Many pigskin pundits have crafted a cliche that has become a hallmark of football lexicon, that defense wins championships. For the North Haven football team, it certainly added validity to that truth, with a defensive front that carved out crucial splash plays, along with a very capable offense that took full advantage of those turnovers.

Following an 8-2 regular season that saw the program win its first-ever SCC Tier 1 crown, the Nighthawks entered the Class MM State Playoffs to defend their title as the No. 5 seed. First in the quarterfinals, North Haven clipped the fourth-ranked Falcons of Fitch on the road with a 41-22 win on Nov. 28 before taking down top-seeded Windsor 21-0, also on the road, in the semifinals on Dec. 3. With this victory, the Nighthawks returned to the championship game for a second-straight December.

In that contest on Dec. 9 at Central Connecticut State University, third-ranked Wilton awaited. North Haven claimed back-to-back Class MM state crowns by pitching a 21-0 shutout to finish 11-2 overall. With a 7-0 edge, the Nighthawks utilized their stingy defense for a pair of turnovers that the offense took full advantage of by following up with touchdowns in the ensuing possessions.

“It is hard enough to get back to a state final in any given year, especially this year given the pressure and expectations set by the community after a lot of the guys from last year’s team returned,” said Head Coach Anthony Sagnella. “We knew this team wanted to repeat. I asked the returning guys from last year’s team at the end of last season if they wanted to do this again next year. The expectations are higher, and you are always trying to be the best team you can be. We had the talent in the junior class from last year [now seniors], and then the sophomores now as juniors stepped up. This team committed to work harder than any team I have coached.”

In a first half that saw only 192 yards of total offense gained on the field between the two teams, senior Adam Pandolfi (13 carriers for 59 rushing yards) got North Haven on the board with a 23-yard TD rush with 8:37 before the halftime break.

“Winning a state championship in our senior year is something we seniors have been dreaming about since we were in fourth grade,” said Pandolfi. “Being able to do it with the kids I grew up with makes the win feel very rewarding, and it makes me feel proud that we left on a high note. It wouldn't have been done without our great coaching staff who have helped us not only become better football players, but also better young men.”

That seven-point edge would stand until the final quarter. The Warriors (finishing 10-3 for their campaign) were looking to knot the game at seven late in the third period, but senior Camren Thompson (10 rushes, 45 yards) picked off a pass for a crucial interception.

“It really does feel amazing to go back to back. It feels even better to do it with the same team we had coming from eighth grade all the way to senior year,” said Thompson. “Being able to accomplish something like this with the problems we faced toward the start of the season makes it feel all the better. It lets us remember that we started this journey at our lowest low, and still came out on top. I think the thing that led us to keep on going was our concept of family as a team. There wouldn't be any other way I would want to win without this team behind my back.”

The offense was advantageous and converted it into a 14-0 lead, thanks to a 29-yard TD toss from junior Joey Mastroianni to Ryan Bernardo just 42 seconds into the final frame on the drive following the takeaway–a play that ended up serving as the Nighthawks’ lone pass attempt on the afternoon.

“Both teams and the coaches did not think it would be a high-scoring game, as both teams hung their hats on their defenses,” said Sagnella. “[Assistant Coach] Alex Velardi does a great job of preparing the team, and we have a great defense. Our offensive game plan did not change much week to week, but the defense has had to adjust to the personnel we face. This game was probably our best defensive performance of the year. The kicking game also provided us with great field position, and put us in the position for us to make it a two-score and three-score game.”

The Nighthawks’ defense got right back to their big-play capabilities when junior Michael Moran forced a fumble, scooped up by fellow classmate and brother Brian Moran, who proceeded to return it 26 yards to the house just 75 seconds later for a three-score command for North Haven.

“Our team started at a low point this season, but we bounced back,” said senior captain Nick Harkins. “Everyone on the team knew the goal going into this year, and every player would strive everyday to win it all again. It's a cool feeling to go back to back; it does not happen often, and it is really cool to see where this program has progressed too. Coach Sagnella and the rest of the coaching staff have brought and led this team to where we are today, and we could not have done any of this without them.”

From there, North Haven was able to wind down the Warriors’ offensive efforts with a turnover via downs, and then later a fumble recovery by senior James Studley. The Nighthawks then ran out the clock to a second-consecutive early holiday present in the form of a Class MM state title plaque, in a stint that saw North Haven answer the call emphatically surrounding questions posed by its coach.

“I wondered if we had the same grit and edge as last year’s team,” said Sagnella. “We had a rough start with injuries and scrimmages against Ansonia, Hand, and Southington in the preseason. The junior class had to quickly elevate from JV to varsity status, and it happened during the preseason. We also had a big injury with Adam Pandolfi being out, and Joe Mastrioanni had to fill in for Adam at tailback and on defense. We had the forfeit game, and then we had to face Sheehan with only three days to prepare, and I was amazed we pulled that off. From there, everything got on track, and my question about grit was answered and it led us to the second state title.”

For the All-SCC Tier 1 Team offense, North Haven had representation with Harkins at tight end, senior captain Brendan Ryan on offensive line, and senior Trysten Dos at running back. Defensively, Thompson (at linebacker) and Pandolfi (defensive back) made the squad.

“It means everything to go back to back,” said Ryan. “This class has rallied together since fourth grade, and at the time, winning a state championship was like a dream. With where we started at the beginning of the season with the forfeit, winning this game meant everything to not only the team, but the town as well.”

The 2023 North Haven football team roster is comprised of seniors Ryan Bernardo, Yaseen Mahmoud, Thompson, Miles Chester, Vetrano, Connor Rapuano, Dos, Jake McCreven, Harkins, Pandolfi, Daniel Malone, Studley, Albert Rotondo, Ryan, Dillon Songhurst, Michael Pettola, Nicholas Piscitelli, Cameron Carrano; juniors of Brandon Stevens, Mastroianni, Beckett Fuller, Benjamin Pizzano, Michael Moran, Christopher Kottage, Tyler Dimauro, Chris 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 completed his 27th year at North Haven. His assistant coaching staff was 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.

This was North Haven’s third state final berth. The Nighthawks won the Class MM state crown last year by a 51-34 score over Killingly, and then lost the 2015 Class L final to New Canaan, 42-35.

2023 North Haven Football Regular Season Results

Sept. 16: North Haven 31, Sheehan 21

Sept. 22: North Haven 58, Fitch 28

Sept. 29: North Haven 56, Notre Dame-West Haven 0

Oct. 6: North Haven 28, Fairfield Prep 6

Oct. 19: North Haven 21, West Haven 13

Oct. 27: Shelton 14, North Haven 7

Nov. 3: North Haven 24, Cheshire 7

Nov. 16: North Haven 28, Hamden 7

Nov. 23: North Haven 41, Amity 6