Dominant football was the week to week storyline in the dome at the CT Sportsplex as the 13U AVALANCHE went undefeated for the 2012 Winter Football League season including a 30-20 semifinal win over New Haven followed by a 21-12 victory over Bridgeport in the final game to capture the 2012 WFL Championship.
The offense, which averaged over 30 points per game, was led by the physical three-pronged attack of fullback Alec Cottiero along with tailbacks Mike Burchell and Doug Harrison. Al Casagrande, Greg Perez and Troy Clinepeat all carried the ball with effectiveness throughout the season as well. Brett Ballantoni and Andrew Kendrick were solid at QB. The offensive line was anchored by Sal Carlo, Tristin Fowler, Justin Augur, Jon Branfuhr, Jack Seward and Tyler Vecchio.
The defense gave up a league-low of 10 points per game average. Opposing teams had a difficult time running the football against this very dominant, hard-nosed group of kids. Cottiero, Burchell, Harrison, Carlo, Ballantoni and Perez led the way at linebacker. Casagrande and Kendrick played strong at safety. The physical play up front on the defensive line was handled by Fowler, Seward, Augur, Branfuhr, Vecchio and Clinepeat.
The very proud coaching staff included Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator George Cottiero and Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Mark Stephens. Assitants included Sal DePalma and Fred Augur.
Congratulations to this impressive group of hardworking young men.
