FORTY THREE teams. 5,150 WORDS. YOUR state high school football Cliff Notes.
Summer is hell. The heat is oppressive and best left to Hell.
We recognize that most of you prefer the summer and its warmth to the cold of winter, baffling as this is New England, known for its blizzards, fall foliage and highways narrower than a supermodel’s waist.
You can warm up by simply putting a coat on. Cooling down is a bit more different. One needs to strip down to prevent heat exhaustion and, if you’ve ever taken a good look around, you DO NOT want to see most folks in little clothing.
You’re also hosed if you don’t have air conditioning — there’s only so many hours a day that the local Dunkin’ Donuts will allow you to loiter inside without drinking several ice coffees.
The not-quickly-enough impending end to summer also means the return of America’s passion — football. Not the football played in Europe, where the slightest touch causes dudes to flop like Ric Flair and go into convulsions. We’re talking football. REAL AMERICAN FOOTBALL.
An all-new and spectacular high school football season begins Friday, and the New Haven Register/GameTimeCT.com/21st Century Media Monolith released its preseason Top 10 on Wednesday.
Please allow us to go over the Top 10 and the other 28 teams that received votes, as well as any other team that might have been missed. Learning is good. A mind is a terrible thing to waste (and taste).
We also implore you to visit GameTimeCT.com and read the server-slaying number of high school football previews they toiled over the past few weeks. Mary Albl, Derek Turner, Peter Wallace, Jimmy Zanor, Pooch Diggity Dogg and Sean Patrick Starfish have been doing the Lord’s work (your actual Lord may vary). Thanks to them, Dave Ruden, Scott Ericson, Frankie Graziano, Gentleman Jim Bransfield and anyone else we’ve foolishly forgotten for helping us script these Cliff Notes.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: The season-debut of The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches' poll is next Monday. It will be unleashed upon a football-famished public first by our comrades at WFSB-3 during their 6 p.m. news, and immediately thereafter at this here website.
And it goes a little something like this.
1. SOUTHINGTON (12-0, CLASS LL-LARGE CHAMP): Good news, Blue Knights’ opponents — the two-time, two-time state champions graduated nine from their massive attack defense. Bad news, Blue Knights’ opponents — Southington head coach Mike Drury said this will be his fastest defense yet. The offense should be as ludicrous as ever, too. Second-year QB Jasen Rose threw for 3,190 yards and 47 TDs last season. The Blue Knights are deep and talented at running back with Alessio Diana (1,058 yards, 11 TDs), Vance Upham (948 yards, 11 TDs), and Ryan Montalvo (a soph who’s going to evolve into a force). Sure will be nice, too, to have four CIAC state divisions this year instead of eight. That way we might have a Class LL field featuring Southington, Xavier, Shelton, Newtown, Glastonbury and Darien (yes — it's moved up a division). WHEE-EEEE.
2. NEW CANAAN (11-1, CLASS L-LARGE CHAMP): The Rams were supposed to take a slight step back last season after graduating a ridiculously talented senior class. Yeah, how'd that work out? New Canaan will be both an FCIAC and Class L force again no matter what it lost — and it lost plenty. Zach Allen, last year's Gatorade Player of the Year, and the multi-talented Alex LaPolice both graduated. Assistant John Marinelli also left to take his first head coaching gig at rival Greenwich. Marinelli was a maestro coordinating the offense the previous six seasons and greatly assisted his pops, head coach Lou, in other ways. And now, on to the reasons why the Rams remain ever fearsome. Second-year QB Mike Collins threw for 2,624 yards and 32 TDs last season. Kyle Smith (31 catches, team-high 722 yards receiving, 10 TDs) is a very inviting (and big) target (6-foot-3, 222 pounds). Three of last year’s starting o-linemen in the state final were underclassmen and HO-YOOOOGE, led by tackle/FBS recruit/colossus Lucas Niang (6-6, 295). The defense does have to be overhauled after losing eight starters to either graduation or injury. DB Michael Cognetta (73 tackles) and LB David Strupp (70 tackles) will help speed up the process. New Canaan is a Class L contender for the eighth straight millennium and a potential No. 1 team, too.
3. DARIEN (12-1, CLASS L-LARGE RUNNER-UP): The defending FCIAC kings are a top-five team if not better. Tim Graham threw for 2,525 yards and 24 TDs in his first season and has one of his top targets back in Colin Minicus (47 catches, team-high 645 yards, 4 TDs). Leading rusher Shelby Grant (838 yards, 7 TDs) returns, too. The front lines need to be rebuilt, as only one starter returns to both. Junior Andrew Steuber (6-6, 315) is the veteran on the o-line. Mark Evanchick starts his fourth season at DE and is the sworn enemy of quarterbacks and offensive tackles throughout the league. He had TWENTY-FIVE sacks last season and has a shot to best Dwight Freeney’s state career record in sacks. Yep, that Dwight Freeney. The defensive backfield remains intact, which will be a help when it plays pass-til-they-puke New Canaan on Thanksgrabbing Day.
4. WINDSOR (12-0, CLASS L-SMALL CHAMP): Half of its championship team graduated. The half that returns will have it back in Class L title contention. Bennie Fulse III (1,435 yards rushing, 14 TDs) and Tyler Coyle (28 catches, 700 yards, 11 TDs) will quickly become the new best friends of new QB Jahkari Grant (a St. Thomas More transfer). The Warriors will have a lot of new starters on both lines. LB Malik Ellis (team-high 114 tackles), DT Luis Aviles (63 tackles) and DBs Isaiah Huff and Coyle (7 INTs) return to a defense that had five straight shutouts last year and allowed a meager 80 points.
5. BROOKFIELD (12-2, CLASS M-LARGE CHAMP): The Class M-Large kings return 17 starters. SEVENTEEN. How often does a high school football team return 17 starters, especially a Class M school, besides, well, the Bobcats? RB-LB Bobby Drysdale ran for 1,496 yards, 24 TDs and got accepted to fair Hah-vard. FB-LB Austin Reich is a bruiser. Eight of Brookfield’s top nine tacklers are back, too, led by ends Matt Melby (team-high 86 tackles) and Nick Seis (78 tackles, 13 sacks — 16 which he had against Berlin in the state final).
6. NOTRE DAME-WEST HAVEN (9-4, CLASS L-SMALL FINALIST): The Green Knights were supposed to be built to win state titles this season. They tried to speed up the process last year by making a state final. They’re among the SCC favorites as they return seven on offense, featuring QB Christian Lupoli (1,977 yards, 15 TDs; team-high 786 yards rushing), Prince Brooks (716 yards rushing, 8 TDs) and Nico Ragaini (71 catches, 1,036 yards, 7 TDs). ND must replace three offensive linemen and six defensive starters and they lack bulk on both lines. It’ll be a Class L contender if it can survive DEATH SCHEDULE 2015 — it opens with Fairfield Prep, West Haven, North Haven, Shelton and Xavier. Eep.
7. SHELTON (12-1, CLASS LL-SMALL RUNNER-UP): Notre Dame is slightly favored ahead of the Gaels in the SCC. … for now. Offensively, Shelton is ND sans the quarterback, and with a more veteran (and bigger) line. It's ranked below the Green Knights because Mark Piccirillo graduated (4,140 total yards, 30 TD passes, 23 rushing TDs). Whoever takes over at QB has more than enough targets — RB-DB Peter Hoff (594 yards, 9 TDs), WR-DB Chris Kanios (28 catches, 658 yards, 7 TDs), WR-CB Kevin Robinson (36 catches, 785 yards, 12 TDs) and WR/TE Alex Kirk (26 catches, 501 yards, 7 TDs). The Gaels return 820 pounds worth of the offensive line in Matt Zelanin (6-4, 295), Andrew Valeri (62, 255) and Peter Peng. There are five back on defense, none of which are linemen. Shelton has some injury concerns as Kanois (shoulder) and Kirk (foot) should both miss some games due to injuries. No worries provided they’re back for Week 4 at Notre Dame.
8. XAVIER (9-3, CLASS LL-SMALL CHAMP): We’re never, ever doubting the Falcons’ chances to win a state title, no matter how many losses or how much inexperience they might have. They’ve earned that deference after winning four state titles in five years. Last year’s may have been the most impressive because they weren’t their usual dominant selves, they barely made states (they qualified after several teams ahead of them in the Class LL rankings lost Thanksgrabbing week) and they avenged a regular-season loss to Shelton in the LL-Small final (28-27). The Falcons graduated much-much and will be reloading. Junior RB Glenn Cunningham (6-1, 210) was A MAN in the state final as he ran a game-high 28 times for 162 yards with two TDs. Classmate Collin McCarthy had a team-high 44 catches for 386 yards. And it wouldn’t be Xavier football without enormous humans. Say “howdy” to OL Kevin Lawrence (6-3, 300) and NG Alex Bates (6-0, 280).
9. NEWTOWN (11-1, CLASS LL-SMALL SEMIFINALIST): The three-time SWC champs should be FUELED BY HATE after losing a first-round home state playoff game for the third straight year. The offense returns just three starters. The Nighthawks’ D will more than compensate as it's loaded. You ever been hit by a car? If “yes”, then you know how opponents feeling getting tackled by junior LB Ben Mason (6-3, 240). Lineman Ryan Shaw (45 tackles, 5.5 sacks), LB Nick Samuelson (43 tackles, 4 sacks) and safeties Ethan Carpenter and Mike Doyle will assist Mason with the carnage. YOUR Game of the Week for Week 3 — Newtown at Brookfield.
10. ANSONIA (11-2, CLASS S-LARGE RUNNER-UP): The Class S-Large runners-up graduated all but four starters. It helps that two of them are all-staters — running back Tajik Bagley (1,259 rushing yards, 23 total TDs) and receiver Tyler Bailey (779 yards rushing, 14 TDs; 29 catches, 60 yards, 6 TDs). This may not be Chargers Classic, but folks around the Naugatuck Valley League say it’ll be a down year among those parts. Besides, Ansonia has had longer reigns of power than many congressmen, congresswomen and third-world despots. Take a look at the Class S field, too, and find a better team. OK, there’s a potential challenger, but more on it soon.
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
GLASTONBURY (8-4, CLASS LL-LARGE SEMIFINALIST): The Tomahawks have been one of the state’s most consistent winners as they’ve made states the last seven years and won a LL title. The offense will revolve around Keyion Dixon (UConn). He’s very versatile — how many players do you know of who play both quarterback and receiver? He and Jake Madnick figure to be the leading rushers. Alex Fahey (5-11, 285), Sam Pirsig (6-3, 227) and Jared Nelson (6-3, 234) will hold down the offensive line. The defense must replace three all-state linebackers.
LEDYARD (12-1, CLASS M-SMALL FINALIST): The Colonels were built to win last season, so it heads into this year feeling a bit mortal. They graduated 4,565 yards worth of rushing and receiving (or 81.1 percent) in all-state tailback JoJo Shumaker (2,246 yards, 40 TDs) and top receivers Phyllip and River Thomas. Ledyard still has good odds to qualify for Class M again, though. Third-year QB Ty Ebdon threw for 2,208 yards and 31 TDs and younger brother (soph Max) could be Ledyard’s next great player. Luke Saccone was the team’s vertical receiver last season. Three-year starters Mike Leandri (6-2, 225) and Jeff O’Hanlon (6-0, 215) lead a good offensive line. The D should be solid. The Colonels will have a fun October with games against New London (Oct. 2), Montville (Oct. 23), and Norwich Free Academy (Oct. 30).
NORWICH FREE ACADEMY (8-3, CLASS LL-LARGE RUNNER-UP): The Wildcats were good last year. They could be even better this year. Several defensive starters return, including four-year starter Peyton Whittaker (LB). The offense returns just four starters, BUT. …. QB Jawaun Johnson travels at light speed (Class LL outdoor 100 and 200 champion; second in the 100 at New Englands — he never ran track until last spring). He ran for over 300 yards twice last season. God help the ECC if he improves as a passer. Four-year starter J’Von Brown (6-2, 320) and fellow vet Noah Brown (6-4, 280) anchor an offensive line that must be weighed on truck scales. The Wildcats haven't been able to beat the likes of Southington or Xavier at the state level. They'll get a shot at home versus Xavier on Oct. 17 in the worst scheduling of a Homecoming opponent EVER (you're supposed to play a patsy on Homecoming, not a large-school machine). Regardless, NFA won't be fun to play locally or in states.
NORTH HAVEN (9-3, CLASS L-SMALL SEMIFINALIST): Our favorite champions of GOD’S FATHER’S OFFENSE return 18 starters. They’ll (once again) be the team to beat in SCC D2 and may be among best in the league, too (they’ll get to prove it in games vs. Notre Dame-W.H. and Prep). Mike Montano was the Indians’ second-leading rusher last season and he got a veteran and brawny line running interference for him. North Haven wants to throw more this season (NO-OOOO) as he’s got dudes like TE-LB Jeremy Imperati. FB-DL Dave Mikos (113 tackles) and FB-LB Conner Suraci (83) were the team’s top tacklers last season. Reckon North Haven will return to the Class L playoffs.
WETHERSFIELD (11-1, CLASS L-LARGE SEMIFINALIST): The Eagles were one of the state's top surprises last season and gave New Canaan some worries in their semifinal loss. They'll be more run-based this season out of nescessity. QB Matt Sanzaro graduated, so all-state RB-LB Rich Williams (6-0, 205) should be the offensive catalyst aided by four veteran linemen. The defense graduated many of its top tacklers. The backfield of Jaequan Brown (6 INTs), Navarre Pratt and Elijah Young will be a strength of that unit. An opposing coach said that Wethersfield will be among the CCC's best. Who are we to doubt him.
GREENWICH (7-4): The Cardinals had an eventful offseason. HC Richie Albonizio resigned after 18 seasons because Greenwich was hell-bent on getting rid of him — a 184-39 record, five FCIAC titles and three state titles just wasn’t enough to keep him around. John Marinelli takes over after a successful run at New Canaan and is among the reasons why Greenwich is THE MOST INTERESTING TEAM IN THE STATE. They have only six starters back, but the Cards always have numbers and talent. Exhibit A — WR/DE Scooter Harrington (6-6, 240), who’s committed to Boston College (stop hyperventilating, DiMauro). The offense will also adopt the Mach 6/Tony Franklin spread that Marinelli ran at his old job. PLOTLINES — Greenwich opens the season on Week 2 at Trinity Catholic, where Albonizio is now an assistant. Neat.
STAPLES (7-4): The Wreckers could upset the Darien-New Canaan balance depending on the evolution of new QB Andrew Speed and their defense. They’d like to throw more this year because they have two quality tight ends in Evan Gilland (6-2, 195) and Ryan Fitton (6-5, 235). Junior Ethan Berger ran for a team-high 1,260 yards and 11 TDs. Center Jackson Ward is large (6-4, 285) and smart (headed to Harvard). DE Evan Gilland (72) and LB Jack Griffin (56) were third and fourth in tackles last season.
MIDDLETOWN (8-2, CLASS L-SMALL SEMIFINALIST): The Blue Dragons graduated eight on both offense and defense. Worse, among those who matriculated were offensive linchpin Dario Highsmith and defensive force Isaiah Thompkins. That ain’t good. Senior Hunter Belzo (LB-RB) and juniors Tyshaun James (QB) and Laurenzo Thompkins (LB) are among those who’ll be asked to do more this season.
NEW FAIRFIELD (7-4): This is the Rebels' best shot to move into the SWC’s top tier as they return their entire offensive line and backfield and most of the defense. Mike Zanca (1,070 yards passing, 8 TDs), Zach Tripodi (1,182 yards rushing, 16 TDs) and James Lewis (628 yards, 5 TDs) and Greg Radovic (22 catches, 476 yards, 6 TDs) will produce the points again. Linebackers Brian McGonnigle (team-high 124 tackles) and Greg Radovic (54 tackles, 6 INTs) and safety Tripodi (51 tackles) were New Fairfield’s three top tacklers last fall. The Rebels get their chance at making a great first impression because they open at Brookfield on Friday.
VALLEY REGIONAL/OLD LYME (13-0, CLASS S-LARGE CHAMP): The Class S-Large champs said “adios” to the most successful class in program history. That group was also responsible for almost all of last year’s touchdowns as well as the team's top seven tacklers, thus the WARRIORCATS will be reloading after back-to-back unbeaten regular seasons. They’re in good shape up on both the offensive and defensive lines with Jack Giaconia (6-4, 300), Will Visgilio (6-3, 230), Mitch Conrad (6-0, 230) and Stonington transfer Luke Williams (5-10, 260).
ST. JOSEPH (11-2, CLASS M-SMALL CHAMP): The Cadets may not get a chance at a three-peat as they were ravaged by graduation. All-Staters Lars Pederson, Mufasha Abdul Basir and Troy Vazzano and many, many, many, many others have left the building. Quarterback Cory Babineau (994 yards, 13 TDs), center Jack Ganser, nose guard Mike Jones and linebacker Cam Ryan (team-high 127 tackles) are among the few returning to Hog Hill. The Cadets will have a few more weeks to practice because they don’t play until Week 3 (Sept. 25) thanks to the FCIAC’s silly 2015 scheduling.
TRINITY CATHOLIC (7-4): The Crusaders are that potential Class S threat hinted at in the Ansonia capsule. They started many underclassmen last season who transformed an 0-11 team into a winner. Second-year QB Anthony Lombardi threw for 1,688 yards and 21 TDs. His top receivers graduated, so he’ll gladly welcome Norwalk transfer Izaiah Sanders (6-3, 205). Athlete JonMichael Bivona also transferred in from Stamford. The Crusaders’ other strength is its schedule. Only two of its nine opponents had winning records last year — Greenwich and Stamford (6-4). They don't play New Canaan, either, even though they're in the same division. The FCIAC’s new two-division format sure is something else.
WEST HAVEN (6-5): The West Haven sidelines just won’t look right this season after the retirement of 32-year head coach Ed McCarthy, the state’s career wins leader (332). Rich Boshea takes over the job after — get this — THIRTY years as an assistant coach. Once a Westie, always a Westie and, in the case of this year’s team, young and green Westies. Junior Tim McCarthy (1,397 yards, 12 TDs) is back for his second season at quarterback and will be targeting juniors Anthony Godfrey (HB) and Sheilan Velazquez (WR) as well as sophomore Chris Chance (RB). Seniors Marquis Lockhart (111 tackles) and Adrian Jaynes (95 tackles) and junior Byron Dickens (6-1, 308) are among the defensive leaders.
BLOOMFIELD (5-6): A wise coach outside the CCC recommended keeping the Warhawks on the radar before the preseason began. Dude was on to something. Quarterback Isaiah Colebook was the team’s second-leading rusher (793 yards, team-high nine rushing TDs). He’ll move to receiver this season as Rayshawn Phillips transferred over after quarterbacking Capital Prep/Achievement First to its first state title. His presence should lead to Bloomfield going more vertical this year. Russell Thompson-Bishop shall enjoy that (22 catches, 399 yards, four TDs). Running back Andrell Pinnock, son of former NFL running back/armored truck Andrew Pinnock, is back after missing most of last year to a torn ACL. FBS schools are showing in interest in junior linebacker Dillon Harris (80 tackles).
NEW BRITAIN (8-4, CLASS LL-LARGE SEMIFINALIST): The Golden Hurricanes put years of losing (and turmoil) behind them last year as they doubled their win total and went to states for the first time since 2004. Senior C.J. Gaskin (WR-FS) and Kyshawn Gunn (RB-CB) and junior Dajion Hill (QB) aim to make the playoffs for a second straight year. That’ll be tough as the back end of New Britain’s schedule is killer — vs. Hall (Oct. 23), at Southington (Oct. 30), vs. Glastonbury (Nov. 6), at Hartford Public (Nov. 14), and vs. Berlin (Nov. 20).
NAUGATUCK (9-3, CLASS L-SMALL SEMIFINALIST): Head coach Craig Bruno loves to air it out and will try any offensive play at least once. He’s going to have to scale back the play sheet as three-year starting quarterback Jason Bradley and leading receiver Bryan Coney graduated. It would benefit the Greyhounds to run more because they have running back Antoine Sistrunk. Bruno is confident that the team will succeed, but do they have enough to return to states?
MONTVILLE (7-4): The Indians are constructed like the team of the Polecat staff’s dreams — a big, veteran offensive line, several dudes who can run and may have to run more than usual due to inexperience at quarterback. TO HELL WITH YOUR FORWARD PASS, EDDIE COCHEMS. Two-way lineman Kevin Murtha (6-2, 290) starts his fourth season, impressive given that Montville rarely lacks linemen (or athletes). The defense needs tighten up after surrendering 295 points (that's a lot for a winning team). The make-or-break portion of Montville's schedule happens in October when it plays at New London (Oct. 9) and Ledyard (Oct. 23) with a bye week squeezed in-between.
TORRINGTON (5-6): Why is a team with a losing record receiving votes, you ask? Be quiet and we'll tell you, Jabberjaw. Sheesh. NVL coaches have talked up the Red Raiders because they have perhaps the league's most experienced and talented team. Torrington was also hammered by injuries last season. It's tough to win when you're losing talent such as Nathaniel Bresson (TE-LB). He's back and healthy. So are RB Tyler Marens (1,179 yards rushing 12 TDs), QB Connor Finn (1,072 yards passing, 11 TDs), LB Nick Paniati, and linemen Kobe Covington (6-0, 320) and Eric Mayerjak (5-10, 230). The Red Raiders will learn about themselves quickly with games against Naugatuck (Sept. 25) and at Derby (Oct. 2). They'll play host to Wolcott (Oct. 16) and Ansonia (Oct. 23) in back-to-back weeks, too.
HAND (5-6): Didn’t expect it to get votes, but that’s what happens to a team when they’re a name-brand product. The Tigers graduated 28 seniors and lost senior co-captain Reid Sweitzer (RB-LB), who was injured during the preseason and may be out for a month. Hand will still be a tough match-up, though. Nick Van Dell threw for 2,043 yards and 11 TDs and ran for a team-high 839 yards and 4 TDs. RB Nick Leone (6-0, 235) will have to carry the ball more in Sweitzer’s absence. The defense will field a lot of youngsters. The Tigers might win seven in some leagues, but not in the SCC D-1 (they play Notre Dame-W.H., Xavier, Shelton and West Haven in Weeks 7-10).
HALL (8-3, CLASS L-SMALL SEMIFINALIST): The Warriors have to rebuild (or reload) after graduating their quarterback, their top four rushers, leading receiver Rob Parra, etc. Matt Wilcox is the new QB and Amari Bartley and Tyler Strickling take over the running duties. The defense was hit as hard as the offense. Glastonbury (Sept. 11), Southington (Oct. 9) and New Britain (Oct. 23) are among the toughest games on Hall's schedule.
BUNNELL (6-5): The Bulldogs might be ready to make their move back toward the top of the SWC. They won four of their last five after former head coach Doug Cotto was bounced for (allegedly) bad judgment. They have talent and depth at the scoring positions — Adam Wojenski (2,478 yards passing, 27 TDs), Brett Bogdwicz (39 catches, 807 yards, 10 TDs) and Cole Davis (871 yards rushing, 7 TDs). The offensive line lost three starters and the defense seven.
NORTH BRANFORD (11-2, CLASS S-SMALL RUNNER-UP): A small Class S school graduated 24 seniors and with four varsity players returning. Ouch. It’ll be a big test for a program that’s been a perennial Pequot power. Senior Paul Pastet took over at QB due to injury during last season and threw for 974 yards and 12 TDs and ran for four more scores. Shelby Franklin can scoot, too (877 yards rushing, 8 TDs; 4 TD catches).
WOLCOTT (9-3, CLASS M-SMALL SEMIFINALIST): What’s more important — scorers or the blockers? The Eagles are about to field-test that question. They graduated all their skill players, but return four of five linemen including seniors Cole Phelps (6-2, 240) Justin Nadeau (5-10, 205), and Phil Olmstead (6-1, 225). Junior Nate Pastore is the new quarterback and Kountry Kyle Brennan reports that he’s a natural running the spread option. Head coach Jason Pace has done a good job making this program relevant, so let’s see what he can do with all the noobs.
BERLIN (11-2, CLASS M-LARGE RUNNER-UP): The Class M staple (not Staples) were whacked by graduation. Only three offensive starters return from last year’s state final, namely Owen Taylor (656 yards rushing, 4 TDs). Berlin also graduated five of its six top tacklers. The Redcoats should be challenged early by Bloomfield (Friday), East Catholic (Sept. 25) and Northwest Catholic (Oct. 23). Really curious to see what goes down at its home game vs. Avon (Oct. 23).
CAPITAL PREP/ACHIEVEMENT (12-1, CLASS S-SMALL CHAMP): The Class S-Small champs haven’t lost a CSC game in four years, but will have to adapt to some big changes. Head coach Chris Fulton retired after eight seasons to become the school’s AD. Assistant coach Jason Manson is now the head man in charge (you older folks will remember him a star QB at Bloomfield). Speaking of quarterbacks, Rayshawn Phillips bounced from Prep to Bloomfield. WR-CB Jahkai Gill (50 catches, 1,083 yards, 13 TDs) and RB-DB Jourdayne Ross are back (808 yards, 8 TDs) and will help sophomore Kevin Zajak as he gets used to being the star QB. DE Daniel Lebron (8 sacks, 59 tackles) and WR-S Edgar Torres (65 tackles) return. The Trailblazers will have to contend with a new league threat this season, which we’ll get to later.
FAIRFIELD PREP (7-4): A new head coach (former DC Keith HELLSTERN) inherits a program with many new starters. Junior Patrick Conte takes over at QB for the departed Colton Smith (a three-year starter and last year’s leading rusher). He’ll be looking for receiver Brendan Beiser and tight end Bobby Haskins, the latter which won’t be too hard to find (Haskins is 6-7, 235). The defense is in better shape as several of its top tacklers are back — DB Connor Bercik (50 tackles), LB Nick Franchuk (47, 4 sacks), DL Nate Miller (43), LB Luke Clair (37) and lineman Sam Opont (36).
BRISTOL EASTERN (7-4): Eastern fans should be full of glee by Paul Philippon returning to be head coach. The dude knows what he’s doing. He led the Lancers to two CCC South championships from 2005-08 as well as the 2007 Class M playoffs, just one of the program’s three postseason berths. He just got through a three-year stint at Canton. The program was coming off a 0-10 season when he took over in 2012. The Warriors finished 10-2 last season and won the Pequot Uncas Division title, their first league title since 1958 (the program went offline from 1964-2006). They also earned their first postseason berth, dang remarkable given they had just 27 players in the ENTIRE program. The Lancers have to replace their starting backfield and contend with the likes of Middletown, Wethersfield and Class L-Small champ Windsor, but things are looking up.
GRANBY (7-4): HOLY CRAP ON A CRAP CRACKER — the Granbanarians could be the Pequot’s best team in just their sixth season. Many of the Pequot’s top teams were ravaged by graduation. The Bears return 21 starters. Connor Field ran for 2,204 yards (including four straight 300-yard games) and 23 TDs. He has large men blocking for him — Mekhi Golding (6-3, 310), Vince Lucca (6-5, 275), and Andrew Migliaccio (6-4, 265). LB Logan Strain (85), S Dominic Pagano (59) and LB Nick Kenney (58) were the team’s top three tacklers. Granby — Class S contender. Believe it.
YOU WILL NOT IGNORE….
AVON (7-4): Welcome to the Central Connecticut Conference, Falcons — what have you got? They’ve left behind the predominantly small-school Pequot Football Conference for the ginormous Hartford County league featuring schools of all shapes and sizes. They’re well equipped to handle the first year in their new digs as they have a veteran team. RB-LB Teddy Allmendinger (5-foot-11, 238 pounds) cannot be fun to tackle (1,278 yards rushing, 13 TDs). Ditto Army-bound TE-LB Geoff Kirk.
EAST CATHOLIC (8-3): Among the state’s top producers of GOD’S OFFENSE. Chris Amata (666 yards rushing, 8 TDs) and Andre Brackett Jr. (550 yards, 5 TDs) were the third- and fourth-leading rushers, respectively, last year. QB Jack Droney returns and will throw on those rare instances on weakness that East opts not to run. Brackett and Amata were also among the seven underclassmen who were among EC’s top nine tacklers. The youngsters taking over starting roles were 15-1 as jayvees the past two years
ELLINGTON (7-4): The CIAC’s co-op rules can be a mystery. Ellington had been a co-op with Somers, but it had grown too large (378 boys) and was forced to break up with the latter. That caused the Knights to drop from Class M to S because they lost their Somers teammates because they were TOO BIG to co-op. Whatever. The defense took a bit of a hit. The program is overjoyed that QB Christian Rider (1,394 total yards, 19 TDs) and WR Mark Hickman (1,554 all-purpose yards, 15 TDs) are still around. The offensive line returns some size and experience. Ellington will remain a player in the Pequot.
HARDING (5-6): That tease in the Capital Prep/Achievement about a new CSC contender? HERE IT IS. The Presidents have moved in from the FCIAC and several coaches from both conferences said that they’ll clean house in their new league. The numbers and talent are up at Harding, too. Soph Taisun Phommachanh (2,540 yards passing, 20 TDs) has already caught the eye of college recruiters. CSC foes will quickly learn about WR-DE Xavier Bass, WR-LB Jhazaari Mullings and LB Jeff Rogers. The offensive line is young, which Harding can live with because of the veteran presence of senior Tyshawn McClain (6-3, 340). Harding will have no time to get comfortable in the CSC as it opens at home Friday against perennial league contender Prince Tech. Leave your schedule open for Halloween afternoon because Harding visits Capital Prep/Achievement First.
NEW LONDON (7-4, CLASS M-LARGE SEMIFINALIST): The Whalers graduated their QB, top receivers and running back. Upside is that their offensive line is experienced and hefty. Downside is that they struggled to run last season. Junior Melquann Gomez gets his shot at quarterback. Junior TE-LB D. Major Roman (6-4, 280) already has an offer from UConn and will have many more D1 suitors. He's also one of many defensive hulks. New London has a wacky schedule — it'll play nine straight weeks, followed by two byes and NFA on Thanksgiving. It'll play host to Ledyard (Oct. 2) and Montville (Oct. 9) in successive weeks, too.
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