The Shelton High football team returned to its winning ways Friday night with a 52 – 19 home victory over Jonathan Law High.
Shelton amassed 440 yards on the ground in raising its record to 2 – 3, ending a three-game losing streak. Law dropped to 3 – 2.
Seniors Joel Youd and Ray Pendagast led the Gaels on the ground, both rushing for 90 yards, mostly on big plays. Youd, a halfback, amassed 90 yards on three carries and had a 46-yard touchdown run on Shelton’s first play from scrimmage with 10:31 remaining in the first quarter. Junior Jon Groth’s kick made it 7 – 0.
Pendagast, the Gaels’ quarterback, ran for 90 on four carries and had a 47-yard touchdown run on the Gaels’ second play from scrimmage with 8:35 left. Groth’s kick made it 14 – 0.
“The offensive line stepped it up tonight,” said Pendagast. “We dominated on offense and defense played well, which helped us come out with a win.”
Senior quad-captain Greg Bukoski, classmates Robert Gelozin, Tyler McNamara and James Keleman and junior Patrick Gillen opened up gaping holes for the running game.
Meanwhile, Shelton was tough on defense with junior Cody Kitson (eight tackles), senior quad-captain Carl Cristino (five tackles) and Youd (five tackles) leading the way.
Although the Gaels began their third possession at their 11-yard line, they were still able to drive, courtesy of junior Ryan DeAngelis (seven carries for 78 yards) rambling for a 29-yard gain and Pendagast (5‑for‑9 for 121 yards, one touchdown, one interception) connecting with senior quad-captain Paul Piccirillo (three catches for 105 yards) for a 47-yard gain. Piccirrillo used speed and good moves on the play to bring it to the Lawmen’s 9‑yard line.
“Ray did a good job of throwing me the ball,” said Piccirrillo.
Shelton settled for Groth’s 23-yard field goal to make it 17 – 0 with three minutes to go and it was the score after one quarter.
The Gaels began their next drive on their 8. DeAngelis had a 34-yard run to Law’s 45 and on the sixth play of the drive, Youd had a 37-yard touchdown run with 9:57 left in the half. Groth’s kick made it 24 – 0.
Pendagast committed the first stringers’ only mistake of the night on Shelton’s next series when he threw an interception but redeemed himself on the following drive, starting on his 43. He hit Piccirillo, who found openings after the catch, for a 50-yard gain. Two plays later, DeAngelis had a 7‑yard touchdown run with 5:35 remaining.
Groth’s kick made it 31 – 0.
Law scored on its next possession but junior Mike Georgalis blocked the extra point with classmate Ted Hopnick and the score was 31 – 6.
However, the Gaels answered with Pendagast leading them on a four-play, 58-yard drive. He hit Georgalis for a 15-yard gain, scrambled for 41 yards and hit senior tight end Eric Sinko for a 1‑yard touchdown pass with 3:10 to go. Groth’s kick made 38 – 6.
Piccirrillo’s interception and 20-yard return set up the next score, which occurred on a two-play, 36-yard drive. Junior Chris Mancuso had a 30-yard run and Cristino capped it with a 6‑yard touchdown run with 2:06 left. Groth’s kick made it 45 – 6.
Junior John Farrell intercepted a Lawmen pass before the half.
Law scored two second half touchdowns against Shelton’s second stringers. Mancuso (five carries for 93 yards) closed out the scoring with a 30-yard touchdown run with 1:42 left in the third quarter. Groth’s kick made it 52 – 19.
“It was a good win and the team feels good,” said Pendagast. We hope to win next week [at home against Fairfield Prep].”
Piccirillo said, “This win boosts our confidence and we hope to get the win next week against Prep.”
