The Hand football squad is about to kick off the fall season as the defending Class L state champion. While the Tigers have designs on keeping the title in their grasp, the team is also looking to continue its tradition of producing first-class student-athletes.

Dave Mastroianni returns for his second year as Hand’s head coach following an amazing debut campaign that saw the Tigers claim their first state title since 2012 en route to an overall record of 12-1. Hand returns a wealth of experience with 15 starters coming back from last year’s championship run. Still, Mastroianni knows that each team needs to develop its own identity. The coach wants every member of the 2018 Tigers to do his job in order to help Hand have another banner campaign.

“We want to put out the best team for the community out there and help the boys become young men. The kids want to go back to back, and the senior class wants to go out with another ring,” said Mastroianni. “We have the opportunity to be successful. I’ve told them that it’s a new year and that 2017 team is gone, so you have to worry about what you have to do to get better.”

Hand features three senior captains this year: two-way lineman Jack Flanagan, running back/safety Julian Banerji, and wide receiver/cornerback Chris Bartosic. Mastroianni said that each member of that trio has his own special skill set, although he added that all three of them have been leading the team with their actions throughout the preseason.

“Jack is a hard-working kid that leads by example, but when he talks, the other kids pay attention. Julian is known for his physical play and gets kids excited with his play and mental toughness. Chris is a coachable kid,” Mastroianni said. “It’s hard when you have lead-by-example guys, but they are coming along with the idea of vocalizing their thoughts more. These guys also take care of business in the classroom and community.”

The Tigers’ senior class also includes cornerback Ian Butler, who made All-State last year after setting the school record for interceptions in a season with nine; along with safety Tom Ferrick, plus inside linebacker Kevin Girardi, who is slated to return midseason after suffering an ankle injury.

Junior Phoenix Billings is once again under center as Hand’s quarterback. Juniors Shane Reiner and Jesse Lutz are primary running backs on the squad, and fellow juniors Ethan Haberman and Colin McCabe return as wide receivers for the Tigers.

“Ian is a home-run hitter and puts the ball in the end zone. Kevin is a stalwart at inside linebacker. We will have a big void there because of his play and presence. Tom does what you tell him to do, and he’s gotten reps at receiver,” said Coach Mastroianni. “Phoenix is a dynamic quarterback. When he talks, people listen. He was very talkative during a scrimmage with Middletown. Ethan is big, athletic, and talented. We have strong backs with Jesse, Shane, and Colin.”

Every football season is a grind, but the Tigers are simply taking things on a week-to-week basis as they get ready for the 2018 campaign. Coach Mastroianni realizes the importance of getting out to a strong start and said his squad is focused on facing Hillhouse in its season opener on the road at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7.

“We get Hillhouse right off the bat. They missed the playoffs last year, so they will be motivated as they can be, and they are well coached. It’s near impossible to try and replicate their speed,” said Mastroianni. “It’s the only game we are focused on right now because, if you start 1-0, you get momentum right there. Our focus is on Hillhouse, and we hope to build off from there.”

Hand’s coaching staff features defensive coordinator Paul Philpott, running backs/cornerbacks and strength coach Mike Davis, halfbacks and outside linebackers coach Mike DeVito, inside linebackers coach/assistant defensive coordinator Dan Ives, offensive line coach Tony Catapano, assistant offensive line coach Scott Nizolek, and quarterbacks coach Mike Ferrialo, along with fellow assistant coaches Jack Callaghan, Don Giles, and John Sagnelli. Mastroianni, who was named the 2017 SCC Tier 2 Coach of the Year, will also serve as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator.

2018 Hand Tigers Football Schedule

Friday, Sept. 7: at Hillhouse at 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 14: at New Fairfield at 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 21: vs. Hamden at 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 28: at Harding at 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 12: vs. West Haven at 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 19: at Foran at 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 26: vs. Law at 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 2: at Cheshire at 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 9: vs. Cross at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 21: vs. Guilford at 7 p.m.