Williamsville Junior Football
Air Force shuts out Commandos, 6-0

The clock struck midnight on the Williamsville Junior Freshman Commandos football team and the slipper did not fit as their Cinderella season came to an end with a 6-0 defeat against the Williamsville Junior Freshman Air Force. The game was for the Terlecky Cup.

The Air Force won the toss and elected to start the game on defense. The Commandos' offense took to the field in hopes of improving their already stellar 7-0 regular season record. The Air Force players were more than ready and protected their turf like a dog guarding his bone. The Commandos could not muster any offense and Air Force took over after four short plays.

The Air Force offense took the field and was determined to draw first blood. They mounted a nice offensive drive and meticulously worked their way toward the Commandos' end zone. The Commando's defense became very stingy and bent but refused to break. Commando defensive linemen Collin Hunt, Nathan Gentile, George Bauman, Braedan Gillman, Brian Fulford, and Jordan Buell dug their cleats into dirt and stopped the Air Force cold on their four-yard line.

The Commando's offense once again took over and were looking to jump start their anemic performance. The Air Force defensive players brought their A-game and hampered any progress by the Commandos and they were forced to punt after three plays.

The Air Force offense began their drive at midfield and would not be denied. They ran two plays without much success but the third time was the charm as their running back broke through the Commando defense and rumbled into the end zone. Their extra-point attempt failed and they owned a 6-0 lead.

The Commando offense took over and looked to even the score. The Commando line, anchored by ends Terrance Thornton, Kyle Dunn, and center Max Schectman, stepped up their play as the Commandos marched down the field. Things were looking better for the boys in maroon as they moved down the field. Air Force however, thought otherwise and tightened up their play.

The Commandos tried to score before the end of the half. Quarterback Brendan Wynia threw a beautiful 20-yard pass to fullback Ryan Konotopskyj. Konotopskyj ran for a few yards after the catch but was brought down from behind by a few Air Force players. The first half ended with Air Force ahead 6-0.

Air Force's offense began the second half on the field and tried to add to their lead. After a few successful running plays, Commando middle linebacker Ben Noel, who was nursing a sore right leg, made a vicious hit on the Air Force running back. The ball popped loose and was recovered by Commando cornerback Brendan Wynia. The Commandos looked to take advantage of their change in fortune.

The remainder of the third and fourth quarters was a prime example of what smash-mouth football is all about. Neither offense was very productive on the evening and the players on defense looked to do what they could to influence the outcome of the game.

The Commandos took over the ball late in the fourth quarter after a particularly tough defensive stand and hoped to tie the game. Tailback Ben Noel returned to the lineup after an earlier injury and hoped to motivate his teammates. The Commandos tried four times to advance the ball but the staunch Air Force defense would not yield.

The Commandos players have nothing to be ashamed about, walking away with a 10-1 record, including preseason and playoffs. After receiving contributions from veteran players as well as rookies this season, the Commandos can look forward to a successful season in 2007.