Masuk quarterback Casey Cochran
1. Can anyone beat Masuk?
No.
1a. Um… Could you please embellish?
Do we need to? What else is there to say?
You’ve read and seen this a millions times before.
Masuk has the state’s best quarterback in Casey Cochran. But you knew that. You’ve seen and read it it here, here, here, here, here, and (more recently) here.
He leads the state’s best offense, which features strong running back Colin Markus, receivers Tom Milano and Brandon Cusamano and Erik Tucker on the offensive line.
Sure, the fire and brimstone defense of 2010 loses a little oomph without Tim Allen and there’s nobody who can replace Jon Testani (of course) or Joe Diaz on special teams, but the D still has studs like Shawn Flynn, Matt Duignan, Andrew Sebben.
And nobody on their schedule even comes close to their pitch (few teams statewide can).
Masuk’s 2011 opponents were a combined 39-61 last year, with half of those wins coming from just two teams, Pomperaug and Newtown (16-4).
Unless something catastrophic happens, the stars are aligned for another record-breaking season.
1b. Can they even remotely duplicate last year’s success?
Top Guns (clockwise, from top left) Masuk's Colin Markus, Shawn Flynn, Thomas Milone and Matt Duignan
Fair question.
Probably.
But, boy, the bar is set pretty darn high, isn’t it?
At least they’re the one’s setting it. [Related: Masuk football still has something to prove]
As discussed, it’s going to take an extraordinary effort for someone on their schedule to take them out.
Based on what we know here in August, the only place we can see that happening are: at the SWC championship game (maybe vs. Brookfield or Bunnell?), vs. Newtown on Thanksgiving, or in the Class L playoffs, where New Canaan or Darien or Bunnell or Hand or New London (wouldn’t that be a trip?), or some other as yet unseen powerhouse awaits them.
The only thing this group can do to possibly surpass last year’s dominant, 13-0, state championship season is nab that No. 1 ranking.
[Warning: Premature No. 1 talk]
Unfortunately, even if Masuk goes 14-0 (including a separate SWC championship game) and wins the Class L title, the mythical trophy is out of their hands, just like it was last season.
Xavier will likely retain the No. 1 ranking to start the 2011 season. Why not? They’re going to be an awesome team this year, favorites to repeat. It also helps that they’re the reigning No. 1 and (some) poll voters typically transfer last year’s votes to this year’s poll to start the season.
And, if Xavier weathers its especially tough SCC schedule and go 13-0 again, bet the house and the kids’ college money that they’re staying No. 1. (Another unwritten rule for many poll voters is they’ll never switch a No. 1 vote if their top team doesn’t lose).
Anyway, somebody would have to knock Xavier off and Masuk would likely have to be the only unbeaten team standing before they can get fitted for tuxedos. It’s a stretch, but not out of the realm of possibility.
But talk to us around December. This is 2011, not 2010. Lots can happen. Perceptions always change drastically as we progress.
Brookfield's Boeing Brown
2. Yeah, yeah. Enough about Masuk. Is Brookfield ready for prime time without Brian Kelly?
Kelly was an outstanding football player, tremendous in a pinch and the piston that drove the Brookfield bus all the way to the Class M semifinals, on both offense and defense. He’ll be missed.
But we think the Bobcats will be right back in the hunt again. Fast emerging quarterback Boeing Brown is now a junior with big game experience. He’s getting big college looks. Brookfield’s go-to guy is, of course, senior Leaon Gordon, a bulldozer and one of the league’s top returning offensive players. Brookfield has more than a good share of returning starters like Joey Acquanita and Tyler Heckmann.
They’re going to be good. Not Masuk-good, but a top contender.
Brookfield will be tested early, often and late with dates against Pomperaug, Bunnell, Newtown and Bethel. It’s probably the toughest schedule in the league after Newtown’s.
3. What’s left at Pomperaug? Anything?
Pomperaug coach Dave Roach
What? Who gave you the impression they were gutted?
Yeah, it sounded like gloom and doom when the Maxen twins graduated, longtime coach Chuck Drury and defensive coordinator John Pereira joined young Mike Drury’s staff at Southington, and then QB Kellen Croce took off for the Gunnery.
[thunder] [dramatic chord]
No worries, kids. The end isn’t nigh. Pomperaug’s cupboard is stocked with talent for new coach Dave Roach, whose identity as a teacher, alumni and nine-year assistant coach at the school should make for a pretty seamless transition in Southbury. [Related: Jess and Dave Roach share the field at Pomperaug]
There are promising candidates at quarterback led by senior Garrett DeLotto, a 6-foot-2 converted receiver. It may take time to sort out that spot and the rest of the offense. Thankfully, outstanding receiver and kicker Matt Paola is back after almost an entire season spent on the sidelines, as is top-returning receiver Brett Gaughan. Andrew Reel leads what could be a pretty strong linebacker corps and defense.
So, no, Pomperaug’s not going anywhere in the long term. Their schedule is a monster, however, with contenders Brookfield, Bunnell, Bethel, Newtown and Masuk on the docket.
Good luck with that.
4. What about the Stratford schools???
Bunnell QB Bryan Castelot
Always a pressing question on this space (hence the liberal use question marks).
With their quarterback, highly-rated junior Bryan Castelot, receivers, Josh Diaz and Jared Vasquez, defensive backs David Camille and Jawad Chisholm returning, we can confidently say we believe Bunnell will be a solid contender alongside Brookfield, Newtown and maybe even Pomperaug for a playoff spot. Bunnell went 7-3 as a young club last season and was maybe one or two mistakes away from going 8-2 and sneaking into the playoffs.
The schedule’s pretty tough (Pomperaug, Brookfield and Bethel in a row at midseason), but there’s little doubt they’ll be up to the challenge.
As for Stratford, the climb continues. Losing playmaker Marc Desruisseaux hurts. WR/DE Asia Bolling is a standout, along with seniors Brian Zapata, Jailen Johnson, and Donald Graham. There’s talent bubbling within the underclassmen. Are they capable of a surprise or two? Absolutely. The Red Devils’ best days may be in future seasons.
5. Will we ever hear from Immaculate or Notre Dame-Fairfield again?
Notre Dame-Fairfield coach Rico Brogna
Is this really a pressing question? Well, it’s been so long we have to ask. Both programs (particularly Immaculate) have hit rock bottom over the last five or six seasons. Maybe it’s because of economic issues (who can pony up cash to send their kid to Catholic school in this climate?), or maybe it’s something else.
Regardless, the two schools have gone with pretty exotic hires to put their foundering programs back on the winning path.
Notre Dame, of course, went with journeyman coach and MLB alum Rico Brogna. The Lancers have some talent, especially junior bruiser Nigel Beckford. But there’s still a ways to go for ND to build a winner and Brogna knows it. (If Brogna sticks around for longer than a season, that would help).
We have no idea what to expect from Immaculate‘s Bryan Pinabell, the expat New Englander who learned his football in Florida and coaching in Georgia. Maybe that’ll help. Or maybe coaching this far north will be too much of a culture shock. Either way, if we do hear from Immaculate it probably won’t be this season. They were 0-10 a year ago and are starting from scratch.
Other questions we’ll be asking:
Is everybody healed now at Newtown? Can they get over the hump? …Will Bethel get back in the hunt, or is the honeymoon over for coach Jason Gill and Bethel? …Oxford‘s been knocking on the door for two seasons. Can they produce the schools first winning season or (gasp!) even contend? …Where does Barlow, New Fairfield, New Milford and Weston fit in?
NEXT: THE SCC
Half the teams in the SCC would go undefeated if they played Masuks schedule
Only prob with half of those scc teams is that one of them would be hand who lost to new caanan just befpre masuk beat them by 30
everyone continues to underate the swc what more do they have to do everytime they beat a big school everyone disregards it bunnell and masuk both crushed the fciac during their runs
why is stratford always a young team they have the athletes to win now
Stratford will overachieve again this year.They are still very young.
Stratford was 3-7 a year ago, small upperclass, large underclass. They have talent, sure. Just not experience. And the enough teams on their schedule are better, more established at the moment.
To Bobby C – Your right – but don’t blame Masuk – they don’t make the schedule.
Your team is most likely happy they don’t have to play them.
Meow-Meow.
The swc is weaker than other conferences b/c the bad teams are veryyyy bad, new milford, new fairfield, barlow, immaculate, notredame, weston, all very bad teams while the top 4 teams newtown, pomp, brookfield and masuk will battle for the top spots in the conference, masuk will win it against bunnell in my opinion, brookfields qb is very overrated and has no top targets to throw too so unless their rb can do it all they wont be beating bunnell, let alone masuk. newtown seems inexperienced but idk much about them and i think this will be another down year for pomp losing all their big name players
Pomperaug will be just fine with out Croce at qb. There will be no conflict of intrest with Coach Croce and his son and the rest of the offense. The senior class will also be fine both skill wise and leadership wise, the three captains last year Zach Polke and the Maxen twins were all very good leaders and great team players and very hard to replace but Tyler Valenti probably the top returner even if Croce were there and maybe one of the best lnebackers in the SWC, will be a key. As for the coaching spot, it will be very different without Coach Drury on the sidelines and John Pereira who has anchored one of the best defensive teams in the past few years. But Dave Roach, will have no probably establishing his presense in Southbury. Roach in many ways is similar to Drury in his attitude of hard work, commitment, dedication and what it means to play Pomperaug Football. He will lead and the young panthers will follow.Don’t count Pomperaug out yet.
Nobody will touch Masuk this year.
Brookfield and Bunnell will both be very good as well. I like what I have seen out of both Brown and Castelot and both of their supporting casts are solid as well. I might give the slight edge to Bunnell, but at the same time think Brookfield will do more damage on the state level.
Newtown will probably have their generic 7-3, 8-2 type season which usually includes one head scratching loss. Since they are playing Masuk in Monroe this year they will probably give them the toughest game on the season.
I have no idea what to expect out of Pomperaug with the new staff.
I like both Oxford and Stratford as darkhorses this year. Oxford is still a new program that is continuing to build. Stratford has some scary good talent especially in Bolling and Graham. Now if it just translates to the field.
I think Bethel takes a step back as they are pretty much a two-man team coming back (although Schmidt and Birdsell are both excellent.) The rest of the conference is in for a long year.
Heard Masuk has a new wide receiver; straight from New London.
@bigmac638 – Brookfield’s QB is overated? That is ridiculous, clearly you have no idea and just say things to say them, sounds like you are a hater…but the kid will prove it on the field in a few weeks.
Masuk is the one to beat, no doubt, Casey and company will be terrific again, but they best not sleep on the job, Oxford will come to play, as will Newtown and Bunnell. Brookfield is second clearly, they have nearly their whole defense back and a solid offense, best chance for beating Masuk, but not til the SWC championship, they are poised to win their class too…Newtown is the sleeper, if they stay healthy they will compete and Bunnell will win their share, but no way better than Brookfield or Masuk, did you see the Brookfield vs Bunnell game last year? They could not stop Gordon and Brown picked them apart with scoring drives and solid passing. Castelot can throw, but he is not mobile, he does have two good WR’s and a decent defense…it will be interesting….
stratford will challenge in the swc they have like 75 guys at prac with alot of athletes look out bunnell here we come
After watching the Pomp scrimmage yesterday “ftb” your out of your mind!! If you think that a LB is more important to the Pomp team then arguably one of the best QBs in the state ,he is either your son,brother,or some other type of relative. I would also like you to please give at least one example of “a conflict of interest with the coach and his son,and the rest of the offense” Give one example that cost Pomp a game, I could give you one where he should have thrown more but he didn’t and it might have cost him the game,Brookfield last year.
On another note I hope the WR from Sacred Heart makes a speedy recovery,I left after he hot hurt. That kid is special, if I was coaching he would never play LB especialy when Pomp went into The Hammer. I wish him all the best
If Derby is allegedly one of NVLs best that league is in trouble.East Haven outplayed them and I havent seen EH outplay anyone in 2 decades.
PompFan04, you sound a lot like the father, brother of some type of relative of this kid you say is “arguably one of the best QBs in the state”. Just sayin’
Pompfan04, ftb is correct in saying there was conflict of intrest last year, and you are nuts if you think not. I went to a few games last season and could clearly tell that croce was favoring his son, changing the hammer formation to accommondate to his son.
In the brookfeild game they started off the game running, but with Willie Maxen who had no reason to touch the ball, he should have been blocking for either his brother or Reel and then Kevin scored the first touchdown for Pomp on a run and he only taken out of the game on offense for the rest of the game only touching the ball 6 times, The rest of the game was passing and in to clutch situtaion near the end of the game Croce threw two picks.
And no, although it is arguable both ways that passing could have won the game, running would have been just fine if they gave it a chance. Other than that no it didnt cost pomperaug any games altough it was very obvious from a fans perspective that they were slighting Kevin Maxen of the ball as well as Andrew Reel.
From what i heard the chemistry on the team between Croce and the senior class was not good, as well as the chemistry between the juniors and seniors because the upper classman felt as if Coach Croce favored the juniors because he coached them their whole lives and it aslo shed of on the juniors because they felt that they earned their spot from playing pop warner with him not because they deserved it or worked for it at Pomp. Valenti was the one, to my knowledge, along with the Maxens and Polke, who helped bond the two sides.
I have heard very good things about Kellen, he seems like a very nice kid who is for the team winning, but with his father as a coach it holds him back and puts, i hate to say it, but a bad rep to his name amongst the team. And as for Coach Croce, he is a brilliant OC and knows the game very well but as we see it does show he favors his son its natural. The move will be benificail to all three sides, Kellen as an individual, the pomperaug football program and to Coach Croce himself The whole idea of having your dad coach you in a VARSITY high school sport is ridiculous!
@Pogue Mahone,far from it,just calling it as I see it.Im trying to figure out how you can make the statement that ANY linebacker is more important then a QB especialy in High school football.
I believe the coach in question cost us a state championship against Notre Dame by not giving the ball enough to Crick.At least i still have my ring though and the bragging rights as being part of the only undefeated team in Pomp history. Just sayin’
Best qbs in the state? He’s been running his dad offense for his whole life, he should know it like the back of hand! he still struggles reading defenses against it.
pomperaug football is not about rings or bragging rights. i dont know where you got that idea from, im starting to wonder if you really are a pomperaug football player or fan at all.
tony—derby dresses 24 kids and just lost an all-state receiver, i dont think they are anywhere near abnsonia,torrington,naugy,woodland or cross.however they were looking forward to decent season.east haven is a seven loss team in nvl.
word is ndfld is actively recruiting in valley,because of down enrollments.they fall into line with rest of parochials.they have two vagabonds at the ad and football positions.guys that do and stay as long as they feel with no regard to their kids.thats their history.look it up.
@SPB you are 100% correct on your view of Xavier going off #1.Their strength of schedule is the determining factor for their #1 ranking.This is not to imply that Masuk could be ranked #1 at seasons end but the Falcons must trip up once during the season.
Guys guys enough already, as a someone who is local to the region 15 area and seen the program built from the ground up with Pompy legends like Dave Elovecky, Sean Buell, the shalvoy’s and the kielt’s, this is a team that commands everyone’s respect except Masuk Rules and Masuk in general, who aren’t known for making friends and displaying the kind of class and integrity Coach Drury did. Yes, the panthers from RT. 111 may drub the pride of region 15 come november but as long as Roach is half the man Drury is then the program should maintain an upward trajectory.
……..boeing brown is overrated, its a joke that he’s being “looked” at by d-1 schools, the kid could never play for a d-1 program, i’d say he’d even struggle playing d-1aa at a school like central connecticut or sacred heart
thomas is exactly right, that is what i was trying to say. Pomperaug doesnt need any “superstar” to help him, they will win with what they have, because of what Coach Drury has instilled in the program. And i think i was misunderstood but croce does not fit the critera.
Didnt st joes win 2 championships with a father/son combo?
Just a little something for you folks who think the sec is a weak conference. “Over the past two years the sec has had 3 of its alum sign nfl contracts plus it has the reigning Gatorade state player of the year award. Those nfl players (Scott lutrus of Brookfield, Marcus easily of stratford, and Shane bannon of pomperaug)
Fyi. That was swc not sec
Let the garbage can tossing contest begin. Masuk’s schedule is soft but that isn’t their fault, they didn’t make the schedule. Once again, they would be at or near the top of any of these conferences in Southern CT HOWEVER the road to get there would be much more challenging.
Bring it on…. the increase in senseless chatter can only mean one thing…. HS Football is right around the corner.
Watch out for Newtown in the swc this year.
They graduated a ton of kids but the new senior class is a solid one.
Senior bruiser Lou Fenaroli is finally ready to take the step into stardom, and the wide receivers all are quick and have good hands.
There run d is very good led by 280 pound senior Mac Morlock .
Don’t forget about dan hebert as well, one of the shiftiest kids in the league.
All in all, I’m looking forward to seeing how the swc plays out this year
History doesn’t point to Xavier going undefeated this year. Since 1997 (as far back as I can easily search on the CIAC webpage), no SCC team has gone undefeated in back-to-back seasons. There have only been five undefeated SCC teams in those 14 season. All else being equal, Masuk has an easier path to finishing #1 this year.
@southbury08, you missed paul fenaroli of masuk, he signed with the falcons.
@ Roto
I think history will repeat itself as I do not believe Xavier can go undefeated through regular season and playoffs combined.
@Pompfootballfan09,if getting a ring isn’t about Pomp football anymore? no wonder you don’t have one. That was our singular goal. One team one goal. MK was the driving force behind everything we did(WRP,ORBIT). We did all that work for the ring.
I didn’t realize the tension was so bad with the Coaches son and players, but to say he wasn’t the best player on the team is just not correct he was and if they had him I think they beat everyone on the schedule. IMO
The only one I see beating Masuk is themsleves.I guess that comes with being THAT good.
Trust me I am no Masuk fan, but when Masuk an SWC team rolls over two of the FCIAC best teams last year how can you not like them.SWC has OWNED the FCIAC sense 2006, so quit crying that the SWC is weak.Weak enough to pound the FCIAC best teams year in & year out.
I still think playing conference vs conference for that extra game a year would put all this who best to rest.
After today I can’t wait until Bunnell plays Masuk. Oh wait.
i want to see Masuk vs. New Canaan part 2. No Diaz, no Macari, no Testani, no Hanratty. Just Casey vs. Matt, #1 in Ct vs. #2 in Ct. Call me greedy, i just like high scoring games!