SHELTON — Kyle Drost and the rest of the senior members of the Shelton football team are hoping to end their high school careers the way they began. As freshmen, the senior class went unbeaten.

So, with the return of those seniors, as well as junior quarterback Mark Piccirillo, there was certainly a sense of excitement as the Gaels opened fall practice Monday.

“We’ve been waiting for this opportunity,” said Drost, a 6-foot-3, 220 pound wide receiver. “All the guys who started as freshmen have grown and matured. We’ve been lifting all summer, every single winter, and now it’s time to perform.”

Said Piccirillo: “The coaches know we can be that good. They keep pushing us harder and harder.”
Shelton coach Jeff Roy is well-aware that this season could be a special one.

“Anytime you get an undefeated freshmen team, as long as they stay together and work, you get excited. There’s a lot of talent there, and there’s confidence. We’re all excited, the players and coaches. We’re ready to get it going.”

Almost all of the Gaels’ receivers return, including senior Mike Pingree, who caught 14 passes last season. Drost made 24 catches for 425 yards and seven touchdowns. Shelton will also benefit from the return of senior running back Jason Thompson, who missed almost all of last season with injury.

“Between those two (Piccirillo and Thompson), we’re going to be able to run,” Roy said, “and with most of the receivers back, we’re going to be able to throw, too.”

Piccirillo, who gained about 15 pounds, is a dual threat. He passed for 1,558 yards and 15 touchdowns and rushed for 560 yards and five scores as a sophomore.

“(He) puts defenses in a bind,” Roy said. “He’s 190 pounds, and can run. That’s something else you have to defend against. He worked his tail off in the offseason. He’s heavier, faster, and he’s throwing the ball better. We’re looking for big things out of him this year. We think he’s going to have a great year.”