Printer Friendly Version - North Haven Football Houses Right Mindset as Reigning MM State Champ

Brendan Ryan is one of four dedicated and athletic senior captains for the Nighthawks’ football squad this fall, as he will help lead North Haven’s state title defense. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

Trysten Dos returns as one member of a deep, versatile, and star-studded senior class for the North Haven football team, which will look to defend its first-ever state championship that was won last December. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

The expectations are always lofty whenever a squad returns to the gridiron following hoisting a championship, and such is life for the North Haven football team, but the Nighthawks are not fearful of the spotlight and are ready to shine under it rather than seek shade.

The 2022 campaign was a storybook and banner year for the Nighthawks’ program, as it claimed its first-ever state crown by taking home the Class MM title. North Haven finished 11-2 overall after claiming a 50-0 road victory over No. 4 seed Thames River in the Class MM State Playoff quarterfinals as the 5th seed. The Nighthawks went on to notch a 14-7 home win versus No. 8 seed Wilton in the semifinals before dispatching Killingly 51-34 in the title tilt.

While the Nighthawks have had to work arduously in the preseason to try and fill voids left behind by graduating members of that title-clad club, Head Coach Anthony Sagnella has been pleased with the progress that the squad has put forth.

“I think it is sometimes unfair to dump the pressure of defending a state title on a team that has to also fill the holes left by graduating players because it is such a game about team chemistry,” said Sagnella. “It has been a rocky preseason at times due to injuries and inexperience. But every year, my goal as a head coach is to get the most out of the team and bring them together. I have not been disappointed in the progress I have seen so far. They have done everything we have asked them to do.”

The Nighthawks are led at the top by a close-knit quartet of senior captains, with ringing back and linebacker Camren Thompson, Adam Pandolfi, who is a quarterback and punter, Nick Harkins at tight end on offense and linebacker for defense, and two-way lineman Brendan Ryan.

“Each guy brings something athletically to the table. They have been longtime friends and are all very good players,” said Sagnella. “Adam will miss some time due to a toe injury, which is unfortunate for him because of how hard he works. He is a physical presence and one of the best guys on every team he has been on. The other kids get confidence from him being so good. Camren embraces all the parts of the game that aren’t visible. He likes to block and get in the middle of stuff and has an upbeat personality. Brendan has started more games than anyone on the team. He is gritty and tough and a throwback type of guy who the kids admire. Nick has grit and is low-key. He is well-liked and well-respected and comes from a long line of football players in his family, so he gets it.”

Rounding out a very deep talent pool within the senior class is lineman Albert Rotondo, center James Studley, Ryan Bernardo, plus additional defensive pieces with Jake McCreven at cornerback, Connor Rapuano joining him in the secondary unit, linebacker Trysten Dos (who will double as a fullback), Dillon Songhurst on the defensive line, and kicker Eric Vetrano.

“Albert is 6-foot-4 and around 250-260 pounds, but his athleticism makes him special and is quick for a big guy. James’s confidence has grown, and he is now playing at the highest level I’ve seen him at. Ryan Bernardo had an excellent offseason and holds a different level of confidence right now,” Sagnella said. “Jake is battling an offseason injury and brings experience. Connor is bigger and stronger, and I am certain he will have a bigger role on offense than last year. Tristan is a very physical player and has gotten stronger and quicker. Dylan hurt his ankle in the early parts of the preseason, and we are hoping to have him back in the lineup by the second game of the season. We expect him to bring energy to the defense. Eric has a good kicking leg and is very consistent. We are confident in his leg.”

North Haven does find itself in unfamiliar territory when it comes to the team’s preseason moniker. Still, no matter how unfamiliar the feel is for the Nighthawks, they are certainly moving forward down the correct path toward producing another successful campaign.

“It is an interesting year because, for the first time ever, we are coming off of a state championship year. The expectation around the program and likely outside of it is for us to defend the title,” said Sagnella. “We have a challenging schedule this season, but we are not complaining about it. We will face each challenge in front of us. The team has a strong will and is moving in the right direction.”

The 2023 North Haven football team roster is comprised of seniors Bernardo, Yaseen Mahmoud, Thompson, Miles Chester, Vetrano, Rapuano, Dos, McCreven, Harkins, Pandolfi, Daniel Malone, Studley, Rotondo, Ryan, Songhurst, Michael Pettola, Nicholas Piscitelli, Cameron Carrano; juniors of Brandon Stevens, Joey Mastroianni, Beckett Fuller, Benjamin Pizzano, Michael Moran, Christopher Kottage, Tyler Dimauro, Christopher Cretella, Brian Moran, Christian Mongillo, Adrian Joaquin Santos, Luke Asbury, Nick Romano, Elijah Ellis, Joseph Carbone Jr, Cooper Connolly, Russell Kieslich IV, Alessio Fraschilla, Aiden McGuire, Jeffrey Davis, Steven Piccirillo, Ty Ellis; sophomores with Nathan Eggerling, Cameron Samperi, Christian DeMaio, Anthony Parillo, Rayan Mahmoud, Emeka Dimkpa, Domenico Carbone, Jeremy Morales, Chase McDade, Colton Kennealy, Noah Vitali, Jeremy Guertin, Kevenay Santiago, Donovan Dasilva, Jesse Sigmon, Gennaro Violano, Mehkei Archibald, Shane Ros, Nathan Ori; plus freshmen Giovanni Bimonte, Preston Bonner, Brady Bychowsky, Cristopher Carcamo, Joshua Crouch, Evan DiMauro, James Ferraro, John Messina, Sean Millman, Brody Quaranta, Edward Ray, Joseph Rotondo, Jaden Takach-Thibodeau, Anthony Tseperkas, and John Williston.

Sagnella is back for his 27th year at North Haven. His assistant coaching staff is comprised of Alex Velardi, Mike Ricciardelli, Kevin Mozealous, Nick D’Angelo, Matt Manemeit, and Ralph Inorio. Sagnella also wanted to acknowledge the efforts of peripheral staff members in Team/Equipment Manager Tom Grillo, Vanacore Field Public Address Announcer Drew Patola, and Fundraiser and Team Stats Manager Mark Russo.