Players and Coaches United for a Historic 2026 Run

When Head Coach Mitch Ross took over the Fairfield Ludlowe Football program in 2017, the team faced a tough 25-game losing streak. Fast forward to 2026: Coach Ross enters his 10th year leading the Falcons. He brings a strong 48-37 career record, consecutive CIAC Class L playoff berths, and two FCIAC Coach of the Year awards. Under his leadership, the roster grew from 24 players to over 100. Together, they built the top passing offense in the state while creating a culture of deep resilience.

This year, a dedicated varsity coaching staff joins Coach Ross. The top-flight coaching staff includes Coaches Cavagnaro, Levy, Avery, O’Neill, Bartoli, Colandro, Hart, Howell, Mediate, O’Hagan, Pannozzo, Tallman, Colangelo, and Love. This staff are pushing players to win the program’s first playoff game and make a historic run at the state title.

Command of the Offense: Ryan Love Returns

Senior starting quarterback Ryan Love leads Ludlowe’s explosive passing attack. Love has played in Coach Ross’s system since middle school. Because of this, he has a deep, natural grasp of the playbook.

Veteran Playmakers and Trench Anchors

Love has an excellent group of targets downfield. The passing game features senior wide receivers Danylko, Frame, O’Neill, Sparacino, Stanton, Stotler, and Taylor. Expect to see these versatile athletes make huge plays on both sides of the ball.

To balance the attack, senior tailback Alessandro Giron (5-9, 225 lbs) brings a powerful, physical running style. Giron’s heavy hitting will wear down defensive fronts. This creates perfect opportunities for the play-action passing game that defines the Falcon offense.

Great offense starts in the trenches. The Falcons’ line is anchored by senior two-way standouts Carlo Noecker, Jake Calabro, Alex Adwin, Asher Stupak, and Ryan McLane. These powerful linemen are tasked with protecting Love and opening holes for Giron. On defense, they will shut down opponents at the line of scrimmage.

The defense is further anchored by a stellar senior linebacker crew including Landsman, Melbourne, and Tauss. This year’s roster boasts deep talent across both the senior class and rising underclassmen.

A Shared Mission

With returning starters at almost every position, this team is close-knit and hungry for more after tasting success last year. Led by Coach Ross and a highly motivated senior class, the 2026 Falcons have the perfect mix of experience, chemistry, and coaching. They are ready to cement their legacy as the greatest team in school history.

Come out and support our student-athletes and coaches this season at Taft Field!

Fly High, Falcons!

* Mitch Ross became Head Coach of Fairfield Ludlowe Falcons Football in 2017.

Your help is invaluable. Opportunities to get involved include:

• Concessions
• Advertising Banner Setup
• Pregame Sandwiches
• Pasta Dinner (Thursdays)
• Halftime Water Distribution
• Fundraising
• Senior Night & End of Year Banquet
• Parent Socials
• Chain Gang – It’s a great way to be a part of the action and have an awesome view of the game! Three needed for each home game.

To volunteer, please contact us at fairfieldludlowegridiron@gmail.com.