T-Birds’ Football Shuts Out Nonnewaug

The North Branford football team improved to 7-1 with a 45-0 win over Nonnewaug on Nov. 11. This marks the T-Birds’ third shutout win of the season as they have outscored opponents 304-116 in 2011.

The contest against Nonnewaug started with a four-touchdown first quarter for an early 26-0 lead. Brandan Basil was involved in all four scores.

First Basil connected with Joe DeLucia on a seven-yard TD pass. He then had a 16-yard run for a 13-0 lead. Basil hit DeLucia for 31 yards for the third touchdown before rounding out the first frame with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Dale Hausman.

The T-Birds ran in the final three tallies, including two scores in the second quarter with Gary Falanga’s 39-yard run and Hausman’s 11-yard run.

North Branford held a 38-0 lead entering the fourth quarter when Josh Melaccio scored the final touchdown on a 41-yard run.

Basil was 9-for-13 passing for 143 yards and three TDs. Hausman had 10 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown, while DeLucia had two receptions for 38 yards and two scores. Falanga has a 38-yard score, while Melaccio’s 10 carries were good for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Other offensive contributors were Chris Caron (3 carries for 25 yards and two receptions for 36 yards), Cory Onofrio (2 receptions for 18 yards) and Ryan Magnotti (27-yard reception).

Anthony Franco led the defense with seven tackles and two sacks. Steve Saunders and Falanga had five tackles apiece. Christian Sgro had four tackles and one sack and Rocco Morgan had two tackles and two sacks.