Berlin JV Football Caps Off Unbeaten Season with Blowout Victory.

Wrapping up an undefeated season, Berlin JV football downed its New Britain High counterpart, on Friday at Sage Park, 38-0. The late fall afternoon game, played in front of a large contingent of Berlin High football coaches and varsity players , ended under the lights. The JV team, coached by Mike Mendoza, ended 8-0 on the season. New Britain fell to 5-4.

Berlin’s defense led the way, limiting New Britain to only two first downs, both of which were the result of penalties. Nate Campbell intercepted two New Britain passes, and also scored a defensive touchdown, locating a fumble caused by Devin Reilly and running into the end zone from 10 yards out.

The Redcoats’ front seven won the battle at the line of the scrimmage throughout the game. Defensive linemen Billy Conticello, Mike Burek, Ron Cadogan and Reilly, were ably backed up by linebackers/ends Joe Inturri, Anthony Sisti, Jack Strafstrom, Dan McLeod and Jonathan Platosz.
Eric Garcia’s 20-yard run set up the first Berlin touchdown, a short run by Sisti. Fullback McLeod scored next for Berlin, punctuating his touchdown with a conversion pass from Alec Norton.

Two Norton TD passes - to Campbell and then Connor Morrin - gave Berlin a comfortable halftime lead. Garcia contributed a 16-yard run to help set up the latter.

With time running out in the first half, Norton hit Connor Morrin on a slant pass to give Berlin a comfortable halftime lead. Garcia contributed a 16-yard run on this drive, with Jake Eliades adding the two-point conversion.

Berlin outscored opponents this year 259-32, including victories over two Class LL schools, Southington and New Britain.

The JV’s team only loss in the last three seasons was at the hands of Rocky Hill in 2011. The core of 2010 JV team are now seniors on the Redcoats’ varsity’s 8-1 team. It is anticipated that many of this year’s JV team will make up next year’s varsity starting lineup.

Berlin has defeated New Britain in both sub-varsity games as a lead-up to the Thanksgiving Eve clash at Veterans’ Memorial Stadium in New Britain. Thursday’s freshman game ended in a 24-22 Berlin victory.