By Michael Letendre

BRISTOL – The Berlin High School football program is a formidable opponent for any of the squads from the Central Connecticut Conference.

And on Thursday evening, the Redcoats invaded Bristol Central – securing a 27-0 CCC Tier II victory from the turf field at BCHS.

Berlin moved to 4-1 overall while Central fell to 1-4.

The Rams allowed 21 first half points while the defense stepped up over the final 24 minutes of play, yielding just six points the rest of the way.

Central’s defense made stops but once the Berlin squad zipped up an early edge – via a three-yard touchdown run by Ryan Lavender with 4:49 to play in the first period – the home team was never able to draw even.

Central quarterback Jack Hartley rumbled up 28 yards on the ground over 17 rushing attempts while connecting on 4-of-9 passes for 19 yards.

Jayden Glasper led the squad in rushing yards with 49 yards on 10 attempts while Aidan Lamarre, Tristian Toussaint and Cassias Breland all made carries for the Rams.

Breland caught three of Hartley’s four passes for those 19 yards.

The Redcoats outgained the Rams 333-107 yards overall as Berlin’s defense zipped up a shutout.

Berlin QB Christian Riccitelli hit 11 of 16 passes for 126 yards and a couple touchdowns.

But it was still just a one possession game midway through the second stanza before Riccitelli found Jon Jon Morales for a 37-yard TD reception and then to end the half, the quarterback was at it again.

Morales caught an 11 pass from Riccitelli at the halftime buzzer as Central trailed 21-0 going into the break.

The Rams and Redcoats did not score in the third tilt and a late score from Berlin – a one-yard plunge by Elijah Santos – ended the showdown as the visiting aggression rumbled up a 27-0 final.

This weekend, Central is enjoying the bye week – ready and willing to improve from its 1-4 ledger at the midway point of the campaign.

On October 20, the Rams are back at it when the program tees off against Manchester on the road.

The showdown commences at 6 p.m. next Friday.

Bristol Central Football – CCC Tier II Challenge

BERLIN 27, BRISTOL CENTRAL 0

from the turf field at Bristol Central High School

Berlin (4-1) 7 14 0 6 – 27

Bristol Central (1-4) 0 0 0 0 – 0

SCORING

First Period

BL – Ryan Lavender 3 run (Adam Rice kick), 4:49

Second Period

BL – Jon Jon Morales 37 pass from Christian Riccitelli (Rice kick), 8:26

BL – Morales 11 pass from Riccitelli (Rice kick), 0:00

Third Period

No Scoring

Fourth Period

BL – Elijah Santos 1 run (failed kick), 4:36

Individual Statistics

RUSHING – Berlin: Team 32-207 yards; Bristol Central: Jayden Glasper 10-49, Jack Hartley 17-28, Aidan Lamarre 3-15, Tristian Toussaint 3-3, Anthony Paulino 1-0, Cassias Breland 1-(minus-7).

PASSING – Berlin: Team 11-for-16, 126 yards; Bristol Central: Hartley 4-of-9, 19 yards.

RECEPTIONS – Berlin: Team 11 passes, 126 yards; Bristol Central: Lawson 1-0, Breland 3-19.

Records: Berlin 4-1 overall; Bristol Central 1-4.