Nor’easters Football Lay Foundation

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. 
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“We are excited about what it could be,” stated Acquavita.