Each year begins with questions, each year offers great potential. As the
2012 Ellington Knights gathered, the first question was who will replace
all those now graduated seniors? Who will take over for Zach Paquette and
who is the quarterback? How do we replace Kenny, Jason and Jack on the
line? So many questions, not the least of which being “can we return to
As the season neared two distinct facts became clear. The senior class was
heavy with talent and the Junior class was showing serious potential. If
that was not encouraging enough, we also noted a number of sophomores and
freshmen pushing for time on varsity. This is the situation when a program
begins to command respect. When wave after wave of seniors leave a program
and the team maintains its high level of success, the program grows and the
success continues.
2012 was a perfect example. The defense was hit hard by graduation with
only two or three returning starters. This years defense finished first
overall in class M in defense. The offense lost most of the line, most of
the backs and the quarterback, only to finish seventh in class M. Sometimes
the answers are great answers, this was one of those years for The Knights.
We lose Mitch Duresta and we replace him with Neal Janiga we lose Ken
Vollaro and replace him with Sean Tynan. Zach Paquette suddenly became Big
Ben Bayler and Sean Mckillop. Last years secondary was patrolled by seniors
and this year the secondary had two seniors a junior two sophomores and two
freshman. A good sign for the future.
Frequently lost in the reports about Ellington football, is that Joe Leslie
never played quarterback before, yet he led the team to the state
quarterfinals. Chris Schneider proved one of the best all around backs,
linebackers, receivers and kick returners in the league. His kick return at
Gilbert slammed the brakes on a Gilbert offensive run, setting the stage
for Neal Janigas game winning half back bomb to Brendan Coverdill.
Out of desperation for a linebacker, the team reached into its receiver corps, only
to find Andrew Pierce who turned in an outstanding season on defense. But
that happens in Ellington, good players are waiting to replace good
players. If you need evidence of this think back to the performance by
Ryan Connor on thanksgiving day. Not satisfied with a fumble recovery in
the first half, Connor scooped a second fumble late in the contest and
scampered into the end zone for his first varsity score. It was that kind
of season for Ellington, when some extra effort needed to be made, someone
stepped up..
The season offered many highs and lows. The loss at Avon was one of those
games where when we look back, a dream ended on a diving one handed catch.
An inch one way or the other and we win the game and go undefeated for the
second consecutive year. The Knights did hear their name called when the
state chose its eight team tournament field. The battle vs. Weston went
down to the last with minutes Weston prevailing 29-22. Though the Weston score
signified the end of the 2012 season, it sounded an alarm to the
underclassmen. Time to begin preparation for next year, for the battles
that will come. Time to get faster and stronger, more prepared than ever
before.
When the 2013 Knights take the field, once again there will be questions.
Once again there will be potential. Who will rise up and seize a starting
role, who will run back that kick or hold the thanksgiving trophy above
their heads? Today we wonder about such things, but one day, a day not so
far off, out of the smoke will emerge the 2013 Knights. Ready to play and
determined to make the states for a record third straight year. So to those
who still have time, use the time to prepare . Be ready when the call
comes. Recruit your friends and no matter what it takes, no matter how hard
you must work, make the required sacrifices and above everything, BEAT
AVON.
Congratulations and good luck Knights.
