Undefeated Season, ISL Champions, New England Champions 2012
The Governor’s Academy football program is a vital component of our school community. The Govs have a deeply rooted tradition of achieving excellence on the football field while maintaining a healthy perspective on top-level competition. Located in the center of campus, the Sager Bowl provides an outstanding venue for watching the Govs compete during the fall season on the Parker Field, one of the best natural grass surfaces in the league. Each year about 65 student/athletes compete on the Varsity and JV teams where every player receives quality instruction appropriate to his experience and ability.
The Govs are entering the 2012 season as defending ISL Champions and Jack Etter Bowl Champions. The 2011 team was led by first year Head Coach Jim O’Leary and three tri-captains: Sam Davis, Todd Moores and Kirk Ryder. The Govs posted a 9-0 record and it was truly a season to remember. Coach O’Leary’s team averaged close to 30 points per game on offense and held their opponent to less than 10 points per game. In week eight it was the battle of the undefeated and the Govs walked away with the ISL championship by beating Belmont Hill 42-13. The Govs then traveled to Cushing Academy to battle with New Hampton School in the Jack Etter Bowl Championship. Govs celebrated with a 35-0 victory and a share of the New England Championship.
Coach O’Leary hopes to continue the winning ways displayed in 2011 with several key players returning. ISL 2011 league MVP, Tate Jozokos will be at the helm for his senior year. “Tate is a very talented athlete and will certainly be one of our leaders," says Coach O’Leary. Also, joining Jozokos as captains is Eli Morrrissey (RB), Colin Smith (TE), and Ryan Macri (LB). All four of the captains received all league honors in 2011. Coach O’Leary is counting on big seasons from Andrew “Bug” Carper (LB), Jesse Gwozdz (RB) and David Adams (OG). Austin Smith and Lucas Bombardier will be key contributors in the secondary. Govs will open their 2012 season September 22 at home vs. Thayer Academy.
The Govs play a challenging eight-game schedule in the very competitive Independent School League (ISL). Annual games against rivals Brooks School and Belmont Hill School are traditional classics that highlight our season.
In the past nine seasons, the Govs finished 55-17-1, including a New England Championship in ’01, an undefeated 9-0 campaign with an ISL Championship and New England Championship in ’03, an ISL Championship in ’04 and last year’s undefeated season and a New England Championship ’11.
Coach O’Leary took over for long time Coach Mark Gerry who retired after 18 seasons. Coach O’Leary credits Gerry for the tradition and pride of the Govs football program. “ I am truly grateful for the opportunity to coach at such a great school with rich tradition and I owe a lot of thanks to Coach Gerry for helping me reach this point.”
Govs football players are always well represented on the ISL All-League roster. Governor’s graduates who go on to play football in college are well prepared to compete and contribute at the collegiate level. Former Govs have recently played at URI, Harvard and Princeton and several schools in the NESCAC, and other respected college programs. Brian Morrissey '05 (New England Class B Player of the year in '04) set the all-time rushing record at Williams College in '09; and after graduating from Boston College, Robert Francois '04 is now a member of the Green Bay Packers and played in the Super Bowl. Last year graduates who will continue their gridiron careers are: Tucker Oniskey will play at Bates, Kirk Ryder and Todd Moores will play at St. Lawrence, Pearson Dresser will play at Lake Forest and Frank Barba will play at Tufts.
Our goals in the football program are simple: as individual players, as coaches, and as a united team we strive to get better at what we do every day; and we try to have some fun while we’re at it. We also value and respect the multi-sport student/athlete, strongly believing that commitment and dedication in one sport makes an athlete more competitive in other sports and more successful in whatever endeavor or challenge is being undertaken.
We are excited about our football program, and we are eager to continue working hard to sustain our success. We invite you to learn more about playing football for the Govs and perhaps to join our ranks.
For more information, please email Head Coach Jim O'Leary.
Varsity Coaches: Head Coach Jim O'Leary, Matt Hunt, Chris Rokous, Richard Searles, Hans Carbonneau
JV Coaches: Rod McLain and John Pirie
