High School Huddle Camp Tour: Middlebury Tigers

MIDDLEBURY, VT – After some heartbreaking playoff losses over the last couple seasons, the Middlebury Tigers are focused on 2024.

“This year, we’re starting from zero. Whatever happened in the past happened, but this year it’s a totally different game,” said Angus Blackwell, a Tigers offensive and defensive tackle.

Some of the Tigers most notable offensive threats have graduated, Gavin McNulty and Jackson Gillett to name two. Each showed their speed and tenacity last year on the turf.

“Every year you gotta replace your better players, but we’ve got some depth coming back,” said head coach Jed Malcolm.

The loss of those stars also opens up an opportunity.

“We had some guys who typically would’ve been on the field last year who didn’t get a chance,” said the head coach, beginning his second year in the role. “This year they will get that chance. We’ve got some pretty exciting young players that you’ll know the names of soon.”

He may not be young, but one Tiger looking to make a name for himself is their new quarterback, Luke Nuceder. He takes the starting job in his senior season.

“He’s been down here since he was about five years old cause he’s been one of our ball boys and water boys,” said Malcolm. “He knows the system probably as well as anyone in the program ever has, including our coaches. So it’s pretty nice to have that extra coach on the field.”

“I’m really gonna try to make the most out of this year and enjoy it with these guys,” said Nuceder. “But it’s definitely a full circle and it moved by quick.”

It may be a new year, but the Tigers gridiron play is staying the same.

“Everybody knows you gotta be tough on the line, run the ball, pound it, use up the clock. The system, formula is not really changing,” said Malcolm.

With their new additions and same proven plan on the field, Middlebury expects to go far once again this season…

“We expect to continue to be in those positions where we’re right there, if not at the top,” said Malcolm.

“We’re ready. We wanna go. We wanna hit some people,” said Blackwell, excited for opening night.

When asked what would be done differently if they get back to the championship this year, Nuceder said, “We’re gonna win.”

The tigers host BFA- St. Albans to kick off the season on Friday August 30.

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