Here is the first off-season edition of the New England High School Journal. It is a weekly feature As usual, there is plenty to talk about.
Let’s go!
DiLoreto returns home: Everett bringing back Rob DiLoreto for a second tour of duty is a great move. The program is in a tough spot. Rob is an accomplished coach and an Everett native who gets the community and the kids. He knows what it takes to win at the school. He went 21-3 in his two years on the job. It will take some time but DiLoreto will make the program competitive again.
Koppen takes the reigns at LaSalle: In a move that was a bit surprising, Dan Koppen is the new head coach at LaSalle Academy. Koppen was already on staff and his son is in the program. I was told last Friday he was the pick. He was hired a couple of days earlier. Koppen is a Super Champion with the Patriots and had the support of Josh McDaniels and Bill O’Brien. He best out a talented pool of candidates. Koppen has previously coached at Bishop Hendricken so he knows the significance of the biggest rivalry in Rhode Island.
Flynn is back: After taking two seasons off, Mike Flynn is a head coach again. The 11 year NFL veteran and Super Bowl Champion takes over at Hamilton-Wenham. Flynn did a great job at Pingree where he went 37-8-2. He has some work to do but his knowledge of youth program and working in the system should help him.
Gendron brings stability to HB: Patrick Gendron is exactly what the Hollis-Brookline football program. He will be there and he will bring stability to a program that desperately needs it.
Behrends steps away: In a complete shocker, Staples (Conn) Coach Adam Behrends resigned last week to take a job at the University of New Mexico where he will be an assistant quarterbacks and wide receivers coach. Behrends took over at Staples in 2019. In five seasons, he won 40 games and a 2023 Class LL state title. He had a great run. Staples is one of the best jobs in Connecticut so it should attract some major interest.
STJS opening: St. John’s Shrewsbury is open. According to some people I have spoken to, there was some concern on former coach John Vassar’s part regarding the commitment of the school and coaching salaries. Vassar was doing a good job rebuilding the program and there is a talented freshmen class in place. Life is tough in the Catholic Conference but STJS does have the advantage of being the biggest catholic school in Central Mass. They can draw from a lot of communities. It is an appealing job.
Big time openings in Connecticut: In a normal off season, you do not get big time programs having openings in most states but that is not the case in Connecticut. There are several openings most notably Masuk and Staples. Both are great jobs with championship pedigree and both should attract some talented applicants.
The Maine Lobster Bowl Classic announced its coaching staffs for this year’s game. They are as follows:
EAST
Kyle Gallant, Head Coach (Hermon)
Dan O’Connell (John Bapst)
Jason Versey (Lewiston)
Ryan Snell (Medomak)
Fred Lower (Brewer)
Bob Sinclair (Orono)
Blair Doucette (Messalonskee)
Matt Farnham (Hermon)
Robenson Saintard (Hampden Academy)
WEST
Aaron Filieo, Head Coach (South Portland)
Kevin Cooper (Bonny Eagle)
Keith Noel (Kennebunk)
Sam Morrison (Gorham)
Devin Roberts (Spruce Mountain)
David Jones (Fryeburg Academy)
Mike Hathaway (Leavitt)
Skip Capone (Cheverus)
Rob Keirstead (South Portland)