2008 Connecticut Giants Season Preview
General Update
2007 Record |
15-0, EFAL Super Bowl Champions, #7 National Ranking |
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General Manager |
Bernie Armstrong |
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Head Coach |
Tim Andrews (10 seasons) |
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Home Field |
Jonathan Law Stadium, 20 Lansdale Avenue, Milford, CT |
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Website |
CTGIANTS.COM |
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League |
North American Football League (NAFL.COM) |
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Current Ranking |
Minor League Coaches Poll #12 National Ranking |
OFFENSIVE SUMMARY: Team returns EFAL MVP Rich Snowden at quarterback. Expect him to focus on standout receiver Jason Davis with the loss of last year’s starters Dialo Freeman and Raheem Duncan. The addition of Shawn Harris as a feature back gives the Giants the offensive flexibility it needs to excel in the NAFL. Offensive lineman Wayne Warsaw and Walter Gibbs gives the line both experience and size (line averages 325 lbs.). Offensive now is in the hands of former QB coach Pablo Ortiz. Expect to see Snowden utilize a short accurate passing game to set up the run with Harris.
2008 Offensive Depth Chart: Acting Offensive Coordinator Pablo Ortiz
WR |
Jason Davis (9) 8 catches shy of Giants all-time record |
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WR |
Naciki Reid (18) 6td’s in last 3 regular season games of 2007 |
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Reserves: Anthony Ellison (4), Dave Thomas (82), Kevin Taylor (87) |
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LT |
Wayne Warsaw (74) Third year with Giants secures QB backside |
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LG |
Will Cavekus (71) Made great improvements as a run blocker |
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C |
Walt Gibbs (77) All- League center anchors the offensive line |
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RG |
Chris Tomaszewicz (78) Veteran has played each position on the line |
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RT |
Larry Bowden (75) Former TE made great strides over the past two years. |
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Reserves: Jon Kouremetis (92), Mike Rudewitz (53) |
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TE |
Marlon Blackwood (43) All-time leader in games played, moves to TE |
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Reserves: James Wish (88) |
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FB |
Gary Smith (12) Came into his own as a reliable receiver and blocker |
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Reserve: Will Nunez (22) |
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RB |
Shawn Harris (26) Running back will make a impact in his first season |
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Reserves: DeVon Brown (28), Anthony Avery (6) |
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QB |
Rich Snowden (3) Highly decorated player in 2007 (17TD’s, 2 INT) |
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Reserve: Mel Stovall (11) |
Defensive Summary: Eight starters return to a defense that allowed 3 points per game last season in the EFAL. Led by linebacker Courtney Sutherland, the defense continues to demonstrate its’ aggressive gang tackling style of play. Jamar Rawles and Sir Snowden secure the secondary utilizing both athletic ability and their knowledge of the game. Richie Lafontaine demands a double team each play at defensive end. Expect a big season from both DT Adrian Lena and DB Leo McTaggart.
2008 Defensive Depth Chart: Defensive Coordinator Jerrad Bullock
DB |
Jamar Rawles (21) 2007 Defensive Player of the Year |
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DB |
Leo McTaggart (24) First year starter possess all the tools to be special |
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Reserves: Pete Pickney (20), Anthony West (36), CJ Ellum (23) |
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FS |
Riko Roberts (34) Knowledgeable players returns for final season |
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Reserves: Al Williams (1), Sean Bell (44) |
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SS |
Sir Snowden (41) Team’s top athlete, returned from All-Star Arena season |
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Reserve: Mike Galich (33), James Galarneau (38), Ceon Smith (31) |
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LB |
Court Sutherland (2) Heart and soul of the defense |
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Reserves: Chris O’Neal (5), Daurice Elliott (29) |
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LB |
Maurice Edwards (8) Great run stopper |
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Reserves: Ricky Rivera (52) |
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LB |
Gerald Patrick (45) Led team in tackles for three straight seasons |
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Reserves: Joe Ducrane (51) |
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DE |
PerQuon Moore (46) Multi- talented player with first full season on D |
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Reserve: David Reese (58) |
DT |
Adrian Lena (99) 6’6” 315lbs, improved as season progressed |
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Reserve: Keith Welch (60) |
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DT |
Adam McKinney (72) Will fill the shoes of Giants great Donavan Prawl |
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Reserve: Kadar Drame (97) |
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DE |
Richie LaFontaine (66) Teams top defensive lineman |
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Reserve: Matt Ramos (50) |
Special Teams Summary: After an incredibly productive season in 2006 this group took a step back last season. Expect to see points inside of the 30-yard line with a healthy Andy Benzowitz. Martin Vierow has put a lot of time in preparation for the season that should show on the field.
2008 Special Teams: Coach Martin Vierow
P |
Matt Bartolotta (56) Veteran punter with great accuracy |
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PK |
Andy Benzowitz (51) Former UCONN kicker is 100% healthy |
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KR/PR |
Kevin Lesperance (25) Fearless returner with great quickness |
GAMES TO WATCH:
July 12 @ RI Vipers: Vipers running back Lorenzo Perry was a finalist for the Harlan Hill Award in college (Div. II Player of the Year). Perry rushed for 120+ yards in all of the teams wins last year.
July 19 vs. #19 Boston Panthers: Giants first match-up against a Nationally Ranked opponent. WR Kieve Robinson verses DB Rawles will be one of the season’s best match ups.
July 26 vs. #4 South Jersey Lynx: Lynx defeated #1 ranked Prince Williams Monarchs in the pre-season. QB Marty Cross is one of the country’s best players.
August 16 vs. NJ Terminators: An old rivalry revisited. Terminators were the last team to beat the Giants twice in the same season (2003).
2008 Outlook: Core of the two-time Super Bowl winning team returns. Snowden looks more comfortable in his second season in the system. Harris is a star on the rise: the top linebacker group in the Division. Riding a 26-game league-winning streak may end this year with a tougher NAFL game schedule. Lack of defensive line depth may be a problem as the season progresses. Preparation, game planning, and team focus will determine the outcome for the Giants this season.
Prediction: 8-2; New England Division Champions