Football - Varsity
Overview
Program Overview
BB&N’s football program has been one of the most successful football programs in New England in recent years. Since 2007, the Knights have gone to 7 and won 5 NEPSAC Super Bowl Championships and 3 ISL Championship in 2009, 2016. and 2018. Over that time, the Knights have sent over 100 players on to college programs, ranging from D1 to D3. Colleges such as Stanford, Boston College, Wake Forest, Columbia, Duke, Northwestern, Yale, Cornell, Princeton, Penn, Brown, Harvard, Amherst, Williams, Middlebury, Tufts and Bentley have welcomed former Knights to their programs. The combination of an outstanding education and high level athletics has made BB&N one of the top IVY, NESCAC, and High Academic D1 FBS feeder schools in the country.
Click here to see where our Knights are playing in college!
2021 Season Recap
The 2021 Football season was a very successful one. Our Varsity Program posted a 7-1 record, the 16th straight without a losing record while competing in the very tough group of 6 within the ISL. This is good enough for 2nd place. These Knights had plenty of success highlighted by a huge win over Governors in our opener, a decisive win over rival Belmont Hill on our home turf and a come from behind win over St. Sebs under their lights! But I thought the real highlight was at practice the Monday after Milton when our team, led by our seniors reacted so strongly in the face of adversity. Those seniors really displayed our core values of Accountability, Hard work and certainly mental and physical toughness. How they reacted propelled us to a dominating win over a 6-1 at the time LA team and earned us a Bowl game, our 8th in the last 16 years. We are proud of this group and they have certainly left their mark. Our seniors will graduate but never stop being a part of the BB&N Football Family! We are so proud of this group and know they will go on to great things in the future!
2021 Season Preview
The return of football has everyone very excited for the fall and we can’t wait to get going! The Knights will be focused on our core principles to help guide us through a season that will no doubt be fun and challenging. Our core principles are: Accountability: We will be accountable to our school, our community, and most importantly to each other. Tough: Knight football players will be mentally and physically tough. Hardworking: We will always work hard, there is absolutely no substitute for putting in the work!
The Seniors are always the leaders of our program and 2021 is no different and it starts with the captains. Tyler Martin will be entering his 5th year as the man in the middle and leader of the defense, his experience and talent will be the cornerstone on the defensive side, but he will also do a bit of everything on offense. Tom Porell and Ty Harding will both be patrolling the secondary and dynamic targets on offense. Look for these two captains to makes serious noise on both sides of the ball this year. The Quarterback and leader in the huddle will be captain Shane Hanafin, look for him to sling it around while directing the offense. Up front 4 Seniors have emerged on the offensive line: Nick Ciaffoni, Thaddeus Foote, Declan Pflaumer and James Staknis all have varsity experience under their belt and will be the men up front that will create and protect. Thomas Sheft has been coming on strong as a TE/DE, Nick Heisler is as sure handed as they come and Angus Crafter (RB/LB) is a tough player that will no doubt contribute to the success of the varsity program.
The Junior class is deep with talent! Ronan Hanafin has really stepped up this off season and looks poised to make a big impact from down safety on defense and Athlete on offense. Jake Berglund should be an outstanding LB after starting from freshman year on. Leo Sarzana looks to join him at linebacker after a monster off season. Jay Kulkarni and Isaiah Ohuabunwa should look to start along the D line. Newcomer Isaiah Kacyvenski is emerging as a dynamic playmaker. Tyler Robbins and Alec Taitano are both capable TE’s and could start on defense. Finlay Crafter, Jake Nicholson and Grant Levinson are a trio of varsity ready skill guys looking to take the next step. Tommy Berentes is a QB ready when called on and Randle Henry will add depth along the line.
The Sophomore class looks to have varsity ready players, led by huge target, tightend Brett Elliott. New comer Brian Brennan should be a starter on the big Oline and Nic Matosic should find a starting role on the Dline. New comer Jack Kelley will contribute for sure and skill guys Baron Langston and Kevin Winchel should compete for varsity spots. Tyler Blum and Max Van Tassell are tough and Rhys Polcari keeps getting bigger.
Bo Maccormack is a freshman that could be a premier player in the ISL and 8th graders Vince Snoonian and Sam Kelley are ready for varsity action!
Once again, the Knights will play the toughest schedule in the ISL, this is right where they want to be. The 2021 Knights understand that Toughness is not a some of the time thing, it is an all the time thing and it will take the entire team demonstrating toughness on a daily basis to climb the mountain this year.
If you are a student-athlete who has interest in attending BB&N and playing football, please feel free to contact head football coach Mike Willey at mwilley@bbns.org
2019 recap:
The 2019 Football season was a very successful one. Earning a record of 6-3 in the very competitive ISL group of 6 is solid, and good enough for 3rd place in the ISL. This marks the 15th straight season without a losing record. Including a nice season ending win over Avalon (Maryland). More important than the wins and losses, this team grew. They played their very best football in the last game and demonstrated our core values throughout that game and the events leading up to the game. They showed great mental and physical toughness, they held each other accountable, and they certainly worked hard. I am proud of this group and they have certainly left their mark. Our seniors will graduate but never stop being a part of the BB&N Football Family! We Wish them the very best.
2018 Recap
2018 was a historic year for the Knights football team, for the third time in history, and the second time in three years, the Knights have won both the ISL championship and the New England Championship. The Knights finished with an impressive 8-1 record which was capped off with and definitive 21-0 shutout win in the class A Kevin Driscoll Bowl against a very strong Avon Old Farms team. The knights have been to back to back to back New England championship games, the 7th in the last 14 years This year also marked the 15th straight season without a losing record, no easy task in the ISL group of 7. More important than the win loss records and the championships, this group of young men lived by our core principles. Accountable, Hard-Working, and Mentally and Physically Tough is what defined this group of young men. Led by the group of 12 seniors these student athletes are prepared for life well beyond the playing fields and our community is nothing but proud of them. The seniors will once again matriculate to some of the very best colleges and universities in the world and many will continue to play the game they love.
The Knightly News 2021:
4 knights earn Herald All Scholastics
Martin and Ciaffoni are honored with all state "Super 26" selection
Martin earns globe all- scholastic
Bo Maccormack earns star of the week status for 3rd time
Tom porell wins star of the week
BB&N Special Teams Fuel Rout of Nobles
https://www.bostonherald.com/
https://www.bostonglobe.com/
https://www.bostonherald.com/
The Knightly News 2019:
Michael Diplacido Earns Star of the Week!
The Knightly News 2018:
Zack McLeod and Inspirational Knight
BB&N 2019 ISL and NEW ENGLAND CHAMPS
Zachary Cyr helps Buckingham Browne and Nichols ground out Belmont Hill
Buckingham Browne & Nichols grinds out win over Belmont Hill
Big Time Colleges look to ISL for Football Talent
How the Eastern Mass. Prep Football teams stack up for 2018
8 Named To The Preseason All ISL First Team
Michigan Offers BB&N 8th Grade Football Player
The Knightly News 2017:
Marrocco earns 3rd star of the week honors
QB Ryan Eamer Collects another Star of the Week Honor
BB&N Running back Devin Marrocco wins star of week honors again
QB RYAN EAMER EARNS STAR OF WEEK
Devin Marrocco Player of the Week
BB&N O-Line Wins Star of the Week
Team Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time | Location | Advantage | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Waltham High School
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Away | Scrimmage | ||
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vs.
Phillips Exeter Academy
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TBD
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Phillips Exeter Academy | Away | ||
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vs.
Milton Academy
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Away | |||
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vs.
Thayer Academy
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Home | |||
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vs.
Governor's Academy
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Home | |||
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vs.
Noble & Greenough School
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Noble & Greenough School | Away | ||
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vs.
Belmont Hill School
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Home | |||
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vs.
St. Sebastian's School
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TBD
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Away | |||
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vs.
Lawrence Academy
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Home |
Coach Info
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Head Coach
Coach (@Coach_Willey_FB): Mike Willey is a 2002 Tufts University graduate who has been coaching at BB&N since 2008. Willey started his coaching career in 2002 at his alma mater, Dover-Sherborn Regional High School. Willey served in multiple different roles while at DS including: Oline, Dline and Special Teams coordinator. Willey coached Oline/Dline and the special teams during the ’04 historic 9-2 season in which D-S won more games than any other team in their school history. In 2008 Willey joined the BB&N staff and coached Oline for the undefeated ISL/New England Championship Knights. Willey held various different roles while on the Knights staff including Oline, Linebackers, Run Game Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, and Associate Head Coach before being promoted to Head Coach following the 2013 season. Overall record during Willey’s record as an assistant is 39-10 including 2 New England Championships and an ISL title. As a Head Coach Willey has posted a 45-17 record and added the second and third ISL titles (2016, 2018) in school history and 5th,6th ,7th, and 8th Bowl appearances in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2021. Willey’s 2016 team won the Class A Ken O’Keefe Bowl and Willey’s 2018 team won the Class A Kevin Driscoll Bowl notching the 4th and 5th Bowl Victories. Willey was selected to be the head coach of the North Team in the Mass Shriners game and led them to a win in 2017. The common thread during Willey’s coaching career is the development of players and readying them for college programs. Players that Willey has coached have gone on to many different programs including but not limited to Stanford, Michigan, Harvard, Wake Forest, Northwestern, Penn, Columbia, Brown, Cornell and all of the NESCAC schools. Urban Meyer, while at Florida, commented that one of Willey’s players had “the best technic in the country.” Willey has also been a member of the BB&N faculty beginning in 2012 Head, teaching Physics and Engineering. Willey’s coaching style is fast paced, enthusiastic and fun that prides itself in adhering to the three core principles of the knights football program: Accountability, Mental and Physical Toughness, and the Will to Work Hard.
Playing Career: Willey was a four year starter on the offensive line while at Tufts and captain the 2001 6-2 team that set the overall individual rushing record. Willey’s overall record at Tufts was 19-13 and college career was capped by being elected captain of Team USA(Division 3 all-star team) that won the 2001 Aztec Bowl against the Mexican National Team. Willey also played professionally in the arena league following his college career.
Information: BB&N is always looking for qualified student athletes. If you are a dedicated student athlete who wants a high level of academics along with a high level of athletics please contact coach Willey ASAP either by email (mwilley@bbns.org ) or by phone (508-740-4505). Applications for enrollment are due every year in January so it is never too early to start the process of applying to BB&N.
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Assistant Coach
Tim Fledderjohn will serve as the defensive coordinator as well as working with the defensive secondary for the 2019 season. He has spent the last five seasons working with the Offensive Line. He has also served as the Run Game Coordinator for the Knights in the past. Coach Fledderjohn has coached with BB&N since 2013 after stints at Springfield College, Maine Maritime and Dover-Sherborn High School. Coach Fledderjohn played Tight End for Springfield College, where he earned his Bachelor and Master's Degrees.
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Assistant Coach
Coach Paquette is entering his Sixth season as an Assistant Football Coach at BB&N. He is current duties include coaching Defensive Ends, Tight Ends, Punters, Holders and Kickers.
Paquette coached college football for 18 years.
University of Maine 1981-1982 Running Backs
State University of New York at Albany 1983 Tight Ends/Receivers
Edinboro University 1984 Outside Linebackers
Colby College 1985 Tight Ends/Receivers
William Paterson College 1986-1988 Defensive Coordinator
Boston College 1989-1996 Defensive Backs (1989-1990), Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator (1991-1996)
Harvard University 1997 Linebackers
Northeastern University 2004 Defensive Backs/Special Teams Coordinator
Coach Paquette Graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Business Administration. He later earned a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Boston College.
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Assistant Coach
Jake Nagy is the running backs coach for the Knights. In his second year with BB&N, Jake is also an upper school chemistry teacher and junior varsity baseball coach. Prior to BB&N, he coached in similar roles and taught at the Hun School of Princeton, NJ. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Jake played football and baseball through high school in the Belle Vernon Area SD. Jake received his bachelor's degree from Washington & Jefferson College and his master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
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Assistant Coach
Kip enters his second year coaching the linebackers at BB&N. Kip received his Bachelors Degree from Bates College, where he was a Free Safety / Wide Receiver and Defensive Captain for the Football team. Kip also coaches Freshmen Basketball at BB&N.
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Assistant Coach
2013 graduate of Columbia University in New York
4 year starter for the Lions. Graduated 5th All-time in the Ivy League for All-Purpose Yards,
10th All-Time Ivy League Passing Yards, 11th All-Time Ivy League Passing TDs and Completions.
2-Time All-Ivy QB. 2010 1st Team All-Ivy
3 year veteran of the Arena Football League.
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Assistant Coach
Terry has been involved with football since childhood, and played at the collegiate level for St. Lawrence University. During his time at St. Lawrence, Terry was a decorated three-sport student-athlete, playing football, lacrosse, and track and field. He was named All-League and All-Conference defensive player, and also earned the school's 2010 Spirit Award, as well as Alumni Association Honors. Terry also earned his masters degree at St. Lawrence University, and teaches in the Science Department at BB&N.
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Assistant CoachHowie Rock is the Special Teams Coordinator and Wide Receiver's Coach for the BB&N Varsity Football team and has been with the team since 2014. He is also an Assistant Coach for the BB&N 3rd's Basketball team and an Assistant Coach for Waltham High School's JV baseball team. Coach Rock received his Bachelor's Degree from Tufts University, where he played cornerback and also handled the kicking and punting duties. Coach Rock obtained his law degree from Suffolk University.
Results
| Opponent | Date | Time | Location | Advantage | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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vs.
Worcester Academy
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Worcester Academy | Away | ||
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vs.
Choate Rosemary Hall
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Choate Rosemary Hall | Away | ||
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vs.
Tabor Academy
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BB&N | Home | Win | 21-0 |
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vs.
Governor's Academy
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Governor's Academy | Away | Win | 43-26 |
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vs.
Thayer Academy
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BB&N | Home | Win | 34-12 |
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vs.
Belmont Hill School
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BB&N | Home | Win | 34-0 |
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vs.
Noble & Greenough School
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Noble & Greenough School | Away | Win | 35-0 |
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vs.
St. Sebastian's School
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St. Sebastian's School | Away | Win | 18-14 |
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vs.
Milton Academy
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BB&N | Home | Loss | 13-25 |
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vs.
Lawrence Academy
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Lawrence Academy | Away | Win | 28-6 |
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Avon Old Farms
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Avon Old Farms | Away | Loss | 13-56 |