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
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
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…
New look Renegades still wearing familiar target entering postseason
The voices in the locker room and in the huddle may be different, but the same story still applies to the Boston Renegades now that the playoffs have arrived. After a 4-2 regular season that included the franchise’s first losses in six years, the five-time defending WFA Pro Division champions wipe the slate clean when hosting the D.C. Divas on Saturday night in the first round. A win would clinch…
Recruiting Roundup: King Philip
King Philip coach Brian Lee has taken his program both to the top of the Hockomock League, and also the state. In the last 10 years, KP has won three state titles, including in 2023 in D2 with a win over Marshfield at Gillette Stadium. While the Warriors will lose a ton of talent to graduation, don’t expect them to just fall off. There is still plenty of talent here……
Shuffain named new Head Football Coach at Sharon
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……
BB&N’s Anochie “AJ” Azuakolam commits to UMass
On Tuesday, BB&N defensive back Anochie “AJ” Azuakolam announced his verbal commitment to UMass and coach Don Brown. Azuakolam has been a multi-year starter for the Knights, one of the top programs in New England and always home to many prospects. This is, without question, one of the more underrated players in the class of 2025. At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Azuakolam has the type of great length that defensive coordinators…
Patriots release dates for open training camp practices
Image courtesy of New England Patriots The countdown is officially on. On Tuesday morning, the Patriots announced the dates for opening training camp practices where fans will get their first look at the Jerod Mayo-led team. Rookies report to camp on July 19th while veterans report on the 23rd. One day later is the first open practice for fans. Gates will open at 10 AM each day with practice starting…
Talking ball with M2 Quarterback Academy’s Mike McCarthy
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
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…….