Wednesday, November 25, 2009 6:08 PM EST
By ANDREW LOVELL
The Southington and Cheshire football teams have become accustomed to their annual Apple Valley Classic Thanksgiving game carrying plenty of meaning.
It’s been more than just a game, more than just a chance to earn bragging rights. Usually, a playoff berth or playoff seed is on the line.
That will only be the case for Cheshire this season, but that doesn’t mean the game will be any less intense.
“The nice thing about this game is that usually both teams are in contention to go to the playoffs,” Southington coach Bill Mella said after a rain-soaked practice Monday evening. “This year Cheshire is. That puts some meaning on the game, there’s always some meaning to it. Whenever you have a game like this that’s got something riding on it, it’s a little extra special. Plus they’re our neighbors and you like to win those battles and those rivalries because you get bragging rights.”
Cheshire (8-1) enters the game on a five-game winning streak, but will be playing just four days’ rest. The Rams knocked off West Haven 27-12 Saturday in a game that was originally scheduled for Nov. 7, but was postponed because of a team-wide flu outbreak.
On the other hand, Southington hasn’t played since its 40-20 home loss to Conard on Nov. 13.
Understandably, Mella said his players are ready to line up against an opponent other than their own teammates.
“We’ve had some real fun, spirited practices,” Mella said. “A lot of competition, the kids’ heads are in the right place. We’re really excited about the Apple Valley Classic and the rivalry with Cheshire. It’s another opportunity to compete and show what we can do.”
And what they can do is light up the scoreboard. Though the team has battled injuries and preventing the big plays on defense this season, the offense has put up impressive numbers.
Junior quarterback Connor Butkiewicz guides the third-most potent passing attack in the state, according to the CIAC’s statistics.
Butkiewicz (170-of-309, 2,361 yards, 29 TDs, 10 Int) has two proven targets in wide receivers Tyler Dube (62 rec., 811 yards, 12 touchdowns) and Anthony Florian (42 rec., 771 yards, 10 touchdowns), both of whom Butkiewicz figures to look for early and often.
Dylan Danko (929 yards, 9 touchdowns) has had a productive senior season, averaging more than 100 yards per game this year.
Southington’s defense is anchored by linebackers K.J. Gemmell and Joe Pesce. Dave Nichols, Jon Kelleher, Nick Gothberg and Tim Sowa are also among the team’s leading tacklers.
The Blue Knights’ defense will get a stern test on the ground Thursday morning though.
Cheshire boasts one of the state’s top rushing attacks, as the Rams average just under 300 rushing yards per game. The Rams have also rushed for 35 touchdowns this season.
Quarterback Greg Palmer (72-of-114, 710 passing yards, four touchdowns, seven interceptions, 1,143 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns) has successfully taken over for Billy Ragone. Dan Sweeney (627 rushing yards, six touchdowns), Mike Skibicki (299 rushing yards, four touchdowns) and Max Slade (254 rushing yards, four touchdowns).
Southington has had its struggles stopping the run this season. The Blue Knights had allowed 140 yards on the ground four times this season, including more than 320 in two of their last three games, albeit against run-heavy teams in Simsbury and Conard.
Recent history would appear to be on the Rams’ side. Cheshire has won the last two meetings — 9-7 in 2008 and 35-19 in 2007 — and is the favorite on paper this year. With an 8-1 record, the Rams currently sit in fifth place in the Class LL playoff point standings, just 2.22 points behind Bridgeport Central.
Southington last won back in 2006, earning a close 21-20 victory at Fontana Field.
But Mella is confident his team can put forth one final strong showing and, in the process, knock Cheshire out of the LL playoffs.
But they’d prefer not to have to play the role of spoiler.
“We’re embracing the role to compete,” Mella said. “It is an opportunity for us to go out and win the last ball game of the year. The fact that that has implications for Cheshire, that’s not really on us as much as it is on them. We just want to compete and we want to win our last ball game. The seniors want to go out with a victory and especially would like to bring the trophy home this year.”
