Football Moving on from ‘08
NEIRAD enilno edition
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On their season opener to Fairfield Warde, on Thursday 17th, Darien football struggled to a 14-0 loss on their home turf. The team’s early struggles are a far cry from last year’s dominating run that featured an 11-2 record, and a trip to both state and FCIAC championship games. However, with the loss of 20 seniors, and 18 out of 22 starters, it will be tough for the Wave to replace last year’s senior class. But despite an early upset, Darien’s hopes are still high as they continue their season.
Last year’s senior athletic class was one to remember, capturing numerous titles at both the state and FCIAC level. With a total of eight all FCIAC players and two that made all states, DHS football was clearly one of the beneficiaries of the stellar senior class. But along with success eventually comes sadness, as key losses on both sides of the ball will leave this upcoming class with some big shoes to fill. One major hole to fill will be quarterback. Matt Wheelock was the DHS quarterback last season, when he set the DHS record for touchdown passes in a season at twenty while being named the to the all-FCIAC team. In addition, Wheelock’s go to threat, Brian Kosnik, who set a DHS record for most all time receptions, while being named to the all state team, left as well. Finally, the DHS star running back and 2008 team MVP Nikki Dysenchuk, who averaged an astounding 6.8 yards per carry while racking up a total of 1045 yards, also graduated the previous season. This three headed offensive threat led DHS to average a whopping 31.1 points per game, Darien High’s most all time.
In addition, the wave lost many seniors on the defensive side of the ball such as defensive linemen Mike Gasparino, inside line backer Mike Gencarelli, cornerback Cameron Ross, and middle linebacker James Patton. With so many star players lost on both sides of the ball, there is no doubt that replacing them will be an extremely tough task. Darien’s head coach Rob Trifone admitted that the class of ’08 will be missed by stating, “We will miss them all as they were an awesome group.” However Trifone did remain upbeat about the wave’s prospects this season by also stating, “Tradition never graduates.”
Besides dealing with the loss of last year’s exceptional senior class, the DHS football team is now forced to deal with the added pressure due to high expectations that last year’s team set. Last year’s team set an impressive precedent, by finishing the season with an 11-2 record, the best winning percentage since 1998. With the student body expecting another big year out of the wave, the pressure is mounting. However, coach Trifone remained positive feeling that last year’s success has brought his team much needed experience. “Now that our team has been to the big show, this team is experienced at being at that level. This year's team has shown the poise and character of a champion.” Trifone also added that the team has looked impressive thus far, especially in their scrimmage victory over Masuk High School, the third ranked team in Connecticut.
Despite last year’s impressive record, and record-breaking offensive display the team ultimately came home empty handed after losing two devastating games to archrival New Canaan in both the State and FCIAC championship games. With the two tough losses to New Canaan, the wave has had the year off to become hungrier to get another shot at a state or FCIAC title. However, after viewing their opening loss to Fairfield Warde, it is clear that Darien will be facing an uphill battle. The Wave will try to rebound and get their season on track with their next game on Saturday September 26th, and Darien will have to get their faults figured out quickly. However, coach Trifone believes that his team is focused, and ready to avenge last year’s two losses by stating, “Everyone on this team wants to return to the championship stage.”
