Harding coach Eddie Santiago speaks at school budget forum held at Bridgeport Public Library. All of them (games) stand out. I remember the snake dance. Harding High Schools Hewitt Hoillet runs the ball during Thanksgiving Day football action against Central High School, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 25, 2021. "I couldn't not put my hands in this. Weve been running the ball very well previous games, but we havent gotten the results we wanted through the air, Harding coach Eddie Santiago said. Thursday, at John F. Kennedy Stadium, in the shadows of Central High School, the Presidents and the Hilltoppers will square off again in the 100th meeting between the two schools. But Harding answered with a 62-yard drive, all via the pass, as Morales connected with Brown on a 16-yard strike with just 28 seconds left in the quarter to take a 14-6 lead at the break. The Presidents have gone 15-25 as members of the Southern Connecticut Conference, but did produce Todd Rainey, a first-team All-State lineman who was a freshman starter at Rutgers last fall. Griffin . It was a big deal, the (Central) game, Cole said. After all the roses had been placed on Lewis plot, Santiago told his team to look down at the field. Central head coach Dave Cadelina during Harding vs. Central high school football action at Kennedy Stadium, Central High School, in Bridgeport, Conn. on Thanksgiving, Nov. 24th, 2011. Changing Futures and Achieving Excellence Together, Harding's Athletic Trainer: Gena Fuller, ATC, LAT of Select Physical Therapy. Central responded with a massive 19-play, 78-yard drive that took 9:39 off the clock with Ethan Scott scoring from the 10. Weve got a bunch of the O and D lines coming back. 2023 Hearst Media Services Connecticut, LLC, Sophomore class expected to excel in CIAC girls tennis State Open, 2023 CIAC softball tournament semifinal previews, CIAC softball tournament to honor Bob Baird at semifinals Monday, Four-time CIAC track champ Bohlke finds peace, success in running, Hunt pitches Coventry past Windsor Locks into Class S semifinals, Year after winning individual crown, golfer focused on team title, What we learned in the CIAC girls lacrosse quarterfinals, What we learned from the CIAC boys lacrosse quarterfinals, Former CT standout pitcher Frank Mozzicato to miss a month, New Canaan avenges FCIAC loss, beats Wilton in Class L quarters, CT couple alleges state is illegally filming their property by attaching camera to wandering bear, UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers practicing on court as Huskies start summer session, Former UConn women's basketball star Dorka Juhasz makes first career start for WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, Pod of dolphins spotted swimming in CT's Long Island Sound, video shows, Smith & Wesson to close Connecticut factory, lay off 129 workers, Connecticut real estate agent and couple set to appear on HGTVs 'House Hunters', 2023 CIAC Baseball Tournament Scoreboard / Schedule, Greenwich boys swimming wins 52nd FCIAC title in 53 years, Roundup: Top seeds advance to CHSGHA girls ice hockey semifinals, No. "I don't think this is a fair deal. 1 of 15. [3] Athletics He has covered high school sports for pretty much that whole time, though he also covered the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers daily for 17 years. At $107 million, the new school is not the most expensive built in the city Fairchild Wheeler still holds that distinction but it may just be the most distinctive. "Coach Santiago is an individual who, for the last 17 years, has continuously proven that every aspect of his career is dedicated to improving the lives of the athletes he works with.". Incoming 9th Grade Students; Letters from the Superintendent; Laptops & Technology; Parent Information; Student Gallery It all turned out great., My memories it was East Side versus North End, throw the records out the window, said Damon Lewis, who played at Harding from 1986-90 for his father, coach John Lewis and coached the Presidents from 1998 to 2004. So, the rivalry ran very deep and very emotional for a lot of people not only because of the tradition but because of family. Central High Schools Semaj Williams runs the ball during Thanksgiving Day football action against Harding High School, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 25, 2021. It was a great game, Paslov said. 6 Northwest Catholic on late goal, Volleyball top performances, games to watch (Oct. 19). Click the flyer or here to go to our store. Little did anyone know that less than two weeks after the game, Reilly would be gone. Its cornerstone was laid on May 10, 1924, and the school opened on September 9, 1925. [7] It was built on a former General Electric factory site which underwent considerable environmental remediation. BRIDGEPORT Remember if you can a different time. And we will.. Santiago said he has a lot of respect for what Broschardt is trying to do with the Hilltoppers; a lot of it is what hes trying to do with the Presidents. Bragging rights did. The ball sailed downfield toward the end zone. GameTimeCT // Football Central-Harding: A Thanksgiving rivalry of snake dances, pride and now, 100 games Chris Elsberry Nov. 20, 2022 A rivalry is born Two legends Changing Times 10 BRIDGEPORT - Remember if you can a different time. Coach Reilly he was a great coach, Mraz said. Henry Ford established the 40-hour work week and in Chicago, mobster Al Capone ruled. A great rivalry.. The Harding coaching staff, mid-1970s. He played and coached at Harding. We just didnt make enough plays. Harding captured state titles in 1927, 1928, 1942, 1947 and 1963. The student population was expected to be between 1,500 and 1,800 students. In his first Thanksgiving game, Cadelina and Central won 14-8. It's curved facade reminds. Greta Garbo made her movie debut in Torrent, Harry Houdini and Rudolph Valentino died, Ernest Hemmingway penned The Sun Also Rises and A.A. Milne wrote Winnie the Pooh.. But on the ensuing Harding kickoff, all heck broke loose. That started the rivalry back up again. My first Thanksgiving game as a head coach was pretty exciting. I played both ways and also on special teams. Incredible man. Along with Elliott, five additional Presidents played professional football. For 27 seasons, from 1940 until 1966, Miska led the Presidents to 15 wins in the Thanksgiving Day rivalry. All of a sudden, it all fell apart. We were the kings.. Harding High School football and wrestling coach Eddie Santiago points to his players as he addresses a public hearing over budget cuts before the Bridgeport Board of Education at Geraldine Johnson School in Bridgeport, Conn. on Monday, April 30, 2018. Head football coach Eddie Santiago meets with his team as they receive new helmets in preration for the upcoming season at Harding High School, in Bridgeport, Conn. Aug. 3, 2017. CIAC Sports football referee Tom Sportina flips the coin prior to kickoff of the annual Thanksgiving Day game between Central and Harding High School, at Kennedy Stadium, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 24, 2022. Harding's Jaidon Brown: Senior scored three touchdowns and intercepted a pass. Watch highlights of Harding High School Presidents Varsity Football from Bridgeport, CT, United States and check out their schedule and roster on Hudl. Harding's hope is that some of the young depth takes care of special teams to give the older guys a breather. The kids got really excited about it. Hardings Lino Cortina runs the ball in for a touchdown during the high school Thanksgiving Day football game against Central, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 24, 2022. It is commonly called Harding High School. So we were going to keep it on the ground today. Pughs brother was the Presidents' captain in 1961, his oldest son, Gerald Pugh Jr., captained Harding in 1980. He won 14 varsity letters at Central and is still the only-five sport letter athlete at Arnold College (now the University of Bridgeport). [4], The original school was designed by C. Wellington Walker, and was located at 1734 Central Avenue. HDante Dicks 4 run (Sebastian Flores kick), CDaniel Echeverri 62 pass from Justin Thomas (pass failed), HAdrian Walker 13 pass from Dicks (Flores kick), Harding football runs past Central in 99th meeting; four interceptions for Dante Dicks, National Signing Day 2022-2023: Connecticuts signing list. News of Santiago not returning spread online with a petition to the Bridgeport Board of Education and administration demanding his reinstatement posted on Change.org. On a bitterly cold Thanksgiving Day in 2002, Gerald Pugh stood on the sidelines at Hedges Stadium, hands stuffed into his heavy coat pockets. We pushed the (blocking) sled and went back to the most basic form of football, blocking and tackling, said Santiago, as the Presidents finished 1-9 and pushed their lead in the overall series to 58-38-4. From 1941 to 1964 when the brand new Kennedy Stadium hosted its first Thanksgiving Day encounter Harding generally had the better of things on Turkey Day, winning 13 against seven losses and two ties to bring its record against Central to 25-10-4. Central didnt have a coach last year as CIAC canceled its tackle football season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Both schools had bands to support them in their endeavors to drown out the other in the cry of victory. Choose from the 14 yearbooks available for Harding High School below to start exploring the extensive Yearbooks collection on Ancestry. Contributed / East-Enders Alumni Association, Contributed / Bridgeport Central High School, Chris Elsberry / For Hearst Connecticut Media. Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media, 2023 Hearst Media Services Connecticut, LLC, Sophomore class expected to excel in CIAC girls tennis State Open, 2023 CIAC softball tournament semifinal previews, CIAC softball tournament to honor Bob Baird at semifinals Monday, Four-time CIAC track champ Bohlke finds peace, success in running, Hunt pitches Coventry past Windsor Locks into Class S semifinals, Year after winning individual crown, golfer focused on team title, What we learned in the CIAC girls lacrosse quarterfinals, What we learned from the CIAC boys lacrosse quarterfinals, Former CT standout pitcher Frank Mozzicato to miss a month, New Canaan avenges FCIAC loss, beats Wilton in Class L quarters, CT high school football season previews 2022, CT couple alleges state is illegally filming their property by attaching camera to wandering bear, UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers practicing on court as Huskies start summer session, Former UConn women's basketball star Dorka Juhasz makes first career start for WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, Pod of dolphins spotted swimming in CT's Long Island Sound, video shows, Smith & Wesson to close Connecticut factory, lay off 129 workers, Connecticut real estate agent and couple set to appear on HGTVs 'House Hunters', 2023 CIAC Baseball Tournament Scoreboard / Schedule, Greenwich boys swimming wins 52nd FCIAC title in 53 years, Roundup: Top seeds advance to CHSGHA girls ice hockey semifinals, No. Central High School quarterback Justin Thomas scrambles with the ball during Thanksgiving Day football action against Harding High School, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 25, 2021. 2023 Summer School Information; Bridgeport Public Schools Debate League; Student Handbook; School Uniforms; Student Records; . I loved it. Harding High School, Bridgeport, High School sports. We were a little shaky in the beginning, a couple of fumbles, pre-game jitters but they overcame that and stayed with the game plan, said Santiago. "I threw a few emails and stuff like that at a few people, too," saidSpodnik, who played football and wrestled with Santiago at Hardingand has a son, Chefren, who also plays football and wrestles for Santiago. View full profile on Instagram. 2 Darien tips No. There was always a pep rally at school. All of his ball carriers gained ground through the weak Harding line at will.. The reasons for Santiago's dismissal, however, remained unclear as of Thursday afternoon. I remember Larry Rudd and Ernest Brown and Keith Pierce and Tony Elliott and Mark Perkins, guys that paved the way for us. There are 16 footballs out there somewhere. School Athletics Site; HARDING. Heading into the game, both teams are struggling. You had to win that game., It all started in 1926 Nov. 13, 1926, to be exact when Central and Harding met for the first time on the football field. He just had a certain way about him. Bridgeport , CT 06604. It was a time when Harding versus Central meant everything. One of Paslovs highlights came in his first season as the Hilltoppers defeated Harding 21-8, one of just two wins against the Presidents in his seven seasons as coach. I always tell (Lou) that he caught a cold from the breeze of me running past him all afternoon, Longo said in a 2007 interview with the Connecticut Post. Or the kids from Central would go to Harding and do the snake dance in front of the school. But Reilly made us. I think the kids really enjoy the festivities. Six plays.. Football Coach, for sharing these photos, and to Tom Bogardus, Harding '64, for sending them in to us.) Central is in the middle of a 40-game losing streak dating to Nov. 16, 2017, when the Hilltoppers posted their last win, 46-44 over Ludlowe. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Those were some great, great games, Saccone said in that same interview. Jesus Guerrero, Bridgeport Central: Senior was 2-for-3 with two RBIs in win over Harding and 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs in win over Hillhouse, including the game-winning hit in the sixth inning. Im on the field and Im watching the ball sail toward the end zone and Im thinking, Theres something wrong here, the next thing I see is the referee holding his hands up (to signal a touchdown) as Henry Perez is in the end zone. He was in the Marines. Better than anything. After the game we lost (1998) we never lost another game, but we easily could have. Some played for Lewis, the legendary Harding coach of the 1970s and 80s for whom the field is named. Father John would take son Damon to Hedges Stadium, not just for Central on Thanksgiving but pretty much every high school football weekend. Warren Harding High School is a public high school in Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States. It isnt. Six plays (maybe one or two others mixed in for fun?) Harding Presidents Athletics: Follow us on Twitter> . Today, the past traditions may not be the same, but the history will never be forgotten. 490 followers 94 posts. Harding Head Coach: Eddie Santiago during high school football action against Foran in Bridgeport, Conn., on Friday Sept. 21, 2018. Ive had him for three years. The petition, which was started by a team parent and friendTremainSpodnik,had nearly 400 names as of 3 p.m. Thursday. contributed Show More Show Less 5 of 8 An artists rendering of the new high school to replace Harding were on . I dont know what Id do without these dudes.. We fought back. Centrals Ethan Scott is tackled by Harding defenders during high school Thanksgiving Day football action in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 24, 2022. Centrals Amadeus Bonilla runs the ball during the high school Thanksgiving Day football game against Harding, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 24, 2022. A giant.. During Cadelinas tenure as coach, Central would give the seniors their moment in the spotlight, running their last gasser with the underclassmen lined up on both sides, the seniors would cross the finish line, as it were, to handshakes and hugs and tears. Centrals Amadeus Bonilla fumbles the ball while running against Harding defenders Terrance Carter, right, and Jordan Baskins during high school Thanksgiving Day football action in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 24, 2022. The teams traded off five touchdowns in the last 6:20 of the first half; the Hilltoppers Justin Thomas threw for a 62-yard touchdown to Daniel Echeverri and punched one in himself to cut the halftime edge to 28-14. They were friends, they all grew up together. Contributed / Bridgeport Central High School. My assistants were former Harding guys Jose Castillo, long-time assistant and friend, he played at Harding, he played with Tony Elliott back in the day, so he was a Harding guy, a blue and gold guy through and through and then he comes here, his sons played here at Central, so now hes red and black. Boys . He was a tough cookie.. The Bridgeport Post-Telegrams headline the next day read, Central Eleven Wins City Title As 6,000 Watch, while the story led with the following: A heavy pounding line, which aided a smart backfield upheld the traditions and glory of a half century against a new rival before a colorful crowd of 6,000 patrons at Newfield Park yesterday afternoon. Hilltopper co-captains Sherry Young and John Uliano led a ground game that recorded 191 yards rushing with Young scoring on a 24-yard run and Uliano finding the end zone on a 3-yard burst. Both sides always come to play and the kids get super excited over it.. A better time. My dad was a great mentor and role model to me. Central was state champion in 1923, 1939 and 1949, won the FCIAC East Division title in 2004 and made the CIAC playoffs in both 2004 and 2007. The Presidents scored first, with Lino Cortez taking it in from the two on the first play of the second quarter. Hardings Jadion Brown catches a touchdown pass against Central defender Amadeus Bonilla during high school Thanksgiving Day football action, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 24, 2022. The rivalry back when I was a kid it was the game in town, Mraz said. It was a very emotional thing. We always held a big dinner (for the team) the night before. Meanwhile, Longo ran track at Harding for three seasons and played just two years of football but registered eye-popping numbers. And after losing the second game to the Presidents (14-7), the Hilltoppers set off on a streak that would see them win the next 15 games. That was disgusting. Senior quarterback Josiah Morales got some time last season, and he'll have downfield options like Black and sophomore Chavez Lavant (6-1, 175). He was firery at times and was not one to condone a bad performance. A lot of them grew up together. Overall, the Presidents lead the Thanksgiving Day series 57-38-4. 1952 In Thanksgiving Day games, five different players scored as Harding shut out Central 32-0 before a Hedges Stadium crowd of 7,500. Warren Harding High School is a public high school in Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States. Well, a different look, with the big man in the backfield, and six plays. You can use this area for legal statements, copyright information, a mission statement, etc. Especially when Reilly was on the sidelines. One by one, the coaching staff and the seniors laid a red rose on the grave of former Harding coach John Lewis, the man who taught winning and respect to Presidents teams from 1968 until his death in 1989. Its cornerstone was laid on May 10, 1924, and the school opened on September 9, 1925. Having huge shoes to fill, Bob Cole took over and spent nine seasons at Harding. Toss the records out the window. Frozen tundra, indeed. Another tradition was burying a deflated football, filled up first and then punctured by the seniors and buried somewhere on the Kennedy Stadium field. Left to right: Jim Delgianis, Jan Miska, John Lewis, Ted Parisi and Bob Cole. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Warren Harding High School. NFHS Network is part of the CBS Sports Digital Network. Simple stuff.. Mascot: Presidents. [8] The building has many security features, including bulletproof glass and 130 security cameras.[9]. He passed down a ton of knowledge on discipline, structure and having systems in place. Joe Paslov started coaching at Central in 1978 as an assistant under George Loughery until 1985 and, after one season at Joel Barlow, returned to the Hilltoppers as head coach in 1987. We are going to be good again. It was quite a treat to play against Harding and Babe (Longo). For whatever reason, kids play beyond their skill level, and you see them do amazing things.. Watch high school sports and events nationwide, live and on demand, via the NFHS Network. 6 Northwest Catholic on late goal, Volleyball top performances, games to watch (Oct. 19). The Hilltoppers post a 12-6 victory in head coach Ed Reillys last game. Harding High Schools Jaidon Brown runs the ball during Thanksgiving Day football action against Central High School, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 25, 2021. That was clear on Dicks and Hoiletts faces. Finding out that he passed away literally two weeks after that last game it was almost like God wanted us to win that (Thanksgiving) game for him, Mraz said. Fax: Email Us. Central High School Warren Harding High School Bridgeport Public Schools Athletics Department Bridgeport Athletics 2019-20 Interscholastic Athletics Participation Checklist Please read the following materials carefully. The grass had long since been torn up and lost to the elements. A kid named Elliott Sparks was the (John E.) Johnasen Award winner. People were leaving the game, they thought we had it in the bag with three minutes left. The conversion pass made it 8-0. A presence.. Born in the Bronx and raised at the New Haven Coliseum (but really in Orange), Fornabaio has been with the Connecticut Post since 1997. Not even the reporter who covered the game is identified, but the scribe highlighted Harding running back Leo Fisher as the games real hero as Fisher reeled off a 46-yard gain and scored the Presidents lone touchdown, thanks to a 53-yard fumble recovery. June 10, 2019. Harding Athletic Director: Andrew Grasso . There were a lot of people that have been on both sides and experienced it. He finished with 156 yards rushing on just 10 carries, scoring both his touchdowns on runs of 13 yards and catching a 16-yard TD pass from quarterback Josiah Morales. At that time in the rivalry, everything seemed to be going Hardings way but with coach Dave Cadelina taking control at Central in 1997, the Hilltoppers started to develop a new mindset toward football. Central (0-10) made a run, though, late in the second quarter. He was an old-fashioned, tough guy. He talked about tradition. CIAC Sports football referee Tom Sportina meets with the members of the Central and Harding High Schools teams prior to kickoff of the annual Thanksgiving Day game at Kennedy Stadium, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 24, 2022. We said were going to run six plays and dominate with those six plays. We had the bragging rights. A packed house of over 10,00 watches Harding and Central play in the first Thanksgiving game at Kennedy Stadium. 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In his occasional free time, you can usually find him watching more baseball or hockey and complaining about the delay-of-game rule. The school is named for then recently deceased President Warren G. They were fighting here, first-year Central coach Tom Broschardt said. He was a MP (Military Policeman) and he carried that with him. 6 Northwest Catholic on late goal, Volleyball top performances, games to watch (Oct. 19). I just had to do what I had to do. George Chaiklin scored both Central touchdowns and recorded both Hilltoppers point after touchdown placements. That game went back and forth, back and forth.. 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Tedesco- politician. A source close to Santiago confirmed the coach had been relieved as the schools football coach, but would continue to serve as the schools wrestling coach. Click on the picture to look at pictures from our recent events! Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More . According to citywide athletic director Neal Kavey, Cochran's formal dismissal came during. [5] Featuring Georgian style architecture and Greek columns, it was in service for 93 years. Harding senior Dante Dicks had four interceptions and was in on three touchdowns. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. This page is not available in other languages. Longo won the game all by himself, scoring touchdowns on runs of 15, 25, 50, 10 and 20 yards as Harding coasted 32-0 to finish the season 11-0. This is a carousel. In 2015 and again in 2016, Harding participated in the CIAC playoffs. They still care. Central head coach Ed Reilly kneeling during the 1964 Thanksgiving Day game at Kennedy Stadium. Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center, Information Technology & Software Engineering, Aerospace/Hydrospace Engineering & Physical Science, Biotechnology Research and Zoological Sciences, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). We had to work hard if we wanted to come away with the victory.. Father and son at the same school? Were going to get there together.. Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media Master list: CT high school football season previews 2022 HARDING [VITALS] COACH EDDIE SANTIAGO (7th season, 37-36) Since 1949, Pugh had been coming to Hedges to see the Presidents play football, especially on Thanksgiving. He played at Harding for three seasons, from 1957 to 1959, and he could boast of two victories over Central, including a 42-0 pounding in Pughs senior campaign. The students, particularly the fair sex, were gallantly attired in red. Chris Elsberry Nov. 24, 2022 Updated: Nov. 24, 2022 8:20 p.m. 22 BRIDGEPORT - Looking down from their vantage point at the Lakewiew cemetery on the city's East side Wednesday afternoon, Harding coach Eddie Santiago and the members of the Presidents football team could see their home field, shining in the sunlight. That 33-30 game was famous, or infamous, depending on what side you were on, Mraz said. Bridgeport Central vs. Harding Thanksgiving rivalry reaches 100 games. Sean -- or SPB -- is a Woodbridge native and an alumnus of Amity Regional and Syracuse University who has covered high school sports in Connecticut for over two decades, beginning at Elm City Newspapers and Connecticut Post, now as editor of GameTimeCT.com. Oh, and we had this bucket of water with the ladle to drink from. Well, a different look, with the big man in the backfield, and six plays. You could see the camaraderie and the love for each other, he said. According to state test scores, 3% of students are at least proficient in math and 12% in reading. Id be lying if I told you this was just another game. Incredible leader. It has 1,193 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. On the opposite sidelines, George Loughery (1976-84), John Sprano (1985-86) and Joe Paslov (1987-92) all tried to reverse Centrals misfortunes in the Thanksgiving Day game. Its not something that happens overnight; never works that way, Broschardt said, crediting senior Semaj Williams for setting a standard of toughness and a willingness to do anything. All packets NEED to be completed, with a current physical, prior to trying out for a team. Central quarterback Winston Davis scored three touchdowns on runs of 8, 3 and 4 yards and also threw a 49-yard TD pass to Algernon Harris, while Hardings Tom Sanders caught three touchdowns passes of 47, 53 and 32 yards from quarterback Steve Zacharko. You must have all materials completed, signed, verified and in your coach's hands before you can begin practice. We pushed that (blocking) sled up and down the field all week long. Harding's 1947 Connecticut State Football Championship Team (considered by some to be the best ever Harding football team) Fifth, The Undefeated 1956 Harding High Football Team (Many thanks to Artie Powers, one-time Harding Asst. Coach (Ed) Reilly presented a well-balanced backfield for the Lyon Terrace eleven. When I first started coaching, youd go to the game and there would be 10,000 people in the stands, the place was packed, Paslov said. Calvin Coolidge was president. 2 Darien tips No. That was a crusher. Hes a special young man, said Santiago. Ill never forget that. Mraz said. Theres been a ton of emotion, especially for me, said Bob Cole, who played quarterback for Central from 1966-69 and was the head coach at Harding from 1989 to 1997. He takes care of these kids, many who don't have parents around to feed them. Contact Us. What was left was an icy field of dirt and snow. Headlines in the Bridgeport Post touted the Presidents dominance, stating Presidents batter Central Harding mauls Central Central disappears in Black hole. In that 1996 game, Hardings Terry Black scored three touchdowns and intercepted two passes in the Presidents 28-6 victory. You never know what youre going to get and this year, were both struggling, sitting here at 0-9 and this game its going to make someones season., We understand that the game brings the best out on both sides and that this game has a way of giving kids superpowers, said Harding coach Eddie Santiago, who played for Harding from 1996-200 and has coached the Presidents since 2013. There was a whole lot of running out of the double wing. People wanted to play for him. We ended the first half with a Hail Mary pass from Andre Lancaster to Sparks in the end zone to take the lead, so that was exciting.. My second year was Damon Lewis first year (coaching at Harding) and he won that game now its (the rivalry) getting heated. I said if we had that team that showed up at the end of the second quarter, were right there. In that drive, Scott carried 13 times including the last eight to get the Hilltoppers on the board. Get started Curious about what your relatives who went to Harding High School were like during their school years? A 19-yard touchdown pass from Central QB Amadeus Bonilla to Jason Villa (who finished with five catches for 54 yards), cut the Harding margin to 28-12 heading into the fourth quarter but the Presidents scored three times in the final 12 minutes touchdown runs from Jordan Baskin, Cortina and Brown offsetting an 82-yard touchdown catch by Centrals Nielem Reid to lock up the Presidents eighth straight series victory. Vito Montelli and. When the game was over, the people would do the snake dance right through Main Street. Watch highlights of Harding High School Boys' Varsity Football from Bridgeport, CT, United States and check out their schedule and roster on Hudl. We just have to get better. Master list: CT high school football season previews 2022. Thats all I ever wanted to do was play football for Harding.. [3], The Presidents sports seasons are in the traditional fall/winter/spring format. With many fans feeling the Hilltoppers would run out the clock, they started heading for the exits. In that game, coach Steve Miskas Presidents boasted such standout players as Bill Hugya, Johnny Costeines, Frank Cortigiano and Joe Prisco while Central coach Ed Reilly touted such star candidates (known as the Reillymen) as Carl Mucherino, Emmett Curley, Jim Nilan and Bill OConnell. Hardings Chavez Lavant runs the ball during the high school Thanksgiving Day football game against Central, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 24, 2022. Harding. Site Map; BRIDGEPORT -- Jack Cochran is officially out as the head football coach at Harding High School. Thursday, its going to come down to who wants it more and who makes fewest mistakes. Everyone knew everyone from both schools. This is a man producing champions and getting kids collage scholarships. I keep telling the kids, just do your best and everything else will fall into place, Broschardt said. As a quarterback at Central, Cole led the Hilltoppers to three straight wins from 1996-68 and as coach at Harding, directed the Presidents to seven wins in his nine seasons. Ask any Bridgeport Old Timer and theyll tell you that Saccone is probably the greatest sports star the city has ever seen. We beat Central. When you go back and look at the past, it doesnt matter what the records are, its a city rivalry game and everyone just plays differently, second year Central coach Tom Broschardt said. Several hundred filled the bleachers and ringed the fence. Harding High Schools Hewitt Hoillet scores a touchdown during Thanksgiving Day football action against Central High School, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 25, 2021. 2 Darien tips No. He hasn't done anything wrong. When he learned Santiago would be let go as football coach Wednesday night,Spodnik said he was compelled to do everything he could to reverse the decision, beginning with posting a petition for Bridgeport Public Schools to reverse the decision. Both teams are winless, each standing 0-9. The Hilltoppers and the Presidents battle at Newfield Park during the early 1930s. We knew we had to execute, do our assignments and play hard. 2023 NFHS Network LLC NFHS Network is part of the CBS Sports Digital Network. The Red and Black cohorts smashed through for 16 first downs to Hardings five. Harding High Schools Keyon Dawkins runs the ball during Thanksgiving Day football action against Central High School, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 25, 2021. They would come in and give passionate speeches, said Lewis. It didnt matter. If you dont use it, the Bb footer will slide up. The pep assembly was incredible, the cheerleaders, the high steppers, The emotion was crazy. The Bridgeport Sunday Post headline on Dec. 5 said: Ed Reilly Legend in Coaching with the sub head reading: Hundreds of Athletes Will Remember Rugged Little Mentor., Post sportswriter Tony Guzzardi said in the story: Eddie was human. There were pre-game banquets, sock-hop dances and pep rallies. Bob Green (67-yard punt return), Harvey Wenz (11 pass from John Moran ), center Paul Haushill (65-yard interception return) and Moran and Gene Teto scored on respective five and two-yard runs. Miska died of a heart attack on Aug. 29, 1967, at age of 56. Cortina headlines what's otherwise a young group of running backs. If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may, Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center, Information Technology & Software Engineering, Aerospace/Hydrospace Engineering & Physical Science, Biotechnology Research and Zoological Sciences, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Man, Im getting chills just talking about it. It was the rivalry.. His next son, Richard, was captain in 1982. Central High Schools Michael Alvarez runs the ball during Thanksgiving Day football action against Harding High School, in Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 25, 2021. The color glistened brightly in the warm sun in the early afternoon and stood out in the dim of the closing period.. The story quotes no one. Hes been through some tough situations, but hes dealt with it and hes s]hown the ultimate grit.. How to Submit Distance Learning Packets Online, Bridgeport Public Schools: Favorites Links, The Foundation For Excellence In Bridgeport Public Schools, School Volunteer Association of Bridgeport (SVAB), Office of Grants Development and Management, Speech, Language, Hearing, and OT Services, Class of 2018 Harding High School Graduation, National Bullying Prevention Month: Bullying Stops Here. Whoever wins will own the city. Cant, Dicks said with a laugh. Last edited on 28 February 2023, at 17:28, "Search for Public Schools - Warren Harding High School (090045000067)", "Harding alumni say goodbye to their old school", "Construction on Bridgeport's Harding High nears finish line", "Toxins aside, former GE site slated for new high school", "Warren Harding High School opens to students for first time Thursday", "Group pushes to keep name of Warren Harding High School in Connecticut", "Tony Elliott Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College", "Brian Koonz: For Wes Matthews, it's about giving back to the game, kids and truth", "Questions Remain in Case of Abducted Baby Who Turned Up 23 Years Later", "Harding's gym on its way out, but memories will live on", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Warren_Harding_High_School&oldid=1142127144, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 17:28. All the seniors know where their ball is. How many state championship has your school won? It is commonly called Harding High School. The Presidents broke the game open in the third quarter as Brown scored on a 13-yard run and Morales bowled over from the one to make it 28-6 with 3:04 left. His right foot found its mark on more than one players posterior as many sorely remember.. Central (0-10) has now lost 41 straight games dating back to the 2017 season, but second year coach Tom Broschardt clearly sees a light at the end of the tunnel. Visit the Athletics section for more information on how to register at Family ID to be part of our athletics teams. I can remember having to stand and watch a lot of the time because the place was always packed, Pugh said in that interview 20 years ago. Winning meant elation and emotion. Michael Fornabaio is a sports reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Santiago returns after an effort to remove him in the offseason. Where does your school play their home games? We wanted to establish the running game. 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