Vote: Who has been the best senior football player in Connecticut so far in 2023?
We are just past the mid-point part of the 2023 high school football season here in Connecticut and there’s no shortage of upperclassmen performing at a high level.
It’s no surprise that seniors are showing out in the Constitution State as that’s been the case in the past many times over. This list of upperclassmen features some of the top senior football players we’ve seen or have been on the rise in Connecticut. Take a look at our list and vote for who you feel has been the top performing senior high school football player in Connecticut.
Voting closes on November 30th, 11:59pm
Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. This poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player that may not be mentioned in our poll.
Here are the nominations:
CJ DiBenedetto, QB, Southington: The senior quarterback has been red hot throwing the rock for the Blue Knights. DiBenedetto has completed 168-of-276 passes for 2,567 yards, 32 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Rashard Williams, WR, Southington: On the other end of a lot of DiBenedetto's passes has been Williams this season. The fleet-footed wide receiver has hauled in 48 passes for 1,048 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.
Tyler Hilgert, QB, Guilford: Hilgert is having arguably the best season of any quarterback in Connecticut. The Grizzlies' signal caller has completed 106-of-143 passes for 1,900 yards, 31 touchdowns and just a mere two interceptions.
Ben Roden, QB, Northwest United: Another quarterback that's thrown for 30-plus touchdowns this fall campaign is Roden. The Workhorses' quarterback has completed 123-of-174 passes for 1,993 yards and 32 touchdowns and only two picks.
Soren Rief, RB, Killingly: Has anyone dominated on the offensive side of the football like the brusing Rief? The hard running tailback has had himself a strong senior year as Rief has carried the rock 284 times for 2,086 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Rowan Johnston, RB, Trumbull: Not many have put up the kind of yardage like Rief has, but Johnston has been up there with him. The running back has run the ball 210 times for 1,567 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Maxim Copeland, WR, Windsor: The 5-foot-11 wide receiver has been a difficult cover for opposing defenses as he's made himself readily available (open). Copeland this season has caught 35 passes for 754 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Brandon Payne, LB, Foran: Payne has roamed the middle of the front seven this season for Foran and been one of the best tacklers in the New England region. The middle linebacker has totaled 124 tackles and 20 of those have gone for a loss.
Aiden Avenia, LB, Gilbert Northwestern Regional: The Yellowjackets' linebacker has been a steady force in the front seven and has proven to be a sure tackler. This 2023 season, Avenia has made 120 tackles, 10 for a loss and two sacks.
Evan Russo, DL, Cheshire: The speedy edge rusher has caused plenty of havoc for opposing offensive tackles this season. Russo leads the state with 15.5 sacks along with making 66 tackles and 25 of them going for a loss.
Sam Petrosino, DB, Staples: The Wreckers' free safety has patrolled the secondary and made plenty of plays this fall season. Petrosino is among the state leaders when it comes to interceptions with seven. Also has made 33 tackles and 361 receiving yards.
Caleb Smith, QB, Staples: Smith has been among one of the top quarterbacks in the state as a senior and has proven on a weekly basis. The Wreckers’ signal caller has completed 104-of-189 passes for 1,514 yards and 19 touchdowns.
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveconn
