Semi-Final
Wrap-up
Coach Joe Nicholas' undefeated
Brookline Midgets (11-0) toyed with Steel Valley's Ironmen (5-6), in
a lopsided 41-0 win. The Midgets powerful offense was led by fullback
Jo-Jo Lamonde's four touchdowns (two running and two receiving) and the
accurate passing of quarterback Anthony Doria, who threw for three touchdowns.
Receiver Chad Flora caught the third Doria touchdown pass and running back
Tim Hamilton accounted for Brookline's sixth score. Repeating the formula
they've mastered throughout the year, the Knights offense rode the
"Lamonde Express" to an early lead, then watched as the defense shut
down the opposition. Once in command, the offensive scoring machine
gingerly marched up and down the field. With the exception of a close
6-0 win at Swissvale in Game 8, that has been the story of the Brookline
Blitz that has overwhelmed all in its path.
Lamonde's four touchdowns tied him
for the season record of twenty-seven set in 1996 by Raymond "Bubba"
Ventrone. Coach Joe and the Knights advance to take on Mount Oliver (9-2)
in the title game next Saturday. Mount Oliver reached the title game with
a victory over Swissvale (8-3). Brookline's Midgets are shooting for their
third straight league championship, and from the looks of things, nothing
can stop their march to glory.
Photos from the Championship game.
* November 7, 1998 *
Brookline rode the legs of Jo Jo Lamonde
to a championship.
 
Rich Nagy clears big holes on offense
(left) and Ryan Giegucz keeps the runners to the ground on defense.
The Knights defense played a strong game
against Mount Oliver, holding them to six points.
 
Coach Joe Nicholas and QB Anthony Doria (left)
and Tyler Makstutis (right) giving a classic stiff arm.
 
Ryan Giegucz led the Knights swarming defense
(left); Jason Nee, Dan Nardozzi and Rich Nagy with the string.
Coaches and players celebrate after Brookline's
12-6 championship victory over Mount Oliver.
 
The Knights hoist their championship trophy
(left) and touchdown record holder Jo Jo Lamonde.
Championship
Wrap-up
The undefeated Brookline Midgets pounded
their way past a stubborn Mount Oliver squad for a 12-6 win. The scoring opened
in the second quarter with a touchdown pass from Anthony Doria to Chad Flora.
The conversion failed, leaving the score at 6-0. The Knights second score came
late in the third quarter on a twenty yard burst by Tyler Makstutis. Again, the
conversion failed and the Knights were on top 12-0.
Brookline's stifling defense swarmed all
over Mount Oliver the entire game, while the offense rode the legs of fullback
Jo-Jo Lamonde. The low-scoring effort seemed a change for the free-wheeling
Knights, but a tenacious Mount Oliver defense was equal to the challenge and
refused to break under the relentless Brookline attack.
Late in the fourth quarter, Mount Oliver
finally got one in the endzone but failed on the conversion. The score stood at
12-6 and there was still time for a miracle. An on-side kick was attempted, but
the ball failed to travel the required ten yards. The Knights took possession
and ran out the clock.
For Coach Joe Nicholas and his Midgets
it was the third consecutive year that they've walked away with the title firmly
in their grasp. For Vincent's Pizza in Greentree it was a really busy night,
and for the Knight's football program it was another excellent season and
further proof that Brookline football is a dominant force in Southwestern
Pennsylvania.
The Cheerleaders
Nicole Nicholas, Dara Varady, Gabriella Vachino,
Dana Masullo, Ashley Haggerty, Krystle Collavo, Amanda Sero, Jessica Gozur, Jamie Nicholas,
Lindsay Nelson, Kimberly Drischler, Laura Smith, Kristy Tondolo, Shauna
McDaniels, Megan Mandarino and Lindsey DeCarlo.
* Photos courtesy
of Barbara Giegucz * |
