Pair of Eagles Footballers Named All-State

Wethersfield football All-State selections Mathyas Nieves (L) and Louie Montalvo (R), along with head coach Matt McKinnon.

Junior Mathyas Nieves and sophomore Louie Montalvo were named to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) Class L All-State team last week.

Nieves made it for his work on the defensive end, racking up a team-high 104 tackles, including six for loss, along with four interceptions and a dozen pass breakups. He doubled as a reliable receiver on offense, hauling in 21 passes for 245 yards and five touchdowns, and also returned a kickoff for a touchdown.   
           
“Being an All-State player means setting a good example and being a role model for your teammates and those watching,” said Nieves. “I think this award is given to someone who strives to be the best whether that’s on the field or in the classroom.”
           
Head coach Matt McKinnon said of Nieves, “Mathyas is a fearless warrior who loves to hit, make plays, and gives everything he has to achieve victory on Friday nights. We are looking for him to lead our program throughout the entire offseason. Nieves gets it done better than anyone I know.”
           
Montalvo was selected on offense, powering an Eagles attack as an all-around specialist, averaging nine yards a touch, staring at receiver and dueling at a wildcat quarterback. He caught 45 passes for 450 yards and five touchdowns, adding 175 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. He too returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Defensively he had 35 tackles (two for loss), two quarterback hurries, an interception, and broke up two passes as a defensive back.
           
“Louie takes pride in the program, giving everything he has for his teammates. He contributes to our program in all 3 aspects of the game, leading by example for his fellow peers to follow. We are looking for him to take over in the CCC next fall,” said McKinnon. 
           
​Both players will be returning next fall for a team that dealt with a plethora of injuries and still finished 6-4.