John Sarianides

New Canaan’s Marinelli named 2024 National High School Athletic Coaches Association Football Coach of the Year

June 28, 2024

Image courtesy of New Canaan Football Legendary New Canaan Coach Lou Marinelli was named the 2024 National High School Athletic Coaches Association Football Coach of the Year. Marinelli was one of eight finalists for the award. He received the award during a ceremony on Wednesday night at the NHSACA convention in Bismarck, North Dakota. It is the first time Marinelli has won the award but he has been a finalist……

Catching up with Trevor Havill after his commitment to Yale

June 28, 2024

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We had a chance recently to talk to Avon Old Farms quarterback Trevor Havill. Havill announced last week that he was committing to Yale University to play football and lacrosse. Playing two sports was important to Havill and when Yale presented him with the opportunity to play both, he could not pass it up. Trevor tells us why he wanted to play sports and why he ultimately chose Yale. NEFJ:…

Recruiting Round-Up: Recapping the week that was in local recruiting

June 28, 2024

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Image courtesy of AOF Football Several members of the Class of 2025 announced their commitments this week. Here are some thoughts on the players who committed this week and other happenings. Catholic Memorial J.D Rayner committed to James Madison. The 6-5 270 tight end and defensive end has good length, plays with good strength and can anchor against the run. He will fit in well both schematically and from a…

Shuffain named new Head Football Coach at Sharon

June 27, 2024

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After months of waiting to find out who their coach is going to be, Sharon High School football players can breathe a sigh of relief. Ben Shuffain takes over for Dave Morse who stepped away at the end of last season after 13 seasons at the helm. Shuffain, a 1999 graduate of Sharon High School is returning to his alma mater after guiding Carver to it’s first South Shore League……

Talking ball with M2 Quarterback Academy’s Mike McCarthy

June 24, 2024

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I recently had a chance to talk some ball with M2 Quarterback Academy founder and owner Mike McCarthy. We talked about this year’s showdown at Stonehill College and we looked ahead to next year’s showdown. Here is some of what Coach McCarthy had to say. NEFJ: Coach, just some thoughts on this year’s showcase from an operational, numbers standpoint. MM: “First off I want to thank Stonehill College and Coach…

Catching up with former Leavitt quarterback Noah Carpenter

June 24, 2024

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I recently had the opportunity to talk to former Leavitt standout quarterback Noah Carpenter. The Maine Gatorade Player Of the Year is a multi-time state champion and one of the top signal callers in New England. We talked about everything, from his time at Leavitt to getting his opportunity to play Division One football and baseball at the University of Maine. Here is some of what Noah had to say…….

Yale’s Wheeler gets career opportunity this spring with the Chicago Bears

June 24, 2024

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Image courtesy of Yale Athletics Yale offensive line coach and run game coordinator Stefon Wheeler got the opportunity of a lifetime recently as an intern with the Chicago Bears during OTA’s and mini- camp. Wheeler participated in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship Program. He spent 11 days working with Matt Eberflus and his staff. Wheeler says the chance to work with Eberflus and the Bears staff was an eye……

Pirates Preview: Massachusetts Pirates (6-6) at Jacksonville Sharks (2-9)

June 22, 2024

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The Pirates will look to bounce back after a tough 52-51 loss to the San Antonio Gunslingers last week. The offense did their part but the defense struggled once again. The league’s top rated offense had their way, especially in the second half. Tonight is a must win for the Pirates if they want to stay in playoff contention in the Eastern Division. This will be the second meeting all-time…

Patriots sign Rhamondre Stevenson to four year, $36 million dollar extension

June 21, 2024

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The Patriots have signed running back Rhamondre Stevenson to a four year, $36 million dollar extension. It includes $17 million in guarantees. The deal was first announced by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Stevenson said during mandatory minicamp that the two sides were “pretty close”. Well, it appears his agent and Patriots Executive of Football Operations Eliot Wolf got the deal done. The Patriots drafted Stevenson in the fourth round of the…

Cole Strange tore his patellar tendon according to report

June 19, 2024

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According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Patriots guard Cole Strange tore his patellar tendon last season and that is why he has been out of action since the injury. Strange suffered in the injury in his left knee. As a result, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo deemed Strange “month to month” when he met with the media during OTA’s. The Patriots repped second year guard Sidy Sow at left guard this spring….