From the Bench - Meet the North Haven Football Captains

I remember when I was coaching youth football in North Haven. During our practice I would glance over to look at the younger kids playing. Even then I notice that Matt Dodge and MJ DeVilliers Jr. were leaders. They were calling plays, running patterns and telling the other kids where to line up. Now they are the co-captains for the North Haven High School football team. Let's meet the captains!

Name - Matt Dodge

# - 10

Position - Quarterback, Cornerback

Height - 5’10

Weight - 150

Graduation Year - 2022

Sports you play in High School - Football

How many hours a week in the preseason are you working out?

CIAC allows 3 hours a day.

How hard was it to stay focused when last season was cancelled?

It was tough to stay motivated when your next game was over a year away.

Were you into sports when you were little?

I played football baseball basketball and lacrosse growing up.

Future Plans - Going to college.

Who is the person or people that keep you going when the times get rough?

My family and my teammates.

Who is your favorite sports player?

Eli Manning

What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing?

Any Taylor Swift song.

What is your favorite movie about sports?

Friday Night Lights

What is your favorite dinner?

Cheeseburger

Favorite Snack before or after games?

Buffalo chicken caesar wrap

Greatest moment on the field…

My first varsity start sophomore year

Advice to younger players -

Keep your grades up

Name - MJ DeVilliers Jr

# - 14

Position - TE, OLB

Height - 5’7

Weight - 175

Graduation Year - 2022

Sports you play in High School - Football, Indoor Track, Outdoor track

How many hours a week in the preseason are you working out?
Close to 40 with practices, weight lifting on my own time, and field work on my own time

How hard was it to stay focused when last season was cancelled?
To be honest it kind of made me MORE focused. I had lost an opportunity to show what I can do on the field and play the sport I love for a quarter of my high-school career. It lit a fire inside of me to work as hard as possible to make my senior year the best year possible.

Were you into sports when you were little?
Yes, VERY. I grew up playing many different sports, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, karate

Future Plans - Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Sports Medicine.

Who is the person or people that keep you going when the times get rough?
Thinking of my grandma really helps. I think to myself “would she be proud if I stopped here? If I give in to the pain now?”

Who is your favorite sports player?
Kam Chancellor And DK Metcalf

What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing?
Any song by Skimask the slump god

What is your favorite movie about sports?
42

What is your favorite dinner?
Mom’s lasagna

Favorite Snack before or after games?
Watermelon

Greatest moment on the field…
Getting an interception against the varsity quarterback on a Friday night as a sophomore

Advice to younger players -
To never be satisfied, to always want to work harder, and to lead even if you’re not the captain, the fastest, or the strongest. Just Lead.

From the Bench wishes both captains and the entire North Haven Football program all the best in 2021.

Mark Curcio

From the Bench