Daily Archives: October 3, 2009

by David F.P.

I go to football games as a fan as opposed to impartially reporting on the games, so I do not write reports as they might be biased. However I will provide just a little taste of the game piece here.

I attended the game between the Sacred Heart Pioneers and Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at Arute Field on the edge of CCSU’s campus in New Britain. The sky was bleak for the homecoming game, but the fans were out in force tailgating and filling seats, though I did not have a view of every section. The marching band was a spirited group as they occupied their seats nearby. Despite threatening the rain didn’t start until close to the end of the game. The Blue Devil’s mascot, Victor E, which is a nutty blue devil, was perhaps more energetic than I’ve seen a mascot at a game, though UConn’s Jonathan is more laid back in his approach anyway so the comparison may be inadequate.

The action was minimal throughout the first half with each side in a defensive struggle, Sacred Heart managed to put 6 on the board but fumbled the extra point, and later at the very end of the half sent a pass sailing into the end zone, but the extra point missed the mark.

In the second half with the crowd a bit more tense, CCSU worked their way back into the game with rushing, field goals, and a passing attack to make it 17-12. Sacred Heart drove the ball towards the end zone though, but a pass towards the zone was picked off by CCSU Marcus Dorsey in the zone, he ran it back, evaded tackles, crossed the field, and went all the way for a school record. It’s cool to be in a stadium to witness history. That iced the game for Central, and the crowd was appreciative.

In comparison to Rentschler Field, Arute is dwarfed but on the other hand, that has its advantages too. It’s easier to get a good seat. Personally I enjoy both equally, they have their pros and cons and it works out.