Brockett, Newsome Receive Keys To The City

Photo: Eugene DriscollRecord-setting running back Arkeel Newsome completed a championship weekend Monday by receiving the key to the city from Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti.

Newsome, an Ansonia High School senior planning to attend the University of Connecticut next year, rushed for 259 yards and scored four touchdowns in a 51 – 12 win Friday over Woodland.

The victory gave the Chargers a third straight state championship, the 19th in school history.

Newsome finished his high school career with 10,672 yards — a Connecticut record.

Ansonia is planning to hold a parade Saturday on Main Street to honor the newly-crowned state champs. The time will be announced as soon as the arrangements are set.

Cassetti congratulated Newsome and Ansonia football coach Tom Brockett, who also received a key to the city.

“On behalf of a grateful town, congratulations on your great win,” Cassetti said.

The mayor then wished Newsome all the best in his future endeavors.

“I hope to see you in the pros and I hope you get picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Cassetti said, a reference to Newsome’s favorite team.

In an impromptu press conference after the ceremony, Newsome tackled a number of questions from the local press corps.

His biggest influence?

His uncle, Matthew Roscoe.

His fondest memory of the past four years, other than winning three state championships?

“Just being together with the guys. Those memories will always be with me.”

How much can he squat?

“I haven’t maxed out on squat, but I’m pretty sure it’s a lot.”

How many touchdowns has he scored?

“All together, 187, I think,” he said, looking toward Coach Brockett.

Does he have a favorite touchdown?

Yes, two long passes caught for TDs during his sophomore year — one against Ledyard and one against Seymour.

Superintendent Carol Merlone said the city’s schools can’t ask for a better ambassador than Newsome — but she also pointed out he’s not an aberration.

“This young man is as nice as he is a great athlete. His success and the team’s success are due to the coaches. They promote a family atmosphere. They foster a family atmosphere and the students work toward meeting high expectations,” Merlone said.

Indeed, Coach Brockett sounded like a father figure when he explained how he shields his players from blog comments, where football fans sometimes forget they’re discussing teenagers, not professional athletes.

“One of the (drawbacks) in high school football right now is adults putting a negative spin on things,” Brockett said. ​“Some people are always trying to look for something negative instead of supporting the kids. In general, I don’t care what some 35-year-old guy thinks about a 16- or 17 year-old kid, breaking down every play the kids makes.”

Brockett said he encouraged his players to ignore people who are negative.

“There are enough good people trying to help our kids,” he said.

To that end, the mayor said an official announcement on Saturday’s victory parade will be forthcoming.

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