Dominic MacNeil is a junior safety for the South Windsor Bobcat football team, sporting #22, as he has been for his entire football playing career. MacNeil has been making a name for himself during his junior season, using his experience and aggression to his advantage to make big plays for the Bobcat defense.
Dom has been playing football for 9 years, and started because his older brother inspired him to. He’s played the same position the majority of his life as well, due to him being one of the faster and smaller players on the field since he started. However, his lack of size has never stopped him from forcing turnovers.
MacNeil has 3 interceptions on the season, the first coming against Berlin and the other two during the recent Senior Day game versus East Hartford on November 9th. MacNeil forced two interceptions, and tipped another into the hands of teammate Ethan Burke to force a third turnover against the Hornets.
Dom has been recognized by his teammates as one of the most aggressive and hard hitting players on the team, despite his size, as senior captain Adam Saada would agree.
MacNeil has 42 tackles on the season, and does not shy away from contact, even if the ball carrier is larger than him. Along with that, he has 6 deflections, and 2 fumble recoveries. His stats show how well he has performed this season.
MacNeil earned the nickname “Ball Hawk” due to the chipped paint on his helmet, which is the result of his aggressive playstyle.
Teammate Ryan Laguardia has played beside MacNeil for 9 years now, and agrees with the “Ball Hawk” nickname.
“He has always been a hard hitter and tough kid. I’m glad I got to play with him for as long as I have,” Laguardia said.
MacNeil hopes to go out on a high note with the end nearing for the 2024 season, and he’s looking forward to adding more to his season statline for the Cats with Simsbury on November 15th and Enfield on November 22nd.
