NORTHFIELD, Vt.-The Norwich Football program recognized a season of progress, leadership, and achievement at its annual postseason banquet, celebrating individual award winners, senior contributors, and a milestone year under Head Coach
Bill Russell.
Team Award Winners
The 2026 season marked an important step forward for the Cadets, highlighted by the program's first win under Coach Russell on Homecoming Weekend against Maine Maritime. Norwich delivered one of the most explosive offensive performances in program history, scoring 42 points in the first half and eclipsing the 60-point mark for the first time since 2010.
Quarterback
Landon Beecher led the way with 479 total yards and five total touchdowns, including a 65-yard touchdown connection with Weers. Special teams also played a pivotal role, as the Cadets blocked a punt in the end zone for a touchdown, while
Zack Zegarra set a new program record with nine extra points converted in a single game.
Norwich athletes earned recognition throughout the season at both the conference and national levels.
John Dixner was named to D3football.com's Team of the Week following the season opener against St. Lawrence after recording seven tackles, a sack, and three tackles for loss. Linebacker
Ben Primich enjoyed a historic campaign, earning NEWMAC Defensive Athlete of the Week honors against Salve Regina and setting new single-season program records with 77 assisted tackles and 127 total tackles.
Senior
Maddox Reed became the program's all-time leader in career sacks (2008–present era) and was also named to the NEWMAC All-Sportsmanship Team. Seven Cadets earned College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors:
Landen Collier, Primich,
Will Patenaude,
Connor McFarland,
Marcello Misuraca, Reed, and
Devin DeJesus.
Norwich also honored its 12 graduating seniors, led by captains
Mike Cascarano and
Devin DeJesus, as the Cadets closed a foundation season defined by growth, accountability, and momentum heading into the future.
