DANBURY, Conn-
The WestConn football team is heading to Baltimore, Maryland this weekend to make an appearance in the first round of the NCAA DIII National Championship, for the first time in 22 years. 

WestConn finished the regular season with a 7-2 overall record and qualified for the national playoffs with a 7-1 conference record: splitting the MASCAC conference title 3 ways with Bridgewater State University and UMass- Dartmouth. WestConn automatically qualified for the first round due to their strength of schedule, and will be facing Johns Hopkins University on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Noon.  

 Since the team reported to training camp on August 10, the players and Coaches have been working diligently every day towards their end goal of winning the conference championship; and now can play for a larger title.  

The Wolves entered their season with a shaky start. 1-2 after the first three games, the team had to flip a switch if they wanted a chance to finish at the top. Kevin Jones, defensive coordinator identified that pivot in the season.  

“I believe had we not lost that first game in the manner that we did, we may not have won the Conference Championship and a place in the NCAA Playoffs,” he said.  

The Wolves had a promising second game of the season, with high hopes for the remainder of their schedule. However, with their starting Quarterback injured in game three, they had to reevaluate their offense.  

Keion Jones (no relation to Kevin), junior from New York stepped into the position and lead the team to a 6-game win streak, securing the championship.  

When Keion Jones filled this gap, his primary focus was to be a good teammate. He mentioned the role that team bonding played in the offseason, and how that contributed to the team’s immense work ethic. With the MASCAC title always in the back of their minds.  

“I believe as a team, everyone felt as if we worked as hard as we could, with the talent, discipline and trust of one another, we could definitely win a conference championship,” said Keion Jones.  

 It’s transparent that the work that the student-athletes put in prior to August 10th resulted in a significant growth in the team’s success. The team learned to play as a whole; both the offense and defense showing up each week with the same motive in mind.  

 Offensive Coordinator Zachary Griffith mentioned this aspect of the team and how it played a role in their success.  

 “Our players are extremely coachable and have a true love and desire for the game and are always looking for ways and opportunities to perfect their craft…,” said Griffith. “We also have a great mix of young talent that has brought excitement and explosiveness to our offense and our combination of older leadership with the younger players has been a huge factor to our success this season.”  

 Specifically noted by Coach Kevin Jones, the defensive lineman: Rocky Davis, Kevin Wood and Kile Jackson; and linebackers, Ambrose Richards, Troy Pomykala, Nosa Uzamere, Corey Tehe and Myles Wilson signify an abundance of experience that “set the tone for our defense.”  

 The defense had a total of three shutouts this season, leaving Keion Jones and the rest of the offense plenty of room to showcase their talent: scoring over 50 points in 5 games.  

 Senior Captain, Pat Adams, was awarded the MASCAC Offensive Lineman of the Year award. The tackle helped lead the Offensive Line, providing Running back Chad Blaszky, with plenty of running room this season. Finishing 3rd in the conference with 1,651 rushing yards and averaging 183.4 rushing yards per game.  

 “This week is about a lot of preparation and a sharp week of practice,” said Keion Jones.  

 The team’s mindset and approach are no different this week leading into the playoffs, than it was throughout the whole regular season, explained both coordinators. The team is aware of their own strengths and will continue to “just to be us and play our brand of football,” according to Griffith.  

 Keion Jones said, “that is truly what is different with this team and others, everyone has bought in and is focused to try to get to 1-0 this week vs our opponent.”  

 The Wolves are excited to take this step into playoff territory while being mindful of the talent that Johns Hopkins University has and will not let it discourage them.  

 “We have gotten to where we are by staying true to ourselves, preparing to the best of our ability’s week in and week out, and trusting that all we have got is all we need to get the job done. We are excited for this challenge and opportunity to showcase our abilities on a big-time stage,” said Griffith.