From left; Colin Skene, Jack Williams, and Jova’n Hill are the first three selections in the 2024 Rare Reminder Bizarro Draft.  
 
The National Football League draft starts tonight! Since 2015, the scouts and staff at the Rare Reminder have put together the annual Bizarro Draft — where we entered The Land of Make Believe, in which NFL teams selected from the pool of talented players who starred at the five local public high schools (Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield).

"The Chicago Bears are now on the clock…"
[Draft order as on April 22]

1. Chicago Bears - Colin Skene (QB-Middletown): Skene has the tools to be the missing piece behind center that Chicago has longed for since the departure of Sid Luckman. Skene delivers a beautiful ball with touch, along with bringing a wealth of experience, rocket arm, and wiggle in the pocket to the Windy City. 

2. Washington Commanders - Jack Williams (DL-Cromwell/Portland): A+ talent and teammate who checks all the boxes. Williams brings reliability, leadership, and a dominance force to the field. New head coach Dan Quinn gets a perennial Pro-Bowler that will unify the locker room. 

3. New England Patriots - Jova’n Hill (RB/WR/DB-Wethersfield): Versatile and supreme athlete who can add value in all three phases. New regime in Foxborough will find multiple ways to get Hill the rock because of his explosive first step, receiver hands, and big play ability as a returner. Built for football with a sky-high ceiling. 

4. Arizona Cardinals - Akari Rosemond (WR-Newington): Rosemond is a physical specimen that can high-point any ball and has Lynn Swann-esque body control. A matchup nightmare, elusive after the catch, and has the finishing power of a running back. New version of DeAndre Hopkins for Kyler Murray. 

5. Los Angeles Chargers - Daryl Asante (MLB-Rocky Hill): A perfect cornerstone addition to start the Jim Harbaugh-era in the City of Angels. Asante is a rock in the middle who is a thumper at the point of contact and is elite in pursuit. A weight room stud with defensive back quickness.  

6. New York Giants - Cam Righi (QB-Wethersfield): Righi is a once in a generation athlete with a cannon for an arm that has the tools to be a long-term starter behind center or the next Taysom Hill. Strong like an ox with deceptive wheels and natural leadership qualities. Brian Daboll’s new voice on the field.  

7. Tennessee Titans - Zy’Kie Askew (RB-Middletown): Rare combination of breakaway burst and brute power make Askew a fitting replacement for Derrick Henry in The Music City. Askew is dynamite in a bottle on the field and a workout warrior off it. Can handle a heavy load and will be an ideal backfield complement to fellow Connecticut native Will Levis. 

8. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Gish (LB-Cromwell/Portland): Gish brings a menacing mentality to the field and will be a centerpiece for a revamped unit led by the defensive-minded Raheem Morris. Tenacious tackler thanks to his wrestling background and plays like he’s shot out of a cannon on every snap.

9. Chicago Bears - JD Nazario (LB-Newington): Tough as nails competitor that is smooth from sideline to sideline. Nazario plays with a low center of gravity and has fluid hips, allowing him to change direction quickly. Warrior mentality.   

10. New York Jets - Edward Kocaqi (DT-Rocky Hill): Kocaqi uses his frame and leverage to create gaps in even the best offensive lines. Engulfs ball carriers and is a developing talent that makes the rich richer for a loaded Robert Saleh defense front in NY. 

11. Minnesota Vikings - Jess Elfreich (QB-Cromwell/Portland): Answer at signal caller falls to quarterback-hungry team in Minnesota. Elfreich is a fearless field general that processes lightning quick release, along with an ability to push the ball deep. Great technique in and out of the pocket and a knack for making plays with both his arm and legs in crucial moments.  

12. Denver Broncos - Enzo Corvino (QB-Newington): Corvino is an underrated talent that delivers a catchable ball and excels at throwing on the run. Solid frame and can decipher defenses quickly, often finding second and third options. Sean Payton will love his 11:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio he posted last fall. 

13. Las Vegas Raiders - Jason Fleurejiste (LB-Middletown): Fleurejiste is exactly the type of player that Antonio Piece wants to build his defense around. Lives in the opposing team’s backfield (12 tackles for loss and six sacks in ten games) and delivers a pop on contact (four forced fumbles). Solid in coverage with great mitts from his time playing tight end. 

14. New Orleans Saints - Oleg Korotkyy (WR-Rocky Hill): Versatile offensive weapon that has natural hands and big frame. Korotkyy is willing and capable of lining up anywhere and is a mismatch at all levels. Sets positive example for teammates. Reminds scouts of a mix of Michael Pittman Sr. and Michael Pittman Jr.  

15. Indianapolis Colts - Mikel Lleshi (TE-Wethersfield): Smarty, heady player that sees the field well from his time filling in at quarterback. Has both a high IQ and motor and should quickly become Anthony Richardson’s security blanket. Three-down tight end with build to block and skills to move chains. 

16. Seattle Seahawks - AJ Signorello (OL-Cromwell/Portland): Signorello is a worker that can play multiple positions along both sides of the line. Strong base and does all the unsung things that allow teammates to flourish. Destined for a 10+ year career. 

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Josh Ferguson (WR-Middletown): Complete wideout with all the tools in his bag. Ferguson has ideal size and excels at tracking the ball in flight, along with stellar speed and sticky hands. Trevor Lawrence will love his reliability and run-after-catch ability. 

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Emeka Yearwood (RB-Cromwell/Portland): After losing starting running back in free agency, Cincinnati has a scary talented standout fall to them in the middle of the first round. Yearwood is an athletic stud with elite speed that fights for extra yardage and shines in big moments. Leg churner that runs with a purpose.  

19. Los Angeles Rams - Robert Spadaro (T-Wethersfield): Spadaro fills both a need and adds tremendous value to the Rams. A workout warrior with ideal build, strong hands, and refined footwork. He looks the part and smooth for his size.   

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Josiah Sims (ATH-Newington): Sims is a unique prospect whose gritty, hard-nosed mentality will be welcomed in the Steel City. Could play running back or on either of the first two levels on defense thanks to his athletic prowess and incredible power. Is the all-time leader in rebounds on the hardwood at his high school, adding another layer of intrigue. 

21. Miami Dolphins - Joey Motes (QB-Rocky Hill): Dolphins make splash by selecting for the future in Motes, an exceptional athlete with a quick release that is ideal for Mike McDaniel’s offense. Throws effortlessly and delivers a tight spiral. A team-first guy that players rally around. 

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Heath Weeden (LB-Newington): Weeden is a tackling machine that is just reaching his potential. Has a nose for the ball and lacrosse background allows him to see the field better and process quickly. 

23. Minnesota Vikings - Saad Khan (LB/DB-Rocky Hill): Khan plays with a relentless motor and packs a punch for size. Heart-and-soul guy that loves contact and will elevate players around him. Reminds scouts of a young London Fletcher.   

24. Dallas Cowboys - Dhallas Morgan (RB-Wethersfield): Brings the perfect name and skill set to the Lone Star State. Jerry Jones will love his burst, breakaway speed, and ability to cut on dime. Speed merchant with added value out of the backfield and in the return game. 

25. Green Bay Packers - Anthony Nanfito (LB-Middletown): Every down grinder who is also a worker-bee off the field. Nanfito is always in the right spot at the right time and is fundamentally sound in all phases. 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jack Nolan (WR-Cromwell/Portland): Tampa is building an explosive offense and Nolan is the next dynamic piece of the puzzle. Polished route runner with soft, glue-like hands. Tough as nails over middle and plays with swag. 

27. Arizona Cardinals - Evan Pigott (RB-Newington): Pigott has a nose for the end zone and brings toughness to the field. A shifty, chain mover that finishes runs with purpose and is always moving forward. 

28. Buffalo Bills - Jayzair Hall (DE-Rocky Hill): Incredible talent that has the makings of an elite edge rusher. Supreme first step and intimidating presence and power. Next Bruce Smith in Buffalo? 

29. Detroit Lions - Nicolas DeShong (G-Middletown): Prototypical tough Dan Campbell-type player who has ideal height, weight, and athleticism. Nibble feet and finishing power while pulling. Solid as the day is long.  

30. Baltimore Ravens - Danny Gonzalez (LB/S-Wethersfield): Gonzalez provides position flexibility to a Baltimore defense that craves versatility. Drives through ball carriers and tracks the ball well in coverage. 

31. San Francisco 49ers - Taverus Jefferson (DE-Middletown): Jefferson has the size to play inside or out in both a 3-4 or 4-3 defense and will bury ball carriers. Adds Grade-A talent to an already loaded San Fran unit.  

32. Kansas City Chiefs - Tyler Cipolla (RB/RET-Cromwell/Portland): Star in the making that loves the big moments and is another dynamic weapon for Andy Reid to deploy. Cipolla has fast feet and cuts effortlessly, adding home run value in return game.  

Dozen Day Two Prospects (Alphabetical order by last name)

Erik Bellovoda (LB-Wethersfield): Intriguing prospect that is deceptively powerful and has natural on-field vision. Added value on special teams and will work his way on the field because of his work ethic.   

Aiden Bengtson (S-Newington): A playmaker who is always around the ball thanks to instincts and elite closing speed. Charismatic and plays with confidence that is needed at the next level.    

Nathan Clark (Athlete-Newington): Unique athlete that can play on both sides of the line, as well as in the offensive backfield. An asset in any locker room and is long, strong, and physical. 

Maxim Ellis (LB-Middletown): Sneaky strength and sheds blocks with ease. Smooth sideline to sideline and finishes tackles. A potential steal. 

Zachary Girolamo (LB-Newington): Thumper that is exceptional in space. A solid tackler with a high ceiling. 

Caden Huddleston (S-Rocky Hill): Rangy athlete that can cover the entire field. Not afraid to mix it up and has a knack for creating turnovers. Tons of upside. 

Alex McKiernan - (LB-Cromwell/Portland):  Second round gem that is stout and powerful. Plays with an old school mentality and is willing and able to fill any role, even punter. 

Julian Middlebrooks (DB-Newington): Versatile athlete with quick reaction time. Plays on third level with the aggressiveness of a linebacker in run support and will make receivers pay for going over middle. 

Vaughn Payne (S-Cromwell/Portland): A lucky team is getting a major value on day two. A ballhawk with wide receiver hands that tracks and high points the ball extremely well. Oozing talent.   

Jaeden Torres (LB-Rocky Hill): A budding talent that is a sure-tackler. Plays with passion and has football in his blood.  

Jaden Veal (WR-Rocky Hill): Emerging prospect that uses body well and is terrific after catch. Quarterback friendly.

​Paul Wimbish (DB-Cromwell/Portland): Knack for making big plays with a track and field background that gives him elite closing speed, along with a willingness in run support. 

Cromwell/Portland head coach Randell Bennett tells junior quarterback Jess Elfreich the next offensive play during the Panthers 26-18 first round playoff victory at Pierson Park on Nov. 28. The team will play for the Class S championship this Saturday in Hartford. 
​
​After a pair of playoff wins last week, the Cromwell/Portland football team is headed to the state title game for the second time in three years. 

Cromwell/Portland, the No. 4 seed, will face No. 2 seed Bloomfield in the Class S State Championship game this Saturday, Dec. 9 at Rentschler Field, kicking off at 10:30 a.m.   

The Panthers playoff journey back to the state title game started with a victory a home, defeating Griswold/Wheeler 26-18 in the first round of the Class S bracket on Nov. 28. 

It victory marked the third straight season that the Panthers won a playoff game at Pierson Park. 

Junior quarterback Jess Elfreich threw a pair of touchdowns, while the brotherly backfield duo of Emeka Yearwood and Osi Yearwood each ran for touchdowns as the home team erased three deficits to advance to the state semifinals. 

Head coach Randell Bennett joked that it took his team a little time to “warm up” for the 6:30 p.m. kickoff on a frigid night, adding “we just needed some time to wake up.”

After the Panthers fumbled away the game’s opening possession, the visiting Wolverines capitalized on the turnover by driving 52 yards in 11 plays with the final play being a one-yard touchdown plunge from Joshua Turner.           

Cromwell/Portland countered on the next possession when Jack Nolan high-pointed an Elfreich fade pass in the back left corner of the end zone from 13-yards out, capping a 10-play drive. Elfreich then connected with Emeka Yearwood for the two-point conversion, giving the Panthers an 8-6 lead with 11:24 to play in the first half. 

After trading punts, Griswold/Wheeler recaptured the lead when quarterback Luke Cassidy hit Kiyle Montigny with a 50-yard touchdown bomb midway through the second quarter. 

Again, Cromwell countered on the next possession by driving 84 yards, capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass from Elfreich to fellow junior Matt Gish, putting the Panthers up 14-12 at the break.

Gish wasn’t wearing receiver gloves on the 33 degree night, yet that didn’t stop him from hauling in several key passes. 

“I knew I could beat them over the middle all night,” recalled Gish. “I was open on the play before and we just didn’t connect, but we
definitely connected there.” 

The Wolverines bit back one more time on their first drive of the second half when KinKade Rubino scored from a yards midway through the third quarter. 

But for the final 20 minutes of regulation, it was all Panthers.

Osi Yearwood scored from a yard out with 4:30 left in the third quarter, regaining the lead for the Panthers, before the home team’s defense began to exert their will. 

Gish sacked Cassidy, causing a fumble that was recovered by Matthew Michaud.

On the play prior, Gish was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty for suplexing Rubino out of bounds.

Gish, an accomplished wrestler in the winter, said he was upset with himself after the penalty and eyed quick redemption, saying, “That strip-sack was electric, I loved it.”

With 10:50 to play in regulation, Emeka Yearwood broke several arm tackles before scooting down the right sideline for a 38-yard rushing touchdown. 

Emeka Yearwood, who is the older brother of Osi, then had an 80-yard touchdown called back on a holding penalty before he finished the game on the defensive side when he sacked Cassidy on fourth down with three minutes left in regulation.  

Bennett said that Yearwood has a knack for coming up with big pays when the team needs them most, adding, “He understands that it’s on his shoulder now; we expect those plays from him.”

An Elfreich to Nolan 20-yard connection on third down allowed the Panthers to drain off the final few minutes off the clock. 

The playoff victory was also sweet redemption for the Panthers, who had lost their final regular season game at Pierson Park, falling to Granby/Canton 22-6 on Senior Night (Nov. 3).

Following the loss, the team reeled off three straight road wins to qualify for the postseason. 

Senior captain Jack Williams noted that, following the Senior Night loss, the team was determined to play another game at Pierson Park.

“We didn’t want that to be our last home game, so we knew we had to get back here,” added Williams. “We had to win – it was our last [home] game.”

Emeka Yearwood added, “This is everything. We lost on Senior Night and you have to end on a win, always.”

The Panthers followed up the playoff home win with an even more impressive road victory, defeating top-seed Ansonia 28-0 in the state semifinals at Derby High School on Dec. 3

Cromwell/Portland literally dominated from start to finish as Emeka Yearwood scored on the first play from scrimmage, rushing for a 64 yard touchdown, and Osi Yearwood polished off the game with an 80-yard scoring scamper in the fourth quarter. 

Elfreich again tossed a pair of touchdown, one each to Tyler Cipolla and Vaughn Payne, to round out the scoring.

But it was the Panthers defense that stole the show, shutting out a Chargers offense that entered the semifinals averaging 40 points a game. It was also the first time all season that the Panthers had held an opponent scoreless.

On Saturday, the Panthers will be looking to duplicate the feat from two seasons ago when they beat Bloomfield (21-6) in the 2021 Class S championship game. 

RHAM girls soccer after defeating Watertown in double overtime in the second round of the state tournament on Nov. 8. The Raptors won nine more games this season than they did in 2022. 

It was a fruitful fall for the girls soccer team at RHAM High School. 

In the program’s second season under head coach Matt Cameron, the Raptors won nine more games than they did in 2022, including a pair of state tournament games. 

Once the dust had settled, the Raptors finished 13-4-2 overall, advancing to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2019.

Cameron credited his departing seniors for making his second year in Hebron a memorable one, calling the group “an absolute dream.” 

“The leadership from our captains and the seniors in general set such a good example for all the younger players,” recalled Cameron. “They were amazing; they exceeded expectations.”

After winning only four games a season ago, returning seniors Ava Machowski, Amy Forrest, Kaylee Macca, Sophia Bell, Elise Leccese, Julia Kasper, Caitlin Kischell, and Kiley Stanford made the most of their final season on the local fields by helping the team win nine of their first ten games this fall. 

“We came together as a group really, really quickly. We were able to establish a style of play early on that suited the type of players we have,” stated Cameron. “We have a group that was a little more blue collar, and they had that belief and trust in each other.”  
             
Following the blazing start, Cameron noted that the team really began to show their true character once the schedule got tougher later in the season.

After suffering a 5-0 loss to Bacon Academy (the eventual Class M state champions) and a 6-1 defeat to South Windsor in back-to-back games in October, the Raptors regrouped quickly and won the final two games of the regular season.

They closed out the regular season by avenging the five-goal loss at South Windsor, beating the conference rival Bobcats 2-0 at RHAM High School on Oct. 28.

Machowski and Forrest each netted goals in the regular season finale, while goalie Andrea Bartolucci and the Raptors defense held an opponent scoreless for the ninth time. 

Cameron said the wins late in the season “created belief with the group that we had something special and that we could go on a run in the tournament.” 

Momentum carried over into the Class M state tourney where the No. 10 seeded Raptors ousted Sheehan 4-1 in the first round before going on the road and knocking off No. 7 Watertown in double overtime in the second round. 

Cameron witnessed Watertown’s first round win and knew his team would “have to play the best game of the season” to pull the upset and, despite hitting traffic on their way to the second round match that limited RHAM’s ability to warm-up, the Raptors rose to the occasion. 

“I think that distracted us, it could have helped,” Cameron said about the late arrival in Watertown. “We didn’t overthink things.”

Forrest, who scored two goals in the game, broke a 3-3 tie with 3:40 left in the second overtime when she rebounded a deflected shot and finished with a goal that snuck under the crossbar. 

Machowski was able to control the ball for the last minute of the match to secure a 4-3 victory. 

“The girls competed, they never gave up,” Cameron said of the 100-minute marathon of a match.   

Along with being the defining win of the season, Cameron added that there was a moment prior to Forrest’s game-deciding goal that represented the season as a whole. 

With time dwindling in the second overtime, the match seemed destined for penalty kicks and Cameron asked Kischell if she wanted to attempt a penalty kick if needed.

Kischell, who hadn’t played all game, began to warm up without hesitation and Cameron said that it was an example of the unselfishness and willingness of entire team. 

“All the players were important to what we did this year,” added Cameron. “It was an unbelievable group.”   

Following the season, Machowski was named to the Class M All-State team after leading the team in goals (27) and total points (63) this fall.

But Cameron said that her statistics are just part of the story. 

“She does everything,” added Cameron. “She comes back and defends, she is our best hitter, she can kill the game, [and] she can occupy two and three players at a time.”

Along with being named all-state, Machowski was one of two Raptors named All-Central Connecticut Conference (CCC). Forrest was also named all-conference after leading the team with a dozen assists this fall. 

With a handful of starters graduating, Cameron said they will rely on the experience the younger players gained this season as they head into year three within his system.  

Freshman Liana Fox, who scored nine goals in her first season, and sophomore Brenna D'Amico will return to pace the offense, while Bartolucci is again slated to start in goal next fall to head the defense.

​“Next year we won’t have an Ava and we might have to change formation,” added Cameron. “But we won’t change who we are.”

After leading the team in scoring as a sophomore, Maddy Handrahan returns to lead the GHS girls basketball team that is coming off a 17-3 season and a trip to the state quarterfinals last winter. Photo: Glastonbury Sports Photography. 

Boys Basketball
Veteran head coach Jim Vaughan returns to lead a team that won 14 of 20 regular season games before losing an overtime heartbreaker to Trumbull in the first round of the Division II state tournament. 

The Guardians suffered another blow in the offseason when they lost leading scorer Connor O’Leary to a knee injury. O’Leary was an all-state player as a junior, averaging over 19 points per game. 
 
“My heart as well as his teammates [hearts] go out to him and his family as he continues his recovery,” stated Vaughan. “I know Connor will come through this stronger than ever and go on to have a great collegiate career.”

With O’Leary out, versatile junior David Smith and senior center Drew Burns will assume even larger roles. 

As a sophomore, Smith averaged 18 points per game and is currently fielding collegiate offers. Burns returns to man the middle after averaging nine points per game a year ago.   

Vaughan said his pair of returning starters have the ability to carry the team, adding, “The two of them give us a nice 1-2 punch and we believe our other players will step up to help these two. We have a lot of depth and a lot of kids who can help us.”

Senior Matt Wilkinson, along with junior Mike Carroll, Khian Morris, Jack Shaheen and Andrew Ossino will be other veteran voices in the rotations. Underclassmen Danny Wallace, Becket Freeman, Josh Smith, Brody Cummings will also play important roles. 

The team starts the season on the road, visiting Berlin on Thursday, Dec. 14 before returning home for back-to-back games against Tolland (Tuesday, Dec. 19) and Southington (Thursday, Dec. 21). All three games will tip-off at 6:45 p.m.  

Girls Basketball
After a 17-3 regular season and a trip to the state quarterfinals, head coach Chris Vozzolo welcomes back a talented roster led by all-conference junior guard Maddy Handrahan.

Handrahan, a two-year starter, will captain the team with seniors Lily Woodworth, Sammy Grote, and Brianna Jordan.

Over her first two years at GHS, Handrahan has scored 515 points and is the most experienced returner that will take on an expanded leadership role this winter.

Vozzolo said that Woodworth’s ability to score on all levels of the court gives the team offensive versatility. He also noted that Grote and Jordan will help solidify the team on both ends of the court, while junior Maja Skopic has further developed her game in the offseason and will help the Guardians offensively will her ability to score in a variety of ways.

With a challenged schedule, Vozzolo said the team will be tested often, adding, “The CCC west is loaded with strong teams and our out-of-conference schedule matches us against some perennial powerhouse programs.”
           
“We will look to be ahead in defense and rebounding as we are focused on that during the preseason,” stated Vozzolo. “Our culture is top notch and we have unreal athletes ready to take the season on full steam.”

The team starts the season on a three-game road trip before returning to GHS for their home opener on Monday, Dec. 18 against Berlin at 6:45 p.m.

Boys Ice Hockey
Behind terrific play from goalie Patrick Sullivan, the Guardians scored a pair of impressive victories late last season to qualify for the state tournament. 

Sullivan, a junior, returns between the pipes for a third straight season and head coach Ken Barse noted that Sullivan is “battle-tested” thanks to his previous two years of experience. 

“He will have a big, strong defensive unit in front of him that will be solid and will help to limit our opponent’s time in our zone,” stated Barse. 

Helping Sullivan on the back end will be defensive captain Sean Huempfner, along with senior Xander Martin (a transfer from Cussing Academy) and sophomore Liam Resto.

Powering the offensive will be senior captains Michael Rodriguez and Ben Jean, along with junior Jack Christina.

Barse said his trio of forwards can all “create scoring chances and bury the puck as well.”

“This year’s team will be an older, stronger team with have more depth than the last three seasons,” stated Barse. “[Our] team defense will be the key and good leadership from our senior and junior classes should carry us deep into the playoffs.”

The team plays home games at Trinity College in Hartford and, after a pair of road games, they welcome North Haven to Trinity on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Girls Ice Hockey
Head coach Frank Usseglio returns to lead the Storm, a co-op featuring players from GHS, East Catholic, South Windsor, Tolland, and Rockville.

The Storm has reached the state semifinals in each of the past two seasons, only to fall in a close contest to the eventual state champion.

Lola Espirito-Santo, a junior goalie from GHS, is slated to protect the net again with the help of junior goaltender Sarah Gionfriddo (a transfer from Worcester Academy). 

Returning defenders helping the goaltenders are senior captain Mallory Pierz, junior Karolina Prytko, sophomores Kasey Pierz and Juliana Sirois, along with GHS freshman Olivia Bissell. 

A trio of Glastonbury players will also help ignite the offense. Senior Lexi Pacheco (a Nichols College commit) returns as a left wing following a 15 point season as a junior, while senior Maddie Archambault will be an assistant captain on the right wing, and Deirdre McKiernan will be a sophomore center for the team. 

Liliana Ficaro of South Windsor returns after posting 19 goals a season ago. Senior Audrey Molin, juniors Edith Hayes and Maya Fisher, and sophomore Charlotte Laramee are also back to help the offense. 

With Lexi Pacheco and Ficaro powering the offense, Usseglio believes he has his strongest group of forwards in nearly a decade. 
After coming on the cup of a championship the last two seasons, Usseglio said, “We have a group motivated to try to break through the ceiling.”

The team plays home games at Newington Ice Arena and are slated to host Darien in their home opener on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. 

Wrestling
Following a solid season last winter in which they had a Top-10 finish at the conference championships, Jake Jones returns to lead a motivated group of Guardians who are seeking to move up in the standings. 

Troy Giaccone, who won an individual conference title as a junior last winter, heads a strong senior class that also includes Ryan Ouellette, Sidrit Ferizaj, and Andrew De La Rosa. Juniors Michael Norman, Kyle Amirault, and Christopher Ouellette will help be veteran voices, on and off the mat. 

Jones stated that he is optimistic that the returning wrestlers can make waves at the State Open this season. 

“This team has been improving a lot over the last couple of years and we look to continue our success this season,” stated Jones. “We want to see a lot of these guys standing on that podium in New Haven come February.”

The team opens the season on the road at Avon on Wednesday, Dec. 20 before hosting GHS Guardian Grapple Duals on Friday, Dec. 29 at 9 a.m.

Jones added that the team will dedicate the season to the De La Rosa family, as they have been experiencing severe hardship over the past year.

Boys Indoor Track and Field
Head coach Mark Alexander has a deep group coming back that is aiming to follow up on the success of last winter.  

“This year's indoor track and field team is a nice mixture of talented seniors with a promising sophomore class,” Alexander said of the team. 

Jace Lewis, Tye Karpicky, and Kiyan Atighechi head a solid senior class that also includes Aiden Katzman, Nate Lawrence, Emmet Dickinson, Muhammad Hasson, Teddy Lindlauf, Gus Selleck, and Max Pawelek

Juniors Robbie Caruso, Gabe Kvadus, and Jack Kelly will help from both a leadership and production standpoint. 

The future is also bright as Crawford Cauthen, Sam Hageman, Diego Aguilar, and Henfry Adams highlight a strong sophomore class that also features, Jaxon Fiske, Tyler Barker, Kyle Hageman, and Miles Dickson

Alexander said it will be important for all the athletes to do their part in order for the team to have continued success at both the conference and state meets. 

The team is slated to host a handful of meets this season, with the first one scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m. 

Girls Indoor Track and Field
Following three straight Class LL titles, head coach Brian Collins again has a roster loaded with talent on both the track and in the field. 

“We have a very good group of returning athletes and potentially some good new athletes for the winter season,” stated Collins.
“We’re very fortunate to have many good leaders on the team to help the new and inexperienced girls learn from. Hopefully we’ll get better each day and each meet but it starts each day at practice.”

Individual state champions Annika Paluska (600 meters) and Brooke Strauss (1000 and 1600 meters) will lead a well-rounded group of runners that spans all the distances. Skylar Fiske, Celina Rodrigues, Azariah Santavenere, Avery Olschefskie and Alissa Thompson-Webb will focus on sprints. Maya Drelichowski and Alex Edwards will handle mid-distances, while Jackie Dudus – Lila Garbett, Ava Gattinella, Abby Mathew and Olivia McKay will take on the longer runs. 

In the field, Maija Adams, Sarah Christina, Jenna Fradin, Anna Hilary, Eloise Mulready, and Mackenzie Rinaldo will handle the duties.
After winning both the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) and the state title last winter, Collins said the goals remain the same for the upcoming season.

“It’ll be tough with some very strong teams in our conference and class,” added Collins. “With the many good returners back this season, we should be able to cover most of the events in the different areas and be a complete team.” 

Depth will again play a role and Collins added that staying healthy is always a priority.   

“With the hard work, determination and dedication of these athletes, they have a great opportunity to have an outstanding season,” noted Collins.

The team is slated to host a handful of meets this season, with the first one scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m. 

Gymnastics
After a year hiatus, Yvette Sima returns to coach a team that had a top-five finish at the Class L state championships last winter. 
Sydney Salazar, Macey Burns, Anna Edwards, and Jillian Jarvis all return after each playing pivotal roles in the state championship event a year ago. 

Sima said the four key returning gymnastics will lead the way in competition, yet it will take an entire team effort this winter.

“Every individual is an important part of the team and they are all talented,” added Sima.  “I am looking forward to getting to know and work with some of the returning athletes from last year and thrilled to have some new and talented athletes joining us for the first time this season.”

The team’s home meets are at Gymnastics Express Too with the first one scheduled for Friday, Jan. 5 against Farmington at 7:15 p.m.

Ski Racing
Head coach Tom Zelek returns a pair of skiers that qualified for the end of the season “Shootout” last winter in Alex Bulger and Ainsley Latz, who each earned the team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards a season ago.  

Bulger, a junior coming off a 2nd place finish at the “Shootout”, will captain the boys team with junior Ryan Sarni. Latz, a junior, will
captain the girls squad with seniors Eva Giliberto and the Sydney Waltz.

Other boys to watch are senior Michael Petrone, along with sophomores Leyton Bulger (Alex’s brother) and Kory Wells.

On the girls side, junior Elizabeth Stutz along with sophomores Clementine Citroen and Julia Wold are expected to make an impact. 

This season will also mark the first time that the program will have a team manager, as Brooke Liebler will handle a lot of the details and help run the day-to-day operations. 

Zelek noted that a lack of snow made conditions challenging a season ago, forcing most races to be run with artificial snow, and he hopes that this winter yields more fresh powder. 

“We had a relatively young team of which most everyone is returning this year, so with their experiences last year we see a bright future,” stated Zelek, who added that returning skiers worked hard in the offseason. “[They] were very enthusiastic and dedicated in making the improvements needed to be successful.”

Zelek added that both the boys and girls teams were within fractions of a second to qualifying for states a season ago and expressed that with the abundance of experiences coming back, the prospects look good this winter.

The team both practices and competes at Mount Southington with the first race scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 4 p.m. 

GHS senior wrestler Troy Giaccone celebrates after winning a conference title earlier this year. Giaccone returns as a senior leader for a Guardians team looking to make the next step as a team. Photo: Glastonbury Sports Photography. 

Newington football celebrates win over Wethersfield last month. The Nor’easters have several starters returning next fall as the program enters year two under John Acquavita.
 
Newington High School football finished their first season under head coach John Acquavita on a high note, beating Wethersfield 39-13 on Nov. 22.

It was a unique season for the Nor'easters, who won their season opener before losing eight straight games prior to beating their neighboring rival from Wethersfield in the 46th annual Thanksgiving Classic, finishing the season with a record of 2-8. 

“It’s a good group of kids, we had a lot of fun,” Acquavita said of his first season on the sidelines in Newington. “Do I always wish for more wins, of course, but we had a good time.”

Prior to taking over the program at NHS, Acquavita had over a quarter century of experience coaching high school football in the state, winning three state championships at Hyde High School and spending the previous 15 years at Wilbur Cross. In 2014, he was named the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year.

The Acquavita-era in Newington got off to a memorable start when the Nor’easters erased a 14-point deficit, rallying to beat Westhill 26-25 in Stamford on Sept 9. Making his first varsity start, quarterback Enzo Corvino threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Ryan Bjunes late in regulation to complete the comeback. 

Following the eight straight losses — which included single-score losses to Conard, Middletown, and Bristol Central — Corvino again came up big in the season finale win over Wethersfield, throwing a pair of touchdowns. 

Corvino, a junior, is slated to be the starting signal caller again next fall. He said the veteran coach laid the foundation for a promising future, adding, “I have high hopes for next year.” 

Akari Rosemond, who scored three touchdowns against Wethersfield, added that the season didn’t necessarily go as planned, yet believes he that Acquavita has the team headed in the right direction. 

“He came in with a plan. It took us a while to execute it, but next year this team is going to be really good — I promise you that,” added Rosemond, who led the team in receiving yards this fall. 

Defensive captain Kuba Gaska added that the Acquavita created a positive “culture” in the locker room. 

Rosemond and Gaska will be two members of a solid senior class departing that also includes leading tackler J.D. Nazario and defensive captain Julian Middlebrooks. 

Along with Corvino returning to the offensive backfield, the dynamic running back tandem of Evan Pigott and Josiah Sims will also be back. Despite missing four games with an injury, Pigott led the team in yards from scrimmage (407) and scored six touchdowns in only a half dozen games. 

With a talented nucleus coming back, including four of five starting offensive lineman, Newington football has their sights set on reaching new heights in 2024. 
​
“We are excited about what it could be,” stated Acquavita.

Six Bacon Academy football players made all-conference. From left, Julian Rodegher, Lucian Dean, P.J. Walsh, Kevin Claffey, Brady Gould, and Avatar Disher were each selected All-Eastern Connecticut Conference (ECC). Claffey was also named the conference’s Scholar Athlete and Gould received the conference’s Sportsmanship Award.   

The final score wasn’t what they envisioned, yet the Bacon Academy football program showed a never-give-up attitude in a 27-21 loss to RHAM at Howell Cheney Technical High School on Nov. 21.

Despite his Bobcats falling to their neighboring rivals from Hebron for the ‘Battle for the Rail’, Bacon Academy head coach Bill

Chaffin liked the progress his program has made since last year's game when his team was soundly defeated (41-12) at RHAM High School. 

“I’m proud of the way they fought all year and I’m proud of the way we fought tonight,” added Chaffin, who just wrapped up his second season leading the program. 

Unlike last year’s loss when RHAM scored the first 20 points, Bacon struck first this year when sophomore quarterback Riddick Burroughs capped a nine-play drive by plunging in from one-yard out, putting the Bobcats up 7-0 with 5:12 to play in the opening quarter. 

After allowing the Raptors to score 21 straight points, Bacon showed the fight of a team on the rise, scoring on each of their next two offensive possessions when senior Avatar Disher had scoring bursts of 58 and 40 yards. Disher finished with 143 yards on nine carries and the pair of long touchdown runs. 

Disher’s quick strikes provided the lightning, while fellow senior Brady Gould sounded the thunder.

Gould punished RHAM’s defense for 146 rushing yards on 34 carries, including a dozen straight rushing attempts on the team’s second possession.

An emotional Gould reflected on the back-and-forth game, saying, “I’ve been playing with some of these guys since the sixth grade and we wanted to win this game to end the season right, but I couldn't be prouder of this team.”

Although the heartbreaking finale didn’t end the way they wanted, the Bobcats had some celebratory moments this fall.

In the team’s season-opener, the Bobcats blanked Bethel 21-0 behind a potent rushing attack that ran for 249 yards and three scores, two courtesy of Gould. 

Bacon also hammered Weaver 49-6 on Sept. 22 before earning a memorable 61-0 home win over Montville on Oct. 21 in what was dubbed “The Mud Bowl” because it was played in a rain-soaked field at Bacon Academy. 

The Bobcats ran for six touchdowns in the 61-point win, yet it was the defense that stole the show as sophomore Skip Coogan recovered a state-record six fumbles, one for a touchdown. 

With three wins this fall, the team tripled their win total from a season ago when they won one game in their first-year under Chaffin. When Chaffin took over in 2021, he was tasked with rebuilding a program that was coming off a winless season in which the Bobcats were forced to forfeit their final three games because of alleged Title IX violations.   

“From day one this is a completely different team,” said Chaffin, who credited the departing seniors for creating a winning locker room.  

“Their freshman year was the COVID year, their sophomore season got canceled, and their junior year they got a new coach,” recalled Chaffin. “I thank them for sticking around after all the stuff they went through. Things were looking dire and down –– they could have walked away, but they didn’t. All of these seniors stuck it out and everyone on this team should be thankful for that.”

Gould, who was one of five senior captains, said he and the departing players are leaving with their heads held high.   

“The whole season has been a night and day difference, this game especially,” added Gould. We just came up short tonight, but there’s really good things happening for this program. It’s only going up from here.”

Gould was one of six Bobcats honored all-conference, joining Disher, P.J. Walsh, Kevin Claffey, Julian Rodegher, and Lucian Dean. 

Four of the six all-conference selections will be graduating, yet Rodegher and Dean will return as the Bobcats attempt to take the next step under Chaffin. 

​“I feel like we’re headed in the right direction,” stated Chaffin. “We’ve got to continue to get in the weight room in the offseason, but these young guys played hard and I’m proud of them.”

Quarterback Brady Hulland readies to take a snap as he flanked by running back Joey Fahey during the Raptors win over Bacon Academy on Nov. 21. Also pictured is left tackle Jack Smith. Hulland, Fahey, and Smith are three of the team’s ten seniors who ended their high school careers by winning the Battle for the Rail.   

In what turned out to be an instant classic, RHAM football held off Bacon Academy 27-21 in the annual “Battle for the Rail” at Howell Cheney Technical High School on Nov. 21.

Senior quarterback Brady Hulland threw a pair of touchdowns to sophomore Caden Bellmore in the final minute of the first half to provide RHAM a lead they would not relinquish as the Raptors won a third straight in the series, which dates back to 2006.

This year’s games marked the 17th time the teams have been scheduled to meet in the regular season finale, with RHAM now holding a 10-7 advantage in the series. 

“It’s the best feeling. We play these guys all throughout youth [football] and it’s always been a big rivalry,” Hulland said following the victory on a brisk, wet evening in Manchester. “It’s the best win of the season and we couldn’t ask for a better night to do it.”

But the win didn’t come without a fight as Bacon Academy, who was technically the home team for the game, struck first when sophomore Riddick Burroughs scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak to put the Bobcats up 7-0 midway through the first quarter. 

Bacon Academy ran 22 of the first 28 offensive plays to open the game, forcing the Raptors offense into three-and-outs on their first two offensive possessions, yet RHAM head coach Dakota Fleming was pleased with how his team responded following the rough start. 

“We got down early, but we didn’t put our heads down,” stated Fleming. “We kept our heads up – it was great to see.”

The tide began to turn when RHAM’s Thiago Delacruz deflected a Burroughs pass on fourth and goal, ending a 13-play Bacon Academy drive that stalled at the three-yard line. 

After trading punts, the Raptors offense took to the air as Hulland began to heat up, completing four straight passes, including a 28-yard scoring strike to Bellmore on fourth down with 39.5 second left in the half. 

“They came out and punched us in the month right away and we understood that we weren’t going to win this game without a fight,” noted Hulland.

An interception by James Bucior set up RHAM at the five-yard line with 1.6 left in the second quarter before Fleming decided to roll the dice on the final play of the half. 

“We knew we could kick either a field goal or go for a touchdown and we went for the touchdown,” recalled Fleming. “It worked out great for us; it pretty much won us the game for us in the end.”

Fleming’s gamble paid off as Hulland connected with Bellmore in the back of the end zone, giving the Raptors a 14-7 advantage at the break. 

RHAM’s momentum rolled over into the second half, scoring on their first offensive possession when senior Joey Fahey ended a 12-play, 69-yard drive with a short rushing touchdown. 

After Bacon’s Avatar Disher countered with a 58-yard touchdown run, Fahey tallied his second rushing touchdown, this time from 24-yards out to make the score 27-14 with 7:46 to play in regulation. 

Bacon made one more push as Disher again scored on a long touchdown scamper and the Bobcats got the ball back in RHAM territory late in regulation, but Fahey ended the game by sacking Burroughs on fourth down with under a minute to play. 

Fleming credited Fahey for stepping up on both sides of the ball when the team needed him most. 

“I’m really proud of the way he’s been playing. He’s been playing like every play is his last play and a lot of younger guys can learn from that,” added Fleming. 

For Fahey and the other graduating seniors, the win over Bacon was the last time putting on a Raptors uniform and they talked about making the most of it.   

“All we were focusing on was getting The Rail back in the trophy case at RHAM,” stated Fahey. “Being able to walk by it every day is an honor.”

Bacon Academy last won the annual game in 2019 and the current group of seniors were freshmen in 2020 when the COVID-19 cancellation wiped away the season.  

In 2021, RHAM got ‘The Rail’ because the Bobcats were forced to forfeit following alleged Title IX violations against the program.
Over the last two years, RHAM has been a consistent force, winning a total of 13 games, including both contests over Bacon Academy. 

Fleming, who took over as the varsity head coach in 2021 and led the program to their first playoff appearance a season ago, said the wins over Bacon are always a little more satisfying.  

“It’s something I take to heart. I tell [the players] as long as I’m here The Rail will be here,” said Fleming.

By beating Bacon, RHAM finished the season 6-4, marking the team’s second winning season in a row. 

​“We did a nice job fighting all year,” Fleming said following the finale. “We’ve had a long year and had a lot of ups and downs this year, but it was nice to see us go out and get this win.”

Wethersfield High School swimming head coach Lee Schwartzman pictured with his Class M record-breaking 200 Freestyle Relay team of Milena Brodowicz, Morgan Tracy, Jilian Pitchell, and Sabrina Schuster.

Wethersfield High School’s girls swimming and diving recently wrapped up the program’s “most accomplished” season under longtime head coach Lee Schwartzman

Along with setting numerous high marks as a team, the Eagles’ 200 Freestyle Relay team created history on Nov. 14 by breaking the Class M state record.

The foursome of Milena Brodowicz, Morgan Tracy, Jilian Pitchell, and Sabrina Schuster combined to swim a 1:37.60, besting the previous mark of 1:38.08 – held by New Canaan since 2009.

Schwartzman stated that, along with being individual standout swimmers, the members of the record-breaking relay worked harmoniously together to create the memorable moment at Southern Connecticut State University. 

It is also noteworthy that each member of the relay team represents a different grade level — spanning the Class of 2024 to the
Class of 2027. 

Brodowicz, a sophomore, was first in the water for the historic swim, saying, “I think it’s important to get a good start for the team. Once we have a lead, we don’t want to lose it.”

Tracy, a freshman, entered the pool second. She admitted to being a bit nervous waiting on the starting blocks, but once she was in the water the nerves melted away.

“We were ahead and I had to keep it going,” stated Tracy, who added that she never envisioned being part of any state records in her first season at WHS

In the third position was Pitchell, who echoed Tracy’s sentiments.

“I just had to keep up with the lead — that is all I was thinking,” stated Pitchell, a junior.  

Once Pitchell finished up, it was Schuster’s turn to bring home the record. 

Schuster, a senior, had won both the 50 Freestyle and 100 Freestyle earlier in the meet and wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip away

 “We all had goal times going into the meet; we all knew what we had to do to get the record,” added Schuster. “We were on pace, now I just had to hold up my end and go as fast as I can to get the record.”

Once Schuster touched, she immediately looked up and saw the record-breaking time on the board as the celebration began.

“With all four of us it made it so much more fun,” stated Pitchell. “It’s something we all did together.”

The idea of breaking the record came about in late-October – in the week leading up to the conference championships – when Brodowicz and Schuster approached Schwartzman about the possibility. 

Schwartzman went to work, figuring out all the possible paths to the record and sending the four detailed ways to achieve it. 
“I obsessed over it for two and a half weeks.” Schwartzman said with a smile.

Once the state championships arrive, not only did the 200 Free Relay deliver a record-breaking performance, but the entire team delivered. The Eagles placed second overall at the Class M championship, matching the 2014 team that also placed second at the class meet. 

Along with taking home individual state titles in the 50 and 100 Freestyle, Schuster broke the varsity record in the 100 Free, finishing with a time of 52.52 at the class meet.

Schuster, Brodowicz, Pitchell, and Maddison Kelly closed the meet by winning the 400 Freestyle relay.  

“I feel like we all worked really hard leading up to the class meet and we all had a huge goal in mind,” stated Schuster. “I have never been part of a team so motivated to get goals, so it was pretty awesome to fulfill those goals.”

The team carried over the momentum from their Class M finish to the State Open where they finished 6th overall as a team. The program’s previous high at the State Open was 9th. 

At the State Open, Pitchell set an individual record of her own by swimming a 24.15 to break the program record in the 50 Freestyle. 

Pitchell noted it’s the competiveness and the closeness of the team that allows the swimmers to have success in the big moments.

“My teammates were even more excited than I was,” Pitchell said of her record. “Everyone is so supportive.”

The success at the State Open wrapped an unforgettable fall for the Eagles, who finished officially undefeated for the first time since 2017 (also posting an unbeaten record during the Covid-19 restricted season in 2020). They also captured another conference title, the team’s 15th in a row.

Outside of Schuster, who is headed to Bryan University to swim, most of the Eagles top swimmers are slated to return in 2024. 
After having statistically the best year in program history, Schwartzman noted, “There’s only a couple of ways we can go up from here.”

The WHS swimming and diving team after taking second place in the Class M championships at Southern Connecticut State University.

Newington High School senior Akari Rosemond made the most of his last game on Alumni Field, scoring three touchdowns as the Nor’easters defeated Wethersfield 39-13 on Nov. 22. 

“I’m doing it for the family,” said Rosemond, who had 127 total yards from scrimmage. “It’s my senior year and I had to make something happen, something to remember.”

The win marked the Nor’easters third straight victory over Wethersfield in the annual game dubbed the ‘Thanksgiving Classic’, which dates back to 1976. Newington now holds a 26-19-1 lead in the all-time series.

Newington head coach John Acquavita praised his team for playing a “complete game” on both sides of the ball.

The 39 points were a season-high for the Nor’easters offense and the 13 points allowed were a season-best for the defense.

“The kids played hard, there’s nothing more that you can ask for,” added Acquavita. “Today they played a full football game.”

It hadn’t been an easy year for either team heading into the annual rivalry game. Wethersfield entered Newington winless and, following a season-opening win, the Nor’easters had lost eight straight.   

But it was Newington who took control early thanks to a defensive score by lineman Kuba Gaska, who picked off a pass inside Wethersfield the five-yard line and returned it for a touchdown with 6:10 to play in the first quarter. 

“It was special, really special,” Gaska said of the pick-six.

Acquavita said it was fitting that Gaska, a senior captain, would score in the finale.

“You couldn’t have asked [for that to happen] to a better dude in his last game,” added Acquavita.

The defensive score energized the home team’s offense, which scored touchdowns on four of their next six possessions. 
With just under two minutes to play in the first quarter, sophomore Josiah Sims blasted up the middle for a 25-yard touchdown run to make it 12-0.

Rosemond then scored the team’s next three touchdowns, hauling in a 12-yard scoring strike from junior quarterback Enzo Corvino with 9:48 to play in the second quarter before rushing for a three-yard score on fourth down with 3:10 to play in the first half. 

The dynamic athlete, who switched between playing outside as a receiver and in the backfield behind center, then ran the ball in from 33-yards out of the team’s first possession of the second half, increasing Newington’s lead to 32-7. 

Senior Nathan Clark put the finishing touches on the victory by catching a 13-yard touchdown from Corvino, who scrambled around before finding Clark up the left sideline. 

Corvino, who completed 9 of 16 passes for 139 yards and the two scores, credited the team’s offensive line for allowing him to spread the ball around, adding that it “felt amazing” to close the season with a victory. 

Acquavito added, “The turkey always tastes better with a ‘W’.”

For Wethersfield, the loss wrapped up a season in which they lost all ten games as they battled both a brutal schedule and injuries this fall.

In the 26-point loss in Newington, junior quarterback Cam Righi, who missed a portion of the season with a shoulder injury, tossed a touchdown to senior captain Jova’n Hill in the first half. Dhallas Morgan added a touchdown on the ground in the second half. 

Wethersfield head coach Matt McKinnon, who had led the program to two playoff appearances in the previous three seasons, thanked his seniors following the game.   

“It’s not easy going out this way, especially after the seasons we’ve had. But they showed up every day and led by example,”
McKinnon said of his departing players. “The message to the returners is to remember this feeling. So in January when we are in
the squat rack you can think about this and let it drive you and fuel you.” 

Newington finished with a record of 2-8, bookending the season with victories in the program’s first year under Acquavito. 

​*For a detailed look at the Nor’easters entire 2023 season, check out next week’s Rare Reminder* 

Bacon Academy girls soccer pose after winning the program’s first state championship, defeating top-seed Suffield in the Class M state championship game in Hartford. 

In what turned out to be a championship match for the ages, Bacon Academy girls soccer outlasted previously undefeated Suffield 2-1 on penalty kicks (11-10) to win a state championship on Nov. 18 at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford. 

Once the dust had settled on the epic match, the Bobcats had earned the program’s first state title, leaving the Capital City as the Class M state champions,  

Junior goalie Liz Glover earned the Most Valuable Player award after scoring on a pair of penalty kicks, including the championship-clincher, and stopping four of Suffield’s penalty kicks. 

Glover said that it was a surreal feeling once she netted the final kick to cement the title. 

“I was so happy that I even made it in, and turning around to see my entire team rush the field and hearing all of our fans cheering was just incredible,” stated Glover. “This being the first year Bacon Academy girls soccer has ever made an appearance at the state finals was already such a huge accomplishment for us and our program, but winning was something else entirely.”

Midway through the first half, sophomore Alyssa Blanchette provided Bacon Academy a 1-0 lead after getting an assist from junior Katherine Novak.

Suffield’s Hazel Qua knotted the match late in regulation to send it into extras. 

After 100 minutes of game play — including a pair of 10-minute overtime periods — the sun had set on the stadium and the game remained tied before going into PKs.

That’s when Glover went to work and delivered her MVP-moment. 

“Being named the MVP of the match was something I truly never thought was possible about nine months ago,” stated Glover, who suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear earlier this year.  

She called the grueling recovery “one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, but being here now it is definitely all worth it. I could not be prouder of the team, the coaches, and everyone who put in so much work to get us here.”

Head coach Matt Rafala said that Glover put in “extraordinary” hard work while rehabbing, saying she had a “calming effect” on the team when she returned from injury this season.  

Similar to Glover’s recovery, The Bobcats journey to the state title match was also a roller coaster. 

Following an 11-4-1 regular season, the team was ousted in the first round of the Eastern Connecticut Conference (ECC) tourney.
But once the state tourney began, Bacon began to sizzle, starting with a pair of convincing home win over Oxford (5-1) in the first round and Windham (3-0) in round two. 

The Bobcats, who entered the state tourney as the No 11 seed, then went on the road for the quarterfinals round and upset No. 3
Granby Memorial 3-2, winning on penalty kicks (4-2) to advance to the semifinals. 

It was the team’s second straight trip to the semifinals, losing to Mercy High School at Willow Brook Park in New Britain a year ago.
This fall, they made the most of their return trip to the turf at Willow Brook, defeating No. 2 seed and unbeaten Woodland 1-0 on Nov. 14.  

With 5:02 left in regulation, sophomore Mia Hageman scored a goal that proved to be the difference when she sent home a shot after receiving a perfect lead pass from Blanchette. 

“I was running as hard as I could because I wanted to get a goal, and I saw open space,” recalled Hageman.

Glover and the Bobcats defense, led by senior captains Emily Ferrigno and Cara Shea, blanked the Hawks from Beacon Falls, who had scored eight goals over their first three tourney games.  

“We all have such good defensive chemistry; we all talk a lot” Glover said of the defensive unit. “It makes it easy when I have these girls in front of me.”

Rafala believed the experience the team gained in the semifinals a year ago paid dividends. 

“Most of the players that played in that game last year, played in that game tonight,” Rafala said after the team advance to their first state title match. “They’ve played in big moments before and they’ve been on a mission this year.”

But it wasn’t ‘mission accomplished’ until after the Bobcats beat Suffield, who had won their previous 20 games this fall, in the state championship match.  

Now, the 2023 Bobcats will officially go down in history.  

“Being a part of this team will always hold a special place in my heart,” stated Glover. “The girls are like my second family, and this was a year I will never ever forget.”

From left; sophomore standouts Alyssa Blanchette and Mia Hageman, along with senior captains Emily Ferrigno and Cara Shea celebrate the Bobcats thrilling state title victory.