Simsbury hopes to build upon last year’s success on gridiron

Simsbury High players work out during preseason practice. The Trojans open the season Friday night against Hall in West Hartford. (Photo courtesy Simsbury Football)

SIMSBURY, September 12 – The Simsbury High football team has plenty of returning players from last year’s team. Most of them can be found on the offensive and defensive lines.

Fifth-year head coach Dave Masters is pleased that nearly 70 players were lifting weights throughout the summer to prepare for the season.

The question is who will make an impact this season for the Trojans, who open up the season on Friday night with a road game at Hall in West Hartford.

The Trojans (5-5, 0-4 CCC Division I West) used to be known for their running game through much of their history under Roland Morrison, Ed Lowndes and Joe Grace.

Coach Jeff Osbourne ran the run-dominated single-wing veer offense from 2008-14, earning the team’s last CIAC playoff berth in 2009. But the Trojans had losing campaigns in four of Osbourne’s final five seasons.

Masters has shown the willingness to throw at will and try to run a more balanced offense.

In the last four seasons, Simsbury quarterbacks have thrown more than 1,000 yards in every season. His son, Jackson Masters, threw for a school record 2,305 yards and 19 TDs two years ago. Last year, Jackson Butler threw for 1,643 yards and 10 TD passes.

Junior Aiden Boeshans will get the start on Friday night at quarterback against Hall with sophomore Evan Wallace as the backup.

Senior Caden Musser bears down during a preseason workout. (Photo courtesy Simsbury Football)

Junior receiver Jeffrey Coleman led Simsbury a year ago with 35 receptions for 552 yards and five TD receptions. Coleman is one of the few experienced players returning for Simsbury in a skill position.

Mark Bedson led Simsbury in rushing a year ago, running for 1,112 yards and a team-leading 18 TDs. Butler ran for 552 yards and 12 TDs on 90 carries. The two athletes ran for 30 of Simsbury’s 31 touchdowns last fall.

Senior Dan Sohn returns for the Trojans but had just 32 carries a year ago for 143 yards and a touchdown.

Simsbury returns some experience up front offensively with Tommy Guilfoyle, Ryan Guilfoyle, John MacNeil, Gavin Butler and Sam Scott on the line. Defensively, look for Tommy Guilfoyle, Mohammed Harron, Mike Shulitz, Collin Crowe and 6-foot-3 nose tackle D’Sean Martin to make an impact.

Simsbury won five straight games to close out the 2018 campaign and would like to keep the streak going. … Hall High has won seven of the last nine games between the two programs. The series is tied at 21-21.

SIMSBURY
105th season (program record not available)    First season: 1908
Playoff appearances: Four, (0-4)                       Last playoff appearance: 2009
League championships: 17                                  Most recent title: CCC Division I, 2009
Winningest coach: Roland Morrison, 109-43-1, 19 years (1958-76)
Opening Day record: 52-49-3

Last year: 5-5, 0-4 CCC Division I West
Head coach: Dave Masters, fifth season (18-22)

2019 schedule
Friday, Sept. 13: at Hall*, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20: AMITY, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27: at South Windsor, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 4: NEW BRITAIN*, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11: CONARD*, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 25: at Manchester, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 1: at Southington*, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 8: ENFIELD 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 15: at Glastonbury, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 26: AVON, 6:30 p.m.
*CCC Division I West contest

2019 Central Connecticut Conference

CCC Division I