Berlin’s rushing attack delivers 42-14 season-opening win over East Hartford
The defending CIAC Class M champions ran for 327 yards despite replacing 19 starters from last season’s undefeated title team.
Berlin opened its 2026 football season with a 42-14 CCC victory over East Hartford on 11 September, relying on the double-wing rushing attack that powered last year’s 13-0 CIAC Class M championship campaign.
Brandon Sadowski led the Redcoats with 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Gamaliel Ayizano added 92 yards from 11 carries, including a 64-yard touchdown run.
Berlin’s offensive line helped produce 327 rushing yards, with returning starters Ryder Dowling and Camden Lavoie alongside junior Braden Kelly. The Redcoats led 22-8 at half-time after Sadowski scored on runs of 12 and 35 yards.
East Hartford reduced the margin with Anthony Caravallo’s one-yard touchdown run, but Ayizano answered with a 64-yard score on Berlin’s next play. Berlin then extended its lead through sustained second-half drives, including an eight-run, 68-yard possession capped by Chace Hrubiec’s four-yard touchdown run.
Berlin coach John Capodice said the team had replaced 19 starters from last season’s championship side, while East Hartford coach Ty Outlaw began his tenure after previously winning three Class S titles at Bloomfield. Yahoo Sports reported the result and the teams’ key rushing statistics.
