MONROE, CT — The 5th grade Monroe Lions’ perfect season ended with a disappointing defeat to Newtown in the American Youth Football Shoreline League Championship game last season. But the Lions picked up where they left off this year, extending their unbeaten regular season winning streak to two years and knocking off Glastonbury 39-8 in their playoff opener last Sunday.
The Lions will take on Southington in the semi-finals in a home game at Masuk’s Benedict Field this Sunday at 11 a.m.
Monroe features a stingy defense that held opposing offenses to a mere 22 points over nine games this year.
“This season has been incredible so far,” Head Coach Matthew Duffy said Thursday. “I am beyond proud of these athletes and their ability to work together to achieve success both on and off the field. The dedication from the coaching staff and the support from the league and our parents have been key factors in our consistency.”
“Our semi-final opponent, Southington, poses a significant challenge, but I’m confident our kids are prepared to compete on Sunday. We hope that Monroe continues to fill the stands and cheer us on,” said Duffy, who’s been coaching youth football since 2017 and is also vice president of football operations for the Monroe Lions.
The Lions scored early and often against Glastonbury, while exploding for 33 points by halftime. Glastonbury scored a touchdown in the second half to cut Monroe’s lead to 33-8, before the Lions scored their final TD.
According to AYF rules, the coach of a team winning by more than 35 points is penalized with a suspension the following week, so the Lions’ offense spent the rest of the game going for clock-killing first downs.
Lions’ touchdowns were scored by Luke Dunlavey (2), Brian Marini, Ella Jonason, Finn Duffy, and Beckham Nealon. Many scores came from quarterback Brian Marini’s passes or from ball carriers following key blocks from teammates.
The Lions have 34 fifth graders on the team, who are led by seven volunteer coaches.
Duffy is assisted by Toby Alvarez, Will Schule, Mike Swezey, John Dunlavey, Chris Deloge and Brian Marini, who all work overtime to ensure the boys are well prepared to win week in and week out.
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