Emma Shullman, Story Editor
@eshullman1
As the Rams football team closes off the season with a 10-3 record and an appearance in the state championship, key players, senior running back Quintin O’Connell and junior quarterback Drew Pyne have a lot to look back on. Although the season didn’t end with a state championship title, both players broke impressive records in their respective positions.
Quintin broke records for the most career receptions and receiving yards. The records were previously made in the late 1970s when Coach Marinelli was not working here. Drew, who finished his third season as quarterback, is now number one in New Canaan history for most passing yards with 6,443 yards.
“To have the two of them break those records is a huge undertaking and I’m glad to have been here when it happened,” head Coach Lou Marinelli said. These aren’t the first records that have been broken under the coaching of Marinelli, however.
Former record holders include Chris Silvestri and Pete Demmerle, both well known names to the people of New Canaan. Silvestri was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in 1993 and is now a coach at NCHS. “Being put in the same sentence as Pete Demmerle and Chris Silvestri is something I never dreamed of. It’s extremely humbling and flattering,” Quintin said.
Drew, who comitted to play football at the University of Notre Dame his sophomore year, has made a name for himself at NCHS. “I have been very lucky to have so many great players and coaches in my past 3 years here that have helped me reach this point in my career,” Drew said.
Coach Marinelli attributes his players for their hard work. “I just happen to be here while they made these records. I haven’t made a catch, I haven’t thrown a ball, I haven’t thrown a touchdown,” Coach Marinelli said. “The one thing about New Canaan football and New Canaan in general is that you get the chance to work with some of the best kids.” Having been the coach for 38 seasons, Coach Marinelli has seen many great players and has only had one undefeated season, back in 2008.
Quintin highlights that his achievements are a team effort. “Those records aren’t about me, rather, they are a great testament to the past three seasons and all that the teams have accomplished,” Quintin said.
Coach Marinelli always backs up the hard work of his players with reason. “You don’t just go out and play football for no purpose and then break records like that. It’s taken a lot of work, sacrifice, and training on their part. You got to take your hat off to them,” said Coach Marinelli.
With the 2019 season around the corner rising key players such as juniors Drew Guida and Matthew Rigione are ready to fill positions and take on leadership roles. Drew Guida made the all west division third-team, while Matthew Rigione made second-team all FCIAC.
Overall the season has truly made an impact on team dynamic. “It may be my name in the record books, but really could and should be every one of my teammates teammates that guided me to that blessing,” Quintin said.
