There is no bigger game for the Wolcott football team than the one it will play tonight at 6:30 on the turf of Joe Monroe Field.
The Eagles (6-1) are ranked fourth in the Class S playoff standings. Their opponent, the Seymour Wildcats (6-1), are ranked sixth in Class S. With 18 teams in Class S having two or fewer losses, a win in this matchup is a necessity for both sides.
Here’s what Wolcott needs to do tonight:
Put a lid on Jaylen Kelley
The Seymour junior quarterback has been one of the NVL’s most versatile players this season. Kelley has completed 63.7 percent of his passes and has thrown for 14 touchdowns, according to his stats on MaxPreps.com
Kelley has also been Seymour’s most dangerous runner with 718 yards and 10 touchdowns. Wolcott needs to slow Kelley down tonight or it could be in trouble.
Watch out for Burns and Bleau as well
Senior Mike Burns is Seymour’s top receiver (24 catches, 523 yards, 6 TDs), though senior teammate Jake Bleau is also a threat (17-395-3). Both can also be trouble on kick returns, so keeping this duo under wraps is important.
Neutralize CJ Falcioni and friends
The senior averages nearly a sack per game and is among Seymour’s team leaders in tackles. Falcioni has also recovered three fumbles. Wolcott needs to make sure it blocks well against Falcioni. The Eagles also mustn’t lose sight of good defenders like junior Charles Ritchel, senior Tyler Sirowich, junior Lucas Bowen and sophomore Bobby Melms. All have been good tacklers and are among the team leaders in tackles for a loss. Wolcott has had a strong offensive line all year, so it hopes that effort continues.
Be better on defense
Wolcott allowed 52 points to St. Paul. Happily for the Eagles, they scored 69. Wolcott doesn’t want a repeat performance this week against a better Seymour team. Look for senior Phil Olmstead to lead the way on defense.
Looking for another good effort from Rocky
Senior quarterback Rocky Griffin completed 13 of 19 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown in the win over St. Paul. Wolcott would love to get another strong effort from Griffin, given it could help take the focus off of senior running back Nate Filippone, who had 14 carries for 242 yards and five touchdowns against St. Paul. Filippone has been huge for the Eagles, so they know the Wildcats will try to slow him down. Griffin could help keep that from happening with another good effort throwing the ball.
Wolcott has a tough road game next Friday against Ansonia, whom they have never defeated. The Eagles need to defend their home turf and pick up a win over the Wildcats tonight.
