Experienced group takes field this fall

By Chris Villani

Nipmuc football comes into the 2025 season with a strong senior class that head coach James Royster said will take the lead as the team makes a push for the postseason.

“Our senior class is our biggest strength,” Royster said. “Some of these guys have played a lot of football. They have been together for a long time.”

Nipmuc has several seniors who are all expected to play a big role on both sides of the ball. Josh Giancola is back for this third season at quarterback.

“His leadership ability is so important,” Royster said. “Josh is that calm head who can get things back on track when they go south.”

Giancola will have several weapons to work with on offense. Johnny Desmond returns after finishing in the top five in Central Mass. in receiving last fall. The co-captain is someone Royster said will help Nipmuc’s offense stretch the field. Jack Moshier is another talented wide receiver and a two-year returning starter at cornerback who his coach called a “seasoned athlete.”

Senior captain Eben Consigli will be Nipmuc’s featured back.

“He is an amazing athlete,” Royster said. “He is going to be the main ball carrier and we expect him to help us keep the sticks moving.”

Dash Correia, another senior captain, is back and will play on the offensive line.

“Dash works extremely hard in the weight room all the time, he is always motivating the other players around him,” Royster said. “He is the heartbeat of the team. He is a guy we need to keep us going and keep us motivated.”

Sean Burchard and Noah Garrant are two more experienced linemen who will start alongside Correia. Royster said both players are solid, hard workers who will be key to the team’s success. Mason Kirkpatrick is another senior who will contribute at fullback and middle linebacker.

Nipmuc will face a challenging schedule that includes three of the final four teams in last year’s Division VII playoffs. Royster said his team may have some bumps in the road, but all that matters is earning a spot in the postseason.

“All you have to do is get in,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what seed you are or who you play. If you can get in and you are battle tested, you have a chance.”

Even facing a difficult schedule, Royster said his team should be well prepared for the coming season.

“We worked them pretty hard this offseason, and they have been pretty receptive,” he said. “They have definitely put the work in.”