Wilton inexperienced, but explosive on offense
A look at the Wilton football roster reveals a team that features a small senior class, numbering just 17, and a huge group of 57 sophomores and freshmen, who are new to varsity level.
That inexperience poses a challenge this fall, but Wilton coach E.J. DiNunzio believes his team has the offensive skills and athleticism to give most opposing defenses a challenge.
“Usually when you start camp, the defense is ahead and the offense takes a little time to come around,” said DiNunzio, who in 2019 coached the Warriors to their first state playoff berth since 1995. “But the fact that we did play 7-on-7 last year and in the offseason, our passing game is in pretty good shape.
“We’re going to give them some freedom on offense, spread them out like we did two years ago, and give these athletes an opportunity to catch the ball and run.”
The Warriors’ offense will be directed by senior Grant Masterson, who takes over at quarterback. DiNunzio called Masterson a tough kid with a big arm.
“He’s a fast kid and I’ll probably look to use his legs as much as his arm this year,” DiNunzio said. “He’s got all the skills, he sees the field real well and I think he’s going to do real well this year.”
He’ll have plenty of targets, including senior wide receiver Parker Woodring, who caught the eye of many college coaches this summer, DiNunzio said.
“Just a specimen,” DiNunzio said of Woodring. “He had a great offseason, He played in a couple of travel 7-on-7 leagues and got his name out there. He’s a big kid and he goes up and gets everything.
“Masterson loves him because when he gets in trouble he can just throw the ball up there and Parker will go up and catch it.”
Kevin and Craig Hyzy, both seniors, will also be key in the receiving game. Kevin is a wide receiver who could also see time on defense at safety or linebacker, and Craig will play tight end. DiNunzio said they’re both “athletic kids with good hands” who are smart football players.
At 6-foot-2, senior Max
Silva provides another big target at wide receiver, and Ben Calabrese is a slot receiver. Senior Jake Sommer is the lead running back, and will also be a defensive leader at middle linebacker.
Behind Sommer, junior George Hahn, as well as a few of the sophomores, could carry the ball.
The Warriors have some size on the line with seniors Jimmy Luce (6-3, 250) and Joe Schiavone (6-3, 290) as tackles, and Kieran O’Neill (5-10, 235) at center. Junior Carter Gallante (6-3, 200) will be a factor at defensive end.
DiNunzio said the defense has a “long way to go,” with a lot of younger players still learning the system. Any experience they gain now will be money in the bank for later.
“The more time my sophomores get on the field, it’s only going to help us moving forward to next year,” DiNunzio said. “There’s good things on the horizon and if my young kids step up this year, we could be good.”
Wilton’s schedule is challenging, with Football Alliance games against North Haven and Notre Dame-West Haven, as well as FCIAC powers such as Darien, New Canaan and Ridgefield.
One thing missing this season is the traditional Thanksgiving Day game. The Warriors had been playing Trinity Catholic in recent years, but with that school’s closure in 2020, they were left without an opponent.
Wilton picked up Pomperaug for it’s 10th game, but that will be played on Nov. 19, the Friday before the holiday.
“That is something I really hope we can fix,” DiNunzio said. “Ever since I got here, I’ve wanted to play Ridgefield on Thanksgiving because it’s such a great rivalry. But I hope we can figure out a way to get a Thanksgiving game back for us. The kids love it and it’s a great tradition.”
VITALS
COACH — EJ Dinunzio (3rd season, 13-7)
CONFERENCE — FCIAC East
PLAYOFF CLASS — L (626 boys enrollment)
HOME — Tom Fujitani Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium, Wilton
2019 RECORD — 7-4, Class L quarterfinalist (lost to St. Joseph 49-7)
2021 OPENER — Friday, Sept. 10 at McMahon, 7 p.m.
TEAM WEBSITES — wiltonwarriorfootball.com; Twitter: @Wilton_Football | Maxpreps | Hudl
TOP PLAYERS
Grant Masterson, Sr., QB (6-1, 175) Parker Woodring, Sr., WR/CB (6-3, 192) Jake Sommer, Sr., RB/MLB (6-0, 210) Kieran O’Neill, Sr., C/DT (5-10, 235) Jimmy Luce, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 250) Joe Schiavone, Sr., T/DT (6-5, 290) Kevin Hyzy, Sr., WR/OLB (6-0. 170) Craig Hyzy, Sr., TE (5-7, 149)
Max Silva, Sr., WR/S (6-2)
Carter Galante, Jr., WR
2021 SCHEDULE
Sept. 10 — at Brien McMahon, 7 p.m.** Sept. 17 — LUDLOWE, 7 p.m.**
Sept. 24 — NORTH HAVEN, 7 p.m.#
Oct. 1 — at Notre Dame-West Haven, 7 p.m.# Oct. 16 — at Darien, 1:30 p.m.**
Oct. 23 — at New Canaan, 2 p.m.**
Oct. 30 — RIDGEFIELD, 2 p.m.*
Nov. 5 — at Warde, 7 p.m.**
Nov. 12 — NORWALK, 7 p.m.**
Nov. 19 — POMPERAUG, 7 p.m.# Home games in CAPS
**Division game
*Conference game
#CT HS Football Alliance game