Smithfield Vikings Football: 2009 Game News

It was a tough opening day for the Smithfield Vikings Rhode Island Pre-Teen Football League program.

The Varsity, Junior Varsity and Pee Wee teams all lost to the Tri-Town Titans. Tri-Town was making its debut in the league after playing for several years in the Pop Warner program.

In the Varsity game, Tri-Town took a 28-8 decision. Cody D'Oliveira bulled into the end zone for the Vikings' only touchdown and piled up more than 100 yards rushing, but it wasn't enough. Also flashing some strong offense was Chris Cote, who hauled in four passes, including a pair of spectacular grabs.

Vikings officials pointed out that the Varsity team turned in a credible performance for a team that has only been together for one week.

Jake Damico had a monster game for the Junior Varsity squad, rushing for 85 yards and making at least 10 tackles, but it wasn't enough as the Vikings dropped a 14-0 decision to a strong defensive unit from Tri-Town.

Also sparkling on defense for the Vikes were Steve Parker and Albert Kishfy.

Vikings officials pointed out that long-time Pee Wee coach and league official Mike Montella is missing from the sidelines after having surgery last week and wished him a speedy recovery.

Montella's Pee Wee team also had a rough opener, falling 26-8 to the Titans despite a 65-yard kickoff return from Robert Bissonnette and a strong effort on both sides of the ball from Zack Tartaglia. The Pee Wees kept the game close in the first half, leaving the field with a 12-8 deficit, but it was all Titans in the second half.

The Junior Pee Wee team was the only Vikings team to open the season with a win, following a great performance by K.C. Darosa and strong defense, the team took a 24-0 decision.

Darosa ran wild, scoring two touchdowns and adding a two-point conversion, and Steve D'Amico also put one into the end zone.

The Vikings Flag team also had a good day. Scores and standings are not kept at that level. John Golato had a pair of 35-yard runs and a touchdown, Travis Cobain ripped off several long runs and Jordan Golado, Jake Damico and Cobain all turned in strong defensive efforts for the Vikes.