The Hand football team returns to action this fall after one of its more dominant seasons in program history that concluded with the ultimate final prize. While the Tigers will weather the storm of pressure that comes along with being a reigning state champion, they will do it by giving every ounce of energy daily to produce the best squad and collection of young men.

The Tigers first completed a 9-1 regular season record in 2023 after dropping their Opening Night clash, and they took the SCC Tier 2 title in the process. As the top seed in the Class M State Playoffs, Hand first took down eighth-seeded St. Joseph at home in the quarterfinals on Nov. 28 by a 29-14 final. The Tigers then stretched their win streak to 11 by dispatching No. 4 ATI convincingly with a 48-0 host shutout in the semis on Dec. 3.

In the state final on Dec. 9 at Central Connecticut State University, Hand battled second-seeded Rockville in a heavyweight bout of the top two squads. The Tigers dominated their way with a 57-20 win to the program’s first state crown since 2018 and 14th overall.

Head Coach Erik Becker detailed that the Tigers of course would love to continue the program’s storied legacy and add another piece to the mantle. Yet he explained that it all starts from the ground up and within by building the highest caliber of competitors in all facets of football.

“We preach that they are gentlemen first, scholars second, and then athletes third,” said Becker. “For the program, we want to win the state title every year. The goal this year is to get back to that final and win again. We are punching up a weight class with our schedule in playing teams like Fairfiep Prep, Xavier, Notre Dame-West Haven, and Shelton. We will just take them as they come and are proud to step up to anybody.”

Paul Calandrelli will serve as the signal caller at quarterback as one of Hand’s foursome of captains. Joining him are seniors Ralph Carter, the team’s top tackler a year ago, Owen Donahey, and Morris Selmani. Each of the boys have dazzled on the gridiron with their feats and raw athletic talent, but more importantly, they shine away from it by personifying the program’s spirit.

“Paul was also our sack leader last year at defensive end. He is a tough, hard-nosed football player. Ralph is on the CT Top 25 Players preseason list. Owen is such a strong player, and Morris is coming off an ACL injury,” said Becker. “They all embody Hand football. They are discipline-driven and set the tone every day.”

Additionally, Becker pointed out a pair of junior class athletes who will look to figure prominently in the Tigers’ personnel. Tim O’ Malley is a two-way lineman and has caught the eye of one big collegiate program in the Nutmeg State. Conor Casagrande also boasts great attributes as an outstanding linebacker.

“Tim is on Yale University’s board as one of its Top 26 players. He is an unblockable lineman,” said Becker. “I believe Conor is the best linebacker in the state. He is just a phenomenal football player for us.”

As soon as the afterglow of the 2023 state title victory dimmed in December, Hand eagerly started planning and prepping for the 2024 campaign. It is clearly evident that the early work has paid off in the summer, with the Tigers getting out on the right foot with their preseason action.

“The offseason in getting ready for the next year started a few weeks after the state final,” said Becker. “We have had a great summer, and the preseason has been awesome. We are pumped to see New London on Opening Night.”

Every single season and every single roster of a team with the pigskin is its own unique story. Yet the one constant is the eventual arrival of adversity, and the response to it ultimately determines the final status of a team. Becker and the Tigers are well aware of this unwritten principle of the game, and he is eagerly awaiting the first page of Hand’s story to be penned.

“Every team is different, and I am excited to see this team experience all the challenges that come with a football season,” said Becker. “With the ups and downs that come and that all teams deal with, how they handle them defines those teams. Great teams become better because of those ups and downs. It is a journey, and I can’t wait to start it.”

Becker is in his fourth year as Tigers’ coach. Assisting him are Peter Ladas (defensive coordinator), co-offensive coordinators Tyler Tarantino and Tim Chalmers, quarterbacks coach Bill Ryan, and lineman coach Mike Marino. The freshman coaching staff is comprised of coach Tyler Michaud, offensive coordinator Carl McDowell, and lineman coach Ed Olson. Team statistician is Stephen McIntyre, and tech coordinator is Danny Ives.

The 2024 Hand football roster is comprised of seniors Cooper Burke, Calandrelli, Carter, Cooper Burke, Trevor Cash, Braeden Clark, Donahey, Jake Hanson, John Healy, Sam Markovitz, Tyler Narracci, Quinton O’Dea, Ken Pompilli, Nicholas Pompilli, Selmani, Aedan Virgulto; juniors Finn Barry, Kyle Borduas, Anthony Bowe, Ayden Brennan, Casagrande, Paul Fumex, Aidan Lane, Carrig LaVigne, Stone Leckey, O’Malley, Cameron Oranzo, Henry Pearson, Cole Preskar, Robert Reh, Brendan Riordan, Andrew Seehusen, Dashawn Winter, Tyler Wohlgemuth; sophomores Lucca Boyce, Henry Condo, Brayden Dempsey, David Elder, William Emerson, William Kennedy, Andrew King, Jacob Linke, Sam Lizondro, Lucas Newcomb, Luciano Pesce, Diego Portley, Owen Scheps, Grady Van Hine, Wilson Walker, Andy Wang, Shain Wolfe; plus freshmen Cole Brinn, Cam Brophy, Will Curran, Caleb Davis, Hayden Duncan, Edmond Flood, Brayden Gies, Cole Hanson, Nate Kessell, James Kilbourn, Owen Lane, Michael Lavin, Henry Miller, Michael Santi, Hunter Schillo, Chase Spadaro, and Aiden Zuba.

2024 Hand Tigers’ Football Regular Season Schedule

Friday, Sept. 13: vs. New London at 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20: vs. Fairfield Prep at 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27: at Berlin at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 4: at Shelton at 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 11: vs. Hillhouse at 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25: at Cheshire at 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 1: vs. Hamden at 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 8: at Notre Dame-West Haven at Veterans Memorial Park at 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 15r: vs. Xavier at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 27: at Guilford at 7 p.m.