The NewCanaanite.com Athlete of the Week is sponsored by Baskin-Robbins, Connecticut Sandwich Co., Joe’s Pizza and Mackenzie’s.
New Canaan senior co-captain Zach Allen. Credit: Terry Dinan
There is not much to write about Zach Allen that has not already been written. The Northwestern-bound senior co-captain has been a one-man wrecking crew for the Rams this season, compiling 48 tackles, two interceptions (including one pick-six), a fumble recovery and three sacks. He has also caught four passes for 47 yards and two TD’s while lining up as a tight end. In New Canaan’s season opener he became the school’s all-time leader in sacks.
Allen’s stats become even more impressive when one takes into consideration the attention he gets from opponents, who often double-team or run plays away from the 6’6″, 243-lb. DL/LB.
“He’s a great player,” New Canaan head coach Lou Marinelli told NewCanaanite.com. “He shows it just about every week.”
Marinelli and 6-0 Rams are hoping Allen can show it again on Saturday as they take on a tough 6-1 St. Joe’s team in a key FCIAC battle. The winner will have the inside track to landing in the conference championship game.
New Canaan sophomore Ellery Baran. Credit: Terry Dinan
The NCHS field hockey team already landed in their FCIAC championship game, thanks in large part to Ellery Baran. The sophomore phenom scored the only goal of the semifinal game in a 1-0 win over top-seeded Wilton to send the Rams into a showdown with arch rival Darien. Riding the high from the semifinal win, New Canaan won an epic 2-0 decision over the Blue Wave to earn its first FCIAC crown since 2000.
“She is a phenomenal athlete,” head coach Erin Gildea said. “More importantly, she is just a great girl. She is hard-working, she always has a smile on her face and she is one of those players you just root for.”
High praise for any player, especially for one so young. Even so, Gildea feels that Baran’s full potential has yet to be tapped.
“With each day she is getting better and better,” Gildea said. “Give her another two years and I wouldn’t be surprised if she will be one of the best – if not the best – player in the state.”