Avon is bigger, stronger and more experienced for 2017 campaign

The Avon High football runs through drills in Wednesday’s preseason practice at the high school.

AVON, August 16 – The Avon High football team took it on the chin a year ago. The Falcons were young and inexperienced. They lost their first eight games – their longest losing streak in over a decade.

After nine consecutive winning seasons, Avon went 1-9 a year ago under first-year head coach Sal Cintorino.

On Tuesday, the Falcons were working out in the sunshine at the high school in the third day of preseason workouts in preparation for the season opening contest against East Catholic at home on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. – the first of three straight home games to open the season.

The Falcons are bigger, stronger and more experienced. The youngsters who got plenty of experience and dropped some close games in 2016 are ready to go this fall.

“The kids are working hard and we’re trying to create a culture of being committed to each other,” Cintorino said. “We’ll need a team effort every week if we’re going to be successful.”

QB Dylan Burgos, who threw for over 600 yards and six TD passes, returns along with several two-way starters from a year ago – Ryan Ollestad, Vinny Bonalum, Chris Gens, Matt Borquin, Dan Quick and big 6-foot-6 Henry Schrecongost, who is already drawing interest from collegiate scouts and coaches.

Avon linebacker Dan Quick.

“We’re bigger. We’re faster. We’re certainly stronger,” Cintorino said. Plenty of players were in the weight room beginning last winter, he said.

The schedule remains virtually the same. The only change is the loss of Rockville, who moved to the NCCC, and the addition of the Bulkeley/HMTCA/Weaver co-op football team. Bulkeley played in CCC Division I for two seasons but went 0-20 to get moved to Avon’s Division III East.

The Falcons will play four night games including a home date with Bulkeley/HMTCA/Weaver on Saturday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Avon has two upcoming scrimmages. The Falcons travel to Farmington next Wednesday, August 23, to face Farmington. On Saturday, August 26, Avon will host New London and South Windsor at 10 a.m. at the high school.

2017 schedule
Saturday, Sept. 9:   East Catholic, 1 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 16: Tolland, 1 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 23: RHAM, 1 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 29:     at Bloomfield, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 7:    at Northwest Catholic, 2 p.m.
Bye week
Friday, Oct. 20:      at Berlin, 7 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 28:          Bulkeley/HMTCA/Weaver, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 3:       at Rocky Hill, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 11: Plainville, 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 21: at Simsbury, 7 p.m. (Valley Gridiron Classic)