The 87th New Haven Register All-State Football Teams. Compiled by Pete Paguaga and Sean Patrick Bowley. Written and designed by Sean Patrick Bowley. Portraits by Arnold Gold and Pete Paguaga (Marquez). Video montages by Noah Finz, CT Sports Now. For second team, third team and honorable mention selections, click the link below.
COMPLETE NHR All-STATE LINEUPS | ALL-TIME NHR ALL-STATE TEAMS
◊◊◊
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
MOZI BICI, Greenwich
Six-foot-2, 200-pound senior was an unstoppable force on the defensive line. Made 97 total tackles, including 59 solo and 14 for a loss, and had a school-record 17 sacks to go with 16 hurries while leading a defense which allowed a school record 54 points on defense en route to the school’s first state championship since 2007. Made a state-record eight sacks vs. Ridgefield and had a sack in all but two games. Set new school career record with 31 total sacks. …Also recovered four fumbles and caused another five fumbles. Also returned a blocked punt touchdown and blocked another punt. …Due to his influence, Greenwich’s defense had six shutouts and set a school record with 57 sacks.
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Will play at Brown University.
COACH OF THE YEAR
JOHN MARINELLI, Greenwich
Fourth-year coach guided Greenwich to one of its best seasons in school history. The Cardinals went 13-0 and won their first state championship since 2007 with a 27-0 victory over New Canaan in the Class LL championship. The Cardinals blitzed opponents all season, outscoring them 579-54 — an average score of 45-4 — with six shutouts, including a 50-0 victory over Newtown in the semifinals and over New Canaan in the championship. Greenwich outscored its playoff opponents 133-13. Allowed a touchdown in just five of 13 games, only two of which came while the game was still competitive. Greenwich’s dominance earned the school its first No. 1 ranking in the New Haven Register’s final Top 10 poll. Marinelli owns a 23-10 career record at the school.
◊◊◊
OFFENSE
◊◊◊
QUARTERBACK
GAVIN MUIR, Greenwich
Senior, 6-foot-3, 209-pound quarterback completed 59 percent of his passes (172 of 209) for 2,474 yards and 31 touchdowns against just six interceptions, leading the Cardinals’ offense in scoring 44.5 points per game and 357.8 yards per game and the team to its first state championship since 2007. Threw for over 200 yards eight times, including all three state tournament games, and over 300 in the quarterfinals. Threw for five TDs in a game once and three or more eight times. Also ran for 277 yards and eight touchdowns. … Holds school career marks for pass attempts (683), completions (401), touchdown passes (71). Team set marks for total points (579) and touchdowns (80).
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Football Foundation All-Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Undecided.
◊◊◊
RUNNING BACK
KY’JUON BUTLER, Bloomfield
One of the best all-around players in the state, the 5-foot-8, 200-pound senior was a four-year starter, leading the Warhawks in rushing during their 12-1, Class S state championship season. Was one of Connecticut’s top statistical runners, compiling 2,349 yards (second-best in school history) on 244 carries (9.6 yards per carry) and 23 touchdowns. Ran for 100-or-more yards in all 13 Bloomfield games. Finished with 4,791 career rushing yards, second only to Andrew Pinnock in school history. Was also a standout at linebacker with 78 total tackles, including 49 solo and 22 for a loss. Also had three sacks and an interception.
Honors: All-CCC, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp All-State First Team. USA Today All-USA Connecticut second team.
Up Next: Undecided.
SHAWN ROBINSON, New Britain
Five-foot-10, 205-pound senior was one of the state’s most dangerous backs and led the 9-2 Hurricanes to their first Class LL playoff appearance in four years. Ran 162 times for 1,518 yards (9.6 yards per carry) for 21 touchdowns. Ran for over 100 yards in seven games and for over 200 in four games. Also scored an additional two touchdowns for 23 total. Also was a standout strong safety and had an interception.
Honors: All-CCC, CHSCA All-State First Team.
Up Next: Undecided.
DAN MASON, Newtown
Bruising, 6-foot, 220-pound senior was Newtown’s primary weapon with 1,325 yards (more than 6 yards per carry) and 30 touchdowns rushing in the Nighthawks’ 11-1, Class LL semifinal season. Also caught 11 passes for 151 yards and a score. Ran for over 100 yards eight times.
Honors: All-SWC First Team, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Football Foundation All-Connecticut Second Team, USA Today All-USA Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Undecided.
◊◊◊
WIDE RECEIVER
JAQUAN ALLEN, East Hartford
Six-foot-2, 185-pound senior was a threat every time he touched the ball, with 2,091 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns over two seasons. As a senior, had 1,390 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, helping the Hornets win eight games for the second-consecutive season, but just missing out on a second-consecutive playoff berth in Class LL. Best day was an 11-catch, 270-yard, 4 TD performance in a 55-27 victory over Enfield.
Honors: All-CCC, CHSCA All-State Class LL, USA Today All-USA Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Has signed to play at Villanova.
QUINTIN O’CONNELL, New Canaan
Six-foot, 190-pound senior was a state leader in receptions and yards for the 10-3 Class LL runners-up. At receiver, caught 91 passes — the sixth-best season total in state history — for 1,158 yards (12.7 yards per catch) and 14 touchdowns. Set New Canaan’s all-time career record for receptions (197), yards (2,712), eclipsing 48-year old marks record held by Pete Demmerle, and touchdowns (36), topping Kevin Macari’s mark of 30 set in 2010. The 197 career receptions are third-most in state history and his 2,712 yards are 11th most.
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team, CHSCA All-State First Team, USA Today All-USA Connecticut Second Team.
Up Next: Will play lacrosse at North Carolina.
◊◊◊
OFFENSIVE LINE
DOHNJE CASSANOVA, Windsor
Senior, 6-foot, 280-pound lineman was a rock on the lines during Windsor’s 9-3, Class L semifinal season. On offense, played left guard As a defensive end, he made 60 tackles, including 45 solo, 5 for a loss, 4 1/2 sacks and 6 hurries over nine games. Also had blocked a field goal.
Honors: All-CCC, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut Second Team.
Up Next: Undecided.
JACK FLANAGAN, Hand
Six-foot-2, 240-pound senior was a terror on both offense and defense during Hand’s 13-0, repeat Class L championship season. At guard, helped Hand amass 4,809 yards of total offense — 2,899 yards rushing, 1,810 yards passing — for 362.2 yards per game and 79 touchdowns. At defensive end, led Hand with 63 tackles, including 45 solo and 32 for a loss. Was second on the team with 10 1/2 sacks. Also caused two fumbles and recovered two fumbles, one he returned for a touchdown.
Honors: All-SCC Tier II First Team, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Will play at Union College.
ROB MILHALY, St. Joseph
Senior 6-foot-3, 235-pound captain and tackle was a cornerstone of St. Joseph’s offense which amassed 4,518 yards in 13 games (346.5 per game) en route to a second-consecutive state championship. St. Joseph threw for 2,700 yards and 39 touchdowns while running for 1,818 yards and 34 touchdowns and finished 12-1.
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team, CHSCA All-State Class M.
Up Next: Will play at Trinity College.
NYGELL SMIKLE, Middletown
Six-foot, 260-pound senior two-way terror was a key part of Middletown’s 9-2 Class L playoff season. Helped Middletown compile 3,391 total yards (308.3 per game), including 2,237 rushing yards and 1,154 passing yards as the Dragons reached the Class L quarterfinals. On defense, had 70 total tackles, including 34 solo and 16 1/2 for a loss and 10 sacks. Also forced two fumbles.
Honors: All-CCC, CHSCA All-State First Team, USA Today All-USA Connecticut Second Team.
Up Next: Undecided.
JACK STEWART, New Canaan
Six-foot-5, 275-pound senior was one of the keystones for New Canaan’s 10-3 Class LL season. At offensive tackle, helped the Rams compile 4,339 yards of total offense (333.8 per game), including 1,511 yards rushing and 2,805 yards passing, and 51 offensive touchdowns. As a defensive lineman, made 57 tackles, including 40 solo and seven for a loss. Also made five sacks, including three during a 42-34 Class LL quarterfinal victory over top-seeded Shelton. Had a fumble recovery and forced a fumble.
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team; CHSCA All-State First Team; Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Will play at Michigan.
ATHLETE
PHOENIX BILLINGS, Hand
Versatile, 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior quarterback was lethal with ball in his hands. The point guard for an school-record-breaking offense which amassed 79 touchdowns and scored 521 of the team’s school-record 653 total points. … Accounted for 2,318 yards of total offense (578 rushing on 40 carries, 1,740 passing on 88-of-137 attempts) and 34 touchdowns, 23 passing and 11 rushing. Threw just four interceptions all season. Is committed to play baseball at UConn.
Honors: All-SCC Tier II Player of the Year, CHSCA All-State First Team.
PLACEKICKER
EVAN DAMIAN, East Haven
Senior, 5-11, 163-pound, four-year starting kicker was a crucial part of East Haven’s resurgent, 7-3 season. Made 7 field goals on 9 attempts, with his longest from 39 yards out. Also was a perfect 33-of-33 on extra point attempts and finished with 54 total points, which was 20 percent of East Haven’s scoring offense this year. Also punted for a 38.5 average.
Honors: All-SCC Tier III, CHSCA All-State Class M, Walter Camp Football Foundation All-Connecticut Second Team.
Up Next: Undecided.
◊◊◊
DEFENSE
◊◊◊
DEFENSIVE LINE
BEN CORNIELLO, Hand
Six-foot-2, 220-pound junior was a disruptive force on the defensive line alongside teammates Macken McDonald and Jack Flanagan, leading Hand to a 13-0 season and a second-consecutive Class L championship. Led Tigers with 11 1/2 sacks. Finished with 56 total tackles, including 34 solo and 29 1/2 for a loss as Hand allowed 106 points. Was also a force on the offensive line at tackle, helping the Tigers compile 4,809 yards of total offense — 2,899 yards rushing, 1,810 yards passing — for 362.2 yards per game and 79 touchdowns, a school record.
Honors: All-SCC Tier II, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut First Team.
JACKSON MITCHELL, Ridgefield
Senior, 6-foot-2, 220-pound two-way threat returns to the first team, this time as a defensive lineman where he continued to dominate for the 6-4 Tigers. He made 61 tackles, including 44 solo and 13 1/2 for loss, and added 14 1/2 sacks. Also had two interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. On offense, caught 36 passes for 379 yards and two touchdowns at receiver. Finished career with 1,509 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, 15 1/2 sacks, five interceptions and 128 total tackles.
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut First Team, USA Today All-USA Connecticut First Team and Defensive Player of the Year.
Up Next: Has signed to play at UConn.
JERMAINE WILLIAMS, St. Joseph
Five-foot-10, 300-pound junior was a handful and attracted constant attention with incessant double teams on the defensive line of St. Joseph’s 12-1, Class M championship season. Finished with 35 total tackles, including 14 solo and 10 for a loss. Also made 4 1/2 sacks and had 11 hurries.
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team, CHSCA All-State Class M.
◊◊◊
LINEBACKER
GARRETT BRADEN, New Canaan
Senior, 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker was a consistent presence during New Canaan’s 10-3 Class LL runner-up season. Made 62 tackles (4.8 per game), including 41 solo, and four for a loss. Was second on the team with 7 1/2 sacks, had three pass defenses and forced a fumble in the Class LL semifinals vs. Fairfield Prep.
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut Second Team.
Up Next: Will play at Rice University.
CONNOR FAY, Darien
Senior, 6-foot, 215-pound linebacker returns to the first team for a second-consecutive year, leading a staunch Darien defense in its 9-2 Class LL quarterfinal season. Made 79 total tackles, including 46 solo and 17 for a loss. Also had 2 1/2 sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles and two hurries. Finished his career with 205 tackles, six sacks, 30 tackles for a loss, four fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and an interception.
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Football Foundation All-Connecticut First Team, USA Today All-USA Connecticut Second Team.
Up Next: Undecided.
JACK FEDA, Greenwich
Six-foot, 200-pound senior was the primary stopper on the Class LL championship defense, which allowed a school-record 54 points. Led the team with 127 tackles (9.8 per game) and had 10 for a loss. Also made 5.5 sacks and had eight hurries, three interceptions, five passes defensed, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. Was in on more than 10 tackles seven times. Also scored a touchdown. … Set school record with 338 career tackles.
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Will play at Bucknell.
CADE KLARIDES-DITRA, Seymour
Senior, 6-foot-1, 225-pound captain and linebacker was an unescapable force during the Wildcats’ 6-4 season. Made 149 total tackles, including 18 for a loss and 11 sacks.
Honors: All-NVL First Team, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Football Foundation All-Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Undecided.
◊◊◊
DEFENSIVE BACK
IAN BUTLER, Hand
For the second-consecutive year, the senior was one of the state’s best lock-down defensive backs. Had five interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Had six passes defended and made 36 total tackles, 23 solo and 3 1/2 for a loss as Hand finished 13-0 with its second-consecutive Class L championship. As a receiver, caught 19 passes for 408 yards and three touchdowns. Finished with 616 all-purpose yards, including 142 interception return yards.
Honors: All-SCC Tier II First Team, Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Will play at Union College.
VICTOR MARQUEZ, Maloney
Versatile, 6-foot, 195-pound senior starred on both sides of the ball for the 10-3 Class L runners up. As a defensive back, was in on 100 tackles and had three interceptions for the Spartans. Did much of his damage on the offensive side of the ball with 74 catches for a school-record 1,146 yards and 16 touchdowns. For his career, his 181 catches for 2,397 yards and 31 touchdowns are all school records.
Honors: All-CCC, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Football Foundation All-Connecticut First Team, USA Today All-USA Connecticut Team.
Up Next: Undecided.
RAQUAN TOMPKINS, East Hartford
Dynamic, 5-foot-9, 205-pound senior playmaker who lit up the stat sheet and led East Hartford to a second-consecutive 8-2 season, one that fell just short of a Class LL playoff berth. Played defensive back, quarterback and was the Hornets’ kick returner. Threw for 1,784 yards and ran for another 1,134 yards.
Honors: All-CCC, CHSCA All-State First Team, Walter Camp Football Foundation All-Connecticut First Team, USA Today All-USA Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Undecided
RYAN RAYBUCK, Greenwich
Six-foot-3, 180-pound senior led the Class LL championship secondary, leading the team with six interceptions, 11 passes defensed and a fumble recovery in 13 games. Had an interception return touchdown vs. Trumbull. Also made 51 tackles, 34 solo, for 3.9 per game.
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team, CHSCA All-State Class LL, Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Undecided.
PUNTER
LUKE KIRBY, St. Joseph
Was an integral part of the Hogs’ sterling special teams play during its 12-1, repeat state championship season. Kirby punted 18 times for 689 yards, an average of 41 yards per punt, with four inside the 20. As St. Joseph’s primary placekicker, Kirby made 73 of 75 extra points and 3-of-6 field goals for 82 total points. Also averaged 50.8 yards on 15 kickoffs, including one touchback. Made all 10 of his PATs in the Class M championship game vs. Berlin, a school record for a game. Owns school records for field goals in a game (2) and for 196 PATs in his career.
Honors: All-FCIAC First Team, CHSCA All-State Class M, Walter Camp Foundation All-Connecticut First Team.
Up Next: Undecided.
◊◊◊
COMPLETE NHR All-STATE LINEUPS
◊◊◊
More All-State / All-Conference Teams
ALL-STATE
-
CONNECTICUT HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION
-
USA TODAY ALL-USA CONNECTICUT TEAM
-
WALTER CAMP FOOTBALL FOUNDATION
ALL-CONFERENCE
-
Connecticut Technical Conference
-
Central Connecticut Conference
-
Eastern Connecticut Conference
-
Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference
-
Naugatuck Valley League
-
Pequot League
-
Southern Connecticut Conference
-
South-West Conference
PREP SCHOOL
