Healing Wings
It was easy to be enamored with the atmosphere at Xavier-Middletown camp last season for us at CPTV Sports as the newly-completed Larry McHugh Stadium served as host to a fine practice session. There was also buzz surrounding another new addition to the Falcon family: quarterback Will Levis. He had the perfect quarterback frame as a wide-eyed, 6’3”, 196-pound sophomore.
Levis practiced the full session on that day, August 27, 2015, but he was limited due to a thumb injury. He was not fully able to move past the injury as he missed four games in 2015. He completed 49 percent of his passes, which is nothing to write home about, but his yards per completion average (10.4) and 9-to-2 touchdown to interception ratio showed great promise.
“I was back to 100 percent a little bit after the end of last season and it has only gotten better since then,” asserted Levis. “I’ve definitely been able to make all of the throws all over the field.”
The quarterback position never experienced any stability for Sean Marinan’s Xavier Falcons a year ago as Luke Schoonmaker and Collin McCarthy also struggled to stay healthy. The Falcons finished the season 6-4, missing the Class LL playoffs. Speaking of McCarthy, the senior (who is a stud on the lacrosse field and has committed to Loyola-Maryland) will not be playing this season due to a torn ACL. He represents a big-time loss for the Falcons, who do return 16 seniors, many of whom lack varsity experience.
“Kev’s going to be a big loss, but we had a young line last year so we’ve got some guys coming back that should help us out,” stated running back Glenn Cunningham.
The loss of Kevin Lawrence, a monstrous 6’3”, 300 pound left tackle, does not help the Falcons any either. However, Cunningham returns to bring some big-time validation to Xavier’s offensive skill-position grouping. The Fordham-recruit rushed for 910 yards in 2015 and helped the Falcons capture a state title in 2014. Look for Niko Kvietkus to anchor the offensive line to provide some much-needed space for Cunningham. Kvietkus started 10 games at center for Xavier last year.
“We prevent injuries too if we do our jobs,” declared Kvietkus.
Let’s get back to what may keep coach Marinan up at night. His Falcons have tasted CIAC championship success in four of the previous six seasons. The Falcons have done so with terrific quarterback play out of Tim Boyle, Joe Carbone, and Mike Scherer. It is no secret that if Xavier-Middletown wants to excel in the big, bad SCC and finish in front of Notre Dame West Haven, Shelton, and West Haven, the Falcons will need to stay healthy in 2016, particularly at the starting signal-caller spot.
“We’re just trying to have a good offseason,” expressed Marinan. “The weight room is critical to that. We are trying to get through to the kids that if you build up muscle around your joints, your safer and your body can handle more. You are less likely to get injured.”
Eli’s Mug Party on Main
Eli Cannon’s, located on Main St. USA in Middletown, is a popular destination for a cold mug. There are 37 different tap selections for curious folk to imbibe on, but on this day, I am a Sober Steven.
I asked Rocco LaMonica and his clan to whip up some food to provide some much needed refreshment in the middle of the 2016 Training Camp Tour. The CPTV Sports crew was greeted with a couple delectable mainstays on the Eli Cannon’s menu: Seared Ahi Tuna Salad and the Man Cave Burger.
These tuna’s were made for dippin’. They are coated with sensational seasonings that pop in your mouth all the more when drenched in
a wasabi ginger vinaigrette that is provided on the side. The Ahi is seared to such a tender degree.
Should you have a weakened heart, you may not be able to handle the towering Man Cave Burger. This specialty crafted by Sous Chef Tyler is piled high with Murphy’s Slab Bacon, Apple Chutney, Pulled Pork, and more! The chutney adds a sweet flavor to the pulled pork, while the slab bacon melts in your mouth!
Eli Cannon’s has a deep appreciation for their regulars, but they are certainly accepting of local football fans and collegiate students from nearby Wesleyan. The patio is a definite summer destination. If you are inclined to nab a mug, you may need to hurry as the popular treat is accompanied by a waiting list.
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