Kevin Stone

UNH in a bit of an unfamiliar spot to start the season

August 26, 2025

UNH will always be considered a CAA contender and a program that’s regularly in the Top 25 conversation. But, for the first time in a while – even after a 16th playoff appearance in the last 20 seasons – there’s uncertainty surrounding this particular Wildcats squad. With a lot of turnover and a new wave of youth sweeping through the meeting rooms and practice fields in Durham, there’s certainly optimism,……

UConn eager to get things going against CCSU on Saturday

August 26, 2025

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By Andy Close NEFJ Correspondent STORRS — After a tough, physical camp, it’s finally game week for UConn. The Huskies welcome FCS foe Central Connecticut State to Rentschler Field on Saturday (2 p.m.) in a season filled with heightened expectations. UConn is coming off a 9-4 season, its best mark since 2007, when they also went 9-4. It was also the first winning season for the program since 2010. “Our…

Patriots trim roster down to 53

August 26, 2025

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With a 4:00 p.m deadline, the Patriots officially had to get to 53 players on Tuesday. Around 4:40, the team put a graphic out with the first ‘official’ roster and also sent out a press release with the cuts made throughout the day, 21 total. The Patriots also announce that Jahlani Tavai and Ja’Lynn Polk have been placed on injured reserve. Heres’ how the roster now looks with a little…

Holy Cross’ young roster should benefit from experience heading into 2025

August 26, 2025

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While Holy Cross still managed to clinch a share of a sixth straight Patriot League title a year ago, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. In fact, bouts of inconsistency from a very young, inexperienced roster made the 2024 season quite a roller coaster at times. But, like most teams that choose to go the recruit and development route rather than going heavy in the transfer portal, those growing pains are…

Rhode Island looking straight ahead despite early national championship chatter

August 26, 2025

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During its portion of CAA Media Day a while back, Rhode Island players weren’t shy about their ultimate goal for 2025. A national championship. But, after waiting almost four decades for another CAA title and finally bringing it home last year, head coach Jim Fleming knows the Rams are a long, long way from even thinking about a trip to that last game in Nashville the first week of January….

MIAA Division 5 preview

August 26, 2025

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By Tyler Amaral NEFJ Staff Outlook: There’s a changing of the guard in the Foxboro backfield as Cam Deleskey and Ryan Foley replace three-year starters Mike Marcucella and Ben Angelini, respectively. The Warriors should be viewed as the favorite to win the division for the second time in three years. Shawsheen loses program legend Sid Tildsley, but the defense should once again be formidable with Jake Banda and James Tildsley…

MIAA Division 6 preview

August 26, 2025

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By Tyler Amaral NEFJ Staff Outlook: Fairhaven and Hudson were on a collision course for seemingly all of 2024. The teams met in the final and Hudson came out on top a year after losing to Fairhaven in the state semifinals. This year, Division 6 figures to be much more wide open. Abington returns some key pieces and should make a run under second-year head coach Ed Reilly. Norwell returns…

5 observations from our camp visit with Brown

August 25, 2025

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By Liam Griffin NEFJ Correspondent Providence, RI – Brown is three practices into training camp, and one word perfectly describes the team early on: Energy. Even in a practice that wasn’t fully padded, seemingly every player- offensive or defensive, under or upperclassmen- was loud, proud, and excited to be there. Whether it be the defense mobbing defensive back Landon Heard after recording an interception or constant chants of “let’s go”…

UMass season preview

August 25, 2025

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Our resident UMass guy Ryan Barry out-did himself with this one. If you’re looking for the most in-depth Minuteman preview anywhere, you’ve come to the right place… By Ryan Barry NEFJ Staff The UMass Minutemen return to the Mid-American Conference in 2025 under new head coach Joe Harasymiak. Now on a fifth head coach since the FBS era began back in 2012, the Minutemen are in desperate search of stability….

MIAA Division 7 preview

August 24, 2025

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By Tyler Amaral NEFJ Staff Outlook: Uxbridge, like West Boylston in Division 8, has emerged as a small school dynasty from Central Mass. The Spartans are seeking a third straight state title. All-State running back Camden LaChapelle is back to lead the way. Clinton made a run to the state semifinals last year and returns many core pieces. Northbridge is a consistent threat under legendary head coach Ken LaChapelle (Camden’s…