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11/14/2022 02:13 PMThe Valley Regional/Old Lyme football team had a disappointing 2021 season record of 4-6 to show for its heart and hustle that was way above board for a squad with that triumph tally. As disappointing as the result was at the time, it turned out to be a blessing as it forged the fire in the Warriors this fall that has helped catapult them to a dominating start to the 2022 campaign.
Head Coach Hill Gbunblee and VR-OL, backed by a senior-laden squad that has helped set an exemplary example, have taken the bitter taste of that six-loss showing one year ago and whetted their winning appetite to the tune of a 7-1 mark through eight contests this year.
Before looking into schemes or Xs and Os, Gbunblee stated that the Warriors are not only fueled by last year, but also the drive and desire to put out a squad the program’s schools and local towns can take great pride in while pushing towards the postseason.
“Our record has been the culmination of our hard work not only last year but also in the offseason,” said Gbunblee. “Last year, we were not getting the results that matched our efforts, which was frustrating. The kids bought in here, and we have had great leadership from the senior class. Through COVID, teams lost senior leaders and were unable to pass the baton to the next class, yet we got that back this year. We just want to put a product on the field the community can be proud of.”
Most recently, the Warriors hosted the Academy of Computer Science and Engineering Co-Op (CREC Co-Op) on Nov. 10 and posted a decisive 42-6 decision, dropping the visitors’ overall record to 3-6. This was a night quite indicative of the Warriors’ prior performances, with VR-OL now having outscored their opponents 305-73 through eight clashes. Sophomore Max Novak gave the Warriors a 7-0 lead after the opening quarter with a 32-yard TD rush before CREC cut its deficit to one at 7-6 following a short 2-yard scoring scamper in the second.
From there, VR-OL took over the scoring the rest of the evening with 35 unanswered points. Junior Grady Lacourciere notched 6 and 12-yard TD tosses in the same frame to senior Andrew Yermenson (who also notched an interception and fumble recovery on defense) and fellow senior DiAngelo Jean-Pierre (6 tackles and a forced fumble defensively), respectively, to lead 21-6 at halftime.
In the third, senior Nick Cox (also nabbing a 53-yard catch in the win) broke open for a 27-yard TD rush to the house. Finally in the fourth, Lacourciere threw the ball from
2 yards out into the end zone to senior Michael Galberth, and then senior Jake Rand polished off a nice 69-yard sprint to score.
“Basically, we did a good job of being able to study film on our opponents and take advantage of matchups,” said Gbunblee. “CREC is an athletic team, but we were able to take advantage of the defensive scheme by them and knew how to match up well with them.”
Behind center, Lacourciere was 13-for-18 passing with 128 yards and three scores through the air. Rand finished the night with 13 carries for 208 yards, complemented with a catch for 26 yards and a touchdown. He was also 6-for-6 on point-after attempts.
Gbunblee went on to explain the seeds of success that were planted in the spring and summer. Whether it was extra indoor or outdoor training and reps, the pain has been well worth it for the gains.
“The kids have taken pride this year and refuse to quit,” Gbunblee noted. “Last year, we did not get the results we wanted. Our seniors took it personally; they did beach workouts at Hammonasset Park, ran on the hills, and did two-a-days in the weight room. They all wanted to own a season we could all be proud of.”
The Warriors have been stalwarts defensively with a stingy squad that has allowed only 9.1 points per game while nabbing two shutouts and allowing no more than 14 tallies in any of their seven wins.
VR-OL, also now second overall in the Pequot Conference’s Sassacus Division with a 4-1 mark, has presented a brick wall to their league opponents by simply having a game plan that accentuates everyone’s best attributes.
“The biggest thing on defense has been to make sure the schemes we have matches the strengths of our players. Our assistant coaches have done a tremendous job of that,” said Gbunblee. “When you have the bodies up front to put on pressure, it is a huge luxury at any level of football. With the way we disguise coverages the way we do, we are able to take advantage with a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.”
Conversely on the other side of the coin, the offense has been equally proficient–averaging 38.1 points a contest. While again crediting his coaching staff, Gbunblee added that the Warriors have been aided in their attack by a smash-mouth style of play as the mercury begins to drop.
“We have always felt we were talented offensively and an explosive team,” Gbunblee explained. “Our coaches know the guys and what they can do, and they have done a great job coaching. We have a phenomenal run game. We always want to establish the run game, because that is what we lean on in the cold weather.”
The Warriors currently sit 7th in the Class SS State Playoff rankings with a 128.75 point average standing, where the top seven squads make the postseason dance. VR-OL is ecstatic about what it has collectively accomplished thus far, though the young men and coaches are aware they cannot look too far into the horizon.
“This team has worked so hard, and it has been exhilarating to see the success this year,” said Gbunblee. “I hate to use the cliche, but we have to take it one game at a time. The kids have been saying we are on a revenge tour this season. They’ve taken so much pride in their community and school. We are confident in what we have going on here. No matter the challenge, it’s all about what we have going on here.”
The Warriors wrap up the regular season by hosting 0-8 Old Saybrook-Westbrook on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. before concluding with their annual Thanksgiving week clash for the Principal’s Cup at Haddam-Killingworth (5-3 overall) on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m.