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 

 

 

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 

WOLCOTT

Monroe Field, Wolcott

Coach: Jason Pace (3rd year, 17-6)
Conference: NVL
2012 Record: 9-2 (Class M quarterfinalists)
2013 Kickoff: vs. Sacred Heart, Sept. 13, 7 p.m.
Top offensive players: Joe Lynch, 5-10, 185, Sr., RB; Tom Longo, 6-2, 240, Sr., OL; Tyler Staples, 5-10, 190, Sr., OL; Zac Burksa, 5-9, 160, Sr., OL; Jay Pelletier, 5-8, 150, Jr., WR; Vin Gambino, 5-9, 150, Jr., QB; Adam Santopietro, 5-10, 165, Sr., WR.
Top defensive players: Dan Catania, 5-10, 170, Sr., LB; Nick Rinaldi, 5-9, 180, Sr., LB; Sean Brooks, 5-7, 165, Jr., LB; Longo, DL; Staples, DL; Burksa, LB.
Key losses: Mike Nicol, QB; Jim Nelson, OL/DL; Brandon Walker, LB; Matt Cyr, WR/DB; Ryan Caggiano, WR/DB; Dylan Rossi, OL/DL.
Outlook: The Eagles, who qualified for the postseason the past two seasons, will begin life without all-state quarterback Mike Nicol, who passed for 1,535 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 1,271 yards and 20 scores. Nicol graduated, along with 18 other seniors. Filling those voids will determine how successful Wolcott is this season. Pace hopes to employ a more collaborative approach on offense. Gambino takes over under center. He completed 7 of 12 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 46 yards in a mop up role last season. The standout should be Lynch, who could be one of the best running backs in the NVL. Lynch rushed for 857 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior.  Pelletier has the talent to have a breakout year at receiver.

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  
Xavier 

FAIRFIELD PREP

Alumni Field, Fairfield

Coach: Tom Shea (4th year, 14-16)
Conference: SCC
2012 Record: 6-4
2013 Kickoff: at Stamford, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.
Top offensive players: Colton Smith, 6-0, 170, Jr., QB; John DelliSanti, 6-2, 190, Jr., WR; Joe Ganim, 5-10, 180, Jr., RB; Anthony Palozzollo, 6-6, 302, Jr., OL; Andrew Ostrosky, 6-3, 220, Sr., TE; Stephen Walsh, 6-0, 175, Sr., WR; Jack Snopkowski, 5-8, 140, Jr., WR.
Top defensive players: Nick Crowle, 6-3, 245, Sr., LB; Anthony Johnson, 6-0, 198, Sr., LB; Tony Fox, 6-3, 254, Sr., DE; Max Trudeau, 6-0, 195, Sr., LB; Tom Cirillo, 6-1, 252, Sr., DE; Tim Falvey, 6-0, 177, Sr., DB.
Key losses: Chris Golger, RB/LB; Stecker Backe, QB; John Moten, RB; Matt Montani, LB; David Gerics, DB.
Outlook: Shea says the offensive line has good size but can they jell into an effective unit? Another question is: can the defense allow as few of points as last season? The Jesuits allowed just 13.9 points last season. Smith will start under center after playing sparingly last season. Ganim will be called upon to be the team’s primary running back after the graduation of Chris Colger. Fairfield Prep also lost junior running back John Moten, who transferred to a school in Missouri after rushing for 509 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore. DelliSanti, pictured above, could have a breakout year at receiver after catching 18 passes and three touchdowns last season.  Crowle and Fox have the talent to be two of the best defenders in the SCC. Crowle has verbally committed to Yale, while Fox is headed to Fordham. Palozzolo is being recruited by Boston College, UConn, Miami and Penn State. 

Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:


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

HAMDEN HALL

Sonny Coughlin Field, Hamden

Coach: Joe Linta
Conference: Fairchester
2012 Record: 5-5
2013 Kickoff: vs. Woodstock Academy, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Top offensive players: Mike Whalen, 5-10, 175, Sr., WR; Mike Breuler, 6-2, 180, Sr., WR; T.J. Linta, 6-4, 225, Sr., QB.
Top defensive players: Jason Criscio, 6-0, 252, Jr., DE; Brandon Ginnetti, 6-2, 230, Jr., DE.
Key losses: Cole Perrone, C/LB; Alex Chiodo, RB/LB; Nick Linta, WR/S.
Outlook: Coach Linta says:  If the Hornets can improve defensively from last year, it should be a solid season. Hamden Hall allowed more than 35 points per game last season, although they averaged the same amount offensively. In 2012, the Hornets averaged 324 passing yards per game. T.J. Linta (pictured above) completed 192 of 340 passes (56.5 percent) for 3,110 yards and 28 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. T.J. Linta has Division I talent, although he's more likely to go the Ivy League route. The Hornets return three of their top four receivers. Whalen and Breuler are both 4.5 sprinters in the 40-yard dash. Breuler caught 63 passes for 1,089 yards and 14 touchdowns, while Whalen caught 44 passes for 792 yards and 11scores last season. Joe Linta thinks the Hornets should challenge Kingswood-Oxford and King for the league title. 

Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:


Derby
Guilford
Morgan
New Canaan
North Branford
North Haven
Notre Dame-West Haven
Pomperaug
Sheehan  
Xavier 

NOTRE DAME-WEST HAVEN

Veteran's Stadium, West Haven

Coach: Tom Marcucci
Conference: SCC
2012 Record: 4-6
2013 Kickoff: at St. Joseph, Sept. 14, 1:30 p.m.
Top offensive players: Cameran Tucker, 5-10, 208, Sr., RB; Blake Rice, 6-1, 165, Sr., RB; Owen Barnell, 6-1, 235, Jr., G; Drew Arciuolo, 6-0, 178, Sr., WR; Kyle Cullen, 6-2, 215, Jr., T; Joe Palmieri, 5-7, 161, Sr., WR; Prince Brooks, 5-8, 165, So., RB.
Top defensive players: Sal Esposito, 6-0, 195, Sr., LB; Matt Abati, 6-0, 228, Jr., DE; Tim Jambor, 5-11, 184, Jr., LB; Andrew Natale, 5-10, 165, Jr., DB; Joe Petrosino, 5-10, 235, Jr., T; Zack Cofrancesco, 5-8, 158, Jr., DB.
Key losses: Chris Perry, WR/DB; Matt Shumaker, LB; Jordan Williams, DE; Zack Averna, C.
Outlook: Marcucci says the key is that the returning players have improved. There are many returners with significant varsity experience. There is also a very strong sophomore and junior class combined with those experienced seniors. Marcucci expects his team to compete in every game. Marcucci noted that team speed and strength have greatly improved.  Tucker, pictured above, will be one of the top running backs in the SCC. He basically carried the load last season as the Green Knights struggled with injuries. Tucker rushed 215 times for 1,697 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior. Rice returns under center, although he missed some time with injury last season. He completed 54 of 105 passes for 623 yards and five scores. Esposito saw some time in the backfield and as a receiver but he will be called upon to lead the defense. He made 54 tackles last season.

Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:


Derby
Guilford
Morgan
New Canaan
North Branford
North Haven
Pomperaug
Sheehan  
Xavier 

 

 

 NORTH HAVEN

Vanacore Field, North Haven

Coach: Anthony Sagnella 
Conference: SCC
2012 Record: 7-3 (3-0 in SCC Division II East)
2013 Kickoff: at Bridgeport Central, Sept. 12, 6 p.m.
Top offensive players: Ethan Suraci, 5-10, 205, Sr., FB; Mike Halloran, 6-2, 195, Sr., QB; Pat Mikos, 5-10, 180, Sr., RB; Mike Siwek, 5-10, 240, Sr., OL; John Tondalo, 5-10, 295, Sr., OL; Austin Mahon, 5-9, 180, Sr., OL; Mike Milliard, 5-8, 200, Sr., OL: Alex Baglioni, 5-9, 190, Sr., TE; Chris Brockett, 5-8, 160, Sr., P.
Top defensive players: Suraci, Sr., LB; Halloran, Sr., LB; Mikos, Sr., LB; Fred Sanchez, 5-9, 180, Sr., CB; Ben Pethick, 5-8, 180, Sr., DL; Siwek, Sr., DL; Milliard, Sr., DL; Mahon, Sr., DL.
Key losses: Jalon White, RB/DB; Matt Marcarelli, OL/DL; Quincy Pecora, RB/LB.
Outlook: Sagnella says his team expects to be competitive, and that the Indians have capable, yet inexperienced skill players. Despite Sagnella's claims, Halloran returns under center and Suraci again joins him in the backfield. Halloran, who does an effective job of directing North Haven's single-wing offense, rushed for 326 yards and three touchdowns last season. Suraci added 558 yards and four scores. The Indians, though, must replace backs Jalon White (1,824 yards, 24 TDs) and Quincy Pecora (437 yards, 5 TDs). The offensive line loses Matt Marcarelli, a Register All-Area selection, to graduation, but several other starters from last season from that unit return. That line helped the Indians rush for 3,540 yards in 2012.  Defensively, Mikos made 78 tackles, Suraci made 65 and Halloran 45. North Haven has the talent to repeat as division champs and make a bid at a state playoff berth.

Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:


Derby
Guilford
Morgan
New Canaan
North Branford
Pomperaug
Sheehan  
Xavier 

DERBY

DeFilippo Field, Derby

Coach: George French (4th year, 15-15)
Conference: NVL
2012 Record: 6-4
2013 Kickoff: St. Paul, Sept. 13, 7 p.m.
Top offensive players: Tyrae Small, 5-10, 215, Sr., RB; Michael Kreiger, 6-2, 185, Jr., QB; Jordan LaRue, 5-10, 165, Sr., WR; Sal Frosceno, 5-8, 155, Sr., WR.
Top defensive players: Arben Komani, 6-2, 235, Sr., DL; Brian Eliasson, 5-9, 165, Jr., LB; Mike Mauro, 5-7, 155, Jr., LB.
Key losses: Dillon McMahon, WR/DB; Matt Nicolari, RB/LB; Blair Mitchell, OL/DL; Dave Ahearn, OL/DL.
Outlook: The Red Red Raiders lost their top offensive player (McMahon, 30 catches, 8 TDs) and defensive player (Nicolari, 101 tackles, 3 sacks) to graduation. But Derby returns several offensive players who contributed last season. Small rushed for 1,172 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. He's expected to be one of the top running backs in the NVL. Kreiger (pictured above), meanwhile, completed 76 of 132 passes (57.6 percent) for 1,144 yards and 17 touchdowns. LaRue caught 18 passes last season, while Frosceno caught 17. They combined for six touchdown catches. Derby does have to replace all five offensive lineman from a year ago. French thinks his team has a lot of work ahead of them, but if the offensive line jells, and the defense comes together, it could be an exciting year. Derby notched its first winning season above .500 for the first time since 1996 last season.


Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:



Guilford
Morgan
New Canaan
North Branford
Pomperaug
Sheehan  
Xavier 

NEW CANAAN

James Dunning Jr. Field (at Hawes Plaza), New Canaan

Coach: Lou Marinelli (33rd year, 283-96-7 overall)
Conference: FCIAC
2012 Record: 9-3 (Class L semifinalists)
2013 Kickoff: at Hand, Sept. 12, 6 p.m.
Top players: Nick Cascione, 6-0, 185, Sr., QB; Teddy Bossidy, 5-8, 175, Sr., QB; Michael Donnelly, 6-5, 277, Sr., OL; Jack Gilio, 5-9, 175, Sr., WR; Beau Santero, 6-3, 240, Sr., OL; Michael Root, 6-4, 220, Sr., LB; Cole Harris, 6-2, 210, Sr., LB; Connor Buck, 6-4, 245, Sr., DL; Mike DiCosmo, 5-9, 160, Sr., DB; Zach Allen, 6-6, 240, Jr., LB.
Key losses: Johnny Rhudy LB, Grady Lynch WR/DB, Casey Ouellette DB, Louis Hagopian RB, Dylan Karnedy OL, Bobby Erickson OL.
Outlook: Marinelli says the Rams are young at important spots, but 11 starters return from last season. Cascione and Bossidy will likely split time under center again. Cascione passed for 1,133 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Bossidy threw for 748 yards and nine touchdowns in 2012. Cascione also led the team in rushing yards. Defensively, New Canaan just may be the most talented team in the state, led by Root, Harris and Buck. Harris (pictured above) was a Register All-State selection, Buck has been offered by UMass and Root more than 100 tackles last season. New Canaan will attempt to reach the state semifinals for the ninth straight season. The schedule is tough, though, with league games against Greenwich, Staples and Darien , and a season-opening non-league clash with Hand.

Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:



Guilford
Morgan
North Branford
Pomperaug
Sheehan  
Xavier 

NORTH BRANFORD

Colafati Field, North Branford

Coach: Mark Basil
Conference: Pequot
2012 Record: 12-1 (Class S finalists)
2013 Kickoff: vs. Haddam-Killingworth, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Top players: Josh Melaccio, 5-11, 210, Sr., RB/LB; Eddie Miller, 5-9, 170, Jr., QB; John Burke, 6-2, 237, Sr., OL/DE.
Key losses: Brandan Basil, QB; Joe DeLucia, WR/DB; Alex McGuigan, WR/CB; Dale Hausman, RB/LB; Chris Caron, RB/WR/SS; Gary Falanga, RB/LB.
Outlook: The Thunderbirds lost 17 starters from a team that compiled an unbeaten regular season before losing to Ansonia in the Class S state championship game. Five starters return, including Burke on both sides of the ball. Melaccio is expected the be the team's featured playmaker. He rushed for 382 yards and three touchdowns last season. Miller takes over for Brandan Basil, who threw for 3,191 yards and 44 touchdowns in 2012. Miller completed both passes he attempted last season, good for 16 yards. The program's numbers are on the rise, according to Mark Basil, but depth at the varsity level is limited. There are only five seniors on the roster but 19 juniors, so the future appears promising. North Branford has some very good young skills players, and Mark Basil hopes they will improve as the season progresses.

Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:



Guilford
Morgan
Pomperaug
Sheehan  
Xavier 

 

 

GUILFORD

Kavanaugh Complex, Guilford

Coach: Tom Unger
Conference: SCC
2012 Record: 5-5, 3-1 SCC Division II West
2013 Kickoff: vs. Wilton, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.
Top offensive players: Joe Nault, 5-9, 175, Sr., QB; Ian Robinson, 6-0, 240, Sr., C: David Knapp, 5-9, 170, Sr., RB; Carson Sperry, 6-0, 160, Sr., WR; Eric Zergiebel, 5-11, 195, Sr., RB; Aaron Cowee, 5-9, 220, Sr., OL; Zack Soffer, 5-9, 150, Sr., WR.
Top defensive players: Dane Lawrence, 6-1, 235, Sr., DL; Ford Linell, 6-2, 215, Sr., LB; Fred Trotta, 5-9, 165, Sr., LB; Derek Batick, 5-9, 195, Sr., DL; Anthony Pensa, RB/DB, Jr.
Key losses: KC Horton, rising senior, RB (injured); Colton Schilling, OL/DE; J.P. Peters, OL/DL/LB; Tyler Nelson, WR/DB; Nick Setaro, WR/LB.
Outlook: The return of several talented starters is a promising sign for the Indians, who have the talent to be contenders in the Southern Connecticut Conference Division II West. Nault returns for his third year under center. He’s a mobile quarterback who gained close to 800 yards rushing last season. He also passed for 393 yards and five scores. Zergiebel (pictured above)  ran for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior, while Knapp ran for over 500 yards. Knapp also made 53 tackles. Sperry and Soffer will be Nault’s go-to wide receivers. The offensive line should be improved with the return of Robinson and Lawrence. Linell (59 tackles in 2012) and Trotta (54 tackles) anchor will contribute at linebacker. Pensa made three interceptions as a sophomore. Unger said that Batick showed promise at defensive line last season and they expect even bigger things from him this year.



Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:




Morgan
Pomperaug
Sheehan  
Xavier 

Morgan QB Alex Lipka

(photo courtesy Shoreline Times)

  

Morgan

Peter's Complex, Clinton

Coach: Mike Eagle (4th year)
Conference: Pequot
2012 Record: 5-5
2013 Kickoff: vs. Lewis Mills, Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Top offensive players: Jake Ward, 5-10, 180, Jr., RB; Alex Lipka, 6-0, 195, Sr., QB; Mark Zumpano, 6-3, 170, Sr., WR; Thomas White, 5-11, 175, Sr., WR; Riley Cronan, 6-3, 245, Sr., C.
Top defensive players: Ward, Jr., SS; Joe Lee, 5-11, 185, Jr., FS; Jace Garcia, 6-3, 350, Jr., DL; Jake Teuner, 6-6, 220, Jr., LB; Eric Peterson, 6-3, 275, Jr., DL; Greg Lee, 5-10, 205, Jr., LB.
Key losses: Hunter Aiono, LB; Nick Sneider, DL; Marc Simmons, WR.
Outlook: The Huskies are experienced, with several seniors and juniors who have started since they were freshmen. There's speed and athleticism offensively, especially at wide receiver. Then there's the size factor. Eagle noted that from left to right on the offensive line his team goes: 6-6 220, 6-3 350, 6-3 245, 6-3 275, 6-2 255. Ward returns after rushing for 1,323 and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore. He is expected to be one of the top players in the Pequot Conference. Morgan must fill a huge hole at the inside linebacker position with the departure of Aiono, who graduated. There's athleticism at corner back, although that group is inexperienced.  Eagle said that minimizing turnovers and staying healthy and consistent week to week will be the main challenge and goal for this year's team. With Ward returning, several other talented skill players, and the size on the offensive line, Morgan is a legitimate contender in the Pequot Conference.

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Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:

Pomperaug
Sheehan  
Xavier

(photo courtesy of the Middletown Press)

 

 

 

Xavier

Palmer Field, Middletown

Coach: Sean Marinan (13th year)
Conference: SCC
2012 Record: 12-1 (Class LL champions)
2013 Kickoff: vs. Staples, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Top offensive players: Joe Carbone, 6-3, 215, Sr., QB; Andrew Meoli, 5-11, 180, Sr., RB; Nate Gonzalez, 6-0, 180, Sr., WR.
Top defensive players: Gonzalez, 6-0, 180, Sr., DB; Will Garrity, 5-11, 220, Sr., LB; Edwin Luster, 5-7, 145, Jr., CB; Chidi Broderick, 6-1, 220, Jr., DE; Mike Scherer, 5-10, 175, Jr., SS.
Key losses: Tim Boyle, QB; DeAngelo Berry, RB; James Sullivan, WR; Kris Luster, WR/SS; Max Tylki, TE/LB; Jonah Dorsey, RT; Kevin Dean, RG; Zack Creeron, OL/DL; Max Schumann, C/DE; Ben Lisle, LT.
Outlook: The Falcons, who won their third straight Class LL state title last season, lost a bunch to graduation, including Boyle, who will play at UConn. Despite the graduation losses, a talented roster returns. Carbone (picture above) completed just one pass last season, a 48-yard touchdown strike against Amity, according to stats inputted on Max Preps. Carbone, though, caught 18 passes, including four for touchdowns last season, so there's no doubting his athleticism. He may even be more dangerous than Boyle because of his mobility. Meoli is expected to take over the duties at running back after playing behind Berry last season. Meoli rushed for 408 yards and six scores as a junior. Gonzalez is a two-way threat. He only caught 11 passes last season but made 76 total tackles and seven interceptions. Garrity chipped in with 64 total tackles in 2012. Marinan said that developing a work ethic, minimizing mental mistakes and how well the team matures will be keys to this season. With the success Xavier has had in recent years, it's expected that the Falcons will be in the hunt for yet another state playoff berth.

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Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:

Pomperaug
Sheehan 

 

 

 

SHEEHAN

John Riccitelli Field, Wallingford

Coach: John Ferrazzi (9th year, 31-48-2)
Conference: SCC
2012 Record: 4-6
2013 Kickoff: vs. Trinity Catholic, Sept. 13, 6 p.m.
Top offensive players: Jeremy Gannon, 5-9, 165, Sr., ATH; Rafael Dominguez, 5-3, 142, Sr., RB; Brandon Gauthier, 5-11, 165, Sr., WR; Greg Suplinskas, 6-3, 195, Sr., OL; Justin Lange, 6-4, 190, Sr., QB.
Top defensive players: Jordan Lytle, 6-1, 215, Sr., DE; Tom Francis, 5-10, 230, Sr., DE; Riley Konopka, 5-9, 205, Sr., LB; Brandon Selvaggi, 6-0, 190, Sr., LB.
Key losses: Sean Merrill, OL/DL (playing football at Sacred Heart University); Kyle Paolella, WR/CB (running track at CCSU).
Outlook: Sheehan returns a deep group of skill players. Gannon will be among best athletes in the league with his versatility. He can play quarterback, receiver, running back, on special teams and at defensive back. Dominguez (pictured above) returns as the team’s top running back after gaining 1,036 all-purpose yards with 10 touchdowns last season. Gauthier is expected to emerge as one of the top receivers in the SCC.  Depth at wide receiver should help bolster the offense. Lytle and Francis have the strength, toughness, and tenacity to be dangerous at defensive end, while there's also depth at the linebacker position. Replacing Merrill and three other offensive linemen who graduated will be the main challenge.

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Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:

Pomperaug

I sent out preseason preview forms to state coaches on Tuesday; props to Pomperaug coach Dave Roach for being the first coach to reply.

In the coming days and weeks, as coaches begin to send back forms, I'll post team previews on this blog to get us ready for the start of the 2013 High School Football Season, which kicks off on Sept. 11. 

Since they were the first, we'll start with Pomperaug.

POMPERAUG

Ed Arum Field, Southbury

Coach: Dave Roach (3rd year, 12-8)
Conference: SWC
2012 Record: 4-6
2013 Kickoff: vs. Newtown, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.
Top offensive players: Wade Prajer, 6-0, 190, Sr., QB; Steve Croce, 5-9, 165, Jr., WR; Sam Rubinstein, 6-1, 170, Sr., WR; Seamus Conway, 6-2, 220, Sr., OL; Bob Tzepos, 5-9, 185, Sr., RB.
Top defensive players: Jack Yule, 6-0, 230, Sr., LB; Nico Rosa, 6-4, 230, Sr., DE; Matt Silverman, 5-8, 165, Sr., LB; Jake Parsell, 5-10, 235, Jr., DL.
Key losses: Eric Beatty, K/QB; Jesse Prajer, DE; Carl Gatzendorfer, CB; Corey Bake, OL.
Outlook: The Panthers have size, strength and speed, according to Roach. There was a renewed emphasis on off-season lifting and conditioning, and Roach thinks his squad will be competitive.  Pomperaug will likely run several formations offensively, but the Panthers have to adjust to life without Beatty, who directed the offense last season. Three of Pomeraug's losses last season were to teams that qualified for the playoffs (Masuk, Newtown, Weston) and another (Oxford) that just missed out on a Class S berth. There's a good chance that the Panthers can climb back over .500 this season.