NORWICH FREE ACADEMY

NFA Turf Field, Norwich

Coach: Jemal Davis (6th year, 40-15)
Conference: ECC
2012 Record: 12-1 (Class LL finalists)
2013 Kickoff: Montville, Sept. 21, 1 p.m.
Top offensive players: Marcus Outlow, 5-11, 210, Sr., RB; Ramel Williams, 5-7, 160, Sr., WR; Khaleed Exum-Strong, 5-11, 200, Jr., RB; Alex Beaudreault, 6-3, 200, Sr., QB.
Top defensive players: Tuzar Skipper, 6-3, 230, Sr., DE; J’Von Brown, 6-2, 290, So., DL; Calvin Green, 5-10, 180, Sr., LB; Airec Ricks, 5-10, 175, Sr., S.
Key losses: Joey Paparelli, QB; Ryer Caruso, WR; Tyler Beauchesne, OL; Cody Brown, OL; John Crooks, C; Steven Makowicki, LB; A.J. Gomes, LB; Elisa Formiglio, K.
Outlook: The Wildcats might have surprised some by defeating Newtown and Staples in the Class LL state playoffs before losing to Xavier in the championship game. NFA won’t surprise many this season, however. The Wildcats appear loaded, and are expected to be one of the state’s most dangerous teams. Returning is Outlow, a Register All-State selection as a junior, who as orally committed to play at Boston College. Outlow rushed 142 times for 1,336 yards and 18 touchdowns, caught 10 passes for 206 yards and four touchdowns and scored a touchdown on both a punt and kickoff return last season. Exum-Strong is another talented runner, and him and Outlow should become a formidable duo in the backfield. Last year’s starter at quarterback, Joey Paparelli, graduated, but NFA will call upon Beaudreault, a transfer from Windham, to lead the offense. Skipper has potential to be one of the state’s top defenders, while Brown appears to be a star in the making.

Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:


Derby
Fairfield Prep
Guilford
Hamden Hall
Morgan
New Canaan
North Branford
North Haven
Notre Dame-West Haven
Pomperaug
Sheehan  
Wolcott
Xavier