BERLIN – John Capodice last coached a football game as the Berlin Redcoats‘ head coach in 2015.
After 10 years away from the team, coaching at Wesleyan University in the neighboring town of Middletown, he had a warm welcome back as the team’s leader at Sage Park Thursday night as the Redcoats steamrolled past the New London Whalers 50-12 to start the season.
“The kids put in so much time since March when we got into the weight room,” said Capodice following his 1-0 start.”We really went back to the foundation of the program pounding the weight room and all the coaches jumped in, everyone got onboard, and the goal was for 9/11. So for them to come out tonight, put in the work with that victory, I’m very, very happy for the kids.”
Eli Rice jumpstarted Berlin’s first drive when he returned the opening kickoff 57 yards down to New London’s 27-yard line. The drive was capped off by a 10-yard touchdown run by quarterback Cody Puzio.
Berlin quickly extended its lead to 14-0 after forcing a New London three-and-out, responding with a two-yard touchdown run from Tommy Motta. Carmine Rio helped Berlin go up by three touchdowns before the end of the quarter, coming up with an interception on defense and a 21-yard touchdown reception from Puzio with 1:09 left in the opening quarter.
New London punched back as wide receiver Zhi’Mir broke free for a 65-yard touchdown in which he used his speed to sprint past the Berlin defense. New London’s momentum was short-lived as Rice showed his risky abilities again on special teams, returning an 83-yard kickoff return for a score.
The explosive plays continued before the half ended as Berlin running back Ryan Lavender took a run outside for a 41-yard touchdown run. Berlin led New London 35-6 at halftime.
Capodice said that making sure his players were prepared and trusting their preparation was a big focus heading into the game, and it helped lead to their fast start.
“I think the biggest thing was our preparation,” said Capodice.”Coming into the game, I told the kids to trust your preparation and make sure we’re exclamation points and not question marks. I think the kids went out there,thay followed their rules,they trusted the preparation,and we got off to a fast start.”
Puzio and Rio connected on an eight-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, and Lavender added his second touchdown of the night with a one-yard run to cap off the scoring for Berlin. New london added a late touchdown to finalize the score at 50-12.