After getting absolutely buried by Cheshire 42-7 the week before, Fairfield Prep was in need of a pick-me-up Saturday.
Fairfield Prep’s Paul Finlay did most of the picking, leading the defense with a pair of interceptions and recovering a fumble during a kickoff in a 33-0 Prep victory at Alumni Stadium.
One of his picks stopped a potential Notre Dame drive, the other set up Connor Kelly‘s 32-yard touchdown run. The fumble recovery set up the second of Ryan Nolan‘s short touchdown runs which gave Prep a 14-0 halftime lead.
Notre Dame, which fell to 4-2, had its chances to score early. James Mack busted loose on this 74-yard run that put the Green Knights on the Fairfield Prep 10 with just minutes remaining in the first quarter. (Ryan Nolan on the tackle by the way):
But, two plays later Finlay corralled this lob pass by Notre Dame’s Conor Keniry for a touchback that halted the drive. ND never came close again:
Nolan, meanwhile, ran for 158 yards and scored four touchdowns. Here’s his third one, a 4-yard run that gave Prep a commanding 26-0 lead with 1:25 remaining in the third quarter:
Nolan also threw a 13-yard option pass to Sam Rooney to set up his Fairfield Prep’s first touchdown of the game, a 1-yard run that gave Prep a 6-0 lead with 7:21 remaining in the second quarter:
THANK GOD PREP BEAT NOTRE DAME—ONE MORE ND WIN AND FANS WOULD HAVE THE COMICAL ENTRY OF ND IN THE TOP TEN.
this kid nolan better gets some allstate looks! he does everything for them
Hey Ray Brown, What’s with you and your dislike for all Notre Dame schools? Did you take the entrance exam and not get in. You are like one of those stupid bloggers that looks to get everybody pissed off. Were onto you now, grow up and post like an adult. By the way, this ND West Haven team is the best one yet. Remember the old saying, if you have nothing good to say, then keep your mouth shut!
Hey sports fan, I feel the way you do about Ray Brown, but I’m wondering what you mean by “best one yet”? Better than 2007 ND-Fairfield? I’m with you there.
Better than undefeated state champion ND-WH teams of the past? Teams that featured Tarek Saleh? Nick Pietrosante? I don’t think so…they beat Prep, for one thing. Don’t give them more ammo.
dear nd fan—if this is the best nd team yet-that program is in serious trouble. for a school with that kind of enrollment beating up east haven every year is nothing to talk about
ND ALUMN—-PIETROSANTE WAS THE BESTI.E.HE WAS A ANSONIA RESIDENT——–BUT DIDNT THAT GREAT TEAM WITH TAREK SALEH GET BLOWN OUT BY CHESHIRE IN STATE PLAYOFF?
But they won it the year before WHEN ANSONIA GOT BLOWN OUT BY NEW LONDON. Save your shouting for Ansonia’s upcoming tilt with Torrington, in a league where East Haven would be .500+ every year.
woa woa woa people can we keep the conversation on Prep? Yes they did suffer an embarrasing loss at cheshire, but also dominated NDWH in every way of the game Saturday. Nolan should get all state. Im not saying hes Alex Thomas, but hes definetly just as good of a back as Stratford’s McCoy and Mack. The only difference is instead of playing at best “fair” SWC teams every week, he grinds it out in by far the toughest conference in the state. All you voters out there (Sean included) should vote for nolan.
Ray, it was asked in another post as well, but what team do you root for?
I think I may be afraid to find out.
As for the ND alum, I know Ray got you fired up, but what an easy way out that argument is.
The SCC is so strong, and the NVL is so weak blah blah blah – it is meaningless.
A league is only as strong as its strongest teams, not its weakest ones.
You want to argue that ND (mid level SCC)is better than Watertown (mid level SCC), thats fine, waste your time.
But when it comes down to it, the two best teams in the NVL are just as good as the two best teams in the SCC every year.
when nd wins 13 state championships we can continue this-but for ha has what ia east havens record vs. nvl teams?look it up and do ur homework.
It is now 15 for the Chargers actually.
And Ray, this argument probably won’t even work on people who don’t care to believe it.
They just rationalize it to death.
First they will say, well they play in the NVL so of course they make the playoffs every year. (Though Seymour, Woodlands, and Naugy do not and they play in the NVL too.)
Then they will say, well they are in Class S so its easier (although from 1987 through the present, Class S has contained excellent teams with the exception of 2000 and 2001).
People will always look for ways to explain why Ansonia is good every year and other teams are only good for relatively short stretches at a time, then fall back into mediocrity.
If thinking this way makes people feel better about their teams, let it be.
If teams want to rationalize going 6-4 by believing their schedule is hard, then you will not be able to change their mind.
Brendan, I’m going to have to disagree with you regarding Mack and McCoy and their “fair” competition. I have never seen Nolan play in person so I will not minimize his achievements. However, I have seen every Mack and McCoy varsity game. If you give those boys o-lines the caliber of FCIAC, NVL, and CCC schools (generally speaking), they’d be just as domininant–if not more–in those leagues. Don’t be fooled–and anyone that has seen these kids could tell you–Mack and McCoy are physical backs that have been blessed with the speed, quickness, and agility to not have to play a physical brand every time they touch the ball. I was once hesitant to say that, but I had the privilege a couple weeks ago to speak with Mike Quick at one of Stratford’s games–I’m sure you know who he is (covers HS sports for the tri-state area)–and he told me, without hesitation, that Mack and especially McCoy, would be top-tier RBs in New Jersey if you gave them NJ-caliber lines (leaps and bounds ahead of CT and NY football). Again, I’m not discrediting Nolan’s achievements, but I think you’re underestimating the skills the M&M boys harness.
dear ray,
the nvl suck’s but have you seen east haven?
that is the worst coached team of all time.
IVE SEEN THE KID NOLAN PLAY-IVE SEEN EVERYONE OF ALEX THOMAS GAMES AND I SAW THE BACKS FROM STRATFORD ONCE AND MOST OF THE TIME THEY WERE CHASING THE HOLY CROSS BACK FROM BEHIND IN LAST YEARS SS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. THAT BEING SAID THERE IS ONE DIVIDING FACTOR BETWEEN NOLAN AND THOSE BACKS———-SPEED. COLLEGE RECRUITERS RECRUIT SPEED-NOLANS A GOOD GRINDING BACK BUT SPEED KILLS.
ray i know you said that Nolan has no speed but thats were your wrong ive seen everyone of his games and not once has he been caught from behind and last year in the class ss state champinship the back from holy vross was not caught from behind once from Mack or McCoy and this week they were stopped by the pomperaug who lost to a masuk team that nolan would rush for 200 yards against so ray nolan is just as good as those 2 startford backs
to the nd alum——i dont know too much about the playoff scoring system,but i dont think you can get in with three losses.
Hey guys I would like to put you all in the same bubble Alex Thomas can run and Nolan can run its easy to get yards when its a easy game every other week but I have 2 names Geoff Schultz and Andre Henderson they are just remarkable to watch they have battles although Andre is hurt you can’t see this kid coming and Geoff he is AllState hands down and lets hope Andre gets in there his Senior year just remarable athletes .Sheltons offensive line is the best where are you Patick Bowley talk about the offensive guards that come out of Shelton.
james young – I love how you guys trumpet hypotheticals and don’t state a word of substance. Masuk does not play Prep. – end of that story. Maybe if Prep. makes the play-offs you can make a bold statement that Nolan can run for 200 yards against Southington or Greenwich. Now if you’d make a statement like that, I’d respect your comments – because that would be a statement that you’d be accountable for. If you were right, I’d be the first to say “Nice call”. As for Mack and McCoy – you are barking up the wrong tree – both are D1 quality and the Virginia offer for Mack is proof. If you have information about D1 football offers for Nolan – please inform us. I think Nolan is a very good player, but don’t use Masuk and the Stratford backs as your doormat.
People please, i didnt mean to start a nolan vs. the stratford backs argument. all i mean to say is that although he is not alex thomas, he belongs in that group of CT backs who are exceptional, but arent going to run for an obscene 518 yards (all the more credit to Thomas who I hear will be playing at Yale… go ivy league football)
Although the Stratford backs are differnt style runners, i think reporters and fans overlook pounding physical backs like Nolan (and the Pomperaug backs who dominated last weeks thriller) who establish a CONSISTANT, and PHYSICAL run threat which any coach will say is key to a victory.
and if were still talking about Nolan’s speed then watch the first video above as he chases down James Mack’s 74 yard run from the opposite side of the field.
Would love to see Nolan rush for a duece against Masuk, Bunnell, or Pomperaug. James Young needs to get out more.
berto masuk, bunnell and pomperaug dont have nearly as good of a defense as shelton has and he ran for 199 when the entire team was gunning for him after his statements in the paper proir to that week. So i think i get out just enough
Yes James and he ran for 158 against NDWH so does that make their defense better than Shelton’s? Good luck to Prep in states they just might go all the way.
hey antto——did anyone call sheltons guards for the hand game?
Ralph, Nolans getting looks and a possible offer from Florida Atlantic University, a D1 program who is on the rise. and because he is more than just a fast athletic tailback, he could possible play safety and even linebacker in college.
and like James said…..if he can run on a defense like shelton’s then he could run all the SWC
Ray,
Hand is better than any team on Ansonia’s schedule. Shelton has played a competive team every week except for Branford. They had an off night against Hand. It is too bad that Ansonia is scheduling Sacred Heart in the 11th game next year instead of Hand. We would all love to see Ansonia actually play a competive game. New London is waiting however.
Brendan, I’m glad to see he is getting D1 looks and a possible offer. He’s a great player and has proved himself – I’m not disputing that. Mack has the offer in hand and was more widely pursued than most players in Connecticut. There’s a reason for that. McCoy is D1 quality (probably D-back) and I’m sure is being pursued. He is a tenacious player, has great speed, hits like a ton of bricks and puts himself at risk on every play. Enough said on the player comparisons. The main problem that I had, though, was with the other guy discounting Masuk’s defense and making them seem ordinary. They can man-up with any run game in the state – although, I’ll admit – Ansonia would be a helluva challenge for them (or anyone).
Nolan is honestly the best back that i have ever seen play football
Nolan is hands down the best running back in CT. Alex Thomas play bad teams, and he is only their for his stats. The kid needs to step his game up.
Nolan is actually amazing…best running back ive seen to date
That kid Nolan is an all state team player. He shakes,disgraces, and trucks kids. This kid has all-state written all over him. Alex Thomas clearly only plays for stats. I think he should play some fairly decent teams before I even recognize him.
What you know ’bout all state baby? YA KID!
Alex Thomas only plays for stats?
He had 5 carries in his last game before he was taken out.
5 carries in the entire game
It’s funny, the sole purpose for me posting a comment was to say how I think Nolan is the most underated back in the area. I can’t speak about ALL backs in Ct. but I have seen Thomas, Mack, Mckoy and Schultz. Nolan takes a back seat to none of them. As for the “speed” kills” comment made: that person has obviously not seen Nolan play. He has great speed. And not for nothing, he is also an All State defensive player who could play at the next level on either side of the ball.
Nolan is not the best RB in ct not even close..thomas is hands down the best RB in CT if u people stop routing for ur hometown but instead actually watch film on thomas and Nolan u will notice Nolan is good but Thomas is way better..although Ansonia plays a TERRIBLE schedule and is in class s….i think the two RBs from stratford are better then Nolan as well..Nolans a senoir and FP has an great defense but they have TWO losses so how great is Nolan really? yes he got hurt but shud he have sat out or sucked it up?sorry prep fans ur season is over but yet u will still continue to talk trash and say your the best team in the state.
also i have to mention ANSONIA i really respect your program..but start scheduling atleast one or two hard games..what are you scared of? u say ur great then prove it..for now i dont think anyteam with the schedule Ansonia has shud be the # 1 team in the state..start earning ur state championships!
To scc: if you REALLY watched Nolan on film, you wouldn’t, couldn’t make that statement. If you did see Nolan on film and still made those statements then you must be new to: a) watching film b)new to football. You just can’t make that statement “way better” if you have seen 5 minutes of football. Again no knock against the other backs, they are all very good, but Nolan is no doubt in the same class and rarely gets any recognition for his PLAY, his quotes yes, his play no.
You can say Thomas, Mack and McKoy are better than Nolan. Maybe even Shultz and Henderson are there with him but do not say that Fairfield Prep’s season is over. Currently 7th in the LL and moving up every week. Yeah they lost to Cheshire, it was a fluke. They lost a hard fought game against Shelton too. Doesn’t matter though because at 8-2 they still can get in. Some of the teams ahead of them will lose. If Prep doesn’t get in then they will atleast be at number 5 in the LL.
Ansonia plays in the NVL. They are not allowed to play out of league games. They are not scared to do so. They are not “looking to schedule Sacred Heart” next year. It is a fact that they may be forced to play them because the league says so.
And despite what has been thrown around blogs recently, Ansonia did not vote against playing out of league ganmes. This is a rumor that is simply not true. The vote has not even happened yet, and when it does, Ansonia will vote to play out of league.
Also, Ansonia plays Seymour very soon. They are ranked 8th in the state.
Doesn’t this count as a hard game, or only teams from FL now count as hard games?
Alex Thomas plays in a divsion that fairfield preps jv team could go 500. Nolan plays in the hardest confrence in the state and has rushed for well opver a hundred in every game this year and has carried his team on his back for every one of them.
apparently the entire state thinks nolan is the second best back in the state………check the pole sean set up
I have been around Ct for a long time i have seen many backs come and go. i saw this nolan kid when he went crazy against ND-WH and i though that we was the best back i have ever seen go through here. He has great size, speed, and athleticism. Sure Thomas is good but Nolan is way better and he should deffinatly get D1 looks like the great backs before him.
Unfortunately SCC you cant pick what division the CIAC puts you in since its based on the size of the school. They are in class S because there are only a few hundred boys in the entire high school to choose from. the NVL does not allow our of league scheduling, its not Ansonia’s choice.
If Nolan had the offensive line that Thomas has he would be going to a top 25 D1 football school in the country.
Why can’t Ansonia leave the NVL and go play in a league with some competition, they could switch places with derby.
The NVL is weak, if Preps RB Ryan Nolan played in the NVL he would put up similar stats to Thomas. The SCC is far and away the toughest confrence and Nolan shreds every single game.
People the Poll doesn’t lie the state cleary thinks Nolan is the second best back in the state.
SCC and Prep fans… How did your best league in the state fare in the states last season ? Prep couldn’t get in, Staples took out West Haven (#1 most of the season) then lost to Bunnell from the so-called lowly SWC. When did Prep fall so far as to say that 8-2 is a fantastic season ? Stop knocking Ansonia and Thomas, ask Shelton who’s the better back. I’ve seen them both and Thomas is faster and stronger than Nolan, not just because Ansonis’s line is better, which they are. This is not to disparage Nolan in any way, there’s no shame in being the 4th or 5th best bach in the area.
Prep did get in we played GHS in the semis, the eventual state champions, You also forget that also shelton made the semis and hlllhouse won states, so all in all thats not a bad year.
I don’t try to take anything away from the SCC, it’s got some quality programs in it. I just don’t think it’s hands down the best league in the state year in year out, like it’s members say. The SWC had Bunnell win class L, Startford lose in the SS finals and Masuk in the L semis. (also lost to Bunnell). The NVL had Ansonia and Holy Cross win states while the FCIAC had Greenwich(LL)and New Canaan(MM) win states and Staples lose in the finals. All of these leagues are as good as the SCC and some years better.
Send Alex Thomas and Ansonia into SCC. See how many yards Thomas gets and if Ansonia is still #1 in the state
Wes T,
If Ansonia was in the SCC, they would be easily undefeated and the undisputed #1 in the state.
Who would even touch them in the SCC this year?
Shelton or Hand, are you kidding me?
Please do not even mention the likes of West Haven, Chesire, Prep, Amity, etc.
The SCC is filled with teams that have “big names” and have very proud traditions. That has nothing to do with performance on the field this year. Those are mediocre teams playing in historic uniforms.
That is the main reason people value the SCC so highly every year, they are relying on past glories and not today’s results and today’s talent.
That seems to be the main differnece between the NVL and the SCC. People recognize that Rico Brogna is long gone from Watertown and they will never win another state title. But somehow, people keep acting as if the McIntosh brothers are still playing for Chesire. It doesn’t make sense.
hey all of you haters listen up. nolan is clearly the second best back in the state. give him the title ladies and gentleman. come watch him tear up the field before u start talking junk
Wes, Ansonia and Thomas play West Haven and Shelton in the pre-season every year. Thomas has his way with them as he does vs. every team he’s ever faced. People want to discount scrimmages unless it helps prove their point. Thomas would be the best back in the state regardless of the league he played in, though Ansonia would be better tested and would probably be 9-1 or 8-2 every year as opposed to 10-0. You can’t knock them for their league, they play who’s on their schedule and typically blow them out. Don’t forget their tiny enrollment.
Alex Thomas and Ansonia would be (at worst) 9-1 this year in the SCC or in any league for that matter(in my so humble and surely, soon to be criticized, opinion). I’d put my money on them going 10-0, though. Alex Thomas would still put up serious numbers. He’s getting yanked in the 1st half of most games and if kept in the game, because an opponent can score, may do even more damage. I hope both Prep. and Shelton make it to the State play-offs, so that we can see how they might fare against statewide competition. Last year they didn’t fare so well, but maybe this year will be different. I think Shelton has a real shot – if they are healthy.
54 comments later and methinks there’s still no resolution. Sometimes, fellas, you just have to agree to disagree.
Nolan is all-state baby. Prep has had 4 pre-season starting lineman injure their knees and went down for the year. With the original lineman and the crappy competition of Ansonia Nolan would run for 2,500+ yards and atleast fiddy touchdowns.Give Nolan the rock 40+ carries a games and they the roll over any team in the state.
Geraldine you are absolutly right.
when the clock is running down…all im thinkin is tick tock give nolan the rock…all he knows how to do is score touchdowns