Central's #51 Ernest Wiggins, left, picks up a fumbled New Canaan snap, and gets it close to the endzone, during game action in Bridgeport, CT on Friday Nov. 20, 2009.
We’re taught in journalism school that the shorter, succinct lead typically is the best way to emphasize your story’s point.
Try this one on for size:
Central 42, New Canaan 7
Foof.
This was not your typical upset of a No. 1-ranked team.
This was a bludgeoning… a brutal, big city beat0down the likes of which haven’t been seen by an urban school this side of New Haven in a good while.
This just doesn’t happen in the FCIAC, doubly so against one of the big three (New Canaan, Greenwich, Staples). Yeah, Central’s done this before. In the 2004 state playoff season, the upstart Hilltoppers walloped New Canaan 24-0 at Dunning Stadium to signal their arrival into the league’s upper echelon.
I was at that game. This made that one look as pedestrian and insignificant as any one of Central’s victories before and since.
This time, the Hilltoppers met the top-ranked, defending FCIAC and three-time defending Class MMÂ state champion New Canaan and just basted, seasoned and stuffed the Rams and their once-vaunted 24-game win streak.
Jeez. And we’re still a good two weeks from Thanksgiving.
Week 6’s 14-13 victory over Greenwich was big. No doubt.
But this?
“This was bigger than Greenwich,” said quarterback Christon Gill, Central’s best player who did a lot of cheering from the backfield as his boys, Shabashe McIntosh, Dominick Luckey and Lucas DeSouza ran around, over and through New Canaan for what must have been close to 400 yards on the ground. Central converted two huge fourth downs on its first scoring drive.
We had ignition and liftoff.
Central offense tries to make a path for #27 Lucas Desouza, during game action against New Canaan in Bridgeport, CT on Friday Nov. 20, 2009.
And the defense, don’t get us started. All week, Central watched quarterback Turner Baty and the Rams fly unfettered up and down the field against the likes of St. Joseph and Greenwich. Yeah, we thought, Central might be able to score against New Canaan’s D — which showed some signs that it was susceptible to a ground game. But what about stopping Baty, Cody Newton, Kevin Macari and, sheesh, just about everyone else?
Earnest Wiggans, Christian Bish, Damien Francis, Axel Lee, David Rhodes, Gill, DeSouza…heck, everyone in a red-and-black uniform for that matter, just pinned their ears back and let ‘er rip with hit after brain-rattling hit.
Whenever Baty (who was just off all night after throwing for over 300 yards in each of his last three starts) delivered a ball in the vicinity of his receivers, a Central back was there to deliver a bone-crushing hit. Baty didn’t crack 100 yards passing. He threw a pick and lost one big fumble. They laid into Tim Robustelli on New Canaan’s first series. He never returned. Perhaps the others started hearing footsteps, too.
For the first time in forever, it seems, New Canaan looked bad. In fact, there was talk among media present that if, somehow, if the Rams managed to edge Central for the second FCIAC championship game berth — and, for a good hour after afterward, it looked very likely until Stamford rallied to beat Trinity Catholic and Greenwich held off St. Joseph — New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli should forfeit his team’s spot to the Hilltoppers, anyway.
“They were the most athletic team we’ve faced all year,” New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli said.
This wasn’t New Canaan. Was it the weather? Maybe. Was it the inevitable emotional letdown after such a huge win against New Canaan the week before? Perhaps. Or was it that the program on the other side of the field has finally arrived?
“We expect you do do this,” Central coach Dave Cadelina told his troops three weeks ago after their thrilling 14-13 victory over Greenwich, a win that touched off a wild celebration and drew tears from boys and men alike.
Aside of giving their coach a victory ride to the center of Kennedy Stadium for the post-game handshakes, this time there were no crazy celebrations with students and fans all across the turf. There certainly weren’t any tears flowing, either.
They expect it now.
Said one FCIAC coach just the day before, “That Greenwich win gave them confidence. You give a city school confidence, they believe they can do anything.”
I’d say.
Beating Greenwich.
Crushing New Canaan.
What’s next?
Staples?
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Is the Central bandwagon full yet? I hope they pull of the trifecta and take down Staples. This is not ridgefield. When is the last time a team beat Greenwich, NC, and Staples in the same year? It would be a shame if this Central team does not make the state playoffs.
Comment by swc fan — November 14th, 2009 @ 8:01 am
It was the refs, it was the weather….no wait I am not GHS Fan….Congrats Central….great win, you were the better team…very impressive…Good luck VS Staples….
Comment by MR.WILSON — November 14th, 2009 @ 8:13 am
Congrats to Central they completely dominated bothsides of the ball against a very good NC team.
Last night it was men aginst boys. The Central players laid a hurtin on the Rams. The line for NC was getting pushed back 5 or 6 yds every play and the d-backs could not tackle the Central backs.
The game proved two things to me:
1. Central is a lot better then people around the state think. A well coached team.
2. The coaching staff at New Canaan has done wonders with this team to have them ranked #1 all year.
Comment by jjs — November 14th, 2009 @ 10:17 am
wow NC got its butts kicked…Central is the real deal…NC could not catch them…too fast. Congradulations Central i hope you guys win the whole thing…NC its time to pick yourselves up you still have the NC Invitational and Turkery Bowl to Win 11-1 isnt bad
Comment by prophet — November 14th, 2009 @ 10:23 am
One word, humbled.
Comment by tj — November 14th, 2009 @ 11:07 am
Wow.
Comment by FlyingDutchmen — November 14th, 2009 @ 11:21 am
I wrote last week that defense wins championships and that New Canaan lacked a solid defense that one expects a top ranked team to have. Furthermore, they have no running game so if the elements are not right, they are severely disadvantaged. Football more than anything is a team sport where a breakdown in any one area can kill you.
Central has stars, momentum, and the confidence that goes with it. They are truly a force to be reckoned with. Staples has no stars, the kids are just average size, but they do have speed and they are incredibly well coached to read and react, not to mention because there are no egos they all believe in each other. Staples also has the feel of a Bill Belichick team where his gameplan is known to elevate his players to star status while reducing the other team’s superstars to mere mortals. Everyone seems to underestimate them until they walk off the field on the losing side of the score.
Comment by Jeff — November 14th, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
Sean…Thanks, and great job on “The Movie”…I enjoyed it…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 14th, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
Nice video there.
Looks like New Canaan took a BEATING, literally. Those kids didn’t want to get up after being hit. Wow.
Comment by Remmy — November 14th, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
Sean, shame on you for not reporting on the white elephant in the corner of the room. If all the LL schools win out, which is a good possibilty; it will spell no playoffs for Central, now that would be a shame! When was the last time a team won the FCIAC tournament and did not make it to the playoffs?!?
Comment by John d — November 14th, 2009 @ 3:23 pm
I think there will be quite a few honorary Hilltoppers fans in NC for the remainder of the season. I couldn’t help but be impressed by Central’s strength, power and discipline. A fair and square whupping. I’d love to see them knock off Staples and secure an LL title.
Comment by John — November 14th, 2009 @ 4:34 pm
I have to disagree, Jeff, that Central has “stars” and Staples doesn’t. Staples has a TON of kids getting looked at by really good colleges for football. That said, I understand your point as Central is extremely athletic. The problem is I don’t think they can run on Staples. No discredit to the Central running game as they clearly DOMINATED New Canaan’s D with their running game. But I don’t think any high school team in CT can run on Staples’ D its big, nasty, and its not New Canaan’s. Should be a fun game.
Comment by Tim — November 14th, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
John, jeez. I’m only one person. Besides, we still have a long way to go; as Hamden clearly showed.
But yes, Central’s situation is they have to win out and hope.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — November 14th, 2009 @ 4:53 pm
the staples central game will come down to speed where central has edge——-at least poor coaching wont affect game———-two very good coaches there
Comment by ray brown — November 14th, 2009 @ 5:09 pm
Tim, my definition of “star” would be a kid with a reasonable shot at being recruited by a D1 school. The field goal kicker is probably the closest to that given he’s one away from the state record and has hit the crossbar from 52 yards away. On a CT state level, absolutely, the entire team at Staples is a collection of athletes as good or better than any other. What I’m saying is that most people look for the stars first when sizing up a team. That would be a huge mistake with Staples as their coaching staff and the system in place is so strong that they elevate their entire team to the point the team itself is the star. That’s why you do *not* go in there thinking “We just need to stop so-and-so”, thus thinking you have a decent chance to win– and then you walk out of there lucky to have gotten just two first downs in a row. Not only is Staples a team that is hard to prepare for, they are a team that works hard at preparing for you. And that’s why they win.
Comment by Jeff — November 14th, 2009 @ 5:30 pm
I have to agree with John D…If Central wins out & doesn’t make the state playoffs, then not only would it be a shame, but something is wrong with the system…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 14th, 2009 @ 5:41 pm
Prophet – really glad to hear from you. I was worried someone had forgotten to take away the shoe laces and sharp objects.
Do you have a prediction for the finals?
Comment by PatPatriot — November 14th, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
Staples should keep their eye on the PRIZE and the prize is not the FCIAC champ[onship game. Though it’s nice to win your league the state championship is the ultimate and Staples could miss out if they lose to Greenwich. With Hamden getting beat today Cheshire and Xavier can qualify by winning out but both teams have tough games remaining. Cheshire must beat West haven and Southington and Xavier must beat West Haven. If that happens and Staples loses to Greenwich on Thanksgiving day then Central moves into the fourth and final spot leaving Staples OUT.
Comment by jjs — November 14th, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
being honest staples did what they were suppose to with that schedule GO UNDEFEATED!! & just keep this in mind nobody feels that they’re better than anyone on central’s team believe me im a former player of that program..we thrive on proving to everyone we’re just as good or better than these so called powerhouses by all means greenwich was the thorn in our sides since my freshman yr when we lost to them in the FCIAC championship..now staples..beat us in a rebuilding yr soph. yr..questionable calls..17-14..my junior yr & they would have gotten killed my senior yr(8-1)!!! but thats all past stats i go by what i see on the field this yr & staples hasn’t had a challenge at all this yr so i wanna see how they respond to a team that can not only go blow for blow with them central can dominate them!! we as an inner city school always feel disrespected coach cadelina has made this a program for us to believe in & i feel this is the yr we shock the state of ct!
Comment by KyleK — November 14th, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
We talked about New Canaan “doing the right thing” and ceding their FCIAC title chance to Central if the games didn’t break Central’s way, which they almost did not. Given that almost all playoff systems use head-head as the first tie-break, and given even if NC had played an extra FCIAC game and won it that still would not have helped them in the standings, I argue it should have been the mandatory thing to do. I think all Central fans out there agree. By that logic, if Staples beats Central in the FCIAC game then loses to Greenwich, and thus Central finds itself outpointing Staples for the fourth and last LL playoff spot, don’t you agree Central would then be obligated, by the exact same logic, to cede their spot to Staples?
Comment by Jeff — November 14th, 2009 @ 10:56 pm
I’m with you Kylek, and I’m a GHS alum from way back in the day…You should of heard the cheers from the Cardinal fans last night when they announced the Central-New Canaan final score…It might of been the biggest cheer of the night, and St.Joe’s played Greenwich pretty tough…You have our respect, and love to go all the way…Trust me, Greenwich fans & the players themselves dislike Darien, Staples, and New Canaan teams many times more than any inner city team like Central…We’re rooting for you…Lord knows the City of Bridgeport could use the uplift each Central victory, from here on out, would bring…You need to get the fans out, though…I’ll be there next Friday…I live within easy distance now that they changed the venue to Trumbull…I’m ready to call Mikki at WPKN to ask her to mention the game to get the people of Bridgeport in the seats next Friday night…LOL
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 14th, 2009 @ 11:46 pm
Is this the game where gellman gets truely tested?Has staples faced an opponent with this much team speed yet?confidence? Central is flying high right now with no ceilings-this,is why they play the game.Its all about peeking at the rite time(masuk last year for example),and hopefully centrals one hiccup wont keep them out of the playoffs.The staples game is for bragging rights and for polls that mean nothing till the end of the season-say wasnt their an arguement last year which crown was better,the league title or state title right?
Comment by theruler — November 14th, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
Sean, I’m just paying devils advocate, we love you over here! Keep up the good work!
Comment by John d — November 15th, 2009 @ 5:15 am
Well Hamden lost, now let’s see what Cheshire does?
Comment by John d — November 15th, 2009 @ 8:33 am
Staples v. Bridgeport central is going to be a great game! The two best teams in the conference. Can’t wait!
Comment by John d — November 15th, 2009 @ 8:35 am
scc fans ——-running out of teams?
Comment by ray brown — November 15th, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
Jeff I disagree with your logic about ‘DOING THE RIGHT THING” Staples going to the State tourney if Central gets beat and then Staples loses to Greenwich. Thus enabling Central to advance.
The FCIAC, SWC And NVL league titles are basically an exhibition, almost like a scrimmage, except you get to call yourself league champs. The states are a different animal. these games don’t even count for states. Do you want to win your league? Of Course.
The reason these league championship games are played is because of one reason. MONEY
Let’s call it as it is. Staples would much rather play Central because Staples can stop the run and as of yet has not faced a good passing team . Greenwich WILL beat STaples because they have the linemen to stop the run and the athletes to pound the ball.
Staples fans please ask yourself this question: Would you rather win the State Championship and be called state champs or win the Fciac and be called league champs?
Do you think a great program like Ansonia sets their sights ?on winning the NVL or the states
Comment by jjs — November 15th, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
The States are everything. Last year New Canaan beat Darien to win the FCIAC and a week later beat Darien to win the State Championship.
100 years from now what game do you think is more important?
This year Masuk is playing Pomperaug in the SWC league championship game. A week later they might meet for the State Championship. If you had to win one game which one would it be.?
CASE CLOSED
Comment by frankiefiveangels — November 15th, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
NVL fans your league in wayyyyyyyyyyyy down.
Comment by mon78 — November 15th, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
If the game Friday night doesnt mean anything,why will 5000 people attend? Remember Clyde called this matchup 3 weeks ago,and you heard it hear first they wil meet again in the LL playoffs,Clyde will advise on predictions later in the week,enjoy the hype!
Comment by Clyde — November 15th, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
Like I said before, New Cannan was the worst number 1 team this state has ever seen. Who votes for #1 those kids looked terrified out there. Come on if your #1 at least dont play scared, that’s why if these teams ever went down to the valley where toughness matters when you play they would get smacked around, you cant played scared boysss, stop pamoering your children FCIAC
Comment by NewHavenCounty — November 15th, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
ray brown,the stuffed animals are starting to appear on route 34 again…
Comment by theruler — November 15th, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
I agree with your points JJS. If you are a good team, then one of your goals is to win your league title obviously. But the state championships are more important. They are the ultimate goal.
That is what we (and I would say most people) believe. But this argument has been brought up the last few years and there are FCIAC fans who come on here and say the FCIAC title is more important.
Comment by Rob — November 15th, 2009 @ 4:15 pm
Greenwich doesn’t like Westport (ok, Staples), and I think they’ll beat them, especially if it means Central could get in the States…I could be wrong, of course, and they could always lose an away Turkey day game, but I know Greenwich would rather see Central in there, than Staples…I agree with someone else’s post…The Central-Staples game outcome will give an indication if Greenwich can beat Staples, but in High School football anything can happen on any given day…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 15th, 2009 @ 8:30 pm
ghs granpa -great post ,thats called covering your backside,lol!
Comment by Clyde — November 15th, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
JJS, re “the league championship games are played for MONEY”– spoken like an adult. Tell that to the kids who play strictly for the pride of winning. By your logic, the coaches should rest their best players so as not to risk injury for the states. Forget it. If one had a crystal ball that said if you lose the conference championship you will win the states, then, yes, perhaps a coach or two might be tempted to treat the game lightly. Find me a real crystal ball and we’ll talk more about this.
My point was simple. Those offended by the possibility of Central trouncing New Canaan and still not qualifying for the FCIAC title game because of points, thus demanding they cede their spot, would be hypocritical if they didn’t think Central should do the same for Staples if Staples beat them and they are both tied record-wise in the states. Same would hold true for Staples ceding their spot to Central if they lost their last two games and Central won out. I’m not playing favorites here. Or you can just say the point system is the fairest possible solution and the entire discussion becomes moot.
Comment by Jeff — November 16th, 2009 @ 12:15 am
If you ask any kid from Darien/New Canaan what will be remmbered more in 30 yrs, they’ll all agree on league championship – it was played in front of the largest crowd those kids will ever see and the hype was crazy
If you attended both games, you’d know that
I love that people argue this league over state thing – the state championship is a JOKE – if you are in a joke league, then yes, states mean something
To folks in the FCIAC, the county still counts
Having played on a team that won both in the same year, i’ll take my win in Boyle over the state championship any day of the week
Comment by fan — November 16th, 2009 @ 8:04 am
Jeff–I know the league championships are important to the players and the fans and I will be at the Fciac Game. It’s just not as important as the states.
Comment by jjs — November 16th, 2009 @ 8:37 am
This is going to be a “major event” Friday night,what a match-up, expect overflow crowd at McDougall in Trumbull,the best part is New Canaan and Greenwich have to buy tickets to see the “SHOW”!
Clyde the Glide
Comment by Clyde — November 16th, 2009 @ 8:44 am
What team in the valley could beat New Canaan? I can’t think of any.
Comment by MasukRules — November 16th, 2009 @ 8:58 am
Clyde…Yeah, you learn to do that (hedge your bets) as you get older…LOL…But, I’ll go out on a limb now and say that Central beats Staples at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and wins by at least 2 Touchdowns…Greenwich wins too, but in a much closer game…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 16th, 2009 @ 9:40 am
It amuses me to no end how many people in our area would rather win league titles over state titles. I’m still trying to figure out their mindset. They argue that winning the SWC or the Fciac is harder to win than the states( that might be true). It’s also harder to win the BIG EAST basketball championship with four games in four days but it’s more important to win the NCAA title. Am I comparing apples to oranges? Maybe!
If you want to make the league championships important then set up a system that only league champs advance to the state tournament. All leagues around the state would then have to have a league title game.
Comment by franman — November 16th, 2009 @ 10:10 am
In the past there has been some debate over what is more important..even to the kids..a league championship or a state championship. Fortunately for players and coaches in most sports it’s not a choice, you go out and play all games to win.
However, there have been some difficult choices for coaches during baseball season…especially where weather changes the schedules. In many instances coaches literally must choose which is more important. Not an enviable position.
Comment by Dr. Von Nostran — November 16th, 2009 @ 10:52 am
For 10 seasons in a row (1996-2005), the FCIAC champion lost in either the state semi-final or final, nine times to non-FCIAC teams. I really can’t comprehend how the players on those ten teams could just shrug off states as a “JOKE” and say, so what, we were FCIAC champs (if that is really how they felt). No one else in the state was impressed.
Comment by roto — November 16th, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
ghsgranpa – Lets hope your not in for the ole “Big City Letdown” after the “Big City Beatdown”,its an old favorite tale.
Clyde
Comment by Clyde — November 16th, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
Roto, i guess that is my point
I really don’t care what someone in Weahtersfield or Madison thinks about my team
I end up going to college and working in the real world with a lot of the kids i played against in the FCIAC – and bragging rights is local
It’s funny – so many people get beat up about this opinion – not sure why
Comment by fan — November 16th, 2009 @ 5:21 pm
Ill take any team in the valley over New Cannan, they played seymour who is 1-8. new cannan doesnt have any toughness, they played a bunch of kids from bridgeport and were terrified, mom and dad probably told them they were still the best at the end of the game
Comment by Greenwich — November 16th, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
Dear fan, Do you think that the New Canaan Rams of last year would have been invited to the WALTER CAMP All American dinner if they didn’t win the State Championship.
I can see it now Coach Marinelli walking up to the podium to thunderous applause for winning the FCIAC. Why not honor Prince Tech for winning their league.
Comment by frankiefiveangels — November 16th, 2009 @ 7:50 pm
Clyde…Not to worry…High School football game results can’t let me down, and I gave up betting on the Pros 20 years ago..I couldn’t take paying the bookie my hard earned money anymore…LOL
I just want to see Central whoop up on the boys from Westport, make the states, and go all the way…Great story, and would be great for the City of Bridgeport…I’ve kind of adopted the Hilltoppers as my team for the rest of the way…They beat my old High School by a point. and GHS is out of it now…I was real happy Central creamed New Canaan, and would like to see them do the same to Staples..It would really make my day…Greenwich fans despise New Canaan, Staples, and Darien, but we have no problem with Central…The Hilltoppers may actually need the Cards to beat Staples on turkey day, to get themselves in the states…We’d love that…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 16th, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
I will take a state championship over a league championship any day of the week.
I don’t care if their were ten people watching the game a state title is more prestigious over a division or league title.
Comment by jjs — November 16th, 2009 @ 8:01 pm
Dear Greenwich,
As a high school football fan, in all honesty ,New Canaan would beat any Valley team this year by at least two touchdowns. This happens to be a down year along the HOusy and NC is one terrific team. Don’t be swayed by that loss to Central-Nc was beaten fair and square but on a different day they could beat Central. Remember they beat a good Greenwich team.
Comment by butch — November 16th, 2009 @ 8:07 pm
jjs, your right to an extent,but that doesn`t make Friday night at McDougall great theatre and a huge event,Do you think the SEC Championship Florida v. Alabama is a useless affair?
Clyde
Comment by Clyde — November 17th, 2009 @ 12:14 am
ghsgrandpa im glad to see you showing my school some respect..we hardly ever get any unless its coming from spb or a bpt native..but dont take this the wrong way but greenwich is our biggest rival..not bassick or harding…cardinal week is like the superbowl for us! but ive said this on many occasions when it comes to staples prove to me that your worthy of being #1 & also you can beat a team whos just as good or even better! by all means bridgeport kids dont have as much to look forward to like the dariens & new cannans & greenwichs this is our way out through sports so every chance we get on the big stage we dont let the critics talk we let our playing do all the talking!!
Comment by KyleK — November 17th, 2009 @ 12:42 am
Clyde. I agree with you that friday nights game is huge to everone involved including the spectattors–just not as important as a state title.
Comment by jjs — November 17th, 2009 @ 8:15 am
KyleK,
I volunteer part time in a Bridgeport soup kitchen, and see the poverty, broken families, drugs & alcohol, etc. So, I know what a hard life it is for a lot of people in Bridgeport…Sports can get you out of that environment, but only the exceptional few can make it that way…Good grades & staying off the streets & out of trouble is the best way for most kids…That’s easier said than done in a tough environment, but it can be done…I’ve seen it many times…
If GHS is your Superbowl, then you won this year…too bad we don’t play each other every year…We don’t look at Central as the big, bad rival as you guys do us, though…Maybe because we only play each other like every 4 years…GHS doesn’t like to lose period!!!, but it’s those other teams I mentioned that are our biggest rivals, and who we really hate the most to lose to…
I just hope the Hilltoppers can make Staples their Super, Superbowl Friday night…LOL…Go get ‘em!!! I hope you can get a great fan turnout..
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 17th, 2009 @ 10:21 am
don’t count CENTRAL they beat two good football teams this year GHS and NC ow when they beat STAPLES then will you give them there due respect CENTRAL is for real great DEFENSE and a speedy athletic offense plus very,very well coached hats off to coach CADELINA great job GO CENTRAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by CENTRAL FAN — November 17th, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
Imagine if Central wins the FCIAC and doesn’t even make the playoffs. I think chaos will ensue.
Comment by MasukRules — November 17th, 2009 @ 6:46 pm