By Ron P. Coderre

Coming off a week where the head coach and top player of the Killingly Redmen football team were honored by The Southeast Connecticut Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Killingly announced more news for two of its players.

In a festive ceremony at the Mohegan Sun Ballroom on Sunday, April 24 Killingly football coach Chad Neal and running back/linebacker Austin Caffrey walked away with two prestigious awards.

Neal, who led his Redmen to a 10-2 record in the fall and a run to the CIAC Class M semifinals, was honored as the Foundation’s Coach of the Year.  Along the way the Redmen were also crowned the Eastern Connecticut Conference Small Division champion under Neal.  Following the conclusion of the gridiron season, the Eastern Connecticut Football Officials presented Neal and Killingly with the Noonan Sportsmanship Award.

Caffrey was selected by the Foundation and College Hall of Fame as a scholar-athlete recipient.  He was selected for his excellence in the classroom and on the field.

Caffrey Chooses New Haven

Shortly after receiving the scholar-athlete award, Caffrey announced his intention to attend the University of New Haven where he’ll pursue his football career.  The Chargers of first-year head coach Chris Pincince finished 7-4 last season in the highly competitive NCAA Division II Northeast-10 Conference.  

Caffrey, a four-year varsity performer at Killingly, finished his senior season with 1,926 yards rushing from scrimmage and 23 touchdowns.  On defense he led the team from his linebacker slot with 112 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks.

The future New Haven Charger is the son of Chad and Betty Caffrey.  His younger brother Zach is a student at Killingly High School and he also has a sister Brianna.  Caffrey plans on majoring in criminal justice at the University of New Haven.

Super 100 All Star Game to Feature 

Angell and Caffrey

Killingly High School will send players to the Super 100 Connecticut All Star Game for the second year in a row.  Austin Caffrey and Josh Angell will represent the Redmen in the all star contest on Saturday, June 25 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford.  Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Caffrey, who was selected as an all state performer this year, will be attending the University of New Haven in September.  Angell, who also is an All State football player, is a rugged defensive end.  Scaling in at 6-foot, 5-inch and 295 pounds, Angell is also a member of the Redmen wrestling team.  He came to Killingly as a junior, transferring from St. John’s Prep in Shrewsbury, Mass.  He’s considering attending Hyde School-Woodstock in the fall before moving on to college.