Football previews: Rockville reloads after title-game loss
Sep. 9—Rockville High football coach Erick Knickerbocker felt a mixture of disappointment and encouragement when he and his assistant coaches watched the replay of the Rams' 28-14 loss to Killingly in last season's Class M championship game.
"The last couple years, we had a couple playoff games where we couldn't even compete," Knickerbocker said. "We didn't have the guys to compete. Last year, we did. We matched them fine physically, but it was a lot of mental mistakes and some coaching mistakes. Hopefully we gained experience and knowledge that will us in any big game going forward."
The quest for championship glory continues for Knickerbocker and the Rams. In his first season at the helm, Rockville reached the postseason for the first time in 23 years before losing in the Class M quarterfinals. In 2019, the Rams finished unbeaten in the regular season and advanced to the semifinals. Last year, the program took another step forward.
The next task is to hang a title banner at the school for the first time since 1990.
The Rams finished 8-2 in the regular season a year ago before beating Ellington, 27-0, in the quarterfinals and Torrington, 42-12, in the semifinals.
Rockville took a 7-6 lead on top-seeded Killingly with 8:36 left in the first half of the championship game before being outscored 22-7 the rest of the way.
This year, Rockville has eight seniors and a big class of sophomores pushing for playing time.
One of those sophomores, Brady Ramsdell, will take over as starting quarterback for the departed Matt Ryan. Ramsdell was the junior varsity quarterback in 2021, but broke his leg in week one on a two-point conversion attempt.
Now 100 percent healthy, Ramsdell has the coaching staff excited about his potential.
"We didn't know if he'd be ready for the start of this year," Knickerbocker said. "He had to work his butt off to get back and get ready. We're excited about him. He's only a sophomore, so he'll have some growing pains, but he's such a mentally tough kid, he'll be able to handle it. His maturity level is like a senior, the way he handles himself. I'm not worried about him. We're really excited about the ball being in his hands for the next few years. It takes a lot of stress off a coach when you have a quarterback that you know you can trust."
Sophomore Amir Knighton will join Ramsdell in the backfield while also playing linebacker. He recorded 13.5 sacks and averaged nearly 16 yards per carry and six touchdowns during spot duty at running back as a freshman.
Knighton, linebacker Malachi Mapp, an All-State honorable mention pick who had over 150 total tackles last year, linebacker Nathan Palmer and defensive lineman Jonathan Kasamba will anchor a defense that allowed 16.6 points a game in 2021.
Freshman kicker Molly Wilson, a student in Rockville's Agriscience program, will be handling field goals, extra points, and kickoffs.
Wilson began playing football in eighth grade and trained with a kicking coach in the offseason to improve her technique.
"She's pretty good, she can kick the ball about 35 yards already," Knickerbocker said. "She works at it. I saw her on Twitter when someone tagged Rockville High school because she was training all summer. She's really into it, and she's only a freshman. Kickers are hard to find, so we're excited to have her."
This season's playoffs are returning to a six-division format for the first time since 2009.
The six-class format was used from 2002-09 before a quarterfinal round was added and the number of divisions was cut to four prior to the 2010 season.
Though it's become easier to qualify for the state tournament with the expanded format, the Rams must still navigate a tough Pequot schedule that includes dates against four other playoff teams and playoff-caliber rival Stafford/East Windsor/Somers, which crushed Rockville at home last year.
"I look at my schedule and we're playing five or six playoff teams and playing multiple teams that won in the playoffs last year against other conferences," Knickerbocker said. "It's a really tough schedule, which is what you want, especially now with six divisions. Before, you really couldn't lose more than two games, or you would be on the outside looking in. So now with more divisions, you want to play good teams and get yourself ready."
Elsewhere, Windsor looks to make another run at a state championship after falling to Maloney in the Class L title game last season, but the Warriors only return four starters on each side of the ball.
Windsor will have to replace starting quarterback Elijah Cromartie, who transferred to Brunswick, top running back Shawn Bell and First Team All-State wide receiver Prince Samuels.
PEQUOT
Ellington
COACH: Keith Tautkus (14th year)
2021 RECORD: 7-4 (7-4 Pequot; lost to Rockville, 27-0 in the Class M quarterfinals)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Dante Mangiafico, QB/LB (6-3, 215); Elijah Miller, WR/DB (6-2, 195); John Hintze, OL/DL (6-1, 270); Amarion Lee, RB/LB (6-1, 185); Emil Johnson, WR/DB (5-10, 165).
OUTLOOK: Program founder Keith Tautkus resumed his tenure as head coach after several years off and the Knights reached the state tournament for the first time since 2014 last season. All four of Ellington's losses in 2021 came at the hands of eventual playoff teams, including Thanksgiving rival and eventual Class M runner-up Rockville. They return five combined starters from that team, headlined by two-way playmaker Dante Mangiafico, who will lead the offense at QB and defense at LB. Mangiafico made 115 tackles at linebacker last year and takes over full time at QB. Tautkus said Mangiafico will have a "very athletic" group of receivers at his disposal, but his offensive line is developing three new starters. Ellington faces rival Stafford/East Windsor/Somers, Granby/Canton, Morgan and Rockville in four of their final five games.
Rockville
COACH: Erick Knickerbocker (4th year)
2021 RECORD: 10-3 (10-3 Pequot)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Malachi Mapp, RB/LB, (5-10, 190); Hason Green, DB/WR (6-1, 165); Junior: Jackson Torres OL/DL (6-4, 300); Sophomores: Nate Palmer LB (5-10, 185); Amir Knighton RB/LB (6-1, 190).
OUTLOOK: With 11 combined starters returning, including two of their top playmakers in Knighton and Mapp, there is optimism that they will once again be a contender in Class M. Knighton had 13.5 sacks at linebacker and averaged nearly 16 yards per carry and six touchdowns during spot duty at running back as a freshman. Mapp made over 150 total tackles as a junior. The Rams must navigate a tough Pequot Conference schedule that includes dates against four other playoff teams and playoff-caliber rival Stafford/East Windsor/Somers.
Stafford/Somers/East Windsor
COACH: Brian Mazzone (7th year)
2021 RECORD: 6-4 (6-4 Pequot)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Connor Marchi WR/LB (6-5, 200); Zack Donovan QB/DB (5-10, 175); Dylan McLaughlin WR/DB (5-10, 170); Gavin Mills WR/LB (6-3, 205); Junior: Christian Martorelli OL/LB (6-0, 210).
OUTLOOK: Mark McLaughlin and Logan Briggs have been stalwarts on the team since they were sophomores but both have graduated. Mazzone said the Bulldogs don't have "true horses" but are deep and will be relying on 25-28 kids this season. Donovan takes over at quarterback after playing running back last season. The Bulldogs have been a mainstay in state playoff contention since Mazzone took over, winning an average of eight games a season. They should have a shot at a playoff berth once again, but have a tough five game stretch in the middle of the year against Coginchaug, Ellington, SMSA, Valley Regional and Rockville.
Windsor Locks/Suffield/East Granby
COACH: Coach: Jason Qua (7th year)
2021 RECORD: 1-9 (1-9 Pequot)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Aidan Walker, QB (5-7, 175); Brady Gill, LB (5-9, 180); Colin Rechenberg, G/DT (6-0, 220); Junior: Cyheim Holness, WR (6-0, 195); Sophomore: Justin Morle, RB (5-7, 225).
OUTLOOK: The Raiders return 13 starters—seven on offense and six on defense—from last season's 1-9 team. Walker returns at quarterback, and the Raiders are very high on Morle, but Qua said they'll need to develop some depth on the offensive line and on defense. Holness gives Windsor Locks a dynamic playmaker at receiver, and senior Sam Winans returns as a difference maker at kicker and punter. The team's first three games of the season—at Rockville (last year's Class M runner up), Ellington (Class M quarterfinalist) and at Granby/Canton (Class M quarterfinalist)—are against playoff-caliber teams.
CCC TIER I
East Hartford
COACH: Coach: Rick Milton (13th year)
2021 RECORD: 5-5 (3-4 CCC)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Saquan Rosa, WR/DB (5-10,175); Kamari Hayes, RB/LB (5-10, 190); Dallas Cruz, RB/LB (5-10, 225); Juniors: Daworin Harding, OT/DT (6-0, 230); Jaylon Jackson, C/NG (6-4, 365); Sophomores: Drayvn Roberts, QB/DB (6-1, 185); Darrol Young, RB/LB (5-10, 180); Yaxier Rivera, RB/DB (5-10, 175); Dallas West, RB/LB (6-1, 175).
OUTLOOK: Roberts returns at quarterback after producing 635 passing yards and 873 rushing yards and scoring five total touchdowns as a freshman in five starts last season. He also made 35 tackles as a safety. The Hornets have plenty of experience returning at the receiver and running back positions, with Hayes, Young, Cruz, and Rivera anchoring the backfield and Rosa leading the pass catchers. Rosa (37 Tackles, five Interceptions), Hayes (66 tackles, three interceptions) and nose tackle Jackson (56 tackles, four sacks) anchor East Hartford's defense.
Glastonbury
COACH: Coach: Eric Hennessy (3rd year)
2021 RECORD: 2-8 (1-6 CCC)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Jack Petrone, RB/LB (6-1, 200); Jack Desmarais, TE/DE (6-0, 205); Danny Ryan, LB (6-0, 190); Jack Anglim, QB/WR/DB (6-2, 180); Jack Jackson, LB (6-0, 200).
OUTLOOK: Glastonbury returns 10 starters, highlighted by Petrone, who rushed for 1,130-yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior last season. Four offensive linemen and much of the defensive backfield hs graduated, but Hennessy is excited about the depth at several other positions, particularly receiver. Anglim and classmate Drew Curto are battling for the starting quarterback job, and the player who doesn't get the nod will likely join the receiver corps. Five of the Guardians' last six games are on the road against Hall, South Windsor, Southington, Maloney, and Simsbury.
CCC TIER II
Enfield
COACH: James Lyver (6th year)
2021 RECORD: 0-10 (0-7 CCC)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Christian Benvenuto, QB; Nick D'Onofrio, WR/DB; Mason Hester, TE/DE; Luke Arsenault, RB/LB; Payton Boney, WR/CB.
OUTLOOK: Enfield returns nine combined starters, including quarterback Benvenuto, who has a good arm and a good understanding of the Eagles' offense. The Eagles have a pair of experienced pass catchers in D'Onofrio and junior Cam Carlander and have depth at running back behind Arsenault. They'll be looking to develop offensive linemen to plug in alongside junior Keonta Crawford after losing five key contributors to graduation. Junior Zach Bonini is a reliable kicker with good range. The Eagles will face Woodstock Academy and Brien McMahon as part of the Connecticut High School Football Alliance.
South Windsor
COACH: Dave Hodge (7th year)
2021 RECORD: 7-3 (4-3 CCC)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Ethan LaGuardia, QB; Samuel Meleshenko, WR/FS; Hakim Montgomery WR/CB; Sidharth Atluri DT/OG; Joe Bemis, TE/LB.
OUTLOOK: South Windsor came close to returning to the state tournament for the first time since 2017 last season, but fell just a bit short at 7-3. But the Bobcats have enough pieces to return to the postseason in 2022. LaGuardia was the Bobcats' starting quarterback for five games last season before getting hurt. He's back, as are experienced receivers Montgomery and Meleshenko. Hodge is also excited about the core returning on defense. Meleshenko recorded 14 tackles for a loss last season, including three sacks. South Windsor moved up to CCC Tier II this season and will face challenging games against Windsor, Wethersfield and Middletown.
Windsor
COACH: Rob Fleeting (12th year)
2021 RECORD: 11-2 (7-0 CCC)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Taliferrio Gallaher, WR (5-10, 180); Anthony Riley, WR (5-10, 180); Chilli White, RB/DB (5-11, 185); Quincy Davis, LB/RB (6-0, 215); Sophomore: John Manning, LB/RB (5-9, 185).
OUTLOOK: Only four starters return on both sides of the ball from a team that reached the Class L final last season, but under Fleeting, Windsor is a state title contender every year. So it is unlikely that the Warriors will take a step back this season despite losing dynamic quarterback Elijah Cromartie to transfer and top running back Shawn Bell and First Team All-State wide receiver Prince Samuels to graduation. Cromartie transferred to Brunswick while Samuels is now playing for Jim Mora at UConn. Freshman AJ Robinson, who impressed this summer, will take over at quarterback. The seven offensive linemen expected to see time this season average 6-foot-2 and 278 pounds.
CCC TIER III
RHAM
COACH: Dakota Fleming (2nd year)
2021 RECORD: 5-5 (3-4 CCC)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Max Nylen; Mike Marques; Tommy Puetzer; Juniors: Brady Hulland; Josh Weers; Jack Smith.
OUTLOOK: In his first season leading the program, Fleming took the Raptors from a 1-9 team in 2019 to a .500 program. RHAM hopes to take another step forward this season behind a solid core of upperclassman headlined by Nylen, Marques, Puetzer, Hulland, Weers, and Smith. The Raptors open the season on the road against Bristol Eastern and play at Brookfield in its lone non-league game. Difficult games against Bloomfield and Platt await in the middle of the season.
CCC TIER IV
East Catholic
COACH: Tommy Seaver (2nd year)
2021 RECORD: 3-7 (2-4 CCC)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Kaeden O'Connell, QB/LB; Colin Heslin, TE/LB; Ethan Rainha, WR/LB/K; Aiden Liptrap, OL/DL; Junior: Thomas Stanley, RB/LB/P.
OUTLOOK: East Catholic returns 11 combined starters from a team that won two out of its last three games in 2021, something it hadn't done since the start of 2018. The Eagles are trying to rebuild the program into a consistent winner seven years removed from their last winning season, and they've got a few key players back. Stanley and Heslin were among the team's leading tacklers last year. O'Connell takes over at quarterback, with Rainha and junior Aiden Mateo his primary weapons on the outside. Aiden Liptrap, Alijah Lecoultre and Aaron Mickiewicz return to anchor the offensive line.
Tolland
COACH: Mitch Egazarian (2nd year)
2021 RECORD: 7-3 (5-1 CCC)
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Blake Alexander, RB/LB (5-10, 175); Evan Wilson, RB/LB (5-8, 165); Connor Graham, WR/DB, (6-1, 180); Sophomores: Ben Gordon LB; Matthew Tybor, WR (6-4, 200).
OUTLOOK: Tolland went 7-3 in Egazarian's first season, with all three losses coming against teams that won seven or more games. Quarterback Nate Bowes, who accounted for 38 touchdowns as a junior, has transferred to Kingswood Oxford, but Alexander and Wilson will anchor the backfield and will be helped by an offensive line with an average height of 6-foot, 230. The duo also led the team in sacks and will be looked upon to lead the defense again. Gordon, a linebacker, was second on the team with 61 tackles. Tybor, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound receiver, caught 15 passes, three for touchdowns. Tolland faces key out-of-conference games against Branford and Wilton, two playoff-caliber teams.
STATE MEDIA FOOTBALL POLL
The GameTimeCT/New Haven Register media preseason high school football poll. First-place votes in parentheses.
2021 record Points
1. Greenwich (17) 7-4 661
2. Darien (5) 12-1 600
3. Fairfield Prep (1) 11-2 536
4. New Canaan 10-2 479
5. Windsor 11-2 419
6. Killingly (1) 12-0 388
7. Maloney 12-1 342
8. Shelton 9-3 332
9. Trumbull 7-3 291
10. Southington 8-3 242
Also receiving votes: Ansonia (11-2) 198; Bloomfield (12-1) 198; Daniel Hand (7-4) 185; Naugatuck (9-2) 166; St. Joseph (10-2) 150; Ridgefield (5-5) 130; Notre Dame-WH (3-7) 119; Cromwell/Portland (13-0) 109; Newtown (6-4) 76; Branford (9-3) 75; Seymour (8-3) 61; West Haven (8-2) 56; Masuk (9-3) 50; Hamden (8-3) 44; Hall (9-2) 36; Rockville (10-3) 36; Newington (7-3) 33; Bristol Central (9-2) 22; New Fairfield (9-3) 19; Holy Cross (8-3) 16; Xavier (6-4) 11; Cheshire (4-6) 9; Berlin (4-6) 8; NFA (4-6) 8; North Haven (5-5) 8; Jonathan Law (6-4) 7.
For daily updates on high school sports in JI's coverage area, follow Kyle Maher on Twitter: @KyleBMaher, Facebook: Kyle Maher, and Instagram: @KyleBMaher.
