There’s a saying that there is no off season for someone on the road to being a champion, and the Class L State Champion New Canaan Rams began their journey down that road last Thursday night as they announced their captains for the 2016 season.
James Freyre, Teddy Hood, Ryan O’Connell and Tommy Root were selected by their teammates to lead New Canaan’s title defense next season as the Rams will try to win their fourth consecutive state crown.
James Freyre (#26) makes a tackle. Credit: Terry Dinan
Freyre emerged as New Canaan’s top tackler in 2015 as the junior linebacker had 84 total stops, including 50 solo tackles and two tackles for negative yardage. As a result New Canaan’s defense was able to answer major question marks this past season after being decimated by the graduation of 2014 stars Zach Allen, Alex LaPolice and Michael Kraus, and suffering season-ending injuries to starters Cass Knox and Jarrett Torromeo.
Teddy Hood (#58) gets set to block for New Canaan QB Michael Collins (#15). Credit: Terry Dinan
Hood was a stalwart of New Canaan’s offensive line, a unit that gave record-setting quarterback Michael Collins substantial protection as the Rams scored 523 points in 2015, averaging more than 423 yards per game. Hood, a 6’3”, 250-lb. offensive guard, was at his best in the Class L final against North Haven, as the pass-happy Rams turned to the run behind Hood and offensive line-mates Gardner Read, Lucas Niang, Jake O’Neill and Will Conley, reeling off consecutive 15-play touchdown drives en route to a 42-35 win.
Ryan O’Connell (#7) makes a cut. Credit: Terry Dinan
O’Connell continued New Canaan’s strong tradition of two-way players, starring on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, O’Connell pulled in 11 catches for 192 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran the ball 20 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns. As a defensive back, O’Connell was third on the team with 66 total tackles and led the Rams with seven interceptions, including one pick-six and a sack. He also had a team-high with two fumble recoveries.
Tommy Root (#4) with an INT return. Credit: Terry Dinan
Root was another key member of New Canaan’s defense in 2015, totaling 47 tackles from his cornerback position. He also had three interceptions on the year and follows in the footsteps of his older brother Michael, who was a Rams captain on the great 2013 team which started New Canaan’s run of three straight Class L titles.