Conard Gridders Gird for Challenges Ahead

Editor's Note: The is the first in a series of previews of fall sports at West Hartford's high schools.

The football fortunes at most schools tend to ebb and flow like the tides, and at , head coach Rob Cersosimo just rides whatever wave comes his way.

Jonathan Esposito, owner of eight school records including most career yardage (4,570), touchdowns (64) and carries (638), is now vying for playing time at Princeton University.

He’s gone, nothing’s going to bring him back and Cersosimo can do nothing but move forward.

“There are players you just cannot replace but you move forward,” Cersosimo said. “When Johnny Unitas retired, the Colts had to find somebody else. Roger Craig, Walter Payton, same thing. Who you have is who you have and you do the very best you can.”

Cersosimo is practical. He shuns the dramatic. He doesn’t single out individuals.

It can be said he worships at the same altar as Patriots coach Bill Belichick. For those in the community yearning for competitive teams and well-rounded, disciplined young men heading off to college, the military or the working world, they could do a lot worse.

As far as what he thinks lies in store for the Chieftains, only the results inked into the record book come December will tell.

Last December’s ink has dried.

The Chieftains competed in the CCC Division II last year. Their rousing 41-0 win over in the regular season finale produced a division title, an undefeated division ledger and the sixth slot among the state’s Class LL teams.

With the playoffs increased from two to three tiers, the Chieftains earned a quarterfinal excursion to Trumbull, where they fell 27-9.

In January, the CCC decided to realign, moving from four to six divisions. The Chieftains are in Division I West with Southington, Simsbury, Hall and New Britain.

“We’re very excited to see how we can compete in a very tough league,” Cersosimo said. “We’ve played them all previously but every single game is going to be a battle. If you can get through our league alive, you’ve done something.”

The interdivisional games pit Conard against South Windsor, Glastonbury, RHAM, Manchester, East Hartford and Newington. South Windsor (6-4 in 2010) provides the opposition on opening day, Saturday at McKee Stadium.

Co-captain Ricky Cotton is likely to get plenty of carries, and his speed and physical composition should make him a force. Much the same goes for big, strong Dominic Spaulding.

The other co-captain, offensive lineman Chris Reckmeyer, will oft be seen leading them through the hole. Michael Fisher, at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, has the physical stature to replace big brother Kevin up front.

Owen Snyder inherits the starting quarterback position from Reid Gustafson. Matt Douglin should be among his top targets.

Despite the graduation losses, Cersosimo cited last year’s unbeaten junior varsity team as a reason why a conceived lack of varsity experience doesn’t hold water.

“I have great faith in our young men,” Cersosimo said. “They work extremely hard. When the time comes for us to strap it up and take the field against the other teams in the CCC, we’ll do the very best we can. I’m very proud of our young men and the efforts they put in.”

Health and leadership, as always, are vital.

“Our seniors have to be strong leaders for us to be successful,” Cersosimo said. “The team needs their guidance more than ever, and we’ve got to stay healthy.”

CONARD

Coach: Rob Cersosimo (28th year, 169-101-4)

2010 Record: 8-3, 7-0 (1st place, CCC Div. II); lost to Trumbull 27-9 in ‘LL’ quarterfinal

New Division (Teams): CCC Div. I West (Southington, Simsbury, Hall, New Britain)

Key Losses: Jonathan Esposito, Jeremy Claflin, Reid Gustafson, Brandon Harris, C.J. Galindez, Hutch Fisher, Matt Metzler, Miguel Rivero, Carlos Jordan, Andre Cooke, Dan Hussain, Bobby Hinds, Brian Bena, Evan Gorczynski, Ryan Wilkinson, Javon Jones, Sunny Singh, Kevin Duque, Jerrin Cherian, Dainius Lancinskas, Kevin Fisher, Scott Cabell, Matt Hoisl, Casey Jamin, Eric Christensen, Pat Higgins, Brian Berra, Dimitriy Kosovay

Top Players: Ricky Cotton (6-0, 180, sr. capt., RB), Chris Reckmeyer (6-2, 230, sr. capt., OL), Owen Snyder (6-1, 180, jr. QB), Matt Douglin (6-0, 175, sr., REC), Anthony Lugo (5-10, 150, sr., DB), Dominic Spaulding (6-2, 235, sr., RB), Nick Sone (5-11, 190, sr., OL), Peter Bosco (5-9, 165, sr., RB), Johnny Bello (5-5, 160, sr., NG), Michael Fisher (6-4, 250, jr., OL), Luis Colon (sr., DB), Willie Fair (sr. WR), Sam Lucyk (sr. WR), Matt Redman (sr. DB), Brian Costa (sr. DB), Colin Burke (jr. OL), Erik Cravo (sr., OL), Nate Gockel (sr., OL), Owen Dawson (jr., OL), Ezra Holmes (jr., OL), Greg Confessore (sr. OL)

Of Note: Esposito and Gustafson received scholar athlete awards from the Northern Conn. Chapter of the National Football Foundation … Claflin is playing at UConn, Harris at Mount Ida in Newton, Mass., Esposito at Princeton and Gustafson at Wesleyan …