Twice the Woodstock Academy football team was within the 5-yard line of the Canton Warriors Oct. 26.
Twice it was denied.
“We were able to move the ball up-and-down the field, but our execution in the red zone hurt us,” said Centaurs coach Sean Saucier.
The first of those possessions ended in a fumble, the second with a penalty that resulted in a missed field goal and the Centaurs lost to Canton, 18-16.
The weather played a role in the game.
A major rain and wind event was accurately predicted for Oct. 27 which was when the game was originally scheduled for at the Bentley Athletic Complex in Woodstock.
Neither team want to play in the foul conditions that had been predicted, but Canton said it was unwilling to make a trip to Woodstock for a Sunday game.
Since Canton has a lighted field, it offered to host Oct. 26.
“We were 90 percent prepped, maybe not 100, but it really wasn’t that drastic a move. It was a beautiful playing surface, the conditions were great. It was just a long bus ride after a school day,” Saucier said.
Still, the Centaurs (1-6) got on the board on the sixth play of the game.
Junior Ian Welz intercepted a Dugan Lloyd pass on the Canton 32-yard line and had no one between him and the Canton end zone. The pick-6 became eight points when Nick Bedard took the snap on a fake extra-point kick and passed to Travis White for the 8-0 lead.
Woodstock Academy had chances to make it a two-touchdown lead on its first two offensive possessions.
It took over on the Canton 28-yard line after the Warriors failed to move the ball, but a holding call quickly moved the Centaurs back and they turned the ball over on downs at the Canton 36.
The Warriors (1-6) gave the ball back, on downs, when their drive stalled at the Woodstock Academy 46.
The Centaurs got inside the red zone on a 13-yard Derek Thompson (6-for-9, 132 yards) to Luis Miranda pass, a Gavin Savoie (9 carries, 58 yards) 11-yard run and a Jaden Dennett 8-yard carry to the Canton 2-yard line. A fumble, recovered by Canton, ended the threat.
The Warriors put together another 15-play drive, but remained eight points behind when they turned the ball over on downs at the Centaurs 14.
Savoie had two straight carries that gave Woodstock Academy a little breathing room at its own 33. That allowed Thompson to drop back and throw and he found White on a short 5-yard completion that was turned into a 68-yard touchdown by White who broke a tackle and outran Canton’s Max Klinkert to the end zone for a 16-0 lead.
The Warriors took a little momentum back when Lloyd (15 carries, 111 yards) dropped back to pass but saw a lane to the left. He ran instead and no one touched him before he reached the end zone to cut Woodstock Academy’s lead to 10, 16-6, at the half.
The Centaurs may have had the lead, but they were also hurting.
Defensive end and offensive tackle Nate Price was lost in the first half to a sprained ankle. Savoie carried twice early in the second half, but had to leave the game when he aggravated a shin injury and Welz was also banged up and limited.
That left the task of running the football to quarterback Nick Bedard.
Bedard took over for Thompson and on the first play from scrimmage, tucked and ran for 44 yards to the Canton 35-yard line.
Six plays later, Bedard looked like he had punched it in from eight yards out, but a holding penalty backed the Centaurs up and Damian Bonneau-Nichols later missed wide left on a 29-yard field goal attempt.
Canton quickly moved the ball down the field, getting to the 39-yard line on a 24-yard rush by Nate Biega (10 carries, 85 yards). Two plays later, Biega busted one for a 33-yard score to reduce the Centaurs’ lead to four.
Canton got the game winner early in the fourth quarter when Lloyd (9-for-24, 169 yards) found Colin Mackin open on a crossing route, the Centaur defender fell and Mackin went 69 yards for the score.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Centaurs at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 2.
They travel to Willimantic to play their only Eastern Connecticut Conference opponent this season, Windham.
“It’s a difficult task,” Saucier agreed. “It’s a short week. We’re going to do our best to prep and get as healthy as possible.”
Marc Allard
Sports Information Director
The Woodstock Academy

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Putnam Science 7
St. Thomas More 0
OAKDALE—The Mustangs of Putnam Science Academy were projected to do pretty well in their first season under first-year head soccer coach Ivan Damulira. The Mustangs scored early and often as they have all season long in route to a 7-0 victory over St. Thomas More.
Class of 2019 Left Wing Jenluis Henriquez scored two goals in the first half to set the tone for the Mustangs as PSA led 3-0 at the half. Felipe Luis, Class of 2020 left wing, scored two goals of his own to put the game out of reach. PSA after dismantling Commonwealth Academy 13-0 recently have now outscored their last 2 opponent’s 20-0 and have a total of 42 goals scored to 4 goals allowed pushing their record to 6-0-2.
Putnam Science 10
Oxford Academy 0
The inaugural season for the Boys Soccer team at Putnam Science Academy so far has been described in one word, dominant. The Mustangs cruised to an easy road victory over Oxford Academy 10-0 Oct. 25 increasing the team’s record to 10-0-2. Yes, this is soccer not football despite some of the scores this season. PSA, since tying Williston 1-1 back on Sept. 22, have won 7 straight and have outscored opponents 59-2. Dominant. The Mustangs have hung their hat on defense and let the scoring happen. Head Coach Ivan Damulira said, “The goals will come. We are too talented as a group to not score but the key has been the way we get back on defense.” He added, “We’ve been fortunate to win a lot of 50/50 balls and really control the game by possessing the ball and creating opportunities for everyone.” Putnam Science Academy has just 6 games remaining on the season as they look to finish out strong and continue to make a name for themselves, not only in the quiet corner but in the Prep Soccer circuit as well.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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Todd M. Ahnberg
N. WINDHAM —  Todd M. Ahnberg, 49, of Fairway Dr., died Oct. 19, 2018, at home. He was the husband of Eileen Ahnberg.  Born in 1969 in Putnam, he was the son of Dennis R. and Helene (Carpenter) Ahnberg of Sterling.
Todd was a graduate of the Plainfield High School Class of 1987, where he was a member of the track and cross-country teams.
On Feb. 25, 2017, at Angles Watch Inn in Westbrook, he was united in marriage to Eileen.
Mr. Ahnberg worked as a laborer for various employers.
Todd was an avid outdoorsman. He was happiest when spending time in the woods on the family property. Todd also enjoyed reading, especially Tom Clancy novels.
He leaves his parents, Dennis and Helene Ahnberg; his wife, Eileen Ahnberg; a son Nicholas R. Ahnberg of Eastford: two daughters, Alicia M. Janicello (John) of Fitchburg, Mass., and Ashley E. Ahnberg of Eastford; a step daughter, Crystal Sweeney of Norwich; a sister Carrie Tetreault (Ronald) of Danielson; nieces, Marissa Lalumiere (Thomas) and their son Jason of Gales Ferry and Melanie Lewis of Danielson.
The Funeral was private. Donations: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), 120 Wall St., 29th floor, New York, NY 10005 or online at  www.afsp.org/take-action/give-a-gift/donate-to-afsp/. : Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Norma Rothwell
Norma Anderson Rothwell, born on Sept. 11, 1926, died Oct. 20, 2018.
“Gigi” was the daughter of Edward W. Anderson and Anna Belle Dodge Anderson.
In her younger years, she was a dedicated employee of Gerardi Insurance for more than 40 years and joined many of their employee events, even in retirement.  She was a tireless volunteer of Day Kimball Hospital, logging over 6,200 hours over the span of 20 years.  She also volunteered regularly for the American Red Cross at local blood banks, as well as the Gertrude Warner Boxcar Museum in Putnam, and became a well-known member of the “Quiet Corner” community, volunteering as much time as she could fit into her busy schedule.  Gigi was an avid New England sports fanatic.
She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Charles E. Rothwell Jr. and her eldest son, Stephan E. Rothwell.  She leaves her son Kevin J. Rothwell of Woodstock; six grandchildren, Sharlene Pugh of Anderson, S.C., Stephan Rothwell (Nora) of Morresville, N.C., Benjamin Rothwell (Christine) of Eastford, Maegen Rothwell Manning of Woodstock, Jill Rothwell of Woodstock and Shannon Rothwell-Spink (William) of Eastford; nine great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will take place at 10 a.m. Nov. 17 at the Congregational Church of Putnam, downtown. Donations: The National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut, 477 Connecticut Blvd., Suite 217, East Hartford, CT, 06108; or the Chaplaincy Fund of Day Kimball Hospital. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Christopher P. Donais
POMFRET —  Christopher P. Donais, 51, of Wrights Crossing Rd., died Oct. 19, 2018, in Hartford Hospital.  He was the husband of Ellen (Indars) Donais.  Born in 1967 in Hartford, he was the son of Raymond A. Donais of Canterbury and the late Jacqueline (Quintal) Donais.
Mr. Donais worked as a self-employed handyman.
He enjoyed weaponry, martial arts, weight lifting and playing video games.
He leaves his wife; his father; a sister, Andrea Donais of Canterbury; and his cat Luna.
The Funeral Mass was Oct. 30 in St. James Church, Danielson. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Gary A. Guertin
THOMPSON — Gary A. Guertin, 62, of Quaddick Town Farm Rd., died Oct. 22, 2018, at home. He was the husband of Elaine (Kondash) Guertin.  Born in 1956 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Ernest and Elizabeth (Lamontagne) Guertin.
Mr. Guertin worked as a production control manager for U.S. Button in Putnam.  He was an avid fan of the New England Patriots.
In addition to his wife Elaine, he leaves his sons, Gary Guertin Jr. (Ginger) of Beacon Falls, Justin Guertin of Wichita, Kan., and Ryan Guertin (Kate) of Dudley; brothers, Robert Guertin of Putnam, Michael Guertin (Susan) of Port Charlotte, Fla.; sister in-law Cindy Guertin of Thompson; grandchildren, Gabriella Guertin, Gary Guertin III, and Charlotte Guertin.  He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Guertin.
A Prayer Service was Oct. 26 in the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: Smilow Cancer Research @ Yale New Haven Hospital, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979; or to Day Kimball Hospice, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260.

Rita B. Larose
N. GROSVENORDALE — Rita B. Larose, 91, formally of Vandall St., died Oct. 28, 2018, at Orchard Grove Nursing Home in Uncasville.  Born in 1926 in N. Grosvenordale, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Virginia (Marcotte) Larose.
Mrs. Larose worked at B&W Shoe and Cluett Peabody.  She enjoyed working in her yard.  
She leaves her sisters, Alice Larose of N. Grosvenordale, Lorraine Pellerin (Roger) of Brooklyn, and Doris Gagne of Niantic; nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brothers, Armand and Leo Larose.
Visitation is at 10 a.m. Nov. 1 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale. Burial is in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Edna Wasilewski
Edna M. (Belair) Wasilewski, 101, died Oct. 27, 2018, at Matulaitis Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Facility in Putnam. She had been there since 2011.
She was the wife of Leo Wasilewski. He died in 1991.
She was born Jan. 20, 1917, in Putnam, daughter of the late Pierre and Dora (Gagnon) Belair.
She graduated from St. Mary School and Putnam High School. A lifelong communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Edna worked at the Ration Board, Deary Bros. Dairy, Putnam Woolen and retired as a bursar at the Rectory School in Pomfret after 25 years. She held memberships in the Ladies of St. Anne, the St. Mary League of Catholic Women, Putnam Travelers, Friends of Putnam Catholic Academy and volunteered for the American Red Cross. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends in her retirement.
She leaves her daughters, Louise (James) Honiss of Glastonbury, Rochelle (Richard) Cimochowski of Rogers, Mary (David) Vitale of Putnam, Anne (Michael) Portier of Portland; grandchildren James, Robert, Thomas, Stefan, Neal, Andrew, Peter, Lauren; great-grandchildren Siena, Sophie, Ava and Simon. She was predeceased by her brothers John Lawrence and William (Lois) Belair.
Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 31 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam; or Matulaitis Family Council, 10 Thurber Rd., Putnam.

Jose M. Herrera
DAYVILLE — Jose M. Herrera, 65, of Barlett Meadow Dr., died Oct. 28, 2018, in Day Kimball Hospital.  He was the husband of Cecilia (Ruiz) Herrera.  Born in 1953 in Manhattan, N.Y., he was the son of the late Miguel Herrera Belpre and Antonia (Negron Hernandez) Herrera.
Mr. Herrera worked as a truck driver for U.N.F.I.  He was a member of La Iglesa Cristiana Casa del Alfarero in Webster.  He was an avid musician and enjoyed playing the saxophone for his church.  
In addition to his wife, he leaves his children, Fannye V. Herrera, Jose M. Herrera, Surheil Luciano, Cuqui Luciano, Jessica Luciano, and Tania D. Herrera; his brothers, Jose Antonio Herrera and Hector Herrera; his grandchildren, Wailer A. Herrera, Edward Westley Herrera, Luis M. Herrera, Luis A. Herrera, Suheidi Rodriguez, Sebasthian Ruiz, Brandon Mead, Gabriel A. Archeval, Brianna Mead, Miguel Jose, Jelliani Gil, and Jeremias J. Archeval; and his son-in-law Derek Mead. He is predeceased by Miguel Herrera Belpre, Antonia Negron Hernandez, and Eduardo J. Herrera.
The Prayer Service was held Oct. 30 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, with burial in West Thompson Cemetery.

Lawrence Doyle,
Merchant Marine
DUDLEY — Lawrence (Larry) K. Doyle, 72, died Oct. 22, 2018, at the Lanessa Long Term Care, Webster.
He was born in Everett, Mass., son of the late George Doyle and Mary E. Knox and lived in Dudley for the past 34 years, prior to that living in Everett.
Larry was a Merchant Marine until his retirement traveling the world in the shipping industry.  He was a former chairperson for trapshooting at the Valley Springs Sportsmen Club, Thompson.  Larry was an avid hunter and fishermen and enjoyed reloading shells.  He was a member of the Valley Springs Sportsmen Club and the Singletary Sportsmen Club in Sutton, Mass.  
He leaves two sisters, Mary O’Connor of Everett, Mass., and Martha Amidon of Glen, N.H.
Burial was private in Malden, Mass. Donations: Wildlife preservation.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

Albert Fougere Jr.
N. GROSVENORDALE — Albert (Al) F. Fougere Jr, 57, died Oct. 20, 2018, after a five and a half year battle of pancreatic cancer.  
He was born in Putnam, son of the late Albert Fougere Sr. and Eileen (Carpenter) Fougere, living in N. Grosvenordale all his life.  Al was a senior web developer for Hanover Insurance for 16 years and TACO Inc., Cranston, R.I.
Al loved sports, especially the children’s sporting events. He enjoyed the casino, he also was an avid sports fan, especially the Red Sox and Patriots.
He leaves a sister Michelle and her husband Donald Adams of Charlton; his life companion of more than 20 years, Elaine T. Levesque with which he made his home and her children Allan and his wife April, Aimee and her companion Mike; two godchildren his nephew Bryan Adams (Katrina) and granddaughter Calleigh; four grandchildren Eric, Samantha, Lindsey. He was predeceased by granddaughter Kauri.
A graveside service was Oct. 25 in St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Grosvenordale. Donations: American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 for Pancreatic Cancer Research.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

Dorothy Kindler
WEBSTER/WILSONVILLE — Dorothy M. (Noack) Kindler, 84, died Oct. 26, 2018, at Day Kimball Hospital Putnam.  
She was the wife of the late Alvin D. Kindler.  
She was born in Webster, daughter of the late George Noack and Catherine (Yanda) Noack and lived in Webster for the past 11 years prior to that living in Wilsonville.  
Dottie enjoyed crocheting.
She leaves her daughter Darlene L. Finamore (Gregory); two grandchildren, Katherine and Madden, nieces and nephews.  Dottie was predeceased by her son Donald Kindler who died in an auto accident with his father.  
She was also predeceased by a brother Frank and sisters Francis and Mildred.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 30 in St. Louis Church, Webster, with burial in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Webster.  Donations: St. Louis Endowment Fund.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

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