Warriors' Win Gives Coach Fleeting 100th Career Victory

Windsor continued to roll on the gridiron Friday night, giving coach Rob Fleeting his one-hundredth career win with a 45-0 win over Simsbury. The win gives Fleeting’s squad its fifth straight win of the season, remaining undefeated with a 5-0 record.

Currently in his third season at the helm in Windsor, Fleeting said the milestone victory “feels good because it makes me think about the kids who play for me now and especially those who’ve played for me in the past — especially the kids at Weaver High School in Hartford.

“I think those kids helped me to become a good coach at Weaver High School. They always hung in there with me and always fought hard for me. Then coming over here to Windsor, these kids started to believe in me and continue to work hard for me… It means a lot to be able to do what I’ve done with different groups of kids and different groups of coaches. It’s just a mark of hard work paying off.”

Friday was a big night for the Fleeting family — Quinn Fleeting, Windsor quarterback and coach's son, threw five touchdowns for 189 yards, all in the first half, leading the Warriors to a 32-0 lead after two quarters.

Thanks to the play of his offensive line and his elusiveness, the junior signal caller benefited from plenty of time in the pocket, connecting with each of his starting receivers for touchdowns, including two to Aaron Berardino (4 receptions for three touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown).

“Obviously it was great blocking by the lineman,” said the younger Fleeting. “I have to give it up to all my lineman, and I just have great receivers.”

While Windsor’s offensive chemistry allowed the Warriors (5-0, 2-0) to rack up 433 yards of total offense, Simsbury (2-3, 0-1) struggled to move the ball against a defense that has allowed just over 80 yards per game from the opening kick.

The Trojans converted just two first downs over four quarters, and gained 64 yards of total offense, all on the ground.

Simsbury did cause Windsor some trouble on special teams, however. Windsor converted only on extra point thanks to heavy pressure and repeated success on the part of the Trojans' field goal block squad.

The matchup against The Hartford Courant’s No. 5 team in the state was difficult for Simsbury, who entered the contest with a .500 record. The game’s lopsided outcome led Simsbury coach Jeff Osborne to encourage his team to look to the future, not at Friday’s loss.

“I said forget about the game, just forget about it. That’s my only comment,” Osborne said.

Cormack Mulshine led Simsbury's offensive production, gaining 24 yards on 10 carries.

Fleeting connected on 12 of 16 passes for 189 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.

Berardino rushed three times for 14 yards and a score in addition to his three touchdown receptions (one from Alton Smith) on four catches for 68 yards.

Simsbury will travel to West Hartford to take on Hall High School on Sat., Oct. 22.

Windsor will face its toughest opponent yet: fellow CCC Division II West member and undefeated Middletown. The game will be Windsor’s Homecoming on Fri., Oct. 21.