Somers varsity football team cruises to homecoming win

By Rob DiAntonio
Of The Somers Record

In just one hour and 26 minutes, the Somers varsity football team disposed of visiting Hendrick Hudson in a 55-0 dismantling on Sept. 27 at the Tuskers’ homecoming.

Somers, which improved to 3-1, jumped out to a commanding 34-0 halftime lead.
The Tuskers didn’t take long to get on the board.




Junior Matt Morgante returned the opening kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown and Josh Riger’s extra point gave the Tuskers a 7-0 lead just 13 seconds into the game.

“It felt very good to return the opening kick, especially on homecoming,” Morgante said. “It felt great to help my team to get off to a good start, and give my team momentum that we carried through the rest of the game.”

On the next drive, senior quarterback Tim Cousin found Riger on an 18 yard pass, which took the Tuskers down to the 1-yard line. Junior Timmy Fazzinga did the rest and the Tuskers were up 14-0 with eight minutes left in the first quarter.

A 46-yard run by senior Erik Carnazza set up a 22-yard touchdown rumble from senior Marc Fiocco to make it 21-0. Junior Joe Spor returned a punt 63 yards for another score and then Cousin’s 28-yard touchdown run closed out the first half.

The team was excited to give Tusker Nation, Somers’ fan section which packed the stands, a strong showing during their homecoming game.

“We have been preparing for each game like it’s a playoff game,” Fiocco said. “Every game we come out pumped. This homecoming was obviously no different, but it definitely gave us that explosive edge in the game.”

Junior Andrew Gross had two carries for 140 yards, including touchdown runs of 72 and 68 yards. Fellow junior Chris Abatecola had a 70-yard run for a score and also set up one of Gross’ touchdowns with an interception.

“Offensively, it all starts with our line,” Fiocco said. “If they’re having a (strong) day we are (too), but it’s not just our offense that is putting big numbers up. Our defense and special teams has been doing outstanding and giving our offense great positioning.”

Leading the defense were juniors Dan DiFonzo (seven tackles) and Matt Senzamici (six tackles).

Since a Week 2 loss to Rye, the Tuskers have scored 95 points and allowed zero in two victories.

“Since Rye, we all have been very motivated,” Morgante said. “So we all have been working our hardest to continue to get better, and the hard work is translating into success on the field. Nothing is different in the offense; we are just getting better as a team.”

Somers will look to pick up its fourth win of the season when it travels to Spring Valley for a 3 p.m. contest on Oct. 5.

“The key is to keep focused and motivated and continuing to work hard and get better,” Morgante said. “We know we have to win the rest of our games to make the playoffs, so we just have to get refocused and prepare for Spring Valley and continue to work hard every day in practice.”

Photos: Rob DiAntonio