ROCKPORT — The 2021 Camden Hills football team recognized its successful 2021 campaign during a ceremony held at the Camden Snow Bowl on the evening of Wednesday, November 17.

The event took place among parents and a few siblings of the players with the team's head coach Chris Christie handing out the platitudes.

Following a preseason 34-12 exhibition win over eventual eight-man small school conference champion Dexter, the ‘Jammers finished with an overall record of 4-3 falling to Morse in the division semifinals.

Each player was recognized for their general contributions to the team as well as tying a bow on the careers of five seniors. Those that will be moving on include quarterback Ryan Clifford; defensive end/tight end Enzo Russillo; offensive tackle/defensive end Joshua "JJ" Harrington; cornerback/running back Mason Chadwick; and running back/middle linebacker Hunter Norton.

The 2022 team is expected to be anchored by fullback/Strong safety Louis Mainella, who will lead a group that included 22 freshmen and sophomores this past season.

“It was an incredible evening and a fitting way to send off the five seniors that have meant so much to this program,” said Christie. “I went into the banquet sad that the season had ended. But, after seeing the seniors receive the recognition they deserve and watching the remaining players support them in that recognition, I am fired up about the future of this program.”

Christie also heaped praise onto several individuals that significantly contributed to the success of the program. 

“The success of this program is not possible without a committed coaching staff in Coach Russillo, Coach Doran, Coach Davis and Coach Stearns, the amazing support of the parents and boosters,” he said. “Specifically, Carl Chadwick and Sally Russillo who head up the boosters program; Kelly Reynolds who organized the delicious and creative team dinners; Caitlin Harrington who made sure everyone was representing in ‘Jammer apparel; Luanne Stinson and Susan Chadwick for decorating and organizing the awards banquet and so many others that contributed to snacks on the buses, driving equipment to games when we didn't fit into a school bus anymore with 32 players and five coaches aboard! I also want to thank our Athletic Director, Jeff Hart, for his continued support, never-ending commitment to all the athletic teams at Camden Hills and his guidance through all of the turmoil over the last two years.”

Two Windjammers were bestowed the Archie Stalcup Award, named after the late head coach of 2016 that was vital in the resurrection of football at Camden Hills after the ill-fated 2015 season.

Christie called it the most prestigious award in the program, and it is awarded to the player, or players, that demonstrate what Coach Stalcup represented in terms of leadership, integrity, character, competitiveness, and commitment to the program, self and others.

“There could not be two better recipients than Enzo Russillo and Mason Chadwick to garner this award,” Christie said of the recipients. 

Norton was named the team’s most impactful offensive player while Mainella was named the team’s most impactful defensive player. 

Harrington was named the team’s most impactful lineman. 

Norton, Harrington, Mainella and Russillo were named as All-Campbell conference honorees. 

Norton is a finalist for Player of Year in the Campbell Conference and a nominee for the Fitzpatrick Award. 

Carl Chadwick contributed to the creation of this article.