T-Birds’ Football Looks to Compete for League Title

Last year, after a – North Branford opens the 2012 season by hosting Valley tonight at 6:30 p.m.– the T-Birds’ football team was to earn a berth in the state championship where .

The 2012 season marks Coach Mark Basil’s 10th year with the team during which he holds a 70-37 record. With several top players returning, Basil is expecting his team to compete for a league title.

“We’re rebuilding our offensive line from last season, but we’ve got a strong group of seniors with good football IQ,” said Basil. “We have a good balance of experience, strength and speed.”

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North Branford’s senior captains are Joe DeLucia, Brandan Basil, Chris Caron and Gary Falanga. Here’s a look at the captains’ stats from the 2011 season, along with some other key players.

Player/Position

Info

2011 Stats

Joe DeLucia/RB

5-9, 170 pounds

1,571 all-purpose yards, 22 TDs

Dale Hausman/RB

5-10, 200 pounds

1,051 all-purpose yards, 17 TDs

Brandan Basil/QB

6-2, 190 pounds

2,113 passing yards, 31 TDs

Chris Caron/SE

5-9, 180 pounds

34 receptions, 438 receiving yards

Alex McGuigan/SE

6-3, 180 pounds

 

Gary Falanga/LB

6-0, 185 pounds

5 defensive TDs, 63 tackles

Rocco Morgan/DT

5-11, 220 pounds

 

Christian Sgro/DE

6-0, 208 pounds

 

John Burke/DE

6-2, 212 pounds

 

Bobby Miller/DB

6-0, 165 pounds

 

In addition, other key seniors include Andrew Calamito (center), Andrew Sgambato (DT), Steve Nardini (DB), Ralph Acquarulo (G), Dylan Baldino (DT), Kris Marra (G), Nick Whited (DT), Jimmy Vitale (DT) and Mitch Nowak (DE).

Basil, who expects his team to compete for the league title, is looking forward to games against perennial rivals Valley, and .

Here's a look at the 2012 schedule, courtesy of the CIAC.

DateOpponentH/A-FacilityTime/Result Fri., 9/14  Valley Regional/Old Lyme  Home - Colafati Field - NBHS
[Directions]  7:00 p.m.  Fri., 9/21  Haddam-Killingworth  Away - Haddam Killingworth HS
[Directions]  6:30 p.m.  Fri., 9/28  Morgan  Home - Colafati Field - NBHS
[Directions]  6:30 p.m.  Fri., 10/12  Old Saybrook/Westbrook  Home - Colafati Field - NBHS
[Directions]  6:30 p.m.  Fri., 10/19  East Hampton/Vinal Tech  Away - Palmer Field--Middletown
[Directions]  6:30 p.m.  Sat., 10/27  Cromwell  Away - Pierson Park
[Directions]  1:00 p.m.  Sat., 11/3  Coginchaug  Away - Coginchaug Regional High School
[Directions]  2:00 p.m.  Fri., 11/9  Nonnewaug  Home - Colafati Field - NBHS
[Directions]  6:30 p.m.  Sat., 11/17  Lewis Mills  Away - Muzzy Field - Bristol
[Directions]  2:00 p.m.  Wed., 11/21  Hyde Leadership  Home - Colafati Field - NBHS
[Directions]  6:00 p.m.