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Woodland’s Football Future

Woodland Football is a fairly young program but has shown great success. Under the leadership of Head Coach Chris Anderson, Woodland has won 2 state championships, back in 2004 and 2005, as well as multiple Naugatuck Valley League (NVL) championships.

After a 7 year leave, Coach Anderson returned for the 2015-2016 season. An all-state performance by Sean McAllen, and first season for quarterback Zach Bedryczuk helped lead the team to a 7-3 record.

Woodland’s future was looking bright, until  Coach  Anderson  decided to leave to program to coach at the collegiate level. That along with increasing numbers of quitting players means the future for Woodland’s program is looking questionable. Woodland has had 3 coaches in 3 years, Coach Shea, Phipps, and Anderson,  and needed to find a fourth.  Chris Moffo, who has been the defensive coordinator for a few years at Woodland, has been appointed the new coach, and future of Woodland’s program.

Woodland will  have 4 coaches in 4 years and this affects many players in different ways. Soon-to-be senior team member Scott Lawrence has had a new coach every year.

“Playing for 4 years and having all these different coaches really hasn’t changed my mindset at all,” said Lawrence. I believe since the team is always working towards the goal to win a championship, it’s just how that coach wants us to approach the goal… going into my senior year with a new head coach really won’t affect my mindset.”

Woodland’s success last season was due to in part to senior experience, but the Hawks are losing 7 varsity starters from last year.  The Hawks will need to rely on already experienced players such as Scott Lawrence or Cody Doyle. Cody Doyle, a junior lineman hurt his knee in the 2015 season opener, and worked his way back onto the field where he quickly made an impact. The Hawks will need him and many others to step up and take the role of lead.  

Another player under the microscope this year is junior Isaac Negrone, starting middle linebacker last year who also subbed in as running back. Negrone will be be the premier runner this year. Although he has had some foot problems over the off season, he is expected to be 100% come August. Quincy Koch, a junior who started the offseason as the quarterback and then moved to cornerback will be expected to be the star of the team this year. All possible captains, all players to watch for.

Woodland has seen the end of an era, the seniors will have graduated, Chris Moffo will begin his first season at head coach, and returning players are expected to carry the torch while underclassman need to form into the next generation of leaders. All in all, this season is one to watch for Woodland High School Football.