The Bunnell High School football program has become a fixture in Connecticut’s playoff picture, having secured a spot in the CIAC postseason for three straight years.
A roster built for battle
Coach Tywan Jenkins, now in his seventh season, carries a 41‑25 record and has guided the Bulldogs to their first state final appearance since 2009, a milestone that has set a new tone for the program.
At the heart of the squad is senior two‑way star Rody Ricketts, who amassed 2,045 all‑purpose yards over the past two seasons and is regarded as one of the state’s most dynamic athletes. Complementing him in the backfield is quarterback Jake Garrigan, who threw for 1,837 yards while adding 518 on the ground last year.
The offense also welcomes freshman Jordan Harrison, son of former NFL receiver Mark Harrison, who is expected to contribute at the varsity receiving level, while the line features junior Cayden Smith‑Reynolds, a 6‑foot‑3, 275‑pound anchor alongside Anthony Mastrianni and Tyrell Cole.
Defensively, the Bulldogs will lean on Smith‑Reynolds and Cole, as well as newcomers Shelby Pitard and David Chimsunum, to shore up a front that aims to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Running back duties will be shared by Steward Perez and Chicago Edouard, adding depth to the ground game.
The schedule promises tough matchups, including contests against Notre Dame Prep, Newington and New Fairfield, and a rematch with Windsor, the team that edged Bunnell 23‑13 in last year’s Class MM final.
Beyond the field, the Bulldogs maintain an active online presence under the handles X: @FootballBunnell and Instagram: @FootballBunnell, with a dedicated site at footballbunnell.com that keeps fans updated throughout the season.