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09/03/2015 12:00 AMFollowing a 4-7 mark in his first year as head coach for Haddam-Killingworth football, Mike Baklik is ready to improve upon that record by leaning on a strong core of veteran players.
“Our goals for this year are to win or lose with class every week, leave it all on the field every game, and improve in the win column,” said Baklik.
The Cougars will be led on the field by senior leader Kevin Gaiss, an offensive guard/defensive end who’s received high praise by Baklik by already showing in the preseason why he earned the captain’s hat.
“Kevin demonstrates a strong character when leading by example on and off the field,” said Baklik, whose squad opens up at Old Saybrook-Westbrook on Saturday, Sept. 12. “He also communicates well with coaches and players, is respected by his teammates, and he really stepped it up the last few weeks.”
Additional key pieces for HK this fall include seniors in running back/linebacker Christos Lavelle, linebackers Carter Steinhilper and John Insall, slot receiver/cornerback Nate Derita, wideout/safety Robbie Mooney, defensive back Omar Omeragic, receiver Aaron Skwarek, and first-year player Trevor Mann; along with juniors in quarterback Alex Segaline and running back/cornerback Noah Vinci.
“With the support from the talented junior class and several sophomores that could make a difference, the senior class is the largest HK has seen in years,” said Baklik, who points out key matchups against rival North Branford, Hyde-Career-Whitney Tech and defending Class S Large Division state champion Valley Regional-Old Lyme. “The coaching staff has had a great experience working with this group so far and looks forward to the road ahead. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it.”
Assisting Baklik on the sidelines will be Rob Grasso (offensive coordinator), Barth Keck (special teams/offensive/defensive lines), Tyler Wilcox (wide receivers/defensive backs), Jarrod Ramsey (running backs/ linebackers), George Callendar (offensive/defensive lines), Jared Hickey (tight ends/linebackers), and Dave Derita (quarterbacks).
2015 Haddam-Killingworth Cougars Football Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 12: at Old Saybrook-Westbrook at Old Saybrook at noon
Friday, Sept. 18: vs. North Branford at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 25: at Windsor Locks-Suffield-East Granby at Suffield at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3: at Hyde-Career-Whitney Tech at Cross, New Haven at 2 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9: vs. Lewis Mills at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 16: vs. Stafford/East Windsor/Somers at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 30: at Coventry-Windham Tech-Bolton at Coventry at 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 6: vs. Morgan at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 14: at Nonnewaug at noon
Tuesday, Nov. 24: vs. Valley Regional-Old Lyme at 6:30 p.m.