Tigers Find Themselves in Underdog Role at Home Against North Haven Tonight

Friday, October 4, 2013

Tonight at 7pm the Daniel Hand Tiger Football Team (2-1) will play their second home game on the brand new Strong Field turf against the North Haven Indians (3-0).  Last week they successfully defended their turf with a 35-19 win over Wilbur Cross.    Hand's last home loss occurred on October 30, 2009 against Notre Dame WH.  However, if the Tigers intend to keep that home win streak alive, they'll have their work cut out for them.

North Haven comes in to tonight's game undefeated, with a big win over Xavier in week 2.   North Haven returns a number of players from last year's squad who went 7-3, but all three losses came to eventual State Champions; Hand, Xavier and Hillhouse.  Hand has won 14 of the last 15 meetings of these two squads. North Haven's only win during that time came in 2001. Hand eliminated North Haven from the playoffs in 2007 and 2010.  The Indians should be motivated to get one up on a team that has had their number for almost as long as the current players can remember.  

In thinking about a prediction for tonight's game, I have visual that comes from the movie, Rocky III, when Clubber Lang looks at the camera and says, "My prediction? - - -PAIN."    That's because of the throwback, single-wing offense run by North Haven.  And this year, they have the personnel to run it well.  Last year's game at North Haven was the most physical game of the year for the Tigers, and North Haven kept it close until the fourth quarter.  This year, the Hand defense has improved every week, and they're going to have to step it up again if they want to contain this slug-fest of an offense. 

Patch Player of the Week

Conor Dowd had 13 carries for 113 yards.  Sam Katz made an interception.  But the POTW, in his first varsity start was QB Nick van Dell, 13/20 for 267 yards and 3 TDs.   

Around the SCC

The SCC has two teams in this week's top ten media poll and neither one is spelled with an "X"... North Haven #8 and Shelton #10.  

The North Haven at Hand game is the game of the week.  Coach DeMaio and WELI 960 will be on hand to broadcast on AM radio from the new pressbox.   

Notable...

North Haven has a female placekicker.  Sabrina Fronte is 17 of 18 on extra points this year.