ECC LARGE DIVISION

EAST LYME

Coach: Paul Tenaglia (5th year)

Key returnees: Sr. WR-ILB Eric McGlone, Sr. QB-DB Al Lloyd, Sr. OL-DL Joseph Silva, Sr. RB-DB Christopher Kohanski, Jr. TE-ILB Chad Berry.

Top newcomers: Sr. WR-DB Ben Lakeman, Sr. OL-DL Zachary Bartlett, Sr. DB-WR Paul Esposito, Sr. WR-DB Kevin Reutnauer, Sr. FB-OLB Colin Hecklinger, Sr. OL Aric Knopf, Sr. DB Brad Nixon, Jr. FB-DT Vinny Cancelmo, Jr. OL Timothy Farina.

Outlook: The good news: the Vikings have 22 seniors. The bad news: few of them were starters for last fall's CIAC Class MM runner-up. Berry and McGlone, who are both Division I prospects, will lead the defense at linebacker. East Lyme was hit hard on offense as it graduated the entire backfield, so Kohanski, Lloyd and McGlone will each have to take on bigger roles. "The seniors will have to step it up in an ECC football conference loaded with talent," Tenaglia said. "It's probably one of the strongest years in recent memory."

FITCH

Coach: Mike Emery (14th season)

Key returnees: Sr. RB-DL Alan Anderson, Sr. RB-DL Cameron Gonzalez, Sr. OL-LB Tim Hale, Sr. OL-LB Frank Stitz-Galvan, Sr. OL-DL Elijah Brown, Sr. WR-DB Andrew Walz, Sr. WR-DB Kwane Cole, Jr. QB-DB Derrik Baldoz, Jr. OL-DL Mustafa Johnson, Sr. OL-DL Cody Wheeler, So. PK Ian Boyd, Sr. P DJ Braman.

Top newcomers: Jr. OL-LB Anthony Ah-Mu, Jr. OL-LB Mike Sineiro, So. OL-DL Mike Semancik, So. RB-LB Saffwan Davis, So. RB-LB Patrick Kirkwood, Jr. WR-DB Chris Giles, Sr. WR-DB Dijeon Sousa, Jr. RB-DB John Conley, Jr. WR-DB James Wright, Sr. OL-DL Kevin Panganiban, Jr. RB-LB Lydell Reese, So. OL-DL Christian Charron, Sr. OL-DL Huilfredo Havrilla, Sr. RB-DB Mark Brisbane, Sr. RB-DB Maurice Brown, Jr. WR-DB Steve Cornish, Jr. RB-DB DaShawn Frederick, Sr. WR-DB Marcos Anguita, Jr. OL-LB Seamus O'Brien, Sr. OL-DL Sam Vasquez, Jr. RB-LB Davon Cole, Jr. WR-DB Estefano Anguita.

Outlook: Emery's goal for his teams never changes. Get a little better every day. If this team does that, it has a chance to get the Falcons back to the playoffs. Baldoz returns as a bigger, stronger version of himself and Davis is a very promising running back. There is more experience on offense than defense, but still a talented team.

NEW LONDON

Coach: Jeff Larson (2nd season)

Key returnees: Sr. LB-FB Stephan Dance, Jr. LB-RB Kyle McKinnon, Sr. OL-DL Tywon Jenkins, Sr. OL-DL Aaron Perez, Sr. OL-DL Griffith Logan Smith, Sr. TE-DL Marcel Simmons, Sr. DB-RB Carlos Lozada, Jr. OLB Frankie Dallas, Sr. QB Josh Clements, Jr. DB-RB Jevon Elmore.

Top newcomers: Jr. OL-DL Voghens Larieux, Jr. OL-DL Khaleed Fields, Jr. DB-WR Jason Piontkowski, Jr. WR Garrick McQueen, Jr. OL-DL Isiah Ramos.

Outlook: Dance could be the top defensive player in the ECC. Clements and McKinnon made big plays throughout last season. McQueen returns as a deep threat. Translation: skill positions are a strength. How the Whalers develop their offensive and defensive lines will determine whether they return to the playoffs.

NFA

Coach: Jemal Davis (3rd year)

Key returnees: Sr. T Matt Digby, Sr. T Peter Kelly, Sr. TE Jaron Russell, Sr. G Harrison Holzschlog, Sr. C Matt Tio, Sr. RB Anthony Facchini, Sr. WR Colin Smith, Sr. LB Brett Salter, Sr. LB Eli Couture, Sr. DL Brian Delorge, Sr. DL Phil Dozer, Sr. DB Berny Felix.

Top newcomers: QB Eric Washburn, Jr. DB Adam Lisiewski, So. OL Cody Brown, Jr. K-P Colin Gladue, Fr. RB-DB Marcus Outlow.

Outlook: The Wildcats figure to improve after struggling last season due to youth and inexperience. NFA's best offensive option will be letting Facchini (1,056 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns) run behind a huge and veteran line of Digby (6-foot-6, 290 pounds), Kelly (6-5, 305), Holzschlog (6-1, 260), Beauchesne (6-0, 230), Tio (6-3, 250) and Russell (6-5, 240). Washburn takes over at quarterback after Tecumsah Champlain transferred to Montville. Salter and Couture lead a strong linebacking corps.

MEDIUM DIVISION

BACON ACADEMY

Coach: Duane Maranda (8th season)

Key returnees: Sr. QB-FS Brennden Cullen, Sr. RB-LB Corey Gallagher, Sr. OL-DL Matt Hemm, Sr. OL-LB Robinson Perez.

Top newcomers: Jr. WR-DB Alex Couture, Sr. OL-DL Dylan Kniska, So. TE-LB Dylan Snyder, Jr. WR-DB Stephen Baretto, Jr. WR-DB Shawn Brztowski, Jr. OL-LB Tommy Scott, Sr. TE-LB Duncan MacKinnon, Sr. OL-LB Will Bartol.

Outlook: Cullen is among the top quarterbacks in the ECC and Perez has experience at linebacker. "We're looking for our young players around Cullen and Perez to step it up and focus on getting better each day," Maranda said. "The offensive and defensive lines will be strength of our team and we'll be young, but athletic at skill positions."

LEDYARD

Coach: Jim Buonocore (11th year)

Key returnees: Sr. RB-LB Ryan Pementil, Sr. OL Nick Johnson, Sr. OL Dakota Kelly, Sr. TE-LB Nick Polonsky, Sr. DB-WR Brendan Sullivan, Sr. OL-DL Ken Weise, Sr. WR-DB Connor Sweet, Sr. OL-DL Ian Bredeweg, Sr. OL-DL Austin Sabo, Sr. OL-DL Bryan Fillion, Sr. OL-DL Kyle Costello, Jr. OL-DL Josh Lawrence, Jr. RB-LB Alex Manwaring, Jr. OL-DL Darren Alexander, Jr. WR-DB Slade Baxley, Jr. RB-LB Matt Daggett, Jr. OL-DL Dallas Smith, Jr. OL-LB Mike Spellman, Jr. WR-LB Cal Williams, Jr. WR-DB Isiah Cruz.

Top newcomers: Sr. QB John Trudel, Sr. OL-DL Desmond Gray, Sr. TE-DB Ian Clang, Sr. WR-LB James Clanton, Sr. OL-DL Anthony Peninger, Sr. OL-DL Jay Salalac, Sr. OL-DL Chengqian Che, Sr Wr-DB Rafael Bauer, Jr. OL-DL Brandon Smith, Jr. QB Tyler Rossi, Jr. OL-DL Cody Wooten, Jr. WR-DB Diego Cencerrado, Jr. Wr-DB Roberto Hop, So. OL-DL Bobby Bozym, So. RB-DB Ackee Barber, So. OL-DL Josh DeSouza, So. RB-DB Kasey Flint, So. OL-DL Alec Gabriel, So. FB-DB Alec Grim, So. TE-DB Alex Hintz-Valdez, So. WR-DB Zach Gatewood, So. OL-DL Ben Morales, So. RB-LB Chevy Perry, So. TE-LB Kyle Perry, So. OL-DL Mike Russak, So. OL-Dl Evan Stockman, So. WR-DB Chris Turner, So. OL-DL Kyle Wilson.

Outlook: The offensive line features Gray (6-0, 310) and Smith (6-1 315). That should make for some happy running backs. Trudel, a transfer from Xavier of Middletown has "a strong, accurate arm," Buonocore said. The defense shut out four opponents last season and should be solid. There's no reason to think the Colonels can't contend for the ECC Medium Division title and for a Class M state playoff berth.

MONTVILLE

Coach: Tanner Grove (5th season)

Key returnees: Sr. RB-DE Tyler Girard-Floyd, Sr. RB-S Skyler McNair, Sr. TE-LB Cody Bigelow, Sr. WR Bobby Johnson, Sr. QB Troy Nunes, Sr. K-DB Ben Middel, Sr. OL-DL Brian McMahon, Sr. DL Elijah Brown, So. OL-DL Jake Basilica.

Top newcomers: Sr. OL-DL Dyllan Clark, Sr. OL-DL Sean Kelly, Sr. OL-DL Tom McGarry, Sr. WR-DB Donte Dantzler, Sr. WR-DB Eric Riley, Sr. OL-DL Nate Wasilko, Jr. QB Tecumseh Champlain, Jr. RB-LB Kenny Strecker, Jr. RB-LB Will Griggs, Jr. RB-LB Anthony Clang, Jr. WR-DB Brandon Johnson, Jr. OL-DL Ruben Diaz, So. OL-LB Isaiah Holloway, So. QB-DB Nick Clemons, So. OL-DL Ryan Murtha, So. RB-LB Matt Hagerman.

Outlook: Even with the notable losses of J.P. Morales, Ricky Fort and Jesse Sutherland, the Indians have as much talent as anyone else in the ECC. McNair and Girard-Floyd are the top duo at running back, while Bobby Johnson, a 6-5 receiver, has earned some Division I-A college consideration. Basilica is one of the league's biggest linemen. The Indians are legitimate contenders to return to the state finals where they could get a rematch with St. Joseph of Trumbull.

WATERFORD

Coach: Mike Ellis (8th year)

Key returnees: Sr. T-OLB Patrick Brown, Sr., C-NG Nolan D'Amico, Sr. TE-NG Justin Daniels, Sr. G-LB Joe Murphy, Sr. QB-OLB Richard Purdy, Sr. FB-DE Tyrell Robinson, Sr. T-DT Matt Tarantino, Sr. T-DT Colin Witt, Jr. TE-OLB Ron Baude, Jr. QB-DB Brian Gencarelli, Jr. FL-LB Dan Humbert, Jr. TB-DB Y-Kim Sheppard, Jr. G-NG Zach Cash, Jr. FB-LB Kobey Coburn, Jr. FL-DB John Palladino, Jr. G-DT Ivar Wirta.

Top newcomers: Sr. FL-DB Matt Irvine, Sr. K Nick Kurzawa, Sr. TE-OLB Javier Martino, Sr. TB-DB Joe Mezzarana, Sr. SE-DB Davonta Valentine, Jr. T-DT Chris Alfera, Jr. TB-DB Dakota Jones, Jr. C-DE Shane Manley, Jr. SE-DB Danny Santos, Jr. TE-OLB Saxon Herbert, So. SE-DB David Zaldivar.

Outlook: Waterford was young last fall and took a lot of abuse from the ECC. It was shut out four times and finished 2-8. The Lancers should be able to dispense some payback as they're older, wiser and return nine starters on both sides of the ball. "They are hoping the lumps that they took last year will pay off with a more experienced team this year," Ellis said. "This team is extremely hard working and has dedicated itself in the offseason to improve greatly off of last year."

SMALL DIVISION

GRISWOLD

Coach: Glenn Labossiere (6th season)

Key returnees: Sr. DL Tyler Burns, Sr. OL James Derosa, Sr. PK Connor Frizzell, Sr. SE-DL John Koch, Sr. TE-DB Jordan Robillard, Sr. RB-LB Tony Velasquez, Sr. OL Brad Walsh, Jr. RB-LB Tim Gwiazdowski, Jr. OL Davidson Stevens, Jr. TE-DB Brandon Walsh, Jr. QB Derek Ward, Jr. TE-DB Zach Wood, So. FB-DE Jermaine Frazer.

Top newcomers: Sr. RB-LB Tyler Preston, Sr. RB-LB Max Sandherr, Jr. TE John Elnicki, Jr. DB Dexter Laplant, Jr. DL-FB Ralph Mayo, Jr. DL Grady Savaris, Jr. OL Davis Webster, Jr. OL Greg Welch, Jr. OL-DE Aaron Wing, So. LB Kyle Dombrowski, Jr. OL Sam Finley, So. SE-DB Jordan Gionet, So. OL Adam Rock, So. DB Aaron Walmsley, So. DB Dylan Martel.

Outlook: The Wolverines could be the favorite in the ECC Small Division. There are several skill players returning and with LaBossiere called "significant varsity experience." Griswold has one of the more intriguing nonconference games at Fairfield Prep, a Class LL school.

ST. BERNARD

Coach: Sean Ladyga (2nd season)

Key returnees: Sr. LB Ryan Doherty, Sr. FS Dan Dubois, Sr. DT Quinn Burnside, Sr. OL Ryan Gazlay, Sr. OL Bill Griffin, Sr. LB Dan Maine, Sr. OL Zach Friel, Jr. RB Gage Andrew, Jr. CB Sean Hurley, Jr. WR Mike McKeon, So. QB Phil Jenkins, So. QB John Rainey, Jr. CB Matt Derosier.

Top newcomers: Sr. RB Mike Edwards, Jr. LB Stephen Bojarski, Jr. DT Jeff Leone, Sr. OL Alsandy Jacot, Jr. DE Ken Brooks, Jr. OL Alexander Johnson, Jr. OL Ryan Leary, Jr. WR Jon Malchiodi, So. RB Jason Steele, Jr. DT Will Ryan, So. LB Matt Manavas, So. Dylan Julian, Jr. Nick Bemis, Jr. WR Josh Martinez, Jr. Francis Bove, So. Caleb Grace, So. Ben Whewell, So. OL Tucker Johns, So. OL Pete Aldrich, So. LB Izzy Davila.

Outlook: Ladyga is excited about his second season. "We are very optimistic," he said. "We many many returning starters who gained experience as freshmen, sophomores and juniors." Rainey and Jenkins are competing at quarterback, while Gazlay has moved to the offensive line. Ladyga said competing for the ECC Small Division title is a primary goal.

STONINGTON

Coach: A.J. Massengale (7th season)

Key returnees: Sr. RB-DB Jim Connelly, Sr. T Alex Mitchell, Sr. C Nick Burton, Sr. QB-S Sam Dipollino, Sr. RB Tyler Tavares, Sr. TE-LB Mark Wingfield, Jr. G-T Pete Sieczjiewicz, Jr. T Luke Brogno, Jr. RB-LB Brendan McNeil, Jr. G-LB Peter Hoops.

Top newcomers: So. RB-DB Cory Candelet, Sr. G-T Todd Chiaradio, Jr. C-T Robinson Comeau, Sr. RB-DB Brandon Hall, Jr. TE-LB Arrow Johnson, So. LB-RB John Klewin, Jr. RB-LB Bob Lynch, So. RB-DB Jay Nieuwenhuis, Sr. OT-DT Ian O'Neil, Jr. TE-LB Isaiah Perkins, So. OT-DE Jacob Radack, Jr. QB Eddie Rathbun, Sr. G Matt Sanford, So. RB-DB Jason Whitford, So. TE-LB Kyle Woddworth.

Outlook: Massengale said that outside of the schedule, the key to the season will be the ability of younger players to adjust to the varsity level. The schedule features NFA and New London as well as Bullard-Havens of Bridgeport, which lost to Montville in the Class SS playoffs last season.

OTHERS

OLD SAYBROOK-WESTBROOK

Coach: Bruce Buchla (2nd year)

Key returnees: Sr. C Nick Long, Sr. OL Jared Arcari, Sr. OL Brendan Coan.

Top newcomers: Sr. QB John McElhone, Sr. TB Tyler Bridgewater, Sr. RB-LB Connor Eastman.

Outlook: Old Saybrook-Westbrook went 2-9 last season, leaving plenty of room for improvement. Buchla said, "we are unproven at key positions, but staying optimistic about the season."