Ansonia football players Eric Kuracez and Dan DeGennaro, left and center, pump fists after they and Alex Thomas, right, pose for pictures in the media center at the school after signing college letters of intent Wednesday. (Phil Noel/Connecticut Post )
ANSONIA — Alex Thomas isn't one for wearing hats.

But don't be surprised if you see him sporting a Yale cap around Ansonia these days.

"I don't think anyone has seen me wear a hat before, so this is kind of weird," the senior joked to a gathering at the Ansonia High School Media Center Wednesday morning as he donned a Yale hat while signing a National Letter of Intent to play football for the Bulldogs next season. For once — at least in a while — the Connecticut Post MVP was feeling a little uncomfortable.

On the field, the tailback has been virtually unstoppable, compiling a state-record 8,270 yards and scoring a record 114 touchdowns on 812 carries during his three-year varsity career while leading the Chargers to back-to-back Class S titles and a 13-0 record each of the past two seasons.

"You can't ask for anything more in a career," Thomas said. "It's the life."

It sure has been for Thomas, whose 3,587 yards this season led the nation, according to MaxPreps.com.

The 5-foot-8, 177-pound Thomas, who ran for more than 200 yards in 10 of Ansonia's 13 games this season, rushed for a Connecticut-record 47 touchdowns on 340 carries and was named the 2007 Gatorade State Player of the Year.

"I want to thank my teammates for all of your support," Thomas said as he addressed an audience that was mostly comprised of his teammates. "The O-line for making me look good, the fullbacks. I don't know where I'd be without you guys. I just want to say

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that Ansonia has meant everything to me. I'll never forget it."

One player, in particular, who Thomas, 18, won't forget is senior Erik Kuraczea, who anchored the Chargers' massive offensive line.

The 6-1, 300-pound Kuraczea, a two-way lineman and Connecticut Post all-star, signed an NLI Wednesday to play at UConn, where he hopes to land a spot at either guard or center.

"I never played Pop Warner football. I was too heavy, so freshman year was the first time I played," said the 18-year-old Kuraczea. "When I started, people were telling me I could play at a school like UConn, so I just believed and weight lifted every day and we have good coaches who have brought me along."

The state's top-ranked team also had Dan Degennaro, 17, sign an NLI Wednesday to play at Southern Connecticut State, where he expects to start at middle linebacker next season.

"It's unusual to have three players sign like this," said Ansonia second-year coach Tom Brockett, whose team capped its second straight undefeated season in the fall by beating New London for the school's 16th state championship. "Obviously, people know we have a lot of good football players, but these are truly great kids.

"The one thing about signing day is that it's your last official day with them, but it's what you prepare for and we're thrilled for them."