A Season of Expectations
Glastonbury High School’s football program is once again poised for a deep playoff run, anchored by senior running back Dante Casdia, who stands just 906 yards shy of the school’s all‑time rushing record.
Casdia enters his final season with 3,497 career rushing yards, having amassed 1,350 yards last year and 1,504 as a sophomore, putting him within striking distance of the 4,403‑yard mark held by 2008 Gatorade Player of the Year Jordan Brown.
The team’s recent résumé includes a 15‑5 record over the past two seasons and consecutive Class LL quarterfinal appearances, a testament to the consistency cultivated under Coach Eric Hennessy.
Offensively, the returning starter Shane Santora, a speedy wide receiver and defensive back, will pair with junior quarterback Matt Cartwright, who is slated to replace Connor Finnerty, the former starter who threw for 1,375 passing yards last year.
The defense must replace key contributors such as Nick Filiault, but the coaching staff believes the unit can rally around Santora and linebacker Alex Ji, who recorded 74 tackles in the previous campaign.
Special teams also bring intrigue, as junior kicker Tommy Pingel, who went 6‑for‑8 on field goals last season, is attracting college interest and is expected to tighten his accuracy.
Coach Hennessy has voiced confidence in the squad’s offseason work, citing impressive physical test results from August that suggest the players are entering the new year in peak condition.
The preseason slate features matchups against Malone, Cheshire, St. Joseph, New Britain, Southington, Windsor, Manchester, Conard, and Simsbury, setting the stage for a demanding road to the playoffs.