Somers flag football falls on last-play pick-six

SOMERS, N.Y. - On Monday, March 23, Somers opened its season at home against Put Valley, with Summer Scrocca circled as the main threat.

“If you line up correctly and you're able to read what's going on,” said head coach Vinny DiFilippo, “it’s about keeping everything in front of you and everything inside of you.”

But even a strong defensive effort against the Section One standout couldn’t prevent heartbreak.

With Somers driving to break a 0-0 tie, Blaze Connolly intercepted Isabella Goulart and raced 70 yards for the game-winning touchdown on the final play.

The defensive battle began with Put Valley threatening early. A muffed snap gave the visitors the ball at the Somers 27, but tackles by Natalie D’Ippolito and Lexi Nyikos kept Scrocca contained.

A fourth-down fumble gave Somers the ball back—though only briefly. Scrocca responded with several runs and a reception to set up fourth down at the Somers 23, but the Tuskers’ defense held firm, getting the stop with 1:52 remaining.

Somers then mounted a promising drive. Goulart picked up 16 yards, followed by an impressive run from D’Ippolito, who reversed field along the sideline and carried the ball to the Put Valley 15. A personal foul pushed the ball back, however, and the drive stalled.

After both teams traded three-and-outs, Put Valley moved the ball again—this time through the air. Scrocca’s footwork helped set up a third-and-three at the Somers 23. Quarterback Lia Buerkle converted a sneak for a first down with 28 seconds left in the half, but the defense refused to break. Olivia Wiegand closed the half with an interception.

Put Valley opened the second half with a first-down run by Scrocca, and Connolly followed with a key reception over the middle to set up third-and-one at the 39.

That’s when freshman Maggie Mancini made her presence felt, breaking into the backfield to stop Scrocca. “She really understands the reads and is starting to play with confidence and speed,” DiFilippo said.

On the ensuing punt, D’Ippolito again showcased her agility, fielding the ball on the right side and cutting across to reach midfield.

Still, Put Valley regained possession just three plays later. An illegal block backed them up, and more third-down pressure from Mancini forced another punt.

Goulart returned it to the Put Valley 30, putting the Tuskers in prime position. She then added an eight-yard run, but a high snap on second down derailed the drive.

Mancini continued to shine defensively, recording a sack on first down and applying pressure on third to force an incompletion.

As the third quarter came to a close, Put Valley punted and Somers took over—but only briefly. A quick possession gave the defense another opportunity to make a play.

At 8:01, Goulart intercepted a pass, setting Somers up just 36 yards from the end zone. However, the offense couldn’t capitalize, and DiFilippo opted to punt on fourth down, playing the field-position game.

Another Mancini sack stalled the Put Valley drive, but Somers again struggled to move the ball on the short field. After another punt, the defense continued to contain Scrocca, with key tackles from Mancini, Wiegand, and Khloe Harris.

With 1:40 remaining, Goulart led a final drive, advancing the ball to the Put Valley 23. She converted a fourth-down sneak to give Somers a first down at the 15.

With 15 seconds left, two incompletions set up one final play. Goulart’s pass over the middle was intercepted by Connolly, who broke free from defenders and raced downfield for the decisive score.

Despite the loss, DiFilippo quickly gathered his team afterward, urging them to stay positive.

“Unfortunately, we lost today on a pick-six,” he said. “But it doesn’t matter. We’re going to continue to go out there, practice, and keep getting better.”