Windsor Trails Bristol Eastern, 7-6; T-Storm Causes Postponement

Bristol Eastern gave Windsor a run for its money through a quarter and a half of play Friday before the match up of CCC Division II West teams was stopped and postponed due to thunderstorms.

When play was stopped with just under 8 minutes remaining in the second quarter, the Warriors found themselves trailing the Lancers 7-6.

It's unfamiliar territory for Windsor. It's the first time Windsor has tailed its opponent. The Lancers' score was also the first touchdown allowed by Windsor's starting defense.

Windsor struck first. The score came on its sixth play from scrimmage -- a 17-yard pass from Quinn Fleeting to Aaron Berardino. Chris Traore's extra point attempt failed.

Bristol Eastern got the ball on the ensuing kickoff and manufactured a 7-minute, 65-yard drive that resulted in its 7 points and the lead.

Eastern relied on its run game, particularly the legs of senior runningback Eli Rodriguez, who sprung for runs of 12, 18 and 14 during the touchdown drive.

At one point, Eastern managed three first down on as many plays, setting themselves up inside the 10-yard line.

Once inside the red zone, Windsor's defense seemed to wake up. The Warriors stopped Eastern on three plays, forcing a fourth-and-goal situation from the 7.

On fourth down, Eastern quarterback Lorenzo Brown made a play-action fake, and tossed the ball to James Clark for the touchdown just as Berardino, playing safety, met him at the goal line.

Although Windsor is currently behind, Coach Rob Fleeting sees no need for concern.

"We didn't see anything we didn't think we were going to see," Fleeting said after the game was postponed.

"I expected them to come out and let the clock run and try to keep the game close, which is a great gameplan...," he added.

Eastern's gameplan also included no allowing Berardino to touch the ball in the kicking game, and catching Windsor off guard.

After their touchdown, the Lancers tried to catch Windsor resting on its heels -- attempting an onside kick. The attempt failed, and Windsor got the ball with quality field position, but the play is indicative of Eastern's all-or-nothing approach to the game.

The game has been postponed until Sat., Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at Muzzy Field in Bristol. Play will resume from the moment the game was stopped -- Bristol Eastern has the ball with 7:40 left in the first half. It's fourth down with three yards to go on their own 33-yard line.

W: Aaron Berardino, 17-yard pass from Quinn Fleeting (kick failed). 10:13

BE: James Clark, 7-yard pass from Lorenzo Brown (Jeremy Meccariello kick). 3:05