HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
GENERATION NEXT
Seven rookie head coaches 30 or younger looking to make their mark
By Bryant Carpenter STAFF WRITER
There are men who coached high school football alongside Windsor’s Rob Fleeting for 25 years Eric Martin, Paul Broxterman, Perry McFadden: These are guys Fleeting’s oldest son Quinn grew up calling “Uncle.” Those uncles now call Quinn “Coach.” Quinn Fleeting is one of seven rookie head coaches age 30 or younger joining the ranks of CIAC football in 2025. Young guys sprouting up as head football coaches is nothing new. Seven, however, is a bumper crop. Devin Gilbert of Stafford is 26 Phil Cohen of Valley Regional/Old Lyme and Matty Jacowleff of Staples are 28. Middletown’s Dario Highsmith Jr joined that club Sept. 1, though the birthday was an afterthought “All the stuff going on, I almost forgot.” Woodstock Academy’s Connor Elliott is 29 Fleeting and Ryan Pearson of Jonathan Law are 30
All are homegrown, either coaching at their alma mater or in a program in which they were assistants.
They join a fraternity whose recent additions include Jeremy Clark (hired in 2022 in Derby at age 27), Tommy Seaver (2020 East Catholic, 24) and Ty Jenkins (2019, Bunnell, 26.). Here’s a look at the Class of 2025.
Kid of kids
At 26, Devin Gilbert is the youngest new hire He replaces Brian Mazzone, now an assistant at Enfield. Gilbert was a senior captain and lineman on Mazzone’s first Stafford team in 2015 line coach on his last in 2024. Essentially, Gilbert put in an apprenticeship, starting at age 19 when he was an undergrad at ECSU Now an employee at TTM Technologies in Stafford, Gilbert helped Mazzone forge a rebuild that saw the Bulldogs go 61-35 over 10 seasons.
“He made it very easy for me to step right into this in
the last seven years,” Gilbert said of his predecessor “He built this program up to what it is He made, so to speak the beams of the foundation for this whole thing Everything’s in place. I’m just trying to keep building on what he did and bring my own new stuff.”
Gilbert, who is single, sees a benefit in being so young a coach He connects to players Not long ago, he was one of them. The challenge is reshaping the dynamic as he takes charge.
“The easy part is I have a great relationship with every kid on the team; the hardest part is building that boundary,” Gilbert said. “Now that I’m head coach, we’re business when we get to practice We can still have our fun and we can still have our relationships. But it’s going to have to be a little different than when I was an assistant I made that very clear to them since I got the job.”
Most of the coaching staff has remained Gilbert played with some of them. Others coached him, such
PHOTOS ON THE COVER
Top row (from left): Matty Jacowleff of Staples Phil Cohen of Valley Regional/Old Lyme Main photo: Quinn Fleeting of New Windsor Bottom row (from left): Ryan Pearson of Jonathan Law, Dario Highsmith of Middletown.
as Beau Weed, elder statesman of the group in his10th year “I have a big group of guys here supporting me, who know how we run things, know how we do things,” Gilbert said. “And, honestly, I told them when Igot the job, ‘Hey I’m going to need some help, and I’m going to lean on you guys a lot, especially the older guys who have been there longer than me.’ They’re nothing but fantastic for me.”
Diamond mines Phil Cohen and Connor Elliott have a leg up on their contemporaries. They’re already head coaches in baseball. Elliott, in fact, has astate title under his belt. Woodstock Academy won Class L in 2024. Here’s another fact: Co-
hen, from Old Lyme and Elliott, from East Lyme, were teammates on the Niantic American Legion baseball team before graduating high school in 2014 They also worked summer camps together Ironically, Elliott’s initial take was not inspiring “They’d say, ‘Oh, you should be a teacher, you should be a coach.’ I’m not doing that. And here I am, teaching history and coaching two sports,” Elliott said.
Elliott replaces Sean Saucier the AD who hired him to coach Woodstock baseball six years ago at age 23, shortly after he graduated from UConn. Elliott also joined Saucier’s football staff as offensive coordinator. In Old Lyme, Cohen has charted a similar course
After a four-year football career at Westfield State, he’s teaching PE and coaching baseball at his alma mater. He was on Hill Gbunblee’s Valley Regional/Old Lyme football staff the last few seasons as offensive coordinator When Gbunblee left for Waterford, Cohen was elevated to head coach in the program he once quarterbacked.
As an alum, Cohen relishes Valley football traditions, such as “Defend the Hill,” the slope that looms above Richard B. Blythe Field.
“Once you’re in between those lines and you have that hill behind you, the atmosphere is unbelievable,” Cohen said. “We really want to maintain that same approach.”
Cohen and Elliott both have young staffs with an elder statesman. That is literally the case at Woodstock. State Rep. Kurt Vail (R-52), a former coach at Stafford, has joined Elliott’s staff
“We were talking today and he was like, ‘Listen, I’m going to throw ideas out at
you. You can reject them all; I won’t be offended,’ ” Elliott related. “It’s exactly what I need I need someone, a veteran guy whose been around. I need someone to kind of challenge me and hold me accountable and say, ‘Hey, do you really think this is a good idea?’
“I definitely know I can’t do it all. I’ve coached enough to know that. So I’m relying on him and the whole staff.”
Cohen has the services of John Pereira, the Pomperaug product with nearly 30 years experience already aboard at Valley as defensive coordinator Even if Pereira wasn’t on staff, Cohen would have recruited someone like him. It was advice Cohen had received from Old Lyme Superintendent Ian Neviaser when he was appointed baseball coach
“He said, ‘You’re a young guy; it’s difficult. There’s no beating around the bush I recommend that you bring some older guys on staff, just some guys with a lot more experience.’ I wound up doing that,” Cohen said. Elliott and Cohen have supportive partners at home Elliott is engaged, Cohen recently married. Neither have children yet. Both adhere to the modern coaching philosophy of relationship building and mentoring the whole athlete “More about the Jimmies and Joes than the X’s and O’s,” as Cohen said. Elliott calls his approach “relaxed intensity.” Any individual method is fine, so long as a player meets expectations.
“Kids today are different, even from when I played,” Elliott said. “You have to treat them differently. You’ve got to explain to these kids a little bit more the ‘why’ behind what we’re doing.”
While baseball has provided experience for both, football is a different animal, far larger and more detailed. After handing out equipment on the first day, Elliott remarked that baseball feels like coaching a sport, football like running acorporation. Coachescontinues on S3
Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media
After spending the past few seasons as offensive coordinator, Valley Regional’s Phil Cohen takes over this season as head coach of his alma mater.
Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media
Windsor coach Quinn Fleeting, center, grew up calling most of his assistant coaches uncle, as they coached alongside his father, Rob, for 25 years.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
For Cohen, baseball taught him how to keep calm.
“Just keeping your poise in adverse situations is something that I feel like I’ve done a good job of as of late,” he said “I hope to bring that to football, as well, a sport that’s demanding and that calls for different kinds of coaching styles at different situations.”
High road
Of the new coaches, Dario Highsmith was the most accomplished as a player Two-time All-State, 2013 Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year he graduated in 2015 as Middletown’s all-time rusher with 6,612 yards and went on to play at Wesleyan.
He also has a rich pedigree His father Dario Sr. and uncles Doug, Donald and Demont were Middletown stars. Rich Rosek for whom Middletown’s Rosek-Skubel Stadium is named, was a neighbor
Highsmith now replaces Rosek’s son, Josh Highsmith is new to the Middletown staff, but hardly new to coaching Coming out of Wesleyan in 2020 he spent ayear with New Jersey powerhouse Don Bosco Prep, where he’d also interned. He’s spent the last two seasons on Dan DiCenzo’s staff at Wesleyan.
In between, Highsmith helped former Wesleyan assistant Andrew Lieberman establish Sideline Hustle, an Atlanta-based training company that counts NFL players among its clients.
“That’s what really changed who I was as a coach,” Highsmith said. “I know what I know or I don’t, but I put in just as much time as most people that are 35, 36, especially at super-high levels of the game so I don’t take my age into account much when I do things.
Like his peers, Highsmith takes a holistic approach emphasizing team culture, mental health, and molding athletes as emerging adults. This is an extension of his job at Wesleyan’s Upward Bound, a college prep program. Even in his under-grad days at Wesleyan, Highsmith said, he took younger teammates under his wing He’s also a father Dario III just turned 1. All that said, Highsmith
is accustomed to working with elite players and was an elite player. How does he dial it down for high school kids who aren’t?
“Everything that I taught with the NFL guys is super translatable Like, everything is just body movements. How you run a curl comeback will remain the same, whether you’re Jerry Jeudy or you’re my second Xreceiver at Middletown High,” Highsmith replied “Technique is technique. Some kids might struggle more than other kids, but those things do translate, and then you figure out what you coach.”
The approach has to be incremental, he added.
“When you throw the whole book at a kid, they’re not going to get it.”
So, when an assistant observes a player doing something wrong, Highsmith is likely to reply,
“You’re right, but I’m just trying to get him to move his feet right now. As long as he’s moving his feet right, we’re good. Tomorrow, we’ll tell him how to turn his head.”
Next in line
Two of the rookies who came up through the ranks of their programs were essentially head coaches in training: Matty Jacowleff at Staples, Ryan Pearson at Law.
Jacowleff was associate head coach and a coordinator for Adam Behrends, who left after five years for the University of New Mexico. Jacowleff also gained crucial experience as assistant lacrosse coach for Will Koshansky
“I feel equipped, and
then obviously you have to do it for the first time and you make mistakes and you fail and you learn and you grow, and you have to be receptive to feedback from the people around you,” Jacowleff said.
Pearson replaces Chris Haley, who stepped down due to work commitments.
Pearson and Haley went for the Law job in 2020 When Haley got it, he made it clear Pearson would be prepped as his successor, making him offensive coordinator
Pearson had also been an assistant for Lou Marinelli at New Canaan as well as Bob Maffei, his former coach at Trumbull. Another Trumbull icon,
Jerry McDougall, was a family friend and inspired Pearson to become a coach
“Growing up with people like that, all the assistants I’ve worked with, it’s kind of prepared me for this time,” Pearson said.
Jacowleff also dreamed of coaching as he came up through the Staples program built by Marce Petroccio
“I was talking to the kids about the gratitude that I feel every day coming in,” Jacowleff said. “It could be 5 a.m. It could be a night practice I’m kind of overwhelmed with emotion and the full sensation of the fact that this is my reality and how much it means to me.”
“He made, so to speak, the beams of the foundation for this whole thing Everything’s in place.”
Pearson and Jacowleff differ in their personal lives. Pearson, as a 2013 Trumbull grad, is an import. Jacowleff, a 2015 Staples grad, is homegrown.
Pearson played at Southern New Hampshire and lives in Milford with wife Danielle and 15-month-old daughter Maya He works at the Milford Boys and Girls Club Both he and his wife have six siblings Jacowleff went to Northeastern and Fairfield, but his playing career ended at Staples. His older brother, also a former Staples player, lives out of state.
Jacowleff is as single as they come The time he devotes to coaching and teaching special education at Staples, he said, leaves little time for a social life For all their differences, Jacowleff and Pearson share an impressive array of assistants. Pearson has two former head coaches at Law, Joe Devellis (Westhill) and Jeff Quieroga (McMahon)
Paul Philpott, the former Hand coach, remains aboard at Staples, where Jacowleff has brought in Nick Chacho from Masuk to coach quarterbacks and Rob Milne from Shelton to be offensive coordinator
“I’m not single-handedly ready for the job, but yes I am because of the people I have around me,” Jacowleff said.
As a product of the program, Jacowleff is keen on continuing Staples traditions and bringing old ones back, such as Petroccio’s Pride Award, a helmet decal for extraordinary leadership Pearson, too, is ready to rev an engine already warm. “There’s not really a reinvention of the wheel,” Pearson said. “Chris Haley did a great job and we kind of just turned the key that was left on for us.”
The steward
Quinn Fleeting may be only 30 but he’s old school He’s married to Molly, the only girlfriend he ever had. They started dating freshman year at Windsor High and got married at age 22
The pastor was Quinn’s godfather, Ronald Woodard, one of the forever assistants for Rob Fleeting,
one of the “uncles” now coaching under Quinn.
“That’s honestly one of the challenges,” said Windsor’s new head coach “I look at a lot of these guys like uncles because they’ve been around since I was young Now I have to tell them what to do Sometimes that’s a little bit uncomfortable but it has to get done.” Rob Fleeting had to step down as coach when he took the assistant principal’s job at Windsor High Under Quinn, an All-State QB who played an integral role in a program that was 144-29 in Rob’s 15 seasons, Windsor football will not change.
The entire staff stayed on save for one due to work It’s a mix of ages, from Michael Brehon, who played with Quinn at WCSU, to Antoine Daniels, who played with Rob.
It’s a tight group. Coaches have fun together, but aren’t afraid to speak their mind. You’ve got to have a thick skin, Quinn said. Success is the Windsor tradition, winning is expected. But, big picture, Quinn said his focus remains the same as Rob’s: Build character, build young adults.
“If we can align our kids right, preparing them for life then winning football comes with it,” Quinn said. “One follows the other.” Having been on staff since 2018 and being familiar with the environs has helped Quinn’s transition. The challenge hasn’t been X’s and O’s, but T’s and I’s —administrative details, equipment, paperwork Quinn and Molly have a 1-year-old son and another due in December Quinn runs his own financial business analyzing foreign currencies. Molly works for her dad, a chiropractor in town Their jobs allow for flexibility Ultimately, Quinn sees himself as steward of Windsor football. Rob did not step down willingly and Quinn aches for him. If Rob wants to return to coaching, Quinn would hand back the reins.
“I’m kind of living it, keeping it going for him,” said the son. “That’s been our bond since I was a kid.”
Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media
New Stafford head coach Devin Gilbert essentially put in an apprenticeship with his predecessor Brian Mazzone, helping him forge a dramatic rebuild. COACHES
From page S2
Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media
Head coach Matty Jacowleff, center, takes over at Staples after serving as associate head coach and a coordinator under Adam Behrends.
Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Woodstock coach Connor Elliott already has a state title under his belt as a baseball coach after guiding the school to the Class L championship in 2024
Stafford coach Devin Gilbert on taking over for Brian Mazzone
AVON VITALS
• COACH Matt Redman (second season, 1-9)
• HOME FIELD Avon
HS Turf Field, Avon
• PLAYOFF CLASS M CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 1-9
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
4/4
TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Twitter: @AHS_Falcons
THEY’RE HERE
• Matt Eckerlin Sr LB
(5-10, 185)
• Harry Fawad, Sr., LB
(6-0 180) Alex DeRoy Sr OL
(5-10, 225)
• Alex Nieves, Sr., OL (6-2 220)
• Jack Almon Sr LB
(5-10, 180)
REASON TO CHEER
Last season was a rough one for the Falcons, but they look to build off their only win in the season finale against Lewis Mills
REASON TO FEAR
Replacing Nik Meltser at running back and defensive back won’t be easy
BERLIN
VITALS
• COACH John Capodice (13th season, 99-39)
• HOME FIELD Scalise Field, Sage Park
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 8-4 (lost to Brookfield 28-0 in Class M semifinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
6/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: berlinredcoats_football
THEY’RE HERE
• Cody Puzio, Sr., QB
(6-0 185)
• Sean Granger Sr OL/DL (6-2 230)
• Will Balicki, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 210)
• Ryan Lavender Sr RB/LB (5-11 225)
• Carmine Rio Sr WR/DB (6-1, 175)
• Nick Balicki, So., RB/LB (6-1 195)
REASON TO CHEER John Capodice is back coaching the program he led to 99 victories, nine playoff appearances, four state finals and one state title between 2004 and 2015
REASON TO FEAR
Capodice’s first tenure ended late in the 2015 season when allegations of recruiting led to his dismissal by Berlin’s then-superintendent of schools. How will his return be received by the rest of state? More pertinent to Berlin: Transitions are a challenge and the bar is high. The Redcoats are coming off a nine-year run under former coach Joe Aresimowicz in which they went 67-26 reached two state finals and the last three state tournaments. They also graduated a big weapon in All-CCC running back Kyle Melville.
BLOOMFIELD
VITALS
• COACH Ty Outlaw (13th season, 130-35)
• HOME FIELD Phil Rubin Stadium, Bloomfield
• PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 9-4 (lost to Ansonia, 58-12 in the Class S championship game)
• RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def)
5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @BWarhawksFB | Instagram: @officialbloomfield highschool
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
WR/DB (5-10, 160)
• Nejon Bassue, Sr DE (6-3 225)
Romar Heron Sr RB (5-10, 170)
• Vernon Kelly, Sr., WR/DB (6-1 165)
• Cameron White Sr QB (5-10, 180)
• Tacqori Jackson, Sr., RB (5-8, 165)
REASON TO CHEER
Bloomfield returns 10 starters from a team that reached the state title game last season.
REASON TO FEAR Bloomfield graduated 57% of its 3,156 rushing yards and 62% of its 29 rushing touchdowns from last season.
BRISTOL CENTRAL VITALS
• COACH Jeff Papazian (11th season, 62-50)
• HOME FIELD Bristol Central HS Turf Field
Bristol PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 9-2 (lost to Bunnell, 21-12 in the Class MM quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Twitter: @jeff_papazian | Instagram: @Bristol CentralFootball
THEY’RE HERE
• Quincy Lawson Sr WR/DL, (6-3, 200)
• Jayden Glasper, Sr, RB/DB, (6-2, 190)
• Malikia Holley Jr Ath, (6-1 175)
• Ryan Sample, Jr QB/LB, (6-0, 185)
• Gabe Ouellette, Jr QB/DB, (5-8 145)
REASON TO CHEER Jayden Glasper is a two-year starter at running back who rushed for 484 yards with six touchdowns last season.
REASON TO FEAR
Bristol Central needs to replace graduated quarterback Donovan Rodriguez, who rushed for 1,150 yards and 18 touchdowns to lead the Rams to the postseason.
BRISTOL EASTERN
VITALS
• COACH Anthony Julius (ninth season, 22-58)
• HOME FIELD Alumni Field, Bristol
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 5-5
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
3/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Twitter: @BEHSFootball1
THEY’RE HERE
• Noah Albert Sr WR/S (6-1 190) Lincoln Bashaw Sr RB/LB (5-11, 220)
• Jacob Rogers, Sr., OL/TE/DL (6-0 220)
• Bryce Bacote Sr WR/DB (5-11 170)
• Aidyn Davies, Jr., RB/LB (5-11 225)
• Jacob Kingsley Jr WR/DB (6-0 170)
REASON TO CHEER
Bristol Eastern looks to be strong at the skill positions, returning its top running back in Lincoln Bashaw (935 yards, eight touchdowns) and top two receivers in Noah Albert (44 catches, 426 yards, five touchdowns) and Jacob Kingsley
REASON TO FEAR
Inexperience at quarterback and on the offensive line
CONARD
VITALS
CCC CAPSULES
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
6/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @CHSWH
Athletics
THEY’RE HERE
• Brady Cersosimo Sr
QB (5-9 150)
• Caio Ferreira, Sr., TE/LB (6-0, 190)
• Owen Holmes Sr OL/LB (6-0 200)
• Shane Morris Sr RB/DE (6-4, 200)
• Justin Nanayakarra
Sr DB/WR (5-10 170) Justin Cruz Sr OL/LB (5-10, 205)
• Taurean Cauley, Sr., OL/L (5-11 250)
• Chance McCoy Sr WR/DB (5-11 175)
REASON TO CHEER
All-CCC quarterback Brady Cersosimo who completed 102 passes for 1,637 yards and 17 touchdowns last year returns for his senior season.
REASON TO FEAR
Conard graduated five skill players (one running back and four receivers) who combined to score 31 touchdowns.
E.O. SMITH
VITALS
COACH James Kelly (10th season, 36-54)
• HOME FIELD E.O.
Smith High School Field, Storrs PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
7/8
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Twitter: @EOSFootball
| Facebook: EOSmith PantherFootball
THEY’RE HERE
• Joey Baker Sr WR/DB, (6-3 180)
• Sean Podosek Sr., QB, (6-0, 185)
• Jaevoni Rivas Sr RB/DB, (5-8 160)
• Talan Hancox-Mellady Sr., OLB, (6, 170)
• Carmine Morizio Sr OL/DL(5-11 275) Nick Caye Jr OL/D, (5-11, 260)
• Ian Bowles Sr., WR/OLB, (6-1 190)
• Jay Morrison Sr WR/DB, (5-11 155)
• Sam Rosenberg Sr., ILB, (5-11, 190)
REASON TO CHEER
Senior wide receiver Joey Baker, a CHSCA All-State selection returns after having 64 catches, 840 yards and seven touchdowns. He leads a talented group of wide receivers while three offensive linemen return in Jaden Lopez, Carmine Morizio and Nick Caye
REASON TO FEAR
There are 15 starters and plenty of talent back on the roster but all of the losses for E.O. Smith came by double digits last season, including blowout losses to Wethersfield and Newington.
EAST CATHOLIC
VITALS
• COACH Tommy Seaver (fifth season, 23-19)
QB/LB (6-0, 200)
• Tomaz Kusta Sr WR/DB (6-4 200) Joel Budd, So OL, (6-8 355)
REASON TO CHEER
An All-State offensive lineman joins four returning starting offensive linemen.
REASON TO FEAR
Coach James Lyver says there will be a new look on defense and he will be looking for new people to step up “all over.” FARMINGTON
VITALS
in the Class S quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 4/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Twitter: @EastCatholicFB | Instagram:@East CatholicFootball
THEY’RE HERE
• Joey Montalvo, Sr., WR/DB, (5-9, 170)
Theo Perkins Sr OL/TE/DE, (6-6 255)
• Alex Rodriguez, Sr., OL/DE, (5-8 205)
• Jared Macaluso Jr RB/LB, (5-10, 195)
• Nick Galatie, Jr., WR/DB, (6-0, 160)
REASON TO CHEER
Joey Montalvo is one of the best players in the state and he’s back.
REASON TO FEAR
Despite reaching the playoffs twice in the last three seasons, the Eagles are still looking for their first playoff win since 1987
EAST HARTFORD
VITALS
• COACH Bennie Fulse III (third season, 9-11)
• HOME FIELD East Hartford High School Field, East Hartford
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 4-6
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 3/2
TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @ehhs_athletics
THEY’RE HERE
• Anthony Caravallo, Jr., QB (5-9, 170)
• Isaiah Tripp Sr WR (5-10, 175)
• Brice Grant Sr WR (6-0, 180)
• Curtis Barber Sr WR (6-0 180) Darryl Harrison Soph., DE (6-4, 245)
• Julian Rivera, Sr., OL (6-0 245)
• Lahmar Hibbert Sr FS (6-1 180)
• Michael Adjei, Sr., LB (6-1 210)
REASON TO CHEER
Isaiah Tripp returns as the lone starting playmaker from last season.
REASON TO FEAR
Former quarterback Drayvn Roberts, a New Haven
Register/GametimeCT
All-State first teamer is now playing at Central Connecticut State University.
ENFIELD
VITALS
• COACH James Lyver (ninth season, 22-58)
• HOME FIELD Enfield
High School, Enfield PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 5/3
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @EHSEagles_FB | Facebook: EnfieldFootball | www.enfieldfootball.org
THEY’RE HERE
• Ben Simonet, Sr.,
OL/DL (6-1, 360)
Football Friends THEY’RE HERE
• Tommy Hussey, Sr., QB (6-2, 190)
• Solomon Levy Sr C (5-9 180)
• Henry Sinche Sr OL (6-0, 205)
• C.J. Nunez, Sr., LB (5-8, 160) Quinn O'Neill Sr OLB/TE (6-3 220)
• Bryan Amorim, Sr., OLB (6-0 200)
• Declan Mitchell Sr ILB (5-9 180)
• Ben Tam, Sr., DE/OT (6-0, 210)
• COACH Chris Machol (16th season, 65-87)
• HOME FIELD Farmington High School, Farmington
• PLAYOFF CLASS L CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 2-8
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
6/7
TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @Farmington_FB | Instagram: @Farmington.Football | Team site: www.fhsfootball.org
THEY’RE HERE
• Ty Nogiec Sr RB/LB (5-11, 205)
• Michael Campagnano Sr RB/OLB (5-9 155) Justin Kinney Sr WR/DB (5-6, 150)
• Tyler Perin, Sr., OL/DL (6-0 215)
• Joshuah Larkin Sr WR/DB (6-2 180)
REASON TO CHEER
The River Hawks return their top skill players
REASON TO FEAR
Tyler Perin is the lone returning starter on the offensive line
GLASTONBURY
VITALS
• COACH Eric Hennessy (sixth season, 27-26)
• HOME FIELD
Glastonbury HS Turf Field, Glastonbury
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 8-3 (lost to West Haven, 6-0, in the Class LL quarterfinals)
RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def) 6/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @GHS_Gridiron | Facebook: Glastonbury High School Football
THEY’RE HERE
• Dante Casdia, Jr., RB (5-10 195)
• Nick Filiault Sr LB (6-0 205)
• Rocco Meigs, Sr., WR (6-3, 190)
• Connor Finnerty Sr QB (5-10 170)
• Bennett Bedard Sr CB (5-9, 165)
• Austin Russell Sr DE (6-1 220)
Eli Lawrence Sr OL (6-0, 240)
• Amarii Dudley, Jr., DT (6-0 260)
REASON TO CHEER
The Guardians return plenty of talent at nearly every position, including running back Dante Casdia.
REASON TO FEAR
One exception is the offensive line, which graduated three starters, including All-Stater Jameson Barry
HALL
VITALS
• COACH Steve Markie (second season, 3-7)
• HOME FIELD Robert S. Chalmers Stadium, William Hall HS West Hartford
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE CCC 2024 RECORD 3-7
REASON TO CHEER Tommy Hussey, the likely starting quarterback for the Titans, is back.
REASON TO FEAR The top two running backs graduated and no one on the current roster had a reception last season.
LEWIS MILLS/
SOCIAL MEDIA:
@mills_owts_FB
Jayce Cichy Sr WR/DB (5-9, 165) • Patryk Klonowski, Sr., WR/DB (6-1 175)
Christian Martin Sr OL/DL (6-0 280) • Marcos Muniz, Sr., HB/LB (6-0, 180) • Nate Bertrand Jr OL/DL (6-1 215) REASON TO CHEER After a rough 2024, Lewis Mills brings back the majority of its starters, including all five offensive linemen, and gains reinforcements with the addition of Wolcott Tech as a co-op partner REASON TO FEAR The Spartans lost quarterback Alex Weaver to the Kent School. They also graduated rushing leader Gianluca Dolzadelli and tackling leader Mateo Dolzadelli.
MALONEY
VITALS • COACH Kevin Frederick (11th season, 87-29)
• HOME FIELD Falcon Field, Meriden • PLAYOFF CLASS L • CONFERENCE CCC 2024 RECORD 6-5 (lost to New Canaan, 41-7 in the Class L quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 2/3
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA —Twitter: @MHS_SpartanFB THEY’RE HERE
• Devan Bacote Jr RB, (5-9 185)
• Eli Showerda Jr QB, (6-0, 155)
• Kamari Dubose Sr OL/DL, (5-11 260)
• Ruben Alexandre Sr OL/DL, (6-2, 250)
• Keenan Armstrong, Sr., DB/WR, (6-1 165)
• Chris McDonald Sr OL, (6-5, 280)
• Trayvon Harrell, Sr., RB/DB, (5-7, 165)
• Max Lischeid Sr LB/TE, (6-0 210)
• Noah Albino, Sr., DB/WR, (5-9, 190)
• Donovan Bey, Sr DL/OL, (6-0 220)
• Mike Talley Jr OL/DL, (6-5, 350)
THEY’RE HERE
Kadyn Thomas Sr C
(6-2, 280)
• Dorian Pollard, Sr., DT
(6-0 250)
• Zion Banton Sr
COACH Matt Cersosimo (11th season, 44-57)
• HOME FIELD McKee
Stadium, West Hartford
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE CCC
• HOME FIELD Cheney
Tech, Manchester
PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 9-2 (lost to Bloomfield, 22-21,
• Cam Colman Sr
WR/OLB (5-9, 180)
• Dom Morcus Sr
OL/LB (6-1, 220)
• Kyle Dube Sr OL/DL (6-0 245) Sawyer Pequita Jr
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
4/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @HallFootball1 | Facebook: Hall High
REASON TO CHEER Since missing the playoffs in 2016, Maloney has reached the postseason seven straight seasons REASON TO FEAR
This might be the most inexperienced Maloney team during the current
CCC continues on S5
Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media
Josiah Sims, center, is one of the top returning players for a Newington team that went 10-2 last season.
playoff run.
MANCHESTER
VITALS
• COACH Roy Roberts (11th season, 37-58)
• HOME FIELD Memorial Field, Manchester
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 6-5
(lost to Staples, 42-6, in the Class LL quarterfinals) RETURNING
STARTERS(off/def)
4/4
THEY’RE HERE
• Caleb Braye Entsiwah, Sr., S (6-2, 215)
• Brody Roberts Sr LB (6-0 200)
• Sam Mojica Jr WR (6-0, 200)
• Noah Roberts, Jr., CB (6-0 175)
REASON TO CHEER Manchester returns a total of eight starters from last year’s squad which qualified for the Class LL playoffs for the second-straight season.
REASON TO FEAR
The Red Hawks still graduated a majority of the impact players who got them there including its entire passing attack.
MIDDLETOWN
VITALS
• COACH Dario Highsmith Jr (first season) HOME FIELD Rosek-Skubel Stadium, Middletown HS
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
4/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @MHSBlueDragons1 | Instagram: @Middletown_Dragons_ Football
THEY’RE HERE
• Cornelius Moore Sr QB/FS (6-1, 190)
• Zion Smallman, Sr., OL/DL (6-4 265) Zion Robinson Sr OL/DL (5-9 235)
• Kairese Monroe, Sr., TE/OLB (6-1 215)
• Tariku Zipf Sr RB/DB (5-8 165)
• Juel Ocasio, Jr., OL/DL (5-10, 270)
REASON TO CHEER Dario Highsmith Jr., one of Middletown’s all-time best players takes up the reins as head coach a decade after concluding his all-state career
REASON TO FEAR Highsmith has some rebuilding to do if he wants to get the Blue Dragons back into playoff form. They haven’t qualified since 2018
NEW BRITAIN
VITALS
• COACH Isaiah Boddie (fifth season, 20-22) HOME FIELD Veterans Stadium at Willowbrook Park, New Britain
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 8-3 (lost to Greenwich, 27-6, in the Class LL quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def)
4/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @NBHSFootball.CT
THEY’RE HERE
• Jayden Allen Sr
RB/DB (6-0 184)
• Julius Mendez, Jr.,
RB/LB (5-11, 195)
• Todd Samuel Sr
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
REASON TO CHEER
New Britain has improved each year since coach Isaiah Boddie took over the program going from a 1-9 program in 2021 to an 8-3 team last year as the Golden Hurricanes reached the Class LL tournament for a second straight season.
REASON TO FEAR
New Britain graduated its starting quarterback, its top receiver and three members from last year’s starting offensive line
NEWINGTON
VITALS
• COACH John Acquavita (third season, 12-10; 27th overall, 146-128-1)
• HOME FIELD Alumni Field, Newington
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 10-2 (lost to Windsor 50-0 in the Class MM semifinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def)
1/6
TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter:
@NewingtonFB | Instagram: @Newington_ Football
THEY’RE HERE
• Josiah Sims Sr RB/SE/OLB (6-1 220)
• Victor Rodriguez Sr QB/LB (5-11, 185)
• Heath Weeden Sr LB/FB (5-10 220)
• Mason Hill Sr OLB/RB (6-2, 182)
• Dylan Ramsey, Sr., S/SL (5-9 175)
• Lavonne Ellison Jr Sr DB/SL (5-8 152)
• Christian Bilbraut, Jr., S/RB/SL (5-9 165)
• Taylor Bagley Jr TE/DT (6-3 255)
REASON TO CHEER
One of the most physically gifted players in the state Josiah Sims returns to lead the Nor’easters
REASON TO FEAR
While being one of six returning starters on defense Sims is the only offensive player returning at his position from the Class MM semifinalist.
NORTHWEST CATHOLIC
VITALS
• COACH Michael Lenz (seventh season, 27-32)
HOME FIELD Neil J. Brewer Field, West Hartford
• PLAYOFF CLASS S • CONFERENCE CCC 2024 RECORD 7-3
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 7/9
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter:@FootballNWC | Instagram:@NWC_ Football_Pride | Facebook: Northwest Catholic Football NWC
THEY’RE HERE
• Kayden Davis Sr WR/DB (6-3, 195)
• Vincent Burbank, Sr., QB/DB (5-11, 180)
• Blaise Hannigan Sr DE/OL (5-10 195)
• Bryce Jones Sr LB (5-10, 185)
• Patrick Knorr Sr WR/OLB (6-1 185) Caiden Reese So. DE/OL (6-2, 235)
• Noah Chandler, Sr., OL/DT (6-0 245)
• Jacob Krause Jr OL/DT (6-4 260)
• Jayse McMillian, Sr., OLB (6-0, 170)
• Marc Cheney Jr ILB/RB (5-10 175)
PLAINVILLE
VITALS
• COACH Tim Shea (ninth season, 36-46)
• HOME FIELD Tinty Stadium, Plainville HS PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 4-6
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 7/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @PLVBlueDevilFB | Instagram: @plvbluedevilfb
THEY’RE HERE Dylan Feltt Jr LB/TE (5-11, 225)
• Yhosi Moffi, Sr., WR/DB (6-0 145)
• CJ Wright Sr OL/DL (5-10, 270)
• Cooper Dinielli, Sr., OLB (6-1, 178)
• Anthony Abarno Jr QB (6-1 160)
• Billy Putnam Jr WR/DB/K (5-11, 155)
• Chase Bouchard Jr WR/DB (5-6, 140) Ryan Wartonick Sr OL/LB (6-0, 210)
REASON TO CHEER
Fourteen starters return, including four offensive linemen, three receivers and seven defensive players.
REASON TO FEAR Plainville is searching for its first winning season since 2021
PLATT
VITALS
• COACH Jason Bruenn (18th season, 107-73)
• HOME FIELD Falcon Field Meriden
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 4-6
RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 6/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Twitter: @PlattPantherFB |
Instagram:@Platt PantherFB | Facebook: Platt Football
THEY’RE HERE
• Jesus Vasquez, Sr., WR, (6-2 205) Austen Standish Jr QB (5-10 175)
• Alexi Beltran, Sr., OL/DL, (5-6 250)
• Daelon Bond-Streater Sr WR/DB, (5-10 155)
• Brody Hines, Sr., OL/DL, (6-1, 245)
• Michael Smith Sr DL Jayvon West, Sr WR/DB, (5-7, 141)
• Amari Booker, Sr., LB, (6-1 185)
REASON TO CHEER
Platt rose to the occasion when it needed to with three dramatic come-from-behind wins last year The engineer of those comebacks, Austen Standish, is back.
REASON TO FEAR
Those three dramatic wins were 75% of the Panthers wins last season.
RHAM
SOUTH WINDSOR
VITALS
• COACH Dave Hodge (10th season, 44-60)
• HOME FIELD South
Windsor High School Field, South Windsor
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 4-6
RETURNING STARTERS(off/def)
5/4
THEY’RE HERE
• Ryan LaGuardia, Sr., WR, (5-10, 165)
• Jayden Bridgeforth Sr RB, (5-10 180)
(5-9 170)
• Jeremy Rodrigues Jr QB (5-11, 155)
• Max Obey, Sr.,OL/DL (6-3 230)
• Adriel Wilson Sr OL/DL (6-2 265)
REASON TO CHEER
RHAM looks to have a solid defense up front, led by Cayden Caplette, Max Obey and Adriel Wilson.
REASON TO FEAR
Jeremy Rodrigues (receiver to quarterback) and Cayden Caplette (center to fullback) will need to adjust to position changes in new Double Wing offense
ROCKY HILL
VITALS
• COACH Richard Dance (sixth season, 17-33)
• HOME FIELD
McVicar Field, Rocky Hill
HS
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 2-8
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def)
4/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter:
@RHHS_Terriers | Facebook: Rocky Hill High School Football
THEY’RE HERE
• Xander Alamo Sr RB/LB (5-10, 190)
• Tyshawn Dominique, Jr QB/DB (5-10 175)
Landon Mantie Sr WR/LB (5-11, 185)
• Julian Suarez, Sr., WR/DL (6-0 200)
• Rathan Tejeda Sr WR/DB (5-11 155)
• Jaeden Torres, Sr., RB/LB (5-11, 185)
• Parker Wood Sr WR/LB (5-10, 190)
• Nathan Xhelaj So OL/DL (6-2, 245)
REASON TO CHEER
Rathan Tejeda and Parker Wood are the top two returning receivers for the Terriers. Tyshawn Dominique and Mason Margiotta are splitting preseason snaps at quarterback.
REASON TO FEAR
Replacing quarterback
Joey Motes will be no easy chore. Not only did he throw for 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns, he was also Rocky Hill’s leading rusher with 801 yards and 11 touchdowns.
SIMSBURY
VITALS
COACH Vinnie Guiel (first season)
• HOME FIELD Holden Field Simsbury
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 2-8
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 9/9
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @simsbury_trojans_ football | Team site: www.simsburygridiron.org
THEY’RE HERE
Brodyn McKinstry Jr
LB (6-1 195)
• Ryan Boor, Sr., OL/DL, (5-11 225)
REASON TO CHEER Tolland is coming off back-to-back winning seasons, including a playoff appearance in 2023.
REASON TO FEAR There are so many holes to fill.
WETHERSFIELD
VITALS
• Jalil Montgomery, Jr LB, (6-0, 195)
• Sam Binkowski, Jr., OL/DL, (6-0 265) Adam Alamo, Jr OL/DL, (6-7 275)
• Justin Flor, Sr., CB, (5-6 155)
REASON TO CHEER
The offensive and defensive lines both look to be solid anchored by returning juniors Sam Binkowski and the 6-7 Adam Alamo.
REASON TO FEAR
The team graduated its top two leading rushers who combined for 1,818 yards on the ground and 24 touchdowns.
SOUTHINGTON
VITALS
• COACH Rob Levesque (second season, 3-7)
• HOME FIELD Fontana Field
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
9/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: Southington High School Football | Instagram:@shs_bkf | Twitter: @SHS_BKF
THEY’RE HERE
• Rosco Cook, Sr., WR/DB (5-10 170)
• Nick Andrews Jr RB/LB (5-10 190)
• Ahmed Mamoon, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 200)
• Caden Powers Sr OL/DL (5-10 200)
• Beckett Colby Sr WR/DB (5-11, 180)
• Jax Riveria, Sr., WR/DB (5-10 150) Walker Mierzejewski
Jr WR/DB (5-11 155)
• Lief Renehan, Jr., TE/DL (5-10 200)
• Danny Corrado Sr WR/LB (6-0 165)
REASON TO CHEER
Southington returns the majority of its skill position players, including leading rusher Nick Andrews (113-584) and leading receivers Rosco Cook (39-463) and Walker Mierzejewski (26-231)
Nathan Pelletier who became the first Southington quarterback to start as a freshman and threw for 1,500 yards, is also back
REASON TO FEAR
Southington took big graduation hits on all three levels of defense including tackling leaders Collin LaRosa (97) and Chris Betros (91) at linebacker and CHSCA All-State Class defensive back Joe Fabiano (8 interceptions) in the secondary
TOLLAND
VITALS
• COACH Alex Backus (fifth season, 22-19)
• HOME FIELD Tolland
HS Stadium, Tolland
• PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE CCC
• COACH Matt McKinnon (sixth season, 31-22)
HOME FIELD Cottone Field, Wethersfield HS
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 9-2 (lost to Newington, 20-15, in the Class MM quarterfinals)
• RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def) 9/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter:@Wethersfield EA1, @McKinnonWHS | Instagram: @wethersfield_ eagles_football
THEY’RE HERE
• Luis Garcia Sr RB/CB (5-10 185)
• Jacob Yanosy Sr WR (6-0, 180)
• Michael Manocchio Sr OL (5-11 245) Chase Lemos Sr OL (5-10, 255)
• Michael Ehrlich, Sr., MLB/TE (5-10 200)
• Charley Bellobuono Sr WR (5-8 170)
• Corey Smith, Jr., DL/RB (6-1, 215)
• Isaiah Edwards Jr CB/RB (5-10 175)
REASON TO CHEER Wethersfield returns 16 starters from a team that was 0-10 in 2023, then turned into a Class MM playoff team in 2024. REASON TO FEAR Cam Righi, a Register/GametimeCT Second Team All-State selection, who engineered the turnaround is at UConn playing baseball.
WINDSOR
VITALS
• COACH Quinn Fleeting (1st season) HOME FIELD Jack O’Brien Stadium, Windsor HS • PLAYOFF CLASS MM • CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 12-1 (lost to Masuk, 24-21, in the Class MM championship)
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 4/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA —Twitter: @WHSFootballCT | | Instagram:@Windsor Football Facebook:WHSFootball CT
THEY’RE HERE AJ Robinson Sr QB (6-3, 215) • Jayden Compton Jr., ATH (6-3 185) • Isaiah Copeland Sr DL/OL, (6-1 315)
• Adrian Ruiz, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 280) • Jonathan Rosado Sr OL/DL, (6-1 240)
• Robert McKinney, Jr RB, (5-10, 180)
• DJ Brown Sr LB (6-0 190) Dominic Jenkins Sr ATH, (5-10, 185)
DB/ATH (5-7, 165)
• Amari Crawley Sr
LB/TE (5-11, 215)
• Jaden Benitez So.
RB/LB (5-11 205)
Meech Bishop So.
DE/TE (6-2, 240)
• Marques Colon, Sr.,
OL/DL (6-3 280)
• William Seymour Jr
QB (5-9 160)
REASON TO CHEER Among the 16 positions that are filled by returning starters are quarterback Vincent Burbank and GametimeCT/New Haven Register All-State Honorable mention receiver Kayden Davis
REASON TO FEAR Three starters return to an offensive line that does not have much depth. On defense Northwest
Catholic will need to replace last year’s leading tackler, Dave Calendrillo
VITALS
COACH Steven Calande (first season)
• HOME FIELD RHAM
Varsity Field, Hebron
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE CCC
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
N/A
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram:@RHAM
Athletics
THEY’RE HERE
• Cayden Caplette, Sr., FB (5-8 225)
• Danny Mantilla Sr RB
• Max Konopka Jr DE (6-2, 205)
• Steph Wharton Jr WR (5-9 145)
Isaac Soto Sr TE (6-1 205)
• Tate Mairano, Sr., FS (6-0 165)
REASON TO CHEER
Simsbury returns a great deal of experience on both offense and defense
REASON TO FEAR
The team has won just three of 20 games the past two seasons.
• 2024 RECORD 6-4
RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Twitter: @EaglesTolland | Instagram: @TollandEaglesFootball THEY’RE HERE
• Brayden O'Connor, Sr., WR/DB, (6-1 190)
• Paxton Neyers Jr
OL/DL, (6-1 210)
• Nazim Adnane, Jr., LB, (5-10, 190)
• Caleb Graham Jr DB, (5-10 160)
REASON TO CHEER Central Connecticut commit AJ Robinson is entering his fourth year as the starter and might just be the best QB in the state
REASON TO FEAR There are holes to fill on offense around Robinson. The team graduated its top skill players including Register/GameTimeCT 1st team All-State selections, John Manning (1,765 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns) and Cashmire Lewis (48 catches for 968 yards and 12 touchdowns).
Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media
Windsor’s A.J. Robinson is entering his fourth season as the team’s starting quarterback.
ABBOTT
• COACH Timothy Smith (first season) HOME FIELD Mustang Field, Immaculate HS, Danbury
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE CTC
• 2024 RECORD 7-3
• RETURNING
3/2
—Twitter: @ATIUnited |
Instagram: @ATIUnited THEY’RE HERE
• Josh Fontaine, Sr.,
LB/TE, (6-2, 200)
• Nick Hancock, Sr
WR/DB
• Hunter Von Minden, Sr., QB, (6-0, 180)
• Thomas Kennedy, Jr.,
DB/WR, (5-6 125) Angelo Paxinos, Soph., WR/DB
• Kyler Topa, Sr., LB, (5-11, 200)
• Omari Morgan, Sr
OL/DL (6-0 240)
• Albert Fenaroli, Jr.,
LB/OL (6-0, 190)
REASON TO CHEER Hunter Von Minden returns at quarterback
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
VITALS
• COACH Derrick Lewis (fourth season, 18-13)
• HOME FIELD Kennedy Stadium, Bridgeport
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS CONFERENCE CTC
• 2024 RECORD 7-4 (lost to Waterford, 21-12, in the Class SS quarterfinals) RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
7/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @Bullardfb
| Twitter: @Bullardfb
THEY’RE HERE Josh Headley Sr
TB/DB (5-7, 180)
• Kamarri Burnett, Sr.,
OL/DL (6-2 255)
• Jose Ferreira Sr
FB/LB (5-10 220)
• Javier Garcia, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 190)
• Michael Ferreira Jr
QB/DB (6-0 175)
• Jeremiah Duverce Jr
TE/EDGE (6-3, 215)
• Marlon Benbow Jr
WR/DB (6-0 185) Jordan Kavanaugh Sr
OL/DL (6-2, 270)
• Isaiah Thomas, Sr., OL/NT (6-0 250)
REASON TO CHEER
The Tigers return the lion’s share of last year’s playoff team, starting with 2,000-yard rusher Josh Headley.
REASON TO FEAR Atough opening set with two Alliance games, first against Windham a Class SS semifinalist a year ago and then on the road against Fairfield Warde.
CHENEY TECH
VITALS
• COACH Tony Bonito (third season, 10-10)
• HOME FIELD Cheney Tech, Manchester
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE CTC
• 2024 RECORD 6-4 RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 4/3
THEY’RE HERE
• Isaiah Morales, Sr.,
QB/DB (5-11/180)
• Tyler Alexander Sr
OL/DL (6-2/200)
• Dalton Descheneaux
Sr., RB/LB (5-9, 185)
• Mecci Morris Sr
RB/LB (6-2 180) Latiff Maddox Jr
OL/DL (6-0, 260)
REASON TO CHEER
Cheney appears to have a good returning core of tall targets at receiver, good
news for a new QB.
REASON TO FEAR The Chargers took heavy graduation hits and what few returning players they have back are being shifted to new positions, including at QB.
O’BRIEN TECH
VITALS
• COACH Emmus Crawford (second season, 0-10)
• HOME FIELD O’Brien Tech Athletic Complex Ansonia
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS • CONFERENCE CTC
• 2024 RECORD 0-10
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 4/7
THEY’RE HERE
• Austin Fernandes, Jr. WR/DB, (5-10, 164)
• Ameechi Frazier, Sr., RB/DB, (6-0 163) Kevin Sharkey, Jr OL/DL, (6-3 278)
• Jayden Colon, Sr., QB/LB, (6-0 187)
• Riley Boulerice, Jr OL/DL, (5-10, 300)
• Nicholas Brown, Jr., RB/DB, (5-10, 165)
• Carlos Reyes, Sr RB/DL, (5-9 200)
• Malik South, Sr RB/LB, (5-9, 165)
REASON TO CHEER Continuity. Emmus Crawford returns as head coach for second season, breaking a five-year revolving door one-year HCs.
REASON TO FEAR
The Condors are coming
off an 0-10 season.
PLATT TECH
VITALS
• COACH Vin Camera (sixth season, 25-25)
• HOME FIELD Vito
DeVito Sports Complex, Foran HS and Lawmen Stadium, Jonathan Law
HS Milford
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE CTC
• 2024 RECORD 5-5
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 6/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @PlattADCoop | Instagram: @platttechhs THEY’RE HERE
• Caleb Brickhouse, Sr., RB/CB (5-9, 165)
• Orville Ferguson, Sr RB/LB, (6-0 180)
• Antwoine Pittmann, Jr., RB/CB, (5-8, 168)
• Maddux Vargus, Jr., QB (6-1 170) Aziyah Hernandez, So OL/DL, (6-2 210)
• Drew DiIorio, Sr., OL/DL, (6-0 262)
• Brady Maslar Sr LB/TE, (6-0 185)
• Gio Ferraro, Jr., OL/DL, (6-2, 283)
• David Vazquez Sr LB, (5-5, 165)
• Fernando Micloth, Jr
LB/TE, (6-1, 182)
REASON TO CHEER
The offensive line brings back some talent in junior three-year starter at right
guard Gio Ferraro, sophomore right tackle Aziyah Hernandez and
senior left guard Drew DiIorio
REASON TO FEAR
With only four players back on defense, it may take some time to rebuild on that side of the ball.
PRINCE TECH
VITALS
• COACH Rob Rubin (third season, 40-34 at Prince Tech, 53-39 overall)
• HOME FIELD
Moriarty Field, Prince Tech, Hartford
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE CTC
• 2024 RECORD 2-8
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
7/7
THEY’RE HERE
• Laurrens Demorcy Sr WR/DB (5-10, 160)
• RJ Smith, Sr., RB/LB (5-11, 160)
Khalil Wells Sr OL/DL (6-0 235)
REASON TO CHEER Fourteen returning starters seven each on offense and defense.
REASON TO FEAR
The Falcons are coming off a 2-8 season and are inexperienced in some key spots.
THAMES RIVER
VITALS
• COACH Craig Sylvester (fifth season, 28-13)
• HOME FIELD Grasso Tech, Groton PLAYOFF CLASS
MM
• CONFERENCE CTC
• 2024 RECORD 4-6
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 8/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @thamesrivercrusaders
THEY’RE HERE
• Luis Fragoza, Sr., C/DE (5-10, 230)
Damarr Mangan Sr WR/CB (5-8 160)
• Wesley Arzamarski, Sr WR/FS (5-8 136)
• Elias Dominguez Sr SS (5-9 160)
• Caleb Lisee, Sr., OT/DT
• Davion Branch, Sr., G/DT/DE
• Ro'chaun Watkins Jr RB/LB (5-7, 160)
• Paul Vernotzy, Jr., TE/DE
REASON TO CHEER
Four starting offensive linemen returning Caleb Lisee, Davion Branch, Luis Fragoza and Nicholas Larkin and experienced depth at receiver with Wesley Arzamarski, Damarr Mangan and Kwamel Wright back.
REASON TO FEAR
Who will be throwing to those receivers? Two underclassmen are fighting for the starting job: freshman Jaykwon Burke and sophomore Tucker West
VINAL TECH/ GOODWIN TECH
VITALS
• COACH David Dronzank (second season, 1-9)
•
Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media
ATI senior Hunter Von Minden returns at quarterback after throwing 19 touchdowns and just one interception last season.
Brian A. Pounds/Hearst Connecticut Media
Cornerback Caleb Brickhouse left is one of only four returning defensive starters for Platt Tech Brickhouse, a senior, is also a part of the Panthers’ running back rotation.
BACON ACADEMY
CO-OP
VITALS
• COACH Sean Ladyga (first season, 13-28 overall) HOME FIELD Bacon Academy Football/Soccer Field, Colchester
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE ECC
• 2024 RECORD 2-8
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def)
6/5
TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @bacon_academy_ football
THEY’RE HERE
• Riddick Burroughs, Sr QB (5-8 145)
• Skip Coogan Sr TE/DE (6-3 165)
• Lucian Dean, Sr., FB/LB (6-0, 175)
• Caden King Sr OL/LB (5-10 180)
• Julian Dean Sr OL/DL (5-10, 200)
• Alex Svedarsky Sr TE/LB (6-1 200) Mason Steele Jr OL/LB (5-10, 190)
• Jacob Teal, Soph., RB/DB (5-6 135)
REASON TO CHEER The numbers for the second-year co-op have increased, to almost 50 Some of those players bring experience, especially on the offensive line and under center with Burroughs.
REASON TO FEAR Saturday morning wakeup calls? The first four games for Bacon Academy/Lyman Memorial begin at 11 a.m. Also, there is a lack of experience at the receiver position.
EAST LYME
VITALS
• COACH Tom Kleine (second season, 3-7)
• HOME FIELD Dick North Field, East HS PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE ECC
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
7/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: @ELPSAthletics
THEY’RE HERE
• Jacob Garro Sr QB, (6-3 200)
• Jayden Brown Sr WR/DB, (5-9, 155)
• Logan Benoit Sr., FS/TE, (6, 175)
• Matt Romanowicz Sr OC (6-2 212)
• Ryan Hutchings, Sr., RT (6-1)
REASON TO CHEER
Jacob Garro is back starting at quarterback for a second season and with him is wide receiver Jayden Brown. Garro should be aided by four returning offensive linemen anchored by seniors Matt Romanowicz and Ryan Hutchings.
REASON TO FEAR
The front half of the schedule is difficult and should put the Vikings to the test in their second season under coach Tom Kleine FITCH VITALS
• COACH Mike Ellis Jr (10th season, 60-32)
• HOME FIELD Dorr Field, Groton
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE ECC
• 2024 RECORD 5-5 RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 5/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter:@football_fitch
THEY’RE HERE
• Porter Carter, Sr
RB/QB/DB, (5-11 180)
• Anthony Spader, Sr
RB/DB, (5-11, 180)
• Devin Cook Jr RB/LB, (5-11 180)
Sean Bussey, Sr
RB/LB, (6-0, 180)
• Michael El Khoury, Jr.,
QB/DB, (6-1 190)
• Mark McBride Sr
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
ECC CAPSULES
REASON TO CHEER
Devin Cook and Sean Bussey return at fullback. Cook ran for 729 yards and five touchdowns while Bussey added 308 yards on the ground and one touchdown
REASON TO FEAR The offensive line lacks experience with Wayne Cowell the only returning starter in that unit.
GRISWOLD / WHEELER
VITALS
• COACH Gregg Wilcox (11th season, 58-42)
• HOMEFIELD Griswold High School Field Jewett City
• PLAYOFF CLASS S (co-op)
• CONFERENCE ECC
• 2024 RECORD 4-6
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 6/6
THEY’RE HERE
• Aaden Cutter Sr RB/DB (5-10, 175)
• Nick Watters Sr RB/DB (6-0, 175)
• Kymani Boyce, Jr., OL/DL (6-3 265)
REASON TO CHEER
Griswold/Wheeler will return its three running backs from last year along with three starting offensive linemen
REASON TO FEAR
Loss of quarterback Luke Cassidy and his backup not returning for his senior year leaves the position open for grabs between a sophomore and two freshmen
KILLINGLY
VITALS
• COACH Chad Neal (20th season 131-93)
HOMEFIELD Killingly High School Sports Complex, Dayville
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE ECC
• 2024RECORD 13-0
(won the Class SS championship, 48-33, over Sheehan)
RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 10/9
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @KillinglyFBall | Instagram: @Killingly Football | Team Site: Killingly Football
THEY’RE HERE
• Hayden Allard, Sr., RB/CB (6-0, 200)
• Hunter Allard Sr TE/S (6-1 220)
• Quinn Sumner Sr QB (6-5, 230)
• Aiden Lamotte Sr WR/S (5-7 170)
Ryan Webster Sr TE/DE (6-1, 240)
• Joseph Mackie, Sr., FB/LB (5-9 215)
• Joseph Gould Sr FB/LB (6-0 195)
• Michael Allen, Sr., OG/DT (5-9 245)
• Tyler Smith Sr OT (5-10 255)
• Payton Wallace, Sr., WR/CB (5-11, 175)
First Team All-State selection Hayden Allard leads a whopping 19 returning starters for the defending Class SS champs
REASON TO FEAR
The old adage: It is more difficult to stay on top than it is to get there.
LEDYARD
VITALS
• COACH Mike Serricchio (fifth season, 25-17)
• HOME FIELD Bill Mignault Field, Ledyard PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE ECC
• 2024 RECORD 7-4 (lost to Windham, 17-14, in the Class SS quarterfinals) RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @Ledyard Football | Instagram: @LedyardFootball THEY’RE HERE
• Calvin Casavant, Sr
RB/DB, (6-3, 200)
• Titus Streckfuss, So. RB/LB, (6-0 180) Brayden Gugliotta, Jr
OL/DL, (6-4, 240)
• Jackson Grimm, Jr., RB/LB, (5-10,180)
• Diego Rosario-Gonzalez Sr
RB/DB, (5-9, 160)
• Kadin McCarthy, Jr., OL/DL, (6-0 200) Aidan Martinez Garcia
Sr BB/LB, (5-10 220)
REASON TO CHEER
Since switching to the single wing during the 2023 season, the Colonels have run the ball very well. That shouldn’t change this season.
REASON TO FEAR
Replacing AJ Adamick and his 1,608 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns will not be easy
MONTVILLE
VITALS
• COACH Tanner Grove (19th season, 90-93)
• HOME FIELD
Montville HS Field, Oakdale
• PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE ECC
• 2024 RECORD 1-9
4-6, at NFA; 8-12 overall)
• HOME FIELD Norwich Free Academy
Turf Norwich
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE ECC
• 2024 RECORD 4-6
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
9/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @NFA_Athletics, @dschroth11 | Facebook: NFA Athletics | Instagram: @nfafootball_2024
THEY’RE HERE
• Cameron Bell-Snow, Jr DL/OT (6-2 297)
• Rusean Clahar, Jr WR/DB, (5-10 140)
• Ryan Cleary, Sr., RB/WR/DB, (5-11, 190)
• Magnus King, Jr RB/DB, (5-8 160)
• Ny’Rell Ross, Jr ,DB/WR, (6-0, 170)
• Xavier Sebastian, Jr RB/DB, (5-7, 170)
REASON TO CHEER
Sixteen starters return from a young squad that finished a 4-6 season strong.
REASON TO FEAR
NFA hasn’t had a winning season since 2019
STONINGTON
VITALS
• COACH AJ Massengale (21st season, 93-110)
HOME FIELD Palmer Field, Stonington HS, Pawcatuck
• PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE ECC
• 2024 RECORD 6-4
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def)
4/6
TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @StoningtonFB
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @VilleFootball1 THEY’RE HERE
• D'Mitri Charles, Jr OT/LB (6-3 250)
Tyler McLaughlin, Jr
RB/LB, (5-10, 185)
• Tyler Chen, Sr., OL/DL, (6-0 225)
• Khaj Roache, Jr RB/DL, (5-11 230)
• Chase Malbaurn, Jr., OL/LB, (6-5, 200)
• Elijah Anctil, Jr WR/DB/K, (6-1 165)
• Chantz Jones, Sr WR/DB, (5-10, 165)
• Andrew McElwee, Sr TE, (6-3 200)
REASON TO CHEER
Montville returns 12 starters from last year’s team and most of its top players are juniors.
REASON TO FEAR
Despite returning 14 starters last year, the team finished 1-9.
NEW LONDON
VITALS
• COACH Marquise Ruffin (first season) HOME FIELD Pat Cannamella Field, New London
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE ECC
• 2024 RECORD 6-5 (lost to Hand, 45-6, in the Class M quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 1/1
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter:
@WhalerFootball | Instagram: _WhlalerFootball_ THEY’RE HERE
• Keyandre Dixon Soph., WR/FS/DB (6-1, 160)
• Thiago Rosa, Soph., WR/DB (5-10 140) Zhi’mir Maddox-Moore Soph., RB/DB (5-10, 145)
REASON TO CHEER
Youth abounds with opportunities for new players to establish themselves.
REASON TO FEAR
That same youth may take time to grow into their roles.
NORWICH FREE ACADEMY
VITALS
23-21 overall)
• HOME FIELD Alumni Field at Waterford HS PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE ECC
• 2024 RECORD 9-3 (lost to Killingly, 42-7 in the Class SS semifinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @whslancerfb_1
THEY’RE HERE Parker Spencer Sr WR/DB (5-8, 160)
• Gabe VanOverloop, Sr., LB/TE (6-4 225)
• Denatto Barnhill Sr OL/DL (6-3 300)
• Omar Hernandez, Jr., RB/LB (5-8, 195)
REASON TO CHEER The Lancers are coming off a 9-3 season in which they reached the Class SS semis and return plenty of players from that squad.
REASON TO FEAR Who’s not back: Quarterback Jax Higgins, who graduated in the spring. Higgins rushed for 1,444 yards and passed for
THEY’RE HERE
• Logan Christina, Sr., RB / DB
• Tommy Lyon, Sr OL/DL
• Ethan Greene, Sr OL/DL, (6-1, 230)
• Gabe Torruella, Jr LB
• Evan West Jr OL
REASON TO CHEER
The Bears return four starters on the offensive line from last season.
REASON TO FEAR
The offense will have new players taking over roles at quarterback, wide receiver and running back as they rebuild the offense around the experienced line
VALLEY PANTHERS
VITALS
COACH Pat Smith (26th season, 122-121)
• HOME FIELD Plainfield High School
Athletic Complex
• PLAYOFF CLASS
MM
• CONFERENCE —ECC
• 2024 RECORD New co-op
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
3/3
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter:@_PHS_Athletics | Instagram: @_PHS_ Athletics
THEY’RE HERE
• Quintin Zevetchin, Sr., RB/DB Kobi Navan Sr RB/LB
• Gavin Mancini SR., RB/LB
• Landen Davis Sr WR/S Lyric Teevan Sr TE/DE
• Mason Mercier, Sr., TE/DE
• Cole Cheney Sr OL/DL
• Jon Ramos Sr OL/DL
REASON TO CHEER
It’s a new era on the I-395 corridor with two programs that have struggled for roster numbers in recent years joining forces
REASON TO FEAR
How will the two squads, which incorporate four schools, mesh? It’s Question No 1 for every new co-op
WATERFORD
(5-9 160)
• Kevon Roberts Jr FB/LB, (5-10, 175)
• Alexiel Miranda Soph., OG/DE, (5-11 240) Justice Ollennu Jr TE/LB, (6-2, 190)
REASON TO CHEER There’s a lot to like about dual-threat junior quarterback Francisco Alvarado REASON TO FEAR Graduated linebacker Malachi Fowler who was a key player for the Whippets for four years, can no longer terrorize opponents. WOODSTOCK
VITALS • COACH —Connor Elliott (first season)
• HOME FIELD Bentley Athletic Complex Woodstock • PLAYOFF CLASS M • CONFERENCE ECC • 2024 RECORD 2-8 RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 6/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @WA_Gridiron | Instagram: @Centaur
HERE
Alec Nunes, Sr WR/C (5-10, 15)
Aidan Soukaloun Sr
(5-10 145)
Cayden Menor, Sr OL/DL (6-0, 210)
RB/DB, (5-8 160)
REASON TO CHEER Register/GametimeCT
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 6/6
• COACH Dylan Schroth (second season,
VITALS
• COACH Hill
Gbunblee (first season,
Caydem Herlihy, So., WR/QB/S, (5-10 190) • Wyatt Votter, Jr OL/DL, (5-11 195) • Griffen Bloom, Jr., WR/DB, (5-11 155) • Cooper Harris, Jr RB/LB, (5-9 180) REASON TO CHEER New head coach Connor Elliott says the “big-bodied” offensive line projects to be better than in years past REASON TO FEAR The team only won two games last season and do not play either of those teams (Bassick and Plainfield) this fall. The Centaurs do have four playoff teams from last year on their schedule.
Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media
Killingly senior running back/cornerback Hayden Allard returns for the defending state champions. The Trailblazers finished 13-0 last season.
Courtesy of New London High Athletics Marquise Ruffin begins his first season as head coach of New London.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
FOOTBALL TOP 10
TEAM RECPTS LAST CLASS
1. NEW CANAAN (15) 12-1 6521 L
Won Class L championship 35-21 over Darien. 2025 OPENER: Friday, Sept. 12 at Newtown, 7 p.m. BOTTOM LINE: Three straight Class L titles brings New Canaan’s total to 15 state championships, while coach Lou Marinelli owns the state record for victories There are some shoes to fill, but this is New Canaan we are talking about
2. GREENWICH (4) 11-2 6382 LL
LAST YEAR: Won Class LL championship 14-0 over West Haven.
2025 OPENER: Friday, Sept. 12 vs Fairfield Prep 6 p.m.
BOTTOM LINE: Greenwich has won two Class LL titles over the last three seasons and returns 12 starters from last year Still, there hasn’t been a back-to-back champion in Class LL since Darien won three straight from 2015-17
3. KILLINGLY (3) 13-0 5354 SS
LAST YEAR: Won Class SS championship 48-33 over Sheehan.
2025 OPENER: Friday, Sept 12 vs Bishop Hendricken (R.I), 6p.m.
BOTTOM LINE: The only undefeated team in the state last year was also the only team other than New Canaan to receive first-place votes in the final 2024 poll. With 19 starters returning expectations are exceptionally high.
4. ST JOSEPH 10-3 5325 M
LAST YEAR: Won Class M championship, 21-20 over Brookfield. 2025 OPENER: Saturday, Sept. 13 vs Daniel Hand 1:30 p.m.
BOTTOM LINE: St Joseph won its 16th state title by stopping a Brookfield two-point conversion attempt in the Class M final The Hogs graduated three New Haven Register/GameTimeCT All-State selections but still have a ton of high-level players returning.
5. DARIEN 10-3 3997 L
LAST YEAR: Lost to New Canaan, 35-21 in Class L championship
2025 OPENER: Friday, Sept. 12 vs Naugatuck, 7 p.m.
BOTTOM LINE: Darien suffered its second straight Class L championship loss at the hands of New Canaan. Now it must make up for the loss of quarterback Ben Rolapp, who transferred to Brunswick, and four Division I graduates. Darien will play four defending state champions this year
6. WINDSOR (1) 12-1 3696 MM
LAST YEAR: Lost to Masuk, 24-21 in Class MM championship.
2025 OPENER: Friday, Sept. 12 vs. Torrington, 6 p.m.
BOTTOM LINE: Quinn Fleeting takes over as head coach for his father Rob Fleeting after a season in which Windsor suffered its only loss in the Class MM championship. Windsor may have the state’s best quarterback in CCSU commit AJ Robinson.
7. BROOKFIELD 12-1 3058 M
LAST YEAR: Lost to St Joseph, 21-20 in Class M championship
2025 OPENER: Friday, Sept 12 at Watertown, 7 p.m.
BOTTOM LINE: Brookfield also lost its only game in a state title game, but returns 14 starters from last year It will have to make up for the loss of two running backs who combined for nearly 2,400 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns.
8. FAIRFIELD PREP 10-2 263NRLL
LAST YEAR: Lost to West Haven, 42-7 in Class LL semifinals.
2025 OPENER: Friday, Sept. 12 at Greenwich, 7 p.m.
BOTTOM LINE: The Jesuits did not finish within the Top 10 at the end of 2024, but returns quarterback Robbie Manning (who threw for a school-record 32 touchdowns last season) and eight defensive starters from a unit that allowed 17.7 points a game last year The search for its first state title since 1988 continues.
9. MASUK 10-3 2553 MM
LAST YEAR: Won Class MM championship, 24-21 over Windsor
2025 OPENER: Friday, Sept. 12 at Holy Cross, 6:30 p.m.
BOTTOM LINE: New head coach Chris Pace now leads the defending Class MM champions. Quarterback Aaron Champagne returns but lost his favorite offensive weapons, the Walker twins, to graduation.
10 STAPLES 10-2 228NRLL
LAST YEAR: Lost to Greenwich, 14-0 in Class LL semifinals.
2025 OPENER: Friday, Sept 12 at Glastonbury 6:30 p.m.
BOTTOM LINE: Matty Jacowleff takes over as head coach after the departure of Adam Behrends who is now at the University of New Mexico. Starting quarterback Nick Weil returns after leading Staples to the Class LL semis
First-place votes in parentheses and points compiled on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis.
DROPPED OUT: Newtown (9), West Haven (10) OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Newtown (11-1), 215; Ansonia (12-1) 183; Daniel Hand (11-1), 170; Notre Dame-West Haven (7-4), 169; West Haven (10-3), 150; Bloomfield (9-4), 138; Bunnell (9-3), 138; Sheehan (10-3), 92; Amity (8-3), 86; Rockville (9-2), 59; Glastonbury (8-3), 54; Woodland (8-4), 45; Newington (10-2), 43; North Haven (5-5), 39; Maloney (6-5), 26; Wilton (5-5), 22; Southington (3-7), 16; Wethersfield (9-2), 15; Naugautuck (9-2), 12; New Britain (8-3), 9; Ellington (6-5), 8.
THE FOLLOWING VOTED: Carl Adamec GametimeCT; Will Aldam, GametimeCT; Sean Patrick Bowley GametimeCT; Bryant Carpenter, GametimeCT; Andy Close, Bristol Press; Gerry deSimas Jr Collinsville Press; Mike DiMauro The Day of New London; Erik Dobratz, WTNH-8; Scott Ericson, GametimeCT; Ned Griffen, GametimeCT correspondent; Rob Gullo, New Britain Herald; Tim Jensen Patch Media Corp.; Gabby Lucivero, NBC CT; Mike Madera, Walter Camp Football Foundation; Joe Morelli, GametimeCT; Pete Paguaga, GametimeCT; Lori Riley, Hartford Courant; Kevin Roberts, GametimeCT; Dave Ruden The Ruden Report; Dave Stewart, GametimeCT; Vickie Fulkerson, The Day of New London; Jimmy Zanor Norwich Bulletin; Joe Zone WFSB-3 Poll compiled by: Will Aldam
CIAC’s top talent ready for kickoff
By Dave Stewart STAFF WRITER
Here are 50 CIAC players to keep an eye on during the 2025 football season from A(llard) to Z(accagnino). The season begins on Sept. 11:
HAYDEN ALLARD
Killingly, Sr., RB/CB
ANew Haven Register/GametimeCT
All-State first-team selection, Allard became the latest in a long line of great Killingly running backs when he rushed for 2,117 yards and 42 touchdowns last fall. That included 267 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with an 81-yard kickoff return for a TD in a 48-33 win over Sheehan for the Class SS championship
HUNTER ALLARD
Killingly, Sr., S/TE
Allard a New Haven Register/GametimeCT
All-State second-team selection, excelled on both sides of the ball while helping Killingly go 13-0 and win the Class SS crown. On offense he had 23 receptions for 582 yards and nine touchdowns, and on defense he amassed 102 tackles, along with five tackles for a loss, two picks and four passes defended.
JAYDEN ALLEN
New Britain, Sr., RB/DB
It would be difficult to be more consistent than Allen was during his junior campaign with the Golden Hurricanes. The running back surpassed 100 rushing yards in nine of 11 games and posted multiple touchdowns in eight contests He finished with 1,527 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on 202 carries as New Britain went 8-3 and qualified for the Class LL playoffs.
MICHAEL ALLEN
Killingly, Sr., OL/DL
One of the state’s top offensive lineman, Allen was a force as a junior, opening up running lanes for 2,000-yard rusher Hayden Allard while helping to lead Killingly, the state’s lone unbeaten team, to a 13-0 record and the Class SS championship He was a New Haven Register/GametimeCT All-State second-team selection.
BRANDON ANDOH Naugatuck, Soph., RB/DB
Andoh made his
presence felt from game one of his freshman season, rushing for 178 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 10 carries in a 47-12 win over Wolcott. That kicked off a 9-2 campaign for the Greyhounds and a 1,000-yard season for Andoh, now a key part of the Naugy offense
JOEY BAKER
E.O. Smith, Sr., WR/DB Baker is back after racking up 64 catches, 840 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior last fall. He was also a New Haven Register/GametimeCT All-State honorable mention.
THAD BALZI
Brookfield, Sr., QB/DE Balzi, a New Haven Register/GametimeCT All-State first-team selection, was a jack-of-all-trades for the Class M runner-up Bobcats, playing defensive line, linebacker and quarterback during their 12-1 campaign last fall. He led the team in tackles with 101, including 14 for a loss, while adding 6.5 sacks and a pair of caused fumbles On offense he passed for 928 yards and nine touchdowns and rushed for 520 yards and five touchdowns.
KAYDEN BOLAND
Rockville, Jr., RB/S Boland collected 990 rushing yards, including four 100-plus games, along with 12 touchdowns during his sophomore season. He also had four interceptions as a safety He and fellow junior Will Davis create a formidable
one-two punch as the team looks to “Raise the Rock” in 2025.
JAIDEN BOOTH
Hartford Public/Weaver /Classical, Sr., WR/DB Booth, a Central Connecticut State University commit, is a dynamic athlete who excels on both sides of the ball and will be the focal point of the new co-op in Hartford.
RYAN BROOKS
New Canaan, Sr., LB/TE The 6-foot-3 220-pound senior will again be a big part of the Rams’ defensive machine this season after collecting 88 tackles, 59 solo, three tackles for a loss, two sacks and two caused fumbles last season. He was at his best in the Class Lfinal, making a team-best 14 tackles in New Canaan’s 35-21 win over Darien.
JACK BRUNETTI
Woodland, Sr., QB Brunetti is a three-year starter and last year led a high-powered offense which scored 490 points in 12 games. He passed for 2,541 yards with 33 touchdowns and just seven picks as a junior, helping lead the Hawks to the Class S semis.
JOEL BUDD Enfield, Soph., OL The sophomore is a beast on the offensive and defensive lines, checking in at 6-8, 335 pounds. He transferred to Enfield from the Stafford/Somers/East Windsor co-op and is a Division I college prospect
CHARLIE CALABRESE Wilton, Sr., QB Calabrese is a true dual
threat for the Warriors The senior who will play for Army lacrosse is shifting to quarterback after leading Wilton with 1,098 all-purpose yards last fall. That included team highs in rushing yards (665) and touchdowns (16) along with 31 receptions for 252 yards and a touchdown.
JOE CAPASSO Notre Dame-West Haven, Sr., QB Last season, Capasso a three-year starter, was a threat with both his arm (1,298 passing yards, nine touchdowns) and legs (783 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns), helping to lead the Green Knights to the Class L semifinals
DANTE CASDIA Glastonbury, Jr., RB The Guardians have returned a dozen starters from last year’s Class LL playoff team and Casdia headlines that group He rushed for 1,505 yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore,
H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media
Bunnell’s Roddy Ricketts Jr racked up 1,295 all-purpose yards last season and has offers from multiple Division I schools.
Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Hunter Allard was a force for Killingly on both sides of the ball last season, catching 23 passes for 582 yards and registering 102 tackles.
All-State second-team selection as a junior when he helped lead the Tigers to an 11-1 record and the Class M semifinals. He collected 71 tackles 39 solo and 10 tackles for a loss, along with one interception and one forced fumble.
AARON CHAMPAGNE
Masuk, Jr., QB
It’s Year 2 for Champagne at quarterback and he has a state championship to defend and a new head coach in Chris Pace to play for. Champagne had 2,550 passing yards and 33 touchdowns with 10 picks last season. He was a bit banged up near the end of the season, but had reeled off nine touchdown passes in the Panthers’ three Class MM playoff games.
BEN CONELIUS
Fairfield Prep, Sr., K/P The New Haven Register/GametimeCT
All-State second-team kicker may have delivered his biggest play of the season last year on a pass, connecting with Finbar Malloy for a 42-yard TD on afake punt in the Jesuits 31-20 win over West Haven during Thanksgiving week But make no mistake, Conelius did most of his damage with his foot last year going 40-42 on PATs and 5-for-6 on field goals with a long of 44 yards. He also averaged 36.3 yards on 27 punts.
KAYDEN DAVIS Northwest Catholic, Sr., WR/DB
The two way-star was a New Haven Register/GametimeCT
All-State honorable mention as a junior He led the Lions’ offense with 17 touchdowns, all receiving, with 65 catches and 1,401 yards, and led the defense with five interceptions to go along with 92 tackles, including 64 solo.
ANDREW ESPOSITO
New Canaan, Sr., WR/FS
Esposito, a Villanova commit, became one of the Rams’ go-to stars last fall, kicking off the season with nine receptions, 271 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-13 rout of Maloney and finishing it with 187 all-purpose yards and two TDs in New Canaan ‘s 35-21 win over Darien 35-21 for a third-straight Class L crown. The New Haven Register/GametimeCT
All-State first-team receiver finished the year with 57 catches, 1,104 yards and 20 touchdowns in 11 games played.
BRANDON ESSON
Danbury, Sr., DL/OL
The 6-4 200-pound senior had been getting Division I looks and committed to the University of Maine this summer He’ll anchor the Hatters’ offensive and defensive lines.
CRISHON FOGLE
Ansonia, Sr., RB/DB
We put Quintez Whittle on this list a year ago, saying that he could be the Chargers next great running back. Whittle lived up to the billing, rushing for 2,656 yards and 36 touchdowns and led the Chargers to a state championship Now it’s Fogle’s turn. The senior saw time last season behind Whittle, including rushing for 70 yards in the state championship game Now he will called upon to be the guy.
RYAN GATELY
Darien, Sr., DL/OL
The 6-2, 245-pound senior will anchor a Blue Wave defensive line which figures to be a team strength this year He was aNew Haven Register/GametimeCT
All-State second-team selection in 2023, when he racked up 22 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and three forced fumbles while
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
helping Darien go 10-3 and finish as the Class L runner-up for a second straight year
DAE’SEAN GRAVES
Holy Cross, Jr., WR/DB Graves is a machine for the Crusaders. Last fall, the New Haven Register/GametimeCT All-State third-team selection topped 100 yards in seven of 10 games and caught at least five passes in every contest, including 11 twice. He finished with 74 catches for 1,215 yards and 18 touchdowns.
JOSH HEADLEY Bullard-Havens, Sr., RB/DB When Headley roars the Tigers win and there was plenty of that last fall, when Bullard-Havens went 7-4 and earned the No 4 seed in the Class SS tournament. Headley, now asenior, was the focal point of the attack, racing to 2,125 yards with an average of 193.2 per game He scored 20 touchdowns and reached the century mark in every game
JACK KELLY Greenwich, Sr., LB/RB
The linebacker topped the century mark in tackles as a junior, getting 107 with 71 solo. He was also a terror in the backfield with 12 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles Kelly finished the season in fine form collecting a team-best 11 tackles in a 14-0 win over West Haven in the Class LL final.
CRISTIAN LUCIANO Amity, Sr., RB/DE
The 6-2, 230-pound running back is a monster to bring down. A New Haven Register/GametimeCT
third-team selection, Luciano rushed for 1,787 yards and 23 touchdowns last year while the Spartans went 8-3 and earned their first playoff berth in 22 years.
ROBBIE MANNING Fairfield Prep, Sr., QB
With a surname like Manning, he has to be a good quarterback, right? The Jesuits’ signal-caller
did not disappoint with 2,556 passing yards and a school-record 32 touchdowns against just three interceptions. That helped lead Prep to a 10-2 record and a berth in the Class LL semis, with one more season on deck
ARTIE MCCORMACK IV
North Haven, Soph., RB/DB
McCormack thrived in the Nighthawks single-wing offense racking up 1,063 yards on 127 carries in his freshman season. He topped the century mark four times and had 14 touchdowns on the season.
RICKIE MILLER
Bunnell, Sr., DE/TE
Miller was a New Haven Register/GametimeCT
All-State second-team selection as a junior while helping to lead the Bulldogs to a 9-3 record and a Class MM playoff berth. He led Bunnell in sacks and tackles for a loss, numbering 11 in both, and had 90 tackles three hurries and a forced fumble.
JOEY MONTALVO
East Catholic, Sr., WR/DB
Atwo-way standout, Motalvo averaged better than 140 receiving yards per game while leading the state with 1,548 yards on 74 catches and 21 touchdowns last season. The New Haven Register/GametimeCT
All-State second-team selection also starred on defense collecting 56 tackles, four interceptions and eight passes defended.
BEN NOOME
Joel Barlow, Sr., OL/DL
The Falcons have some big dudes on the lines and at 6-8 260 pounds, Noome stands out even in that crowd. His presence on the offensive line will be aboon for the rushing attack. Flipping to defense, last season he collected 44 tackles, including 12 tackles for a loss.
TIM O’MALLEY
Hand, Sr., OL/DL
ALehigh commit, the 6-3, 285-pound O’Malley gives the Tigers a tremendous anchor on both sides of the line He’s been playing varsity since his freshman season, and last year put up 33 tackles and eight tackles for a loss on defense while earning New Haven Register/GametimeCT
All-State second-team honors
SANTI PARRA
Greenwich, Sr., LB
Parra is a key cog in the Class LL champion Cardinals’ defensive machine, and last year he had a team-best 132 tackles, 78 solo along with eight tackles for a loss, six sacks and 19 hurries. He also added a 53-yard interception for a touchdown in a victory
quarterback at times, and will also shift to the backfield as a lead running back. Either way, Sigel could shine Last season, he passed for 1,007 and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 845 yards and eight touchdowns.
JOSIAH SIMS
Newington, Sr., LB/WR/RB
The two-way star one of the state’s top athletes broke out in a big way during the Nor’Easters 10-2 season. On defense he put up 64 tackles, a team-high 13 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks, and on offense, he had 689 all-purpose yards with 10 touchdowns.
AUSTEN STANDISH Platt, Jr., QB The junior returns as the starting quarterback after showing a flair for the dramatic last season, leading the Panthers to three come-from-behind wins. He passed for 1,594 yards and 15 touchdowns, and rushed for 569 yards and another five scores
over eventual Class M champion St Joseph.
NICK PAVIA
Newtown, Sr., DL/RB
The senior helped the Nighthawks go 11-1 and reach the Class L semifinals last season. He led Newtown in several categories, including tackles for a loss (23), sacks (12) and hurries (7) to go along with 54 tackles, 45 solo. He also stepped in on offense and scored seven rushing touchdowns.
JACOB ROMANOWSKI
Ansonia, Sr., OL/DL
The 6-3, 300-pound lineman is a four-year starter and has been a part of two state championship campaigns, including last year when Ansonia trounced Bloomfield 58-12 in the Class S final. Romanowski had a fumble recovery for a touchdown in that game He’s racked up awards nearly every season including as a two-time New Haven Register All-State first team and a Walter Camp first team selection.
RODY RICKETTS
Bunnell, Jr., WR/DB
Ricketts had a breakout campaign as a sophomore when he led the Bulldogs with 1,295 all-purpose yards, including 342 receiving, 380 rushing and 573 on kickoff and punt returns. He’s been getting Division I looks and already has offers from Syracuse and Central Connecticut State
JAKE RIOS
St Joseph, Jr., WR/DB/K/P
Jake Rios is the Bugs Bunny of the St Joseph football team: He’s seemingly everywhere, all the time As a sophomore, Rios had 76 tackles and a team-best 52 solo tackles along with two picks on defense; 35 catches for 487 yards and five touchdowns on offense; and 61 points in the kicking game That’s not to mention a 36.7 yards average on punts including 16-of-40 inside the 20 All while helping the Hogs win the Class M crown.
AJ ROBINSON
Windsor, Sr., QB
The four-year starter and Central Connecticut State commit is among the best, if not the best, returning quarterback in the state Since his freshman season, he’s passed for 4,989 yards with 70 touchdowns and helped the Warriors go 28-7 overall with an appearance in the Class M final last year and semis two years ago.
AJ SIGEL North Branford, Sr., QB/RB
The Thunderbirds plan to put Sigel’s versatility in the spotlight this season. He’ll be a starting
CHASE SYLVIA Brookfield, Sr., LB/RB The New Haven Register/GametimeCT All-State second-team selection helped lead a defense which allowed just 109 points in 13 games and finished one win away from a perfect season and aClass M championship He led the Bobcats with 136 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and eight sacks, and will again be a key cog in the defense AJ TATRO Sheehan, Sr., DL/OL The New Haven Register/GametimeCT All-State third-team defensive lineman was a big part of the Titans’ 2024 season, when they went 10-3 and finished as the Class SS runner-up Taro had 53 tackles, 33 solo, six tackles for a loss and five sacks.
KADYN THOMAS Bloomfield, Sr., OL The 6-2, 280-pound Thomas centers an offensive line which helped the Warhawks rack up 3,156 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns last season. He has received a Division I offer from Central Connecticut State HEATH WEEDEN Newington, Sr., LB/FB ANew Haven Register/GametimeCT All-State third-teamer, Weeden led the Nor’Easters with 118 tackles during their run to the Class MM semifinals last fall. He added 4.5 sacks, eight tackles for a loss, two interceptions and two forced fumbles and figures to be a defensive standout again this season.
NICK WEIL Staples, Sr., QB Weil stepped into some big shoes following the graduation of New Haven Register/GametimeCT Player of the Year Caleb Smith and came through, as the Wreckers were 11-2 and reached the Class LL semis. Weil put up 2,174 passing yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior and returns with an eye on more this fall.
MATTHEW WITTEMAN Law, Jr., QB Witteman had a great first season at the helm of the Lawmen’s offense throwing for 1,768 yards and 15 touchdowns, with 327 yards and five rushing touchdowns. He helped lead the Lawmen to a 6-5 record and a Class M playoff berth WILL ZACCAGNINO St Joseph, Jr., OL/DL The 6-4, 240-pound Zaccagnino has been getting interest from Division I programs and recently received an offer from Syracuse He plays on both sides of the ball, and defensively had 57 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and two sacks during the Hogs’ run to the Class M championship last year
Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media
Joel Budd was a force on both sides of the line of scrimmage for Stafford at 6-8, 335 pounds. The Division I prospect will bring the same force to Enfield after transferring this year.
Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media
Naugatuck’s Brandon Andoh hit the 1,000 rushing yard mark as a freshman last season, including a 178-yard performance in the season opener
Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media
Central Connecticut State commit Jaiden Booth will be the focal point of Hartford Public’s offense
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
‘NO OTHER TOWN LIKE ANSONIA’
ROMANOWSKI EMBRACES LOFTY EXPECTATIONS FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON
By Bryant Carpenter STAFF WRITER
ANSONIA So much meets the eye when Ansonia football player Jacob Romanowski appears on camera. Standing 6-foot-3, pushing 300 pounds, the lineman’s physical dimensions are exceeded by only his outsized personality, which can rachet up to 11 to quote one movie Romanowski tapped into another after pouncing on a fumble and scoring his first varsity touchdown in last year’s Class S state championship victory over Bloomfield “It was like Free Willy!” he boomed to the cameras.
After two All-State seasons, Romanowski has become a marquee name in his own right and there’s a whole lot more to his picture
The Ansonia big man will hoist a deep thought as doggedly as a heavyweight Cue the playlist and he’s equal parts country and hard rock. He relishes the serenity of camping in the woods as much as the turbulence of football under Friday night lights. The black baseball cap he wears backwards reads “Bass Pro Shops.” The gray Tshirt he wears sleeveless reads “Ansonia Football.” He is as sunny as his freckles, as fiery as his red hair, the product not of Irish blood, but northern Italian.
Asmile lights his face when he’s happy Tears fill his eyes when he’s angry, and he almost always plays angry.
Behind his blocking and tackling, Ansonia has won two state titles in three years to run its state
record to 22 Now going into his fourth year as a starter, Romanowski is the face of the franchise, the undisputed leader of Connecticut’s most storied high school football program
Paradox is at play. He is on track to be a rare threetime New Haven Register All-State player, yet financial considerations will govern his college path, not football.
He plays guard and defensive tackle, positions typically filled by taciturn players who shun the spotlight Romanowski is arunning sound byte
The youngest of Jenny and Richard Romanowski’s six children, he is Ansonia’s elder statesman.
“It’s so unusual for a kid to have such a personality as an offensive lineman in high school football,” said Tom Brockett, the former Ansonia head coach who retired this year after 20 seasons.
“Really, it’s unique at any level. There’s very, very few maybe a Jason Kelce but it’s very very rare there’s an offensive lineman looking for the camera, and the camera is looking for him.”
Romanowski knows the cameras will find him this season, and that’s cool. But he also intends to be cool about it
“Remember one thing,” he said. “Always stay humble.”
Sure Then he’ll give a money quote punctuated with a three-note chuckle of a laugh and his signature phrase, “100%.”
It’s 100% easy to envision Romanowski running for office some day. For now, he is the heart and soul of the team that
is the heart and soul of this Naugatuck Valley town of 19,000, a fair number of whom played the high school game they still live and breathe
“This town wouldn’t be nothing if it wasn’t for football, really,” Romanowski said. “Football brings us all together.”
GametimeCT got together with Romanowski one day this summer We asked The Face to show us the franchise and the town he calls home
‘Winning starts here’ Romanowski leaves a beautiful summer morning behind as he descends
to the ground floor at Ansonia High School Of course the day begins in the weight room. The sign above the door bears witness: WINNING STARTS HERE In a bunker where floor mats absorb bouncing iron and most of the black paint on the cement has been worn back to white, afootball foundation is laid.
“Energy, chemistry, strength, grit: Everything starts there,” Romanowski said. “If a 400-pound weight drops on somebody’s neck, it’s not going to look good. You have to be there for each other.”
Ansonia’s weight room is not large. Hammer Strength stations laden with bars plates and chains are lined in tight rows On the front wall, above the mirrors and dumbbell rack, in white letters against dark blue, GametimeCT’s Sean Patrick Bowley is quoted: ANSONIA NEVER FAILS TO SHOW UP EVER Football decals dot the back wall. Each bears the year opponent and score of an Ansonia state championship. An industrial-size fan whirs in a corner Speak-
ers blare heavy metal. Romanowski commandeers the playlist. Pantera pulses “What it takes, who I am; where I’ve been, belong.”
Amid the staccato power chords, Romanowski power cleans four reps at 235 pounds, 90% of his max Ozzy Osbourne comes cackling on his Crazy Train. “ ALL ABOARD!“ Romanowski grabs a pair of 90-pound dumbbells, lays back on a bench and puts up two sets of six reps. Then he works the room, moving easily from group to group, keeping guys loose, yet on task. It’s ateam comfortable in its own skin, one that’s been playing together since Pop Warner
“That’s one big advantage we get as a small school,” Romanowski notes. “We all know each other; we’re all close We all grew up with each other The chemistry is amazing.”
Romanowski spots his good friend and fellow lineman Nate Cronan, who goes for a personalbest in the power clean. Romanowski slaps him on the back with both hands.
“Come on, Nate! COME ON, NATE!!”
“Jacob always brings the energy,” said Jayden Whittle another senior lineman. “You always hear him screaming, always bringing people up, making people smile in the weight room, always bringing positivity.”
Romanowski embraces the role of leader, though sees himself as just one of several on the team His style has hard lines he’ll hold teammates to account, call out the ones who don’t show for a lift, Cronan reports but mostly soft touch.
“You can’t be yelling or swearing at them,” Romanowski said. “You’ve got to be understanding with them. You’ve got to talk to
on S11
Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media
Ansonia offensive lineman Jacob Romanowski is a two-time all-state honoree and has helped lead the Chargers to state championships in two of his three seasons.
Ansonia continues
them in a normal voice. If you yell or curse at them, they’re not going to want to follow you. They’re not going to want to learn from you.
“You gotta treat them with respect.”
Weight of legacy
Romanowski has respect for Ansonia’s sporting past. He passes into the gym and gazes at the 62 CIAC championship banners hanging on the wall. There should be 64
“They still have to put our banner up from football last year,” Romanowski said. “And cheerleading, too They just won, as well. They’ve won three state championships in a row. Good for them. We really need their help to warm us up during the football games and fire us up.”
Romanowski moves into a hallway Ansonia High is quite small, with an enrollment of just over 600. Here are the language classrooms. Here’s tech ed, graphic arts, health. The art room is down that way. There are several trophy cases. Romanowski loves tracing the trail of tradition. He points out black and white photos from when Ansonia went by the nickname “Lavenders” and football players wore leather helmets with no facemasks
“It takes a lot of grit to play all the way back then,” Romanowski said. “They had no pads They had leather and stuff.”
He points to a trophy signifying Ansonia’s 6-0 win over neighboring Derby in 1931.
“Back then, those games were huge. Huge! Stadiums are packed. Fights everywhere Crazy! It shows how much football meant to the city,” he said.
Romanowski would give anything to have played back then, when people hung effigies clad in the other town’s jersey over the sides of the Naugatuck River bridges, like on Division Street, where the south side of the road is Derby and the north side Ansonia.
The heat of rivalry has subsided, but the fervor surrounding Ansonia football remains Players feel its power and burden.
“History is everything,” Romanowski said. “It gets you motivated; it makes you want to get more wins. But it’s also a lot of pressure on you. The more your team wins, the more you need to keep continuing it
“It’s definitely a challenge here I bet you there’s no other town like Ansonia, though.”
Romanowski scans the shelves. Decades dance before his eyes.
“Alex Thomas right there Big running back toting that ball. Went off to Yale Kid was a stud.” Thomas (2004-07) and his successor, Arkeel Newsome (2010-13), are the top two rushers in Connecticut high school history, Newsome with 10,672 yards, Thomas with 8,279 Romanowski is on track to join them as athree-time All-State pick.
“That means a lot, with the tradition, seeing all these great athletes coming through Ansonia,” he said. “Being one of the top means a lot to me.” In the big picture, Romanowski sees himself as one guy out of 11 who’s got to do his job to make Ansonia’s run-heavy offense click. He salutes the running backs on his watch: Dave Cassetti, Machai Ingram, Quintez Whittle Matteo Sorrentino and short-yardage specialist Shawn Richards.
“I make the hole, but
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
it’s them that have to make the decision to cut or not cut, or to follow my block,” he said. “I’ve been very blessed with great running backs.”
Romanowski saw Thomas and Newsome deliver five state titles. What championship games Romanowski did not witness first-hand he’s seen on YouTube He’s helped put two trophies in the case and two helmet decals on the weight room wall.
“Just take a thought about how much this means, how much I want to add to it,” Romanowski said. “I want to leave that mark in history. That’s what I’m trying to do I want to leave my mark and also pass it down to the next generation.”
Time of transition
Romanowski is bridging a changing of the guard. John Mihalko, the offensive line coach, was appointed in April to replace Brockett as head coach. As Romanowski sees it, the transition should be smooth.
“Tradition is going to come straight down through Coach Mihalko,” he said. “Nothing’s going to change. We’re going to continue being great.”
Romanowski is also aboard for the transition from grass to artificial turf at Nolan Field, Ansonia’s home digs in the north end of town. Nolan is nestled between multifamily houses on Wakelee Avenue and the rushing lanes of Route 8 northbound, between massive power line poles and a cell phone tower.
Romanowski is hoping for a checkerboard layout in the end zone but won’t get hung up on designs, other than ones geared toward leveling opponents. “A lot of pancakes here,” said the lineman, and he isn’t talking about the kind that come with syrup. The gridiron is where Romanowski’s hard rock side rages, where he hasn’t missed a
game despite a few broken and dislocated fingers.
“Football is where the mean toughness is. That’s where all my pain and and my problems come out. It’s a very emotional game,” he continued. “Yeah, I can turn it on and off. Like, when we’re up by a lot of points, maybe I crack a joke or two. But for most of the time, I’m very serious.
“Sometimes I get so mad, my eyes start tearing. That’s how I am. When I get mad, I kind of get emotional with it I get tears coming down. But that’s just how much I care about the game I love the game.
Romanowski has learned how to lead in the game Like a Pantera power chord, fury must be harnessed or there’s no semblance of a song
“It’s an emotional roller coaster, really, Romanowski said. “You always need to try to calm down, get back to your center self, mind at peace.”
Romanowski’s first start freshman year remains a highlight Always abig kid, he played up a few age divisions in youth football, and that continued right through his varsity debut, a 16-0 win over Derby.
Romanowski lined up with his older brother Alex that night Alex Romanowski, a two-time AllStater, had shown his younger brother the ropes growing up, all the nuances of the position stance, steps, how to fire off the line Alex also schooled Jacob in the mental game how to control emotions, keep a good attitude.
“Always led me on the right path,” Jacob said of his brother “I surely wouldn’t be here if not for him.”
Romanowski casts another sweeping glance across Nolan. That first game in 2022 will forever stand out. So will the last one against Woodland in the 2024 Class S semifi-
nals. Ansonia won 30-23 on a 34-yard pass from Sorrentino to Romeo Charles with 0.5 seconds on the clock.
It was the last play on Nolan soil.
“It is definitely 100% strange, Romanowski said of turf’s imminent arrival. “Me personally, I’m a mud guy. That’s the fun of football: playing in the dirt, throwing mud at each other That’s what I like But it has to change some time The field is going to look nice I’m excited for it, 100%.”
Making the rounds
Jacob
Romanowski says Ansonia football players spend a lot of time together They lift together eat together hang out together They ride a bus every day to Nolan for practice
It’s a welcome ride, Romanowski says It feeds chemistry, sets the routine for game day. It also passes over the state championship parade route on Main Street, which seems unchanged from the mid-20th century Bear left on Maple cross the river and the road passes the Norwood Athletic Club, where the team holds pasta dinners.
In the morning players gather for breakfast at either Munch Eatery on Main Street or Duchess across the river on Pershing Drive Team mothers will also grab sandwiches in bulk on occasion and the guys will have lunch at one player’s house
Romanowski strives to eat well. He’s big on chicken and rice When he makes sandwiches at the school cafeteria, it’s typically turkey and cheese
How large a turkey and acheese?
“Ha-ha-ha! Couple slices.”
Is he always careful about what he eats? The three-note laugh gains an extra chuckle
“Maybe, sometimes. I’m an offensive lineman; sometimes I get a little
“This town wouldn’t be nothing if it wasn’t for football, really Football brings us all together.”
Jacob Romanowski, Ansonia senior offensive
that can provide him with adegree and not a mountain of debt, will be his choice
“It doesn’t matter if it’s D1, D2, D3. As long as I’m going there for the lowest amount, that’s all I care about,” he said. “Playing college ball is still college ball. No matter what, at the end of the day, it’s still going to be competition.” Football simply isn’t a long-term goal. Romanowski is thinking job, family and passing on his football knowledge by coaching kids. Perhaps it will be in Ansonia.
greedy, he said. “But I try to avoid sugars, like soda and stuff.”
The kid does like his Dr Pepper, though. He likes bacon, too Stopping for lunch at Duchess, Romanowski orders a grilled cheese with bacon, plus a hash brown on the side that he adds to the sandwich
Aformer Ansonia player is in the restaurant, a gentleman who appears to be in his 50s. He spots Romanowski’s “Ansonia Football” shirt and talks him up
“Do you have double sessions?”
“We still do.”
“We used to have triple sessions. The last week of August to the Wednesday after Labor Day, that whole week, eight in the morning, come home five o’clock at night.”
Being approached by townsfolk on the street, at arestaurant, happens all the time, Romanowski said.
“Especially people like his age. ‘When’s practice going to start? How do you feel about the upcoming season?’ Always happens,” he said.
“They talk about games from the ’70s, ’80s. It’s nice to see that. It shows how much they care about the game It also shows how much pressure we have to keep that tradition going, going and going.”
Romanowski can’t escape talk of Ansonia football even in private moments. His girlfriend Kayla’s dad, Dave Picheco was quarterback in 1992 His older brother Richie played as well as Alex
Alex and Jacob love reliving the 2022 season, when Alex was at right tackle and Jacob at left guard. Brotherly love was on full display in the huddle. The Romanowskis encouraged each other, yelled at each other and helped pave the way for a 13-0 team that won the Class S championship.
“That’s the year I’ll always remember: his freshman year my senior year,” Alex said after Jacob has tracked him down at Planet Fitness in a strip mall on Pershing Drive
“That’s the year we’ll remember and tell our kids about.”
Eyes on the future
Jacob Romanowski would like to go into investment banking, maybe marketing Exercise science is another thought He hasn’t decided. He hasn’t decided on college either, other than on what will guide him: financial aid. He’d love to play football, and likely will but harbors no illusions. Though big for a high school player, he’s not by major college or NFL standards.
So, the school that covers most of his tuition,
“People are very connected here; people know each other like the back of their hand,” he said. “It’s also a very nice town. People are very grateful, not greedy.”
Romanowski shows a visitor the ruins of the old SHW Casting plant, the sort of factory that once made Ansonia the Copper City and is now being demolished to make way for future development.
He shows schools, sports fields, including the one where he pitches Kayla batting practice during softball season. He stops at a pond where he likes to fish, gives directions up steep curving roads that lead to the Hilltop section of town and its neighborhoods of raised ranches and tidy yards. Ansonia’s 2023 median household income was $55,000
“People don’t really look down on each other in this town; they know how it is,” Romanowski said. “People are respectful, too.”
Romanowski grew up outdoors, playing Manhunt on the O’Brien Tech fields on Ford Street, playing in the woods. He loves to fish, hike and camp with his dad and brothers.
“I’m not talking about no trailer stuff; I’m talking about tents,” he specified. “A lot of people say trailers is camping That’s not camping Tents is camping, when you go off in the woods, not in some resort place.”
The more remote the location, the better for Romanowski’s countrywestern side to roam.
“It’s very peaceful; it’s nice You can connect to your inner self, sit down, talk about your goals in life, be humble to yourself,” he said.
“The scenery is beautiful, too I love the scenery in nature.
Romanowski also likes getting lost in yard work He recently laid down mulch at his house and his grandmother’s house afew streets over Taking a cue from the house colors, he went with red at his place, dark brown at his grandmother’s He tends to buy mulch like he lifts weights: in bulk Both jobs require a lot of push and pull, but that’s fine
“That’s Ansonia for you,” Romanowski said. Ain’t it, though? You don’t see many landscaping trucks in this town. Folks tend to do their own heavy lifting, get their hands in the dirt, like this child of the Nolan Field mud. Raking red mulch, combing his red hair, donning his No 73 jersey and ersatz diamond stud earrings, Jacob Romanowski is ready for another season, ready to put fresh shine on old sod.
Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media
Ansonia senior Jacob Romanowski is a vocal leader both on the field and off it, such as in the weight room.
Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media
The wall of Ansonia High’s weight room is adorned with the opponent and final score from each of the team’s state-record 22 championship victories.
lineman
BRIDGEPORT
CENTRAL
VITALS
• COACH Brendan Miller (third season, 0-20) HOME FIELD Kennedy Stadium, Bridgeport
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 0-10
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
8/9
THEY’RE HERE
• Chris Theodat, Sr DT/OG, (6-0 311) William Bramwell, Jr WR, (5-11,16)
• Rashidi Newton, Sr., WR/ FS (6-1 170)
REASON TO CHEER
The wide receivers are very athletic, beginning with junior William Bramwell, who was honorable mention All-FCIAC last season as a sophomore He will be joined by Rashidi Newton, who excelled on the track team, winning a state title in the high jump during indoor season last winter and three-year starter Javien Rivera.
REASON TO FEAR Life with a FCIAC schedule has proven to be very difficult for the Hilltoppers to overcome and that has not changed with seven FCIAC foes on the schedule.
DANBURY
VITALS
• COACH Augustine Tieri (seventh season, 22-38)
• HOME FIELD Crotty Stadium at Clapboard Ridge, Danbury HS
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE FCIAC 2024 RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 4/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @CoachTieri | Instagram: @Danbury Football
THEY’RE HERE
• Brandon Esson, Sr., DL/OL (6-4, 200)
• Lucas Previati Sr OL/DL (6-3 305)
• Rysaiah Saunders Sr WR/RB/DB (5-11, 145)
• Fabian Reynoso Jr LB (5-11 205)
• Jake O’Keefe Jr QB (6-0, 185)
• Naz Obas-Shoffner, Sr WR/DB (6-1 185)
• Lovron Cherry Sr RB/DB (5-10 175)
• Devan Phuong, Jr., LB/OL (5-11 205)
REASON TO CHEER Brandon Esson, who is committed to the University of Maine as a defensive end leads the charge on the front lines.
REASON TO FEAR Danbury only returns four starters on offense
DARIEN
VITALS
• COACH Andy Grant (third season, 19-7)
• HOME FIELD Darien
HS Athletic Complex
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 10-3 (lost to New Canaan, 35-21, in the Class L championship)
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def)
6/
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @DHSBWFootball | Instagram: @dhsbwfootball
THEY’RE HERE
• Ryan Gately Sr DT/DE (6-2 245)
• Chase Lane, Sr.,
OLB/WR (6-2, 210)
• Ryan McGahren Sr WR/CB (5-11 175)
• Ryan O’Malley Sr DB (5-11, 175)
• Joe Roche Soph., OT (6-4 250)
REASON TO CHEER
Depth and strength at running back behind the quartet of Liam Bortel, Rowan LeVine, Henry Jeffers and Luke Valenti.
The Blue Wave also returns
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
experience on defense
REASON TO FEAR
Replacing quarterback Ben Rolapp who transferred to Brunswick, will be difficult as will the graduations of Kevin Roche (Georgia Tech), Charlie Thom (Notre Dame), Jackson Davenport (Buffalo) and Will Barber (Lafayette).
FAIRFIELD LUDLOWE
VITALS
• COACH Mitch Ross (eighth season, 39-32)
• HOME FIELD Taft Field, Ludlowe, HS Fairfield
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 8-3 (lost to Darien 55-13 in the Class L quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
2/1
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @FalconFootball2 | Instagram: @ffldludlowe
football
THEY’RE HERE
• Liam Bond, Sr RB/LB, (5-9 180)
Miko Marano, Sr K/P (5-11, 185)
• Jake Palladino, Sr., WR/LB, (5-11, 185)
• Tucker Seek, Jr G (6-0)
• Ryan Love, Jr., QB, (6-0 160)
• Carlo Noecker, Jr OT/DE (6-3 190)
• Timmy O’Neil Jr WR/S (5-9, 175)
REASON TO CHEER
The Falcons continue to improve under Mitch Ross, reaching the state tournament for the first time in program history last season.
REASON TO FEAR
There are only three starters back from last season’s Class L playoff team.
FAIRFIELD WARDE
VITALS
• COACH —Christian Parisi (second season 2-8)
• HOME FIELD
Tetreau/Davis Field, Warde
HS Fairfield
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 2-8
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
8/8
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter:
@WardeFootball
THEY’RE HERE
• James Dellavolpe Sr QB, (6-1 175)
• Andrew Shelov Sr WR, (6-2, 185)
• Ryan Grenier Sr OL/DL (6-1 230) Jacob Schmelzer Sr LB, (5-10, 190)
• Andrew Albanese, Sr, C/DL, (6, 215)
REASON TO CHEER
There is more varsity experience returning to this team than any Fairfield Warde team in recent memory including senior quarterback James Dellavolpe who has been the starter since his sophomore season, as have many of the seniors.
REASON TO FEAR
Warde has just one winning season since Fairfield High split back into Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe in 2004
GREENWICH
VITALS
• COACH Anthony Morello (sixth season, 48-12)
• HOME FIELD
Cardinal Stadium, Greenwich
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 11-2 (won the Class LL championship 14-0 over West Haven)
• RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def)
7/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @GreenwichFB
| Instagram: @GreenwichFootball | Team site: www.Greenwich Football.com
THEY’RE HERE
• Jack Kelly Sr LB/RB, (5-10 180)
• Hector Lopez, Sr., RB, (5-8, 158)
• Santi Parra Sr LB, (5-10 225)
• Michael Golden Sr TE/DL, (6-7, 235)
• Collin Falla Sr OL, (6-2 255)
Jacob Mobley Sr DL, (6-1, 290)
• Andy Stedam, Jr., DL, (6-4 225)
• Justin Carroll Jr LB, (5-10 200)
REASON TO CHEER
Twelve starters return from a squad that won the program’s second state title in three seasons
REASON TO FEAR
The offense, which averaged 24 points a game must learn to live without graduated dual-threat quarterback MJ D’Angelo.
MCMAHON
VITALS
• COACH Damien
Vega (first season)
HOME FIELD Jack Casagrande Field, McMahon HS, Norwalk
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
2024 RECORD 3-7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Twitter: @McMahon
Football
REASON TO CHEER
New coach Damien Vega is
a Senator through and through, playing for the team from 2008-11 and most recently an assistant
coach in the program.
REASON TO FEAR McMahon hasn’t reached the playoffs since it won the Class MM state title in 1994
NEW CANAAN
VITALS
• COACH Lou Marinelli (44th season, 386-107-6)
• HOME FIELD James Dunning Jr Field at Hawes Plaza, New Canaan HS
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 12-1 (won the Class L championship, 35-21, over Darien)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 6/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @NewCanaanFB
THEY’RE HERE
• Andrew Esposito Sr WR/FS (6-4 195) Ryan Brooks Sr TE/LB (6-3, 220)
• Adrian Delicata, Sr., OL/DL (5-11 245)
• Ryan Francis Sr OL/DL (6-2 275)
• James McInerney, Sr., RB/DB (6-0 195)
• Michael Hiraman Sr RB/OLB (6-0 215)
• Henry Stein, Sr., RB/DB (5-8, 185)
• Jake Valente Sr TE (6-2 205)
REASON TO CHEER
The Rams are riding a run of three straight Class L state championships and signed off on 2024 as the No 1-ranked team in the GametimeCT poll.
REASON TO FEAR
The Rams graduated a Who’s Who of 2024 Register/GameTimeCT All-State players: defensive backs Michael Smith and Connor Mazza, defensive lineman Simon Tchakarov and kicker
Tucker Stevens They also bid farewell to All-FCIAC quarterback Luke Robinson.
NORWALK
VITALS
COACH Mike Forget (third season, 7-13 at Norwalk, 25-18 overall)
• HOME FIELD Jack Casagrande Field, McMahon HS Norwalk
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 4-6
RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def) 4/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @NorwalkBearsAD
THEY’RE HERE
• Kevin Gordon Sr WR/DB, (5-9 170)
• Deshaun Morgan, Sr., DE, (6-4, 210)
• Easton Pace So QB, (5-10 195)
• Gavin Riina Jr WR, (5-9, 185)
THEY’RE HERE
• HT Jones, Jr QB, (6-2 185)
Jake Rios, Jr WR/DB/K/P, (6-0, 175)
• Kyle Wicker, Jr., LB, (5-11 170)
• Finn Kilmartin, Jr LB/RB, (5-11 165)
• Will Zaccagnino, Jr., OL/DL, (6-4, 240)
• Lameik Black, Sr WR, (6-0 170)
• Jaylen Walker, Sr DB, (5-10)
• Ben Jimenez, Sr OL, (6-1 240)
REASON TO CHEER
The graduation of three Register/GameTimeCT All-State selections should be a fear, but there is an exciting amount of talent back for the defending Class M champions.
REASON TO FEAR Like we said it should be a fear We can’t completely ignore the graduations of TJ Wright (1st team Register/GametimeCT), Jermaine Hatchett (2nd team) and Jason Pagano (Honorable Mention).
STAMFORD
VITALS
• Frankie Torcasio Sr OL, (5-8 205) Jaxon Ermo Sr TE, (6-4, 220)
• Yancy Braxton, Sr., LB, (5-10 185)
REASON TO CHEER
After a solid junior season, two-way player Kevin Gordon is the player to watch for the Bears.
REASON TO FEAR Another year away from home for the Road
Warriors as construction continues for the new Norwalk High School.
RIDGEFIELD
VITALS
• COACH Jamie Reed (second season, 5-5)
• HOME FIELD
Lancaster Field at Tiger Hollow Ridgefield HS PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 5-5
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 5/3
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @RidgefieldFBall
THEY’RE HERE
• Dylan Bean-Crooker, Sr LT/NG (6-3 265) Mike Salimbene Sr LB/RB (5-10 215)
• Grady McGarry, Sr., RB (5-9 160)
• Matt Fortson Sr WR (6-0 170)
• Cooper Barnes, Sr., WR (6-1, 185)
• Henry Neligan Sr QB/DB (6-4 185)
• Chris Colsey Jr WR/DB (6-1, 185)
• Connor Chojnacki Jr QB (6-4 170)
REASON TO CHEER Ridgefield has a handful of key returning offensive players, including offensive lineman Dylan Bean-Crooker, leading rushers Grady McGarry and Leo Moore, and last year’s top two receivers, Chris Colsey and Matt Fortson.
REASON TO FEAR
New defensive coordinator
Jody Minotti will have to remake a defense that returns just three starters from last fall.
ST JOSEPH
VITALS
• COACH Joe Della Vecchia (27th season, 194-102)
• HOME FIELD Dalling Field, St Joseph HS Trumbull
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 10-3 (won the Class M championship, 21-20, over Brookfield)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 6/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @STJHogs | Team site: www.StJoesHogs Football.com
• COACH Donny Panapada (fourth season, 12-19, 37-58 overall) HOME FIELD Boyle Stadium, Stamford
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 1-9
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 3/3
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @SHSBlackKnights Football THEY’RE HERE
• Mike Kerr, Sr RB/LB, (5-10, 175)
• Rohan Harriott Sr RB/LB, (6-1 175)
• Jack Healy Jr QB, (6-1 170)
• Isaiah Stephens, Jr., WR/DB, (5-11 165) Lucas Simmons Jr WR/DB, (5-11 175)
• Dylan Dupress, Jr., RB/LB, (6-0 180)
• Nick Serreti Jr OL/DL, (5-10 225)
• Ben Goldberg, Jr., DB/RB, (5-10, 175)
• Leo Kantrowitz, Jr K, (5-10 160)
REASON TO CHEER There aren’t any players on the injured list as of August
REASON TO FEAR Inexperience litters the field.
STAPLES
VITALS
• COACH Matty Jacowleff (first season)
• HOME FIELD Paul Lane Field, Staples HS Westport
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL • CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 10-2 (lost to Greenwich, 14-0 in the Class LL semifinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 7/3
TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @StaplesFootbal1 | Instagram:@staples football | Team site: wreckersfootball.org THEY’RE HERE Ben Esser Sr OL/DL (6-3 240) • Henry Fiala, Sr., OL/LB (6-0 200) • Justin Halky Sr WR/DB (5-10 190 • Nick Weil, Sr., QB, (5-11, 185) • Jake McGeehan Sr WR/DB (6-2 185) • Logan Rotolo Sr OL/DL, (6-3, 255) • Charlie Clark Sr WR/DB, (5-10 165)
REASON TO CHEER The offense is again loaded with returning talent, led by second-year starting quarterback Nick Weil, who passed for 2,174 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior
REASON TO FEAR The entire front seven on defense graduated, and the loss of Davis Crandall
Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media
Greenwich running back Hector Lopez is one of 12 returning starters, including seven on offense Greenwich, 11-2 last season, won the Class LL championship, its second state title in three seasons
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Numbers set the stage for 2025 season
By Dave Stewart and Pete Paguaga STAFF WRITERS
Football fans love numbers. Whether it’s passing yards, a career milestone or something out of the ordinary, numbers can tell stories, recognize accomplishments and even add to the enjoyment of the games. Each week during the 2025 high school football season, GameTimeCT takes you inside the numbers surrounding the teams, players and coaches across the state. They’ll be informative, they may open your eyes and on occasion some may even make you laugh. So get ready for the 2025 kickoff with GameTimeCT’s preseason by the numbers:
1: Undefeated Connecticut high school football team in 2024: Killingly, which went 13-0 and won the Class SS championship 48-33 over Sheehan. No teams were unbeaten in 2023.
2: Freshmen rushed for 1,000 yards last season. North Haven’s Artie McCormack IV rushed for 1,063 yards and 14 touchdowns and Naugatuck’s Brandon Andoh rushed for 1,003 yards and 15 touchdowns.
2: Games between Connecticut and Rhode Island teams in Week 1, both on Sept. 12 Killingly hosts Bishop Hendricken, and RHAM plays at Westerly Both games kick off at 6:30 p.m.
2: Running backs that rushed for 2,000 yards last season are back. Bullard-Havens’ Joshua Headley rushed for 2,125 yards and 20 touchdowns and Killingly’s Hayden Allard rushed for 2,117 yards and 42 touchdowns.
2: Teams last season that qualified for the state playoffs for the first time They were Kennedy in Class LL Fairfield Ludlowe in Class L.
2: Undefeated teams beaten by St Joseph in last year’s Class M tournament Hand was 11-0 before losing to the Hogs 1710 in the semifinals and Brookfield was12-0 before falling to St Joseph 21-20 in the final
3: Straight state championships for New Canaan, the only team in the state with multiple consecutive titles. The Rams defeated Darien in the Class L final for the second straight year after defeating Maloney in 2022
4: New co-ops for the 2025 season. Plainfield
From page S12
has joined the Quinebaug Valley co-op, which includes Ellis Tech, Putnam and Tourtellote and they formed the Valley Panthers. Nonnewaug Shepaug Valley and Lakeview are a three-school co-op; and Wolcott Tech has teamed with Lewis Mills. Hartford Public and Classical have joined Weaver
4: New Haven Register/ GametimeCT All-State First-Team selections who are back after being selected after last season.
4: No. 1 seeds who did not reach the CIAC finals last season. Killingly was the only top seed to win a championship, doing so in Class SS, while Windsor reached the Class MM final but lost to Masuk
4: Teams that have reached the CIAC finals in each of the past two seasons: West Haven in Class LL, New Canaan and Darien in Class L and Bloomfield in Class S.
5: New Haven Register/ GametimeCT All-State Third-Team selections are back after being selected after last season.
5: New Haven Register/ GametimeCT All-State Honorable Mention selections are back after being selected after last season.
5: Receivers that had 1,000 yards receiving last season have returned, led by East Catholic’s Joey Montalvo’s 1,548 yards
5: State champions for the Connecticut High School Football Alliance
in 2024. The only non-Alliance team to win last year was Ansonia. The NVL has now joined the Alliance for 2025.
6: Consecutive state finals appearances for Bloomfield, which lost to Ansonia 58-12 in last year’s Class S title game The Warhawks defeated Cromwell/Portland 42-20 for the 2023 Class S crown. During the six state finals, Bloomfield has won twice
6: Quarterbacks that threw for 30 or more touchdowns last season that are back led by Masuk’s Aaron Champagne, who threw for 33 touchdowns last season.
8: Seasons for the Connecticut High School Football Alliance, which had its first season in 2017 with the SCC, SWC and ECC participating Since then, four more conferences have joined, including the CCC and FCIAC in 2019, the CTC in 2022 and the NVL this year
9: Games to kick off the 2025 high school football season on Sept.11 The season-opening kickoff will come at 4 p.m when Amistad hosts O’Brien Tech The rest of the slate is in the evening, including two head-to-head matchups between playoff teams: Sheehan at Waterford and Ansonia at Bloomfield.
10: New Haven Register/ GametimeCT All-State Second-Team selections
are back after being selected after last season.
17: Week 1 games featuring match-ups between two 2024 CIAC playoff teams. That includes a rematch of last year’s Class Sfinal with Ansonia at Bloomfield and a pair of rematches from the semifinals with New Canaan at Newtown from Class L and Daniel Hand at St Joseph from Class M.
19: Teams that did not qualify for the 2023 postseason who earned a tournament bid last fall.
21: State championships for the FCIAC during the past 11 seasons, the most of any conference The conference added three last year, including Greenwich (Class LL), New Canaan (Class L) and St Joseph (Class M) The SCC is second with nine titles and the CCC is third with eight. During the past three seasons, the FCIAC has won seven crowns.
22: CIAC championships for Ansonia, the most of any program The Chargers added one more last season with a 58-12 victory over Bloomfield in the Class S final. St Joseph, which won Class M, is second with 16 titles. New Canaan won Class L and now has15 breaking a tie with Hand, which has 14
22: Teams with new head coaches this year That includes two 2024 state champions in Masuk (Chris Pace) from Class
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
set by Bassick from 2001-
2007
76: Points kicked by Killingly’s Cooper Logee last season. It was the most points scored by a kicker who is returning All of the points came on extra points. He did not miss a single XP last season.
98: Times the Weaver and Hartford Public teams met on Thanksgiving. They didn’t meet last season and now the two programs have joined as one co-op.
100: Travel miles for ATI for its Week 1 game at Fitch in Groton at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12, the longest trip in the state during opening week ATI, a coop of Abbott Tech and Immaculate plays its home games at Immaculate in Danbury.
102: Million dollar extension signed by New Canaan’s Zach Allen with the Denver Broncos. Allen was the 2014 Register/ GametimeCT Player of the Year
MM and Ansonia (John Mihalko) as well as Class LL runner-up West Haven (Tom Unger), Class MM runner-up Windsor (Quinn Fleeting) and Class LL semifinalist Staples (Matty Jacowleff).
22: Years since Amity had last appeared in the state playoffs before last season. The Spartans, who were 1-9 two seasons ago, qualified with an 8-2 regular season record before falling to Newtown in the Class L quarterfinals. Amity had last reached the state playoffs in 2002 when it lost to Ridgefield 16-15 in the Class L semis.
33: Games which are scheduled to be played on Thanksgiving day this year That number is up by five from last fall. The traditional date for rivalry contests will feature more than half of the games played during the holiday week with nine scheduled on Tuesday and 14 on Wednesday.
43: Total touchdowns scored by Killingly’s Hayden Allard.
44: Yard field goal kicked by Fairfield Prep’s Ben Conelius, which he kicked in a 38-3 win over Southington. It’s the longest field goal made by a player back this season.
61: Straight losses for Bridgeport Central, dating back to Nov. 16, 2017
The Hilltoppers are one loss away from tying the state record for most consecutive losses, which was
S/WR, (6-1 195)
• Blake Cortell, Sr., TE/QB/LB, (6-0, 190)
• Karon Taylor, Sr OL/DL, (5-11 285)
• Jervanee Mason Eduoard, Jr., RB/DE
• Jamare Pugh, Jr OL/DL, (6-1 220)
REASON TO CHEER
The offensive line brings back three starters in senior Karon Taylor and juniors Quinn Neyer and Jamare Pugh to what should be the team’s most experienced group
REASON TO FEAR
The quarterback position is unsettled with a three-way competition between seniors Blake Cortell and Kervenson Augustin and junior Pedro Grumach Giglio
WILTON
and four former starters on the offensive line
REASON TO FEAR The schedule includes six playoff teams and three state champions WESTHILL VITALS
• COACH Owen Sandoval (third season, 3-17)
• HOME FIELD J. Walter Kennedy Stadium, Westhill HS, Stamford
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @WesthillFB | Instagram: @WesthillFootball THEY’RE HERE
• Dalton Olechnowich, Sr WR/S, (6-1 170) Deandre Rodas Sr
VITALS
• COACH E.J DiNunzio (seventh season, 43-22)
• HOME FIELD Fujitani Field at Memorial Stadium
Wilton
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE FCIAC
• 2024 RECORD 5-5
• RETURNING
129: Games for the Connecticut High School Football Alliance, the majority of those being played in weeks 1 (Sept. 1113) and 3 (Sept. 25-27) The Alliance features teams from the CCC, CTC, ECC, FCIAC, SCC and SWC, with the NVL joining this year 180: Victories for the SCC in the Connecticut High School Football Alliance, the most of any conference The SCC is 180150 for a winning percentage of .545. Last year the conference was 27-24. .560: The FCIAC’s winning percentage in the Connecticut High School Football Alliance the best of any conference The FCIAC is 79-62 overall. The SCC is close behind with a winning percentage of .545.
1,548: Receiving yards by East Catholic’s Joey Montalvo last season. 1981: Lou Marinelli’s first year coaching at New Canaan. The veteran coach has been with the Rams for 46 years and has arecord of 405-114-7 a mark good for the Connecticut record for coaching wins. Ed McCarthy, who coached West Haven and St Joseph is second with 331 wins, and Bill Mignault, who coached Ledyard and Waterford, is third with 321. Marce Petroccio, now at Trumbull and formerly at Staples, is second among active coaches with 242 2,117: Rushing yards by Killingly’s Hayden Allard last season.
STARTERS (off/def) 5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @Wilton_Football | Team site: www.wiltonwarrior gridironclub.com THEY’RE HERE
• Charlie Calabrese, Sr,,QB(5-11, 180)
• Alan Osta Sr RB (5-10 195)
• Curtis Jackson Sr DE (6-2,
Dave Stewart/Hearst Connecticut Media
Andrew Esposito, center, and New Canaan have won three straight Class L state titles and ended last season as the No. 1 team in the GametimeCT poll.
Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media
Masuk’s Aaron Champagne, right, was one of six quarterbacks in the state who threw for at least 30 touchdowns last season. Champagne led them all with 33 for the Panthers.
ANSONIA
VITALS
• COACH John Milhalko (first season)
• HOME FIELD Jarvis Stadium, Nolan Athletic Complex, Ansonia
• PLAYOFF CLASS S CONFERENCE NVL
• 2024 RECORD 12-1
(won the Class S championship 58-12 over Bloomfield)
RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def)
6/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @AnsoniaFootball
THEY’RE HERE Jacob Romanowski Sr
OL/DL (6-3 305)
• Jayden Whittle, Sr., OL/DL (5-11 293)
• Crishon Fogle Sr RB/DB (5-10 160)
• Evander Ayala, Sr., TE/DE (6-2,195)
• Tayvon Long Sr LB/FB (5-9 190)
• Jahzari Lawson Sr WR/DB (5-8,150)
REASON TO CHEER
The Chargers are going to be massive up front on both sides of the ball behind two-time Register All-State first-team selection Romanowski and Whittle. Lawson is back at both receiver and defensive back.
REASON TO FEAR Ansonia always seems to have great running backs no matter who graduates. But replacing Quintez Whittle, a New Haven Register First Team All-State selection last year will be a tough ask.
CROSBY
VITALS
• COACH Michael Scott (sixth season,18-32)
• HOME FIELD Jimmy Lee Stadium, Crosby HS, Waterbury
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE NVL
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Instagram: @crosby bulldogsfootball
REASON TO CHEER
Despite five playoff teams from last season on their schedule, it doesn’t look that daunting for the Bulldogs.
REASON TO FEAR Coming off a 6-4 season in 2023, the Bulldogs have won six games in the last two seasons.
DERBY
VITALS
• COACH Jeremy Clark (fourth season, 6-24)
• HOME FIELD
DeFilippo Field at Leo F. Ryan Sports Complex Derby
• PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE NVL
• 2024 RECORD 4-6
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 5/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @DerbyCT Football, @CoachClarkDHS
THEY’RE HERE
• Quincy Carter Sr WR/LB, (5-7,165)
• Alan Gatison, Jr., OL/DL, (5-9 290) Tyler Lowe Jr OL/DL, (5-10, 275)
• Abner Barallis-Rivera, Jr QB/LB, (5-8 170)
• Brooklyn Fernandez Sr RB/LB, (5-8,180)
• Gavin Thompson, So., OL/DL, (6-6, 245)
• Horatio Glover Sr OL/DL, (5-8 295)
• Ayden Moran, Jr RB/DB, (5-9,165)
REASON TO CHEER
The offensive line brings back four starters.
REASON TO FEAR
The offensive line represents four of the five returning starters.
GILBERT /NORTHWESTERN /HOUSATONIC
VITALS
• COACH ScottSalius (16th season, 99-71)
• HOME FIELD Van Why Field, Gilbert School, Winsted
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
NVL CAPSULES
Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media
Quarterback Jack Brunetti is one of 17 returning starters for Woodland, which lost to Class S champion Ansonia in the semifinals last season.
• CONFERENCE NVL 2024RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 7/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook :@OfficialGN Football | Instagram: @gnhfootball
THEY’RE HERE
• Luke Koester, Sr., OL/DL (6-2 230)
• Wes Allyn Sr TE/LB (6-5 210)
• Esten Ryan, Sr., TE/LB (6-3, 220)
• Jaden Hoffman Sr OL/LB (5-10, 220)
• Logan Labshere Sr OL/DL (5-8, 200)
• Cole Simonds, Sr., WR/DB (6-0 185) Liam Baxter Sr RB/DB (5-9 170)
• Carson Riva, Jr., OL/DL (6-1 220)
• Braden Stolarcyk Jr OL/DL (5-10 220)
REASON TO CHEER
The Yellowjackets return four starters on the offensive line along with two returning tight ends for the run-heavy offense
REASON TO FEAR
The Yellowjackets usually use a run-heavy offense but the offensive backfield is relatively inexperienced
HOLY CROSS
VITALS
• COACH Mike Giampetruzzi (16th season, 104-57)
• HOME FIELD Ray Snyder Field, Municipal Stadium, Waterbury
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE NVL 2024 RECORD 7-3
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Twitter: @HC_Football THEY’RE HERE
• Dea'Sean Graves Jr WR/DB, (6-0 165)
• John Petrokaitis, Sr., OL/DL, (6-1 225)
• Nathan Craft, Jr RB/LB (5-10,180)
• Kyler Booker, Jr., OL/DE, (6-2, 245)
• Terrell Inabinett Jr OL/DE, (6-0 225)
Reason to Cheer
Dae’Sean Graves is one of the premiere playmakers in the state heading into his junior year
REASON TO FEAR
They will be breaking in a lot of new varsity players on both sides of the ball including at quarterback where junior Brady Lombardo and sophomore Nolan Corriveau are in competition for snaps.
KENNEDY VITALS
• COACH Chris Sarlo (19th season, 60-124)
• HOME FIELD Ray Snyder Field, Municipal Stadium, Waterbury
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE NVL
• 2024 RECORD 7-4 (lost to Fairfield Prep 51-8, in Class LL quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 5/6
TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Twitter: @kennedyeaglesf1| Instagram: @jfk_eagles | Facebook: Kennedy High
School Eagles Football
THEY’RE HERE
• Jaydon Lopez Sr QB/FS, (5-8 160)
• Jacquan Anthony, Sr WR/CB, (5-10,155)
• Shamar Donaldson, Sr., WR/LB, (6-3 190) Sebastian Elizalde, Sr FB/LB, (5-6 180)
• Kalel Horton-Blake, Sr.,, QB/LB, (6-1 165)
• Vagner Soares Sr OG/DE, (5-10 220)
• Oscar Vargas, Jr., RB/LB, (5-7,160)
REASON TO CHEER
Jaydon Lopez returns for his third season as the starting quarterback after leading Kennedy into the Class LL playoffs last season, along with four of the five members of the offensive line
REASON TO FEAR
The team lost players to graduation at running back, wide receiver and on the defensive line
NAUGATUCK
VITALS
• COACH Chris Anderson (fifth season, 36-8; 89-23 overall)
HOME FIELD Veterans Field, Naugatuck High School
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE NVL
2024 RECORD 9-2 (lost15-7 to Notre Dame-West Haven in Class Lquarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 4/3
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @Naugyhounds THEY’RE HERE
• Brandon Andoh So. RB/OLB (5-9 175) Qwentarvous Lee Jr
WR/RB/DB (5-7,150)
• Llir Mamudov, Jr., OL/DL (6-7 315)
• Isaiah Portalatin Jr OL/DL (6-3 265)
• Ethan Williams, Sr., LB (5-10, 200)
REASON TO CHEER
Naugatuck has reached the Class L tournament four years running under coach Chris Anderson and has won three of the last four Naugatuck Valley League championships by defeating Ansonia in the regular-season finale, including last season’s 33-28 thriller
REASON TO FEAR
The Greyhounds sustained heavy graduation losses, including quarterback Ethan Jones and Register/ GameimeCT Third Team
All-State running back Ryan Dietlebaum. Another big loss: All-NVL defensive back Jaiden Roach transferred to Avon Old Farms
OXFORD
VITALS
• COACH Rich Connors (second season,1-9)
• HOME FIELD
Wolverine Field, Oxford
• PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE NVL
• 2024 RECORD 1-9
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
7/6
THEY’RE HERE
• James Marcella Sr
LB/FB, (5-11,190)
• Chase Skolozdra Sr
WR/DB, (5-9 175)
Trent Therriault Sr
REASON TO FEAR
The Wildcats lost seven starters on defense.
TORRINGTON
VITALS
• COACH Gaitan Rodriguez (11th season, 56-57)
• HOME FIELD Robert H. Frost Sports Complex
Torrington
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE NVL
• 2024 RECORD 9-2 (lost to Masuk 41-0, in the Class MM quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
5/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @ths_raidersfb | Instagram: @thsraidersfootball
THEY’RE HERE
RB/LB, (6-0 190)
CJ Krotchko Sr WR/DB, (5-9,165)
• Branden Kecko, Sr OL/DL, (6-1 230)
• Ethan Murray Sr QB, (5-10,165)
• Caden Pereiras, Sr., WR/LB, (5-10,160)
• Thomas Kowanowski Sr OL/DL (6-4 250)
• Jake Ellisison, Jr WR/DB, (5-9,170)
REASON TO CHEER
All of the Wolverines skill players are back.
REASON TO FEAR
The Wolverines enter the season on a nine-game losing streak.
ST. PAUL
VITALS
• COACH Tony Mazzarella (second season, 2-8)
• HOME FIELD McPhee Field, St Paul Catholic HS Bristol PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE NVL
• 2024 RECORD 2-8
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 9/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Instagram: @StPaulFalconsFB | Team site: spfalconsfb.com
THEY’RE HERE
• Max Cappetto Sr RB/DB, (6-1 190)
• Matthew Fiorito, Sr., OL/DL, (6-2, 225)
• Max Kozikowski Sr RB/LB, (6-1 205)
• Ashton Bipp Sr QB/DB, (5-10,180)
• Owen Graven, Sr., OL/DE, (6-2 200) Jack Dennehy Sr WR/QB/DB, (5-11,170)
REASON TO CHEER
The Falcons return a healthy number of starters from last season.
REASON TO FEAR
St Paul hasn’t finished .500 or better since 2018
SEYMOUR
VITALS
• COACH Dan Dunaj (second season 4-6 34-26 overall)
• HOME FIELD
DeBarber Field, Seymour
• PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE NVL 2024 RECORD 4-6
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 7/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @seymourfootball; | Instagram: @shs_wildcat_football | Facebook: Seymour Wildcat Football
THEY’RE HERE
Anthony Cortello Sr QB (6-2,190)
• Arion Johnson, Sr., OL/DL (6-4 215)
• Ayden Frey Sr OL/DL (5-11, 245)
• Connor Shea, Jr., RB/OLB (5-7 175)
• Scott DeMarco Sr C (5-10, 295)
• Max Brito, Jr., WR/OLB (5-11,190)
• Jack Moir Jr WR/DB (6-3 190)
• Kegan Elkins Jr OL/DL (5-10, 235)
REASON TO CHEER
Four starters return to the offensive line, including Arion Johnson. Anthony Cortello is in his third season as the starting quarterback.
• PLAYOFF CLASS L • CONFERENCE NVL
• 2024 RECORD 0-10
RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 5/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA —Facebook: WilbyFootball Instagram: @wilbyfb THEY’RE HERE
Shavar Reed Sr RB/CB (5-8 173)
• Keven Ortiz, Sr., WR/CB (5-10,167)
• Anddy Euceda Sr OL/LB, (6-2 213)
• Larenz Howard, Sr., OL/DL, (5-10, 200)
• Henry Key, Sr OL/DL, (5-7 200)
• Christopher Walker Sr WR/DB, (5-10,150)
• Marquarius Mebane, Sr., QB/LB (6-1 170)
REASON TO CHEER
• Anthony Cangiano, Sr., OL/LB (5-7, 200)
• Nick Coleman Jr RB/LB (6-0 190)
• Chase Elliott Sr OL/DL (5-11, 230)
• Aiden Hansen Sr RB/LB (5-6 175) Gio Heacox Sr OL/DL (6-1, 280)
• Evan Roman, Sr., RB/LB (5-10,180)
• Cam Roxbury Jr RB/DE (5-10,190)
REASON TO CHEER
Amajority of the backfield returns along with most of the linemen in the Raiders’ single wing.
REASON TO FEAR
Electric All-State back Mikey Ahoua isn’t one of them. Oh and three of Torrington’s first four games are against 2024 playoff teams
WATERBURY
CAREER ACADEMY
VITALS
• COACH Jonas Rosseau (fourth season, 19-14)
• HOME FIELD Ray Snyder Field, Municipal Stadium, Waterbury
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE NVL
2024 RECORD 8-4
(lost to Bloomfield, 28-23, in the Class S semifinals)
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
—Twitter: @waterbury_fb | Instagram:@waterbury_fb
REASON TO CHEER
Waterbury Career Academy has reached the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, including winning the program’s first postseason game last year
REASON TO FEAR
Dates with playoff teams Ansonia, Kennedy Naugautck, Holy Cross come within a five-game swing.
WATERTOWN
VITALS
• COACH Shawn Stanco (fifth season, 24-20)
• HOME FIELD John J. Mills Complex, Watertown
• PLAYOFF CLASS M CONFERENCE NVL
• 2024RECORD 7-4
(lost to St Joseph, 42-7, in the Class M quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 0/1
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: WHS Football THEY’RE HERE
• Michael Barber, Sr., OLB/RB (5-9 165) Lucas Marcil Sr OL/DL (5-11, 245)
• Owen Weidemier, Sr., QB/DB (5-11 160)
• Christian Narvaez Sr RB/DE (6-0 175)
• Mason Zaskey, So., WR (6-2,180)
REASON TO CHEER
Watertown has had three seven-win seasons over the past four seasons
REASON TO FEAR
Only one starter returns from last year’s Class M quarterfinalist.
WILBY
VITALS
COACH —Damon Atkinson (second season, 0-10)
• HOME FIELD Ray Snyder Field, Municipal Stadium, Waterbury
Senior Shavar Reed returns at running back, will be the workhorse back and will be working behind an experienced offensive line featuring Henry Key, Larenz Howard and Anddy Euceda. REASON TO FEAR Wilby has the state’s second-longest current losing streak at 21games with the last win coming Nov.10 2022 against St Paul. The team has not finished with a .500 record since 2012 when coach Damon Atkinson was playing as a senior WOLCOTT
VITALS
• COACH Tony Bell (third season, 4-26)
• HOME FIELD Joe Monroe Field Complex, Wolcott
• PLAYOFF CLASS S CONFERENCE NVL
• 2024 RECORD 1-9
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 8/8 • TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @WolcottFB THEY’RE HERE • Josh Hayes, Sr WR/CB (5-11,165)
• Marc Abou-Arrage Sr WR/CB (5-11 175) C.J. Case Jr OG/DE (5-9,185) • Qadir Payne, Sr., WR/OLB (5-10 165) • Mason Pettinicchi,Sr. RB/MLB (5-8 175) • Daniel Polkowski, Jr., QB (6-1,185) • Russell Chamberlain Jr WR/FS (5-9 150) • Ethan Ashe Jr RB/MLB (5-9,170)
REASON TO CHEER Any time you have eight returners on each side of the ball, that is a good thing. Plus neither Ansonia nor Naugatuck are on Wolcott’s schedule.
REASON TO FEAR Coach Tony Bell said he has just 37 players on the roster
WOODLAND VITALS
• COACH Joe Lato (fifth season, 27-17,104-89 overall) HOME FIELD Woodland Football Field, Beacon Falls • PLAYOFF CLASS S • CONFERENCE NVL • 2024 RECORD 8-4 (lost to Ansonia, 30-23, in the Class S semifinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 8/9
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA —Twitter: @WRHSHawkfb THEY’RE HERE • Jack Brunetti Sr QB (6-0175)
• Nico Scampolino Sr RB/LB (5-9,170) • Norman Cook, Sr., WR/DB (5-10 170) Mark Poulin Sr WR/DB (5-8 155) • Erik Pulkkinen, Sr., WR/TE/DE (6-1210) • Aiden Kane Sr OL/DL (5-10, 225)
• Trent Burkowsky, Sr., OL/LB (6-0, 220)
REASON TO CHEER The Hawks return17 starters, including QB Jack Brunetti. REASON TO FEAR Ansonia is still on Woodland’s schedule.
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS
CAPITAL PREP/ ACHIEVEMENT
FIRST VITALS
• COACH Garrick
Milledge (sixth season, 26-23)
• HOME FIELD
Weaver High School, Hartford
• PLAYOFF CLASS S • CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD
10-1 (lost to Waterbury Career Academy, 41-28 in Class S quarterfinals)
• RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def)
1/3
• TEAM SOCIAL
MEDIA Twitter: @FocusMilledge
THEY’RE HERE
• Kayden Brown, Sr., OL/DL, (5-10 228)
• Miguel Ojeda Jr
QB/S (5-9 173)
• Conroy Coke, Sr., WR/DB, (6-0, 172)
• Javaris Spencer, Sr
RB/LB, (6-4 206)
• Izaac Rivas Jr WR/DB, (5-7, 153)
• Kymani Douglas So DL/OL, (5-11, 260)
REASON TO CHEER Despite just four returners on both sides of the field, coach Garrick Milledge expects his team to compete for a playoff spot.
REASON TO FEAR Register/GametimeCT First Team All-State selection Hashim Jones has graduated and is playing at the University of Montana.
COGINCHAUG CO-OP VITALS
• COACH Anthony DeFilio (third season, 13-8)
• HOME FIELD
Coginchaug Stadium Field and Track, Durham
• PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD
5-5
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
6/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: Coginchaug Blue Devils Football Season 25-26 | Twitter: @CoginchaugFtbll | Instagram: crhsathletics
THEY’RE HERE Jacob O’Rourke Sr
QB/DB (6-1 195)
• Carmen DeFilio Sr., RB/LB (5-9 200)
• Travis Avery Sr
OL/LB (5-9 180)
• Tyler Crumb, RB/SS (5-8, 165)
• Jordan Hawksley WR/CB (6-0 150)
• Ruger Wojchowski Sr., DB/WR (5-10, 155)
REASON TO CHEER
The co-op has some solid leadership, including O’Rourke and DeFilio
REASON TO FEAR
The Blue Devils are lacking some depth with fewer than 40 people on the roster meaning many players play both sides of the ball
COVENTRY CO-OP
VITALS
• COACH James Edinger (third season, 1-19 6-24 overall)
• HOME FIELD Coventry High School
• PLAYOFF CLASS M CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD 1-9
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def)
7/7
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
PEQUOT CAPSULES
• Jarrod Sanborn, Sr., DL/OL (6-3 275)
• Luke Barstow Sr LB/FB (5-11 175)
• Vincent Mignone, Sr., DL/OL (6-0, 209)
REASON TO CHEER
Defensive secondary should be strong with the return of Phil Parizeau who led the team with four interceptions last year, and Trevin Nembhard.
REASON TO FEAR
The Coventry/Windham Tech/Bolton co-op had just one win last year and last posted a winning record in 2017, when Lyman Memorial was part of the co-op
CREC CO-OP
VITALS
• COACH Chris Kennedy (fifth season, 12-28)
• HOME FIELD Academy of Computer Science and Engineering Field, East Hartford
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD 1-9
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 7/7 TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: CRECColts
THEY’RE HERE
• Nyquawn Jefferson, Sr., WR/DB
REASON TO CHEER
The Colts bring back three starters on the offensive line and have a clear-cut No 1 receiver in Nyquawn Jefferson to lead their spread attack.
REASON TO FEAR
Other key positions are still being sorted out, particularly at quarterback and running back. Jose Bettancourt, CREC’s leading rusher throughout his four-year career has graduated.
CROMWELL/ PORTLAND
VITALS
• COACH Sal Morello, (ninth season, 78-14 at Cromwell, 165-42 overall)
• HOME FIELD Pierson Park Cromwell PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD 9-2 (lost to Woodland 33-7, in the Class S quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 6/5
THEY’RE HERE
Mike Sitaro Sr QB (6-2, 220)
• Tyler Cippola, Sr., RB/OLB (5-11 185)
• Logan Quick, Sr
OL/DE (6-3, 250)
REASON TO CHEER
Cromwell-Portland has established itself as one of the Pequot League’s premier programs, riding a run of four straight trips to the state playoffs that began with the 2021 Class Scrown.
REASON TO FEAR
The Panthers graduated astrong senior class. There are question marks at some positions and depth remains a concern heading into the new season.
ELLINGTON
VITALS
• COACH Brady
Johnson (second season, 6-5)
HOME FIELD
Ellington HS Football
Field
• PLAYOFF CLASS
SS CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD 6-5 (lost to Killingly, 75-14, in the Class SS quarterfinals)
• RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def)
7/7
TEAM SOCIAL
MEDIA Instagram:
@EllingtonFootball
THEY’RE HERE
• Aaron Ladr, Sr., QB, (5-9, 160)
• Everitt Buss Sr WR/DB, (6-0 175)
• Dylan Calsetta Jr WR/DB, (5-10, 170)
• Mattox Dimovski, Jr WR/LB, (5-10 175) Ovie Kayoma Jr DL, (6-0, 220)
• Brett Powell, Jr., RB/LB, (5-8, 190)
REASON TO CHEER
Ellington returns 14 starters, including QB
Aaron Ladr from a squad that reached the state playoffs.
REASON TO FEAR
The Purple Knights didn’t exactly finish strong. They were 1-3 down the stretch and lost in the first-round (albeit to eventual champ Killingly)
GRANBY/CANTON
VITALS
• COACH Erik Shortell (eighth season, 52-33)
• HOME FIELD
Granby Memorial High School Field, Canton HS Football Field (Oct 27)
PLAYOFF CLASS SS (co-op)
• CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD 8-3 (lost to Sheehan, 20-6, in the Class SS quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 7/7
• TEAM SOCIAL
MEDIA Twitter:
FB/DE (5-11, 225)
• Damian Aquino Sr
TE/ILB (5-11 215) Cleon Edwards Sr TE/T/OLB (6-2, 225)
REASON TO CHEER Register/GameTimeCT
honorable mention selection receiver Jaiden Booth is committed to play at Central Connecticut State Jyeire Perry and Jonathan Mitchell should complement Booth well at that position
REASON TO FEAR
The ending of the Thanksgiving Day rivalry game between the two city schools, falling short of a century
MORGAN/ OLD SAYBROOK/ WESTBROOK
VITALS
DB/WR/RB, (5-9, 165)
• Gabe Mensah Jr LB/WR/RB (6-1 185)
• James Gentile Jr DL/OL (5-10, 245)
• Oliver Douglas, Sr., DB/WR (6-3 175)
REASON TO CHEER
The entire offensive line returns from last year’s Granby/Canton team that made the Class SS playoffs, as well as the entire defensive line and four all-conference defensive players.
REASON TO FEAR
Despite returning 14 total players, Granby/Canton will need to replace quarterback Vincent Forte, as well as last year’s leading receiver and defensive leader Ryan Cuniowski, and leading rusher Carter Chambers.
HADDAMKILLINGWORTH VITALS
• COACH Tyler Wilcox (fifth season, 19-21)
• HOME FIELD H-K High School Field, Higganum
• PLAYOFF CLASS
S
• CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD 7-3
RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def)
5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL
MEDIA Twitter:
@HKCougars | Facebook: HKHS Cougar Football | Instagram: @hkhscougarfootball25
THEY’RE HERE
• Tyler Napierkowski, Sr RB/OLB (5-11 180) Josh Frith Sr
RB/OLB (5-11 190)
• Jamien Evans, Sr., QB (6-0 175)
• John Moyher Sr LB (6-0 185)
REASON TO CHEER
All-Conference selection Tyler Napierkowski returns at running back.
REASON TO FEAR
The Cougars graduated 19 players from a team that went 7-3.
HARTFORD PUBLIC/WEAVER/ CLASSICAL VITALS
• COACH Theo Harrison (third season, 4-16)
• HOME FIELD
Weaver HS, Hartford
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD
New Co-op
RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def) N/A
• TEAM SOCIAL
MEDIA Twitter: @Hartford_Weaver
high school career, won’t be easy
ROCKVILLE
VITALS
• COACH Erick Knickerbocker (seventh season, 57-15)
• HOME FIELD Rockville HS Football Field, Vernon
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE Pequot
• 2024 RECORD 9-2 (lost to Berlin, 33-7, in the Class M quarterfinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 6/4
TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @TheRockFootball | Instagram: @TheRock Football | Team site: TheRockFootball.com
• COACH Casey
Trasacco (second season, 2-8)
• HOME FIELD
Peters Complex, Clinton. Old Saybrook High School, Old Saybrook (Oct 13)
• PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD 2-8
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 4/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @MSW_Football THEY’RE HERE
• Trevor Powell, Jr., QB (5-10 170)
• Tristan Elliott Sr RB/LB (5-9 170)
• Christian Jacobs-Harris Sr RB/DB, (5-8 165) Jonnie Alexander Sr., TE/DE, (5-10, 175)
• Chayton Katterman, Sr LB/OL, (5-9 175)
• Wyatt Pennington Sr WR/DB, (5-9 165)
• Jake Beermuender, Sr., DE, (6-4, 175)
REASON TO CHEER
Trevor Powell is back for his third season as the starting quarterback.
REASON TO FEAR Alot of new faces on a defense that allowed 38.1 points per game in eight losses, opposed to 7 points a game in two wins.
NORTH BRANFORD
VITALS
• COACH Anthony Salvati (third season 9-11 25-25 overall)
• HOME FIELD
George A. Colfati Field, North Branford PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD 4-6
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 5/8
TEAM SOCIAL
MEDIA Twitter: @TBirdsNB | Instagram: @TbirdsNB | Facebook: North Branford High School Football Touchdown Club THEY’RE HERE
• AJ Sigel Sr QB/ATH (5-11, 190)
• Greg Ferraro, Sr., WR/CB (5-9 170) Landen Burns Jr LB (5-10, 190)
• Chase Nugent, Sr., OLB (5-9 200)
• Nicolas Salvati Jr LB (5-8 180)
• Dylan Yarnall, Jr., WR/CB (5-10, 170)
REASON TO CHEER
THEY’RE HERE Kayden Boland Jr RB/S (5-10 170)
• Will J. Davis, Jr., RB/CB (5-9 160)
• Hartland Hunter Sr DL/OL (6-4 330)
• Sam Sutherland, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 255)
• Ethan Steele Sr DL (6-0 215) • Justin Palmer Sr DL/OL (6-3, 280) • Molly Wilson, Sr., K
REASON TO CHEER The Rams return their two top running backs and plenty of size on the offensive and defensive lines.
REASON TO FEAR The Rams say goodbye to Brady Ramsdell, a three-year starting quarterback and holder of numerous school records. SMSA CO-OP VITALS COACH Donell Smith (third season, 10-11)
(2
Sr WR/DB (6-1 170)
• Ja'Maih Shannon Soph., WR/DB (5-10, 160)
• A'meer Pitts Soph., QB (5-11 155)
REASON TO CHEER Two of SMSA co-op’s top receivers return, Andres Baez and Ja’Maih Shannon, giving quarterback A’meer Pitts some experienced targets Going through growing pains as a freshman last season should help Pitts under center
REASON TO FEAR Every defender who sacked the quarterback last season has graduated.
STAFFORD/ SOMERS/ EAST WINDSOR VITALS • COACH Devin Gilbert (first season)
HOME FIELD Stafford HS Field, Stafford Springs PLAYOFF CLASS S
CONFERENCE Pequot
• TEAM SOCIAL
MEDIA Instagram:
@cbwpatriots
THEY’RE HERE
• Leighton Fenn Sr
OL/DL Trevin Nembhard
Sr., CB/WR (5-3, 125)
• Phil Parizeau, Sr., CB/WR (6-0 161)
• Cole Leavitt, Sr., OL/LB (5-11, 210)
• Isaiah Sanchez Jr
OL/DL (5-11 220) guard
• Jayden Augustin Jr
RB/DE (5-11, 205)
• Mason Stachura Jr
TE/LB (6-2 210)
• Zhyair Brown Jr
WR/DB (6-0, 185)
@GMHSFootball860 | Facebook: GranbyFootball THEY’RE HERE
• Joe Lewie Jr QB/LB (6-0, 185)
• Tristian Jackson, Sr,, DT/OL (6-1 210) Wyatt Bernabucci
Jr DL/OL, (6-3 235)
• Elijah Sam, Jr.,
THEY’RE HERE
• Jaiden Booth Sr WR/DB (5-11 175)
• Jimil Siedi, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 270)
• Kadin Coy Fr QB (6-0 170)
• Jyeire Perry Jr
WR/DB (5-11, 165)
• Tygel Bassow Sr
A.J. Sigel is back and plans are to not only use him at quarterback, but also in the backfield, showing his versatility for the Thunderbirds.
REASON TO FEAR Trying to replace featured back Tommy Hansen, a four-year starter who rushed for 4,492 yards and 52 touchdowns during his
2024 RECORD 5-5 • RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 3/3 • TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @StaffordBulldog | Instagram: @BulldogsFootballSSEW THEY’RE HERE • Tyler Muzio Sr OL/LB (5-11 205) Derek Caonsolini
Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media
Haddam-Killingworth running back/linebacker Tyler Napierkowski returns for a Cougars team that went 7-3 last season and has 10 returning starters.
AMITY
VITALS
• COACH George French (second season
9-9 44-58 overall)
• HOME FIELD William Johnson Stadium, Woodbridge PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 8-3
(lost to Newtown, 38-7, in the Class L quarterfinals)
RETURNING
STARTERS(off/def)
7/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @AmityAthletics
THEY’RE HERE Cristian Luciano Sr
FB/DE (6-2 230)
• Joe Fryer, Sr., RB/LB (5-10 210)
• Joe Puglisi Sr QB/DB (5-10 190)
• Andrew Dorais, Sr., RB/DB (5-10, 165)
• Michael Mordecai Sr
OL/DL (6-1 240)
• Elijah Casman Sr
OL/DL (6-1 240)
• Justin Ewing Sr
WR/DB (5-9 175)
Enzo Martone Jr
OL/LB (6-0, 225)
REASON TO CHEER Register/GameTimeCT
All-State Third Team selection running back Cristian Luciano is back after leading Amity to the state playoffs for the first time since 2002.
REASON TO FEAR Success comes with higher expectations and the Spartans’ schedule has four playoff qualifiers on it opposed to last season when their opponents finished the season 37-61 (.377 winning percentage).
BASSICK
VITALS • COACH Desmond Lymon (sixth season, 3-47)
• HOME FIELD
Kennedy Stadium, Bridgeport PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 1-9
• RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def)
7/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram:@Bassick FootballLions
THEY’RE HERE
• Israel Prevail Sr
FS/WR (5-10 185) Peter Annicette Sr
RB/WR (5-11, 170)
• Bryan Cristomo, Sr., LB (5-6 150)
• Victor Esbri Sr LB (5-7, 180)
• Jayson Carrion, Sr., OG/DT (5-10, 250)
REASON TO CHEER
A new school building opening this year brings a new practice field for a program that was in need of one (they’re still playing at Kennedy). Seven starters return on both sides of the ball.
REASON TO FEAR Bassick has won just three games since joining the SCC in 2017
BRANFORD
VITALS
• COACH John Limone (12th season, 51-65)
• HOME FIELD James L. MacVeigh Alumni Athletic Complex Branford
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
8/9
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @Branford Gridiron | Facebook: Branford Gridiron
THEY’RE HERE
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SCC CAPSULES
• Rhamell Fairclough Jr RB (5-8 165)
REASON TO CHEER There are 17 starters back, giving Branford experience across the field.
REASON TO FEAR After struggling through an injury-riddled 3-7 season, this group still has lots to prove
CHESHIRE
VITALS
• COACH Don Drust (13th season, 69-57)
• HOME FIELD Cheshire High School Field, Cheshire
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 5-5
• RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def) 4/5
TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @CHSRamFootball
THEY’RE HERE
• Aiden Gregorich, Sr., QB/DB, (6-0, 185)
• JC Sutherland Sr WR/DB, (6-2 175)
• Sean Kennedy Sr WR/DB, (5-10, 170)
• Johnny Heavens Sr WR/DB, (5-11, 170)
Liam Suomala Sr WR/DB, (5-10, 180)
• Brendan Kilpatrick, Sr., FB/LB, (5-10, 195)
• Hunter Hearrin Jr OL/DL, (6-3 260)
REASON TO CHEER
There is a lot to like about Cheshire’s defense which brings back five starters and five others with varsity experience.
REASON TO FEAR
Cheshire’s offense averaged just 15.9 points a game last season and only 8.8 in games the Rams lost
DANIEL HAND
VITALS
• COACH Erik Becker (fifth season, 33-13 at Hand seventh overall 51-25)
• HOME FIELD Strong Field at the Surf Club
Madison PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 11-1 (lost to St Joseph, 17-10, in the Class M semifinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @HandTigersFB | Team site: www.TigerPride Football.com
THEY’RE HERE
• Conor Casagrande, Sr., LB/FB, (6-0 215)
• Tim O’Malley Sr OL/DL (6-3 285)
• Stone Leckey, Sr., WR/DB (6-0 180)
the Class M semifinals last fall. That includes linebacker Conor Casagrande and lineman Tim O’Malley, two seniors who were Register/GametimeCT
All-State second team selections last year
REASON TO FEAR
Quarterback Paul Calandrelli, who passed for 1,638 yards and rushed for another 650, will be playing Division I baseball at the University of Rhode Island Top receiving targets Quinton O’Dea and Tyler Marracci also graduated.
EAST HAVEN
VITALS
• COACH Scott Benoit (seventh season, 25-34, 19th overall 94-69-1)
• HOME FIELD Crisafi Field, East Haven
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 6-4
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def)
4/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: East Haven
High School Football 2025
THEY’RE HERE Will Mensah Sr OL/DL (6-5, 255)
• Blake Charboneau, Sr., TE/DL (6-3 250)
• Josh Hutchison Sr LB/WR (5-10 200)
• Lamont Minnifield, Sr., LB/RB (6-0 180)
• Ty Davis Woods Sr LB/RB (5-9,200)
• Aeden Webster, Sr., OL/DL (6-4, 230)
• Anthony Fowler Soph., QB/DB (5-10 165)
• Charles Fowler Soph., RB/WR/DB (5-10, 165)
• Kaden Staron, Soph., WR/DB (6-1 180)
REASON TO CHEER
Several key players return up front, a group led by three-year starters Will Mensah on the lines and Blake Charboneau, who has shifted from offensive line to tight end
REASON TO FEAR
The offense lost key weapons to graduation, including quarterback Alex Dombrowski. East Haven also lost players to transfer, including wide receiver Trew Kitson who is now at West Haven and lineman Dom D’Ambrosio who is at Guilford
FAIRFIELD PREP
VITALS
• COACH Keith Hellstern (10th season, 69-33)
• HOME FIELD Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium, Fairfield University PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE SCC
THEY’RE HERE
• Sam Barrett Sr DB, (6-1 185)
• James Burgess, Sr., OL, (6-3, 245)
• Ben Conelius, Sr K/P, (5-11 185)
• Jeremiah Langston Sr WR, (5-9, 155)
• Vinny Lombardo Sr RB, (6-0 200)
Jordan Louis Sr DL, (6-1, 240)
• Robbie Manning, Sr., QB, (6-1 185)
• John Morris Sr LB, (5-11 210)
REASON TO CHEER
Robbie Manning, arguably the best quarterback for Prep over the last 20 seasons is back
REASON TO FEAR
His top two targets Finbar Malloy and Kyler Robinson who accounted for 56% of Manning’s completions and 72% of Manning’s touchdown passes have graduated.
FORAN
VITALS
COACH Garrett
Walker (third season, 10-10)
• HOME FIELD Vito
DeVito Sports Complex Foran HS Milford
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 5-5
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 6/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @FootballForan
THEY’RE HERE
• Kyle Viesselman Sr RB/LB, (5-11 200)
• Zack Lund, Sr., OL/DL, (5-11, 215)
• Alex Testani Sr WR/DB, (6-0 175)
• Oscar Valle Sr WR/DB, (5-10, 165)
REASON TO CHEER Foran has a strong back end of its defense at linebacker and in the secondary REASON TO FEAR Four new offensive lineman, new quarterback and new starting running back.
GUILFORD
VITALS
• COACH —Brian White (third season, 12-8)
• HOME FIELD
Kavanaugh Field, Guilford HS
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 4-6
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
8/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
• Lucio Nastri, Sr., OL/LB (6-0 220)
• Dominck Verme Sr (5-10 215)
• Bodhi Climie, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 160)
• Zisis Vasiliou Sr TE/DL/K (6-2 230)
• Ares Vasiliou Sr K (6-2, 240)
• Aaron Bergantino, Sr., LB/RB (6-0 215) Andrew Plancon Sr WR/DB (5-10 150)
• Sam Martocci, Sr., WR/DB (5-9 165)
REASON TO CHEER
Senior quarterback Alex Tafro is back to lead
Guilford as a senior captain, along with fellow senior captain Aiden Ruotolo who will be called on to contribute at running back and wide receiver
The Grizzlies will also have three returning offensive lineman this year with the addition of former East Haven starting center
Domenico Dambrosio
REASON TO FEAR
The loss of running back
Caden Hillier, who averaged 202.5 rushing yards per game with 19 touchdowns last year will be difficult to replace.
HAMDEN
VITALS
• COACH Tom Dyer (ninth season, 33-49)
• HOME FIELD Joe Bruno Field, Hamden HS
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 2-8
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @Hamden_FB THEY’RE HERE
• Xaviare Ager, Sr., HB/LB (6-0 215)
• Cam Saunders Sr OL/LB (6-1 235)
• Evelio Lugo, Sr., QB/DB (5-11, 185)
• Kameron Gamm Sr TE/DL (6-2 240)
• Dan Lawrence Sr WR/LB (5-8, 175)
• Caron Hannans Sr WR/DB (5-7, 150) AJ Newman Sr RB/LB (5-10, 200)
• Khalil Green, Sr., OL/DL (6-1 285)
REASON TO CHEER
Key pieces are on the board. Quarterback Evelio Lugo has 14 starts under his belt over the last two seasons and the core of the defense also returns.
REASON TO FEAR Key holes need to be filled on the offensive and defensive lines.
HARDING
VITALS
• COACH Artay Corbett (third season, 7-13)
• HOME FIELD John L. Lewis Memorial Stadium, Bridgeport
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 5/7
THEY’RE HERE
• Conell McKinney Sr
RB/OLB (5-9, 166)
• Jahleel Shell, Sr., C/DT (6-0 270) Jayden Wright Sr QB/DB (6-2 170)
• Andre Taylor, Sr., ATH (6-3 190)
• Eddie Santiago Jr Sr RB/LB (5-6 155)
• Tyrone Curry, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 160)
• Aiden Gordon Sr RB/LB (5-10 175)
(third season, 11-9)
• HOME FIELD Bowen Field, New Haven
PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024RECORD 6-4
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 5/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @HillhouseFB THEY’RE HERE
• Antoine Williams, Sr., RB/LB (5-11 180)
• Davaine Graham Sr FB/LB (6-0 200)
• Jaeden Robinson, Sr., DL/TE (6-2, 200)
• Tarell Stafford Sr DB/WR (5-11 170)
• Frank Green Sr OL/DL (5-11, 325)
• Chance Kendall, Sr., OL/DL (5-11 255) Tymar Coardes Sr OL/DL (6-2 320)
REASON TO CHEER Hillhouse has steadily improved over the last three years from a 3-7 record in 2022 to 6-4 last fall under coach Walter Gibbs.
REASON TO FEAR There will be many new faces at key positions for Hillhouse this year, including which could result in some growing
JONATHAN
(lost to Brookfield 48-13 in Class M quarterfinals) • RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 8/4 • TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: jlhs.athletics | Twitter: @JLHSAthletics
THEY’RE HERE • Matthew Witteman Jr QB (6-0 175)
• Nicholas Cosmas, Sr., MLB (5-9, 190)
• Jack Lefevre Sr OL (5-9 210)
• Hunter Kenzierski Jr RB/WR (5-7, 155)
• Anthony Scappatura, Jr DL (5-9 195) Elijah Fernandez Jr OL, 5-11 210)
REASON TO CHEER Matthew Whitteman, who had a breakout season as quarterback, returns for his junior year as does all five of his offensive linemen.
REASON TO FEAR The Lawmen must replace All-State running back Connor Malin (1,185 yards) and most of their receiving corps.
LYMAN HALL
VITALS
• COACH C.J. Monroe (fourth season, 15-15) HOME FIELD Fitzgerald Field, Lyman Hall HS, Wallingford • PLAYOFF CLASS M • CONFERENCE SCC • 2024 RECORD 5-5
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 6/6
TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter:@LHTFootball, lhhsathletics
THEY’RE HERE
• Brayden Ottochian, Sr., DE/TE, (6-2 220)
• Ryan Casey Jr QB, (6-2 210)
• Najaé Hamilton Sr DB/WR, (6-3, 195)
Trent Tracy Sr
OLB/TE (6-1, 200)
• Alex Leblanc, Sr.,
DB/WR (6-2 170)
• Ryan Teneyck Sr
OL/DL (5-11 250)
• Luke Torre, Sr., OLB/TE (6-1 200)
• Justin Cast Sr WR/DB (5-9 165)
• Shiloh Williams, SR., DB/RB (5-9, 165)
• Chris McKittrick Jr QB (6-0 170)
• Cole Preskar Sr WR/OLB (6-0 175)
• Paul Fumex, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 250)
• Cam Oranzo Sr RB/OLB (5-8 170)
• Anthony Bowe Sr OL/DL (6-1, 225)
• Lucca Boyce, Jr., RB/SS (6-0 185)
REASON TO CHEER
The Tigers have 10 starters returning from a team that finished 11-1 and reached
• 2024 RECORD 10-2 (lost to West Haven, 42-7 in the Class LL semifinals)
RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 6/8
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @Prep_Football | Instagram: @FFLDPrep Football | Team site: www.jesuitpride.com
—Instagram: @GuilfordFootball | Twitter: @GuilfordGrizz | Team site: www.GuilfordFootball.com
THEY’RE HERE
• Alex Tafro Sr QB (5-10 170)
• Aiden Ruotolo Sr WR/RB/Safety (5-9, 170)
• Aidan Connelly, Sr., RB/MLB (5-9, 200) Wesley Tandler Sr OL/DL (6-2 225)
• Domenico Dambrosio
Sr OL/DL (5-11 275)
• Chris Vance Jr Jr OL/DL (6-0, 230)
• Angel Alvarado Jr MLB/FB (5-10 193)
REASON TO CHEER Quarterback Jayden Wright returns healthy after a Week 1 injury that sidelined him for the season.
REASON TO FEAR Harding hasn’t had a winning record since 2016
HILLHOUSE
VITALS • COACH WalterGibbs
• Jomar Moya, Sr., OL/DL, (5-10 275)
REASON TO CHEER
The quarterback position is secure as junior Ryan Casey enters his third season as the starter with 18 starts under his belt.
REASON TO FEAR The offensive line brings back just two starters and will look to newcomers to step up and give Casey time to find those
H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media
Quarterback Robbie Manning returns to lead Fairfield Prep for his senior season. The Jesuits went 10-2 last year, losing to West Haven in the Class LL semifinals.
Sr WR/DB (5-9 165)
Nate Faber Jr
WR/DB (5-10, 185)
• Peter Kryzwiski, So., RB/LB (5-10 180)
REASON TO CHEER
They’ve grown accustomed to success in Stafford Springs. The co-op with Somers and East Windsor has gone 61-35 over the last 10 years under former head coach Brian Mazzone
REASON TO FEAR
Mazzone is now an assistant in Enfield, where he lives and his sons go to school.
On the field, the Bulldogs graduated a big senior class and lost a number of returning players to injury other sports or transfer most notably, quarterback Luca Houle to Rockville and 6-8, 325-pound lineman Joel Budd to Enfield.
Last year as a freshman, Budd was a GametimeCT/New Register All-State Honorable Mention.
VALLEY REGIONAL/ OLD LYME
VITALS
• COACH Phil Cohen (first season)
HOME FIELD
Richard B. Blythe Field, Deep River
• PLAYOFF CLASS S • CONFERENCE
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD 7-4 (lost to Ansonia, 48-22, in Class S quarterfinals)
RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def) 6/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @WarriorFootball2025
THEY’RE HERE Connor Dickson Sr QB/LB, (5-10, 175)
• Eli Torres, Sr., OL/DL, (6-2 315)
• Chase King Sr FB/LB, (5-11, 180)
• CJ Zapatka, Sr., OL/DL, (5-10, 235)
• Will Sicignano, Sr OL/DL, (5-10, 185)
• Charlie Zelek Jr LB/ RB, (5-10, 205)
• Luke Beighau, Jr., OL/DL, (5-11, 215) Charlie Zapatka Soph., WR/DB, (6-1 155)
REASON TO CHEER Cohen is a program guy who had helped the Warriors reach the state playoffs as a player and as an assistant coach, takes the reins in his first year as head coach. Transition should be smooth.
REASON TO FEAR Tommy Troyis no longer around to pull rabbits out of his helmet.
WINDSOR LOCKS CO-OP
VITALS
COACH Andy Norige (second season, 2-4)
• HOME FIELD
Patrick Scelza Field,
receivers. NORTH HAVEN
VITALS
• COACH Anthony Sagnella (28th season, 168-123-2, 195-138-2 overall)
• HOME FIELD
Vanacore Field, North Haven
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 5-5
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 3/3
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @NHHSFootball
THEY’RE HERE
• Nate Eggerling Sr QB/DB, (6-2 210)
• Artie McCormack, So., RB/DB, (5-8, 175)
• Donovan Dasilva Sr OL/DL, (5-9 230)
• Evan DiMouro Jr TE/LB, (6-2, 195)
• Johnny Wiliston, Jr., FB/LB, (5-10 190) Eli Reynolds So. K/P (5-11 190)
REASON TO CHEER Artie McCormack burst onto the scene rushing for 1,063 yards and 14 touchdowns during his freshman season. Now he could be back for three more years.
REASON TO FEAR The Nighthawk defense lacks experience and depth.
NOTRE DAME-WEST HAVEN
VITALS
• COACH Joe DeCaprio (eighth season, 37-38) HOME FIELD Veterans Memorial Park, West Haven
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 7-5 (lost to Darien, 35-21, in the Class L semifinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
6/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @NDWHFB | Instagram: @NDWH Football
THEY’RE HERE
• Joe Cappasso Sr QB, (5-11 185)
• Luke Miklos, Sr., RB/LB,
Windsor Locks and Suffield HS (Nov. 17)
• PLAYOFF CLASS M CONFERENCE
Pequot
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
2/2
• TEAM SOCIAL
MEDIA Facebook: RaidersFootball | Instagram: @Raiders_Football THEY’RE HERE Jackson Norige Sr OT/DE (6-5, 260)
• Frank Kasall, Sr.,
C/DT (6-3 295)
• Kayden Gaedje, Sr., QB/CB (5-10, 165)
• Alex Kyris Jr G/DT (6-0 305)
• Rogen Harrolle Jr G/DT (6-5, 285)
• Ethan Musco Jr RB/LB (5-10 175) Kairo Sharpe Soph., WR/S/K/P, 6-0, 165)
• Ibrahim Ibrahim, Sr., OT/DE (5-10 245)
REASON TO CHEER
Both lines return experience for the co-op The offensive line has two returning starters and two others who have game
(6-0 200)
• Jake Zullo, Sr OT/DL, (6-2, 260)
• Ryan Milone Sr WR/DB, (5-9 160)
Tayvion Simmons Sr WR/DB, (5-10, 185)
• Matthew Sommer, Sr., OL/DL, (5-11, 215)
REASON TO CHEER Coming off a trip to the Class L semifinals, the Green Knights have 11 starters returning including a three-year starting quarterback.
REASON TO FEAR That trip to the Class L semifinals means a promotion to Class LL due to the CIAC’s success modifier
SHEEHAN
VITALS
• COACH John Ferrazzi (20th season 109-93-2) HOME FIELD Riccitelli Field, Sheehan HS, Wallingford
• PLAYOFF CLASS S
• CONFERENCE SCC 2024 RECORD 10-3 (lost to Killingly, 48-33, in the Class SS championship)
• RETURNING STARTERS(off/def) 6/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @JohnFerrazzi
THEY’RE HERE
• Jake O'Brien Sr QB, (5-9 170)
AJ Tatro, Sr OL/DL, (5-10, 240)
• Richard Van Dyke, Sr., OL/DE, (6-1 210)
Josh Durant Sr RB/SS, (5-9 170)
• Mason Baehr, Sr., H/TE/ILB, (5-10 200)
• Reid Carter, Sr WR/OLB, (5-10 175)
• Mason Johnson, Jr., OL/DL, (5-10, 270)
• Sebastian Rosario So. WR/CB, (5-4 125)
REASON TO CHEER
Of the six returning offensive starters, two are in key spots with Jake O’Brien back at quarterback and Josh Durant at running back.
REASON TO FEAR
The team lost its top three wide receivers, who accounted for 29 touchdowns last year
SHELTON
VITALS
• COACH Mike DeFelice (fifth season, 26-19)
HOME FIELD Edward C. Finn Stadium, Shelton
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
7/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @gaels_football | Instagram:@shelton quarterback | Facebook: Shelton Quarterback Club
THEY’RE HERE
• Chase Galke Sr TE/DL (6-4 235)
James Zaccagnini Sr OL/DL (5-7, 205)
• Loel Rivera, Sr., WR/DB (5-11 180)
Logan Sepkaski Sr QB (6-4 175)
• Kaden Tracey, Sr., WR/DB (5-8 155)
• Evan Bouteiller Jr WR/DB (6-1 170)
• Harrison Souza, Jr., WR/DB (5-9, 160)
• Cole St Pierre Jr RB/DB, (5-9 160)
REASON TO CHEER
Senior quarterback Logan Sepkaski returns to direct Shelton’s multiple-look offense behind an experienced line
REASON TO FEAR
The Gaels took their share of graduation hits, including top rusher Devin Reid top receivers Cole Ostrosky and Michael Spadaccino, and top tacklers Ryan Kinik and Ryan Janik.
WEST HAVEN
VITALS
COACH Tom Unger (first season, 27-46 overall)
• HOME FIELD Ken Strong Stadium, West Haven
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 10-3 (lost to Greenwich, 14-0 in the Class LL championship)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
0/0
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @WestHavenFB
THEY’RE HERE
• Yusef Turner, Sr., (5-7, 170)
experience there. REASON TO FEAR
Inexperience at all of the offensive skill positions, including no returning carries at RB There is a three-way battle for starter at QB between Kayden Gaedje, junior Tyler Musco and sophomore Maddox Fortier
INDEPENDENT
NONNEWAUG/ LAKEVIEW/ SHEPAUG VITALS
• Jeff Walker Sr • CJ Oksenberg DB, Sr (5-11, 190)
• Abraham Morales, Sr.,
• Caden Stanley Jr LB, (6-1 210)
• TJ Stevenson Jr RB • CJ Sutton, Soph., REASON TO CHEER The Blue Devils have reached the state championship two years in a row.
REASON TO FEAR
Graduation of four-year starting quarterback and Register/GameTimeCT First Team selection Nick Conlan leaves a huge hole on the offense
WILBUR CROSS
VITALS
• COACH Alberto Cordero (third season, 1-19)
• HOME FIELD Wilbur Cross Athletic Complex New Haven
• PLAYOFF CLASS LL
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 1-9
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 9/9
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @wilburcross_fb | Twitter: @WilburCross_FB | Twitter:@CoachCordero THEY’RE HERE
• Francis Ogudebe Sr
TE/LB (6-2, 225)
• Darwin Marquez, Soph., RB/LB (5-10 218) Joel Oliveras, Jr RB/LB (5-7, 187)
• Chrystian Goff, Jr., WR/DL (6-1 180)
• Jefferson Arriaga Jr
OL/DL (5-7, 233)
REASON TO CHEER
Nine starters return on both sides of the ball for the Governors.
REASON TO FEAR
It’s still a rebuilding process and some of the skill position starters are up in the air
XAVIER VITALS
• COACH Sean Marinan (16th season, 120-44-1)
• HOME FIELD Larry McHugh Field
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE SCC
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 3/2
Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media
Cromwell-Portland senior quarterback Mike Sitaro leads a team that has made four straight appearances
Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media
Daniel Hand linebacker/fullback Conor Casagrande (8) is one of 10 returning starters for the Tigers, who went 11-1 last season.
BETHEL VITALS
• COACH Nick Tarantino (second season, 7-3)
• HOME FIELD Ralph DeSantis Field, Bethel
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE SWC
• 2024 RECORD 7-3
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
5/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @BethelSports | Instagram: @btlwildcatsfootball
THEY’RE HERE
• Hudson Wish Sr QB (6-3 195)
• Nathan Fontaine Sr
TE/LB (6-2, 225)
• Kaleb Morrison Sr OL/DL (5-11 300)
• Kaden Islami Sr RB/LB (5-10, 185)
• Lucas Cassio, Sr.,
FB/TE/LB (5-9 195)
• Ethan Allen Sr OL/DL (6-0 290)
• Jayden Krystopa, Sr., OL/DL (5-9 220)
• Travis Scott Sr RB/DB (5-8 165) REASON TO CHEER Bethel is coming off its best season in a decade and returns 11 starters from that group REASON TO FEAR Last year, Bethel’s offense was led by the running game mostly in the graduated Josh Macomber who led the team with 1,174 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.
BROOKFIELD
VITALS
• COACH Bryan Muller (sixth season, 25-28)
• HOME FIELD Brookfield HS Turf Field
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE SWC
• 2024 RECORD 12-1 (lost to St Joseph, 21-20 in the Class M championship)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
7/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter:
@BrookfieldFBall
THEY’RE HERE
• Thad Balzi Sr
QB/DE/LB (6-3 210)
• Chase Sylvia Sr LB/RB (6-0, 210)
• Tyler Buttendorf Sr
RB/WR/DB (6-0 195) Matt Akerly Sr RB/LB (5-10, 190)
• John Lopes, Sr., TE/DE (6-2 210)
• James Luzzi Sr OL/DL (6-1 225)
• Mason Heck, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 265)
• Tristen Becker Sr WR/DB (6-0 185)
REASON TO CHEER
Fourteen starters have returned from a group that finished one-yard short on a potential game-winning, two-point conversion try in the CIAC Class M championship game against St Joseph with 1:02 left.
REASON TO FEAR
The Bobcats must replace their top two running backs from last season, Michael Walters and Nyzir Torres who combined for nearly 2,400 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns.
BUNNELL
VITALS
• COACH Ty Jenkins (sixth season, 31-22)
• HOME FIELD Bob Mastroni Field, Bunnell HS, Stratford
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE SWC
• 2024RECORD 9-3
(lost to Masuk, 41-13 in Class MM semifinals)
• RETURNING
STARTERS (off/def)
6/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter:@FootballBunnell
| Instagram: @FootballBunnell |
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
• Rody Ricketts Jr WR/DB (5-10, 165)
• Marios Charitopoulos Sr LB (6-0 215) Rickie Miller Sr DE/TE (6-0, 225)
• Carson Clarke, Sr., LB (5-10 195)
• Keyshon Zimmerman Jr WR (6-1 155)
• Jake DeVitto, Sr., LB (5-11, 205)
• Jamil Ortiz Sr OL (6-2 250)
REASON TO CHEER
Rody Ricketts is a Division I prospect after a breakout 2024 season. He’s only a junior
REASON TO FEAR The Bulldogs graduated their quarterback, top three running backs, top two receivers, and a Register/GametimeCT All-State offensive lineman
JOEL BARLOW
VITALS
• COACH TJ Cavaliere (sixth season, 38-18) HOME FIELD Joel Barlow HS Field, Redding
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE SWC
• 2024 RECORD 5-5
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
6/5
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Team Site
THEY’RE HERE
• Ben Noome Sr OL/DL, (6-8 260)
• Luke Bishop, Sr., RB/DB, (5-11, 180)
• Ben Zirulnik Sr OL/DL, (6-0 225)
• Jack Hall Sr RB/LB, (5-8, 175)
• Jack Dellorusso Sr OL/DL, (6-0 260)
REASON TO CHEER
Some big boys upfront on the offensive line, including 6-foot-8 Ben Noome should have no problem clearing room for the Falcons’ flexbone triple option offense
REASON TO FEAR
Scott Romano and Jack Gilbert, who helped the team win state titles in 2022 and 2023, have graduated.
MASUK
VITALS
• COACH Chris Pace (first season, 50-15 overall)
• HOME FIELD Benedict Field, Masuk HS Monroe
• PLAYOFF CLASS
MM CONFERENCE SWC
• 2024 RECORD 10-3 (won the Class MM championship 24-21, over Windsor)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
5/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @MasukPanthersFB| Instagram: @masukpanthersfb | Team Site
THEY’RE HERE
• Liam Whalen Sr OL (5-11 235)
• Adian Diaz Sr DE (6-0 225)
• Nate Archer, Sr., DT (6-1 245) Brayden Callahan Sr LB (5-11 180)
• Aaron Champagne, Jr., QB (5-11 180)
• Daniel Balestriere Jr OL/DL (6-0 230)
• Tanner Walker, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 170)
REASON TO CHEER
The defending CIAC Class MM champions return starting quarterback Aaron Champagne as a rock amidst many changes
REASON TO FEAR
Few teams will have to deal with as much change as Masuk, with a new coach in Chris Pace and some key players lost to graduation.
NEW FAIRFIELD
Vitals
• COACH Greg Schwarz (fourth season, 14-17)
• HOME FIELD Rebel Stadium, New Fairfield
• PLAYOFF CLASS SS
• CONFERENCE SWC
• 2024RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
6/6
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
THEY’RE HERE
• Michael Traynor, Sr.,
QB (6-3 195)
• Jack Riccio Sr WR/DB (5-11 170)
• Tristan Cunningham, Sr., OL/LB (5-11, 190)
• Carter Bowtek Sr WR/LB (5-10 175)
• Anthony Delcampo Sr WR/RB (5-8, 160)
• Jaeyce Rios, Sr., WR/RB/DB (5-8 165) Cristian Harvey Jr OL (6-3 245)
REASON TO CHEER
Michael Traynor returns for a third year as starting quarterback and six returning defensive players make up a strong back seven, which is the team’s strength according to coach Greg Schwarz.
REASON TO FEAR
Only two starting offensive linemen return and last year’s leading rusher captain James Fidaleo is unfortunately injured
NEW MILFORD
VITALS
• COACH Sean Murray (sixth season, 30-21)
• HOME FIELD Joe Wiser Stadium, New Milford
• PLAYOFF CLASS MM
• CONFERENCE SWC 2024 RECORD 6-4
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 1/1
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Site: Greenwavegridiron.com THEY’RE HERE
• Tyler Caldwell Sr OL/DL (6-0, 220)
• TJ Reudemann Sr WR/DB (6-1 170) Teegan Stedman Sr OL/DL (6-2, 270)
• Cam Sullivan, Jr., DL (5-9, 200)
REASON TO CHEER
The Green Wave returns a pair of starting linemen with Tyler Caldwell on offense and Teegan Stedman on defense.
REASON TO FEAR Those are the only returning starters.
4/4
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @PomPantherFB | Facebook:Pomperaug Panther Football THEY’RE HERE
• Dane Guinipero, Sr., RB/DB (5-4, 160)
• Cole Tracy Jr LB (5-8 190)
• Matt Kugler Jr. OL/DL (6-2, 220)
• Dom Creaco Jr FB/DL (5-10 205) Marco Russomanno Jr., (6-0, 235)
• Bobby Kinsella, Jr., OL/DL (6-0 240)
• Caleb McKee Jr TE/LB (6-1 190)
• Jack
(third season, 20-4)
• HOME FIELD Blue and Gold Stadium Newtown HS Sandy Hook
• PLAYOFF CLASS L
• CONFERENCE SWC
• 2024 RECORD 11-1 (lost to New Canaan, 35-20 in the Class L semifinals)
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def) 5/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @NewtownFootball | Instagram:@newtownhs football
THEY’RE HERE
• Nick Pavia Sr RB/DL (6-2 215)
• Mack Foss, Sr., OL/LB (6-3, 255)
• Justyn Gonzalez Sr WR/DB (5-10 165)
• Aidan Molina Sr OL/DL (6-1, 275)
• Cole Stockwell Sr RB/S (5-11 170)
Marcus Gerace Sr QB (6-0, 175)
• Grady Marks, Sr., WR/DB (6-4 205)
• Kieran Garrity Sr WR/LB (6-0 195)
REASON TO CHEER
The Nighthawks return the majority of their defense which allowed 16 points per game last year
REASON TO FEAR
The majority of their skill players on an offense that averaged nearly 36 points per game have graduated.
NOTRE DAME-PREP
VITALS
COACH John Johnson (seventh season, 30-33)
• HOME FIELD Campus Field at Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE SWC
• 2024 RECORD 2-8
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
9/7
• TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: ndlancers THEY’RE HERE
• Jordan Razor Jr WR/DB, (6-0 170)
• Jeremiah James Jr RB/LB, (5-8, 190)
• Nate Derisme, So., WR/LB, (5-10 185) Elijah Braziel, So WR/LB, (6-2 200)
• Craig Bostick, Sr., OL/DL, (6-1 230)
REASON TO CHEER
The Lancers have a lot of youthful experience back on both sides of the ball.
REASON TO FEAR
The experienced players are still juniors and sophomores
POMPERAUG
VITALS • COACH Tony Pereira (seventh season, 19-41)
• HOME FIELD Edward Arum Athletic Field at Pomperaug HS Sports Complex Southbury
• PLAYOFF CLASS M
• CONFERENCE SWC
www.footballbunnell.com
THEY’RE HERE
• Chris Rogers Sr OL (6-5, 295)
Twitter:@NFRebelPower | Instagram: @NFRebelPower
NEWTOWN
VITALS
• COACH Dan Farina
• 2024 RECORD 3-7
• RETURNING STARTERS (off/def)
Dave Phillips/For Hearst Connecticut Media
Masuk quarterback Aaron Champagne, a junior, returns to lead the Panthers’ offense
H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media
Quarterback Thad Balzi will be back under center for Brookfield this year after leading the Bobacts to a 12-1 record and an appearance in the Class M final.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
New year brings host of divisional changes
By Dave Stewart STAFF WRITER
Daniel Hand, which won a Class M football championship two seasons ago, is dropping down a division to Class SS Notre Dame-West Haven a Class L semifinalist is moving up to Class LL and Waterbury Career Academy is making a leap of two divisions.
Those are just a few of the changes for the 2025 high school football season when the CIAC released its six divisions on Monday.
Official practices began with preseason conditioning on Aug. 14, with the season kicking off on Sept. 11-13 The final day of games is on Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov 27 this year
Playoffs start with the quarterfinals on Dec 2, followed by the semifinals on Dec 7 and the championships on Dec 13
Class L has the largest field of teams with 24, followed by Class SS and Class S, each with 23 teams, and Classes LL, MM, and M with 22 teams.
The only state finalist from last season that is moving is Class SS runner-up Sheehan, which moves down to Class S.
All six of the state
champions are returning to their divisions to defend titles: Greenwich (LL), New Canaan (L) ,Masuk (MM), St Joseph (M), Killingly (SS) and Ansonia (S).
Three new co-ops have homes, with two playing in Class MM.
TRUMBULL WEST HAVEN WESTHILL-Stamford WILBUR CROSS-New Haven
CLASS L 613-785 enrollment (24)
AMITY ATI Co-op (Abbott Tech/Immaculate) * BASSICK (Down from LL)
CHESHIRE (Up from MM) CONARD DARIEN ENFIELD FAIRFIELD LUDLOWE FAIRFIELD WARDE FARMINGTON HALL HILLHOUSE (Up from MM) MALONEY NAUGATUCK NEW CANAAN NEWTOWN NORWALK (Down from LL) PLATT
RIDGEFIELD SHELTON SOUTH WINDSOR
NORWICH FREE
ACADEMY (Up from L) NOTRE
DAME-West Haven*
SOUTHINGTON STAMFORD
STAPLES-Westport
SCHEDULES
From page S19
WEAVER/CLASSICAL MAGNET/HARTFORD PUBLIC Co-op
WILBY
WILCOX/KAYNOR Co-op (Wilcox Tech/Kaynor Tech)
Plainfield joined the former Quinebaug Valley co-op to form the Valley Panthers, which also includes Ellis Tech Putnam and Tourtellotte Plainfield is the host school and they will play in Class MM The other new co-ops
CLASS MM 508-612 enrollment (22 teams)
BETHEL BRISTOL CENTRAL
BRISTOL EASTERN
BUNNELL-Stratford
CHENEY
TECH-Manchester
EAST HAVEN (Up from M)
FITCH (Down from L)
LEWIS MILLS/WOLCOTT
TECH Co-op
MASUK-Monroe
MIDDLETOWN NEWINGTON NEW MILFORD
SIMSBURY (Down from L)
STRATFORD TORRINGTON
THAMES RIVER Co-Op
(Grasso Tech/Norwich Tech/St Bernard)
VALLEY PANTHERS Co-op (Plainfield/Ellis Tech/Putnam/ Tourtellotte) (Up from M)
VG TITANS Co-op (Vinal Tech/Goodwin Tech) (Down from L)
WETHERSFIELD
WILTON WINDSOR XAVIER
CLASS M 405-507 enrollment (22 teams)
6:30 p.m.* Oct. 10 at North Branford, 6:30 p.m.* Oct. 17 at Coginchaug/Hale Ray/East Hampton, 6:30 p.m.* Oct. 24 at Cromwell/Portland, 6 p.m.*
p.m.*
6:30 p.m.* Nov. 25 HADDAM-KILLINGWORTH, 6:30 p.m.* VG Titans Sept. 11 at Wilby, 6 p.m. @ Sept. 19 O’BRIEN TECH, 6:30 p.m. * Sept. 25 at Bullard Havens, 6 p.m. * Oct. 10 at Cheney Tech, 6 p.m. * Oct. 17 BASSICK, 6:30 p.m. @ Oct. 24 ATI, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Thames River, 6 p.m.
have connections to the dissolution of Northwest United.
Nonnewaug, Shepaug Valley and Lakeview have remained together and will play as an independent team in Class SS Wolcott Tech of Torrington, which was part
AVON BERLIN
BRANFORD
BROOKFIELD COVENTRY Co-Op (Coventry/Bolton/ Windham Tech) (Up from SS)
EAST LYME
E.O. SMITH-Storrs
GUILFORD (Down from MM)
HOLY CROSS* (Down from MM)
LYMAN HALL-Wallingford
NEW LONDON NORTH HAVEN
NOTRE DAME PREP*
PLATT TECH (Down from MM)
POMPERAUG (Down from MM)
ROCKVILLE-Vernon
SMSA Co-Op (SMSA/University/ Bulkeley/HMTCA)
ST JOSEPH*
WATERBURY CAREER
ACADEMY* (Up from S)
WATERTOWN WINDSOR LOCKS Co-Op (Windsor Locks/Suffield/East Granby) (Up from SS)
WOODSTOCK ACADEMY
CLASS SS 337-404 enrollment (23
of Northwest United, is now in a co-op with Lewis Mills of the CCC and will play in Class MM.
Overall, 26 teams are either changing divisions or new co-ops.
Class LL lost Norwalk and Bassick to Class L while gaining Notre
teams) AMISTAD
BACON ACADEMY Co-Op (Bacon Academy/Lyman Memorial) (Up from S)
BULLARD-HAVENS
CREC Co-op (Comp Sci/Aerospace/ International/Innovation) (Down from M)
HAND-Madison (Down from M)
ELLINGTON FORAN-Milford GNH Co-op (Gilbert/Housatonic Regional/Northwestern)
GRANBY/CANTON Co-Op
JOEL BARLOW-Redding
JONATHAN LAW (Down from M)
KILLINGLY LEDYARD
NEW FAIRFIELD
NONNEWAUG Co-op (Nonnewaug/ Lakeview/Shepaug Valley) O’BRIEN TECH-Ansonia
PLAINVILLE
PRINCE TECH-Hartford
RHAM (Down from M)
ROCKY HILL WATERFORD WESTON WINDHAM
CLASS S Up to 336 enrollment (23
Dame-West Haven. Class L gained four teams with Norwalk and Bassick dropping down and Cheshire and Hillhouse moving up from Class MM.
Fitch, Simsbury and the VG Titans co-op moved down from Class L to Class MM, which also gained East Haven from Class M and the Valley Panthers and Lewis Mills/Wolcott Tech coops.
Class M features seven new teams, adding Guilford, Holy Cross, Platt Tech and Pomperaug from Class MM, the Coventry and Windsor Locks co-ops from Class SS, and WCA, which jumps all the way from Class S. New teams in Class SS are Hand, Law and RHAM, along with the Bacon Academy, CREC and Nonnewaug co-ops. Class S has three new teams, all moving down from Class SS: Sheehan, Tolland and Wolcott.
teams)
ANSONIA
BLOOMFIELD
CAPITAL PREP Co-op (Capital Prep-Hartford/ Achievement First)
COGINCHAUG Co-op(Coginchaug/Hale Ray/East Hampton)
CROMWELL/PORTLAND Co-op
DERBY EAST CATHOLIC
GRISWOLD/WHEELER Co-op
HADDAM-KILLINGWORTH
MONTVILLE
MSW Co-op (Morgan/Old Saybrook/Westbrook)
NORTH BRANFORD
NORTHWEST
CATHOLIC-West Hartford
OXFORD
SEYMOUR
SHEEHAN-Wallingford (Down from SS)
ST PAUL-Bristol
STAFFORD Co-op (Stafford/East Windsor/Somers)
STONINGTON
TOLLAND (Down from SS)
VALLEY REGIONAL/OLD LYME Co-op
WOLCOTT (Down from SS) WOODLAND-Beacon Falls
Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media
Quarterback Giuseppe Capasso and Notre Dame-West Haven will be playing in a new division this season after moving up to Class LL.