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NORWALK, Conn. The Norwalk High School football team's run to the Class LL state semifinals was the feel-good story of the high school athletic year in 2011. But the Bears are out to prove to the league that they are not one-hit wonders.
In the accompanying video, head coach Sean Ireland discusses the renewed enthusiasm for football at Norwalk High School and the team's chances for another run to the state tournament.
Eric's Take: Why did I pick Norwalk for my first season preview of the year? Well first, it's the closest school to where I live. But more importantly, It was far and away the best football story of last season.
Sean Ireland looked downright giddy in practice as the Norwalk players exuded a confidence and excitement that has rarely been seen at Testa Field.
Tomar Joseph looks bigger, stronger and faster in the backfield this year and will have plenty of room to run with a humongous offensive line opening holes for him. And with defenses sure to zero in on Joseph, that leaves Norwalk plenty of opportunity to try out some play-action passes.
Norwalk did lose 18 starters, but Ireland isn't concerned. "With the motivation they have and the work ethic they've shown I'll take that over experience every year," he said.
With a very winnable schedule, including three straight games against all the Stamford schools, Norwalk could very well repeat its 2011 success.
Worst Case: Norwalk stumbles against Stamford High and gets burned by New Canaan and Ridgefield in back-to-back games in October en route to a 6-3 record.
Best Case: Norwalk keeps its 2011 mojo working, running over defenses all season. Jared Smith or Ryan Evans emerges at quarterback to give the Bears just enough firepower in the air to lead Norwalk to another 8-1 record and a trip back to the Class LL tournament.
Key Players: Tomar Joseph, RB, Jared Smith, QB, Ryan Evans, QB, Andy Lovo, WR, Ricky Lisio, TE, Tristan Opdahl, OL, Tommy LaRosa, DL
Big Games: 9/14 (Opening Day) vs. Danbury, 10/12 at New Canaan, 10/19 vs. Ridgefield, 11/22 (Thanksgiving) vs. Brien McMahon
Check back next week for a preview of Brien McMahon's football season.
Follow Eric Gendron on Twitter for more season previews of nine other conference football opponents.
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