Chaplick, Falcons look for fourth consecutive year with double digits in win column

Note: At the time this went to print, Milford Academy was getting set to play Wagner College. On Sunday night, the Falcons picked up the win against the Seahawks by a final score of 20-6. Full recap of the game will appear in a later edition of The Evening Sun.

NEW BERLIN – Milford Academy Falcons head coach Bill Chaplick is entering his 20th season (21st year) at the helm of a winning football program that sits in the former New Berlin School on the hill. He has amassed a winning record of 171-48 (.781 winning percentage) as the fierce leader of the program with a long-standings tradition.

A native of Ansonia, Connecticut and a former Boston College stand-out on the offensive line, Chaplick was an very influential part of the a preparatory school making the move to the small village in Chenango County.

Adjusting their mission in recent years, Milford Academy has now targeted the needs of high school senior as well as post-graduate student-athletes who require additional educational guidance while receiving athletic training to play at the next level.

These students, in general, are gifted and talented football players who have the opportunity to attain four-year athletic scholarships at major universities of all different levels throughout the country.

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Over the past ten years, the Milford Academy has developed a rewarding program as the student-athletes meet both their educational and athletic goals.

For the past three years, Milford Academy has sent approximately 98-percent of its student body on to colleges – including more than two-thirds of the graduates receiving a four-year scholarships to continue their football playing career.

Following the conclusion of the 2017 season, 15 players from the roster were offered either a NCAA Division-IA or Division-IAA scholarship.

The Falcons saw 10 players from their 2013 and 2014 classes be invited to try out or offered a contract with an NFL team this offseason as well as other alumni be on the field or on the sidelines throughout the league.

“The kids come for the history of Milford Academy,” said Chaplick. “Our history is second to none and it continues to grow each year.

“What also helps is that every time we turn the television on Saturday and Sunday, there are Milford guys all over. And it’s not only players, it’s coaches too. Both aspects bring those kids who want their chance to us.”

This year, the Falcons have players from 13 different states on the roster.

Chaplick contributes that to their winning tradition year after year. Eight of his 20 seasons have had 10-plus wins with the past three years being included in that tally – one of which was a perfect 11-0 record in 2016.

“The 2019 season is no different for us,” said Chaplick. “One of our goals for this season is we are looking to make it four consecutive seasons with 10 or more wins.