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Branford's Nathan Chieffo poses for a photo after football practice at Branford High School, Branford on Thursday, August 25, 2022.

Branford's Nathan Chieffo poses for a photo after football practice at Branford High School, Branford on Thursday, August 25, 2022.

Branford running back Nate Chieffo looks for a block by Ryan Jones (58) during the Class M semifinals.

Branford's Nathan Chieffo poses for a photo after football practice at Branford High School, Branford on Thursday, August 25, 2022.

Branford's Nathan Chieffo poses for a photo after football practice at Branford High School, Branford on Thursday, August 25, 2022.

Nathan Chieffo of Branford shoots through the hole past Cameron Casey of Avon during the Class M quarterfinals Tuesday night.

Branford's Nathan Chieffo poses for a photo after football practice at Branford High School, Branford on Thursday, August 25, 2022.

BRANFORD — All it took was just a handful of seconds for Nate Chieffo to make an impact against Avon last season.

The opening kickoff came to Chieffo and he knew what to do: find the wedge and try to take it the distance. The junior did, Branford took the lead and set the tone.

“Once I caught it, I knew I had a chance because how it was kicked, on a line. I saw the wedge open up,” Chieffo said. “We had the whole game to play still, but that set the tone for us in a good way.”

Chieffo scored a touchdown in the final minute to seal the Hornets’ 21-7 road victory. Branford coach John Limone calls Chieffo a “spark plug” for very good reason.

“His speed is such an incredible advantage for us and that also translates into the return game for us,” Limone said.

The 5-foot-8, 155-pound Chieffo has earned his respect around the SCC. He rushed for 900 yards and six touchdowns on an average of 5.8 yards per rush. He finished with 1,306 all-purpose yards.

He’s also earned respect from one coach in particular from the ECC.

“Chieffo is a fast and elusive back, and while he may not be one of the biggest backs you see, he definitely delivers a punch,” Killingly coach Chad Neal said.

After Branford disposed of Avon for a second time 7-6 in the opening round of the Class M state playoffs on the road (guess who scored the only touchdown for the Hornets?), the squad had to make the trek north to the Rhode Island border to take on Killingly, the top seed.

Chieffo rushed for a game-high 124 yards — 86 more than Killingly did as a whole — and a touchdown on 19 carries against Killingly, almost leading the Hornets to the upset.

“We needed to corral him, and limit him in open space. He reminds me a lot of Christian McCaffrey, you are looking for him behind the line, and before you know it he’s gone,” Neal said.

Trailing 13-12, Branford was driving when Chieffo fumbled. Killingly recovered and ran out the final 5-plus minutes to advance to the Class M state championship game. Chieffo blamed himself for the loss.

“When I let the team down towards the end of the game, I knew we had a chance to win. It was hard,” Chieffo said. “It was the last time playing with those seniors. … They outplayed us. There was no consolation (in losing to the eventual state champs by a point).”

Not only does Chieffo start at running back, he also is a key contributor at cornerback and often times, he will draw the other team’s top receiver, Limone said.

How does Chieffo handle those assignments when he is normally giving away inches on the one-on-one matchup?

“It doesn’t matter how tall he is, you have to go out there and play. Size doesn’t matter,” Chieffo said.

Chieffo will man both of his positions this season in hopes of leading Branford back to the playoffs and another SCC Tier 3 championship (shared with Law last year).

Chieffo said last season doesn’t serve as motivation, even with a potential revenge matchup with Killingly on Oct. 21 in Branford.

What does this upcoming season mean to him? “Everything”.

Chieffo will serve as a co-captain this season, determined in a vote by his teammates. But Chieffo means so much more to the Hornets.

“Regardless of a title, Nate is a guy who has high expectations for himself and that is something that is contagious to other guys,” Limone said. “It wasn’t always easy for him. He’s worked incredibly hard. He puts in a lot of hours when he is not here. He has to work for every little shred he gets. … The biggest thing about him is there is no entitlement in that kid at all. He does what he is asked to do.”

joseph.morelli@hearstmediact.com; @nhrJoeMorelli