POMPERAUG FOOTBALL
NEWS

Pomperaug’s ground game overpowers Notre Dame
By Ed Flink
THE NEWS-TIMES
2002-11-10

FAIRFIELD — They’ve been playing football at Pomperaug High since 1974,
never winning so much as a division title.

Until now.

Relying on their smashmouth running attack and timely defense, the Panthers pounded
Notre Dame-Fairfield 33-18 Saturday to capture the Colonial Division of the South-West
Conference and a berth in the league championship game against Immaculate on Nov. 21
at a site to be determined.

"It feels very good,’’ said Pomperaug’s low-key coach, Chuck Drury, pausing to find the right
words. "I don’t usually react to anything until the next day. I’ll be happy (today).

"We defended them as well as we could and we were able to move the ball. We felt if we could
move the ball and keep it out of their hands, then we’d have a chance to win the game in the second half.
That’s our strength. We just decided to play muscle ball.’’

The Panthers (8-1, 6-0) dominated the line of scrimmage as halfback Tom Tidgwell (20 carries, 123 yards)
produced four touchdowns and fullback Ken Fraser (18 carries, 124 yards) added a 48-yard scoring
jaunt that created a 26-12 cushion with 8:20 left in the game.

"We’re a running team and we did that effectively today,’’ Tidgwell said.

Meanwhile, linebacker Michael Kielt spearheaded the defense, having a hand in four of its five sacks
against strong-armed quarterback Evan Bowen.

Bowen (14-of-25 for 186 yards) threw a pair of touchdown passes to ever-dangerous receiver
Randy Gress (7 catches, 145 yards), but was under constant pressure from Kielt and Company.

Pomperaug’s coaching staff realized a conservative scheme wouldn’t work, so defensive
coordinator John Pereira took an aggressive approach.

"When he set his feet he was throwing darts,’’ Drury said of Bowen. "When we were pressuring him
he had to worry. He had to worry about Kielt. He’s our go-to kid. I’m sure (Bowen) was looking
every time where No. 51 was lined up.’’

"My role was mostly to blitz the quarterback, almost on every play,’’ Kielt said.
"Coach just kept on sending me. I loved it. That’s the way I like to play.’’

Less than five minutes into the game, Tidgwell’s 17-yard run put Pomperaug ahead 6-0. He was
escorted by pulling guards Joe DeRienzo and Phillip Platt on a sweep right that worked all afternoon.

After the Lancers (7-2, 4-2) took a 13-6 lead, Pomperaug responded immediately. A 13-yard screen
pass from Steve Hansen to Tidgwell on fourth down and 7 kept the drive going. Two plays later,
Tidgwell scored from the 4 and Greg Eddy kicked the extra point, giving the visitors a 13-12 halftime lead.

Pomperaug’s Joe Belovich recovered a Notre Dame fumble on the second half kickoff and his
teammates capitalized quickly. Tidgwell’s 2-yard run make it 19-12.

The turning point occurred on the Lancers’ ensuing possession. They marched to the 2, thanks in
part to Gress’ spectacular 29-yard reception, but 210-pound fullback Joe Roy was stopped on fourth
down for no gain by a host of Panthers before fumbling. A teammate recovered, but Pomperaug took over.

Early in the fourth quarter, Notre Dame was driving again. It reached the Pomperaug 31 before
Kielt not only sacked Bowen, but forced and recovered a fumble.

That’s when Fraser busted loose on his backbreaking 48-yard touchdown run.

Afterward, Notre Dame coach Jeff Bevino could only lament his team’s missed opportunities
and uncharacteristic mistakes.

"We didn’t play a good football game, I don’t think,’’ he said. "I don’t think it was so much
what they did as what we didn’t do.’’

NOTES: Neither team was at full strength. Notre Dame’s best ball carrier, Shawn Young,
played only on defense due to an ankle injury, while Pomperaug was without
WR/CB Tim Keegan (dislocated shoulder).

Keegan is also the kicker. He made six field goals last year and has one this season.
He said he hopes to be cleared to kick next week.

Pomperaug (8-1, 6-0) 6 7 6 14 — 33

Notre Dame (7-2, 4-2) 6 6 0  6 — 18

First quarter

PO — Tom Tidgwell 17 run (kick failed), 7:03

ND — Mark Bohanner 7 run (run failed), :13

Second quarter

ND — Randy Gress 42 pass from Evan Bowen (kick failed), 4:59

PO — Tidgwell 4 run (Greg Eddy) 1:00

Third quarter

PO — Tidgwell 2 run (kick failed), 11:29

Fourth quarter

PO — Ken Fraser 48 run (Eddy kick), 8:20

PO — Tidgwell 8 run (Eddy kick), 2:59

ND — Gress 13 pass from Bowen (pass failed), 2:22

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing

POMPERAUG: Ken Fraser 18-124, Tom Tidgwell 20-123, Pat Kantor 8-12, Steve Hanson 6-4

NOTRE DAME: Evan Bowen 2-49, Mark Bohanner 4-25, Chris McClowry 4-18,
Chad Newton 3-16, Joe Roy 4-7

Passing

POMPERAUG: Steve Hansen 2-5-1-24

NOTRE DAME: Evan Bowen 14-25-0-186

Receiving

POMPERAUG: Tom Tidgwell 2-24

NOTRE DAME: Randy Gress 7-145, Brian Masiello 3-21, Chris McClowry 1-12,
Mark Bohammer 1-9, Shawn Young 1-(minus 1), Alex Kabel 1-0.