Brookfield High School’s football team is entering a pivotal season after the departure of longtime leader Bryan Muller, with veteran assistant Louie D’Arcangelo stepping in as interim head coach after two decades of service on the staff.
The Bobcats reached the Class M championship game in both 2024 and 2025, only to fall just short — a denied two‑point conversion against St. Joseph in the former and a loss to Berlin in the latter — leaving the program with a 22‑4 record over the past two years.
Rebuilding the Roster
Despite the graduations of several key contributors, the team retains depth on both lines, with five returning starters on the offensive line and five on the defensive line poised to anchor the trenches.
At quarterback, senior Josh Kermashek is the leading candidate to fill the void left by Thad Balzi, while the backfield will see a competition among juniors Jack Alger, Paul Ottaviano, Patrick Roksvold and Tyler Gude, as well as sophomore Rocco D’Arcangelo, who will see time at both running back and receiver.
The receiving corps, led by Mark Abney, also brings back juniors Elijah Kerr, Jack Meade and Sean Kennedy, adding experience to a unit looking to expand its role in the offense.
Looking Ahead
The schedule ahead includes matchups with Pomperaug, Holy Cross, Notre Dame Prep, Guilford, Weston, Bunnell, Stratford, Barlow and Bethel, a slate that promises fresh tests as the Bobcats aim to return to the championship picture.
While Muller has announced a leave of absence, he remains connected to the program, and D’Arcangelo’s long‑standing relationship with the team provides continuity as the Bobcats seek to translate their recent success into a state title.