ECC Division I

East Lyme

Coach: Rudy Bagos (10th season)

Key returnees: Sr. QB-FS Will Anglin, Sr. RB-DB Rowan Mundell, Sr. OL-DL Dave Semnoski, Sr. WR-DB Mason Senkow, Sr. WR-DB Ethan Gillespie, Sr. OL-DL Dan Brothers, Sr. TE-DE Mason Gallo, Sr. RB-DB Ben Caron, Sr. OL-DL Wyatt Keramidas, Sr. WR-DE Nick Vogel, Jr. Ol-DL Ben Glover, Jr. OL-DL Ben Kelley, Jr. RB-LB Jack Kelly, Jr. OL-DL Jackson Lin, Jr. QB-DB Nick Maksim, Jr. K-DB Jack Mauri, Jr. RB-DL Noah Poulin, Jr. RB-LB Thabian Riley, Jr. OL-DE Zack Bednarz, Jr. WR-DB Colin Bunkley, So. WR-DB Matt Leone, So. WR-DB Jeremiah Jean, So. RB-DB Aidan Patterson, So. OL-DL Bryce Manwaring, So. QB-DB Ronin McNamara, So. OL-DL

Top newcomers: Sr. TE-DE Blake Harris, Sr. WR-DB Cannon Dean, S.r RB-LB David Kane, So. RB-LB Malachi Harris, Fr. OL-LB Tom Matlock, Fr. OL-DL Syrus Sistare, Fr. TE-LB Brayden Soleau.

Outlook: Bagos will have to be patient with the 2021 Vikings, who return little varsity experience from the 2019 season, although numbers remain strong to help survive some early growing pains. "Having a tough schedule," Bagos said, "our success will depend on our senior leadership and growth of the younger players."

Fitch

Coach: Mike Ellis (7th season)

Key returnees: Sr. QB-DB Shawn Beebe, Sr. OL-OLB Nate Cummings, Sr. WR-DB Aidan Greaves, Sr. OL-LB John Luethy, Sr. RB-LB Greg Santora, Sr. RB-LB Tate Scherer, Sr. WR-DL Elijah Shelton, Sr. OL-DL Ethan Sisson, Sr. RB-DB Thomas Williams.

Top newcomers: Sr. DL Ty Ambroise, Jr. RB-DB Charles Cabusao, Sr. WR-DB Charles Cartier, So. RB-DB Matt Deichler, So. OL-DL Gianni Drab, So. OL-DL Devon Edwards, So. RB-DB Adonis Fine, So. RB-DB Zayshawn Griffin, Sr. RB-LB Nehemiah Harris, Sr. OL-DL Ray Jimenez, Sr. OL-DL Reid Kenney, Sr. WR-DB Calvin Kilgore, Sr. OL-DL Charlie MacPherson, Jr. RB-DB Melakai Maddox, Sr. WR-OLB Mason Marquis, Jr. RB-LB Naszier Matthews, So. Calvin McCoy III, Sr. OL-DL Cal Meuse, Jr. QB-LB Skyler Noland, So. QB-DB Ben Perry, Sr. OL-OLB Sean Porter, Sr. OL-DL Andre Portillo, Sr. OL-DL Adam Radley.

Outlook: The Falcons will rely on experienced veterans Santora, Greaves and Luethy to lead the offense, and Sisson, Santora, Williams and Greaves defensively. Fitch is young in certain spots, but Ellis believes the Falcons have some untapped talent. "The team is a hard working squad that should be competitive in each game this year," he said. "The younger players will need to mature quickly in order for the Falcons to secure a winning season."

New London

Coach: Johnny Burns (4th season)

Key returnees: Sr. QB-S Roderick Pratts, Sr. RB-LB Josiah Williams, Sr. CB-WR Mustafa Dannett, Sr. CB-WR Lio Griffin-Hill, Sr. OG-MLB Schneider Senat, Sr. OL-DL Amir Thomas, Sr. C-DL Akeem Morris, Sr. WR-S Herbert Bonneau, Sr. OL-DL Deveon Belk.

Top newcomers: Sr. WR-S Rhodia Perry V, Sr. FB-LB Tre'viont Mitchell, Sr. OL-DL Ryan Torres, Jr. RB-DB Jonathan Mercado, So. LB-TE Jose Rivera, Jr. DL-OL Jefferson Bernadeau, Jr. LB-OL Joshua Blanding, Jr. LB-FB Johnny Burns III, Jr. OL-DL Cortlin Jones, Jr. LB-RB Kanye Nance, So. RB-CB Derek Burres, Jr. OL-DL Xzarion Cluff, So. WR-DB Zuri Craig, So. RB-LB Kyntrel Dessources, Jr. OL-DL DyShawn Mooney, So. DE-OL Kyle Parkes, Jr. TE-S Cam'ron Sinvil, Jr. OL-DL Travon Smith, So. OL-DL Marquel Velez-Thomas.

Outlook: Burns and the Whalers are eager to return after missing out on a traditional 2020 schedule. New London has used to preseason to build depth. "We're relatively balanced with strong veteran leadership and hungry up-and-comers," said Burns. "With so many experiencing varsity football for the first time in recent scrimmages against Crosby and East Hartford, the result was pleasing and promising as confidence is growing. The expectation is to be competitive each game while ironing out any kinks."

NFA

Coach: Jason Bakoulis (4th season)

Key returnees: Sr. WB-DB Maxson Pierre Louis, Sr. RB-DB Dangelo Aristilde, Sr. OL-DL Jordan Ribeiro, Sr. OL-DL Sam Sweeney, Sr. QB Jayden Desilus.

Top newcomers: Sr. OL-DL Treyvon Christian, Sr. LB Cameron Green, Sr. WR Jeremiah Capp, Sr. WR-DB Jamal Vieira, So. RB-DB Talon Amado, Sr. OL-DL Colby Brigs, Sr. WR Hunter Stadnicki, Jr. RB-LB Jake Kenney, Sr. LB Mike-Dory Morisset, Jr. WR-DB Jeremiah Paul.

Outlook: There was no traditional football in 2020 due to the pandemic, but NFA does return some key seniors who contributed as sophomores in 2019 when the Wildcats qualified for the Class LL state playoffs, including dangerous skill position players Desilus, Pierre Louis and Aristilde. "We will rely on the experience our seniors had during the 2019 season to lead our young players who will be elevated to the varsity level," said Bakoulis. "The keys to our success are staying healthy, developing the necessary mindset to be successful, and playing together as a family."

ECC Division II

Bacon Academy

Coach: Mark Farnsworth (2nd season)

Key returnees: RB-DB Aidan Fritz, QB-DB Jack Holmes, WR-LB Colin Olbrias, WR-DB Eziquiel Zurita, RB-DB Paul Dummitt, WR-DB Deatrinn Brannen, OL-DL Tyler Pennington, TE-LB Jayson Robataille.

Top newcomers: FB-DL Rey Melendez, FB-LB Brady Gould, LB-FB Ethan Foley, FB-DL Isaiah Kennedy, DB-WR Nemehiah Yorke, QB-DB Jonathan Torres, OL-DL Kevin Claffey, OL-LB Aiden Holt, FB-LB Nick Guire, RB-LB Brett Guntulis, OL-DL Isaiah Henry, OL-DL Patrick Walsh, FB-LB Manny Cabrera, OL-DL Sam Salemi, OL-LB Zach Perreault.

Outlook: Farnsworth took over the program a year ago and became familiar with his team during 7-on-7 passing and linemen challenges. The Bobcats are young, but Farnsworth likes his group. "Expectations are high for the program," he said. "We continue to emphasize maximum effort and improving every day. Our focus will be on raising the bar high and meeting our goals one week at a time."

Ledyard

Coach: Mike Serricchio (2nd season)

Key returnees: Jr. HB-DB Jackson Poulton, Jr. HB-DB James Green, Jr. WR-DB Jacob Lenz, Sr. OL-DL Tyler Smith, Sr. OL-DL Marlin Santagata, Sr. OL-DL Josh Knight.

Top newcomers: Jr. RB-LB Ryan Outlow, So. QB-DB Justin Outlow, So. QB-LB-PK-P Jonah Eddy.

Outlook: The pandemic, if nothing else, gave Serricchio extra time to implement his system and coaching philosophy, which was critical for such a young team. Serricchio loves the Colonels' athleticism, but there will be some growing pains. "We will need to be extremely sharp and focused mentally in order to execute at the level the coaching staff expects," he said, adding, "Our program is extremely excited and grateful that football is back in Connecticut. We are working hard daily in order to bring Ledyard back to the level that our community expects."

Waterford

Coach: Zeth Nolda (1st season)

Key returnee: Sr. OL-DL Will Sutman.

Top newcomers: Sr. OL-LB Tyler Ingemi, Sr. DB-WR Mason Concascia, QB Nate Hynes, WR-Sr. DB Kevin Kilcommons, Sr. WR-DB Liam Pickett, Sr. OL-DL Dom Solima, WR-LB Jordan Elci, DL Pat Barrs, RB-DB Justin Saad; Sr. OL-DL Gage Phillips; Jr. OL-DL Sagar Sharma, PK Owen Lanuza.

Outlook: The Lancers won the first state playoff game in program history in 2019 before their momentum was cut short by COVID-19 in 2020. Nolda replaces John Strecker as head coach and will have a young roster with plenty of potential. Nolda's goal is to build on Waterford's recent success and be competitive in the ECC.

ECC Division III

Griswold

Coach: Gregg Wilcox (20th season)

Key returnees: Sr. RB-LB Tyler Farwell, Sr. OG-DE Zach Confer, Sr. RB-LB Ryan Pelillo, Sr. C-LB Isaiah Heikila, Sr. OL-DL John Dougan, Sr. WR-DB Ethan Fraser, Jr. OL-DL Danny Sims, Jr. TE-DE Liam Gervais.

Top newcomers: Sr. OL-DL A.J. Hamel, Sr. WR-DB Cameron Stuyniski, Jr. OL-DL Aiden Danieluk, So. TE-DB Aiden Peltier, So. OL-DL Tyler Skowron, So. RB-DB Kinkade Rubino, So. RB-DB Kyle Montigny, So. RB-LB Sam Martin, Fr. QB Luke Cassidy, Fr. TE-DE Andrew Hardin, Fr. RB-LB Ben Lewis, Fr. QB Chase Spurley, Fr. RB-LB Joshua Turner.

Outlook: Wilcox begins his 20th season relying on first-time varsity players to fill most positions. The Wolverines expect some growing pains as they compete in Division III. "As they mature with reps there will be a continuum of improvement throughout the year," Wilcox said. "The rate of improvement will determine the ultimate level of success."

Montville

Coach: Tanner Grove (16th season)

Key returnees: Sr. QB-DE Chas Terni, Sr. RB-DE Miles Sarmiento, Sr. OL-DL Xavier Haney, Sr. OL-LB Raphael Vogt, Sr. ATH Bernard Hawkins, Sr. TE-LB Christian Dio, Sr. OL-DE Curtis Buecker, Jr. OL-DL Kyler Hager, Jr. WR Isaiah Balancier, Jr. WR-DB Anthony Barbuto, Jr. QB Tyler Ladia, Jr. OL-LB Will Klinefelter.

Top newcomers: Sr. DT Brendan Bothelo, Sr. WR-S Kanye MacClellan, Sr. WR Ryan Kobyluck, Sr. RB Jarred Michon, Sr. RB Luke Michon, Sr. OL-DL Ryan Ellison, Jr. RB-LB Julian Olmo, So. WR-DB Armanee Davis, So. PK-QB-LB Cole Terni, So. TE-LB Jack Bubucis, So. RB-DB James Linder.

Outlook: The Indians' senior class missed out on a chance to gain valuable varsity experience as juniors due to the pandemic, but numbers are on the rise and so is Grove's optimism for 2021. Chas Terni, a three-sport athlete, will lead the offense that has a proven back in Sarmiento and some talented playmakers in Hawkins, Davis, Balancier and Dio. Montville's offensive line is untested, but talented, while the defense will be led by Terni and Sarmiento at the defensive end positions along with Hawkins, Davis, MacClellan and Barbuto in the secondary, and Vogt, Olmo and Bubucis at the linebacking spots.

Stonington

Coach: A.J. Massengale (18th season)

Key returnees: Jr. WR Josiah Blackman, Sr. OL Alex Castagliuolo, Sr. RB Matt Castagliuolo, Jr. OL Trevor Costa, Sr. DL Nick Ferreira, Jr. LB Will French, Jr. LB Lance Goddard, Jr. DL Logan Goins, Jr. DB Luke Lowry, Jr. LB Ben Massengale, Jr. DL Josh Mooney, Jr. WR Brady Mullen, Sr. TE Patrick Obrey, Jr. WR Jack Scahill, Sr. RB Lucian Tedeschi, Sr. OL Jacob Yackley, Jr. DB Aidan Schrage, Jr. LB Tim Smith, Sr. OL Sam Youtt, Sr. OL Jack Zuro.

Top newcomers: Sr. DL Kevin Biondo, Sr. WR Alex Carsten, Jr. DB Noah Christina, So. LB Burt Cor.ey, Sr. OL Jameson Griffith, Jr. TE Jackson Hayes, Sr. DL Jackson Latawiec, Fr. LB Patrick Magugan, So. DB Ethan Mahoney, So. DB Nathan Mahoney, So. WR Cole Phelan, So. LB Dominic Ritacco, Sr. DB Gavin Rudzinsky, Sr. OL Ethan Torres, Sr. QB Dorian White.

Outlook: With 67 players in the program, Massengale plans to play as many as possible to provide ample opportunities to contribute and give the Bears balance in all three phases. With so many unknowns following a year with no traditional football, he expects there to be plenty of surprises this fall ... and he hopes Stonington is one of those surprises. "For us," he said, "our number one goal is making sure our kids play a lot of football while having a great football experience. We are excited, and thankful, to be here."

Others

Thames River

Coach: Craig Sylvester (1st season)

Key returnees: Sr. QB Jake Brenek, Sr. LB-WR Camren Topkin, Sr. OL Jake Darras, Sr. WR-LB Domonick Martinez, Sr. OL-DL Alex Whittle, Sr. K-LB Kevin Phansri, Jr. RB-LB Seth Cunningham.

Top newcomers: So. WR-S Matt Pero, Jr. WR-DB Malaki Mercado, Sr. WR-DB Xavier Jackson, So. WR-S Luke Dellacono.

Outlook: Sylvester takes over the Crusaders, a cooperative program of Norwich Tech, Grasso Tech and St. Bernard that plays in the Connecticut Technical Conference and plays its home games at Norwich Tech. The team has a new coaching staff with seven seniors and only 12 players returning from the 2019 season, but there are over 50 players in the program. "The team has adapted to our new team philosophy very quick and well," Sylvester said. "I think we might shock some people this year ... If we do our jobs, anything can happen."

Valley Regional/Old Lyme

Coach: Hill Gbunblee (1st season)

Key returnees: Sr. OL-DL Sean Cordock, Sr. OL-DL Race Greenwalt, Sr. WR-QB-DB James Marzden, Sr. OL-DL Ian Mackenzie, Sr. WR-DB Sam Mullaney, Jr. OL-DL Sam Bourez, Sr. WR-DB DiAngelo Jean Pierre, Jr. OL-DL Adam Metz.

Outlook: The Warriors have undergone more changes than most as Gbunblee was selected as the program's third coach in its history after Tim King stepped down in June after 23 seasons. Valley/Old Lyme standards got a lot higher since 2010 as it's become one of the Pequot Football Conference's most successful programs over that time, earning the first six playoff berths in program history and winning the 2014 CIAC Class S-Large championship. Jean-Pierre was an All-Pequot Team selection as a freshman.

H.S. FOOTBALL

Week 1 Local Schedule

Friday's Games

Griswold/Wheeler at Ledyard, 6 p.m.

Killingly at Waterford, 6 p.m.

East Lyme at Montville, 6 p.m.

Stonington at Fitch, 6:30 p.m.

Bacon Academy at Plainfield, 6:30 p.m.

North Branford at Valley/Old Lyme, 6:30 p.m.

NFA at Xavier, 7 p.m.

Saturday's Game

Thames River at O'Brien Tech, 11 a.m.

Note: New London has a bye