Donovan West, Editor-in-Chief
@Dwest_courant
Feature image by Matt Sisser
New Canaan Football has built its reputation on a dominant defense and lethal rushing attack. For years, the Rams’ game plan has been to suffocate the opposing quarterback and, on offense, let their playmakers wreak havoc via the ground game. This low-scoring and mistake-free style of football was built to do just enough to win the big games.
And they certainly have.
Fourteen state championships, including the past two seasons, don’t come by mistake; their smash-mouth style of football has worked for years. From the Class of ‘24’s Alex Benevento and ‘23’s Hunter Telesco to ‘16’s Graham Braden – a star running back has always been the key to the Rams’ success.
Yet, this year, something has changed.
As star junior wide receiver Andrew Esposito described, the Rams are finally “feeding the receivers.” “We are passing the ball a lot more this year,” he said. “They’ve put more trust in the passing game, and the offense has really opened up.”
Photo by Matt Sisser
The Rams’s new offense was first on display in the opening game of their season when they defeated Maloney 42-13 in a rematch of last year’s CIAC semifinals. In the game, Andrew had nine catches for 271 yards and five touchdowns, tying for the second most touchdowns in a single game in Connecticut High School Football history. Thus, it shouldn’t be surprising that when asked what he thought of the offensive changes, Andrew said that he “liked it a lot.”
Photo by Matt Sisser
The most obvious evidence for this changed game plan is the increase in senior quarterback Luke Robinson’s pass attempts, which went from 11 per game last year to 19 per game this year through the first eight games.
A major reason for the increase in passing plays has been former New Canaan and TCU quarterback Mike Collins returning to serve as the quarterback coach and accelerating Luke’s development. “It’s been huge to be able to learn from someone that has played football at such a high level,” Luke said about his new coach. “He’s had such great experience but is also recently out of college and is easy to communicate with. It’s like having two quarterbacks out there, as we are always teaming up to decipher film and scheme different things.”
Photo by Matt Sisser
Luke’s improvement due to Collin’s guidance and his own hard work on and off the field was a crucial part of the decision to change the offensive philosophy. While last year he averaged 81 yards and 1.4 touchdowns through the air, Luke is now averaging 165 yards and 2.4 touchdowns through his first eight games. “I think my biggest area of improvement has been my ability to read defenses,” he said. “My knowledge of the game has definitely expanded, and every week, I’m getting better at making quick and smart decisions with where to go with the football.”
Photo by Matt Sisser
The rest of the team has completely bought into their new offense. “The coaching staff decided to put the ball in the hands of Luke a lot more this year, and it has definitely worked out so far,” junior offensive lineman Adrian Delicate said. “Personally, my job as an offensive lineman hasn’t really changed despite the increase in passing; our job is still to go out there and dominate the opposing line every night, giving the rest of our guys a chance to make winning plays.”
Photo by Matt Sisser
Although the ideology of New Canaan football may have slightly evolved, their emphasis on winning has always been consistent. “At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is winning,” Luke said. “We are willing to do whatever it takes to go on another run in the postseason and hold up our third straight trophy.”
