THUNDERBIRDS
CONNETQUOT
“
“
Every year our goal is to win
the Long Island Championship.
THUNDERBIRDS
CONNETQUOT
ThunderbirdS
aspire for the
long island
championship
Story By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg / Photos By Morgan Harrison
T
he
Connetquot
varsity
football team enters the
season ranked number three
in Division one in Suffolk
County. Leading the Connetquot
Thunderbirds is head coach Mike
Hansen. Hansen is entering his
11th season as the head coach. Last
season, Connetquot ended the season
with eight wins, two losses, and lost
in the Suffolk County semifinals.
“This year our goal is to try and win
every game,” said Hansen, “Every
year our goal is to win the Long
Island Championship.”
A few of the players from last
season have since graduated, and
the Thunderbirds have only three
offensive returning starters, and
three defensive returning starters.
“We have a solid team this season,”
Hansen said, “We have skilled
players and a good defense.”
There are a couple of players
looking to make an impact this
year, and help get the team to the
championship game. Senior wide
receiver Tyler Nason (5’10” 185
lbs.) was one of the top receivers
on Long Island last year with 38
receptions.
“Tyler is
athletic, has nice hands and
runs great routes,” Hansen
said, “I’m looking forward
to him being a big impact
player this season.”
“There are a lot of kids
that have the potential to
be real impact players this
season for us,” said Hansen,
“This is a great team and it’s
a pleasure to coach them.”
Senior running back/
linebacker Marcus Gutierrez
(5’9” 180 lbs.) is another
key player to watch for this
season. “Marcus is a tough
hard runner,” Hansen said,
“He will carry a lot of the
load this year.”
The
offensive
line
features three seniors DJ
Gallino (6’2” 270 lbs.), Rob
Dawson (6’1” 270 lbs.) and
Jimmy Oliver (5’11” 250
lbs.). “We have a solid
offensive line,” Hansen
said, “DJ, Rob and Jimmy
are the anchors of the
offensive line.”
The
defensive
line
features junior Sean Moore
(6’0” 250 lbs.), Gallino and
Oliver. “Our defensive line
is physical and work hard.”
Hansen said.
Connetquot takes their
first step toward the Long
Island Championship on
September 11, 2013, when
they open the season against
Patchogue Medford.
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