Written By Tommy Pisacano
Wildcat Football is back and the RCDS Boys’ Varsity Football Team, led by Coach John Calandros, is looking to build upon a strong previous campaign, finishing with a 6-2 overall record and going 4-1 in MIFL games. Having lost Milin Torgalker ‘26, Charlie Pearle ‘26, Adriel Appiah-Gyassi ‘26, and Will Hawkey ‘27, this maturing Wildcat roster is looking to forge their way to another impressive season with captains Hank Brown ‘27, Octavius Viera ‘27, Alex Vlasto ‘28, and Cole Haft-Abromovitch ‘28 at the helm. Further, the Wildcats seek to improve upon their semifinal exit to Poly Prep last year and contend for a bid in the championship under the lights at the prestigious Memorial Field later this fall.
When asked about how it felt to be seen as a leader of the team, Caiden Howard ‘27 emphasized that he feels he holds an important role on the team, noting: “it’s my responsibility to set an example for the younger guys.” Alex Vlasto ‘28 credited the older players and coaches who helped him develop into the player he is now, and highlights that his main goal is still to “lead by example and do whatever I can to help the team succeed.”
Both players received nominations to the Lohud Super 11 Watch List, which recognizes exceptional players who are going to contribute massively at their position in the coming season. Howard stressed that he strives “not to focus too much on the individual recognition” and is instead concentrating on “helping our team have a successful season and doing whatever I can to contribute.” Vlasto adopts a similar attitude, expressing that “individual recognition comes from putting in the work every day. I’m just going to keep focusing on improving and helping our team have a great season.”
On the topic of this year’s team identity, Howard emphasized the team’s physicality and dedication throughout preseason, adding that “we have the talent and toughness to have a really successful season.” Alternatively, Vlasto instead highlighted how close of a group this year’s team is, explaining, “Preseason gave us a chance to build chemistry and figure out what kind of team we want to be.”
After a victory against the Hackley Hornets in last year’s playoffs, Varsity Football awaits a tense rivalry rematch at home on Friday September 25 at 4:15. Another exciting Wildcat Weekend contest comes against the King Vikings at 3:30 on the 17th. Following a strong preseason, the Wildcats enter the season as a physical, tight-knit group poised for a successful campaign, one hopefully capped by another piece of hardware for the trophy case.
