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Ravens fall short in Championship game 21-0 to Wolfpack
On this rainy day QB Sean O'Connor passed only 8 times completing 3, which went for 98 yards.
Photo courtesy of Buzz Fisher
Staff report - Oct. 24, 2009
The Vermont Ravens magical play-off run ended in the finals with a 21-0 defeat to the New Hampshire Wolfpack in Concord, NH Saturday. The Wolfpack finished the season with a record of 9-1 and allowed a total of 48 points all year in the Maritime Conference of the New England Football League.
The game was played on a rain soaked, muddy field during a cool fall afternoon in Concord. Both teams came out strong with great intensity and strength. The Wolfpack started with the ball, recorded a first down, but were stopped short of another and punted to the Ravens. Vermont’s first possession started deep in their own territory, but the combination of fullback #30 Thomas Estes and halfback #15 Corey Matthews running the ball enabled Vermont to move the ball out to mid-field before being stopped.
The punt by Matthews had the Wolfpack starting from their own 10 yard line. This started a trend for each team for the next two series which was to record a couple first downs and then to be forced into punting situations.
On New Hampshire’s third possession, again starting deep in their own territory, Wolfpack fullback #31 Chase Smith found a vacated hole left open by a blitzing Raven defender and burst through the line, maintained his footing enough, and out ran the Ravens secondary to the end zone for a 70 yard touchdown. Kicker #81 Pat McGarry’s point after was good and at the end of the 1st quarter the Wolfpack led 7-0.
In the 2nd quarter the Ravens moved the ball to within field goal range. This was set-up by a nice pass completion from QB Sean O’Connor to receiver #7 Luke LaCroix for 23 yards. Another first down with effective running by Corey Matthews, 60 yards, 10 carries on the day, brought Vermont down to the 13 yard line of New Hampshire before being stopped on downs.
Ravens kicker Thomas Estes lined up for a 30 yard field goal attempt, but as the ball was placed on the kicking pad, it slipped off, and holder #26 Jordan Young attempted to run for a first down. Sprinting out to his left, avoiding one tackler, Young then was unable to shake a second determined Wolfpack defender and was brought down to end the threat.
The Wolfpack started from their own 20 yard line and were able to move the ball effectively up the field with a combination of short passes from QB Jim Sanford to his receivers and by the running of fullback Chase Smith, the games MVP, and running back #21 Mike Zappala. Zappala found the end zone from 23 yards out, running through the Raven defense on the left side, making two defenders slip by cutting to the outside, and sprinted up the sidelines to pay dirt. McGarry’s kick was good and the Ravens went into halftime down 14-0.
In the 3rd quarter both teams found the footing to be less then desirable and both squads wallowed in the muck, but for the Wolfpack the slow trodding game was advantages to their cause. Vermont went three and out for most of the quarter able to collect only a couple first downs for their efforts.
The New Hampshire team did a bit better and were able to score one more time. Quarterback Jim Sanford found #83, wide receiver Corey Blanchart, down the left side, led him perfectly, and laid the pass just over cornerback Jesse Martin’s outstretched hands for a 26 yard touch down reception. This effectively iced the game for the Wolfpack. The last of three extra points was good by McGarry and that would end the scoring on the day as the score was 21-0 New Hampshire.
In the fourth, the Ravens did mount one final drive that gave the faithful hope. From their own 10 yard line, O’Connor hit receiver #6 Steve Noyes on a quick pass and Noyes made the cornerback miss and he was off to the races. 57 yards later as he was forced back into the middle of the field a Wolfpack defender brought him down. On the very next play O’Connor found Corey Matthews coming out of the back field and Matthews went for 18 yards. Two plays later on the New Hampshire 4 yard line Matthews was stopped at the line by a wall of Wolfpack defenders and as he was held up, a defensive linemen stripped the ball and New Hampshire recovered at their own 5 yard line.
New Hampshire was able to run the ball out from the shadow of their own goal post and get to mid-field where they had to punt and pinned the Ravens on their 2 yard line. With time running out the Ravens moved the ball to their own 25, but were stopped on downs. The Wolfpack were able to run the clock out and claim the Maritime Conference Championship, 21-0.
For the game, Sean O’Connor was 3-8 for 98 yards. He also had 3 carries for 16 yards.
Corey Matthews had 10 carries for 60 yards and 1 reception for 18 yards.
Thomas Estes had 5 carries for 27 yards.
Steve Noyes, 1 reception for 57 yards.
Luke LaCroix, 1 reception for 23 yards.
The Vermont Ravens finished the season 5-6, runners-up in the conference.
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Ravens Get By Beavers
Raven defensive tackle Anthony Michie
recorded 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery,
and 3 sacks to help the Ravens cause.
Staff report - Oct. 19, 2009
Concord, NH. The Vermont Ravens were victorious today winning 6-0 over the Southern NH Beavers in the semi-finals of the Single “A” play-offs of the New England Football League in Manchester, NH. With the win Vermont now moves on to the finals next week versus the New Hampshire Wolfpack.
On a cold, wet, snowy, afternoon in southern New Hampshire the Ravens had just enough offense to come away with the victory.
Early in the 3rd quarter defensive tackle Anthony Michie set up the games only score when he intercepted a Beaver pass on their own 45 yard line and returned it to the 18 before he was brought down. Three plays later running back Corey Matthews took the hand-off from quarterback Sean O’Connor and sped around the left side and into the endzone to make it 6-0 Vermont. Jon Beaulieu’s extra point attempt was wide.
The Beavers best scoring chance came late in the first half. They drove to the Vermont 8 yard line before Raven linebacker Jim Buzzi came on a blitz sacking the Beaver quarterback for a 5 yard loss and forcing them to attempt a field goal on 4th down. On the snap Raven nose tackle Lloyd White burst through the line and blocked the kick to preserve the shutout and at the intermission the score remained 0-0.
During the game both defenses played well with neither giving up much for yardage. For Vermont the defensive players who along with Michie stood out were strong safety Roy Rose, who contributed an interception with a 34 yard return, 4 passes defensed (2 in a row on the Raven goal line to help stop another Beaver red zone possession) and a sack. Also credited with sacks along with Michie's three, Buzzi's, and Rose's, were Scott Vaillancourt, Dan Beaumont, Gordon Cochran, and Brett Walton.
The Ravens altogether forced 7 turnovers with 5 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. Interceptions were made by Michie, Rose, Clayton Torres, Jesse Martin, and Jordan Young. Fumble recoveries were by Michie and Rob Owen.
For the offense the offensive line got a good push the entire afternoon and provided the backs with enough space to maneuver and give quarterback Sean O'Connor the time needed to make enough plays to win the game which was the key in the inclimate weather conditions.
Offensively for the Ravens, Sean O’Connor was 3-9 for 51 yards, no touchdowns and 1 interception.
Corey Matthews had 9 carries for 49 yards and 1 touchdown.
Thomas Estes had 8 carries for 39 yards.
Vermont, who are on a 3 game winning streak reach the Championship game for the 2nd time in their brief 3 year history.
The game will be played next Saturday, Oct. 24th. Kick-off at 2:00PM against the number 2 seed, the New Hampshire Wolfpack in Concord, New Hampshire.
The Wolfpack reached the finals after defeating the Woonsocket Sentinels Saturday 20-0. They have a record of 8-1 and defeated the 5-5 Ravens 20-3 back in August in Concord.
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Ravens Down Sting
Raven linebacker George Campbell scored the games only touchdown.
Photo courtesy of Buzz Fisher
Times Argus Staff report - Oct. 5, 2009
Groton, Conn. The Vermont Ravens advanced to the New England Football League semifinals with a 9-3 win over the Southern Connecticut Sting on Sunday, avenging a 63-7 home loss from the regular season.
"We're coming together at the right time," Vermont assistant coach Mike Salmon said. "Coach (Mike) Foster, rallied the troops. Everything he did during the game was perfect."
Regular season reserve linebacker George Campbell made the most of his first starting assignment shortly into the second quarter as he stepped into the passing lane of the Sting quarterback and intercepted the ball with nothing but open field in front of him. Campbell put the afterburners on and sprinted 75 yards to score what turned out to be the games only touchdown. Jon Beaulieu’s point after attempt was blocked and the score stayed 6-0 until mid-way through the fourth quarter.
In the fourth, after a Vermont drive stalled at the Sting 23 yard line, Ravens field goal kicker Thomas Estes delivered some insurance points when he connected for a 40 yard field goal to push the lead to 9-0 Vermont with 8 minutes remaining in the game.
The Ravens defense then held off a determined Sting offense that were able to move the ball down to the 27 yard line of the Ravens before forcing the Sting on fourth down to attempt a field goal. The initial try was wide, but a penalty on Vermont gave the Sting a second try and the 39 yard attempt was good to make it 9-3 Vermont.
With a little under 4 minutes remaining the Ravens offense moved the ball on the ground with runningback Corey Matthews and fullback Thomas Estes pounding it on the ground attempting to run the clock out.
But, with under two minutes remaining the Sting defense came up with a stop on 3rd down and Vermont had to punt from the Sting 45 yard line. Matthews was able to pin the Sting within their own 20 and the defense came out to try to hold one more time a Sting offense that generated 280 points in eight regular season games to date. One first down was all they could achieve and the Raven defense did what it did all game, which was denying the Sting offense the end zone.
For the game Ravens quarterback Sean O’Connor was 7-10 for 90 yards no touchdowns and no interceptions.
Runningback Corey Matthews had 93 yards rushing on 13 carries.
Free safety Clayton Torres had one interception returning it for 30 yards and one onside kick recovery in the fourth.
Kenny McCracken recovered one fumble.
The entire defensive unit played well with some iron man football played by Rob Owen, Brett Walton, Roy Rose, Jim Buzzi, Dan Beaumont, Thomas Estes and Jordan Young all playing substantial minutes on both sides of the ball due to low numbers for the 5pm Sunday night kick-off time. The game was postponed until then due to tornado warnings and torrential downpours in Groton the day before.
The Ravens improve their record to 4-5 on the year and move on to face the Southern NH Beavers in the second round of the New England Football league play-offs. The game is set for Oct. 18th. Kick-off will be 2:00pm in Manchester, NH.
The Sting finish the season 7-2.
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Ravens Defeat Rampage
Raven receiver Luke LaCroix making one of his three acrobatic receptions he made against the Rampage. This one from O'Connor was for a touchdown!
Photo courtesy of Buzz Fisher.
Times Argus Staff Report - Published: September 28, 2009
The Vermont Ravens put everything together when they needed it most Sunday, winning their last regular season game with a 24-6 New England Football League victory over the Central Vermont Rampage.
The victory means that the Ravens, a third year semi-pro football team from Barre, will advance to play in the postseason for the third straight year. Sunday's result was made possible by a combination of quarterback Sean O'Connor's accurate passing, stingy defense and athletic receptions by receiver Luke LaCroix. The former Spaulding standout caught one pass for a 14-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter.
Vermont's defense had a total of four interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns. Ravens free safety Clayton Torres made a nice play on the ball in the first quarter, diving for an errant pass and coming up with the interception to stop a Rampage drive in the Ravens' defensive end.
After the Ravens offense went three-and-out and was forced to punt, Vermont's defense applied constant pressure on Rampage quarterback Mike Pratt and hurried him into throwing into coverage. Corner Jordan Young intercepted a pass in full stride and raced into the end zone for a 40-yard touchdown and a 6-0 lead. Kicker Jon Beaulieu's extra point pushed the lead to 7-0.
LaCroix's touchdown reception from O'Connor midway and Beaulieu's second extra point pushed the lead to 14-0. Beaulieu's 33-yard field goal three minutes later rounded out the scoring for the first half, with the Ravens leading 17-0 at the break.
Both defenses stepped up the intensity in the third quarter, with the Ravens running the ball exclusively. Vermont's offensive line of Clint Wild, Tyler Baker, Rob Owen, Lloyd White and Gordon Cochran controlled the line of scrimmage and allowed Vermont to maintain its tempo. Corey Matthews led the running attack with 74 yards on six carries.
The Ravens scored their last touchdown when Roy Rose snagged the first of his two interceptions on the day. Rose returned a Pratt pass 20 yards for the score, and Beaulieu's extra point extended the lead to 24-0.
The Rampage scored a touchdown as time wound down when Pratt found tight end Matt Godzik for a 15-yard score.
O'Connor was 7-for-13 for 101 yards in the victory, while LaCroix had three receptions for 43 yards. Clayton Torres had one interception and Jonathon Therrien recovered a fumble for Vermont, which improves to 3-5 and will play the Southern Connecticut Sting in Groton, Conn., on Saturday at 4 p.m.
The Rampage finish the season at 1-7.
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Beavers all over Ravens
Raven center Tyler Baker
Photo courtesy of Buzz Fisher
Times Argus Staff Report - Published: September 21, 2009
BARRE — The Southern New Hampshire Beavers used a solid aerial attack to jump ahead of the Ravens in the first quarter en route to Sunday's 38-6 New England Football League victory.
Beaver quarterback Mike Griggs found a streaking Daniel Boucher on the team's first play, and Boucher made it all the way to the Ravens' 2-yard line before being pushed out of bounds. Two plays later, Griggs scored on a keeper and kicker Brandon Holler converted the extra-point attempt for a 7-0 lead.
The Ravens, led by strong run blocking by center Tyler Baker and the offensive line, were able to move the ball on their first possession and reach the Beavers' 15-yard line. Michael Ball provided much of the yardage on the ground, picking up 31 yards. The drive stalled at the 15 and the field goal attempt by Jon Beaulieu was wide left.
The Beavers took over and ran a mixed bag of tricks down the field, with runs by running back Sean Murphy and passes to both Geoffrey Sylvester and Boucher. The end result was a 35-yard completion to Boucher for a touchdown, making it 13-0. The extra point was blocked by Jesse Martin and the first quarter ended with the Beavers leading 13-0.
After a solid kick return by the Ravens' Corey Matthews resulted in good field position for Vermont on the Beavers' 45-yard line, Vermont's offense went to work. Ball, Thomas Estes and Noah Lowery combined for 43 yards and Trevor Williams found the end zone off-tackle midway through the second quarter, closing the gap to 13-6. Jon Beaulieu's point-after attempt was low and that was all the scoring Vermont would muster.
The Beavers answered quickly as they returned the kickoff to the Ravens' 25-yard line. Two plays later, Griggs weaved his way through he Ravens' defense on a broken play and found the end zone from 5 yards out, extending the lead to 19-6.
Vermont got the ball back and drove to its own 40, where the ball was fumbled by Estes as he was hit at the line of scrimmage. The Beavers recovered with just over 2:00 left in the half and they used their timeouts to move the ball down to the Ravens' 12-yard line, where Griggs hit Geoffrey Sylvester coming across the middle. The receiver then outran Ravens corner Jordan Young to the corner of the end zone, pushing the lead to 26-6.
The second half was a defensive battle, with Ravens free safety Clayton Torres intercepting a Griggs pass and returning the ball 30 yards.
Vermont quarterback Sean O'Connor ended the game 7-for-10 for 64 yards. Estes rambled for 83 yards on 17 carries and Lowery ran for 61 yards on five carries.
The Beavers improve to 6-1, while the Ravens drop to 2-5. Vermont will host the Central Vermont Rampage on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Spaulding High School.
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Kings Get By Ravens
Ravens linebacker Corey Matthews
Times Argus Staff Report - September 14, 2009
BARRE – The Berkshire Kings defeated the Vermont Ravens Saturday afternoon after a hard-fought battle 12-6.
On the last play of the first half the Kings scored on a Lawrence Posey pass to Justin Fox in the end zone to draw first blood. The extra point was wide, and at the half it was 6-0 Kings.
Ravens starting quarterback Sean O'Connor of Barre had to leave the game midway through the second quarter with a dislocated finger. He did not return.
Raven back-up quarterback Warren Bombardier, who played his high school career at Otter Valley, was 5-for-10 for 57 yards and one interception.
Linebacker Corey Matthews of St. Johnsbury broke through and blocked a Berkshire punt early in the fourth quarter. Matthews then scooped up the ball and ran it into the endzone from 10 yards out.
Jon Beaulieu's extra point attempt was blocked, tying the game at 6 with about seven minutes remaining in the game.
The Ravens got the ball back on their own 30 yard line. On third down a pass attempt from Bombardier was tipped and the Kings intercepted and returned it deep into Raven territory.
Two plays later the King's Justin Fox scored the second of his two touchdowns to make it 12-6 and after an unsuccessful 2-point conversion attempt, the final stood.
Vermonts Matthews also contributed a forced fumble which was recovered by the Ravens Dan Beaumont and recovered a fumble himself while making two solo tackles and assisting on seven others.
Jesse Martin added an interception and defensed two passes.
The Ravens fall to 2-4 while the Kings even their record at 3-3. The Ravens return on Sunday, hosting the 5-1 Southern New Hampshire Beavers at Spaulding High School's Pendo Field. Kick-off is 1 p.m.
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Sting Cruise Past Ravens
Times Argus Staff Report - Published: August 31, 2009
Raven Receiver Michael Ball
Photo courtesy of Buzz Fisher
BARRE – The Southern Connecticut Sting routed the Vermont Ravens 63-7 in Sunday's New England Football League action.
The Sting showcased a balanced attack and were clicking on all cylinders during the second half to spoil the Ravens' home opener.
Sting running back Bryon McClellan scored his team's first touchdown by fielding a punt deep in his own end and heading up the sideline. He was momentarily stopped by Ravens linebacker Corey Matthews, but McClellan changed directions and was off to the races for a 90-yard punt return.
After a successful first of nine extra point attempts by the Sting made it 7-0, Sean O'Connor and the Raven offense went to work. Fullback Thomas Estes bulled up the middle for 18 yards and two plays later O'Connor found a streaking Michael Ball down the right sideline for a 60-yard touchdown reception. Jon Beaulieu was good with the point-after attempt, making it 7-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was back and forth with both defenses playing well. The Sting were able to capitalize on good field position to score twice more before halftime. One of the Sting's touchdowns came on a 20-yard pass from quarterback Nick Gran to receiver Ray Bonano, while another resulted from a bizarre play. Sting tight end Lavon Green had a pass tipped from his grasp by Vermont safety Clayton Torres, but the deflection fell into another Sting player's hands for an easy score.
The second half was all Sting as the Ravens could not move the ball on offense. At the same time, the Raven defense, out on the field most of the day, could not contain the Sting.
The Sting surged ahead 35-7 after three quarters and Vermont's coaching staff turned to the bench for the final quarter.
"At that time we felt that we needed to get some of the players who work hard in practice but see limited time on the field some game time experience" Ravens assistant coach Mike Salmon said. "The Sting have a lot of depth and our guys received a good old-fashioned whipping today. We just have to get back to practice Tuesday and teach better football. Being the defensive coordinator, I have to do a better job of teaching these players tackling and fundamentals of basic defense. The Sting are a good football team, and I can't take anything away from them, but we have to play better and that starts with coaching."
The Ravens have a bye for Labor Day weekend and play their next home game against the Berkshire Kings from North Adams, Mass., on Sept. 13.
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Wolfpack over Ravens
Staff Report
Aug. 22, 2009
Raven Defensive Back Jesse Martin
CONCORD - The Vermont Ravens suffered a 20-3 loss to the New Hampshire Wolfpack on Saturday.
The Ravens got on the board with a 27-yard field goal by Jon Beaulieu three minutes into the first quarter, but after that the Wolfpack was able to clamp down on any potential scoring drives by the Ravens.
"They had an outstanding defense and we couldn't get a lot going against them," said Vermont assistant coach Mike Salmon. "We couldn't get a lot of protection for Sean (O'Connor)."
Ravens QB Sean O'Connor went 6-of-9 for 72 yards with 2 interceptions.
Jesse Martin, from Barre, had two interceptions on defense for Vermont and returned one for 65 yards to get the Ravens into the Wolfpack red zone in the fourth quarter. At the time the score was 13-3 Wolfpack and the Ravens needed two scores to tie. After the drive stalled, and another sack was registered on O’Connor, Vermont’s Thomas Estes 43 yard field goal attempt was partially blocked and the scoring chance ended.
The Wolfpack took over from there using the clock before lofting a pass which covered 25 yards to the end zone for the final talley.
The Ravens and the Wolfpack both had four turnovers on the day. "Both teams had turnovers," Salmon said. The difference was that New Hampshire was able to capitalize on them.
One such turnover, a fumbled snap from center in the second quarter, resulted in great field position for the Wolfpack. Four plays later they ran in a score to make it 13-3 at the half.
Along with Martins two interceptions, Roy Rose and Brett Walton, both of Norwich University registered fumble recoveries for Vermont.
The Ravens fall to 2-2, while The Wolfpack stays undefeated at 4-0.
Vermont will play its home-opener against The Southern Connecticut Sting Sunday, Aug., 30, at Spaulding High School. Game time is 1 p.m.
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Ravens Top Indians
Staff Report:
Aug. 2nd, 2009
Quarterback Sean O'Connor
CHICOPEE, MA. The Vermont Ravens topped the Pioneer Valley Indians in a back and forth contest Saturday that had four lead changes in this New England Football League contest. The Ravens, down 14-12 at the half battled back repeatedly against the athletic Pioneer Valley team for the hard fought 26-22 victory. The win was the second in a row for the Ravens who now stand at 2-1 on the season.
Runningback Trevor Williams capped the scoring with 4 minutes remaining on a 10 yard sweep into the endzone for the lead. Jon Beaulieu’s extra point was good and Vermont’s defense held on to preserve the victory.
The defense led by pressure from defensive tackles Lloyd White and Brett Walton along with linebackers Jim Buzzi and Roy Rose forced the Indians quarterback into a hurried throw on the last play of the game with Walton batting down the pass.
The Ravens lethal combination of quarterback Sean O’Connor to receiver Steve Noyes continued Saturday as the two hooked up for touchdown passes of 50 and 38 yards each. O’Connor also had a touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Young for 10 yards and for the day was 7-9 for 201 yards and three touchdown completions.
Turnovers proved costly for the Indians as Vermont’s Brett Walton forced the ball loose from an Indian ball carrier and Steve Noyes recovered to stop an Indian drive inside the Ravens territory during the third quarter. Later mid-way through the fourth Jordan Young, playing corner, intercepted a pass to give the Ravens the ball at their own 40.
O’Connor behind an outstanding effort from the offensive line led by center Clint Wild, guards Lloyd White, and Chris Dindo, and tackles Rob Owen and Dave Halford was able to drive the team down to the 10, where Williams ran it in from.
During the game winning drive an O'Connor to Michael Ball completion of 43 yards and fullback Thomas Estes pounding the ball inside and out accounted for the yardage needed to set up Williams winning score.
Vermont returns to action August 22nd as they travel to Concord, New Hampshire to play the New Hampshire Wolfpack at 3:00 PM.
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Ravens Blank Tri-County
Times Argus Staff Report - Published: July 26, 2009
Receiver/kick returner Steve Noyes
THOMPSON, Conn. The Vermont Ravens earned their first win of the season Saturday night as they blanked the T.C. Sprites 35-0 in New England Football League action.
"They're a first-year team," Vermont assistant coach Mike Salmon said, "and they had a lot of heart. They are better than the score indicated."
Vermont quarterback Sean O'Connor went 8-for-11 for 132 passing yards. Barre's Steve Noyes had four catches for 120 yards and added an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown for Vermont, which led 21-0 at the half.
Corey Matthews of St. Johnsbury racked up 53 yards on 10 carries and added a touchdown. Trevor Williams of St. Johnsbury had 63 yards on 5 carries and a 22-yard touchdown run. Barre's Thomas Estes had 6 carries for 40 yards and two touchdowns, and teammate Jon Beaulieu of Essex was a perfect 5-for-5 in PATs.
Three Ravens also tallied fumble recoveries Estes, Jesse Martin and Clint Wild, all of Barre.
Vermont improves to 1-1 under first-year head coach and former player Mike Foster. The Ravens will play at the Chicopee, Mass.-based Pioneer Valley Indians next Saturday at 6 p.m. Their home opener at Spaulding High School is not until Aug. 30.
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Woonsocket tops Vermont 28-13
Times Argus Staff Report - Published: July 20, 2009
Ravens runningback Trevor Williams
WOONSOCKET, R.I. – The Woonsocket Sentinels scored on a blocked punt and an interception in the fourth quarter to pull away for Sunday's 28-13 victory over the Vermont Ravens in New England Football League action.
"We were down 9-7 at the half, it was 16-13 after three quarters and then they scored twice to pull away," Ravens defensive coach Mike Salmon said.
Steve Noyes of Barre returned a punt 71 yards and Jon Beaulieu converted the extra-point attempt to boost the Ravens in the first quarter. Leading after the first quarter 7-0, the Ravens were held scoreless in the second as Woonsocket scored on a 40 yard field goal and a ten yard touch down pass to lead at half time 9-7.
Runningback Trevor Williams of St. Johnsbury took the ball 53 yards for a touchdown mid way in the third quarter, and he finished the day with 73 yards on 7 carries.
Quarterback Sean O'Connor of Dover, N.H., was 4-for-9 for 64 yards, but the last of his three interceptions was returned for a back-breaking touchdown during the final quarter.
Leading the way for the Ravens' defense were Danny Beaumont of Derby (two fumble recoveries), Roy Rose of Northfield (interception) and Jordan Young of Montpelier (two interceptions, two blocked PATs).
Mike Ball of Barre had 3 receptions for 40 yards for the Ravens, who fall to 0-1 and will travel to face the Connecticut Sprites 0-1, next weekend in Thompson, Conn.
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June 27th - Pre-Season game vs. Plattsburgh North Stars.
Times Argus Staff Report
6/29/09
Ravens WR Michael Ball
North Stars 25, Ravens 7
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The Vermont Ravens dropped their first preseason game on Saturday against the Empire Football League's (Triple A) Plattsburgh North Stars, 25-7.
The North Stars received the opening kick-off and quickly drove the field for the games first score.
Plattsburgh quarterback Ken Stay hit Kelly Gordon on a perfect touch pass for 27 yards on the team's third offensive play to set up Stay's 1-yard plunge on the goal line. Plattsburgh failed on the ensuing extra point for a 6-0 North Stars lead.
The Ravens first series from scrimmage ended on an interception by Plattsburgh's Brandon St. John. Shortly after, Heath Geiser scored on a 15-yard run with the extra point good from kicker Mitch Ryder.
Defensive end Rob Gummere came up big with two batted passes to end drives and keep the Ravens close.
Ryder made two field goals, one from 38 yards and the other from 26 yards in the second quarter to make it 19-0 North Stars at halftime.
To start the second half, Vermont quarterback Sean O'Connor threw for a 23-yard gain to tight end Dan Beaumont. Next O'Connor hit Michael Ball (pictured) in the end zone for a 27-yard touchdown catch to put the Ravens on the board. Kicker Jon Beaulieu's extra point was good to cut the gap to 19-7.
On Plattsburgh's next possession the Stars quick runningback Brandon Kelerher broke through the line and scampered 49 yards for the game's final score. The extra point was wide.
The Ravens open the season with a trip to Woonsocket, RI., on July 18.
The first regular-season home game at Spaulding's A.G. Pendo field will be on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 1 p.m., against the Southern CT Sting.
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