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Athlete Spotlight: Darren Gasparri

Being the starting quarterback on a varsity football team comes with immense pressure and responsibility. For junior Darren Gasparri, it’s nothing new for him. 

“I have been playing football since I was five and have been playing Quarterback most of the time,” Gasparri said. “This season is nothing new and I was ready to get going from the start.”

That preparation has led to a hot start for Gasparri as he has amassed 12 passing touchdowns accompanied by one rushing while only throwing two interceptions. Gasparri has been a steady presence in an up and down 3-2 start for the young Hawks under new head coach Joe Lato, who he attributes his strong start and closeness with.

That preparation has led to a hot start for Gasparri as he has amassed 12 passing touchdowns accompanied by one rushing while only throwing two interceptions. Gasparri has been a steady presence in an up and down 3-2 start for the young Hawks under new head coach Joe Lato, who he attributes his strong start and closeness with.

“Coach has been great for us. We love playing for him and the energy he brings to practices and games has been great,” Gasparri noted. “He has definitely made me a better Quarterback.”

Gasparri not only attributes the aid of his coach but also his father and grandfather to him reaching his best ability.

He stated, “[My dad and grandfather] have been there for me from the start. My dad has coached me from when I played Junior Hawks as well as in baseball. My grandfather comes to every game and always offers up pieces of advice and always pushes me to do my best.”

Gasparri has not only used this motivation to improve on the field but off of it as well.

“They encourage me to watch films and get in the gym. The reason I feel like I improved was my ability to read defenses as well as getting stronger.”

Beingin the gym for at least five days a week andwatching hours of film have aided Gasparri to help his team achieve the goals he has set.

“I want to win our big rivalry games [Naugatuck and Seymour] and I want to reach the 25 touchdown mark and limit my interceptions to less than five… most of all I want to continue leading the team and making states.”

With big goals and confidence that he can win, Darren Gasparri will continue being a leader for the Hawks both this year and next.

Zach Drewry

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