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| Crosby quarterback Alberim Klenja stood tough against WCA pressure and threw for the jamboree-clinching touchdown. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69) |
You could say that toughness was the key factor in Crosby’s Waterbury Football Jamboree title on Saturday at Ray Snyder Sr. Field.
The Bulldogs featured a good running game, a rigid defense, and a quarterback who wasn’t afraid to take a hit when it mattered most.
First-year starting quarterback Alberim Klenja stood in against Waterbury Career Academy pressure and lofted a 23-yard touchdown pass to Davonte Howard. The score was the lone one of a 6-0 fifth and final quarter of action Saturday, and it helped Crosby clinch the jamboree title.
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| Crosby football celebrates its city jamboree title. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69) |
The Bulldogs used a strong running game to carve up Wilby in a 14-0 victory in their other quarter, which was the third of the day overall in the jamboree. Crosby scored on its first play from scrimmage when Isaac Burgos ran it in from near midfield. Raecuan Digsby added a short touchdown run for the final score.
In the fifth quarter, Crosby’s defense set the tone against WCA. The Bulldogs claimed good field position on more than one occasion, thanks to their defense and short punts by the Spartans. With 5:14 left in the quarter, Crosby made WCA pay on the Klenja to Howard connection.
In the first quarter, Sacred Heart/Kaynor Tech bested Wilby 12-8. The Hearts scored on rushing touchdowns from Saijon McIntosh and Tiron Ferris, but had to wait until a Wildcat onside kick went out of bounds late in the quarter to claim victory. Wilby’s Dyjuon Butler electrified the crowd with a long kickoff return to set up the lone Wildcat score.
The second quarter between Kennedy and WCA ended in a scoreless tie, the first of two on the day for the Eagles. Kennedy saw a late touchdown slip out of the grasp of its receiver in the end zone.
After Crosby beat Wilby in the third quarter, Kennedy used two interceptions of SH/KT passes to salvage another 0-0 tie in the fourth quarter.
PHOTOS: Click here to see images from Saturday’s jamboree.
