Redcoats Hoping To Make History Tonight At Scalise Field

First Round of the CIAC Class M State Playoffs

#5 Cheney Tech (9-1) at #4 Berlin (9-1)

Scalise Field, Sage Park, 6:30 p.m.

The Berlin football program, for all its success on the football field, has never won a playoff game at home on Scalise Field at Sage Park.

The Redcoats lost to eventual state champion Hilhouse last year in the quarterfinal round. Two years ago, when the Redcoats won the state championship, they won their semifinal game on the road against Bristol Eastern.

Tuesday night, Berlin hosts Cheney Tech, 9-1. Cheney's lone loss is to #1 seed in Class S, Capital Prep, which went unbeaten at 10-0. Berlin lost at home to Northwest Catholic, also a playoff team in Class S. 

"The kids are excited to get another home game at Sage Park," Berlin coach John Capodice said. "We are looking for our first home playoff win in the history of the program and I know our kids are excited to strive for this on Tuesday.

"If someone told me before the season the 2011 football team will go 9-1, win the CCC title and get a home playoff game I might have looked at them a little funny with our youthful team. However, the kids and coaches have done an outstanding job improving on a weekly basis."

Berlin has seen tape of Cheney and Capodice and his staff see a speedy team that will need to be contained.

"Cheney, from film study, has a lot of speed," Capodice said. "We will have to contain them and keep them boxed in. Their running back #44, Desean Higgins (senior running back-linebacker, 5-11, 190) and their quarterback Dejahn Dawkins (senior QB-corner, 5-10, 160) appear to be their top threats. Defensively, we will have to run to the ball and tackle. We want to ensure there are no eye violations and we stick to our keys. If everyone does their job, the defense will work."

Cheney coach Roger Pulito said his team is a running team who will try to mix it up when possible.

"Our team is primarily a running team," Pulito said. "We are relatively small by high school standards. The average weight for our offensive/defensive line is about 185 pounds. We are a fast team on offense and defense.

"We have a 40 players on our varsity/jv roster. Our entire backfield quarterback Dejahn Dawkins and running backs Desean Higgins, Trevaun Holder and Jeffrey Skipper all average over five yards per carry and have real speed. Mike Majewski is a talented tight end and Terence Luther and Derek Defronzo are a pair of great guards."

Pulito said when he looks at Berlin, he sees the Berlin Wall.

"Berlin has a very big offensive and defensive line," he said. "Defensively they are physically tough and do not give up many points. They have a wall of defensive backs, which severely limit your chances for a long run or pass.

"Offensively they utilize multiple sets and multiple blocking schemes. It is one of the most versatile backfields that we have ever seen. All four backs can play QB out of gun and they can all catch the ball well when used as receivers. (Mitch) Williams throws the ball well, and gets better every game.

"Very seldom do you see all of them in the same positions on any two consecutive downs. Williams is an accurate thrower, and (Tommy) Undercuffler is an extremely tough runner, but also has excellent hands as a receiver. Bouchard is physically tough. A big tight end to run behind and also great hands as a receiver. Gombotz and McLeod are a pair of smaller backs, but use their blocking well and aren't afraid to getting their shoulders down.

"To win, we need to get our running game outside. We have to neutralize the line of scrimmage, we can't back up. We must know where Undercuffler and Bouchard are at all times, but don't ignore Gombotz and McLeod. If we don't get some pressure on Williams, he will pick us apart with five capable receivers at his disposal."

Capodice said the offense will remain the same as it has all season. No need to change things that are working for you.

"Offensively, we will run our stuff," Capodice said. "We always take what the defense gives us. Mitch Williams has done an outstanding job as our field general.

So have the Redcoats done anything differently preparing for the playoffs this time around?

"We do not prepare any differently," Capodice said. "The goal each and every game is to go 1-0. With the playoffs we want to survive and advance. These kids have been a pleasure to coach and I hope we have additional practices with them after Tuesday night."

The winner of the game will advance to play a semifinal game against the winner of #1 seed Ansonia and #8 seed Bethel. That game will be Saturday at a time and site to be announced.