D Squad “Mighty Mites” Battle Vernon in Home Opener

The Durham/Middlefield Falcons Mighty Mites kicked off the 2013 season at home as they played their first game of the regular season.  On a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the Coginchaug High School field, the Mighty Mites played the Vernon Vipers in front a large crowd. 

The Falcons got off to a slow start as the Vipers scored a touchdown on their second play from the line of scrimmage.   The stingy Falcons defense stopped the extra point to make it 6-0.   The defense was anchored by Blake Santor, Ryan Wirger, Kevin Lee, Ben Pitruzzello and Drue Fleck, John Legge, Tyler Doyle and Matthew Bradanini.

The Falcons gave up another 2 more touchdowns but no extra points and the Vipers had an 18-0 lead but the Falcons were not done yet.

The offense, led by John Palo, Jake Manning, Ryan Grant, Donovan Vumback, Mark Melillo and Justin Garretson was ready to go on the attack in the second half.   After the last Viper touchdown, Donovan Mumback returned a kickoff 60 yards to bounce the Falcons right into the ballgame. Running back Drue Fleck rumbled into the end zone for the extra point to make it 18-7.  

On the next series, the confidant Falcon offense was ready to attack.  Quarterback John Palo ran 71 yards down the field to stun the Viper defense and make it 18-14 with 2 minutes left in the game.   The Vipers picked up a first down and then ran out the clock. 

It was an exciting game with a final score of 18-14.  The young Mighty Mites started working together as a team and have high expectation going into next week’s game. 

Please join the Falcon Mighty Mites as they take on Haddam/Killingworth on September 15th at 3:00 PM at Coginchaug High School.   To see the full slate of Durham/Middlefield Football games, please visit www.dmfalcons.com or like our Facebook page at facebook.com/dmfalconsfootball to view more photos and stay updated on Falcons Football and Cheerleading.

Submitted by Carl Pitruzzello