Coach’s comments: “Hopefully, we will get to see senior captain Olivia Paulisin come back from an ACL injury in the spring. She is a do-it-all, high work rate center midfielder with great leadership qualities. We also have two outstanding senior keepers, Elyssa Kipperman and Caitlin Murphy. We’re looking for some players to fill the spots from All State forward Jamie Collimore, who is playing at CCSU, and All-SWC Natalie Connors who ran the back line.”
Outlook: Verderame, with 25 goals in three varsity seasons, will lead the attack.
Coach’s comment: “We graduated 10 seniors and six starters. Despite the losses we are optimistic about the upcoming season. The incoming group will be young but extremely talented. Leadership from the returning players and team chemistry will be some of the keys to our success. Every team in the CCC West will be better this year.”
Coach’s comment: “The girls are very excited about this season. They are working hard at every practice and are determined to have a successful season. Their dedication to our school and sport will help them fight on the field to find success. It is going to be a great season. We have strong leadership from the upperclassmen. Our league is very competitive in girls soccer, and our team is focused on being a competitive and successful program. We are looking very good in preseason and looking to work our way into the league and state tournament.”
Outlook: Yes indeed, there are a lot of freshman in this lineup, and that bodes well for Ansonia.
Coach’s comment: “The Chargers will boast a 15 player roster consisting of nine freshman. If the freshman can adjust to the speed of NVL, we hope to improve on last year’s record, compete on a nightly basis, and surprise a few teams along the way.”
Derby
Head coach: Francisco Salazar (10th season, 9-146-5)
Outlook: A finalist in all things in 2017, and no reason to think that Cross won’t be back in title games in 2018. This team can score, is experienced in midfield, on defense, and in goal. What else is there?
Coach’s comment: “We’ve got a great group of experienced starters and up and coming underclassmen. Our senior class has proven to be a force, and propelled us to the Class S final last year. I expect that our very talented sophomore class will see quality minutes. Sprinkle in a very talented freshmen class and we are excited about our chances at competing for the league title.”
Holy Cross’ Tori Schaffner makes a diving save in front of Old Lyme’s Grace Lathrop (8) and teammate Madison Bushka (13), during their Class S state final game last season. (RA)
Naugatuck
Head coach: Lisa Mariano (4th at Naugatuck, 12th overall)
2017: 10-6-2
Key players: Seniors Mia Rotatori, Sofia Marques; Juniors Paige Cruz, Sydney O’Donnell; Sophomores Angelina Oliveira, Noelle Jacobi, Emma Sonski
Outlook: Lots of talent here, but short on experience. This team will get better as the season goes on.
Coach’s comment: “We are a very young program this year. After graduating nine seniors and a strong back line we have our work cut out for us. We have a talented freshman class that can help.”
Naugatuck’s Mia Rotatori
Oxford
Head coach: Alicia Francisco (7th season, 47-55-5)
Outlook: Is Oxford an NVL title contender? No doubt. It may get crowded at the top of the league, and the experienced Wolverines should fit right in.
Coach’s comment: “We are excited to compete this season. We have strong returning players and excellent team chemistry. We are looking to finish in the top of the NVL.”
Oxford’s Meghan Sastram and Watertown’s Isabella Orsini. (RA)
Sacred Heart/Kaynor Tech
Head coach: Mike Mentone (3rd season, 18th overall)
2017: 4-12
Key players: Seniors Grace Stone, Siobhan Gilmore, Ashley Cyr, Ashlyn Accuri; Juniors Emma Minicucci, Jennifer Lliguizara, Veronique Recile, Elyssa Lopez. China Torres; Sophomore Janet Lliguizara, Victoria Creaven, Brooke D’Amato.
Outlook: The Hearts have numbers again, a junior varsity team, and a chance to build a program.
Coach’s comment: “With the addition of Kaynor Tech our numbers grew tremendously. They are a great addition. We will blend the old talent with the new and work hard to improve daily.”
Outlook: The Falcons are your NVL title defenders, and good luck taking it away. This team is solid, especially on defense, and Zwolinski is one the best keepers in the state, end of story. Oh, and they can score too.
Coach’s comment: “We have a strange mix this year. We have five senior starters, three four-year starters, and a couple of others who have been varsity players for the last three seasons, yet we will be counting heavily on our younger players for starters and depth. Our defense should be very good.”
Outlook: Is that the same Joe Perrucci who coaches the Seymour boys? It is. He takes on double duty for the Wildcats. Seymours was an NVL and state tourney team last season, and looks for more of the same.
Coaches Comment: “Seymour girls have a nice side of players returning this year. I foresee the players rising to their ability and becoming very competitive in the league.”
Torrington
Head coach: Mario Longobucco (9th season, 60-74-6)
Outlook: The Raiders are in survive and rebuild mode as numbers slowly increase.
Coach’s comment: “We seem to be taking baby steps in the right direction toward rebuilding the program with about 20 girls out this year. Many have little or no soccer experience. We can’t worry about wins and losses at this point. Middle school soccer has been reinstated in Torrington. That should help.”
Watertown
Head coach: Christina Caron (4th season, 37-18-5)
2017: 11-5-3
Key players: Seniors Meadow Mancini (All NVL, All State, All New England), Alyssa Santangeli, Elaina Vilar; Juniors Malina Lacapra (All Iron), Madeline Daigneault, Morgan Dodge.
Outlook: It all starts up top with Mancini, who has led the team in goals the last three seasons, yes, even as a freshman. The Indians look to be a balanced team, and especially solid on defense. They will be in that NVL crowd at the top.
Coach’s comment: “The culture of the team is different this year. Already we have a much more encouraging and positive mindset. We have a solid group of seniors who lead by example. They know what it takes to win and have a successful season. Its a good feeling to see that their determination and enthusiasm is filtering through the program.We are determined to get back to the championship game after falling short last year in the semifinal.”
Watertown – Maddie Daigneault (RA)
Wolcott
Head coach: Chris Riviezzo (12th season, 86-89-15)
2017: 11-6-2
Key players: Seniors Tiona Watts (All NVL), Bella Paicentini, Allie Gough, Alex Arteaga, Sam Lagasse, Ali Maringola; Juniors Brooke Tracey (All Brass), Morgan Matyoka, Alexis Charrette, Madison Daddona, Lauren Kazemekas, Michaela Vaughn; Sophomores Samantha Riviezzo, Ella Vaughn.
Outlook: One of these years for these guys, and is this the year? The Eagles are skilled, strong, and solid on defense. In what should be a crowed NVL title chase, make room for Wolcott.
Coach’s comment: “We return a strong core group of players and we should be able to compete with the top teams if we can stay healthy.”
Key players: Seniors Haley Wolfanger, Juliana Villano, Julia Casimiro, Julia Accetura, Alanna Carasone, Nicole Sherman, Michaela Mastropietro, Karly Laliberte, Mia Piccolo; Juniors Olivia Kotsaftis, Molly Hussey.
Outlook: Woodland fell one win shy of playing for an NVL title. There is enough talent here to get back into the semis, and beyond. The Hawks have experience at every position.
Coach’s comment: “We return a core group of upperclassmen and I hope their experience will help the younger players understand the competition within the NVL, and that they will be ready to play at the varsity level. I am excited to see how the younger players will help us, and how the upperclassmen will fill the leadership roles required of them to be successful.”
Woodland’s Julia Accetura (22) clears the ball in front of St. Paul’s Isabella Griffin (36) during their NVL semifinal game last season. (RA)
NAUGATUCK — The schedule tells us that Naugatuck begins the boys soccer season on Thursday, 4 p.m., against Waterbury Career Academy at Hamilton Park. But Jake Corbo said that the season began long before that.
“We set our goal last year, at the end of that game,” said the Naugy senior midfield.
It would be difficult for the Greyhounds to accomplish more in 2018 than they did in 2017. Naugy was unbeaten in the NVL. The only regular-season defeat was to Pomperaug. The ‘Hounds won an NVL championship game for the ages, an overtime thriller against Watertown, and then went on a tourney run with victories against East Hartford, Wilbur Cross and Norwalk.
So what is left to prove? A lot. “All we have to do is top it with a state final,” Corbo explained.
Naugatuck captains – Tommy Martins Jake Corbo Alex Teixeira (RA)
Gone from the five-time defending champion Greyhounds are two of the NVL’s best from 2017: keeper Aren Seeger and central defender Yan Silva. Don’t even ask. No, you don’t replace them. But this is Naugy. The Greyhounds usually graduate a dozen or more, and bring back a dozen or more with loads of experience.
“It is because we put in the work,” said senior Alex Teixeira, the defender who will always be remembered as the man who blocked a shot at the goal line in overtime of that 1-0 win over Norwalk in the semis. “We keep working hard, improving our weaknesses, and not giving up.”
In 2018, can Naugy be Naugy again? Everyone wants to beat the Greyhounds, always. The Greyhounds know it, and thrive on it. It isn’t easy being Naugy, and Naugy seems to like that.
“It isn’t easy,” confirmed senior Tommy Martins. “Before school even ended we were training. Even in the offseason. It is how close we all are that makes us so successful. Even the freshmen, they are always training with the varsity. They get that experience, and when they are older, they are ready to play.”
A quick look at NVL rosters and returning players offers up the obvious: The title chase will be tight. It won’t be one or two teams chasing Naugy. It could be a mob. Martins knows that, and welcomes it.
“Oh yeah,” he said. “We’re ready.”
Send comments to jpalladino@rep-am.com, and follow on Twitter at @RAOffTheRecord.
By STEVE BARLOW
Faced with high temperatures in the 90s, stifling humidity and heat indexes over 100 in recent weeks, area high school sports teams have been adjusting their preseason practices to keep athletes safe and fulfill CIAC requirements.
To avoid the midday heat, many teams have worked out early in the morning or in the evening. Others have headed indoors to escape the warmth. Water breaks have been more frequent, trainers and coaches more vigilant, and practice routines less stressful.
Still, with the opening day of the fall season looming Thursday, some teams are right on the brink of making the CIAC mandate of 10 practice days and others will not make it.
At Kennedy High, boys soccer practice was canceled Tuesday after Waterbury schools had an early dismissal because of the heat.
The Eagles’ football team practiced in the gym in the afternoon. The cross country teams ran in the hallways, the girls volleyball team scrimmaged at Terryville’s air-conditioned gymnasium and “the swimming team is lucky; they’ve got a pool to jump in,” said Kennedy AD Dave Rossi.
Because of other early dismissals prompted by the heat recently, the boys soccer team has had only seven practices so far, along with the city jamboree last Saturday. The Eagles are supposed to play at Watertown
on Thursday, but apparently won’t reach the required 10 practices in time. The game may need to be rescheduled.
“We haven’t had practices three times because of the heat,” said coach Tony Teixeira.
Wilby boys soccer coach Tom Hunt said his team has had eight practices and the jamboree. As long as they’re able to practice today, the Wildcats will be OK for Thursday’s game with Crosby.
Thomaston’s boys soccer team has practiced eight times since practices for most fall teams started Aug. 23. (Football teams began either Aug. 13 or 17, depending on whether they practiced in the spring.)
The Golden Bears have a scrimmage scheduled today against Bristol Central and will need to practice Thursday to meet the CIAC’s rule before Friday’s opener at Shepaug.
At Wamogo, athletic director Dan Nemergut said his teams have been practicing in the morning before school or in the evening after the heat index drops. Some teams have had Sunday practices, even though they normally try to avoid them.
Along with teams getting in 10 practices, each athlete must practice 10 times before they can compete, Nemergut pointed out. “We have a cross country meet against Shepaug (on Thursday). Right now, I think we’d have five boys and two girls (eligible), so that may have to be moved,” he said.
Gregg Simon, associate executive director of the CIAC, said he has heard from member schools across the state wondering if the rule could be waived in this circumstance.
“Our sports medical committee came up with it,” Simon said. “We can’t just say it’s OK for you to play. It’s a hard and fast rule. It’s all about safety.”
Some coaches, such as Teixeira, wish the CIAC would allow teams to start their practices earlier, when the football teams do, so there would be more time to fit in the mandated 10.
“I’ve been saying it for 24 years. It’s fallen on deaf ears,” he said.
Asked about the possibility of moving up the first day of practices, Simon replied, “That would be a different issue for a different committee to take a look at.”
(All schools were invited to submit preview information; what follows are those who did)
Westover
Coach: Kendra Galusha
Last year: 9-8
Key players: Sr. Bridget Gattinoni, Sr. Athulya Nath, Jr. Kayla Surajnoth, Jr. Natalie Calo.
Coach’s take: “We have nine returning players and are hoping that this is a breakout year. Gattinoni and Nath are four-year varsity players with All-League honors.
Wolcott Tech
Coaches: Ray Tanguay and Terri Bambakidou (5th season)
Last year: 3-17
Key players: Sr. Sage Colucci, Sr. Lexie Poetzch, Dezi Wright, Sr. Katie Benedict, Sr. Danielle Negron, Jr. Amerie Massago, Jr. Kelly Banham, So. Rachel Heaney, So. Zoe Orie, So. Heather Squeglia, Fr. Sierra Doyle.
Coach’s take: “We have a talented group of focused, hardworking girls who are determined to have a successful season. They’re showing strong leadership on and off the court.”
(All schools were invited to submit preview information; what follows are those who did)
Crosby
Head coach: Stefanie Nicholas
Last year: 5-15
Key players: Sr. capt. Siaan Rosado-Potts, Sr. Jarelys Moyet-Vasquez, Sr.; Aileen Vega, Sr. Janessa Blizzard, Sr. Bianca Robinson, Sr. Karol Garcia, Jr. Ja’taya Evans, Jr. Marissa White
Coach’s take: “The Lady Bulldogs have and lot of energy and are excited about the season. We’re looking to having a good season under the leadership of Captain Siaan Rosado-Potts.”
Holy Cross
Coach: Sarah Ciarleglio (1st season)
Key players: Sr. Julia Dzinski, Sr. Val Nobrega, Jr, Lizzy Diorio.
Coach’s take: “We graduated many seniors last year and are trying to fill the void. We have several returning players who are willing and able to step up and contribute. The NVL is always strong in volleyball. It offers excellent challenges throughout the season to keep teams prepared for tournament time.”
Kennedy
Coach: Michael Stango (13th season, 139-87)
Last year: 9-11
Key players: Sr. capt. Ariana Padilla (libero, 1st team All-NVL), Sr. capt. Hannah West (All-Brass), Sr. capt. Marin Delaney, Jr. Britney Barton, Jr. Tesi Tili
Coach’s take: “Multiple young players look ready to take the next step this season and become big contributors to the varsity squad. The team has displayed good chemistry and a positive attitude thus far. It’s an enjoyable group to be around every day and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve this year.”
Naugatuck
Coach: Kevin Wesche (6th season)
Last year: 14-6
Key players: Sr. capt. Hailey Deitelbaum, Sr. capt. Shannon Burns, Sr. Sarah Wisniewski, Jr. capt. Brielle Behuniak, Jr. Jordyn Hunt, Jr. Yahna Ancheta, Jr. Hailey Russell, Jr. Loretta Sbat, Jr. Aubrey Lyons, So. Alyssa Roberts, Soph. Cara Bergin, Fr. Kaylee Jackson
Coach’s take: “After graduating six varsity players, we’re young, but enthusiastic, eager to see what is in store for the season, as they gain valuable experience while the season progresses. What we lack in experience we make up for in athleticism and determination to succeed.”
Coach’s take: “We are very excited about the upcoming season. We have six returning seniors who have been with the program for four years. Our team has been working hard in the offseason to make this a fun and competitive year.”
Coach’s take: ”Although an extremely talented group of girls has graduated, many rising juniors and seniors are ready to step up and contribute this year. O’Bar will continue to lead the team’s defense and serve/receive as the starting libero for the third straight year. I expect our team to compete with all other teams in the league. Northwestern and Lewis Mills will likely be the teams to beat.
Coach’s take: “We have a strong core of seniors who have been on varsity for three years. Their communication and knowledge of playing with each other allows them to work closely together.”
(All schools were invited to submit preview information; what follows are those who did)
Watertown
Coach: Audrey Brown
Last year: 7-9
Key players: Sr. captains Chloe DeFeo (All-SWC Patriot), G Catherine Desrochers (All-SWC Patriot), Alyssa Perugini (All-SWC Patriot); Sr. F Jordyn Forte; Jr. MF Olivia LaBella.
Coach’s take: “We have a strong group of players coming back. We are looking to have many underclassmen ready to fill wherever needed on the field. The SWC is very strong and we are looking to make the playoffs. We will be working hard and ready to compete.
Nonnewaug
Coaches: Beth Tarby, Angelica Ariola
Last year: 8-7-1
Key players: Sr. Alyssa Rehihan; Sr. Jillian Roden, Sr. Lindsey Ross, Sr. Shelby Plotkin, Sr. Ava Crawley; Jr. Rebecca Reimold, Jr. Stephanie Davino, Jr. Hannah LoPresti, Jr. Eva Brown, Jr. Elena Eschmann.
Coach’s take: “Between our returning athletes and our nine freshman, we have a team that is eager, positive and ready to make winning the priority. We believe that we can provide the BL with some good competition.”
Lewis Mills
Coach: Joanne Neuhausser (4th season, 27-17-1-5)
Last year: 6-7-3
Key players: Sr. Riley Fogler (All-State), Sr. Kaleigh Soucy (All-BL), Sr. Samantha Chadwick, Jr. Morgan O’Regan, So. Ellie Martin (All-State).
Coach’s take: ”We graduated a lot of talented defenseman, but are looking forward to some girls stepping into their positions. It should be a competitive season for all BL teams.
Coach’s take: “Shepaug is looking to improve on it’s record from last year. The top teams in the BL will emerge early in the season, Shepaug hopes to be one of those top teams. The young enthusiastic group of student-athletes are intent on improving their personal goals from last year and returning to the state tournament.”
Coach’s take: “We have a good group of kids. We’re taking their quiet approach to the early practices as a sign of their collective focus on being as good a team as they think they can be. If we can develop a little depth we’ll try to be in the mix.”
Woodland
Coach: Mike Magas (15th season)
Last year: 12-1, NVL champions
Key swimmers: Sr. capt., Natalie Katrenya, Jr., capt. Casey Brooks, Jr. capt. Aly Rojcov, Jr. Morgan Swift, Jr. capt. Camille Terrell, Sr. Adrianna Byczko, Sr. Alyssa Van Alstyne, Jr. Lauren Avery, Jr. Victoria Gugliotti, Jr. Mairead Reilly, Jr. Grace Rua, So. Emily Beyer, So. Spenser Burkowsky, So. Ainsley Clark, So. Samantha Erickson, So. Kayleigh Huk, So. Meghan Letourneau, So. Taylor Muharem, So. Emily Rindos, So. Taylor Wasilewski
Newcomers: Jr. Hailey Bernier, Freshmen Kyla Behrle, Shaelin DiGioia, Adrianna Heeman, Brooke Reilly, Natalie Tuohy, Kayleigh Theroux
Coach’s take: “We had a large senior class graduate, so our swimmers will need to step up to even think about competing with the elite teams. One thing I’m certain of is we will have fun and the girls will give 100 percent each day.”
Southington
Coach: Evan Tuttle (10th season)
Last year: 8-2, 3-2 CCC
Key swimmers: Capt. Abby LoPresti, capt. Lidia Prusak, capt. Julia Holland, capt. Julie Duszak, State Open finalists’ Meghan Hammarlund, Maddie Symecko, Gianna Perugini, Andie Nadeau; Liz Beaulieu (diver), Sarah Meade (joins team from winter)
Coach’s take: “We look to fullfill the Southington athletics motto of ‘chasing excellence’ by working tirelessly every day and will not settle for anything less than our best.”
Coach’s take: The team is small, but has a solid foundation that we are looking to build upon, not just this seasom, but over the next few years. I’m looking forward to challenging these girls to surprise themselves with what they can do. The NVL is always competitive.”
(All schools were invited to submit preview information; what follows are those who did)
Holy Cross
Coach: Brian Walker (4th season, 24-18)
Last year: 9-5
Key players: Sr. Ben Bowler, Jr. Jack Paulin, Jr. Marcas Racevicius, Jr. Matt Pang, So. Anthony Caselas
Coach’s take: “With a good core of returning runners, as well as some additions, we are looking to remain competitive in the NVL and continue to work on last year’s success.”
Naugatuck
Coach: Bill Hanley (14th season, 155-8)
Last year: 12-2
Key returning players: Sr. capt. Austin Herb, Sr. capt. Ben Healy, Senors Will Daly, Sean Evardo, Dave Garces, Brendan Kerns, Raymond Lucarelli, Yeshe Rakagme, Ezequiel Valencia; Juniors Connor Behuniak, Bryce Cegielski, Antonio Colon, Ethan Lopes, Joe Macary, Charles Marenghi, Brendon Soubannarath; Sophs Jon Chatfield, Chris Cook, Daniel Fine, Kevin Healy, Peter Mullin, Justin Stone, Hunter Teixeira, Jonathan Volpe; Freshmen Anthony Abate, Chance Conklin, Tenzin Dhondup, Steven Herb, Matthew Kilmer, Jay’Shawn Lindsay, Matthew Nofri
Coach’s take: “We have a good number of upperclassmen. Many are new to the rigors of distance running and I look forward to seeing their improvement as the season progresses.”
Lewis Mills
Coach: Josh Kramptiz (4th season)
Last year: 6-4
Key players: Sr. Owen Lacourciere, Sr. Nick Benvenuto, Jr. Michael Collen
Coach’s take: “We don’t have many returning varsity runners, but we have a small core who have strong contributors to the team for several years. We have some who show promise, including freshman Justin Cascio, who could be the top finisher on our team.”
Nonnewaug
Coach: Arleigh Duff (26th season)
Last year: 8-2
Key returning players: Sr. Eddie Nicholas (BL All-Star); So. Greg Basyek
Coach’s take: “We graduated a key runner (Elias Field) who is now running at Central Connecticut State. We have a young team that works hard.”
Pomperaug
Coach: Mark Goodwin (6th season)
Last year: 12-2, Class L champs
Key returning players: Sr. captain Eric Rosenhein, Sr. captain Dan Collette (All-SWC 2nd team), Sr. Holst Grubbe (All-SWC 2nd team), Sr. Luke Bunosso, Jr. Trey Generalli (All-SWC 2nd team), Jr. Hayden Godfrey; So. Tim Monahan.
Coach’s take: ”Our first and second runners graduated, but we return a nucleus that could run well as a unit by season’s end. We have been runner-up (in SWC) four years in a row. We are pursuing the top spot. In the state meet, we won the Class L title. We are pursuing the same goal this year.”
Coach’s take: “We lok to continue to improve and remain competitive in the league.”
Naugatuck
Coach: Bill Hanley (8th season, 59-29)
Last year: 8-6
Key returning players: Jr. capt. Lauren Rupsis, Jr. Abigail Lombardi (top 10 finisher at NVL Championship), Sr. Evelyn Diaz, Sr. Kimani Grey, Sr. Brianna Soubannarath, Jr. Daniella Acevedo, Jr. Caitlin Doris, Jr. Abigail Lombardi, Jr. Samantha Styles, Jr. Letacianna Stoudmire, Jr. Sara Tarmey; So. Gina Conforti, So. Faith Descheen, So. Brittany Soubannarath; Fr. Alyssa Jones, Fr. Julia Kropo, Fr. Victoria Weng
Coach’s take: “This team appears to be one of the most talented groups we’ve had in recent years. Evelyn Diaz from spring track and Julia Kropo from middle school are looking as though they could make a positive contribution to the group right out of the gate.”
Pomperaug
Coach: Mark Goodwin (6th season)
Last year: 13-0, SWC champions, Class L champions
Key players: So. Kate Wiser (All-State, 2nd place in Open), Jr. Maddie Villa (All-State), Sr. Nina Koobatian (All-State), Sr. Katie Schenk (All-SWC), Jr. Molly Flanagan (All-SWC), Sr. Ive Walker (All-SWC).
Coach’s take: ”We are pursuing the SWC and state titles.”
Nonnewaug
Coach: Arleigh Duff (26th season)
Last year: 9-0 BL champions, Class M champions
Key players: Jr. Helene Berger (BL All-Star, All-State), Jr. Carly Andrew (BL All-Star); Sr. Jacquelin Berger, Sr. Brooke Andrew, So. Jennie Schwarz (BL All-Star); Jr. Maddie Woodward
Coach’s take: “We had a great team last year and the core is back. We added some freshmen and excited about the numbers.”
Shepaug
Coach: John Spear (4th season, 21-6)
Last year: 8-1, 2nd in BL
Key players: Sr. Elisa Afiouni (All-BL), Sr. Aileen Rosa (All-BL), Jr. Autumn Collette (All-BL 2nd team).
Coach’s take: ”We lost our No. 1 Emma Krebs, the BL champ, to graduation.We return everyone else and are adding a few talented freshmen to the mix. Our seniors have been building for four years to compete for both the BL and Class S titles. Nonnewaug returns everyone from an undefeated season abd a Class M championship, so it will be very difficult to beat again this year.”
Taft
Coach: Lisa Parente (5th season, 15-19)
Last year: 1-7
Key players: Jr. capt. Katie Bootsma, Jr. capt. Michelle Lian, Lucy Gretsky, Stella Oldakowski, Kaitlyn MacDonald
Coach’s take: “After graduating three impressive runners, this team will be young but talented and hardworking.”
The high school football season starts Thursday night with two area games. This season Mark Jaffee and Roger Cleaveland will be providing the weekly predictions.
So, on with the Week 1 winners:
Picking high school football
Mark Jaffee
Roger Cleaveland
Game
Winner
The skinny
Thursday
Seymour at St. Paul
Seymour, 27-13
Seymour, 34-14
Wildcats have a few more offensive options than Falcons.
Wildcats will be extremely focused after offseason adversity.
Cheshire at Shelton
Shelton, 27-14
Shelton, 27-20
Tough road opener for the Rams.
Rams won last year but now missing 3-year starting QB on the road
Friday
Naugatuck at Wolcott
Naugatuck 36-22
Naugatuck, 28-20
Greyhounds set the tone for the rest of the season.
Naugy’s experience the difference in 1 of best games of the year.
Woodland at Torrington
Woodland, 24-14
Woodland, 27-14
Hawks have a really good ground game.
Woodland’s rebuild progressing much faster than the Red Raiders.
Ansonia at WCA
Ansonia, 40-6
Ansonia, 46-6
New-name Chargers get off to a good start.
Chargers get off to a good start finding their new identity
Watertown at Derby
Watertown, 21-14
Derby, 20-13
Indians pass opening huge test on the road.
Indians will get better, but tough start on road after losing 17 starters
Lewis Mills at Coventry
Coventry, 30-6
Coventry, 42-6
Spartans have rough season opener.
Rough start to a long season for Mills team with only 12 upperclassmen
Pomperaug at Bethel
Pomperaug, 24-14
Pomperaug, 20-14
Panthers start fresh with big road win.
Good start for Panthers teams seeking 1st winning season in 7 years
Glastonbury at Southington
Southington, 24-14
Southington, 34-14
Blue Knights are moving on with a lot of new faces.
Knights focused after missing state playoffs for first time in 7 years
Saturday
Crosby at Holy Cross
Holy Cross, 28-12
Holy Cross, 20-12
Crusaders will only get better as season progresses.
Crusaders scrapping their way back to top of league vs. young Bulldogs
Oxford at Wilby
Oxford, 42-0
Oxford, 42-0
Wolverines could be one of the most improved teams in the NVL.
Talented Jr. QB Cayden Mitchell and 18 seniors get off to great start
SH-KT at Kennedy
Kennedy, 24-16
Kennedy, 35-8
Eagles finally have a balanced offense.
Eagles have too much experience for undermanned Hearts
Gilbert-NW at Old Saybrook
Old Saybrook, 27-12
Old Saybrook, 42-6
Yellowjackets will get better as time goes on.
Very inexperienced offensive line with first-year QB not a good combo
Wilcox Tech at MCW United
MCW, 20-6
MCW, 14-6
If anyone deserves a win in the opener, MCW coach Jamie Coty is at top of the list.
MCW gets first win since inception vs. team that played only jv last year
It was one of those deep-bellied soulful laughs that resonated in the throat with a distinct rapines to it. Such was the response from Naugatuck High football coach Dave Sollazzo when he was told that Ansonia coach Tom Brockett said the Chargers lost so many players to graduation that they were coming back to the pack this year in the Naugatuck Valley League.
“You didn’t believe that, did you?” Sollazzo said. “I mean, c’mon. What are you, kidding me? I mean, he says that every year, doesn’t he? What are you kidding me? That is a joke. That is a big joke.”
Brockett, who has a coaching record of 148-11 with 10 state championship game appearance and six state titles in his 13 years of coach, insists it isn’t a joke.
“I think the NVL is more interesting because we lost everything,” Brockett said. “A lot of times we will have to replace the tailback with a kid who was a receiver the year before but was still a good skill player. This year I did a survey: Does your quarterback return? No. Does your running back return? No. Does your fullback return? No. Does your tight end return? No. How many linemen do you return? One. There are a lot of new faces. It’s real.”
“You didn’t believe that, did you? I mean, c’mon. What are you, kidding me? I mean, he says that every year, doesn’t he? What are you kidding me? That is a joke. That is a big joke.”
Naugatuck coach Dave Sollazzo
Brockett said he returns only three starters on both sides of the ball, and he only has a varsity roster of about 35 players. By contrast, he said, Naugatuck has 18 seniors and returns eight starters on each side of the ball, most of whom have started several years.
“You look at how loaded Naugatuck is, and how Seymour brings back just about everybody except Bobby Melms,” Brockett said. “Derby is getting closer to making that jump back to the top, and you expect Holy Cross to come back. With us taking a step back, the league is as wide open as it has in a long, long time.”
Ansonia went 12-1 last year with its only loss coming in the Class S title game. Naugy was 9-2 with its only league loss coming to Ansonia on Thanksgiving and the other coming in the Class LL quarterfinals. Seymour (9-3) and Watertown (8-3) also qualified for the state playoffs.
Wolcott was 5-5 last year, and Coach Matt Hove expects to improve led by a solid nucleus of seniors and what he considers “about as flawless an offensive line unit I have ever seen coaching high school football.” Yet, he’s not sure there is parity in the NVL unless it starts once you get past Ansonia at the top.
Ansonia head coach coach Tom Brockett. (RA)
“I think Ansonia is still going to be the team to beat, and there is no doubt they are going to go undefeated in the regular season again,” Hove said. “They are a machine. They are the class of Class S, and they are definitely the class of the NVL. They may be down, but with them being down just means there might be a couple closer games.
“But if anybody is going to come close to beating them, it is Naugatuck. Coach Sollazzo is a fantastic coach with a fantastic program, and they have the players to make a solid run.”
Sollazzo understands that returning most of the starters from a team that began 9-0 last season makes the Greyhounds a target for other teams. He believes that will force his team to raise its level of play.
“Instead of us hunting anyone else this year, we are going to be the ones being hunted now,” Sollazzo said. “To be honest, I embrace that. That is what competition is all about. You want to have people give you their best every week, and I’m sure we will get that.”
There appear to be plenty of solid teams hoping to make a push into the top third of the league.
Oxford was only 3-7 last season, but the Wolverines return 18 seniors and also have potentially one of the best players in the league in junior quarterback Cayden Mitchell. Coach Joe Stochmal believes his team can get above .500 this season, but he’s not buying that Ansonia will be down.
“I want to be down the way Ansonia is just one year,” Stochmal said. “They are a great program with a great coaching staff and a great fan base and community base. Football is important to the town of Ansonia. So when Tommy says they are going to be down, it’s all relative. I think he has said that the past four years, and they have made it to the state title game all four years.”
“Ansonia wins every year,” St. Paul coach Jude Kelly said, “and they have been winning every year for 40 years.”
Watertown was the surprise team last year, finishing 8-3. Coach Luigi Velardi lost 17 starters but has 18 seniors ready to step up. He loves the effort of the team, but knows they have to learn to play together, and he sees plenty of good teams in the league.
“I think Wolcott, Naugatuck and Ansonia are going to be tough with Woodland, Oxford and Derby chasing a little behind,” he said. “Everyone else is just going to fight for what they can.”
Whether it is Brockett and Ansonia, Sollazzo and Naugatuck or someone else who has the last laugh this year is difficult to tell.
“To me, I think anyone is capable of knocking anyone else off on any given week,” Sollazzo said. “I am also sure Ansonia is very capable of running the table again. So right now it is hard to say how the league will play out.”
And so begins the last year of the Berkshire League as we know it.
Lewis Mills High begins its BL farewell tour before it leaves in 2019 for the Central Connecticut Conference, and in no sport is that more significant than in soccer, where Mills has been one of the league’s most dominant teams. This is the last title chase for the BL defending boys and girls champions.
“From the first year I started coaching at Mills in 2009 until now, the goal has always been to win the BL title,” said Spartans boys coach Ben Kulas. “Being the last one for us, it certainly is something we want to end our BL tenure with, but not something I am particularly hyping with the guys. We have so many other areas to improve upon right now, so adding pressure of a ‘must win’ league title is something I am not willing to put on them. If we win it, awesome. If we don’t win it, well, that will sting a bit, but it won’t define our season and certainly won’t define the Lewis Mills boys soccer program’s legacy.”
Well said by the imminently quotable Kulas, and that’s it, no more talk about Mills, the BL, the last season, the end of the road. I promise. Kinda.
The real discussion should be this: Can they do it again? How many times can you have one of those dream seasons anyway? The boys and girls are BL title defenders. The girls had a dream season, too, you know, although it ended one game shy of perfection when they lost to Berlin in the Class M semifinal round, on penalty kicks. The boys had a season that went beyond dreams.
The Spartans won a spectacular Class M state title game, 3-2 over Suffield, on that never-to-be-forgotten goal in the final seconds by Dylan McCall.
“You can’t top 2017, never will,” said Kulas, who also celebrated the birth of his first child during the CIAC tourney run. “We know we aren’t going to top 2017. How could you?”
Nope. Can’t.
“But what we do want is to build off that moment, continue to bring our program to the top, and raise expectations,” Kulas added.
Mills returns top talent for both boys and girls. The lineups are infused with upperclassmen with varying degrees of varsity experience. The Spartans are BL favorites, start there but don’t end there. Both teams hope to go a long way before they wrap up 2018.
“We don’t want to wait 17 years to get back to a final,” Kulas said. That was the amount of time between previous trips to a state title game. “We know what it takes, and know that guys have to work hard and be willing to do anything for the team to get back there.”
Kulas said that he has used examples of 2017 moments throughout training in 2018 “as an example of why we are doing a certain drill or tactic, or an example of how a drill relates to a game.”
And not just from that glorious final.“Every tournament game was packed with great teachable moments,” Kulas said. “I love it.”
And so begins another soccer title chase for Mills’ boys and girls, and a last BL hurrah.
It’s a glorious piece of music, Charles Ives’ “The Unanswered Question.” Play it in the background as we ask the unanswered soccer question: Can anyone beat Naugatuck this season?
Expand that question: Are St. Paul Catholic and Holy Cross again the NVL girls favorites? And the BL refrain: Is it Lewis Mills again for boys and girls?
Check back in November, but in the meantime area coaches offer an opinion on what to expect in 2018.
“The NVL looks to be the strongest it has been in a while,” said soccer psychic Mike Fritch of Torrington, “with a number of teams having an opportunity to not only make the league tournament, but win the tournament.”
Of course, Naugatuck is the favorite, but NVL talent runs deep.
“There is a lot of young, exciting talent that should produce some brilliant moments and games,” said Naugy coach Ryan Kinne. Wilby’s Tom Hunt believes that the NVL’s “second tier teams will be exciting. These games will be ultra competitive.”
Woodland Regional has legitimate title aspirations, and coach Tony Moutinho sees the league “as a lot more balanced, with seven or eight teams with a chance to win it all. But obviously, Naugatuck is the team to beat.”
The NVL girls now play in two divisions with similar title suspects. Holy Cross coach Phil Mongelluzzo sees more balance though.
“Last year the NVL put the state on notice, with two teams in the semifinals, and one team in the final,” Mongelluzzo said.
It was St. Paul Catholic and Holy Cross that made the Class S semis, and Cross advanced to the final. Can that happen again?
“The NVL will continue to improve and make a name for itself in the state tournament,” Mongelluzzo added. “Any one of a number of teams are capable of winning the league, and I expect the competition to be fierce at the top of the table.”
St. Paul coach Jim Husbands agreed. “Woodland, Watertown, Naugatuck, and Holy Cross should be the elite of the conference this year,” he said, “with Oxford and Wolcott also strong.”
If he’s right, expect fireworks from the ladies.
“I think there are going to be a few surprises this year,” noted Watertown coach Christina Caron. “Some mid-range teams have the ability to climb the standings. Nothing can be taken for granted.”
We’re counting on that.
What about the Berkshire League? This is the farewell tour for Lewis Mills, but don’t expect BL schools to offer parting gifts as the Spartans prepare to leave for the Central Connecticut Conference next year.
“I have been asking my former students for the ‘CCC You Later’ sign from the Wamogo-Mills game (in 2017) to hang in my classroom,” said Mills boys coach Ben Kulas, who teaches at Wamogo. “That type of stuff is classic. How can you get mad at a brilliant burn? Make me laugh and I will never forget it.”
Each season the talk is about Mills and Nonnewaug in BL soccer, and Northwestern too. This season there is another team in the mix.
“Lewis Mills is the clear favorite,” said Nonnewaug coach Toby Denman, “but Litchfield may lead the rest of the pack.” Indeed, the Cowboys were a Class S quarterfinalist in 2017, and they bring back a load of talent.
The Mills ladies will be good again, and so will Nonnewaug and Housatonic. Northwestern and Litchfield come off excellent seasons. Is there a trend here? The BL might be better than ever.
“I expect this to be one of the more balanced leagues I’ve seen,” said Terryville girls coach Brian Rosano, “and I think it’s going to be a battle to finish in the top four. I would not be surprised to see several BL teams playing deep in the state tournament.”
It’s time to get started, and perhaps, a season to go deep.
Neyger Atariguana scored off a rebound 11 minutes into the second half and the host Torrington boys soccer team held on for a 3-2 win over Wolcott on Thursday.
Xavier Rodas and Janos Herczeg also scored for Torrington.
Nate Goddard and Christopher LeBeau had the late goals for Wolcott. GIRLS SOCCER Wolcott 5, Torrington 0: Tiona Watts and Brooke Tracey scored two goals apiece for the Eagles.
Ella Vaughn added a goal and an assist.
Torrington’s Abby McCarthy made 16 saves.
Pomperaug 0, Weston 0: Caitlin Murphy made eight saves for the Panthers. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Southington 3, Masuk 2: Lynsey Danko had 17 digs and Olivia Carpenter recorded 35 assists for the Blue Knights.
Opening day, 2017, the St. Paul girls soccer team played at Holy Cross. It took no more than 15 minutes before one realized that these were championship-caliber teams. Sure enough, on the last day of the NVL soccer season, the Falcons and Crusaders played again.
St. Paul won that title game, 2-0. It was the start of a successful postseason for both teams. St. Paul reached the Class S semifinal and Cross played in the S championship game.
Today is opening day for both teams, and again they play on day one. We shouldn’t read anything into that, right?
St. Paul and Cross are favorites to make the NVL title game again. But remember, Woodland had the NVL’s best regular-season record in 2017. Watertown is always good as Meadow Mancini can blow open any game, and Naugatuck has a load of young talent.
But it starts with St. Paul and Holy Cross.
“Last year, our goal was to elevate St. Paul to an elite level within the NVL,” said Falcons coach Jim Husbands. “Winning the tournament for the first time certainly helped us move among the top programs in the conference, but we don’t want to be a one-year wonder.”
There is little chance of that. One All-State star graduated, Kendall Davis, but another All-State star, keeper Nina Zwolinski, is back.
“Our goals are simple,” Husbands said, “qualify for the state tournament, win the NVL tournament and win two more games in the state tournament than we did last year.”
Just to make sure that St. Paul’s is ready, the Falcons open against a state finalist and then play at Woodland, at Naugatuck, and then host Watertown. Might as well face the fire early.
The Crusaders played more games than any other NVL team in 2017 (23), went the farthest (S final) and equalled Woodland for most overall victories (16), but probably only remember two games: the NVL title game defeat to St. Paul and the OT loss to Old Lyme in the state final.
Athletes, it is often said, need a short memory.
Not so in this case.
“Experience and hunger will see us through this year into the winner’s circle,” said Cross coach Phil Mongelluzzo. “We learned some hard lessons in the NVL title game. We did not come out with enough passion and commitment and the better team won on the pitch that day.
“Commitment to each other on each and every play propelled us to the final against an insanely talented and well-coached Old Lyme team and past a more talented East Hampton team.”
Cross has a supremely talented senior group and, as Mongelluzzo said, “They know we have unfinished business and the seniors want to decorate the halls with hardware. There is a different atmosphere in practice. Those two losses have been the rally cry in this young season.”
The time to put word into deed is now.
Send comments to jpalladino@rep-am.com, and follow on Twitter at @RAOffTheRecord.
