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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 12/21/2009
 
"Kelly earns All-Area Football MVP"
By Matt Doran

Human nature suggests that the brilliant high school football career of Staples senior Matt Kelly could very well be defined by one thing and one thing only.

The fumble.

Staples was on the verge of completing one of the greatest seasons in school history in the most dramatic of fashions. After storming back from a 21-7 deficit with a fierce 14-point fourth quarter comeback in the Class LL state championship against Cheshire, the Wreckers had a 13-0 record and the state's No. 1 ranking on their fingertips.

But Kelly fumbled on the second possession of overtime, the only time he fumbled all season, allowing third-seeded Cheshire to escape with a 28-21 victory.

Sadly, it's a moment that will reverberate in Staples football history forever.

"I don't really even remember it," Kelly said. "It was definitely one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through in my life."

But that's not the way history should remember Matt Kelly.

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NEWS ALERT: FCIAC Football Blog
posted 12/21/2009
 
"Tommy Jordan takes 2009 Player of the Year Honors"
By Tim Parry

Staples quarterback Keith Gelman finished third with 229 votes.

Thrust into the spotlight when second-year starter Brandon Pacilio went down with a broken leg in Week 6, the senior quarterback showed why the backup quarterback must always be prepared. Gelman led Staples to an FCIAC championship and a berth in the CIAC Class LL finals.

Gelman guided Staples to an FCIAC championship and a berth in the CIAC Class LL finals. Gelman had 1,072 yards passing and seven touchdowns, and completed 70% of his passes. He also ran for 290 yards and five touchdowns, and in a Week 3 game against Ridgefield, blocked a punt and recovered a fumble.

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Great Pictures From State Championship Game
posted 12/12/2009
 
To see some "Great Pictures" from the State Championship Game by Jon Bloom
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PRESS ALERT: Hartford Courant
posted 12/06/2009
 
"Cheshire defeats Staples, 21 - 28, for LL Title"
By Dom Amore

Michael Skibicki scored on a 2-yard run, then Cheshire held defensively to beat Staples, 28-21, in overtime in a dramatic Class LL final at Strong Stadium.

The Rams led 21-7 in the fourth before Staples (12-1), the last remaining unbeaten team in the state, scored twice to force OT.

Greg Palmer threw for a TD and ran for two others as the Rams built their first-hald lead.

Staples forced OT with two touchdowns in the final 4 minutes, 44 seconds of regulation. Keith Gelman's 16-yard pass to Brian Rankowitz, who broke several tackles along the way, brought the Wreckers within a score.

Then Gelman engineered a 66-yard drive and tied the game with a 1-yard sneak.

Into OT, the Rams got the first possession and scored on Skibicki's 2-yard run.When Staples got its chance, Cheshire forced a fumble and recovered, ending the game.

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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 12/06/2009
 
"Havlicek steals the ball, Cheshire beats Staples in OT"
By Sean Patrick Bowley

Regardless of who did it, Cheshire is your Class LL state champion. Staples’ amazing year — including a wild second-half comeback in this game — just few a few yards short.

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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 12/06/2009
 
"Cheshire Defeats Staples in overtime"
By Matt Doran

The Staples High School football team had no reason to be feeling anything but confident as it took the field for the start of overtime in Sunday's Class LL state championship game against Cheshire.

The top-seeded and undefeated Wreckers spent the past 17 days playing the role of Harry Houdini to perfection, using late-game comebacks and last-second heroics to escape with three heart-pounding, logic-defying victories.

With a chance to write another thrilling chapter in this storybook season, storming back from a 14-point deficit with two touchdowns over the final five minutes of the fourth quarter, the Wreckers felt as if nothing was going to stop them on their quest for perfection.

Staples was so confident, it decided to go on defense after winning the overtime coin toss.

"We were coming back and the momentum was building, and I felt like if we could stop them in overtime and get our kicker on the field, the story would have a happy ending," Staples head coach Marce Petroccio said.

Instead, it was Cheshire that came up with the late-game magic, turning what would have been the greatest season in Staples football history into utter heartbreak.

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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 12/05/2009
 
"Wreckers roll on despite QB change"
By Matt Doran

The Staples High School football team is 12-0 overall, ranked No. 1 in both state polls, it's the 2009 FCIAC champion and will play for the Class LL state title when it faces Cheshire at 7 o'clock tonight at West Haven High School's Strong Stadium.

Pretty impressive stuff, even for a team like Staples, which has been one of the most consistently successful programs in the state over the past decade. Eight trips to the state playoffs and six trips to state championship games since 2001 speaks for itself.

However, when you consider the adversity the Wreckers had to overcome this season, just getting to this point is an accomplishment that could go down with the best of the best in FCIAC lore.

Staples is one game away from capping one of the greatest seasons in school history, and amazingly enough, has done it despite losing starting quarterback Brandon Pacilio with a season-ending leg injury during a Week 6 victory over Harding.

Most teams would have crumbled like two-week-old bread if the leader of their offense went down. Especially somone like Pacilio, a senior captain who had started 17 straight games before his injury.

Staples simply plugged in senior Keith Gelman, went back to work, and is now one win away from winning its fourth state title since 2002.

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PRESS ALERT: Republican-American
posted 12/05/2009
 
"Cheshire faces topseeded Staples in Class LL Final"
By Mark Jaffe

Greg Palmer is one of a long line of option quarterbacks who have not only been fleet-footed, but led the Cheshire High football team to state elite status.

After seeing Palmer’s combined running and passing abilities on tape and in person, Staples head coach Marce Petroccio feels he has reason to be concerned heading into Championship Saturday.

Staples (12-0) will meet No. 3 Cheshire (10-1) Saturday night at 7 at West Haven High’s Strong Stadum.

“Greg is a tremendous athlete and we are going to be severely challenged,” offered Petroccio. “He plays with confidence. He stepped in to replace Billy Ragone (2008 Republican-American Player of the Year,

See CHESHIRE, Page 4C

 now a freshman at Penn) and that is not an easy task, and Cheshire hasn’t missed a beat.”

But Palmer is far from the only concern for the top-seeded Wreckers (12-0), the FCIAC champions.

“Dan Sweeney, their fullback and linebacker, is a tough, hard-nosed football player and their receivers (Brian Havlicek, Brian DeBisschop, Ryan Connolly) are all well-rounded,” said Petroccio. “Their offense presents a lot of problems for us defensively. We have to make sure we do things the right way. We are going to have to find a way to slow them down.”


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PRESS ALERT: NewsTimes
posted 12/05/2009
 
"Staples ready to battle Cheshire for Clas LL State Title"
By Tim Parry

There's a Socrates quote on head coach Marce Petroccio's bio page on the Staples football team's Web site that is rather relevant as the Wreckers prepare for tonight's Class LL championship game at 7 against Cheshire.

"Pay attention to the young, and make them as good as possible."

Petroccio helped mold the head coach who will be on the opposite sideline at Ken Strong Stadium in West Haven, Mark Ecke.

"I learned everything I know about defense by watching Petroccio coach defense," said Ecke, who was a tight end at Western Connecticut while Petroccio was the linebacker coach under Paul Pasqualoni.

After Pasqualoni moved on to Syracuse, Petroccio and Ecke joined Western Connecticut coaching colleague Steve Addazio, who became the head coach at Ecke's alma-mater, Cheshire. Petroccio ran the defense, and Ecke replaced Petroccio as defensive coordinator in 1992 before becoming Cheshire's head coach in 1995.


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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 12/04/2009
 
"Class LL State Semifinal Rewind: Staples 31, Xavier 28 (the movie)"
By Sean Patrick Bowley

The video picks up late in the second quarter (the footage was dicey for much of the game’s first quarter) with Staples leading 14-0 on a Matt Kelly run on the game’s first series, and, following an interception, a quick strike from quarterback Keith Gelman to Brendan Rankowitz.

You’ll see Xavier’s Julian Hayes score the Falcons’ first touchdown toward the end of the first half and then you’ll see the explosive second half: another Hayes TD run, Kelly’s 54-yard counter, Hayes’ 3-yard scoring run and then Kelly’s 2-yard score to make it 28-21, Staples early in the fourth.

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NEWS ALERT: FCIAC Football Blog
posted 12/04/2009
 
"Matt Kelly Unanimous Choice for Player of the Week"

It’s unanimous: Staples running back Matt Kelly is the Fairfield County Player of the Week for his CIAC Class LL semifinal performance in his team’s 31-28 win over Xavier.

Kelly carried the ball 25 times for 225 yards and had touchdown runs of 9, 54 and 3 yards. Kelly countered the Xavier running attack of 6-foot-2, 210-lb. running back Julian Hayes by answering the call of duty whenever Xavier got itself back in the game.

Candidates for the Fairfield County Player of the Week award are nominated either direct from their coaches, by media recommendations or by fans of the FCIAC Football Blog on Facebook.

The Fairfield County Player of the Week Award is sponsored by BlueStreak Sports Training and supported by the FCIAC Football Blog.


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Falcons lose to a terrific team
posted 12/03/2009
 
Thanks to Coach McFarland for sending this article to my attention.
Thought you all would enjoy it!

"Falcons lose to a terrific team"
By Jim Bransfield for the MIDDLETOWN PRESS

The Staples vs. Xavier game was compelling. It was exciting high school football played at the highest level Connecticut can offer. That it was played before a big crowd — over 1,000 were supporting Xavier at a site some 57 miles from Middletown — that was beside itself all night long and made it all the more dramatic.

It probably causes Xavier players, coaches and fans great pain to know that it was Xavier mistakes that cost the Falcons the game and a very real chance to win a state championship. But they should all take solace in that it took a terrific team to beat the Falcons.

Staples, unbeaten at 12-0, won the game 31-28. The Wreckers are, indeed, terrific. They play Cheshire for the LL crown Saturday.

“We knew they had big play capability and we tried to stop their big plays,” said Xavier coach Sean Marinan. “We just didn’t do it.”

But like everything in life, the view depends on which side you’re sitting. From the Staples point of view, it was its ability to make big plays that won the game, not Xavier’s inability to stop them.

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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 12/03/2009
 
"Petroccio renews old aquaintances"
By Matt Doran

If Marce Petroccio coaches with the same passion and intensity he's brought to the field for the past 17 seasons, the head coach of the Staples High School football team will be boiling over with emotion come 9 p.m. Saturday.

By then, Petroccio is hoping to be in the center of a wild celebration on the turf at West Haven High School's Ken Strong Stadium, with the Class LL state championship trophy gripped firmly in his hands.

The No. 1 ranked Wreckers are looking to put the finishing touches on one of the best seasons in school history, sitting at 12-0 overall while holding down the No. 1 ranking in the state. A victory against No. 3 Cheshire (10-1) will make Staples the state's top team for the first time since the CIAC instituted the state playoff format in 1976.

So nothing is going to stop Petroccio from concentrating on the matter at hand.

"We want to finish this off," Petroccio said. "We don't want to leave that field without a state championship."

However, there might come a quiet moment during the controlled chaos of a day on the sidelines when Petroccio stops what he's doing, gathers himself and looks across the field.

There, he will see one of his former players, a former coaching colleague, a longtime friend and also one of his rivals.

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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 12/03/2009
 
"Wreckers seeking that final victory"
By Matt Doran


The Staples High School football team couldn't have dreamed up a better season if it had a Hollywood producer writing the script.

This is what the Wreckers imagined when they hit the practice field for the first time during preseason, trying to wipe away the bitter pain of a 6-5 record in 2008 that kept this proud program out of the state tournament for the first time since 2001.

Staples has done everything in its power to prove it is still one of the state's elite teams. The Wreckers have won 12 games without a loss, including the school's fifth FCIAC title after pulling out a thrilling 14-10 comeback victory over Bridgeport Central.

They swept through the first nine games of the FCIAC regular season like men playing against boys, winning by an average margin of 35 points while allowing just 25, the lowest total in the state.

Staples is currently ranked No. 1 in both state polls, the first time it has entered the state playoffs with that lofty status. The Wreckers lead the state in sacks (46), interceptions (25) and forced turnovers (35).

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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 12/02/2009
 
"Staples Survives"
By Matt Doran

The Staples High School football team is getting pretty good at fighting off adversity.

The undefeated and top-seeded Wreckers swallowed another large dose in the first round of the Class LL state playoffs, getting smacked in the mouth by the physical play of fourth-seeded Xavier and the powerful running of 210-pound senior halfback Julian Hayes.

But Staples, which beat Bridgeport Central in the final minute of the FCIAC championship game then blocked a field goal with no time left in a Thanksgiving Day victory against Greenwich, just kept taking Xavier's best shots.

And kept coming back even stronger.

In the end, Staples had just enough to will its way back into the state championship game.

Senior halfback Matt Kelly rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns, including a momentum-turning 54-yard run in the third quarter, to lead Staples to a thrilling 31-28 victory over the Falcons Tuesday night at Wilton High School's Tom Fujitani Field.

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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 12/02/2009
 
"CIAC Semifinals: Southwestern Domination"
By Sean Patrick Bowley

Staples outslugged Xavier. The Wreckers may be gassed, but they’re just that good. And Matt Kelly just made himself first-team All Connecticut Post with last night’s performance. The tradition continues.

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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 12/02/2009
 
"Staples Outslugged Xavier"
By Tim Parry

Before many fans were able to get out of a traffic jam on Route 7 and into the grandstands at Fujitani Field at Wilton's Veterans Memorial Stadium, Staples had already jumped out to a 14-0 lead in its Class LL semifinal against Xavier Tuesday night.

And it turned out the Wreckers needed every point.

No. 4 Xavier was able to tie the game at 14 and 21 before the top-seeded Wreckers pulled away for a 31-28 win to advance to Saturday's final against No. 3 Cheshire at a site and time to be determined.

Staples senior and first-year varsity player Santiago Cuartas put the game out of Xavier's reach 31-21 with 2:40 left to play when he nailed his 12th field goal of the season, a 35-yarder, to break the CIAC record set two seasons ago by Christian Garcia of Norwalk.

Xavier made things interesting by coming right back to score on an 18-yard reception by Jordan Hyman with 1:43 remaining, but Staples linebacker Jack Ambrose recovered a deep onside kick, and the Wreckers were able to run the clock out.

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NEWS ALERT: Hour Sports Minute Blog
posted 12/02/2009
 
"Cuartas cool under pressure"

A funny thing happened to Staples senior kicker Santiago Cuartas on his way to setting a new state record for field goals Tuesday night at Wilton High School.

Top-seeded and undefeated Staples (12-0) had just taken a 13-0 lead in the first quarter of the Class LL state semifinals against Xavier when Cuartas went out to attempt the extra point.

Only one problem: Cuartas was still wearing his jacket.

Cuartas, a native of Columbia who moved to the United States when he was in fourth grade, was obviously suffering on what was a pretty chilly night in Wilton.

Cuartas, getting looked at by Lehigh, Hofstra, UConn and Catholic University, didn’t realize his mistake until it was too late. Staples head coach Marce Petroccio was forced to burn a timeout to avoid taking a penalty.

“I turn around and he’s wearing a Denver Broncos jacket,” said Petroccio of Cuartas, who has gone 51-for-53 on PATs and scored 87 points this season. “But that’s Santi. Sometimes I’m not sure if he realizes what’s going on out there. That’s why he’s done what he’s done this year. He’s just a cool cucumber.”

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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 12/01/2009
 
"Staples must rise for yet another challenge"
By Tim Parry

Staples is undefeated and may be the No. 1 team in the state according to the various polls released Monday. But questions have been following the Wreckers all season.

For the first nine weeks, the critics said, "Yeah, Staples is undefeated, but who have they played?"

The past two weeks, after posting comeback wins over Bridgeport Central in the FCIAC championship game and Greenwich in its annual Thanksgiving Day clash, the question has been, "How did they do that?"

"It's been an exciting two weeks around here, that's for sure," said Staples coach Marce Petroccio, whose top-seeded team will face No. 4 Xavier of Middletown tonight in the semifinals of the CIAC Class LL tournament.

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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 12/01/2009
 
"Undefeated Staples meets red hot Xavier"
By Matt Doran


The Staples High School football team has never lacked for confidence. If there's one thing veteran head coach Marce Petroccio is known for, it's making his team believe it can win.

But just to be sure, Petroccio gathered the Wreckers together prior to the start of the season-opener against Trinity Catholic and gave them the words that eventually became the team's credo.

"I told them to never get too high and never get too low," said Petroccio, in his 17th season as head coach. "I wanted them to play on an even keel, and that's been the bottom line for us this year. Don't panic, keep things in perspective and execute every play, one play at a time."

That mantra has served Staples well all season, especially over the past two games as the Wreckers needed late-game heroics to pull out stunning victories over Bridgeport Central in the FCIAC championship and Greenwich on Thanksgiving.

Petroccio is hoping for more of the same when the undefeated and top-seeded Wreckers face No. 4 Xavier of Middletown in the first round of the Class LL state playoffs today at 6:30 p.m. at Wilton High School's Tom Fujitani Field.

Staples is 11-0 overall and ranked No. 1 in both state polls.

Xavier (9-1), ranked second in the coaches poll and fourth by the state writers, enters as one of the hottest teams in the state having won nine straight following a puzzling 37-19 setback against Wilbur Cross in the season-opener.


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CLASS LL Semi-Final Capsule - CT POST
posted 12/01/2009
 

No. 4 Xavier vs. No. 1 Staples
WHERE -- Fujitani Field, Wilton
RECORDS -- Xavier 9-1; Staples 11-0
PLAYERS TO WATCH -- Xavier: Sr. TB/DB Julian Hayes (1,143 yds., 17 TD rushing); Jr. ILB Graham Stewart; Sr. QB Alex Pace (1,028 yds., 11 TD passing). Staples: Sr. RB/DB Matt Kelly (785 yds., 9 TD); Jr. RB/DB Ryan Burke (784 yds., 9 TD); Sr. LB Matt Santora; Sr. WR/DB Brendan Rankowitz; Sr. K Santiago Cuartas (11 FG).
OUTLOOK -- The most anticipated game of all the semifinals. But what does top-ranked Staples, banged up from two grueling games, have left? A few starters are out. Others are hobbled. Xavier, which has won nine straight, features one of the state's top backs in Hayes and the SCC's best defense. A week ago, this was Staples' game. Now, its glorious run might have run out of gas.
THE PICK -- Xavier 27, Staples 21


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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 11/29/2009
 

"On The Record - An Interview with Staples High's Brendan Rankowitz"

Staples High football senior Brendan Rankowitz, pictured at right, had his ups and downs in the FCIAC Championship game against Bridgeport Central. He dropped a potential game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter but regrouped to haul in the winning score with 1:19 left in the game. He also came down with the game-sealing interception to earn MVP honors. Now Rankowitz and Staples brace for Xavier in the Class LL state playoffs. Rankowitz, who leads the Wreckers in receptions and interceptions, recently took time out of his busy schedule to go "On the Record" with The Hour.

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More Great Photos from Greenwich Game
posted 11/28/2009
 
Thanks to David Dreyfuss for these great photos!
You have to see these!

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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 11/28/2009
 
"Staples kicker enters state record book"
By Alex Wiser

Just one field goal short of tying the state record, the stakes could not have been higher on Thanksgiving Day for Staples senior kicker Santiago Cuartas.

With just over 30 seconds remaining and his team trailing by a score of 28-27 to Greenwich, Cuartas boomed the game-winning kick from 31 yards out.

His state-record tying 10th field goal on the season proved to be monumental, propelling the host Wreckers over their FCIAC rivals while securing a spot in the state tournament semifinals for Staples.

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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 11/28/2009
 
"State Football Playoffs -- No. 1 seed Staples to face Xavier"
By John Nash

There are three FCIAC football teams heading into the postseason and the Staples Wreckers are one of them.

The Wreckers of head coach Marce Petroccio, one of five undefeated teams to advance to the state playoffs, will take an 11-0 mark as well as the No. 1 seed into the Class LL semifinals.

Staples will play No. 4 Xavier on Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m., at Wilton High School's Fujitani Field. The CIAC stipulates that all state playoff games be played at night, so since Staples' field has no lights the "home" game is played at a neutral site.

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ALL GUTS, NO GLORY!
posted 11/28/2009
 

 

ALL GUTS, NO GLORY!

Same title, same story, different year!

The interior linemen for the Staples Wreckers Offense are unsung heroes!

Open any newspaper, and rarely will you see the names of Graber, Mullen, Vaughn, Bohling, Rosenbloom, and Kowalsky. However, if you ask any Staples Team Member, and they will tell you without hesitation “without these guys, we don’t put up 382 points this season!” These linemen have grown up shoulder to shoulder for 5 years through the PAL Youth Football program in preparation for their 4 years at Staples. These Seniors are not the biggest line in Staples history but they can be considered one of the smartest, most athletic, and one of the best…… with a tremendous heart!!! It is a pleasure to watch them open up holes for our Backs, push opponents “Down the Field,” and protect the QB!

Give a “shout out” to the O-Line! We love what they’re doing!

 

GO WRECKERS!!!


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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 11/27/2009
 
"Staples holds on to nip Greenwich"
By Alex Wiser

While most amusement parks tend to be closed for the holidays, Thursday's Thanksgiving Day showdown between Staples and Greenwich proved to be an unexpected ride for all in attendance.

When the whirlwind of action finally came screeching to a halt, a game that featured a trio of fourth-quarter lead changes boiled down to a pair of field goal attempts in the waning moments.

A 31-yard field goal by Staples kicker Santiago Cuartas put the host Wreckers up by a score of 30-28 with 30 seconds to go, and teammates Matt Yaeger and Jack Ambrose knifed through the Cardinal line to block the game-winning 34-yard field goal attempt by Cardinals kicker Rafael Bussy with two seconds remaining, sending the Wreckers to an electrifying 30-28 Thanksgiving day triumph.

"I feel like I've been at Coney Island all morning," said Staples coach Marce Petroccio. "From start to finish, there was no let up whatsoever. I can definitely say that it was the longest roller coaster ride I've ever been on."

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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 11/27/2009
 
"Staples holds off Greenwich to remain perfect, No 1 in Class LL"
By Jesse Quinlan

The previous four Thanksgiving Day tilts between perennial powerhouses Staples and Greenwich have generated a lot of hype, but produced very little drama.

That all changed on Thursday.

After a 32-yard field goal by senior Santiago Cuartas with 21 seconds remaining gave it the lead, Staples blocked a potential game-winning kick by Greenwich as time expired, holding on for a thrilling 30-28 victory before a capacity crowd at Staples Field.


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NEWS ALERT: FCIAC Football Blog
posted 11/27/2009
 
"2009 CIAC Semifinal Matchups Announced"
By Tim Parry"

The CIAC met this morning to officially go over the state’s standings, make sure all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed, sites are secured, etc. And now the CIAC has officially determined who will play who at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday for the chance to play in the six state championship games on Saturday.

CLASS LL:
#4 Xavier (9-1) vs. #1 Staples (11*-0) at Wilton HS
#3 Cheshire (9-1) at #2 Glastonbury (9-1)

CLASS L:
#4 Simsbury (9-1) at #1 Pomperaug (11*-0)
#3 Notre Dame-West Haven (9-1) at #2 Conard (10-0)

CLASS MM:
#4 St. Paul/Goodwin Tech (8-2) at #1 New Canaan (9-1)
#3 Vinal Tech/Coginchaug (9-1) at #2 East Lyme (9-1)

CLASS M:
#4 Bethel (8-2) at #1 New London (10-0)
#3 Berlin (8-2) vs. #2 Avon (10-0) at Muzzy Field, Bristol

CLASS SS:
#4 St. Joseph (8-2) vs. #1 Holy Cross (9-1) at Municipal Stadium
#3 Bullard Havens Tech (9-1) at #2 Montville (9-1)

CLASS S:
#4 Ansonia (8-2) at #1 Northwest Catholic (9-1)
#3 Bloomfield (9-1) vs. #2 Hyde Leadership (9-1) at West Haven HS

(*Record includes a league championship game win or loss)

(Fairfield County teams in bold… yes, we know Pomperaug is not in Fairfield County, but its league is predominantly a Fairfield County league)


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PRESS ALERT: Westport News
posted 11/27/2009
 
"Pacilio maintains poise through adversity"
by Eliot Schickler

Brandon Pacilio made his presence felt in the huddle throughout his career. A senior captain quarterback for the Staples football team, he earned First Team All-FCIAC this year and Second Team All-FCIAC his junior year -- his first full year as a starter.

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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 11/27/2009
 
"Thanksgiving Day Wrap: Wild in Westport"
By Sean Patrick Bowley

SYNOPSIS — I have yet to see the replays on MSG, but by all accounts this was one mother of a Thanksgiving Day football game. Probably the best, most exciting one of the day. Staples was up 21-7, Greenwich came roaring back to take a 22-21 lead late. Staples scored, Greenwich scored. Staples got their kicker Santiago Cuartas (whose previous field goal attempt had hit the upright) in position for the go-ahead points, he drills it this time. With the City of Bridgeport behind them, Greenwich roars back, gets into position and… has their field goal blocked to end the game.

“There were so many emotions going on I felt like I was on a ride at Coney Island,” said Staples coach Marce Petroccio, showing his age. (Coney Island? I’ve seen pictures once).

Staples wins an absolute classic and, for the second straight week, drive a dagger deep into the hearts of Central fans everywhere.  They go to the Class LL playoffs as the No. 1 seed. Central gets to watch.

As for Greenwich, they just didn’t have the composure to make their usual run. Two losses by one point, another by two. They were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct late in the game again drawing more ire over the referees. But there’s nobody to blame but themselves on this. As we saw from Bassick the night before, you’ve gotta keep your composure. Still, a nice effort from the Cardinals to make this one of the day’s best.

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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 11/25/2009
 
"Staples-Greenwich: More on the line than you think"
By Matt Doran

Funny how things work out sometimes.

If Staples and Greenwich meet on the football field next season with a combined two losses between them, there won't be much to play for other than deciding who gets to tear into the massive turkey MSG provides as a trophy every season for its traditionally televised Thanksgiving Day game.

Staples, which won the FCIAC title with a thrilling 14-10 comeback victory over Bridgeport Central last Friday night, is 10-0 overall and ranked No. 1 in the state while Greenwich is 7-2, having suffered two one-point losses against New Canaan and Bridgeport Central.

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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 11/25/2009
 
"Guide to Thanksgiving Day Football"

THURSDAY

Greenwich at Staples

Where: Staples High School field

Time: 10 a.m.

Records: Greenwich 7-2, Staples 10-0

Series: Greenwich leads, 16-5

Last season: Greenwich 27, Staples 0

By the numbers: The last four games in the series have been shutouts. Greenwich has won the last two meetings by scores of 27-0 and 37-0 and Staples won the previous two, 20-0 and 10-0.

Players to watch: Greenwich; Sr. QB Mike Lefflbine, Sr. RB Mike Dunster, Jr. K Oliver Ostrowski. Staples; Sr. WR/CB Brendan Rankowitz, Sr. RB/CB Matt Kelly, Sr. RB Ryan Burke, Sr. LB Jake Santora, Jr. DE/TE Chris Coyne, Sr. K Santiago Cuartas.

Outlook: Staples, ranked No. 1 in both state polls and fresh off a thrilling 14-10 comeback victory over Bridgeport Central in the FCIAC championship game, is looking to wrap up a berth to the Class LL state playoffs. The Wreckers are ranked No. 1 in the playoff standings, but need to win to clinch one of the top four spots. A win should give Staples a home game for the first round. Greenwich is out of the postseason for the second straight year having dropped one-point decisions against Bridgeport Central (14-13) and New Canaan (35-34).

Greenwich will look to crack a Staples defense which has allowed a state-low 35 points this season with five shutouts. The Wreckers hadn't allowed double figures until giving up 10 against Central in the FCIAC finals. Staples held Central's high-powered offense to 181 yards last week, including just 36 in the second half. The Staples defense has forced 33 turnovers, including 22 interceptions, six by Rankowitz and five by Santora. The Wreckers have 38 sacks, including a team-high 15 by Coyne.

Cuartas will be gunning for the state's single-season record for field goals. The Staples senior, a converted soccer player who joined the football team this season, has 10 field goals. He needs one to tie the state record of 11 set by Norwalk's Christian Garcia in 2007 -- a record he broke on Thanksgiving Day.

The game will be televised live on MSG Network.


Wilton at Trinity Catholic

Where: Alumni Field

Time: 10:30a.m.

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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
by posted 11/22/2009
 
"The Mad CIAC Playoff Scientist sez......."
By Sean Patrick Bowley

First, we take a look at the Class LL playoff contenders…

1. STAPLES (10-0*, 9-0) 1190 points
Remaining: Greenwich (170 points)
Guaranteed (20 points): Trinity-Wilton; Norwalk-McMahon
Bonus (40): Ridgefield (Danbury); Westhill (Stamford); Harding (Central); Ludlowe (Warde); Trumbull (St. Joseph)
Minimum point range with a loss: 1210-1250
Maximum point range with a win:1380-1420

The Mad Scientist SEZ: Staples must win to get in. If it wins, it will clinch the top seed and a semifinal game at “home” (Staples doesn’t have lights, so it would have to be played elsewhere). Staples can still get in with a loss… but it’s not likely. Either Xavier or Central would have to lose.


Click here for full story
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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 11/21/2009
 
"Rankowitz's Redemption: Staples stuns Central, 14 - 10, wins FCIAC Championship"
By Sean Patrick Bowley

You wouldn’t have believed it unless your saw it with your own eyes.

Brendan Rankowitz was wide open. He had the game-winning touchdown pass in his hands with nothing in front of him but the title. But he dropped the pass thrown by Keith Gelman with over two minutes remaining.

Central had its dream FCIAC championship wrapped up.

“I was so disappointed with myself, I thought I left the team down with that pass,” he said.

Amazingly enough. Staples got the ball back one more time with 1:36 remaining.


Click here for full story
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NEWS ALERT: FCIAC Football Blog
posted 11/21/2009
 
"Staples stands up to Central: Wreckers are FCIAC Champions"
By Tim Parry

If you missed tonight’s FCIAC Championship Game, you missed one for the ages, and instant classic, and all those fun cliches. Staples game back from a 10-0 deficit and defeated Bridgeport Central on its final drive of the game 14-10.

Click here for full story
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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 11/21/2009
 
"Wreckers rebound to defeat Central"
By Matt Doran

Time was running down in Friday night's FCIAC championship game, and everyone sitting inside Jerry McDougall Stadium thought Brendan Rankowitz was going home a goat. Including Rankowitz himself.

The Staples High School senior dropped a sure touchdown on a double-option pass from quarterback Keith Gelman with two minutes left in the fourth quarter, allowing Bridgeport Central to maintain a tenuous 10-7 lead.

After that, all Rankowitz could think about was getting another chance.

"That was absolutely terrible," Rankowitz said. "I felt awful for my teammates. I was just hoping I would get another opportunity."

Click here for full story
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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 11/20/2009
 
"Staples rides defense to FCIAC title game"
by Tim Parry

Offense may win games, but Staples coach Marce Petroccio is a proponent of the theory that defense wins championships.

While the Staples offense has rolled up 338 points in just nine games this season, he is more impressed with his defense.

Staples has allowed just 25 points. And since allowing a third-quarter touchdown to Trinity Catholic running back Mike Rivas on the opening Friday of the season, the Wreckers' starting defense has not allowed a point.

Click here for full story
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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 11/20/2009
 
"A capsule look at tonight's FCIAC championship"
by Sean Patrick Bowley

OUTLOOK -- Who thought these two teams would be fighting for a league title three months ago? Staples has ridden the state's stingiest defense (a mere 25 points in nine games) and a flawless option offense, which has thrived despite the loss of senior QB Brandon Pacilio to a broken leg in Week 6. They are the only unbeaten team in the league and ranked No. 1 Connecticut for the first time since 2005. On the other side is sentimental favorite Central. which is making just the school's second appearance in the league title game.

Click here for full story
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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 11/20/2009
 
"Staples seeks another FCIAC crown against surprising Hilltoppers"
by Matt Doran

The Staples High School football team would have been ready no matter who it was playing in tonight's FCIAC championship. If there's one thing the Staples coaching staff prides itself on -- other than winning -- it's being prepared.

However, after hearing of Bridgeport Central's shocking victory over previously undefeated and top-ranked New Canaan last Friday, a win that vaulted the Hilltoppers into their first title game since 2004, the Wreckers put themselves on full alert.

Click here for full story
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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 10/01/2009
 
Santora's big day earns MSG accolades"
by Matt Doran

Marce Petroccio remembers the first time he heard the name Jake Santora. He remembers it distinctly because it came with such lofty expectations.

Click here for full story
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NEWS ALERT: FCIAC FOOTBALL BLOG
posted 10/01/2009
 
Staples Senior Jake Santora named co-recipient of the BlueStreak Sports Training Player of the Week award for Week 2.

Click here for full story

Congratulations Jake!

GO WRECKERS!!!
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MSG selects Jake Santora "Defensive Player of the Week"
posted 09/29/2009
 

Tonight on MSG's High School Weekly TV Program featuring Mike Quick,
Staples Wreckers Senior Jake Santora #36 was named the "Defensive Player of the Week"  for the Tri-State area. Jake's 2 interceptions were returned for touchdowns with runs of 80 and 49 yards!
Click here to view

Congratulations Jake!!!

GO WRECKERS!!!

Varsity vs Ridgefield this Saturday 1:30pm @ Staples Field
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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 09/27/2009
 
"Wreckers Overwhelm Bears!"
By Matt Doran

But as Norwalk found out, there's really no one way to stop the Staples offense.
And the really scary part about the Wreckers? They might be strongest on the defensive side of the ball.

Click here for full story
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AIR ASSAULT AND DEFENSE RAISES STAPLES RECORD TO 2 - 0!!!
posted 09/27/2009
 

Jake Santora returns 2 picks for 2 scores

Staples Air Attack and "Instant Death" Defense defeated the Bears of Norwalk 42 - 6!!
According to Coach Petroccio, " This was a Great Win for our kids and I'm so happy for our Seniors! Today's crowd  was awesome and it pumped us up! Our Defense played great and we were able to really throw the ball." Jake Santora picked off 2 Norwalk passes for touchdowns. Brandon Pacilio connected with Brendan Rankowitz for 3 TD Passes and ran for another.

Next up Ridgefield.

GO WRECKERS!!!


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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 09/27/2009
 

"Staples Win Over Norwalk A Repeat Performance"
By Dave Ruden

It seemed as if someone had beamed a video replay machine on the Staples High School football field Saturday afternoon, and someone's hand kept hitting the rewind button.

There was Brendan Rankowitz, running fly patterns and catching perfectly thrown long touchdown passes from Brandon Pacilio.

There was Jake Santora, making interceptions and zig-zagging his way into the end zone.

Staples coach Marce Petroccio was living in his own version of Groundhog Day.

And he never wanted to wake up.

Click here for full story


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Santiago Breaks School Record!
by Daniel Gelman posted 09/23/2009
 

Senior Santiago Cuartas, in his first Football Game as a Staples Wrecker, kicked a 41 yard field goal against Trinity Catholic in Stamford. The 41 yard field goal breaks the Staples record previously held by Andrew Kempler (39 yards) in 2002. Santiago brings another scoring threat by the Wreckers in the 2009 campaign.

GO WRECKERS!!!
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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 09/19/2009
 
"Fast start powers Staples to win"
by Matt Doran

A fast start by a revamped spread-option offense. A strong finish. And a solid defensive effort while the game was still in doubt.

Overall, the Staples High School football team wasn't as sharp as head coach Marce Petroccio and the Wreckers would have liked, especially after how hard the program worked during the offseason to erase the memory of last season's disappointment.

But the end result -- a 24-6 victory over Trinity Catholic in the season opener Friday afternoon at Alumni Field -- was proof enough that the Wreckers could be on their way to a big bounce-back season.

Click here to view the full story
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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 09/19/2009
 
"Staples Football tops Trinity Catholic in opener"
By Bob Kennedy

STAMFORD -- Last season the Staples football team was shut out in three of its final four games to finish with a 6-5 record, territory the Wreckers have not visited in many seasons.

"We didn't run the ball too well last season," Staples coach Marce Petroccio said.

The same can't be said of the 2009 Wreckers after week one of the FCIAC season.

Click here for full story


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GOOD START TO 2009!!!
by Daniel Gelman posted 09/18/2009
 

The Staples Wreckers stepped on the field today at Trinity Catholic to begin the 2009 Season. A 24 to 6 victory is a sweet start towards a successful gridiron year. According to Coach Petroccio, "Penalties killed us this afternoon but we won and the kids worked hard today. Were 1 - 0 this season!"

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PRESS ALERT: Westport News
posted 09/16/2009
 
"Seeking Redemption: Wreckers look for bounce back year"
By Eliot Schickler

The Staples High football team hopes to learn from last year and not repeat it. Staples was 6-5 last year, its worst record since 1999 (5-5), and it saw its seven-year State playoff streak come to an end.

With most of its players back from last year and with a year of experience, the Wreckers are confident that they won't duplicate that and are confident they will return to the State tournament. With Staples working hard in the offseason, coupled with a hungry and talented senior class, it could find itself back on top.

Click here for full story


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PRESS ALERT: New Haven Register
posted 09/16/2009
 
"TOP TEN TEAMS OF THIS DECADE," posted by Mike Pucci

4. Staples
The Wreckers are the third FCIAC to make the list. Staples went to the playoffs seven times this decade.

The team won the Class MM title in 2002 and the Class L title in 2004 and 2005.

The Wreckers went to five straight finals from 2002-2006, and seven straight playoff appearances from 2001-2007.

Staples lost in the Class L final in 2003 and 2006, and lost in the Class L semifinal in 2001 and 2007.

Click here to view full story
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PRESS ALERT: Norwalk Hour
posted 09/15/2009
 
High School Football Preview -- "Staples has an extreme makeover"
By Matt Doran

It was a feeling the Staples High School football team has known nothing about over the past seven seasons, a state of emptiness programs of this stature seldom come to realize.
Click here to view the entire story
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PRESS ALERT: Connecticut Post
posted 09/14/2009
 
FCIAC FOOTBALL CAPSULE

Staples

COACH -- Marce Petroccio (16th year, 127-43)

CLASS -- LL

HOME FIELD -- Staples Field

2008 -- 6-5

STARTERS RETURNING/LOST -- 11/11

THEY'RE HERE -- Sr. QB Brandon Pacilio (821 passing yards, 576 rushing), Sr. LB Jake Santora (6-1, 210; 60 tackles), Sr. WR-CB Brendan Rankowitz (6-0, 170; 459 receiving yards, 4 TDs), Sr. OL-DL Devin Graber (6-2, 210).

THEY'RE GONE -- RB Tavonne Dangerfield (802 yards, 9 touchdowns), LB Robert Toole, OL-DL Joe Kestenbaum

REASON TO SMILE -- The Wreckers are big. Pacilio is seasoned at QB and Petroccio is pleased with how the team has gelled.

REASON TO WORRY -- The offense, shut out three times in 2008, remains a question.

OUTLOOK -- After losing its final four games by a combined score of 63-8, Staples' mystique took a hit last year. The Wreckers have taken the all-for-one approach to heart, and it's shown on the practice field and in scrimmages. If that can translate into the regular season, the Wreckers will once again contend for a league title. The schedule is fairly light. There's no New Canaan, but Staples does play Ridgefield, Trumbull and Greenwich. In a stacked Class LL division, there's no room for error.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL STORY


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QUIETLY GETTING IT DONE!
posted 09/13/2009
 

The Staples Football Team has concluded its 2009 pre-season scrimmages and tune ups. 
In the past 2 weeks Staples has gone head to head with Shelton, Seymour, Bunnell, Cheshire, Hamden, and Fairfield Prep. The outcome was very optimistic! Quietly getting the job done! 
Their work ethic outstanding and allowing good ole fashioned smashmouth football speak for them.
This years Staples Football Team will be led by a close group of Seniors who have played nine years together. They have worked incredibly hard since the end of last year to make this year, their last year together, something special!
As High School Football kicks off this week, Staples will be focused on Trinity Catholic for a Friday afternoon "Season Opener" @ 3:00pm in Stamford.

Fall is here and time for Staples Football!

GO WRECKERS!!!
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NEWS ALERT: FCIAC FOOTBALL BLOG
posted 09/03/2009
 
"Petroccio says Staples learned a valuable lesson in 2008."
Click here to view
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PRESS ALERT: Westport News
posted 06/12/2009
 

There's a bit of Blue and White from Staples among the "Long Grey Line" of West Point. There's a great Article from Dan Woog about former Staples Football Player Sam Goodgame.

It's all about character!

Click here to read!
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Staples Football on Facebook!
posted 03/18/2009
 
Facebook Users, There is a group on Facebook for Staples High School Football Players, Past and Present Players are invited. Click here to join.
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Cheshire Game
 
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