Staff Report
MaxPreps.com
Best Player: Jordan Reed, Sr., QB, New London
One of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, the 6-foot-3 Reed blends great size and speed, and should enjoy a great college career. He completed 122 of 202 passes for 1,706 yards and 28 scores as a junior. He also ran 73 times for 570 yards and eight touchdowns. Returning Stat Leaders – Passing: Chris Sloat, Bunnell, 164-308, 2,623 yards; Rushing: Andre Lawrence, Hartford Public, 159-1467, 15 TDs.
Best All Time Player: Steve Young, Greenwich
Greenwich native Steve Young claims the honor as Connecticut’s best all-time player. After heading out to BYU for college, Young bounced around before getting traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 1987, to serve as Joe Montana’s back up. The rest is history, as Young went on to have a Hall of Fame career of his own.
2008 Must See: Out-of-State Games
2008 will be a rare year in which teams have the option to schedule an extra game, making it an 11 week season, which hasn’t happened since 2003. Some teams need to go outside of their league to find one additional opponent, leading some schools to schedule teams from nearby states. Greenwich, which traveled to Florida last year to take on Naples (Fla.), is challenging traditional New Jersey power St. Joseph Regional. Trumbull is once again taking on Catholic Memorial (Mass.)
On The Throne: Ansonia
Ansonia has been the king of the Class S castle the last two years. Head coach Tom Brockett has not missed a beat in taking over for the legendary Jack Hunt, ripping off two undefeated seasons in his first two years. This season will be a real test for Ansonia, as they were hit hard by graduation. There’s no doubt that Brockett will have his team ready, but they’ll have to fend off a hungry New London team to remain perched atop the Class S scene.
Best Rivalry: Greenwich vs. Staples
It doesn’t get more intense than Greenwich vs. Staples. The two Fairfield County powers are both big schools with great histories of success, and often encounter one another in the league championship. For the past three years, the familiar foes have battled on Thanksgiving. The rivalry has gotten so big that MSG has done a live broadcast of the game in both 2006 and 2007.
Future Star: Khairi Fortt, Jr., DE, Stamford
Rising junior defensive end Khairi Fortt could be a national caliber recruit by the time he’s a senior. At 6-3, 215 pounds, Fortt has a great frame to go along with potent athleticism. Stamford fans will enjoy watching him over the next two years.
Fun Fact
Will 2008 season be the year that people start paying more attention to Connecticut football nationally? The 2007 season produced some big headlines for the state. Ansonia running back Alex Thomas rushed for over 3,500 yards. Greenwich fullback/linebacker Jonathan Meyers made waves when he spurned scholarship offers from football powerhouses to attend Princeton. New London quarterback Jordan Reed will be heavily courted and should bring some focus to Connecticut football, but will the state’s top teams get the respect they feel they deserve?
MaxPreps Preseason All-State Team
WR – Mark Harrison, Bunnell-Stratford
WR – Kevin Royal, Brunswick
WR - Anthony Schiavone, New London
TE – Jake Golic, Northwest Catholic
OL – D.J. Morrell, Norwalk
OL – Matt Michanczyk, Tolland
OL – John Pinone, Glastonbury
OL – Tim O’Brien, Brunswick
OL – Tim Chambers, Bristol Central
QB – Chris Sloat, Bunnell-Stratford
QB – Nick Merullo, Hand
RB – Mike D’Onofrio, Avon
RB – Andre Lawrence, Hartford Public
RB – Zane Marks, Hyde-New Haven
ATH – Jordan Reed, New London
K – Mike Killoran, Conard
DL – Darius Smith, New Britain
DL – J. Forrest West, Salisbury School
DL – Mitch Holcomb, North Branford
LB – Rocco Colandro, Darien
LB – David Dillon, Cheshire
LB – Tayguan Ford, Weaver
LB – Tyler Harris, Hyde-New Haven
LB – Mike Osiecki, Seymour
DB – Israel Burgos, Southington
DB – Billy Ragone, Cheshire
DB – Andre Campbell, Weaver
DB – Matt Roncaioli, Southington
P – Mitch Console, South Windsor
