WOODLAND

Woodland High Field, Beacon Falls

Coach: Tim Shea (6th year, 32-21)
Conference: NVL
2012 Record: 8-4 (Class S semifinalists)
2013 Kickoff: Branford, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Top offensive players: Tanner Kingsley, Sr., QB; Levi Fancher, Sr., TE; Jack Pinho, Sr., WR; Taylor Tucciarone, Sr., WR; Alik Bures, Sr., OL; Jake Boncal, Sr., OL.
Top defensive players: Fancher, LB; Pinho, DB; Tucciarone, SS; Chris Slavin, Sr., LB; Justice Alefosio, Sr., DL; Austin Clarke, Sr., DL; Gage Rek, Sr., DL; Zach DeBrizzi, Sr., LB; Max McSperrin, Jr., DL.
Key losses: Anthony Scirpo, WR/DB; Jeremy Clark, OL/DL; Rahmi Rountree, WR/DB; Brian Reis, WR/DB; Joe Fancher, RB/LB; Kevin Brennan, OL/DL; Eric Collodel, OL/DL; Nick Brown, OL/LB.
Outlook: The best piece of news for the Hawks is that Kingsley returns under center. Kingsley completed 246 of 351 passes (70.1 percent) for 3,227 yards and a state-record 51 touchdowns against just eight interceptions last season. Kingsley has a chance to set the state record for career touchdowns. Kingsley has thrown 68 in his career, the state record is 112, set by former Masuk standout Casey Cochran. Woodland, though, lost a bunch to graduation, including its top two receivers, Anthony Scirpo and Rahmi Rountree, who combined for 134 catches, 1,998 yards and 37 touchdowns. But some talent remains in the receiving corps. Pinho caught 24 passes last season and should be the team’s top threat, and Fancher has the talent to be a play maker. Shea says the team is in the process of getting everyone on the same page offensively. The coach also said that the Hawks should be improved defensively. If the offense jells, the Hawks could make a return trip to the postseason.

Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:


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