Here is the final preview for the NE-10 this year and my pick to win the league in 2013, the University of New Haven Chargers. The three time defending champs were hit hard by graduation last year but this team is still deep and talented.

We are eight days from opening night and 10 days from opening weekend. The preseason coaches poll will be released tomorrow.

Here is the my pick for # 1 in the league in 2013:

New Haven Chargers (10-1, 8-0 NE-10)

Coach: Peter Rossomando, 5th year (34-10)

Opening Game: September 7th @ West Chester

2013 Schedule

2012 Stats

2013 Roster

The season ended much quicker than thought last November for the NE-10 champions. With a solid core of players graduating, it is expected to be a down year at New Haven. Think again. The Chargers were a deep team last year and the next tier of players are hungry to prove their worth to the rest of the league.

New Haven did not miss a beat with senior quarterback Ronnie Nelson under center last year and will look for him to run the offense this year. The dual threat might be the most dynamic quarterback in the league as he has the ability to throw the deep ball or beat you with his legs. Senior Mike DeCaro returning for his senior season and will look to continue his explosiveness on the field. He ran for over 600 yards last year but is also a major factor to catch the ball out of the backfield. Did I mention that he returns kicks as well? New Haven graduated most of their top receivers but look for senior Nick Music to be the focal point of the passing game. Junior Zach Guy will anchor the offensive line.

The defense was very stingy last year and will look to improve upon their 14 points per game given up. Senior Brent MacLeod will be the leader of the defensive line. He was second on the team last year with six sacks and ten tackles for a loss. Senior linebacker Matt Fallico will be the leader of the linebackers. He was third on the team in tackles last year and will help to make sure the middle of the field is taken care of. Senior Herbens Antenor will anchor the secondary after recording 51 tackles last year. The Charger defense is always fast and physical and expect nothing less in 2013.

Head coach Peter Rossomando has taken a team from scratch and built them into a perennial power in the NE-10. It has been done by building depth at each position and ensuring that if someone is not able to play or moves on, there is a capable player in waiting to make a play. The chance to win the NE-10 title will run through New Haven until someone proves that they are capable of beating the Chargers on the field.