November, 1996
Feature
Alexia Clarke:
Hanscome's Heroics are Highlight
For Struggling Football Team
By Mike Kelly
It's been a long season for the Central Football team. Lacking offensive punch, the Hilltoppers have managed just one victory.
Against Jonathan Law of Milford, Central's defense struggled allowing a 70 yard touchdown run to the Law fullback. Their offense would score two more touchdowns to seal the victory.
There was a bright spot in the second half. Our offense started to show a little life even though they didn't score. Central Quarterback Rob Rotonto scrambled effectively and completed several passes, showing he had what it takes to be the starting quarterback. Another bright spot was our defense. In the second half the Hilltoppers went to a 4-4 NFL style defense, which is common among some of the better professional teams.
The Central players were pumped and ready for action against McMahon of Norwalk. Central received the opening kickoff but could do nothing with it and was forced to punt. McMahon charged down field to score after a short boot by Central's punter, Ron Van Gordon. At the half we were trailing 31-0 and hope of getting back in the game was crushed by several McMahon scoring drives. The bright spot was a fourth quarter touchdown run by Sophomore back George Trevino.
As the Central bus departed for New Canaan, the players carried a sense of urgency and desperation. They needed a win badly. New Cannan's QB Mike Suozzi struck twice in the first quarter, and Chris Schaffer had a 44 yard touchdown run, to put New Canaan on top 21-0 at the end of the first quarter. Central's defense allowed 10 and 15 yard touchdown runs from New Canaan's Zack Volet and never recovered.
The Hilltoppers playing without some key players hoped their luck would be better against Bassick. Central's defense came out pumped, and it showed in the first half. Central's Rob Hanscome blocked a punt, recovered the loose ball and raced 50 yards for a touchdown. Later he would intercept the Bassick QB and return the whole way for the touchdown. Hilltoppers win! The Hilltoppers win!
But it was yet another frustrating offensive week for Central. Despite the victory, the team's year long struggle to move the ball was apparent
