Father Bill Werneke and little sister of Delaney Sweet-Werneke accepting signed football from Raven Captain Tyler Baker prior to the game.

Photos courtesy of Linda Salmon

Bill Werneke accepting the donation from Captain Clayton Torres.

Coin Toss

#1 Matt Gomes and #20 Roy Rose eyeing the ball carrier.

#21 Anthony LaRosa for a sizable gain.

Tenth Anniversary Season 2007-2016

BFA - Fairfax High School

8/20/16

Kick-off 4:30PM

Staff Report

S. NH Beavers 8

Vermont Ravens 33 

Combination Fundraiser/Football game 

On a day where the Ravens win a game 33-8.  On a day when the offense racks up 318 total yards and the defense only allows one score.  On a day when the Ravens get back on the winning track improving to 4-2 on the season you would think that the game would be what everyone would be talking about on the way home.  Well, usually, but not this day...not even close.

Putting everything into perspective was the cause for which the game was played at BFA - Fairfax High School.  The Ravens along with fellow New England Football League member, the Southern NH Beavers from Manchester, NH, teamed with the school system and community from Fairfax to raise money for a very worthy cause.  Together in all over $4000 was raised and given to the family of Fairfax student Delaney Sweet - Werneke, who is currently battling a rare form of cancer called Osteosarcoma.

Everyone involved felt a sense of pride and purpose knowing that they helped a fellow human being and her family in only a way that we not in the medical profession can help.  By attempting to allay some of the financial burden that can only be described as sometimes overwhelming for a family going through the process of battling a life threatening disease.  The entire organization contributed as team owner Jim Buzzi, Head Coach Pete Everett, players, and support staff all got involved.  The community came together and supported the effort as many came out to the game.  T-shirts, bracelets and concessions sales were all donated along with the raffle money.  All in all it was very inspirational event to be a part of for all involved. 

Unfortunately Delaney could not attend, but her father Bill Werneke and her little sister were there representing the family. Coach Everett was able to visit with her and her mother after the game and let her know that she has "40 big brothers" that are with her, as she endures her courageous battle. 

The game itself with the Ravens playing the Beavers was entertaining, at least from a Vermont perspective, as the Ravens got back on the winning track with a resounding victory. 

Having the 2015 divisional and team offensive MVP, #19 Jaren Jeffcoat (Northfield) back playing quarterback was helpful.  Starting slowly dusting off the cobwebs Jeffcoat was able to get on track with 9:11 left in the first quarter working last years dynamic duo combination of himself to receiver #4 Steve Noyes (Barre) they picked up right where they left off connecting on a 31 yard touchdown play.  Rolling right, away from pressure, Jeffcoat found Noyes down the right side line and throwing on the run delivered a strike to the receiver on the 1 yard line where Noyes, catching the ball dove the remaining distance to the end zone for the touchdown.  The point after attempt by kicker #77 Juju Ayida (Plainfield) failed as the snap was low and bounced to Ayida who caught it and was tackled attempting to run.  Score 6-0 Ravens. 

The connection between Jeffcoat and Noyes would strike again and again as the next two scoring plays were a 8 yard slant pass from Jeffcoat to Noyes and a long 42 yard pass play that had Jeffcoat spot Noyes running free in the middle and delivering another strike as Noyes caught it in stride and galloped into the end zone to put the Ravens up 18-0 with 2:45 left in the half. 

The second half had the Ravens mixing in the run with the pass more frequently and after running back #21 Anthony LaRosa (Northfield) made a nice off tackle run of 16 yards moving the ball down to the 3 yard line Coach Everett brought in the goal line package which has strong safety #20 Roy Rose (Northfield) playing fullback.  He got the call and taking the handoff from Jeffcoat followed center #63 Paul-Dan Winters (E. Montpelier) into the end zone for the Ravens only rushing touchdown on the day.  Jeffcoat found tight end #80 Jamal Jacobs (Barre) alone in the end zone and the two point conversion was good to make the score 26-0 Ravens with 5:43 left in the third quarter. 

The Beavers were able to put together one scoring drive on the afternoon.  Running back #25 Eli Williams ran a sweep off the right side making some nice moves and breaking multiple tackles on route to the end zone and complete the 30 yard run scoring Southern New Hampshire's only touchdown for the game. Quarterback #8 Darius Flowers threw to receiver #18 Andre Rioux in the end zone for the successful two point conversion and the score was 26-8 Ravens with 13:55 left on the fourth quarter.

Vermont was content to run the ball for the majority of the last quarter, but on a 3rd and long from their 34 yard line Jeffcoat attempted a pass down to the end zone which was intercepted by Beaver defensive back #88 Jason Vance.  Vance tried to advance it out of the end zone and did, but only to the one, where Raven receiver #81 Sean Lamphere (Burlington) tackled him.  Two plays later as Flowers was attempting a pass from the end zone charging defensive tackle #93 Lloyd White (Barre) knocked the ball loose to the ground where ever alert middle line backer #35 Jesse Burke (Cabot) pounced on the ball for the last touchdown of the day for the Ravens. Ayidas extra point was good  putting the cap on the day's scoring with Vermont enjoying the eventual final 33-8 score with 1:40 left in the game.

For Burke, the Raven linebacker ended the day with his third fumble recovery, this one resulting in the touchdown, to go with his 6 tackles, 2 of them solo.

For Jeffcoat, on the day he was 11-24 for 165 yards and the three touchdowns to Noyes and 1 two point conversion to Jacobs.  He ran 5 times for 47 yards.

Running back LaRosa ended the day with 17 carries for 81 yards.

Defensive back #1 Matt Gomes (Montpelier) had a interception with a 8 yard return during the second quarter to go with his 4 tackles, 2 of them solo.

Rose finished with 8 tackles, 7 of them solo while adding his offensive touchdown run in the third quarter.

Noyes contributed other ways along with his 3 touchdowns that came on 7 catches for 156 yards by adding 1 solo tackle and 1 forced fumble on special teams.

Linebacker #51 George Campbell (Williamstown) had 8 tackles, 4 of them solo.

Linebacker/defensive end/offensive linemen #57 Nolan Callahan had 6 tackles, 4 of them solo and 1 fumble recovery.

Defensive end #88 Kassian Prior (Winooski) had 6 tackles, 2 of them solo and 1 sack.

Defensive end #91 Michael Fulton (Burlington) had 3 tackles, 3 passes deflected and 1 forced fumble.

Defensive tackle #93 Lloyd White (Barre) had 4 tackles and the 1 forced fumble in the end zone.

The Ravens will be at home in Northfield VT next Sunday Aug. 28th playing the Mass Warriors who Vermont previously defeated 26-21 back on July 30th in Ma.  Kick-off is 3PM, at Norwich University -  Sabine Field.

For more information please go to www.vermontravens.com or visit us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/VTRavensfans/