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VA Football Update
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4/9/2013
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Dear Vermont Academy Family,
I am writing to inform you that we will be dropping the football program from Vermont Academy's fall sports schedule. The difficult decision to eliminate football was not based on win-loss records. I am deeply proud of our players for the courage, stamina and perseverance they showed in every play, every quarter and every game. Instead, our decision - reached after much deliberation at the administrative and trustee level - reflects regional trends in small boarding schools where football can no longer compete successfully for players against other thriving sports. Despite concerted efforts in recruiting student athletes interested in football, the numbers continue to decline. The research around concussions has created a great deal of concern amongst players and parents, and a number of schools are seriously considering the viability of football going forward. We have robust enrollments in all of our other fall sports on both the female and male sides, and we are seeing those programs strengthen each year. Additionally, let me say this decision is not about the past. All of us here at Vermont Academy are proud of our storied football history. We will always cherish that very special tradition and honor alumni who played on those great teams. Vermont Academy has been blessed with great coaches - such as John Lucy, Bob Harrington and others - and players over the years, but like all individuals and institutions that look to grow and develop, we have to make this decision at this time. It is about the importance of adapting to the athletic interests of today's boarding school students. We see a very bright future for men's and women's sports at Vermont Academy. On a personal note, I have been intimately involved with the game of football for over thirty-five years as a player, coach, and avid fan. I love the game, yet I know this is the right decision for Vermont Academy at this time. Please call, email or write if you have questions or comments. I want to hear from you. And, visit us here in Saxtons River soon to see all the wonderful advancements that are happening here at your school. All the best, Sean P. Brennan Head of School Vermont Academy
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TILTON EDGES OUT VA ON PARENTS' WEEKEND
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10/15/2012
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VA hosted the Tilton Rams on Parents weekend and lost 40-32. Both teams put up big offensive numbers, with over 1000 total yards and 72 points. Anthony Davis had 3 TD catches and Billy Petzold had 1 TD. Stephan Tapp had the other VA touchdown while Jon Brito had a 3 yard 2 point conversion catch to round put the VA scoring. On defense, Anthonty Davis had 2 interceptions on the day. Mathieu Loiselle had his typical strong gameday, leading all players with 10 tackles and a sack on defense and 155 yards rushing on 21 carries on offense. Pictures from the game are available here.
Next Saturday. VA travels to Proctor for a night game at 6:30 pm
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VA LOSES TO NEW HAMPTON IN SEASON OPENER
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9/24/2012
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The 2012 Varsity football season kicked off on Saturday for the VA Wildcats with an away game under the lights at New Hampton School. The three time defending Evergreen League Champs showed that they are strong once again by winning the game 33-6.
Miscues and mistakes plagued the Wildcats all evening. A partially blocked punt gave the hosts a great starting location half way through the first quarter, and the hosts capitalized on a QB sweep to go up 6-0. The Wildcats would respond with a nice 68 yard drive, only to be denied the end zone on a 4th and 5 play from the New Hampton 15 yard line. After trading punts, a VA drive ended on an interception and the hosts would score again, this time converting on their 4th down and 5 yards to go play on a 5 yard TD pass. The try for 2 was good making it 14-0. As the first half was winding down, VA put together a nice drive only to see their starting QB Stephan Tapp come out of the game with a bruised shin. In stepped Senior Joey Mizhir at QB and he continued the drive to the New Hampton 24 yard line. This time VA punted, but a great return for a TD by New Hampton game the hosts a 21-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, New Hampton took the kickoff and the VA defense forced a three plays and out punt. VA would put together a fine 67 yard scoring drive. The two point play by VA was good, only to see another miscue negate the play, 21-6 New Hampton. VA continued to keep the pressure on. After trading fumbles, another three plays and punt stand by the VA defense gave the VA offense the ball at mid-field. The team marched to the New Hampton 1 yard line, and a run by VA QB Stephan Tapp gave VA the apparent TD. Another false start negated that TD, and VA would fail to score and a 4th down and 6 yard pass attempt.
At the start of the 4th quarter, a VA fumble gave New Hampton great field position and they scored on another fine QB run. The PAT was wide right, so the score was 27-6. Later in the 4th period, a fine 56 TD yard run by Mathieu Loiselle was negated by a holding call, and VA again failed to finish the drive. Finally, with 1:10 left in the game, New Hampton scored their final TD of the game to make it 33-6.
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