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 

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: The pitch count grows for top prospects

Decisions, decisions.

A standout football player, especially an incoming senior, will likely soon decide where to spend the next four years after high school.

Some have already made their choice.

Ansonia running back Arkeel Newsome recently verbally committed to play at UConn. Early this year, St. Paul quarterback Logan Marchi also picked UConn, while Norwich Free Academy running back Marcus Outlow gave his verbal commitment to Boston College.
The recruiting process, though, can often be confusing and overwhelming.

“A little (overwhelming),” West Haven running back Ervin Philips said. “It’s all new. It just takes some time to get used to.”

Philips and Hillhouse running back Harold Cooper are arguably two of the state’s more sought-after players who have yet to commit.

Philips has already taken unofficial visits to Syracuse and Temple, which he lists as his top choices. Both schools have made offers. Philips said he also received interest from Boston College, Maine, Rutgers, UConn, UMass and Villanova.

According to the NCAA rules for football, a student-athlete cannot make an official visit until the start of classes of their senior year, which for West Haven is on Aug. 29.

“As of right now, I want to wait until my senior year actually starts so I can take my official visits to really get the school experience,” Philips said. “From there, that’s when I think I’ll make my decision, so maybe late August into September.”