High School Huddle Camp Tour: St. Johnsbury Hilltoppers

ST. JOHNSBURY, VT – The St. Johnsbury Hilltoppers haven’t made it out of the first round of the playoffs since 2019, but this year’s squad is older and more mature and might have what it takes to make a run.

“In the four years before COVID, we went to three state championships and four state semifinals,” St. Johnsbury head football coach, Rich Alercio. “We haven’t won a playoff game since… Last year we didn’t stop teams. I mean, some of the better teams were able to really advance the ball and score to many points for us to keep up with. We have more veterans this year. Last year, we started a lot of sophomores.

Starting quarterback Carter Bunnell also enters the season having experienced growth; both on the field and mentally. “As quarterback last year, it was kind of like a new thing where people kind of looked up to me,” he said. “I didn’t really do what I should have sometimes, but this year, I understand my role a lot better.”

“I’m excited, hopefully for the [championship], you know, try to win a championship on our home field,” said Vincent Palmieri, a wide receiver and safety. “[I want to] win games with my team, just hopefully go all the way. Our team can definitely do it. We’re young, but I think we can definitely get through it.”

The Hilltoppers are home against Essex for their first game on August 30.

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