This is a year of change for Bristol Eastern football.
Paul Philippon took over as head coach for Mike Archangelo, who resigned after six seasons as the top guy for the Lancers. Philippon was head coach at Eastern from 2004-2008.
Also different for Eastern football is the lack of a familiar name in the program. For the first time since 2006, the name Ouellette is missing from the Lancer ledger.
From 2007-2011, Dylon Ouellette attended Eastern. Dylon was a 1,000-yard running back and all-state linebacker as a senior during the 2010 season. Dylon was a Division III All-CCC team performer in 2010.
Middle brother Tyler Ouellette was at Eastern from 2008-2012. Ouellette was a running back, kick returner and defensive back.
Finally, there was the youngest, Gerry Ouellette III. Gerry attended Eastern from 2011-2015 and had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons as a junior and senior, including a high of 1,523 in 2014 as senior. Gerry was a two-time All-CCC Division II-West performer.
The Ouellettes never experienced a loss to rival Bristol Central in the annual Battle for the Bell. Eastern hasn’t lost in the game since 2005, and the 2006 game ended in a 14-14 tie.
Both Dylon and Gerry cemented their names in the Bell record book by being named Eastern’s Offensive Player of the Game. Dylon earned the honor in 2010 by rushing 18 times for 208 yards in a 35-0 Lancer victory. Gerry was offensive MVP twice, in 2013 and 2014. In 2013, Gerry ran 26 times for 2011 yards in a 21-18 win. In 2014, Gerry took the ball 27 times for 144 yards in a 20-18 victory.
Gerry is listed as a freshman running back on the roster of Western Connecticut State University’s football team.