New York-Connecticut high school football…
A kerfuffle over high school football recruits made its method onto social media when the pinnacle coach of a notable program in New Rochelle accused another coach of attempting to recruit gamers proper off his staff — and he got here with receipts.
Iona Prep head coach Joe Spagnolo called out Brunswick School (Greenwich, Conn.) assistant coach Jacob Hallenbeck for attempting to poach gamers from his staff, sharing screenshots of messages that the Brunswick coach allegedly despatched to a number of gamers.
@CoachHallenbeck stop recruiting @ionafootball,” Spagnolo wrote on X. “We have a better program and would beat you by multiple TDs. Stay in your lane and find kids that need the opportunity. Not kids that already have offers/are being recruited. Does @BrunswickBruins & @coach_wayne55 approve of this?”
Head coach Joe Spagnolo on the first day of football apply at Iona Prep on Aug. 18, 2025. Peter Carr/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The connected screenshots allegedly confirmed messages that Hallenbeck despatched to unnamed Iona Prep gamers with the overall tone of attempting to promote them on this system at Brunswick.
In one message to a particular person named Austin, the message thanks the particular person for following him before getting into his pitch.
“Our Head Coach likes your film and we’d love to get you to one of our games at Brunswick,” the message read. “Would love for you to see a presentation about our school, our program, try our athletic services and see us compete. We have 2 more home video games left this season. 10/25 @ 3:00PM or 11/1 @ 5:00PM Brunswick is a very profitable program, that has had major success inserting gamers and the very best ranges of football. It is also a phenomenal alternative to compete against the best competitors in the North East!“
Iona Prep’s Ajani Sheppard and Coach Joe Spagnolo pose with the MVP offensive participant award after they beat Monsignor Farrell, 49-15 during the CHSFL AAA Championship football recreation at Mitchel Filed in Uniondale, N.Y. on Nov. 20, 2021. Mark Vergari/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK
In response to the message, the particular person wrote back: “My head coach said stop recruiting from programs that would beat you.”
The particular person, alleged to be Hallenbeck, wrote back that he was “attempting to help children with the chance to play against the best competitors around! The school placement speaks for itself. Best of luck with the remaining of your season and your football profession!“
As of Thursday, Spagnolo had not commented additional on the subject on social media, and Hallenbeck has not responded to the accusations.
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