Williamsville Junior Football
Commandos beat NT Timber Wolves, 24-6

The 85-pound Williamsville Commandos hosted the North Tonawanda Timber Wolves this past Saturday for a game that was affectionately referred to as "Mud-bowl 2006." The Commandos won 24-6.

North Tonawanda won the coin toss and elected to start the game on offense. The Timber Wolves prepared to mount their attack but the poor weather and muddy field led to a fumble on the first play of the game. The Commandos' right defensive end, Jordan Buell recovered the ball for Williamsville.

The Commandos' began their drive on the Wolves' 38-yard line. Tailback Ben Noel found a hole that was opened by linemen George Bauman, Michael Woods, and Jordan Buell and followed the lead block of wing back Collin Hunt for a 38-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt failed and the Commandos' took an early 6-0 lead.

North Tonawanda's offense took the field and tried to get back on track. Williamsville's defense was ready for whatever the Wolves threw their way. The Commandos' defense, which was anchored by tackles Braedan Gillman, Brian Fullford, defensive end Ryan Duran, linebacker Max Schectman and cornerback Brendan Wynia, put on a clinic in team tackling.

The Commandos knew that the team that executed properly in the adverse conditions would likely be the victor. The team was correct and took the ball from North Tonawanda after four offensive plays.

When Williamsville's offense began to drive, they were determined to add to their lead. Noel's number was called again and he was set free to run around the left side after a block by left end Kyle Dunn. Their hard work paid off when Noel crossed the goal line. The two-point conversion attempt failed as Commandos' Quarterback, Brendan Wynia lost control of the mud-covered football and had to recover his own fumble. The score at halftime was 12-0.

The second half began with Williamsville on offense. They wanted to add to their lead as they knew the Timber Wolves would not go away without a fight. Superior blocking by the offensive line resulted in Noel running in his third touchdown of the game. Tailback Nathan Gentile came into the game and was tasked with scoring the extra point. North Tonawanda dug their cleats into the mud and closed the holes thus preventing Gentile from reaching pay dirt.

The Timber Wolves were finally able to get their offense on track and were rewarded with a nice run around the right side for a 33-yard TD. Their extra point attempt failed and they trailed 18-6.

Williamsville's offense was determined to get their cushion back. Tailback Noel bounced it outside and was on the way to his fourth score of the day when North Tonawanda stripped the ball from his hands. The Wolves recovered the ball on their 13 and prepared to make the most of their change in fortune.

The Commandos defense thought just the opposite and their grit and determination was rewarded when they forced North Tonawanda to punt. This defensive stand was led by ends Terrance Thornton and Justin James, defensive tackles Jamie Camarre, Arjun Chima. Adam Mills, Max Ralbovsky, Will Sanderson, and Massimo Zimmerman. The defensive unit was rounded out by cornerbacks Mariano Baldon and Tyler Buell and linebackers Andrew Butler and Eric Seaner.

North Tonawanda's defense regrouped and stymied the Commandos' offense. Williamsville was faced with a long fourth-and-10 but decided not to punt. This turned out to be a good play call as the line opened a hole on the left side of the line. Fullback Ryan Konotopskyj made the most of the opening and not only ran for the first down, but scampered all the way for the score. The Commandos now owned a 24-6 lead late in the fourth quarter.

North Tonawanda made a valiant effort near the end of the game as they tried to chip away at the Commando lead. They were able to move the ball for a few plays but eventually ran out of time.

Williamsville has improved their regular season record to 7-0 and look forward to another game this weekend, hopefully on a dry field somewhere in Western New York.