Heading to Nationals
- Updated: November 2, 2017

QB Najee Hillman threw 30 regular season touchdown passes for the Wolverines
Both the AA- and AAA-level New England Football League champions have qualified for post-season opportunities against some of the best the country has to offer. With only a few days to relax and enjoy their titles, the Mass State Wolverines (AA) and Connecticut Panthers (AAA) will head into the USFA Harvest Bowl Tournament this weekend. “We had a great season,” said Wolverines’ Cam Savoie, “we hope to keep the momentum going into the Nationals.”
After completing a 9-1 regular season, the Mass State Wolverines traveled to New Hampshire and defeated the Granite State Destroyers. The win gives the Wolverines their second straight conference title in as many years. Last season’s the Wolverines won the Maritime Conference (A) title and earned the respect of teams all over the region. “The Wolverines are the real deal,” said Harvest Bowl Representative Jim Nugent. “They showed they are a great team over the past few seasons. They also have a top notch organization and coaching staff leading the way for them.” Competing in the USFA Harvest Bowl 2 level, the Wolverines will match up with both equal leveled teams but will find that the majority of their opponents will be of the AAA variety. “We’re looking forward to taking on whomever is in our bracket,” said Savoie, “we just know at this level, any team we see has a championship mindset and are ready to play at a high level.”
The Panthers have made multiple runs at the National level. In 2013 and 2014 the Panthers ran through the Harvest Bowl competition to find themselves National Champions in Deland, Florida. “We’ve been here before,” said Head Coach Mark Welch, “still, we are excited to get it going to see how we matchup.” This weekend the Panthers will take on the Taunton Gladiators, winners of the Eastern Football League. This first round will decide the New England Championship and will advance the winner to the Northeast Area Championships.

Marky Desruisseaux and the Panthers take on Taunton for the New England Championship this weekend