Farmington Valley high school football previews, week 1

In the Farmington Valley, the high school football season begins on Thursday night when Canton travels to Hartford’s Dillon Stadium to face Sport Medicine Science Academy/University High and former head coach Graham Martin.

On Friday night, Farmington opens its new artificial turf field when they host Simsbury at 7 p.m. Granby hosts Windsor Locks on Friday night at 7 p.m. On Saturday afternoon, Avon opens the season by hosting Ellington/Somers at 1:30 p.m. at the high school and Lewis Mills travels to New Haven’s Wilbur Cross High to face Hyde at noon. 

Thursday, September 11
Canton (7-4) at SMSA/University (5-6), 5:30 p.m.
Outlook: Canton has a core of experienced players returning this year including senior Cam Daley, Sebby Gumbs, Henry Bonini and Dan Delos. Looking for their third straight winning season, Canton makes its second-ever visit to Dillon Stadium in Hartford. The Warriors beat the Tigerhawks at Dillon, 20-14 in 2012. … SMSA/University is coached by Graham Martin, who coached Canton for two years when the program was resurrected in 2007. The Tigerhawks lost All-Pequot QB Wilfred Alicea, who ran for over 1,500 yards and 13 TDs. But SMSA/University does return some talented players including junior tight end/DE Devyn Lozada (10-116), senior WR Nick Lajara (8-161, 2 TDs) and senior WR Daunte Brinkley. … It’s the earliest opening day contest in CHS history. … A year ago, Canton won its first opening day contest since 1958 by scoring a touchdown on the final play to beat Avon, 16-13. … Canton is 7-1 in its last eight games under the lights. … This is Canton’s first season opener under the lights.
Opening day records: Canton 15-20, SMSA/University 1-13-1
Series: Began 2011. Tied 1-1
Season previews: Canton, SMSA/University

Friday, September 12
Simsbury (2-9) at Farmington (9-3), 7 p.m.
Outlook: Farmington will debut its new artificial turf field with the game against Farmington Valley rival Simsbury. The Indians earned its Class L playoff berth since 1999 a year ago but lost many of their offensive weapons. Fortunately for head coach Chris Machol, the Indians return several starters from the offense and defensive lines including All-CCC West linebacker Dan Hardiman. Simsbury will once again run its triple option veer offense. Simsbury feels that they play with everyone on their schedule and want to begin that success against the Indians.  … According to results found in yearbooks and area newspapers, this may be the 100th opener for Simsbury football dating back to 1908. Research is still ongoing searching for results in the 1910s.
Opening day records: Farmington 37-44-3, Simsbury 50-46-3
Series: Began 1923. Simsbury leads 18-15-1
Season previews: Simsbury, Farmington 

Windsor Locks/Suffield/East Granby (7-4) at Granby (6-5), 7 p.m.
Outlook: To help take advantage of the talents of junior QB Dom Pagano, the Bears have modified their offense. Granby will be running the triple-option veer – an offense formation that relies on the quarterback to read the defense and quickly choose the most effective option. Pagano ran for a school record 1,004 yards and 11 TDs a year ago for Granby. The Bears will have to deal with Jarvis Miller, a 6-foot-2, 190 tailback who has verbally committed to play at Penn State next fall. Miller ran for 1,611 yards as a junior for Locks. … Granby is looking for its first-ever win on opening day.
Opening day records: Granby 0-4
Series: Began 2010. Granby leads, 2-1
Season previews: Granby 

Saturday, Sept. 13
Ellington/Somers (6-5) at Avon (8-3), 1 p.m.
Outlook: Avon begins its final season in the Pequot Conference with a home game against Ellington/Somers. The Falcons will have a new QB under center this fall but a majority of the offensive line and defensive lines return led by All-Pequot guard Ryan Rogers, a third-year starter and guard Gino Bonalumi and center Dean Zacchio. Junior Teddy Allmendinger should make an impact on both sides of the ball. … Ellington is a young, junior-dominated squad, led by receivers Mark Hickman (12 TDs), Shane McGowan and Ben Kloter, who combined to catch 36 passes for 688 yards last fall. Ellington needs to find a replacement for All-Pequot QB Joe Lesile, who led the team in passing (1,132 yards) and rushing (907) last season. … Former Ellington teammate Austin Tautkas, a 19-year-old sophomore at Western Connecticut State, died in a car accident over the summer.
Opening day records: Avon 28-26
Series: Began 2006. Avon leads, 7-1
Season previews: Avon, Ellington

Lewis Mills (2-9) at Hyde (5-6), noon
Outlook: It’s a tough opening day assignment for Lewis Mills. Hyde has just seven seniors but has nine players with significant varsity experience. Senior QB Dwayne Hunter-Parker ran for 1,148 yards and 10 TDs last fall. RB Ronnie Freeman ran for 628 yards and 8 TDs. The Howling Wolves should be strong on defense, led by Carlton Tillery (51 tackles) and Hunter-Parker (46 tackles). Mills is led by second-year QB Lucas Lanning (38-98-8, 664 yards, 8 TDs) and backs Cullin Kennedy and Connor Kennedy.
Opening day records: Lewis Mills 2-2
Series: Began 2010. Hyde leads, 3-0
Season previews: Lewis Mills, Hyde