Pete Paguaga is a senior sports producer for GameTimeCT and Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Sources identified the woman as Meme Martin, the mother of quarterback Javon Martin and legal guardian of David Coggins, a wide receiver who has verbally committed to Div. "Honestly, I did not feel when I got there we'd have the success that we did," Bruno said. Height: 5'9" Weight: 185 Age: 36 Prim. 3 New Canaan, St. Joseph adjusts, defeats No. Contact 543 Rubber Ave Naugatuck, CT 06770 Associations Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Cassetti caught Chris Kaminskis 10-yard touchdown pass at the end of the first half. While nobody would discuss the issue on record because of the ongoing investigation, Naugatuck Patch has learned that Plasky asked for the $2,000 from the Naugatuck Football Alumni Association, a volunteer organization andfund-raisingarm for the football program. Bruno, 44, played at Bunnell in the 1980s and was elevated to head coach in 2001 to replace his mentor, Bob Mastroni. Borough officials are currently investigating the case, and it is unclear if or when the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) will get involved. Several sources also said Johnson did not know he was doing anything that could have been in violation of CIAC rules. Sprinkled in with established program guys like 15-year veteran Tim Nixon and Boshea, whos been with the program from the early days of the McCarthy era, and the additions of assistants Mark Manes (Law) and Tom Touisgnant (Naugatuck), and you get a formidable brain trust capable of matching wits with the best programs in the state. Everybodys like you could never go be an assistant, said Ecke, who now teaches at Hillhouse. Sollazzo said one of the top reasons he was attracted to Naugy was the tradition surrounding the program. Anthony Atkinson '05 Recruiting Profile Naugatuck High School Naugatuck, CT Football See Full Profile College Coach? It marked Ansonia's first losing season since 1969. Since taking over for Ed McCarthy, who retired as the all-time winningest coach in Connecticut history in 2015, Boshea has continued McCarthys established practice of bringing in castaway head coaches from across the greater New Haven area to maintain West Havens winning football tradition. Meanwhile, Javon Martin and David Coggins, who should be preparing for their senior years, are caught in the middle. NAUGATUCK The template was there again at the start of the second half, and though that drive went for naught, the next three didnt. Its last NVL title came in 2010, but it has only beaten arch rival Ansonia three times since 1987. Stick to the plan, Cassetti said. Staples coach Adam Behrends said. I felt really good about everything, and it all just fell into place.. The Chargers had already unofficially secured the top seed in the CIAC Class S tournament, which begins Tuesday, when theyre expected to face North Branford. The Naugatuck school . I was never a cop who coached, Im a coach who copped, he said. But a chance at redemption presented itself when the Westies drew Shelton again in the first round of the Class LL playoffs. Sponheimer said Hunt's record of 17-2 "against some great Naugatuck teams," which is a much larger school, is a testament to the coach. Over the first three years under Boshea, West Haven has boasted at least five former head coaches on staff. He is super valuable. Maloney coach Kevin Frederick on GameTimeCT's Meat Grinder podcast. On defense, he has made 47 tackles and has one interception. We have rough kids at West Haven and this is what we do, he said. He has covered high school sports for pretty much that whole time, though he also covered the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers daily for 17 years. Sponheimer said. Theres no egos here, said Nixon, 44, who commands West Havens Wing-T offense. WEST HAVEN The big game against Shelton at home back in October turned out to be a mess. He said he needed to step away for personal reasons, including the strong desire to coach his son, Brady, through Little League, travel basketball and flag football. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Naugatuck Football Pete Paguaga/Hearst Connecticut NAUGATUCK [VITALS] COACH CHRIS ANDERSON (2nd season, 9-2) HOME Veterans Field, Naugatuck HS PLAYOFF CLASS L CONFERENCE NVL Division I Nixon lives with his family in West Haven and teaches English the high school and has no plans on being anywhere else. $5 adults; $2 seniors; $2 students from other districts; Free for Naugatuck students with ID No formal announcement was made, but word passed by mouth and tweets through the hushed crowd, according to people who attended. Mariano said Anderson established himself as the frontrunner after the first round of interviews. Theres no pressure there, Anderson joked. ANSONIA -- On the day of its biggest game, Ansonia lost its largest football legend. Below are 10 players who we missed before the season started. I just add a little bit here and there and say, Hey lets try this. On Sundays, he used to call me when I was at UMass and breaking down film. He coaches linebackers and assists Unger with the defense. Im looking forward to the fact that the community is behind the football team 110 percent. Additionally, with his extensive professional network we were very excited for the opportunities he may be able to provide for our athletes.. They have tough kids, and Im really excited to get to know them and see what we can do there.. CT. 06770. Position: S 40 Yard Dash 4.9 Bench Press 195 2019 Highlights Personal Statement My goal is to play at the next level and earn the chance to contribute to a championship contending team. He has 14 catches for 226 yards and two more touchdowns. Bunnell High School Head Coach Craig Bruno, during football scrimage action against Staples High School at Staples High in Westport, Conn. on Wednesday August 29, 2012. He's been honored as the Connecticut Post's Coach of the Year in 2006, Walter Camp's Coach of the Year and the MSG Network's Tri-State Coach of the Year in 2007, and the New York Jets' Coach of the Year in 2003. I like being around these guys because were always learning something new about the game. Naugatuck, Jr. Position: WR Sec. But having great players they make you look good., West Haven coaching staff a hotbed of head coaching castaways, Quinnipiac hockey coach to ring opening bell at NY Stock Exchange, How ex-Husky Donny Marshall helped guide Jaylin Stewart to UConn. 15. Longtime Naugatuck High School football Coach Rob Plasky has resigned from the position as an investigation continues into whether he violated CIAC rules by giving money to the mother of two possile transfers, Naugatuck Patch reports.. Plasky, who was about to enter his 12th season, officially handed in a resignation letter to school officials, NHS Principal Jan Saam confirmed Friday morning. He started at Maloney, coached at Central and Southern Connecticut State and at Derby under John Oko and Carmen DiCenso. He'll meet with Naugatuck's players next week. Were always sharing ideas. Trumbull's Rowan Johnston runs the ball during a football game between Staples and Trumbull at McDougall Stadium, Trumbull on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. "He seemed to be on the rebound. He takes over for Craig Bruno, who resigned in January after four seasons. Naugatuck High School NAUGATUCK, CT Football See Full Profile College Coach? This nuclear waste has been sitting in CT for 50 years. Sean -- or SPB -- is a Woodbridge native and an alumnus of Amity Regional and Syracuse University who has covered high school sports in Connecticut for over two decades, beginning at Elm City Newspapers and Connecticut Post, now as editor of GameTimeCT.com. We do have arguments and they do, at times, get a little heated because were all competitive. Coach Dave Sollazzo stepped down after the season and is now an assistant at Farmington, where his son, Christopher, is a senior. Naugatuck is determined not to fail after the program was rocked by the suspension and later resignation of 11-year head coach Rob Plasky. Stew Leonard Sr. remembered at service: 'Most positive energy', Haar: Lamont deflects demands to spend CT surplus on education, Why a New York business wants to move its headquarters to CT, The CT legislature has 500 bills. It's 10 minutes away from my home and I'm excited about a new professional challenge.". Hewas not at practice on Thursday. That came before Plaskys time. "What's ironic is that nothing meant more to Jack than the traditional Thanksgiving game against Naugatuck," said John Sponheimer, an Ansonia attorney, assistant Ansonia football coach and longtime Hunt friend. I want my coaches to teach technique and fundamentals, he said, and I want my players to solve their problems with aggression. We went for a walk, and he was able to do about three-quarters of a block," Sponheimer recalled. While Hall has been injured and Deitelbaum could have found himself on this list, Martin has been the one who has led the way for the Greyhounds on the ground. Now that Brady, the starting point guard at Woodland, is a junior, Anderson is ready to coach football again. When the Naugatuck job opened in mid-January, Sollazzo submitted his four-page resume to Athletic Director Brian Mariano. Bruno beat out several candidates, including Woodland offensive coordinator Tim Phipps. This is a carousel. Its a lot of fun. I am really excited to get back in the mix again. 7 Law no-hits Branford, Hamden Hall's Schoonmaker taken by Cowboys in NFL Draft 2nd round, Levis selected by Tennessee in NFL Draft 2nd round: 'Meant to be'. The players, for their part, appreciate the guidance. The committees were very impressed with Mr. Sollazzos experience and knowledge of the game, Mariano said. However, several sources close to the investigation said Naugatuck will notify the CIAC and cooperate with any investigation the agency deems necessary. Borough officials are currently investigating the case, and it is unclear if or when the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) will get involved. Naugatucks Andrew Tyszka (#19) pulls in a pass for a touchdown during the Thanksgiving Day high school football game between Ansonia and Naugatuck high schools, Thursday, November 24, 2022, Naugatuck High School, Naugatuck, Conn. Kaminski was tackled behind the line of scrimmage and fumbled the ball for a turnover. What they say: James gets a lot of shine and he will continue to do so,Ledyard coach Mike Serricchio told the Day of New London. 2019-2020 All-Iron Team - Derrick Jagello & Robert Sanders. Could girls flag football one day become a CIAC-sanctioned sport? We felt as though he was a man that could take our program to the next level., He has an old school feel to him, Mariano continued. Go Greyhounds! Bill Grabowski, a pitcher on Legenzas streak team, said his coach was a tough disciplinarian who demanded excellence. Jack Hunt, the school's gigantic two-way lineman from the 1960s who honed his playing skills under Bill Parcells and Jimmy Johnson at Wichita State before coming home to lead the Ansonia Chargers to seven state championships in 11 title games, died Thursday following a six-month battle with esophageal cancer. April 27, 2023. "We'll work very hard again to appoint someone that's best for Bunnell's football program and our kids," he said.". Boshea acts as the team manager, mediator and fittingly a traffic cop for its myriad of personalities. Especially in our system, where the RPO and run-people-over, were throwing the ball really well. Were always saying what we picked up from this clinic, or what we picked up from this coaching staff. Stats:Trovarelli burst onto the state scene after rushing for 358 yards, three touchdowns and two receiving scores in the opening week of the season and he hasn't slowed down. Image. The team selection is based on consideration of the athlete's ability, sportsmanship, and citizenship. Naugatuck is closer to Bruno's home in Oxford, where his daughter will begin high school in the fall. But Im just here to help out. The trophy will go home with the winner of the annual Ansonia-Seymour game. Sponheimer, who is Paul Sponheimer's cousin, specifically recalls the 1988 title game against New London, which was the top ranked team in the state. Thirty-eight years of football coaching experience. But to know him as a neighbor, he was just a great guy who really cared about Naugatuck.. Naugatuck's Cayden Martin celebrates after his touchdown run during a football game between Holy Cross and Naugatuck at Municipal Stadium, Waterbury on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022. It was killing our drives, Ansonia coach Tom Brockett said. 4 Darien boys lacrosse rallies to defeat No. Naugatuck. We had a hard time stopping them. Likewise, Naugatuck athletic director Brian Mariano said there was an awful lot to like about Anderson, who was selected from a pool of eight candidates offered interviews. Levels: Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshmen. I am tired of hearing about it A changed man, living She survived Thirteen stab wounds, a broken neck, Baseball notebook: Strong arms spur Holy Cross, Seymours no-hit pitcher didnt know until game was over, Saturdays lacrosse roundup: Pomperaug girls down Lauralton. The Naugatuck Board of Education last week hired Sollazzo to lead the Greyhounds football program. Here are some top priorities. These guys arent guys who want to bang their chests and say how good they are, Boshea said. The phrase was never uttered Wednesday, but memories of Legenza on the sidelines will live on in this community, which prides itself on a great sports tradition which Legenza played a key role in building. He takes over for Craig Bruno, who resigned in January after four seasons. (Ed) McCarthy taught me, if you never say anything, no one will know how stupid you are, Boshea said with a chuckle. Im not really that different then I was a few years ago. When you got to know him off the field, he was a great guy and a great family man. A ski and movie aficionado during off-seasons, he still calls Greater New Haven home. On Oct. 21 a benefit dinner for Hunt was held at the St. Sebastian Club in Ansonia. "I'm actually really honored," Hunt told the New Haven Register in accepting the honor. He has rushed for over 200 yards three times, including two 300-yard games. While it is unclear what the money went toward, the Republican-American of Waterbury posted a blog on Tuesday stating the academic transcripts of Martin and Coggins are being withheld by Sacred Heart because part of the tuition for both had not been paid. 6 Northwest Catholic on late goal, Volleyball top performances, games to watch (Oct. 19). And then, when we had our opportunities on offense, we just didnt make it happen, bottom line.. Sources identified the woman as Meme Martin, the mother of quarterback Javon Martin and legal guardian of David Coggins, a wide receiver who has verbally committed to Div. Thats how you play football.. Luneau took over as the West Haven baseball coach in 2015. Next came 10 years at The Citadel, followed by two seasons at Georgia Tech. We played it well up until that play. Rockville coach Erick Knickerbocker after his team played SMSA. To be able to compete with them, youve got to be a somebody, and hopefully we can be a somebody., State set to lift most COVID-19 requirements, Hawks fly high, then fall hard in first loss, Tenacity marks Hounds game on baseball diamond, Woodland softball continues to pile up victories, State reports COVID cases, deaths among fully vaccinated people, Naugatuck BOE member asked to resign over alarming social media posts, Police charge woman in connection with stabbing. If he isnt beating you with his arm, he is beating you with his legs. "He bled blue. They like the Xs and Os. "To him this was the game that made Ansonia's season.". Bunnell went 13-0 for the first time, earning the No. Against Weston he rushed for four touchdowns. The coaching staff would make sure of it. "I told them because I wanted to play good teams. Ansonia players celebrate after winning the Thanksgiving Day high school football game between Ansonia and Naugatuck high schools, Thursday, November 24, 2022, Naugatuck High School, Naugatuck, Conn. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media. 2019-2020 CHSCA (CT High School Coaches Association) All-State Division 2 team - Avery Hinnant & Ese Onakpoma. Luneau, who doubles as schools baseball coach, has been with the staff for 10 years. Boshea rubs his chin and tilts his head. It is unclear how long the investigation will take. He has caught just three passes for 77 yards, but two of those catches have been for touchdowns. Stats:All of the preseason hype for Naugatuck was about Jett Hall and Michael Deitelbaum. Get the best kitchen cabinet painter in Westport! That organizations co-chairman, Frank Johnson Jr., had no comment on Thursday. Still the QB followed his coach's orders, handed the ball off and watched the back get stopped short, enabling Derby's 30-26 win. He also rushed for 5 TDs on just 7 carries against the Coventry co-op. Ansonia leads the all-time series 77-35-10. Everyone who has a potential involvement in the situation is being asked to give a statement to borough attorney Edward "Ned" Fitzpatrick, sources say. This year, there were so many worthy players we expanded it to 10. Naugatuck High School football coach Rob Plasky is on paid leave as borough officials investigate whether he violated CIAC rules by giving money to the mother of standout players who wanted to. Naugatuck Football History Previous Seasons All-Time Roster 2022-23 ( 73 players) Head Coach: Dave Sollazo Ilunga, Socrates Navarro, Carmine ( Sr.) Tarmey, Nick Moore, Derrick ( Sr.) Motiani-Rincon, Vansh ( Sr.) Sanchez, Freddy Cestari, Kevin ( So.) 3, Connecticut softball top performers (May 1), Former CT All-State guard transferring to ACC school, No. Theyre a nice combination to have an in a game like this where both teams are going 1,000 miles an hour for four quarters. Shelton coach Mike DeFelice after Sheltons win over Windsor. 2020 Scholar Athlete - Jay Mezzo (Football, Basketball, Tennis) 2018-19. Shelton scored 17 unanswered points in the second half to win 38-28 and put West Haven in survival mode for the much of the remainder of the 2017 regular season. Both players wanted to transfer to Naugy for their senior years from Sacred Heart in Waterbury, where they excelled on the gridiron for three years. "I will be eternally grateful and appreciative of outstanding job Craig did for Bunnell, Bunnell football in his 12 years as head coach," Bunnell athletic director Dave Johnson said. Congratulations #Naugypride. Thursday's high school scoreboard. Share the love: What do you love about Naugatuck Schools? When Benoits job responsibilities kept him from coaching full time this season, he handed the keys to Unger, his former assistant at Guilford. TBA Wolcott 18, WCA 0 Berkshire League . The legacy he leaves behind is one of greatness both on and off the. No. Stats: Hernandezs switch from a playmaker role to quarterback has paid off for the Tigerhawks. I just didnt feel at that time like I could do what was necessary for that program, Anderson said. Greenwich boys swimming wins 52nd FCIAC title in 53 years, Roundup: Top seeds advance to CHSGHA girls ice hockey semifinals, No. He was a defensive lineman at The Citadel from 1973-76. I want to hear about it! Mariano, a longtime former educator, coach and principal, died at home on Sunday after complications from cancer. There are no resources or collections to display. Maloney's Joziah Gonzalez runs with the ball during a football game between Maloney and Darien at Darien High School, Darien on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. In the season opener against Masuk, Johnston rushed for 186 yards, six touchdowns and had six catches for 130 yards and one score. The defense surrendered yardage and precious clock in chunks. ", The two rival coaches sat on Hunt's porch and reminisced about the old days when the subject of concussions came up. Naugatuck High School football coach Rob Plasky is on paid leave as borough officials investigate whether he violated CIAC rules by giving money to the mother of standout players who wanted to transfer to Naugy. Bunnell's Head Coach Craig Bruno. Ansonia scored 20 unanswered points while shutting New London out in the second half. Coach Bruno did a great job here when he was here, and Im looking forward to continuing that success.. 8 in the GameTimeCT Top 10 Poll, won the NVL championship with the victory. after the Colonials 37-17 win over Bacon Academy. "Obviously, the challenge at Naugatuck is immense. Its educational. Naugatuck hires longtime college coach to lead Greyhounds, Hawks fly high, then fall hard in first loss, Tenacity marks Hounds game on baseball diamond, Woodland softball continues to pile up victories, State reports COVID cases, deaths among fully vaccinated people, Naugatuck BOE member asked to resign over alarming social media posts, Police charge woman in connection with stabbing. But after taking a 10-0 lead a minute into the second quarter on Dom DeSousas 34-yard field goal, the Greyhounds netted only 42 yards the rest of the game, and 39 of those came on their next drive. August 7, 2018. I had some other opportunities where I was offered the head coaching position in Connecticut, but I actually turned those high schools down because I had my eye on this job, Sollazzo said. Well, Clark has proved he is just as talented on the football field. Sean has won numerous national and regional honors and is best known for his innovative and comprehensive coverage of Connecticut high school football. "I don't think Jack gets the recognition he deserves as a coach," John Sponheimer said. He has thrown for just 445 yards and four touchdowns, but has done his damage on the ground. On defense, he has 27 tackles and two interceptions. The senior has led the team to a 5-0 start while putting up video game like numbers. An appearance in the Orange Bowl. It might have been the second seed with a win. 4 Darien boys lacrosse rallies to defeat No. Oh.. What they say: Hernandez can throw the ball deep, too, so you have to pick your poison. He has 38 catches for 722 yards (averaging 19 yards a catch) and five touchdowns to help the Wreckers to a 4-1 start. They really, really did a good job.. Its been great, Unger said. The mourners went to say goodbye to a man who put Naugatuck sports on the map with his 64-game win streak from 1970 to 1972. 40. McCarthy taught Nixon the offense, which Nixon continues to believe is best suited to the West Haven mentality. Im a sponge. Being a head football coach, even at the high school level, can be an all-consuming, stressful job if youre the type of person that takes the sport very seriously, and Chris Anderson has always prided himself in the dedication he offers his players in whatever coaching job he holds. To have someone like him to bounce things off and talk to was an invaluable and incredible resource. We had a lot of penalties in the first half. Anderson, who started the Woodland Regional High School football program in 2001 and led the Hawks to two state championships (2004, 2005) during their first seven years, said he was ready to return to coaching, and the Naugatuck job was too good for him to pass up. This years group includes former Guilford coach Tom Unger, former Cheshire and Danbury coach Mark Ecke, former Derby coach Ron Luneau and on game nights former Guilford, Hamden and North Branford coach Scott Benoit. unofficially secured the top seed in the CIAC Class S tournament, should be the fifth seed in the Class L tournament, Naugatuck beat Ansonia last year at Nolan Field, Former UConn women's basketball star Lou Lopez Snchal sidelined to start Dallas Wings training camp, Why a New York business wants to move its headquarters to Connecticut, Connecticut Magazine: CT's best seafood restaurants for 2023, How former UConn mens basketball player Donny Marshall helped guide relative Jaylin Stewart to Storrs, CT's best restaurants for overall value in 2023, according to Connecticut Magazine, Our own little slice of Heaven. Shelley's Garden Center closes after 74 years on Main Street. The offense couldnt do a thing. Meme Martin apparently cried out to Plasky and the football coach tried to help, said sources, who say that Pompei had no knowledge about money changing hands until Johnson approached him with concerns. Some of the decisions were easy pick the players who made our All-State teams a year ago and listen to trusted coaches, but like every season, players burst on the scene. Bruno said he leaves his alma mater with a heavy heart. What they say: He is a playmaker and hes a workaholic. What they say: It was just amazing, we knew we had a good one for a long time. He was known, pretty much, all over the country, Plasky said. New Fairfield QB Justin McCormack throws a pass during high school football action against Masuk in Monroe, Conn., on Friday October 28, 2021. The ball is just out of the reach of Naugatucks Cayden Martin (#13) while being defended by Ansonias Paul palmer (#11) in the Thanksgiving Day high school football game between Ansonia and Naugatuck high schools, Thursday, November 24, 2022, Naugatuck High School, Naugatuck, Conn. Ansonias David Cassetti (#3) cuts through a hole in the Thanksgiving Day high school football game between Ansonia and Naugatuck high schools, Thursday, November 24, 2022, Naugatuck High School, Naugatuck, Conn. 2023 Hearst Media Services Connecticut, LLC, Ten to be inducted into CHSCA Hall of Fame May 11, Top 10 Softball Poll (May 1): North Haven joins, Newtown to No. He immediately turned the team around. The Naugatuck Board of Education last week hired Sollazzo to lead the Greyhounds' football program. But that was its first appearance in 10 years. Sean Patrick Bowley / Hearst Connecticut Media, 2023 Hearst Media Services Connecticut, LLC, CTs Alexis Sablone brings Converse shoe collab to New Haven, Mullins, No. "The school is committed to football and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to build new era for myself and new career and help a new school move into a direction we want to go. I dont know whats going to happen in the next two weeks, but I know these kids will give us some real effort, and Im proud of them. Ansonia coach Tom Brockett, David Cassetti, Ansonia come back to beat Naugatuck, win NVL title, National Signing Day 2022-2023: Connecticuts signing list. Victories in the Gator Bowl and the Peach Bowl. His impact on his adopted community of Naugatuck almost defies description. Ask any player who ever had him, and they will tell you they learned so much from him.. Pompei said he could not comment at this time when reached by phone Thursday evening. 2019-2020 All-NVL Team - Avery Hinnant & Ese Onakpoma. The game changes, said Lunea The thing what I like about this coaching staff is its very collegial. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. I'll Build a Staircase to Paradise - The Life of Bunny Mellon with Mac Griswold, Virtual Prospective Parent Information Event, Seven Acres Montessori Campus Tour and Classroom Observation, Navigating the Independent School Admission Process, Guns/Ammunition Wanted Consignments Performed. SMSA quarterback Danny Hernandez throws a pass during a football game between Rockville and the SMSA co-op at Weaver High School, Hartford on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. Staff Shout-Out: Has a NPS staff member done something amazing? I think you had more respect for him as you got older, Grabowski said.