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Young Warriors look to build foundation

CANTON, Sept. 7 – Building a football program isn’t easy. It takes effort during the season and in the off-season. Since the Canton High football program was reborn in 2007 as a varsity program, the Warriors have had one winning season in four campaigns, going 6-4 in 2009.

A year ago, the Warriors went 3-7 with a team sprinkled with some veterans and a lot of young players. This year, Canton is set to field another relatively young squad with a few veterans and a host of younger players. The roster is peppered with sophomores and freshmen.

The future looks bright. However, this year might be a campaign of little triumphs and growing pains. “We’re getting better every day,” fourth-year coach Roger Pearl said. “We’re young and the attitude is fantastic. It’s 100 percent better than it was last year. They are all working hard as a team and we have some young talent.”

Canton has five starters returning including All-Pequot Conference running back Kyle Mullins (64 rushes, 516 yards, 2 TDs). Center Josiah Durbois, guard Erick Latvis, fullback Rob Grillo (33 rushes, 127 yards) and receiver Tim Gavin return. Sophomore quarterback Eric Scott should start for the Warriors along with senior guard Ryan Glynn and senior wide receiver Zach Powell.

Defensively, Canton will be young. Still, look for junior linebacker Jesse Lachance to make some plays along with Tim Gavin, a two-year starter at cornerback and Latvis at defensive end. Sophomores Terrance Brady (wide receiver, running back), Mike Amoroso (linebacker, guard), Jake Wood (linebacker) and Miller Pachen (left tackle) should see playing time along with freshman Henry Bonini.

“They’re working well together,” Pearl said. “There are no superstars on this team. They’re all working together as one.”

Canton ’11 preview capsule
Coach: Roger Pearl, 4th year (11-20)
Last year: 3-7, 3-6 Pequot Uncas
Key losses: All-State LB/RB Nate Scott, QB Nick Grabowski, WR Nick Quattro, G Tomas Cruz, RB Sam Hartzell. Scott, Grabowski, Quatto and Cruz were named All-Pequot
Top players: RB Kyle Mullins (64-516, 2 TD), C Josiah Durbois, G/DE Erick Latvis, FB Rob Grillo (33-127), WR/CB Tim Gavin; QB Eric Scott, G Ryan Glynn, WR Zach Powell; LB Jesse Lachance, WR Terrance Brady; LB/G Mike Amoroso; LB Jake Wood; LT Miller Pachen

Outlook: With just six seniors, this is a young team comprised mainly of sophomores and freshman. It could be a challenging season 

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Gerry deSimas, Jr., is the editor and founder of The Collinsville Press. He is an award-winning writer and has been covering sports in Connecticut and New England for more than 40 years. He was inducted into the New England High School Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018.

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