The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Red Raiders losers of annual Battle for the Helmet, 68-27
Watertown wins annual Battle for the Helmet
WATERTOWN — Watertown’s football team showed its playoff credentials in a 68-27 romp over Torrington Thursday morning at Watertown High School.
Torrington’s young team (2-8) showed spunk and speed with a touchdown in each quarter.
The Indians, heading for their first playoffs since 1986, countered with multiple scores each period in a devastating mix of passing by quarterback Nick D’Elia (10-for-15 for 202 yards); an army of receivers led by John Deptula (4 receptions for 104 yards); and breakaway running from Adam Alenckis (13 carries, 251 yards).
“We struggle a little on defense, but we make adjustments,” said Watertown coach Luigi Velardi. “Our offense scores so quickly, it leaves the defense out there a long time.”
Torrington’s featured runner Dylan Myrie (20 carries, 84 yards) had enough success in the opening series for a second first down, but then the Indians were off to the races and the airways.
Alenckis began with a 29-yard touchdown.
The defense stymied Torrington. Then D’Elia unleashed his arm for a 49-yard scoring pass to Deptula.
If a 14-0 lead in the first eight minutes looked like the beginning of a Watertown whitewash, Torrington’s Starling Santos changed the tune with a 70-yard kickoff return for the Red Raiders’ first touchdown.
A 14-7 first-quarter deficit might have been cause for a Torrington celebration.
Watertown rained 27 points in the second quarter with a 24-yard pass from D’Elia to Tommy Hassan; 30-yard run by Alenckis;
35-yard strike to Deptula; and a six-yard pass to John Buono.
“We have great team chemistry,” said D’Elia.
Second-quarter highs for Torrington came from a 36-yard scoring run by Myrie and a defensive stop on the four-yard line with time running out.
“That showed our character,” said Torrington coach Gaitan Rodriguez.
Still, in this year’s annual Battle for the Helmet, nobody was going to stop Watertown for long.
Alenckis started the third quarter with a 50yard scoring run.
“It’s the most touchdowns and yards I’ve had,” said the 6-2, 182pound senior.
Myrie had another nice moment with a 14-yard scoring break.
Then D’Elia revved up his own wheels with a 56yard keeper for the third quarter’s final score, 55-21.
Even so, the Raider spunk and speed were intact.
Santos started the final period with a 33-yard scoring run.
Watertown’s Larry Zapata, already credited with six point-after kicks, set himself up for one more with a 52-yard run to close it out.
Watertown, 8-2, looked as ready as they could be for Tuesday’s Class M meeting with either Berlin or Sheehan.
Torrington, 2-8, welcomes the chance to get stronger and faster for