The Connecticut Giants Semi-Pro Football Team started their 2004 season last Sunday with a heartfelt 18-15 loss to the 2000-2001 UFL Champions, the New York Bandits in 90 degree heat.

While the CTGiants defense held the Bandits to 3 first downs in the first half, the Bandits jumped out to an early 12–0 lead on a breakaway run from scrimmage and a punt return. The CTGiants defense stopped both 2-point conversion attempts. Midway through the second quarter, the CTGiants answered with a 7 minute scoring drive, highlighted by an acrobatic reception by Nick Zauner and a 8 yard TD run by Billy Fletcher. The CTGiants drove down the field on the next possession, only to miss a 30 yard field goal. The Bandits ended the half up 18 – 7 on a penalty-assisted scoring drive.

The CTGiants came back to life in the fourth quarter, capping a 96 yard, 6 minute drive with a TD pass to Rahem Duncan and a 2 point conversion from QB Morris Pitt. With less than two minutes left, no time outs, and trailing by 18-15, the CTGiants went for and recovered an on-side kick. With the crowd on its feet, the CTGiants drove to the 20 and, with 22 seconds left, elected to go for the win. Unfortunately Morris Pitt’s pass into the endzone was tipped into the hands of a defender, ending a great game.

The CTGiants are back in action this Sunday, August 8, against the Long Island Ravens at 1:00 PM at Milford’s Jonathan Law High School. The CTGiants are also proud to announce that they will be conducting a skills clinic for the Aspetuck Wildcats Pop Warner Football program on August 10 at 5:00 PM at Helen Keller Middle School in Easton. This is one of the many community-based events on the CTGiants’ itinerary for 2004.

Admission to CTGiants games is $8 for adults, free for kids 12 and under. Season tickets are also available. To get the schedule, learn more about the CTGiants, and/or get directions to away games, visit www.ctgiants.com or contact the team at (203) 260-1553.


Refer distribution list questions/comments to: John T. Shaban (203) 862-2362; or Tim Andrews (203) 260-1553