The 2013-14 Amity Regional High School football team’s on field success may not be measured solely by wins and losses.
Bert Mozealous, who is in his fourth year as head coach and who began his career with the program in 1971, said coming off a 4-6 record last year in the highly competitive Division 1 of the Southern Connecticut Conference, the team is faced with several challenges.{{more}}
For starters, the team only has one offensive and one defensive linemen returning. Mozealous said success begins and ends with good line play on both sides of the football. On the positive side, all the receivers return along with a senior running back, and the entire defensive secondary.
The team will also have a new quarterback, Dave Ryan, who the coach described as someone with a “nice arm and intelligent. We look for good things from him.”
Amity battles three private school powerhouses beginning in Week 5 with Xavier, followed by Notre-Dame of West Haven, and Fairfield Prep in Week 8.
“We have a highly competitive schedule and we’re in for a battle this year,” Mozealous said.
He admitted it’s a challenge starting so many inexperienced players, but it’s also an opportunity for players to grow.
But he said he will challenge his players to work hard and continue to improve throughout the season.
“Our kids always come to play every week,” Mozealous said. “They always give 100 percent.”
The season officially kicks off Sept.11 as Amity hosts former rival Seymour.
“We haven’t played them in 20 years,” Mozealous said. “They are not in our league anymore. For the older guys in town they will still remember the rivalry days against Seymour.”
He said while practice began Aug. 19, the team spent time in the weight room this summer. His message to players was: “Come every day and try to get better every day for the person next to them and let’s grow as a team.”
“We have a tough schedule now and we’ve got to get better and our success may not be measured in wins and losses,” Mozealous said. “We have to work hard and success will come to you.”
There are between 55 and 60 players on the varsity squad and an additional 25 to 30 on the freshmen squad. Senior members include captains Joe Chionere and Eric Laugeni. Other players are Ben Feola, David Buono, Nick Bottone, Cory Ricks, Joe Capela, Tyler Burns, Lucas Duhamel, Jack DiMarjin, Matt Post, DeChaun Wilson, Nick Photos, Wilson Goodwin, and Kevin Nusdeu.
The punter/kicker is Lyle Luth, who Mozealous called one of the best kickers in the state after he connected on 90 percent of field goal attempts last year.