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UConn, Army football teams look forward to ‘special’ game in Fenway Bowl
For Dover native and UConn tight end Louis Hansen, running onto the field at Fenway Park last December felt like a full-circle moment years in the making.
Hansen, a former St. Sebastian’s standout, estimates that he attended close to 100 Red Sox games as a kid. Looking out into the stands and seeing a sea of supporters reminded him how far he’s come.
Now, with the Huskies (9-3) back in the Fenway Bowl once again this Saturday at 2:15 p.m. against Army (6-6), Hansen will look to close out his collegiate career in style.
“It’s really special,” Hansen said. “Not a lot of people get to play football at Fenway Park, and I’m going to be able to say I did it twice.”
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The 6-foot-5-inch, 240-pound senior (20 catches, 194 yards) said he’ll have close to 100 friends and family in attendance. Last year, many of them sat in a suite; this time, they’ll be out in the stands braving whatever weather comes their way.
He didn’t expect to have Round 2, but he’s grateful for the opportunity and eager to cap a memorable run with the first 10-win season in program history.
“I was pretty surprised. I was pleasantly surprised,” Hansen said. “I’m always happy to come back and play in Boston.”
UConn offensive lineman Ty Chan, a Lowell native and Lawrence Academy product, called it a “great blessing” for the Huskies to play in his home state for the second time this season.
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Chan acknowledged that he felt for the non-locals on the team who just played there last year and won’t get a taste of something entirely new.
At the same time, he knows they all enjoyed it, and he’s eager to carve out a lifelong memory himself after transferring from Notre Dame last offseason.
“Being part of a group that has already been there, it’s a bit frustrating, you know?” Chan said. “But nonetheless, having an opportunity to play after the season, when most people are done, is a great honor.”
Big-game Baker
The game will also be a homecoming for Army defensive lineman and special teams contributor Grayson Baker.
Baker, a 6-foot-7-inch, 275-pound sophomore from Worcester, focused primarily on basketball as a kid and didn’t start competitive football until eighth grade. He then played at Wachusett Regional High School in Holden and realized he had more of a knack for the sport than he thought.
Baker always admired the work his father, Ross Baker, did as a state trooper. He decided he wanted to do something similar, whether it was become a police officer himself or join the military.
“Growing up around him, and having him as a role model, it forged me into the man I am today,” Baker said. “I’ve been super blessed to have him.”
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Baker knew the service academies were very difficult to get into academically, so he elected to use football as a platform to live out his dream.
He continued to grow and sharpen his skills as a junior and senior at Wachusett and ultimately earned a spot at West Point. Baker admits there’s been a learning curve, both academically and on the field, but he’s maximized the experience to this point and is thankful for the bonds he’s formed.
“The weeks go by quick, but the days are long,” Baker said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The guys here are what make it great. I love my teammates. I love the brotherhood. I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
He’ll get a chance to reunite with former Wachusett teammate Tucker McDonald, now the backup quarterback at UConn.
Fellow Army defensive lineman Jack Bousum credited Baker for being open to criticism.
“He’s super willing to learn,” Bousum said. “I’m trying to help him in every way I can. So have the other upperclassmen. I think it’s working great, and he’s soaking it all in.”
Army coach Jeff Monken praised Baker for changing his body and effectively transitioning from tight end to defensive line.
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He said Baker will likely get some action against UConn, and he’s sure he’ll be thrilled to play in his home state.
“His strength has improved tremendously, and he’s a good athlete,” Monken said. “I’m anxious to watch him over the next couple years.”
Slightly different look
Baker, Bousum, and the rest of a formidable defensive line will face a stiff challenge against a potent UConn offense averaging 36.9 points and 460.1 yards per game.
But, quarterback Joe Fagnano (3,448 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 1 interception) has opted out as he prepares for the NFL Draft. Running back Cam Edwards (1,132 rushing yards, 14 TDs), and first-team All-American wide receiver Skyler Bell (101 catches, 1,278 yards, 13 TDs), however, are expected to play.
Nick Evers appears to be the most likely replacement for Fagnano, but it’s possible McDonald may get the nod. While the offense may not have quite the same firepower without its star quarterback, the Huskies made it clear the standard doesn’t change.
“Having so many different weapons on any given day that can beat you makes us a very hard team to prepare for,” Hansen said.
Fighting back
Army is coming off a heartbreaking, 17-16, loss to Navy two weeks prior. The Black Knights led, 16-7, before surrendering 10 points and watching a winnable game slip away.
While they acknowledged it’s impossible to entirely erase that game from their mental archives, they’re grateful for the chance to bounce back and finish on a high note.
“That’s something we really pride ourselves on is being able to rebound,” said Army kicker Dawson Jones.
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Monken said that while they’re disappointed with the outcome, and there’s no game they want to win more than the Navy one, another opportunity awaits.
“Hopefully there’s enough fight in these guys, and I think there is, that they’ll get ready for the next one,” Monken said.
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