For Immediate Release
September 1, 2011
Courtesy of the New Haven Register, Written by Chris Hunn
West Haven, Ct. — New Haven began setting the foundation for the revival of its football program three years ago.
Perhaps quicker than some expected, the groundwork is in place. Now the Chargers are aiming to be the perennial powerhouse they once were.
New Haven lost just one starter from a team that finished 8-2 and won a share of the Northeast-10 Conference title. The Chargers open their season Saturday at 1 p.m. at DellaCamera Stadium when they host West Chester University of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
"It all depends on chemistry," said coach Pete Rossomando about living up to expectations this season. "We'll see how we do on the field in that first game. We'll see how we handle adversity."
Offensively, the Chargers look to be flat-out loaded. They return junior quarterback Ryan Osiecki, who threw for 1,861 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Fellow quarterback Ronnie Nelson will also see time and give New Haven a different look, as he can run and throw. Rossomando said both could be on the field at the same time.
In the backfield, senior Victor Jones (1,049 yards, 11 touchdowns) is ready to go for the opener after tearing his MCL late last season. Anthony Tillman and Mike DeCaro are also talented running backs who should get their share of touches. They will run behind a veteran offensive line.
New Haven's lone starter lost is wide receiver Sharieff Hall, who caught a team-high six touchdowns in 2010. Rossomando said Hall was dismissed from the team after failing to follow team rules. To make matters worse, Roshawn Wilson will miss the season with a broken leg. Still, the Chargers' wide receiving corps remains deep with players like Demetrius Washington-Ellison, Chris Ruffin and Hamden-product Josh Smart. New Haven also adds Quivari Jackson, a transfer from Merrimack.
"We're blessed at that position," Rossomando said.
Furthermore, senior tight end Kameel Lashley (398 yards, three touchdowns) is back. Sophomore Chris Higgins should also see an increased role at that position.
On the other side, the defensive line will be key for the Chargers. They have size in the middle with Raheem Stanley and Scott Schultz, along with tremendous speed on the end with Rob Hill (team-high five sacks) and Tom Herd.
New Haven's leading tackler from last season, Charlie Hatchett, remains one of the top linebackers in the NE-10.
"We're going to be a lot faster than we were last year," Hatchett said. "And a lot more aggressive."
In the secondary, Rossomando said former Hillhouse standout Bernard Risco has been shining during the preseason. Desmond Anderson, pictured, is looking to continue to cause havoc for opposing quarterbacks after leading the NE-10 with seven interceptions last season. Safety Mike Gomes (57 tackles) is also back.
Junior Chris Scifo, who made 11 of 15 field goals last season, is back to handle the kicking duties.
"This is the last year that the core group of guys are going to be here," Osiecki said. "We want to go out with a bang."
