach Bozzi played junior varsity and freshman players in the fourth quarter, which included standout plays by Charlie Anderson and Jack Granger.

Way to go Blue Devils! Join us as the varsity team takes on Hyde Leadership on Saturday, October 1 at home.

JV will play Nonnewaug away on Mon., Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. at home. The freshmen team will travel to Canton on Wed., Sept. 28 at 4 p.m.

Save the date for our opening ceremony and homecoming on October 22.

Stats (see PDF) provided by Dan Wheeler