I know everybody’s got their favorites, and there’s bound to be plenty of subregional and conference bias, but here’s your chance to give me what you think are the best players in the Greater Fairfield County region covered by the Connecticut Post.
I’ll be working with coaches over the next few weeks to come up with our extremely tough postseason awards. To give you an idea of how tough, this is who qualifies:
OUR TEAMS (first, second and honorable mention) include:
Offense: 2 Ends (receivers), 5 Offensive linemen, 3 running backs, 1 quarterback and 1 all-purpose player.
Defense: 3 or 4 defensive linemen, 4 or 5 linebackers, 3 or 4 defensive backs.
Special teams: 1 punter, 1 kicker
Some variations can be made, but that’s the basic format.
OUR REGION covers 49 teams.
We cover all 19 FCIAC and all 16 SWC teams.
In the SCC: We cover 10 of 20 teams: Law, Foran, Derby/O’Brien Tech, Fairfield Prep, Shelton, Amity, West Haven, Notre Dame-WH, Hamden, Hillhouse
In the NVL: We cover 3 of 12 teams: Ansonia, Seymour, Woodland
In the CSC : We cover Bullard-Havens
By no means is this a serious poll, but it is your chance to sit in my seat for a little while:
UPDATE, December 17: Our team will be released Friday, Dec. 21.
Good luck.
I like Shelton’s O-Line…they didn’t get enough recognition in the media. Somebody had to open up the holes for Schultz and Henderson! I would like to mention the senior linemen — Fenton, Grimalli, Mainiero, and Liddel — True teamwork!
I like two ends harrison…benedito …QB..chriss sloat… RB..myers…thomas…dunsten… schultz…nolan…K.garcia…benedito…OL.2 from shelton…2 from…ansonia…2from greenwich..sorry no names….DL greenwich…bunnell and ansonia are very good ALL PURPOSE #1 benedito #2dunsten greenwich….Again sorry for no names
QB: Rob Moir – seymour: unlike wesfal, he’s a pass and run threat.
RB: Alex Thomas – Ansonia Geoff Shultz – Shelton
and Ryan Nolan – Prep
Sorry stratford backs, you cant get credit for pounding bad teams unless you put up stats like Thomas.
line – kabongo – prep, kurazca -ansonia, maniero – shelton, sedlacec – staples, bisanzo – greenwich
WRS: hands down the bunnell kids harrison and easly
all purpose – jimmy dunster – Greenwich (shredded Shelton, with kick returns and TD runs)
punter – Nolan – Prep :averaged 46.8 yards per kick according to prep statistician. thats pro caliber
kicker – garcia – norwalk ” CT record for FGS
D Line – Kabongo – Prep, Williams – Central, Kurazca – Ansonia, Umba – Bullard (20+ sacks this year)
LBS – Dave (i think) Osieski – seymour, Jon Meyers – Greenwich, Mike Flynn – ansonia, Conor Ryan – Prep
D Backs – torrey mack – stratford, andre henderson – shelton, paul finlay – prep (9 interceptions)
SCC
Offense
Receiver- Justin Loomer-Foran (800+ rec yds)
Patrick Byrne-ND-WH (500 rec yds)
OL-Bud Schoenster-Law
Shelton OL
RB-Geoff Schultz-Shelton (cant say enough)
Ryan Nolan-Prep (big, tough runner)
Tyler Hames-Foran (brought foran an running game)
QB-Dave Plaskon-Law (biggest threat in the SCC)
All Purpose-Will Turner-Law (9 total TDs, 6 rec, 1 rush, 1 KR, 1 PR)
Honorable Mention-Jake White QB-Foran
JJ Jachym RB-Law
Defense
DL-Masengo Kabongo-Prep (Maryland bound)
Aaron Smith-Hillhouse (Big, fast DE)
Tom Finnacun-Amity (disruptive inside force)
LB-Donte Wright-Hillhouse (amazing player)
Alonzo Porter-Law (nearly 100 tackles)
Brian Roach-Law (QB nightmare, 9 sacks)
DB-Matt Ramos-Law (almost 100 tackles, dominant player)
Will Turner-Law (shutdown corner)
Jeremy Moore-Hillhouse (4 Int)
Paul Finlay-Prep (solid player, 5 Int)
Punter-Josh Smith-Law (All SCC)
Kicker-Alex Benedito-Shelton (clutch kicker)
1st Offense:
Ends – Mike Easley (Bunnell), Mark Harrison (Bunnell) *tough to put both on first team, but other ends yards and TDs don’t compare (Carino if healthy the whole season had a shot)
Offensive Line – Eric Kuraczea (Ansonia), Ryan Sedlacek (Staples), Chris Bisanzo (Greenwich), Jeff Farrell (Bunnell), Rashaad Bass (Ansonia)
Running Backs – Alex Thomas (Ansonia), Torrey Mack (Stratford), Geoff Shultz (Shelton)
Quarterback – Chris Sloat (Bunnell)
All Purpose – Will Volage (Woodland)
2nd Offense:
Ends – Ryan Carino (St Joes), Kurt Ondash (New Canaan)
Offensive Line – Dave Fenton (Shelton), Phil Catalano (Greenwich), Hopeton Quarrie (Bunnell), Kenneth Cobb (Bridgeport Central), Ryan Benfield (Ansonia)
Running Backs – Jonathan Myers (Greenwich), Ryan Nolan (Fairfield Prep), Corderol Williams (Bullard- Havens Tech)
Quarterback – Charlie Westfall (New Canaan)
All Purpose – Rob Moir (Seymour) *placed him here since honorable mention would be an insult; He and Volage would were incredibly close for 1st team All Purpose….consider them 1A and 1B
Honorable Mention Offense:
Ends – Sean O’Dea (Ridgefield), Justin Loomer (Foran)
Offensive Linemen – Good luck with the rest Sean (not sure I have enough info to get the last 5)
Running Backs – Octavious McCoy (Stratford), Robert Fiore (Joel Barlow), Sidney Sumler (Woodland)
Quarterback – Ray Palmer (Masuk)
All Purpose – Jonathan Jackson (Bunnell)
1st Defense:
Defensive Linemen – Eric Kuraczea (Ansonia), Masengo Kabongo (Fairfield Prep), Andrew Conroy (Bunnell)
Linebackers – Jonathan Myers (Greenwich), Cyprian Oyomba (Norwalk), Mike Osieski (Seymour), Alvan Umbra (Bullard-Havens Tech) *I know…CSC competition…but led the state in sacks (23)
Defensive Backs – Mike Easley (Bunnell), Will Volage (Woodland), DJ Larkin (Ansonia), Jonathan Jackson (Bunnell)
2nd Defense
Defensive Linemen – Dan Andrew (Staples), Jeff Farrell (Bunnell), Tony Dombrowski (Masuk)
Linebackers – Mike Flynn (Ansonia), Josh Kozel (Staples), Octavious McCoy (Stratford), Mario Guerrero (Bunnell)
Defensive Backs – Mike Samela (Staples), Rich Spader (Seymour), Jim Dunster (Greenwich), Austin Read (New Canaan)
Honorable Mention Defense:
Defensive Linemen – Tom Finnucan (Amity), Trevardo Williams (Bridgeport Central), Hopeton Quarrie (Bunnell), Eric Alfiere (Woodland)
Linebackers – Ronald Thompson (Westhill), JJ Jachym (Law), Connor Ryan (Fairfield Prep)
Defensive Backs – Colin O’Shea (Staples), Stenson Jean-Baptiste (Stratford), Mike Dinihanian (St Joes), Hampus Hellermark (Staples)
Special Teams
Kicker – Christian Garcia
Punter – hmmmm…have a little brother who can boot it Bowley? (Good luck with this one)
Just a thought Sean…you don’t neccessarily have to hold yourself to 11 players for each level team (i.e. have 4 receivers, 3 running back on first team due to the diversity of formations in the region).
A quick explanation would do just fine. Only area that would really jam you up is whatever layout constraints considering the extra photos and write-ups for first teamers (don’t believe the second and honorable mentions would have as significant an effect since they are traditionally just name and school). Good luck with your work and enjoy the holidays a litte!
Brendan…verygood team you got there only one thing I would change,Bunnell has a very good QB so they go to the air…Iwould like to see the two boys catch 8 passes against one of the states best defenses for 112 yrds not being an air team like shelton’s alex benedito . run…run… when in trouble knopka to benedito…stats..33.570yrd…5td…mike easley…50 or 60 not sure…800+ not sure…don,t get me wrong they all deserve to be upthere but the kid from shelton is good but shadowed by the ground game…but you should add one more wr to the perfect team
hey SCC u stole my name!
Running Backs ,Jeff Shultz,(work horse and a good kid)Alex Thomas for sure, Andre Henderson got injured but would have had a great season,Ryan Nolan over Myers QB Konapka,Rob Moir( excellent),DL Kurazea,Kelly (Shelton),Kabongo,Trevardo William (Central) OL- Mainiero big fan of this kid enjoyed all the games with him in them overheard from other coaches ,players, he gave Kabongo, Catalano,and other lineman in the Scc and the playoffs the fight of their careers remarkably strong he should get offensive lineman of the SCC not as tall as karazea but definetly better skilled at the plays and opening up the holes (for Schultz)Kenny Cobb(Central)….. Benidito for Kicker and wide receiver.Good Luck to all!!!
I forgot to also mention the St. Joe’s QB, Piccirillo – I think he was a major factor in delivering a fine season for them 7-3 overall.
1st Team Offense
QB- Chris Sloat, Bunnell
RB- Alex Thomas-Ansonia, Torrey Mack-Stratford, Jeff Shultz-Shelton
WR- Mike Easley-Bunnell, Mark Harrison-Bunnell, Alex Benedito-Shelton
OL- Eric Kuraczea-Ansonia, Chris Bizano- Greenwich, Ryan Sedlacek-Staples, Rashaad Bass-Ansonia
1st Team Defense
DE- Jeff Farrell-Bunnell, Trevardo Williams-Central
DT- Eric Kuraczea-Ansonia, Masengo Kabongo-Fairfield Prep
LB- Jonathan Meyers-Greenwich, Mike Flynn-Ansonia, Mario Guerrero-Bunnell, Mike Osieki-Seymour
DB- Mike Easley-Bunnell, Jim Dunster-Greenwich, Will Volage-Woodland, Torrey Mack-Stratford
The toughest decision to make is the quarterback, Rob Moir and Chris Sloat seem like they should both be first team.
i never saw sloat play……
sean or anybody else, would you take sloat or moir as your QB?
(factor in the talent around them, as well as their competition)
QB-MOIR-RBS—THOMAS,SHULTZ,NOLAN—WRS SPADER,EASLEY—TE–PITNEY–OL-BISANZO,SEDLACEK,FENTON,BASS,BENFIELD—-300LB.CENTER WAS KEY TO CHARGER LINE–KICKER—TORRELLO–MASSIVE LEG UTILITY—VOLAGE
DL—-KABONGO,TREV WILLIAMS,KURACZEA
LBS.MYERS—-FLYNN—OSCIECKI—OYOMBA
DB–FINLAY–MACK—HENDERSON–SHELTON–LO PITTMAN
ANSONIA PUNTERSMITH–LAW
ANOTTO —ALL THESE GREAT LINEMAN IN SCC BETTER SKILLED THAN KURACZEA-WHERE ARE THEY GOING TO SCHOOL?
QB- Charlie Westfal-NC
C- Chris Bisanzo-Greenwich
Olb-Trevardo Williams – Central
LB- Josh Kozel- Staples
DB- Colin OShea – Staples
All Purpose- Kevin Joy- Darien
K- Garcia – Norwalk (State Record)
Sloat had a great supporting cast.Still that takes nothing away from him.
Moir is also a great QB.
Might had to give the edge to Moir, just because he did not have the weapons Sloat had.
lets get real here:
when do all state picks come out?
hun-
how can you say moir is a better quarter back because of his pass and his run threat. Westfal is not only the leader passer in connecticut but he also ran for 400 yards and 10 tounchdowns. That gives him a higher total yards this season. Clearly you never watched him play so maybe you shouldn’t make wrong assumptions.
I saw MOIR play all year and SLOAT play on Thanksgiving. He was tossing balls to his very talented receivers. They make him look good. MOIR hit recievers all year and made it happen with his legs. Over 1000 passing, 1000 rushing, 14 or so TDs throwing, 19 running. How do you not give the heisman, I mean all register pick to him! If not the QB then def. the all purpose, kid ran back punts and kicks and was as sure a tackler as any playing a hard safety.
1st Team Offense
QB- Chris Sloat, Bunnell
RB- Alex Thomas-Ansonia, Torrey Mack-Stratford, Jeff Shultz-Shelton
WR- Mike Easley-Bunnell, Mark Harrison-Bunnell, Alex Benedito-Shelton
OL- Eric Kuraczea-Ansonia, Chris Bizano- Greenwich, Ryan Sedlacek-Staples, Rashaad Bass-Ansonia, Jeff Farrell-Bunnell
Utility- Colin O’Shea-Staples
Punter- Ryan Nolan-Prep
Kicker- Christian Garcia-Norwalk
1st Team Defense
DE- Jeff Farrell-Bunnell, Trevardo Williams-Central
DT- Eric Kuraczea-Ansonia, Masengo Kabongo-Fairfield Prep
LB- Jonathan Meyers-Greenwich, Mike Flynn-Ansonia, Mario Guerrero-Bunnell, Mike Osieki-Seymour
DB- Mike Easley-Bunnell, Jim Dunster-Greenwich, Will Volage-Woodland, Torrey Mack-Stratford
Utility- Jonathan Jackson-Bunnell
2nd Team Offense
QB- Rob Moir-Seymour
RB- Ryan Nolan-Fairfield Prep, Octavious McKoy-Stratford
WR- Jonathan Jackson-Bunnell, Ryan Carino-St. Joes, Kurt Ondash-New Canaan
OL- Hopeton Quarrie-Bunnell, Ryan Benfield-Ansonia, Phil Catalano-Greenwich, Dave Fenton-Shelton, MikeManiero-Shelton
Utility- Hampus Hellermark-Staples
2nd Team Defense
DE- Hopeton Quarrie-Bunnell, Dan Castillo-Masuk
DT- Andrew Conroy-Bunnell, Ryan Sedlacek-Staples
LB- Josh Kozel-Staples, Scott Cristy-Masuk, Cyprian Oyomba-Norwalk
DB- DJ Larkin-Ansonia, Jonathan Jackson-Bunnell, Colin O’Shea-Staples, Stenson Jean-Baptiste-Staples
Utility- Oliver Aurelia-Bunnell
I think thats as good as it gets. I revised my other post and made it perfect I think. Don’t think you can beat that.
Most of your picks are pretty defensible but I see little to no Staples players
Qb- Rob Moir,
RB- Alex thomas, Torrey Mack, Jim Dunster
Wr-Both bunnell recievers Jackson and Easley
OL- Bisanzo, BJ Lerner, Sedlacek, Kuraczea, Rashaad Bass
All purose- O’Shea(could be defense and offense)
Defense
DL-Kabongo, Trevardo Williams, and Hopeton Quarrie
LBs- Meyers, Kozel, Shultz, Cypriam Osiamba
DBs- O’Shea,Will Volage, Jon Jackson, Ray Palmer
SHS; did you ever see BENEDITO play:? HE kicks HE’s a WR and very good …HE returns kicks. HE is a DB .HE is a very fast kid.
Also forgot to write that ANDERSON only played 8 games and BENEDITO played 10 due to injuries so they both deserve some kind of recognition, both very good players.
i was talking about westfal. who by the way was tri-state player of the week, fciac offensive player of the year, which is clearly the best conference in the league, and passed for the second most yards last week in the COUNTRY. How can you say two other quarterbacks are better than the leading passer in the state who lead one of the greatest comebacks in CIAC state championship history?
sloat had better overall stats than moir and westfall
2623 passing yards
33 passing td’s
almost 700 rushing yards
and 14 rushing td’s
dont get me wrong, moir and westfall are good quarterbacks, but sloat has the stats that shows hes a great QB
Moca – I think you meant Andre Henderson, not Anderson, and YES, his is awesome, but he missed a bunch of games mid-season with a separated shoulder. Otherwise, his numbers would’ve been incredible. Maybe an Honorable Mention for him would be nice.
Sloat has the stats but he also has the players that catch everything he throws their way. Westfal is a great quarterback and I believe he should be getting a lot of recognition for what he has done this season. The comeback against Hand gives him legend status. Sloat is also a great quarterback I just think Westfal is more of a true passer. Moir got the job done very well but his stats arent as gaudy, around 1350 passing and 1100 rushing and took his team to a state championship but I would put him as the All Purpose Player because he never came off the field.
Offense-
QB- Jake White-Foran Good upcoming QB
RB-Alex Thomas Do I need to say anything?
Oline-Shelton
WR-Mike Easley-Bunnell, Mark Harrison-Bunnell, Alex Benedito-Shelton Solid core of Receivers
Defense-
Dline Kabongo-Prep Jeff Farrell-Bunnell, Trevardo Williams-Central Kyle Turechek-Foran
Solid line, a good mix of run stoppers and pass rushers
DB-FINLAY,MACK,HENDERSON ..Any words needed?
LB-Jonathan Meyers-Greenwich, Mike Flynn-Ansonia, Mario Guerrero-Bunnell, Mike Osieki-Seymour
Again, would anyone fight this core either?
(Sorry for copying some fo your posts, but I agree with yah)
qb-sloat-rbs- alex thomas[best ever],jeff schultz[throw back kid],torrey mack[did it all without a line]wr-easley,benedito,harrison,oline-kuraczea,biszanso,mike mainero[tough kid,undersized maybe one of the best in the state, he brings so much emotion and intensity to the game,anotto u were right this kid destroys d1 talent]
All the players “nominated” here are all worthy of consideration, but it seems like the vast majority of players are all from teams that made the state playoffs of just missed. Just because a player is not lucky enough to go to a (public) school with a playoff caliber team, does not mean he is any less worthy of consideration. I could suggest a few, but I didn’t see enough games to beieve my choices wouldn’t be biased.
good video of volage and moir. http://www.rep-am.com/videos/112707/
steve erickson is right. basically some of the people being listed here are not necessarily the best players, but members of the best team. Jake White from Foran is one of the best qb’s i’ve seen in years and only one person mentioned him. also, chike madu from warde led the fciac in rushing, yet i havent even seen him get an honorable mention look.
I saw the thanksgiving day Bunnel vs. Stratford. Sloat tossed up deep balls to very talented, tall, athletic recievers. Like when these hyped up QB’s get to college and struggle cause their all-american high school recievers dominate high school DB’s. Not throwing out any names, clausen, cough, but back to the point. Stats are stats but he didn’t look like an upper tier qb like some others I saw this year like westfall and athletic moir. All three won so pick a winner! When does the team come out?
well i would just like to know when this all star team is coming out. i never got to mention any dfensive stars but umba i think it is from bullard havens def needs some recognition-20+ sacks, thats rediculous
Christian Garcia K Norwalk High
The team will be out Friday, Dec. 21
Let’s not forget the boys in the SWC like
Steve Christy LB Masuk – Very quick
Matt Walker DL Pomperaug – Strong and very tough
Mike Leonetti RB Pomperaug – Fast and a great reciever also
Eric Green WR Masuk – Quick nice hands
Bobby Major OL Pomperaug – Plays both way very strong
Jon Jackson DB Bunnell – Quick good tackler
Dan DeGeorge PK Pomperaug – Mr. Clutch hands down best in state
Bill Romaniello OL Masuk – Big and strong
Cody Wallace DL New Milford – Strong tackler
A great list of athletes.But the best back in the SCC East is Foran’s Tyler Hames. He had 1136 yards rushing on only 130 carries for an 8.74 yard average. He returned 3 kickoffs for TD’s and averaged over 55 yards on returns. He also had over 100 yards in pass receptions. And he is only a junior and coming back next year. Check out his stats they are legit.
Was my post removed?
Which one?