The Wilton High School football program is gearing up for the 2026 campaign under the steady leadership of Coach E.J. DiNunzio, who enters his third decade at the helm with a career record of 43‑24. After a 10‑2 season that saw the team advance to the FCIAC semifinals, the Warriors are looking to translate that momentum into another competitive year.
At the center of the offense is returning star running back Dennis Dustin, who amassed nearly 1,000 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns last season while also contributing four touchdown receptions. His blend of power and agility gives the Warriors a dynamic weapon that opponents will have to contain.
However, the offensive lineup will look markedly different without its top five receivers from a year ago — Charlie Calabrese, Zach Feldman, Peter Colias, Liam Smith and Sawyer Smith — all of whom have graduated. Their departures leave a void in the passing game that the coaching staff must address through new combinations and younger talent.
A Grueling Schedule Looms
The Warriors’ slate includes seven playoff teams, among them the 2025 state champions Berlin, Greenwich and New Canaan, turning the final five games into a gauntlet of high‑stakes matchups. Coach DiNunzio has described this stretch as the toughest schedule the program has faced in recent memory.
Defensively, the team retains key playmakers Nico Mercado and Krystian Babinski, who combined for 122 tackles, 3.5 sacks and four sacks respectively last season. Their presence helps offset the loss of standout pass‑rusher Curtis Jackson, whose 11.5 sacks will be difficult to replace.
Despite the challenges, DiNunzio remains optimistic, emphasizing that the team’s early‑season wins and the chemistry developing on both sides of the ball could carry them through the demanding stretch. The upcoming season will test the Warriors’ depth, but also provide an opportunity to prove the program’s resilience.