Athletics

XAVIER FALCONS
FOOTBALL

2003 SEASON

4 Wins 6 Losses 1 Tie
City of Middletown Champions
View 2002 Season

Tri-Captains Steve Berry, Anthony DelMastro, and Leon Mularski did an excellent job of leading a young and inexperienced team to a 4-6-1 record. Unfortunately senior fullback Mark Pandolfo was lost for the season with a knee injury after rushing for more than 100 yards in each of the first two games of the season. Juniors Steve Halibozek and Ryan Cody, along with sophomores Amari Spievey and Mike Campbell combined to give the falcons a potent running game all season. Junior quarterback Mike Crescimanno and receivers Leon Mularski, Elijah Heckstall, Sam Murray, and tight ends Joe Mcdowell and Matt Maquire provided a passing attack that improved with each game. After a tough loss to Hamden by one point the falcons took out their frustration on Derby, wining 42- 6

Returning starters Steve Berry, Nick Turelli, and Joe McDowell anchored an offensive line which included Jamie DeGemmis, Zach Curzan, Gerald Marquis, Mike Randazzo, and Jim Mularski.

The falcons best game of the season came in week seven against undefeated Fairfield Prep, whO was ranked 5th in the state. The falcon defense led by defensive ends Gerald Marquis and Matt Maquire, defensive linemen Alex Frenkel, Mike Kisner, Nick Turelli, Jamie DeGemmis, backed by linebackers Mike Randazzo, Anthony DelMastro, Joe McDowell and Steve Halibozek combined to shut down Prep's potent running attack, and force three fumbles. The secondary of Leon Mularski, Elijah Heckstall, Amari Spievey and Ryan Cody kept Prep's passing attack in check, and held them to seven points. The offense also played well, culminating in the games final drive. Mike Crescimanno threw to three different receivers and ran the ball once, as the offense moved 60 yards in less than a minute with no time-outs to Prep's 20 yard line. Joe McDowell snapped the ball, Coree Moses held it, the rest of the field goal team blocked, and Taylor Middleton kicked the 30 yard field goal to win the game with no time on the clock.

The falcons had to settle for a tie the following week against East Haven, and despite playing well lost to West Haven. During the 2nd quarter of the West Haven game, Mike Crescimanno aggravated a fractured in his leg, which he received in the Fairfield Prep game. Joe McDowell then finished the season at quarterback. The falcons closed out the season with an excellent team performance against Middletown High on Thanksgiving day at Wesleyan. Joe Mcdowell ran for one touchdown and threw for two others in leading the team to a 47-20 victory. Amari Spievey capped off a solid season with his best performance, with three running touchdowns, one receiving touchdown, and throwing a touchdown pass.

The coaches will look to a tough JV team to replace ten starters, most of whom started on offenses and defense.

AWARDS

Thanksgiving Day MVP Offense – Amari Spievey

Thanksgiving Day MVP Defense – Anthony DelMastro

All SCC, Quinnipiac Division

Free Safety – Leon Mularski

Punter – Mike Crescimanno

Gene Casey, National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete –Anthony DelMastro

All Middletown Press

Running Back – Amari Spievey

Defensive End – Gerald Marquis

Free Safety – Leon Mularski

Team

Offensive MVP – Amari Spievey

Defensive MVP – Leon Mularski

Custom Carpet, Spirit, Hustle, & Desire – Nick Turelli

Tony Jaskot, Champion of the Year – JamieDeGemmis

Kevin Holder, Unsung Hero – Joe McDowell

Larry McHugh, Senior Leadership – Gerald Marquis

FRESHMAN

The freshmen opened the season with two victories and a draw. The lone blemish on their record a tie with Wilbur Cross, came after three Xavier touchdowns had been called back. The eventual score came with less than a minute to play on a pass from Alondre Rush to Josh Lesse. Following the strong start to the season, the freshmen struggled to regain their successful early form. They finally finished the campaign with two wins in the final three games. The most important of the wins came against Fairfield Prep, a game in which the Xavier freshmen dominated on both offense and defense.

Leading the way for the freshmen offensively were a trio of strong runners, Alondre Rush, Josh Lesse, and Pat Gleeton. The ground game accounted for more than 150 yards per contest. Making a consistent rushing attack possible were linemen Bret Gallitto, Mike Mal, Chez Pace, Mike Brede, and Lewis Bower. Quarterback Mike Kirby finished the season completing over half his passes. Joey Carasone was the falcon's top receiver. The frosh defense featured ends Rodney Myers and Rob Shiely, with Tackles Kieth Hoskins and Zach Hayes.

Xavier's defense shutting down Lyman Hall's offense.

Another example of Xavier's defense over Lyman Hall's offense.

One dimension of Xavier's passing game.

A second dimension of Xavier's passing game.

The defense shutting down Fairfield Prep's running game.

Xavier's field goal team line up for the game winning kick against Fairfield Prep.

Xavier's defense waits for Middletown's offense.

Xaveir running an attack against Middletown.

Xavier's passing attack was also effective against Middletown.

Xavier's players celebrate after catching a touchdown pass.

Xavier's defense in action against Middletown.

Protection is the key to a good passing game.

Another sack for Xavier's defense.

Another extra point.

J-V Pictures

The offense runs a play against Hillhouse.

Another offensive attack against Hillhouse.

The defense against Hillhouse.

FRESHMEN

The freshman offense in action against Bristol Central.

Xavier's defenese waits for Notre Dame to snap the ball.

The defense makes a stop against Notre Dame.

Xavier’s offense against Bristol Central.

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