Quinebaug Valley picks up 1st victory over ATI since 2013

Quinebaug Valley football is turning heads after accomplishing something it had not been able to do since the fall of 2013, defeating ATI (Abbott Tech and Immaculate) 42-15 on

Saturday.

In dominating performance in which multiple players racked up personal firsts, the Pride are establishing themselves as a top team in the CTC yet again.

“I saw intensity in all three phases of the game,” Quinebaug Valley coach Joe Asermelly said. “It was consistent throughout the game and they matched it with execution. I am very thankful I get to coach this team”

Running back Lee Schiavetti paced the QV offense, rusing 18 times for 153 yards and three touchdowns.

“We came in ready to play, did our job and executed,” Schiavetti said. “I saw holes today. The offensive line did a really nice job, our receivers blocked and I took advantage of what they provided for me.”

Quinebaug quarterback Mike Merrill and wide receiver Alex Grauer connected for two touchdowns. The first touchdown of the game was a trick play in which Grauer completed a pass in the end zone to Merrill.

“That was amazing. We have been drawing that up in practice,” Merrill said. “It feels nice to catch one for once. I had never caught a pass before. Our connection is great. I have known him since we were in kindergarden, we’re best friends.”

The duo linked up for a second time for Quinebaug’s

final touchdown, this time on a 54-yard pass from Merrill to Grauer.

Senior Mason Nicolosi was the defensive star for the Pride with two interceptions, one of which went for a 50-yard touchdown.

“That has never happened before. I’ve never had a pick 6,” Nicolosi said. “It was surreal running down the field with nothing in front of me, awesome feeling. That one I saw him eyeballing his receiver and I timed it up and ran with it. The first one, he threw right at me.”

Quinebaug Valley improves to 2-0 and has scored over 40 points in both games.

“Chris Pace and ATI are a good program with good coaches,” Asermelly said. “They are going to win a lot of games this year, I just think we had a great week of preparation and that showed today.”

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Lee Schiavetti, Quinebaug Valley RB: Schiavetti had three rushing touchdowns and 154 yards on 18 carries to pace the QV offense.

QUOTABLE

“We came in ready to play, did our job and executed. I saw holes today. The offensive line did a really nice job, our receivers blocked and I took advantage of what they provided for me.”

— Lee Schiavetti, Sr., Quinebaug Valley