Springfield CYO Football

Kyle Long sprints 55 yards along the sidelines for a touch down as father, Frank, cheers him on.

SFA Junior Varsity

SFA 21, St. Anastasia 0

The St. Francis of Assisi (SFA) fifth- and sixth-grade football team faced their biggest challenge of the season and passed the test with flying colors with a convincing 21-0 victory over St. Anastasia. SFA upped their record to 4-0.

SFA’s Andrew Paulus returned the opening kickoff 30 yards down to St. Annie’s 30-yard line, and three plays later Kyle Long sprinted 24 yards around end for a touchdown. Connor Ringwalt booted the extra point, and in a blink of an eye SFA was leading 8-0.

SFA’s defense held St. Annies on downs, and once again Long busted loose for a scoring run, this time scampering 55 yards to pay dirt. Linemen Jerry Curran and David Strawley provided key blocks on both of Long’s touchdown runs. The extra point attempt failed and the first quarter came to a close with SFA on top 14-0.

Neither team was able to generate any offense in the second quarter and the half came to an end with SFA still leading 14-0.

SFA stopped St. Annies on downs to start the second half, and then struck again with another big play on offense when Paulus burst through the middle and rambled 60 yards for a touchdown. Linemen Jared Morris, Chris Alfonsi, Joey Radico and Kevin McKeon opened up the gaping hole. Paulus was then on the receiving end of the extra point from Ringwalt and SFA increased their lead to 21-0. The game remained 21-0 as the third quarter came to a close, and the starters on both teams were done for the day. There was no further scoring in the game.

SFA’s defense remained unscored upon for the year, allowing only 46 yards and three first downs while forcing three turnovers. Leading tacklers were Michael Ward, Curran, McKeon, Paulus, Strawley, Long, Andrew Pickett, Connor Sadoff, Greg Tamaccio, Matt Bendyna and John Powers. Strawley and Matt Ries recovered fumbles and Paulus hauled in an interception.

SFA will travel to Ashland Middle School in Briarcliff to face Our Lady of Fatima on Saturday at noon.