December 15, 2005Crusaders in the Making: TCHS Junior VarsityBy Scotty
Smalls The Crusader Junior Varsity football team (or should we call it the Sophomore Squad as it consisted of a majority of second-year preps?) is a team that has coaches Mike DeVito and Pete Stokes smiling when looking ahead to next fall. As the players’ physical voices have just finished developing, their football voice is about to be heard. As the architects of the JV squad, Coach Stokes and Coach DeVito have done an incredible job of molding the players into what is hoped to be a TCHS football assembly line. Despite a 2-4-1 record, many will agree the mark is not a clear indication of how this team has grown and developed. Coach Stokes explains this point very well: “The goal at this level is to fine-tune the players’ knowledge of the offense we run at the next level. We sometimes sacrifice running the play that may throw some points up on the board. Teaching these kids to understand the goal of the program is the key to success.” Varsity Head Coach Bryan Fox reiterates the goals of the JV program: “My hat’s off to coach DeVito and Coach Stokes; they were able to organize this level of the program to where we can have increased emphasis placed on it. This allows us to have a clear understanding of what we will be working with in the future.” Besides teaching the program’s style of play and developing individuals for their positions of the future, the coaches realize that there are individuals who are beginning to stand out and may create some welcomed competition for spots at the Varsity level next year. In terms of leadership, sophomore John O’Leary (QB/WR) and his junior teammates Kyle Galatro (DB) and Neil Gallagher (OL/DL) are geared to make an impact on Varsity next year. O’Leary, a poised pocket passer for the JV, will most likely not find room as a Varsity quarterback for the 2006 campaign. However, his route-running ability and good hands make him a strong candidate to be QB Anas Koummal’s go-to guy at the wide receiver position. Coach DeVito adds: “Having to fill Gene DeVito’s shoes is difficult, but if I had to pick anyone from the JV level that possesses the ability to do so, O’Leary would be at the top of my list.” Galatro and Gallagher look to make their impressions on the defensive side of the ball. Both stood out on a solid defense that was pivotal in helping the team turn the corner as the JV went undefeated (2-0-1) in their final three games of the season. Gallagher brings great leadership to the football field and will no doubt work hard during the off-season to improve his strength and be major contributor next season for the Varsity. Rob Dombrowski (TE/LB) and Carlos Ramero (RB) have benefited a great deal playing alongside O’Leary, Galatro, and Gallagher. In 2005, Ramero got a small taste of Varsity paydirt, scoring two touchdowns, and is eager to get his chance to add on to his career totals. Dombrowski has the size and potential to be a consistent contributor on Varsity. However, another year at the JV level may be on the horizon for both players, perhaps an indication of how deep the program is becoming. Coach Fox states, “These two, their future lies in their hands. Knowing the work-ethic of the players above them on the depth chart, it will be incredibly hard to “out-train” those above them, but their youth could pose as an advantage for them. We are fortunate enough to say that this is the case with many positions and is going to create a spring football atmosphere that will be more intense than it has been since I began coaching at TCHS.”
 Big senior defensive tackle Vladimir Joseph swims by an offensive lineman in a 28-20 home victory over Fairfield Ludlowe on October 29, 2005. (CrusaderNation.net / Dana Maul)
 Junior defensive tackle Santiago "Teggy" Steele wraps up a Darien
rusher as his
 Junior center Cory Johnson prepares to snap the ball to fellow classmate
 The Crusader offensive line pushes Bassick around in the mud. The
Crusaders
 Senior wideout Rob Hawthorn races downfield to block as junior fullback
Eric Stephens
 2005 All-FCIAC East Offense Row 1, Left to Right: Eric Wells, Bassick; Willie Epps, McMahon;
Pete Raymond,
 2005 All-FCIAC East Defense Row 1, Left to Right: Joe Luchesi, Danbury; Greg Sabo, Danbury; James
Taylor, Danbury;
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