Fall Athletics
Football The Suffield Academy football team captured its third New England title in four years, topping the Belmont Hill School 10-9 in the Tom Flaherty Bowl. The Tigers won in dramatic fashion, as Alton Sioussat ’13 kicked a game-winning 35 yard field goal with just 46 seconds remaining. This memorable and exciting game marked Suffield’s fourth straight Super Bowl appearance, a string that has seen the Tigers compile a record of 32 wins and 3 defeats. The Super Bowl game was a low scoring affair, and much of the first half was a battle of field position. Both teams had promising drives snuffed out by defensive stands. Ultimately, Belmont Hill struck first, scoring on an eleven yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter, and Suffield trailed 6-0 at the end of the first half. Suffield continued to move the ball both on the ground and through the air, but were unable to break through until the fourth quarter. Three minutes in, senior captain Paul McCarthy found Brice McAllister ’14 for a nine yard touchdown catch, and the Tigers took a 7-6 lead when Alton Sioussat booted the extra point. Belmont Hill answered, however, as a 26 yard field goal put them on top 9-7 with 6:36 left in the game. McCarthy and the Tiger offense quickly went back to work and put together an unforgettable come-from-behind drive. After 10 plays, which included a big 23 yard run from senior captain Trevon Offley, the Tigers reached the Belmont Hill 16 yard line with under a minute to go. After a timeout, Suffield called on Alton Sioussat to convert a career-long field goal, and the junior drilled the kick into the wind and through the uprights. One defensive stand later, the celebration ensued. This year’s team was captained by McCarthy, Offley, Russ Grotto ’12, and Paul Metscher ’13. The talented senior class also included Will Draper, JC Murtaugh, Shaquille Phillips-Breedlove, Chris Sonberg, Connor Kaplan, and Conrad Mish. Juniors who made key contributions included Steven Leo, Harry Farr, Cole Hills, and Alton Sioussat. A very talented sophomore class was led by McAllister, CJ Moore, Jaylen Berry, Drew Mahoney, Tyler Pinkham, Derek Chaney, Jimmy Quinn, and Matt Powers. Christian Wilkins ’15 and Trenton Bellows ’15 also played significant roles, along with fellow freshmen Tahj Herring, Jackie Zhang, and Greg Pentz. They help provide a promising future for Suffield football. Head Coach Drew Gamere ’93 said, “This group really maximized their potential and got better every day and in each game. They were a pleasure for us to coach and we are all proud of their achievements. Our success is exciting for the school, and for all of these students and their families.” 32 | www.suffieldacademy.org