KO varsity football kicked off its highly anticipated season with a convincing 42-12 win over Hamden Hall on Sept. 12. It was a milestone for the Wyverns’ ground attack, as they boasted over 300 rushing yards—their highest total in more than four years.
The rushing attack was led by senior running back Justin Morle, who scored a 67-yard touchdown, and sophomore running back Isely Biggins, who notched two rushing touchdowns in the second half. The defensive line, led by senior Travis Parsons, junior Jacob Say, and sophomore Ernesto Ballesteros, stifled the Hamden Hall offense with pressure and sacks. Additionally, new junior quarterback Justin Ocasio tossed two touchdown passes in his debut for the Wyverns, rounding out a complete team performance and an excellent start to the season.
One year ago, the Wyverns had one of the best aerial attacks in New England, and they’re ready to do so again. “I think we have a chance to be a fantastic passing offense,” Assistant Varsity Football Coach Matt Kocay said. “We have a lot of weapons, athletes with speed, and match-up problems for other teams. Nobody else is gonna put kids out there and think we have a disadvantage.”
This offense features many returning players, including senior wide receiver DJ Biggins, senior running back Cam Thomas, Morle, and junior receiver Xavier Hernandez-Newton. The Wyverns also added wide receiver Michael Waters Jr. and Ocasio, all of whom Coach Kocay believes can be superstars. Coach Kocay also emphasized the importance of how the offense can impact the game by focusing on the little things. “One of our slogans is details matter,” Coach Kocay said. “If you take care of all the little things, the big things work out.”
The team is also ready to transform a conservative defense from last year into a hungry and imposing unit, with many of the same impact players returning. “I think, defensively, we have decided we’re gonna send pressure, get after the quarterback, and really try to impose our will on other teams,” Coach Kocay said. “We used to play safe to an extent and wait for the other team to make a mistake. Now we’re gonna try to force the issue, and we think we have the guys to do that.”
The players reflect the excitement the coaches share about this season. “The neat thing about the team right now is they’re all in it together,” Coach Kocay said. “I don’t know if I’ve really had that many teams like that in my time here. These kids are fine with somebody else getting the ball as long as he’s getting it done.”
The team’s goal is to win a New England Championship, and the players are willing to make sacrifices for one another to make that goal a reality. “The chemistry’s good,” Coach Kocay said, “but I think they’re really eager to accomplish those personal goals and team goals that maybe they didn’t believe they could do before, but now they believe they can.”
