Naugatuck Resident Excels For SCSU Football Team

NAUGATUCK, CT — Seven members of the Southern Connecticut State University football team including a Naugatuck resident were recognized with year-end honors from the NE10 Conference, as announced earlier today.

Three Owls - Joe Buissereth (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Ryne Griesenauer (Naugatuck, Conn.) and Matt Weiss (Ridge, N.Y.) - were tabbed for the First-Team. Michael Cerisano (Newburgh, N.Y.), Vasilios Grigorakos (Port Washington, N.Y.) and Shaquan Hall (Newark, N.J.) all collected Second-Team honors, while Zhyaire Fernandes (Stratford, Conn.) earned All-Rookie Team laurels.

Buissereth, the Owls' center, provided a stabilizing force on the offensive line. In total, the Owls amassed 4,150 yards of total offense during the year thanks in part to his efforts.

Griesenauer proved a versatile threat for the Owls both as a blocker and a receiver. He posted new single-season highs with 13 catches and 206 yards and also had two touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversion receptions.

Weiss blossomed on the defensive line in his second year as an Owl this fall. He closed the year with 29 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one pass breakup and one blocked field goal.

Cerisano caps his career with All-Conference laurels after a year in which he led the team with 75 tackles. He finished his career ranked fourth all-time in SCSU history with 268 tackles.

Grigorakos recorded 65 tackles from his linebacker position, along with 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups and a forced fumble. He also ranked among the NE10 leaders in tackles for loss with a dozen on the year.Hall was a dual-threat once again as a receiver and returner. He closed the year with 20 catches for 290 yards and one touchdown as a receiver, and also had 20 kickoff returns for 473 yards and seven punt returns for 39 yards.

He finished his career as Southern's career leader in kickoff returns and kickoff return yardage.Fernandes became the first Owl true freshman in almost 20 years with a touchdown reception in his collegiate debut and finished the year with 23 catches for 364 yards and a team-high four receiving touchdowns. The Owls finished the 2017 season with a 5-5 record.

Photo credit: Southern Connecticut State University