Defense has been my passion since I started playing football. It only intensified when I became a coach. This unit is a dream team of versitle athletes who play with enthusiasum, disipline, and intelligence.
DE: Calvin Jackson – senior –– 6’2” 225 – New Rochelle (NY)
Jackson is an excellent pass rusher who can beat his man with his power and speed. He plays with great hands and leverage to shed his blockers and get to the football. Had 7 tackles in the Huguenots’ State Championship game shutout.
DE: Will Bothwell – – senior – 5’10” 180– Darien (CT)
81 tackles / 15 Tackles for loss / 12.5 sacks
Bothwell is a high motor guy who was always around the football. He also had an excellent post season. In 3 games Bothwell had 26 tackles 4 TFL 1.5 sacks. Made a huge play that changed the playoff game vs. Greenwich with a 24 yard interception return for a TD.
DE: Michael Lockavitch –- senior – 6’2” 225– Shelton (CT)
21.5 Sacks / 22 Tackles for a loss
Lockavitch lived in the opponents all season. A relentless pass rusher who led the state in sacks. Named to Connecticut 26 All-State team.
DT: Joseph Griggs – senior – 6’0” 310 –– John Jay (NY)
55 tackles / 10.5 sacks.
I attended the John Jay/Carmel game week 2. I noticed #73’s name constantly being called making plays. Not only did he make his fair share of plays but he is a Linebackers dream when he eats up two blocker on one play. Joe was an All-Section Player and made the All-Star team.
OLB: Tyson Thornton – junior – 6’0” 205 Central (MA)
54 Tackles / 4.5 sacks / 17.5 Tackles for a loss
A physical defender who can play multiple defensive positons. Excellent open field tackler with outstanding closing speed. Thornton also returned a punt 45 yards for a TD vs. Westfield.
OLB: Jerimiah Trotter Jr – senior – 6”2” 210 – St. Josephs (PA)
Can play both inside and outside linebacker. Trotter had a dynamic performance vs. IMG Academy with 13 tackles, a sack, and constant pressure on the QB. Play with great lean and bend on his pass rush. He will play at Clemson next season.
MLB: Jack Whittmack – senior – 6’2” 220 Ridgewood (NJ)
132 Tackles / 11 Tackles for a loss / 3 Sacks / 2 Interception
Excellent tackler with a great nose for the football. Whittmack instincts helped him claim the school record for tackles. He also pitch in and scored 4 TD’s for the State Champion Maroons.
MLB: Jared Dunn – senior – 6’3” 230 – Newtown (CT)
94 Tackles / 23 Tackles for a loss / 11 Sacks
The leader of one of the best defenses in Connecticut. Dunn is a great downhill linebacker who was the best player on the field in the biggest moment of the season vs Darien in the State Championship Classic. Named to Connecticut 26 All-State team.
CB: Raymond Dixon- senior -6’1” 160 – New Rochelle (NY)
Dixon has excellent cover skills and is physical at the point of attack vs. the run. He also made a ton of big plays on offense. His biggest play of the season came on an amazing TD catch vs Shenendehowa in the state semifinals.
CB: Jackson Peters – senior – 6’1” 165 – Darien (CT)
35 Tackles / 3 Interceptions / 9 Pass break-ups
Big time athlete and talented two-way player for the Blue Wave. Jackson is the kind of corner that takes away his side of the field in coverage. He added 7 TDs in the passing game on offense.
S: Ryan Di vergilis – senior- 5’10” 180 – Archbishop Wood (PA)
A two way starter for State Championship football team. Di vergilis is a ferious competitor, excellent tackler who can play both in coverage and in the box as an extra linebacker.
S: Mike Courtney –senior- 5’10” 180 Don Bosco (NJ)
103 Tackles / 3 interceptions
Excellent box safety who was always around the football for the Iron Men. Courtney caused the fumble that led to a defensive TD and a win vs. St. Joseph(Montville)
P: Jack Mulligan – senior – 6’4” 220 – Newtown (CT)
38.3 yards a punt / 13 inside the 20
A solid two way player at linebacker and tight end. Mulligan did a great job of flipping field position as the punter for the nighthawks. He did his best work in the State Championship game having to punt 9 times (37 avg. 2 inside 20).
