“Anthony’s height will give George another weapon to throw to,” junior linebacker Jake Weil said.
Fans also enjoying watching Anthony in action. “I think he is a big contribution to team. They really need him and they aren’t doing so hot. With his return there will be a positive influence on the team,” junior fan Elizabeth Crafford said.
“Anthony’s calf definition provides quality eye candy for the whole field hockey team,” said junior Sophie Watters who shares the turf with Anthony when her field hockey team practices with them.
Neirad asked his about his NFL influences. He was quick to respond, “Adrian Peterson”, referring to the all-pro running back for his favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings.
When asked who he models himself in play Anthony said, “Child please, it’s also Ocho Cinco,” Chad Ocho Cinco of the Cincinnati Bengals. “I model myself after Chad because he catches anything around him and has the best touchdown celebrations,” he said.
It is very unlikely the Blue Wave will repeat last year’s great season going to the State and FCIAC finals versus arch rival New Canaan. With all the lost the star seniors from last year gone, but Anthony retains high hopes.
For the start of the season Anthony had a knee injury that kept him out for the first three games versus Fairfield Warde, Danbury, and St. Joes.
This injury is unfortunately indicative of his high school career. Anthony also suffered a shoulder injury in spring football that kept him out for the most part of summer practices.
The image of Anthony on crutches definitely didn’t help the Blue Wave in the beginning of the season and hurt its air attack.
“My goals right now are to finally get back onto the field. I have been injured the first three weeks of the season and now this week for Wilton I will be back into the rotation and start catching some passes,” Anthony said.
When asked who he models himself in play Anthony said, “Child please, it’s also Ocho Cinco. (Chad Ocho Cinco of the Cincinnati Bengals) I model myself after Chad because he catches anything around him and has the best touchdown celebrations,” Anthony said.
Blue Wave Pride's Junior Football Force
A look into Wide-Out Anthony Donato
By Ben Preston- 09/11
NEIRAD enilno edition | printer friendly
hen you’re watching a Darien football game it’s hard not to notice number 85. Anthony Donato is a 6-foot-4 inch wide out for Coach Rob Trifone’s Blue Wave. His height allows him to dominate smaller corners in one on-one-coverage. Anthony also has soft hands that help quarterback George Benitez throw it anywhere in his area and Anthony brings it down.
Neirad had a chance to sit down and talk to this junior varsity rising star about his play, his team, and his season.
“The goals (for the season) are to win the rest of our games this season and to play our best every game,” Anthony said. This prognosis is possible with games coming up against Wilton and New Canaan in the Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving day.
This skill on the field for Anthony comes despite lacking a long history with the gridiron. He exemplifies strong raw talent despite his few years of experience. He started playing freshmen year.
Anthony is becoming a force in the Blue Wave offense and around the FCIAC because more teams are going to have to take into account his height and ability.
“My favorite route to run is either a fade or curl because it allows me to use my height and on the goal line I’m the first target,” Anthony added.
Fellow players have nothing bad so say about number 85 and all hope to see him back on the field this weekend. “I look up to Anthony on our team, he is very limber,” junior receiver Justin Shaw said. “Anthony’s height will give George another weapon to throw to,” junior linebacker Jake Weil said.
The Blue Wave offense in a huddle.
The one and only Anthony Donato
