On November 26^th the Vernon A Team accomplished what they set out to do after the week four loss to South Windsor.  Never lose again this year.  They capped a seven game winning streak with a Win over South Windsor 30-8 in the Championship game played at Rocky Hill High School. 

In the first quarter the Vipers opened the game with a seven and half minute drive scoring the first touch down of the game.  They were able to stop the Panthers on their first drive.  Taking about 6 minutes of the second quarter, the Vipers turned the ball over on downs with about 4 minutes left in the half on the Panthers 20 yard line.  The half ended with the Panthers driving down the field only to be stopped at the Vernon 15 yard line.  The Panthers attempted to kick a field goal, but missed.  Even though the Vipers had dominated the first half, they were only up 8-0.

The second half was completely dominated by the Vipers and this time they were able to show it on the scoreboard.  Outscoring the Panthers 22-8, showed that they had come a long way from the 3 point lose to the Panthers in the fourth week of the season.  With the clocking ticking away, the Vernon Vipers supporters rushed the field to congratulate the boys on the Championship. 

The A team Cheerleaders were amazing that night as well.  Getting the crowd involved in the game from the opening kickoff till the final second.  Coach Lake was unable to communicate with the referees during the game because the crowd was so loud.  The coaches and players of the football team want to thank you for your support all year.

At the banquet at the TKB club yesterday, the A team proudly displayed the trophy for all to see.  A special thanks goes out to Karen Dennin for organizing and getting funding for the A team sweatshirts the kids received.  Also, the A team coaching staff would like to make a special thank you to Lou Mayo and Gee Roc Masonry for his donation of team jackets for the A team to proudly wear for years.

Banquet

The annual banquet this year was held at the TKB club in Rockville.  With the format being a potluck meal for each team, there was more then enough food for everyone.  The C team started things off at 9AM and plenty of breakfast foods.  Dunkin Donuts donated enough donuts to last all day.  The MM team was up at 11:30 for the lunch meal.  What a spread for the MM team.  Lunch was excellent.  The B team started their presentations at 3PM and had more pizza than the team could possible eat.  The A team finished up starting at 4:30 and ending at close to 7:30.  A special thanks goes out to all the team moms for doing a great job at the banquet.  Also, I would like to recognize Mercedes who was at the hall at 8AM with me setting up and making runs to the grocery store to get more supplies.  

It was a great day yesterday.  All had fun and the kids were excited as always with their trophies.  I hope that everyone that can return next year takes advantage of our early registration and makes sure they have a spot on the team next year. 

We have a lot to be thankful this year.  The MM team had almost an entire team of new football players.  Yet they did a great job of competing this year and should be ready next year to build on a great season.  The C team made the playoffs and came extremely close to getting to the championship game.  The B team played as well as anyone in the league at the end of the year and took Cromwell to the edge in the last game.  The A team with sure will and desired brought home the first championship in Vernon Viper history.  Everyone should take notice of just how hard they worked this year to get that championship for the organization. 

Thanks again to all of the board members this year for a great job.  Without your help this organization doesn’t exist.  Please keep up the work as I move on to the Rockville Booster Club next year.  We have a great organization and with the same level of commitment, we can even get better. 

Thank you

Russell Higgins