The Wolcott football team ripped off six straight wins to close the 2019 season and just missed out on a Class M state playoff berth.
The Eagles were still alive going into Thanksgiving week, but the results from other games didn’t go their away. Wolcott was able to keep rival Holy Cross out the Class S playoffs, however, with a 20-0 victory in front of the home fans at Joe Monroe Field on Thanksgiving. The Eagles finished 7-3, and they will lose some key pieces to graduation. Justin Pawlak, Matt Stoeckert, Mitch Lanza, D.J. Barry and Joseph Mentone are among those who are graduating. Also among the losses are Jacob Talbot, Austin Reynolds, Giovanni Barone and Ryan DeAnunciacao.
Wolcott brings some good talent back for next season. The 2019 Eagles CIAC roster lists 12 juniors, 18 sophomores and 21 freshmen. The returning talent includes the backfield duo of quarterback Jack Byrnes and running back Joe Fontano. Byrnes threw two touchdowns against Holy Cross and was the game MVP, and Fontano ran for over 200 yards in the same game. Ryan Lofgren brings experience at wide receiver, and Kyle Hensel adds experience in the kicking game. Lucas Gagnon and Marcus Rodriguez will help anchor Wolcott up front.
Photo caption: Wolcott waits on the sideline during the coin toss before its Thanksgiving game against Holy Cross. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69)
