SPB's High School Football

1. Just a thought… move Notre Dame WH to 4, bump Conard out and offer them a spot in the local Pop Warner playoffs. Based on the cream puff of a schedule they play, they could possibly prevail in the midget division championship. Same can be said for Bullard Havens getting in over St. Joes. Hopefully the new format next year will prevent dogs from making it in over legitimate qualifiers. Conard-BH can play with winner receiving tickets to watch their respective classes COMPETE in the state championships.

   Comment by GallopingGhost — November 22nd, 2009 @ 8:31 am

2. Imagine if Notre Dame West Haven doesn’t get in. We will never hear the end of it from all the SCC people. The conference is so tough, etc,etc.

   Comment by MasukRules — November 22nd, 2009 @ 1:09 pm

3. How did that game against Pomperaug go?

   Comment by NDSenior — November 22nd, 2009 @ 1:46 pm

4. If NDWH doesn’t make it I would bet the ranch on a masuk vs pomperaug rematch in the L final. I will also guarantee casey doesn’t throw 4 picks in that game and give pomperaug short fields all night. pomperaug play calling is atrocious and masuk will beat them in a rematch if it doesn’t change. Why doesn’t Crick touch the ball 25 times a game?

   Comment by Brian — November 22nd, 2009 @ 3:35 pm

5. I heard a rumor at the Simsbury game that 16 players flunked off the New Britain team. Berlin should be lock now.

   Comment by John d — November 22nd, 2009 @ 3:55 pm

6. Brian,

   I agree with your play calling assessment of Pomperaug. They have two excellent running backs and CRICK could dominate any game if they gave him the ball more. Why they had their (limited) QBS throwing the ball up 31-10 is a mystery to me and everyone else in the stands. Casey C. will light them up again next time and Masuk will probably win but Pomperaug is a much better all-around team except for their play calling.

   The $100,000 question is WHY Doesn’t CRICK touch the ball more? Maybe Spb can interview the POMPY coach and ask him his thoughts.

   Comment by Mr. D — November 22nd, 2009 @ 5:33 pm

7. Crick did touch the ball 26 times and had 170yds. You sure you guys were at the game? Pomp threw the ball 13 times all game and ran it the rest. Cochran only completed HALF his passes in the game and the ones he did complete were all short! Coach Drury will make adjustments for next time on defense,if there is a next time.

   Comment by pomperaug04 — November 22nd, 2009 @ 5:51 pm

8. let me sayn this too. I dont know the guy who calls the plays but I do know Coach Drury,if he thought the guy was doing a bad job believe me it would be addressed. In my own opinion he didnt do a bad job THEY WON and were dominate in the first half and scored their first series in the 3rd quarter and then again late in the 4th. How about Masuks’ play calling and trying to run the ball? How much did Trump touch the ball? Not 26 times

   Comment by pomperaug04 — November 22nd, 2009 @ 6:29 pm

9. it just seemed crick doesn’t touch it enough to me. maybe him and 44 the FB should touch all the time. I personally think #4 is a better QB than 11. 11 is a great specimen with height and size but doesn’t throw it all that well. not sure why up 31-10 and 31-16 he was passing so much. curious to see a rematch if it takes place.

   Comment by Brian — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:10 pm

10. notre dame would beat both swc schools————the mega scc needs at least one champion

    Comment by ray brown — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:11 pm

11. Galloping Ghost… You have no class!! These are high school kids from Conard that busted there butts all season and come in with an unblemished record. Their schedule is no fault of their own, nor their coach, and you say something stupid like playing Pop Warner. Manchester is 7-2, South Windsor is 6-3, and Southington is no slouch at 5-4. Maybe because you have only played Pop Warner, and never gotten past that level physically or mentally, you have such an affinity for that league. Let’s see what Conard does in the states before you make yourself feel bigger by putting high school kids down. Their record EARNED them this spot!! Not 9-1, but 10-0

    Comment by Conardfan — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:24 pm

12. Conardfan, don’t take it personal,East and North teams get no respect on these blogs. I feel your pain, but 90% of the people on this blog think everybody playing east of the Housatonic is a powderpuff team.

    Comment by John D — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:46 pm

13. SPB, fantastic job on the breakdowns. Will wee see MM tonight, or are you calling it a night?

    Comment by John D — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:48 pm

14. Brian i may agree with you about the QB situation. It seems to me that #11 is more of a WR or RB they even put him at the wing for “hammer”. I know the kid is a lefty and a soph but I havent seen him play at all till Thurs and he only threw the ball like four times but one was a pick.He just looked so much more comfortable then the other kid. Anyone have any other info on the kid,#4?

    Comment by pomperaug04 — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:55 pm

15. pomperaug04, #4 on Pomperaug is Kellen Croce. He is much more of a classic drop-back passer, not much of a runner/scrambler. He’s well-versed in running that particular offense, throws a nice ball and will be the QB for the next two years. I agree, having seen him all year, he seems very comfortable back there. In fairness, though, Clemens #11 is an excellent runner and even when he drops back, you almost wonder if he’s thinking run first.

    Comment by kevinm — November 23rd, 2009 @ 9:16 am

16. Conardfan,

    You are missing the key point. 9-1 and beating quality teams is a much stronger body of work than 10-0 against lesser teams.

    Conard isn’t even division one in its own conference. Take care of business in your own conference and beat Glastonbury or Simsbury before you cry about getting no respect.

    It would be an absolute JOKE if Conard is in and Notre Dame is out.

    Comment by Conard? — November 23rd, 2009 @ 10:49 am

17. Pomperaugfan, I was at the game and also was surprised that CRICK didn’t touch the ball. You say he touched the ball 26 times against Masuk. Maybe you are right and I’m wrong. It just seemed as if Masuk had no answer for him. Why doesn’t he catch the ball coming out of the backfield or on a swing pass. He would be unstopable. You must admit though that the play calling by the POMPY offensive coordinator let Masuk back in the game. I doubt if Cocheran will throw 4 picks if they play again. The way to keep him off the field is to run the ball and pass only when necessary especially when you are ahead 31-10.

    Masuk could not stop your running game all night.

    You have a great team though and I enjoyed watching that title game. It was full of offense and at times hard hitting defense.

    Comment by jake — November 23rd, 2009 @ 11:44 am

18. Keep talking Conard?… There is four different divisions and it looked like we “took care of business” in our own division. How can we win another division? Whatever, and by the way, ask Glastonbury and Simsbury how we did in our scrimmages with them. I think they will tell you we are a pretty good team. I am done responding to you. Get your facts straight, do your homework and then we will talk. 10-0 is still 10-0

    Comment by ConardFan — November 23rd, 2009 @ 12:59 pm

19. It’s not Conard’s fault that they were granted the schedule they have. You can’t base this year’s team on last. They blew out every team they played, it’s as simple as that. Simsbury and Glastonbury both struggled to beat Southington. Conard manhandled Southington

    Comment by Conard!!! — November 23rd, 2009 @ 1:01 pm

20. Everybody: Conard’s legit. So sayeth me.

    Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — November 23rd, 2009 @ 1:02 pm

21. I agree with SPB, ask Masuk from two year ago. The L playoffs would be a travesty if Conard doesn’t make it.

    Comment by tj — November 23rd, 2009 @ 1:29 pm

22. There are no travesties in hs football (lol)! The playoff system, while not perfect, works reasonably well. Teams that narrowly miss out should have (1) won one more game (2) played a more difficult schedule.

    The numbers don’t lie – you have to win games vs. teams that go out and win other games. Very simple.

    They can only blame their schedule/league/selves/fates, but not “the unfair system”. In a five way race for four spots, someone will feel bad, but thems the breaks.

    Comment by FauxRealism — November 23rd, 2009 @ 1:51 pm

23. @Conardfan: Let’s go over the Conard schedule. Stop me if you see a ranked team or a playoff team. Then tell me what Conard has “earned.”

    Hartford Public (3-6)
    Farmington (2-7)
    Bulkeley (0-9)
    S. Windsor (6-3)
    Plainville (0-9)
    Manchester (7-2)
    Bristol Ctl (3-6)
    E. Hartford (3-6)
    Southington (5-4)
    Hall (2-8)
    —–
    Combined record 31-57 (.352)

    Compare that with Notre Dame’s resume, which is an 8-1 record (29-28 last second loss to #4 Xavier is the lone blemish) against opponents with a combined record of 47-43 (.522).

    This is all a moot exercise if ND can’t beat Hamden on Thanksgiving, but Hamden (7-2 and fighting for a LL berth) is a tougher team than Conard has played all season.

    Comment by Conard? — November 23rd, 2009 @ 2:16 pm

24. New Fairfield beat Newtown earlier this season. I don’t see Masuk having any trouble with Newtown.

    Comment by MasukRules — November 23rd, 2009 @ 2:37 pm

25. simsbury is 9-1 with wins over glastonbury (9-1) berlin (8-1) Windsor (7-2) and Southington (5-4)*better than the record. These are quality teams and although I will say conard is a good team despite their cupcake schedule. I saw the conard vs simsbury scrimmage and conard did play them tough, however simsbury is for real and deserves their shot in the playoffs after beating the number one team in the state and ending their 22 game win streak along with destroying berlin and windsor (berlin a lock for M playoffs and Windsor 6th in class L. noone can seny they deserve a spot.

    Comment by simsbury — November 23rd, 2009 @ 4:01 pm

26. Simsbury has had a great year and hopefully they get into the playoffs.

    Comment by MasukRules — November 23rd, 2009 @ 4:25 pm

27. Yeah, hopefully for Masuk, so they won’t have to face Notre Dame.

    Comment by roto — November 23rd, 2009 @ 5:12 pm

28. Masuk Rules, dont’ get cocky kid. Newtown should have beatea Masuk the last two times they played at Masuk.

    Two year ago in the fog bowl a bs chop block call saved ya, two years before that they tied 15-15 (i think). Both times Masuk was a heavy favorite.

    Newtown looked very good their last game against NDFLD. BEWARE!

    Comment by tj — November 23rd, 2009 @ 5:19 pm

29. newtown beats masuk

    Comment by ray brown — November 23rd, 2009 @ 6:02 pm

30. Hey Conard?, you want to tell me that its our fault that we were given that schedule. The players sure as hell didn’t pick it and our coaches don’t choose the schedule either. Oh and if you ask me Manchester and South Windsor are both damn good teams. And Southington always puts up a fight no matter what their record is and they are better than that record shows. My point is we may have had a softer schedule but we took care of business and blew out every team. If the games against real soft teams were close then I might not take so much offense to your statements. Find me another team thats only given up 61 points all season and then you can start talking about how we don’t belong in.

    p.s.- I’m pretty sure simsbury would be more than happy to tell you we are a strong team after what they saw in our scrimmage. Oh and Glastonbury, we had our starters in for about one possession and they still probably could tell you we are legit. [message truncated]

    Comment by Conard — November 23rd, 2009 @ 6:24 pm

31. Newtown crushes Masuk and the little red soldiers will run back to fairyland. Conard by 20 if they meet in playoffs.

    Comment by swc fan — November 23rd, 2009 @ 6:45 pm

32. Alright so all of you that say that conard doesn’t belong in the class L playoffs have not seen them play they have one of the best running backs in the state with an extremely powerful line, as well none of the teams they played even put up a fight they crushed every opponent and their defense is in my opinion is the best in the state the most points they gave up all year was 20 to southington who year in and year out has one of the most productive offenses in the state and has at least 14 interceptions by my count. And bottom line 10-0 is 10-0 there is nothin more that they could have done they played the schedule they were dealt, the players nor the coaches had a say in their schedule. If Conard doesn’t make it ask any of the teams we have played it WILL be a travesty.

    Comment by Conardfan53 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 7:47 pm

33. Easy boys! Relax! Next year we’ll have a much better system and then it will be up to the 8-2 teams from the FCIAC and SCC to back up what they have been claiming for years. And they probably will! It will be really too bad if ND-WH misses out on states due to a last second one-point loss to Xavier (a playoff team), but that is the current system.

    As for Conard and Simsbury, they certainly deserve to be in the playoffs. They have won the games they had to win. I will point out, however, that last year two teams from their same division of the CCC played Masuk in the state playoffs. The scores?

    #1 Masuk 56, #3 Newington 13 (after Newington beat Simbsury by 21)
    #1 Masuk 50, #4 Windsor 15

    And those games weren’t even that close. Could have been much worse! Masuk is NOT the same as last year granted, but it’s hard to beg people to give praise to your conference when it got really embarassed in the playoffs last year. Let’s see how this year plays out.

    Masuk has a big disadvantage this year – the SWC championship game. Remember, last year they did not play in it and were strong and healthy and fully prepared going into states. We’ll see how this has affected both Masuk and Pomperaug. Masuk could get upset by Newtown. I don’t think they will, but it’s a possibility on short rest.

    I just don’t see Conard or Simsbury even being in the game against Masuk or Pomperaug. ND-WH? Yeah – they might be the favorite in L if they get in.

    Just my thoughts. Looking forward to the games!!!

    Comment by HSFBFan — November 23rd, 2009 @ 8:10 pm

34. like you said, masuk is a different team as well as simsbury. this team is a much stronger, bigger, faster team than that team of last year. that argument does not hold up. look at the facts, although conard is 10-0 simsbury is 9-1 as a class L team playing all LL teams. they just wonn the CCC division 1 (the best division in northern ct) and beat the defending LL state champions in glastonbury who hadnt lost in 22 games and was the #1 team in the state. if their resume doesnt deserve a spot in the playoffs than i dont know what does. i am not saying masuk nor pomperaug dont belong because as far as im concerned they have proven themselves this year as well as in years past (masuk winning last year) that they belong.

    Comment by simsbury — November 23rd, 2009 @ 8:33 pm

35. HSFBFan, you could be right on your assessment there however look back two years when Masuk and Conard played each other in states. Final score 25-21 Masuk and if you ask me our team this year is even better than the team that lost by 4.

    Comment by Conard — November 23rd, 2009 @ 8:34 pm

36. I see what you’re saying but with the current system I think that Conard will still inch out the spot and we are very deserving at 10-0 and two years ago when conard played Masuk they lost by four points and were in position to score again but time ran out. All I am saying is that conard is legit and if in CAN run the table.

    Comment by Conardfan53 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 8:45 pm

37. Conard is also a much stronger team then their states team two years ago there offensive line has blown every opponent off the line of scrimmage even Manchester who has a gigantic line I just don’t understand why Conard isn’t getting the respect it deserves if you have seen us play or actually played us your outlook would certaintly be different.

    Comment by Conardfan53 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 9:09 pm

38. i said conard is good…noone believes the northern teams are anything. if conard and simsbury make the playoffs, one of the two will win the state championship. true statement. simsbury deserves a spot. look at what they’ve done in the best division in northern ct.

    Comment by simsbury — November 23rd, 2009 @ 9:31 pm

39. I agree it would be nice to see conard v. Simsbury final game

    Comment by Conardfan53 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 9:52 pm

40. I love the fact that Conard and Simsbury fans are making themselves heard! It’s great to see. Glad to have Northern CT represented here.

    Your teams deserve to be in the playoffs as I said in my other entry. You are right – I haven’t seen either play this year so my opinions are just that. Is Simsbury better than last year? Perhaps – I’ll take your word for it. But did you see the finals last year? They were NEVER in the game. I have a hard time believing they can stand up to Pomperaug (or Masuk) this year. I’m not sure how the Simsbury fan can be so certain that either Conard or Simsbury will win the championship. The only really true statement is, if Masuk beats Newtown (not easy), then the CCC and SWC will clearly decide things on the field.

    The truth? NONE of those four teams wants any part of ND-WH. I have no affiliation with any of the L teams, but ND-WH is probably the best of all five teams in contention. Maybe by a lot.

    Happy Thanksgiving! See you at the games.

    Comment by HSFB Fan — November 24th, 2009 @ 9:41 am

41. The age old question: Is it better to be 10-0 with weak schedule, or go 9-1 with a tougher schedule? Well, hat is exactly what the CIAC formula will decide.

    Data doesn’t lie – Class L Contenders (listed by rank)

    * I ignore the Masuk and Pomperaug SWC championship game since this doesn’t count for CIAC playoff points. If it did count, Masuk would have a loss and the complexion of the bracket would be dramatically changed anyway.

    Regular season games versus L & LL opponents
    Masuk
    1 of 10
    Pomperaug
    2 of 10
    Simsbury
    9 of 10
    Conard
    9 of 10
    ND-WH
    8 of 10
    Obviously the striking thing about this data is that Masuk and Pomperaug play almost an entire schedule against smaller schools.

    Regular season opponents, current CIAC playoff rank
    (Within their respective classes)
    Ranked Top 5 / Rank 6-10 / Rank 11-15 / Rank 16+
    Masuk
    1 / 3 / 2 / 4
    Pomperaug
    1 / 2 / 2 / 5
    Simsbury
    2 / 1 / 3 / 4
    Conard
    0 / 1 / 4 / 5
    ND-WH
    2 / 4 / 2 / 2

    Notre Dame has by far played the toughest schedule, with 6 opponents ranked in the Top 10 of their class. ND is also the team that played the fewest games versus bad teams – all the others played 4 or 5 games versus bottom dwellers. For the SWC “Big 2”, that means that they played not only small schools, but a lot of bad teams too. Conard has only one opponent in the Top 10 and lots of bad teams – it’s an extraordinarily weak schedule any way you slice it.

    There you have it. No southern bias. No conference shouting matches. If you accept the CIAC formula (and we all do lol) then this is what you get.

    ND and Simsbury (1 loss teams but still alive) are being rewarded for their tougher schedules while the 3 undefeated L teams are being hurt by their weak schedules. If the teams win out, it’s gonna be a nail biter to choose 4 out of the 5 teams.

    Comment by FauxRealism — November 24th, 2009 @ 10:56 am

42. Have to respect the posts backed by objective data made by Faux Realism and HSFB Fan. Everyone is cheerleading for his/her school, but I’ve always been a proponent of being the best by beating the best. You can’t take that away from Simsbury. If Notre Dame had finished against Xavier, they’d probably be the top-ranked team in the state.

    STILL, the overhaul of the present system shows that the CIAC is not interested in playing the playoffs in September/October, which is what Notre Dame did over the course of three weeks(@Xavier, West Haven, @Cheshire). Expanding to 8 teams really helps decide things on the field, instead of with a formula, in a small state like Connecticut.

    Comment by Conard? — November 24th, 2009 @ 4:11 pm

43. faux realism hs made an excellant point there is no dispute that ndwh has played a tougher schedual, at the same time though, conard did go undefeated. Many have argued that they had a super weak schedual. although it was weak, it isnt much weaker than that of pomperaug’s when examining the size of the schools they played(no disrespect intended). the argument works both ways, why should conard be punished for the schedual they were given?

    Comment by ciac viewer — November 24th, 2009 @ 7:26 pm

44. Although we did not have the toughest schedule we won the games we were given to play. My question remaining would simply be, why would we be given a schedule were if we win all our games there is the possibility of not making the playoffs? There was absolutely nothing else we could have done. It is all up to Wednesday and Thursday and just what was meant to be. I just think that there are serious flaws in the system if a 10-0 team is in a points fight for a playoff spot.

    Comment by Conardfan53 — November 24th, 2009 @ 9:05 pm

45. Conardfan53,
    You are 100% right. Conard can only be asked to beat the teams on its schedule, which it doesn’t make. And so far, it has done that to perfection. Statistically speaking, though I have never seen it play, Conard has one of the state’s best defenses. It would be a travesty if that defense weren’t allowed to be tested by the likes of Pomperaug, Masuk, Simsbury, or NDWH (depending on who wins/gets bonus points). Fortunately, the playoff format is changing next season, so at 10-0, Conard would be virtually assured a spot in the state playoffs. However, I know that won’t be any consolation if your boys don’t have the chance to compete this year.

    Comment by fciacfootballfan1 — November 24th, 2009 @ 9:37 pm

46. I would love to be able to play an overrated team down south like Staples. I heard they played nobody this year, either. They can’t score and our defense, I believe is better than theirs. Wish they were in the same class as us…FCIAC thinks they are all that, but they are not. And what’s up with all these Staples fan on here? They have no life except to argue with people and talk about how good they think they are. We would beat them by at least a touchdown.

    Comment by BigConardfan — November 24th, 2009 @ 10:31 pm

47. Not to stir the pot, but perhaps the CIAC should review the rule that gives teams 100 points for a conference game, and instead award more or fewer points for playing larger/smaller schools (like it already does for non-conference games)?

    I’m sure with the new format next yr the CIAC won’t be anxious to make more changes. But if you made that switch, Masuk and Pomperaug would lose 10 or 20 playoff points per win for playing M and S schools (Hey, I like the SWC, but when calculating playoff points, fair is fair.)

    The other solution: Masuk should move to the FCIAC, Pomperaug to the SCC (since I just learned after 40 yrs that Pomperaug is in New Haven County)! Then, Masuk – Pomperaug could become a new TG rivalry!

    P.S. I bet one of Masuk, Pomperaug, or ND loses, rendering all of these posts meaningless!

    Comment by Ziggy StarDust — November 24th, 2009 @ 11:10 pm

48. Ziggy StarDust makes a great point.
    The ciac rule that protects conferance teams from loosing 10 or 20 pts per win for beating teams from lower classes is big confort zone for teams from Unbalanced conferances (an L school in a conferance of mostly S school’s). If school size does matter enough to have the rule the ciac should rethink the conferance exception, or at least have them loose half the points for playing smaller schools. They could easily make that type of change.

    Also next year they will have four class’s not 6 classes that they paired up (LL & L) to make things works. Would small schools get up to 30 bonus points for playing larger school or do them lump one of the classes together? The CIAC will have to look at this for next year anyway.

    Comment by Fred — November 25th, 2009 @ 7:20 am

49. Let’s go boys!!!! Now that Conard is finally in states, I love how all of you on here are just going to eat your words. It’s so fitting how GallopingGhost started off these blog comments, because I can guarantee you things are going to end differently. Now that we get our shot to prove ourselves to all of Connecticut, you can be sure that the Chieftains are not going to take things lightly. All season long no one wanted to give us any credit. We started off with three straight shutouts, and we allowed only 6 points in our first five games. None of that mattered though, because our schedule was too easy! The fact that we blew out Manchester (7-2) and South Windsor (6-3) was also deemed unimportant because the bulk of our schedule was too easy. No one gave us a chance against Southington, but we went into their stadium and manhandled them on their Senior night. That wasn’t enough though, because Southington isn’t as good as they usually are! Then, just as we completed our 10-0 season, we stayed on our grind, practicing hard day in and day out in spite of the fact that everyone doubted us. Why should Conard make states? Clearly the other teams competing for the class L playoff berth were much more deserving! We had faith that the system would prevail, just as we have had faith all season. Now that everything is set and we are faced with this final opportunity to prove ourselves, all the naysayers can be sure that they will be silenced once and for all.

    Comment by NAV- The Realest — November 25th, 2009 @ 10:14 pm

50. Well, at least things have cleared up a bit in this playoff race!

    Comment by TheMan — November 25th, 2009 @ 10:52 pm

51. All I can say… Told you!! One more thing.. Galloping ghost.. Why dont you go over Jack C’s house and enjoy Thanksgiving. You, casey and Jack can enjoy that pop warner game. Congratulations to all and Good Luck to all in States.

    Comment by Conardfan — November 26th, 2009 @ 8:17 am

52. Masuk WAY overated all year, lost to the good teams they played, struggled against some of the weak ones. Pomperaug ? Prove yourself in the playoffs, you have’nt played anyone yet either. Masuk can pray for NDWH loss, and then get crushed in the playoffs.

    Comment by shelton fan — November 26th, 2009 @ 8:45 am

53. Masuk is the best team not to make states.

    Comment by MasukRules — November 26th, 2009 @ 7:38 pm

54. Congrats to Conard! You should be in the playoffs and you are. Now…can you beat ND-WH? You get your chance. You have an advantage in that NDWH played a solid Hamden team today (with a big line) while you have had a few days off. I think that really hurt Masuk. Newtown had a week and a half to prepare for them while Masuk was preparing for Pomperaug. Masuk was beat up and not prepared (and really didn’t look up) for Newtown. I still don’t know if Conard has seen anything like it will see at ND-WH, but you’ve got a shot. I’m going to be at that game for sure!

    Simsbury also gets their shot at Pompy. The thing I’m happy about is that Sims/Conard won’t meet in the first round. I hate when conference teams play each other in the first round. In the finals? Fine. This is shaping up to be a good class for games.

    One thing, Conard fans shouldn’t rub anybody’s nose in anything yet. The team hasn’t won a playoff game yet. They got in because Masuk lost. So be excited – but don’t rub noses…yet. Maybe a week from Saturday, but not yet.

    Good luck to all. Let’s hope there are some really great games this year!

    Comment by HSFB Fan — November 26th, 2009 @ 8:41 pm

55. Conard has a tremendous line and can run the football out of many formations. They play aggressive, attacking defense. They belong in the playoffs and will try to run the ball on everybody, even Pompy, if they get that far. If they don’t get forced into a passing game then odds are in their favor. SCC and SWC teams becareful about the trash talking. Conard is no fluke. MMMmmmmm Fluke!!!!! Happy Thanksgiving, see you on Tuesday.

    Comment by Sal — November 26th, 2009 @ 9:35 pm

56. MasukRules- Central and Greenwich are the best teams not to make states.

    Comment by Cards — November 27th, 2009 @ 1:00 am

57. Masuk is the best team not to make states.

    Comment by MasukRules — November 26th, 2009 @ 7:38 pm
    _______________________________________________________

    Sorry, but you are delusional…Masuk couldn’t compete with the only team their size (Pomperaug), and got beat by the onlyh team they played larger than them (Newtown)…You got what you deserved by playing the weakest schedule in the entire state…You really ought to be totally embarassed, and go to your room without dessert…LOL

    Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 27th, 2009 @ 4:21 am

58. HSFB you make some good points. I agree Masuk did not repsect Newtown. It looked like they were unprepared. Did they even scout any of Newtown’s games. You could see what Newtown runs not very complicated. Plus who are Newtowns best players, you have to know where they are and what they can do. Newtown pushed them around from the first play and never looked back.

    Comment by docblanchard — November 27th, 2009 @ 8:48 am

59. Masuk Rules, will Cochran stay, I’ve been hearing some rumors he might be moving back East?

    Comment by John d — November 27th, 2009 @ 9:20 am

60. Since Newtown and Brigeport Central beat Masuk and Greenwich, wouldn’t they be the best teams to not make the playoffs?

    Comment by Ziggy StarDust — November 27th, 2009 @ 10:02 am

61. Did Greenwich win a big game this year?

    Comment by MasukRules — November 27th, 2009 @ 10:20 am

62. Masuk had the same amount of time to prepare as a week were they played a Saturday game and had a Friday night game the next week. Now we are going to make lame exuses for Masuk losing? If Murphy is the coach everyone says he is he would have had his team prepared in that time. Newtown just plain beat them. Maybe Masuk was not that good after all? Certainly not the best team not to make states.

    Comment by swcfan — November 27th, 2009 @ 11:30 am

63. lol conard…we beat ya my junior year, then destroyed the ccc teams in the playoffs. don’t get too full of yourself yet. having a good year but you gotta take it in stride. trust me one game can make you eat your words.

    Comment by CCCwreckers — November 27th, 2009 @ 11:47 am

64. I was kidding about Masuk being the best team not to make states. I wish that at least one person could have realized that.

    Comment by MasukRules — November 27th, 2009 @ 12:56 pm

65. Interesting thing happened at the Masuk-Newtown game. Newtown arrived at the field 26 minutes prior to the game. By the time they got off the bus and walked to their sideline there was now twenty minutes to go before the game starts. They took the field and did some stretching and then they went into their practice routines. At the eleven minute mark the team gathered under the goalposts and stayed their stayed there until introductions were made. They warmed-up for a grand total of seven minutes.

    I said to myself this Newtown team is not ready and is going to get killed by mASUK. Quite the opposite happened. maybe this is the new way to PREPARE for a game.

    w

    Comment by jjs — November 27th, 2009 @ 12:58 pm

66. Random thoughts on Class L…

    1) Conard has not won a postseason game since CIAC playoffs were introduced in 1976.
    2) Neither has Simsbury.
    3) Pomperaug won its only state title in a game versus an SCC team, but that was MM and the opponent was SCC Division II Branford.
    4) ND squeaked by Pomperaug in what I believe was the only time the two schools ever met, the 2001 Class L semifinals. ND then went on to pound #1 Fitch in the final. ND also won class L in 1991. They have never played another SWC team in the postseason.
    5) The last three Class L champions have been from the SWC, but none of those teams faced SCC teams on the way there. The only SCC team to make it in htjat period was West Haven, who lost in the 2006 semis to Staples.
    5) Last year, there were three CCC teams in the Class L playoffs. Eventual champ Masuk beat the two it played 50-15, and 56-13.

    I know thats all in the past, this year is different and anything can happen, but if I can draw a conclusion from precedent, it is that good records in the CCC need to be taken with a grain of salt. I also don’t believe Pomperaug has seen any team as athletic as Notre Dame in its SWC schedule. The win over Masuk seems less impressive given that team’s poor performance on Wednesday night.

    My predicition: Notre Dame beats Pomperaug in final.

    Comment by roto — November 27th, 2009 @ 2:30 pm

67. I saw Newtown’s short warmup before the the Masuk game too. Didn’t know what to make of it at first. They seemed confident though. Once the game started Masuk didn’t know what hit them. Newtown was quicker to the ball all game. Once Newtown got the lead they seemed like they got even more physical with Masuk. Masuk running backs go down with one tackler Newtowns take three or more. No let up the whole game. Newtown must have gotten sick of all the press Masuk received this year.

    Comment by abljr — November 28th, 2009 @ 11:52 am

68. Roto
    All you said is true.The CCC teams of the past played in tougher CCC league set ups.This years Conard team has never played a softer schedule than this years club.It is hard to determine how good Conard really is due to their schedule.They have only given up over 7 points (2)times this year and 20 points (1)time and went 10-0.Notre Dame has given up over 7 points (7)times this year and over 20 points(3) times and went 9-1 with a late comeback against Cheshire.On paper Conard should roll them.Notre Dame’s average score this year is 40-15 while Conard’s is 38-6.Unless Conards really hands Notre Dame a decisive loss it is apparent that their SCC schedule is much more competitive than Conard’s CCC schedule.I will be the first to admit I underestimated Conard if they win on Tuesday.

    Comment by cuoz18 — November 28th, 2009 @ 7:12 pm

69. …Looking back on this post; What we failed to mention is Simsbury would be in with a Masuk loss. Never thought that might actually happen. Oh well.

    Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — November 29th, 2009 @ 4:03 pm

70. Honestly conard shouldn’t be in. There schedule is very weak and yes although we scrimmaged them and they have a good team led by a great running back they are qualfied. Our only loss was to new britain. Yes they only won 4 games but theres a reason. Someone mentioned that 16 players flunked off which is true. The fact is it came after beating us so their team tanked. That cost us a lot of points and a higher seed. Overall i think simsbury has a valid chance of winning it all. They can get fired up and after watching them beat glastonbury who was #1 at that point they should be able to beat anyone.

    Comment by Simsbury1 — November 29th, 2009 @ 5:55 pm

71. Conard should be in. They went 10-0 and weren’t in a real game once.

    Comment by Jake — November 29th, 2009 @ 6:12 pm

72. How can anyone say a 10-0 team should not be in the playoffs is beyond me, are you people really serious?!?

    Comment by John d — November 29th, 2009 @ 6:56 pm

73. Simsbury1, you completely contradicted yourself. You said we shouldn’t be in and then said we are qualified. I know we are qualified and you should too after that scrimmage.

    Comment by Conard — November 29th, 2009 @ 7:31 pm

74. I don’t know about a 10 and 0 team not being qualified but I know one 9 and I team that is not qualiffied and should not be qualified. RIDGEFIELD

    I saw them against a poor Stamford team and a good Staples team. Without a doubt they were one of the worst teams I have seen this year. They can’t score.

    If Ridgefield played West Havens schedule they would have won two games. I;m being polite. Maybe one game.

    Comment by frankiefiveangels — November 29th, 2009 @ 8:50 pm

75. Conard>Pomperaug>Notre Dame>Simsbury

    Comment by John Jingleheimer Smith — November 29th, 2009 @ 9:53 pm

76. West Haven has one of the fastest running backs in the state.

    Comment by tpl — November 29th, 2009 @ 11:43 pm

77. What does west haven have coming back for next year, as far as backs, recievers, offensive line, qb ? Can they compete for playoffs ?

    Comment by shelton fan — November 30th, 2009 @ 8:07 am

78. So does conard

    Comment by Big Butt WIllis — November 30th, 2009 @ 8:14 am

79. Not to take anything away from Conard’s remarkable season, but tonight’s game should be a certain lesson that blindly accepting record without accounting for strength of schedule is a serious mistake. Division II CCC vs. arguably the best team in the SCC = Mismatch.

    Comment by conard? — December 1st, 2009 @ 10:20 pm

80. If you’re referring to me conard? I actually saw film on Conard. What I didn’t grasp was the strength of their offensive line. Strength of schedule should be taken into account, but it’s not everything.

    Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 1st, 2009 @ 10:50 pm

81. SPB, comment #79 was not an affront to your statement that Conard was “for real.” I really appreciate the coverage that you provide and your help in following the season and the playoffs. I definitely do not believe in applying the transitive property to the Nth degree in high school football where so many other factors than skill come into play, but Conard’s 10-0 record was seriously lacking a hallmark win to legitimize it amongst the traditional Class L favorites. I think a position of being skeptical until proven otherwise for schools like Conard is fair even if it’s unkind.

    Comment by conard? — December 2nd, 2009 @ 3:22 pm

82. Conard? No big deal at all. I think we can all see that now that the CCC wasn’t as strong this year as many of us figured. Glastonbury’s performance actually shocked me more than Conard’s. Strange league this year. They have two shots left to turn the perception around somewhat on Saturday.

    Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 2nd, 2009 @ 3:26 pm

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