North Haven High School’s football program, under the steady guidance of Coach Anthony Sagnella, enters the 2026 season with a schedule that pits them against six teams that reached the 2025 playoffs. Sagnella, now in his 29th year, carries a career record of 173‑128‑2 and has long been a fixture at Vanacore Field, the home of the Blue Devils.
The Blue Devils will face a demanding conference slate that includes matchups at West Haven, Masuk, and Notre Dame‑West Haven, as well as non‑conference contests against Fairfield Prep, Berlin, and a host of other traditional rivals.
Key Returning Players
Among the returning starters, Artie McCormack IV, Jr. stands out as the team’s top offensive weapon. The sophomore‑turned‑junior rushed for 7.3 yards per carry last season and scored 21 touchdowns, earning him the label of the SCC’s premier back.
Evan DiMauro, a senior who contributes on both offense and defense, returns to the lineup after posting 111 tackles and averaging more than 41 yards per punt a year ago. His presence on special teams adds a reliable option for extra points, a role he filled with 28 successful conversions.
The offensive line, however, remains a work in progress. With only a handful of experienced linemen, the team’s ability to protect McCormack and open running lanes will be tested against aggressive defenses.
North Haven’s roster size sits at just 35 players, the smallest in recent memory, underscoring the importance of keeping the limited depth healthy throughout the grind of a tough schedule.
Looking Ahead
Coach Sagnella and his staff have emphasized injury prevention and disciplined play in preseason practices, hoping to translate the team’s solid special‑teams foundation into a more balanced attack on both sides of the ball.