Next Practices: 

The Bandits lost to the defending Champions CT Bearcats in the NEFL AAA 2011 Championship game in CT on Saturday, Nov. 5th. After the game was cancelled the weekend before due to a snow storm, the Bandits traveled to Waterbury, CT and saw the Bearcats jump to an early lead after a 2nd snap broken play scramble resulting in a 50 yard completion into the Bandit red-zone. Two plays later, the Bearcats were leading 7-0. The Bandits, however, came right back and tied the score when QB Mike Murray found WR Omar Phillip open in the endzone. Jeff Similien's PAT tied the score at 7. The Bandits were posied to take the lead after a big punt return by Fitz Lee to the Bearcat 9 yardline, however, the Bearcats thwarted the Bandits' efforts, then blocked the field goal. The team exchanged field position, with each possession placing the Bandits further and further into their own territory, resulting, inevitably in a safety to give the Bearcats a 9-7 lead at the half. The Bearcats upped their lead to 15-7 in the third quarter, ending the scoring for the game as both defenses stymied their opponent's offense. Although the Bandits came up short in the finals, the season was still a success (10-3) and they are poised for another strong campaign in 2012.