NWC's Tyler Welcomes Back Veteran Squad

Optimism is high at and for very good reason.

Last year’s 4-6 ledger was a somewhat misleading barometer for a team that lost one-point games to Platt and Bristol Eastern, and a two-point game to Wethersfield – all three playoff teams.

The Indians, with just four senior starters, went 0-5 before winning four of their last five. With that surge serving as momentum and a dedicated group of veterans returning, the Indians should be in the mix for a title in the new CCC Division III West and a return to the Class S postseason.

“We did try to build off that,” Northwest head coach Mike Tyler said. “The kids have worked extremely hard in the weight room and on their conditioning. I’m very pleased with the attitude and the work ethic leading into this season.”

Tyler Calitri started at quarterback last year with Mac Crispino spelling him from time to time. Both are back.

“It’s been a good competition in preseason but [Calitri is] the starter going in,” Tyler said. “Mac will get playing time, I’m sure of that, but when and how much I’m not sure.”

Both have defensive assignments, too, and fatigue will often dictate when Crispino will take snaps. Calitri starts at cornerback and Crispino at outside linebacker.

“Going both ways is a tough thing,” Tyler said. “We’ll decide if we want to give Tyler a breather and Mac is very capable.”

Crispino will also see offensive time at tight end, and having both in the lineup will keep opponents’ defensive coordinators on their toes for razzle-dazzle.

Nick Gaynor was a Class S All-Stater at safety as a sophomore after making 105 tackles last year. His prowess as a ballcarrier has Division I college coaches lining up, and his work ethic and leadership skills make him all the more appealing.

“Nick is a captain as a junior, which is very rare here,” Tyler said. “He’s a great leader by example. He puts in hard work during the offseason. During the season, he goes 100 percent on every play and every drill. He’s a great person and he’s a solid ‘B’ student, and at Northwest you have to work hard to get grades.”

UConn, Boston College, Alabama, Syracuse, Temple and numerous Division 1-AA schools have shown interest, Tyler said.

Gaynor’s running mate in the backfield is Anthony Carter, who ran the ball extensively last year. The offensive line, led by 275-pound captain and center Maleek Riley, is making great progress.

Wes Hopkins (265 pounds), 6-foot-6 P.J. Edwards, returning starter Marcus Anderson and Myles Gibbons should prove adept at punching holes in defenses. Edwards, also a basketball player, has caught Tyler’s eye.

“Edwards was a tight end in the slot but we needed some linemen and we asked him,” Tyler said. “He’s going to be a real good one. He has a great feel for it. He’s improved and will continue to improve.”

Northwest opens up against Class M quarterfinalist Platt on Friday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. The Indians meet Weaver, Bloomfield, East Catholic and Rocky Hill in the CCC Division III West. Other interconference games are against Tolland, Berlin, Plainville, Bristol Eastern and Rockville.

NORTHWEST CATHOLIC

Coach: Mike Tyler (12^th year, 74-50-1)

2010 Record: 4-6, 3-4 (5^th  place, CCC Div. III)

New Division (Teams): CCC Div. III West (Bloomfield, East Catholic, Rocky Hill, Weaver)

Key Losses: Kevin Beakey, Alex Lorenzo

Top Players: Maleek Riley (6-1, 275, sr. capt., C/DT), Nick Gaynor (6-0, 175, jr. capt., WR/RB/S), Wes Hopkins (6-1, 265, sr. capt., G/DT), Tyler Calitri (6-1, 170, sr. capt., QB/DB), Anthony Carter (5-6, 155, sr., RB/DB), Marcus Anderson (6-0, 225, sr., T/DE/LB), Christian Farrell (5-10, 170, sr., WR/DB/PK), Mac Crispino (6-0, 185, jr., QB/LB), Paul Edwards (6-6, 230, jr., T/DE), Jessica Tyler (5-10, 150, sr., WR/OLB), Myles Gibbons (5-10, 200, jr., OL), David Blackwell (5-9, 165, sr., WR/DB), Joe Rappoli (RB), Jalen Lollar (6-0, 170, sr, OLB), Devin Stewart (5-10, 180, jr., RB/LB), Chris Thomas (6-0, 210, jr., ILB)

Of Note: Beakey, a defensive end, is playing at Endicott. … 20 returning starters … Tyler is 8 wins behind Walt Stosuy (82-83-4, 18 seasons) for program’s winningest coach … Mike Lenz is top assistant coach