Derby History Quiz

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Derby's Only State Football MVP

Bob Orchano

In a rarity, we had many more incorrect answers for this quiz than any other - and the names read like a Derby Football Hall of Fame. However, the only Derby High player to be named as the New Haven Register Player of the year is pictured in action above - Bob Orchano! Ironically, you could have found the answer in the New Haven Register on Dec. 28 as they published the complete list of all winners.

The year was 1981, and Orchano rewrote the Derby record book for runners while leading Derby to an 8-2 record. Along the way, he scored at least one touchdown in every game that he played. He set the single game rushing record with 218 yards and the single season record of 1,191 in only nine games. He also totaled 20 touchdowns including five in a 43-0 win over rival Seymour. (The record was 6 by Mike Sullivan.)

At the end of his sensational season, he was named All Valley, All League, All State and Register Player of the Year!

Correct answers were received from: James Butler, Jay B, jim allbert, Tony Cannici, Dan Shea, Barbara L. DeGennaro, Randy Ritter, Marilyn Mizii, Ann Searles, Richard Chromik, Laurel Vicidomino, Marc J. Garofalo, Ron Slowik, Nick from Terryville, Ken Dupke,  Jim Sheehy, Ryan Downs, Eileen Krugel, Jean Malone, John Dean, Rick Dunne, Pat Shelton, Millie Fatterusso, Mary Suess, mike cannici, Gary Lungarini, Kent Ritter, Jack Vagnini, Cindee, Ed Sheehy, Stephanie Anne D'Onofrio, Renee Luneau, Renee Mercede, scott fredericks and one anonymous participant.

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