Tiny mites rained out, others play on

Mother Nature was not in a particularly good mood for the opening of Oakmont Pop Warner's (OPW) 2006 football season, as dark skies and steady rain made for tough gridiron going on Sunday, Sept. 3.

The newest division for the "blue and gold" - the tiny mites - received an early morning call, alerting them to the cancellation of their very first opening day game against Leominster.

Disappointment was precariously balanced against anticipation, as the rest of the squads waited with bated breath to see if they would set foot on the Arthur I. Hurd Memorial Field to kick-off their new season.

Shortly after 9 a.m., the Mitey Mites took to the field, and would - despite the nasty conditions - be followed by the Junior Pee Wee 1, Junior Pee Wee 2, Pee Wee, and Midget squads.

While every OPW team made a good showing, it was the Midget squad who dazzled the hometown crowd with an impressive 38-0 victory over visiting North Middlesex.

The team is a dynamic and talented collection of veterans and "newbies," with quarterback Luke Bakanowsky being reunited with his most trusted center James Harrington; the running corps being handled by "Charger Committee," led by Joe Vargeletis, Ray Armstrong, Sean Lehan, Ryan Curtis, Dom Polcari, and Todd Boisse, running behind the great blocking of the gold, red, and blue lines.

The defense was anchored by John Harrington, followed by Connor Lehan, Cam Baker, Kyle Billings, Jake Comeau, Jane Peters, Mitch Mabardy, Dylan Wyman, Tyler Baranowski, and the Pfeifle twins, all of whom had outstanding efforts in this contest.

This was a game in which the coaches felt that every player made a significant contribution to the "W."

The Midget squad will travel to Hooksett, N.H. on Sunday, Sept. 10 to face off against the 2005 AYF N.H. State Championship squad, Manchester.

- Submitted to The Journal