Week 10 is in the books (well, the CIAC says there are three more games, but for sanity’s sake — and this is the most you’ll see of sanity over the next week — we’ll count those as Week 11) and it’s time to start handing out our playoff scenarios.
Welcome… to the LA’bor-atory.
[THUNDERCRACK]
Ah ah ah ah ahhhhhhhhh!
The Mad Doctor is in.
And we got tons of CIAC state playoff formulas and scenarios for ya in the coming days.
Now, Mad Scientist is pretty much spot-on with these outlooks, but we tried to simplify it as much as possible. If there’s something amiss, please let His Madness know and we’ll empty the Beakers and look at it again.
If you want to know how these playoff formulas are calculated, take a look at the bottom of this post. We’ll spell it out for you newbies.
First, we take a look at the Class LL playoff contenders…
Update Note: We were slightly off this Class AGAIN. Central has 1120 points. Glastonbury has not clinched mathematically; but they’re all but in.
1. STAPLES (9-0) 1190 points
Remaining: Greenwich (170 points)
Guaranteed (20 points): Trinity-Wilton; Norwalk-McMahon
Bonus (40): Ridgefield (Danbury); Westhill (Stamford); Harding (Central); Ludlowe (Warde); Trumbull (St. Joseph)
Minimum point range with a loss: 1210-1250
Maximum point range with a win:1380-1420
The Mad Scientist SEZ (Updated scenario) : Staples must win to get in. If it wins, it will clinch the top seed and a semifinal game at “home” (Staples doesn’t have lights, so it would have to be played elsewhere). Staples can get in with a loss. It will clinch if Cheshire or Central lose. It can still get in with help from bonuses if Xavier loses. But if Cheshire, Central and Xavier all win, the Wreckers would be out.
XAVIER (8-1) 1160 points
Remaining: Middletown (110)
Guaranteed (20): NDWH/Hamden; WH/Prep
Bonus (50): Shelton (Derby); Branford (East Haven); Guilford (Hand); Amity (North Haven); WH (Cheshire)
Minimum: 1180 – 1230
Maximum: 1290 – 1340
The Mad Scientist SEZ: Xavier must beat 1-8 Middletown, a likely scenario, to clinch a playoff spot. It will also get a home game. In the unlikely event of a Xavier loss, the Falcons would need at least one loss by one of the other contenders (Cheshire, Staples or Central or Ridgefield) to get another chance through bonuses.
3. GLASTONBURY(9-1) 1270
Guaranteed (10): Manchester/East Hartford
Bonus (70): Middletown (Xavier); Southington (Cheshire); Windsor (Bloomfield); Tolland (E.O. Smith); Hall (Conard); Newington (Wethersfield); New Britain (Berlin)
Max: 1280 – 1350
The Mad Scientist SEZ (updated): Glastonbury is finished with its regular season. It needs just one bonus game to clinch a spot, which is a statistical certainty.
4. CHESHIRE (8-1) 1100 Updated points
Remaining: Southington 150
Guaranteed (20): Amity/North Haven; Fairfield Prep/WH
Bonus (40): Shelton (Derby); Sheehan (Lyman Hall); Hand (Guilford); Wilbur Cross (Hillhouse);
Min: 1120 - 1160
Max: 1270-1310
The Mad Scientist SEZ: Cheshire needs to beat Southington to inch within ONE bonus game of clinching — so that practically guarantees the Rams a a spot if they win. If Cheshire loses, it would be out unless both Central and Ridgefield lose.
CENTRAL (8-1) 1120 Updated points
Remaining: Harding 100
Guaranteed (10): Stamford/Westhill
Bonus (60): Ludlowe (Warde); McMahon (Norwalk); Greenwich (Staples); Bassick (Bullard-Havens); Danbury (Ridgefield); New Canaan (Darien)
Min: 1130 – 1180
Max: 1230 – 1280
The Mad Scientist SEZ: Central needs to win, and then get a loss from either Staples or Cheshire. An unlikely Xavier loss might do the trick, but only if the Hilltoppers beat the Falcons by 20 in bonuses.
RIDGEFIELD (8-1) 1040
Remaining: Danbury 120
Guaranteed (10): Norwalk/McMahon
Bonus (60): Stamford (Westhill); Wilbur Cross (Hillhouse); Harding (Central); Trumbull (St. Joseph); Ludlowe (Warde); Wilton (Trinity)
Min: 1050 – 1110
Max: 1170 – 1230
The Mad Scientist SEZ: Ridgefield needs a miracle: they need to win and get a pair of losses from Xavier, Cheshire and Central to squeak in. A Staples loss practically eliminates them. They would have trouble beating Xavier. So losses by Cheshire and Central is their best bet.
HAMDEN (7-2) 970
Remaining: NDWH 180
Guaranteed (10): West Haven/Prep
Bonus (50): Amity (North Haven); Shelton (Derby); Branford (East Haven); Lyman Hall (Sheehan); Hand (Guilford)
Max: 1160 – 1210
The Mad Scientist SEZ (Updated scenario): Needs to win and get at least Cheshire and Central to lose and then hope many of their bonuses come in to outpoint Ridgefield. …good luck with that. In reality, they have no shot. We just put this here to show just how dire it is for anyone below Ridgefield (and even Ridgefield has it pretty bad).
As for Greenwich, Manchester and Newtown …they’re are mathematically alive, but in reality they’re cooked. They’d need everybody above them to lose, and then pray.
Are you new to all of this? Can’t follow along? Here’s the CIAC’s playoff point structure:
CRITERIA
The top four teams in each division will be selected using a point system as follows:
Three classes of competition will be used with the point system.
- Division LL & L — Highest class
- Division MM & M — Middle Class
- Division SS & S — Lowest Class
A school will receive 100 points for defeating a school in its own class;
- 90 points for defeating a school in one lower class;
- 80 points for defeating a school in two lower classes;
- 110 points for defeating a school in one higher class;
- 120 points for defeating a school in two higher classes.
A school defeating a league opponent of a lower class will not be subject to the structure as outlined in
paragraph a., but will receive 100 points.
A school will receive 10 points for each victory earned by any opponent it has
defeated.
The total number of playoff points will be divided by the total number of games played to determine the
point value earned by each school.
The following three steps will be used in breaking ties in pairings if two or more schools finish with the
same point value in the same division.
1) In the event the schools have met during the regular season, the winner wins the position in
question.
2) The wins and ties of each of the opponents are added (2 points per win and l point per tie) and
the team with the greatest number of points wins the position in question. This includes each
opponent regardless of whether the game was won or lost.
3) If there is still no winner the computer will “flip a coin” to determine the winner of the position.
The top four (4) teams in each division will qualify for the Semi-final games (24 teams total).
Enter His Madness: We sports writers have nicknamed the potential points for each contender. “Guaranteed” points are the 10 points guaranteed to the contender’s point total because it beat both opponents playing in a game. “Bonus” points are 10 points that the contender will earn if the listed team wins (because it beat that team in the regular season). But if the team in parentheses wins then it will not earn any points.
Glastonbury is/was not the best team in LL as exhibited on the field yesterday. Great game vs. Simsbury however both teams in my estimation would have their hands full with Pompy, Staples, Central, and Masuk.
Simsbury coach might be related to Belichick. Kick the ball next time dude. Its hard to move the ball 70-80 yards in 2 minutes, easy to move 44 yards though.
Comment by GallopingGhost — November 22nd, 2009 @ 8:23 am
For Staples loss scenario – I think you mean either Cheshire or Central would need to lose for them to make it in right?
Comment by PatPatriot — November 22nd, 2009 @ 8:25 am
NEWS FLASH….COMING IN FROM THE OFFICIAL PREP SCHOOL NEWSROOM…KING HAS LOST, KING HAS LOST. THE MIGHTY KING FOOTBALL TEAM, STACKED WITH D1 TALENT, HAS LOST TO SUFFIELD ACADEMY! Suffield Academy,who the heck is Suffield Academy? I guess the game against the freshman at Hamden Hall didn’t fully prepare the King football team. Please, spare us the excuses. The press the King team received this year belonged in the recruiting publications, not in the local media.
Comment by CT HS Fan — November 22nd, 2009 @ 9:01 am
According to my calculations, if Cheshire loses to Southington (a team that should have beaten Glastonbury), Staples is automatically in. In fact, if Cheshire loses as does Staples, Xavier, Central, and Ridgefield, they are still three points behind Central for slot #4 before bonus points. One of us is off in our math!
Comment by Jeff — November 22nd, 2009 @ 10:57 am
Let the whining among Staples fans begin!! Oh, wait….Clyde already started that last night. Anyway, if Staples loses to Greenwich, under this CURRENT format, Staples does NOT deserve to go to the state playoffs. The played nobody, excpet Ridgefield…and Ridgefield played nobody! You didn’t play New Canaan. You didn’t play St. Joe. You didn’t play Darien. You didn’t schedule a tough non-league game.
Even worse, Staples plays the SAME EXACT schedule next year. Lose to Greenwich, and your season is a failure, Staples, besides that exhibition game you won vs Central. That game doesn’t even count toward the state playoffs, so stop mentioning it! If it was so important, why is the state not even recognizing it?!
Beat Greenwich, win the states, and I will be impressed.
Comment by ctfootballfan — November 22nd, 2009 @ 11:35 am
Here is a scenario that has some legs and if you look at it long enough makes some sense. Hamden fans may have hope, lots of possible scanarios have to happen but I’ve seen more crazier things happen.
1 – Hamden has to beat ND/WH – this is a coin toss but I can see it happen.
2 – Cheshire loses to Southington. Very possible. Southington is a very good team that lost to very good teams : Glas 9-1, Sims 9-1, Conard 10-0 and Windsor 7-2. They have a great passing game and score a lot of points.
3 – Xavier losses to Middletown. I agree I am begging but Middletown doesn’t stink for being a 1 win team. They are used to playing very tough CCC teams and they will not be intimidated by Xavier. This rivalry has a history of throwing out records when it comes to who wins. Plus Xavier has an average QB who may get flustered with any sort of pressure.
If the above scanario happens Handens basically walks in.
Cheshire is gone with a loss,
Ridgefield will not be able to outpoint Hamden and Hamden owns the tie breaker.
Here’s the wild card. Hamden and Xavier will be 10 points apart. They both have identical teams on their win list except for Hand for Hamden and Guilford for Xavier. Hamden again owns the tie breaker. So if Hand wins Hamden is in and if Guilford wins Xavier is in.
I know, I know – but the more I look at it the more it looks possible.
Comment by 44 backer — November 22nd, 2009 @ 12:15 pm
ctfootballfan— Staples doesn’t need to whine. They are the best team in the state. Besides beating a Ridgefield team that is otherwise undefeated, they just beat Central who demolished New Canaan, and beat Greenwich. And in less then a week, Staples will have beaten Greenwich, too. The Wreckers don’t choose their schedule, they just beat every team on it. So stop complaining.
Comment by fciacfootball — November 22nd, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
His Madness says you’re right, Jeff. Nice catch.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — November 22nd, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
I was on the the Greenwich team that beat Staples 37-0 two years ago in the FCIAC title game and then beat Shelton two weeks later in the Class LL final.
Let me tell you…there is NO comparison. You play for STATE titles…not Fciac titles. In college, none of my teammates even heard of an FCIAC title…but when I mention state title, they are impressed.
Beating Staples 37-0 was no big deal to us….beating Shelton meant EVERYTHING! No go out and represent your league and do what the New Canaan’s and Greenwich’s of the world seem to do every other year…win STATE titles. The ball is in your court, Staples. You control your own destiny. Good luck Wreckers.
Comment by CardinalDynasty — November 22nd, 2009 @ 12:59 pm
Sean, since you like to get into “what if” scenarios, would it not be true that if the new CIAC playoff plan went into effect this season, and thus we had four *equal* classes (35-36 teams each, based on enrollment), that even with eight playoff spots open in the top two classes, the playoff race would still be nuts (because many of the top-ranked class L schools would be bumped up– meaning Hamden, Greenwich, etc. still would be on the outside looking in)?
Comment by Jeff — November 22nd, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
Where are all the West Haven fans who thought Cheshire were a bunch of cowards? Half of Cheshire had the flu so they postponed the game. It just delayed the inevitable and West Haven is now the best 4-5 in the state. Or at least that’s what they will try to tell you.
Comment by MasukRules — November 22nd, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
CARDINAL/Dynasty, I enjoyed your perspective about Fciac titles and State titles. However, on this blog many of the bloggers are die-hard Fciac fans who never travel north of Trumbull and have no idea about the football being played around the state. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I would be very curious to ask the Staples players and coaches, if they do go on to win the STATE Championship, if they feel they have greater satisfaction beating Central to win the FCIACS or XAVIER and CHESHIRE to win the States.
Comment by frankiefiveangels — November 22nd, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
It nice to be able to diminish the FCIAC championship once its over – a lot of class by some NC and Cardinal fans (i know its not the majority).
NC Tech can enjoy their class MM championship this year. Make it count because once you start having to play real teams under next year’s format it will be the last for a while.
LL is loaded with good teams – many of which will have one loss. If Staples loses and doesn’t get in you will hear no whining from me. If Staples wins they will have beaten 3 of the current top ten in LL and will be the top seed – enough said.
Comment by PatPatriot — November 22nd, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
By the way, Cardinal Dynasty, what would your college buddies say after they asked you who you beat for the state title and you had to say “Vinal Tech/Coginchaug and St Paul/Goodwin Tech”???
Comment by PatPatriot — November 22nd, 2009 @ 2:29 pm
Sean, for class m, since gilbert lost, all bethel needs to do is win right?
Comment by Frank — November 22nd, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
doesn’t matter….Greenwich has dominated Staples for years and New Canaan won the toughest class in all of football last year, which was Class MM…Staples was 6-5? You can have your FCIAC’s….New Canaan and Greenwich have more of them than Staples anyway. Staples has a long way to go before they can join the “big 2″.
No wonder why people hate whiney Staples fans.
Comment by CardinalDynasty — November 22nd, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
And watch football.
My wager is that you probably attended one of the LL schools and will always talk smack about smaller schools. I’ve rooted against New Canaan just about every game all season and yet I show them respect. They SHOULDN’T be playing those LL schools. It isn’t fair.
That said East Lyme is 8-1, Vinal-Coginchaug is 9-0, and St. Paul is 7-2. These are good football teams. Are they equals to Staples? No but you need to compare apples to apples. These teams did not get to the playoffs playing in the Constitution Conference. They did play real teams. Reality is that both Coginchaug and St Paul should be class S schools and have tech schools attached that provide very little in terms of talent. St. Paul has TWO SCHOOLS attached that provide little since only like two kids from Lewis Mills even play for St. Paul (they have their own JV team with seniors playing).
Show some respect for good teams having good seasons and stop throwing poop like a monkey in a cage.
Comment by PatPatriot should get out of fairfield county — November 22nd, 2009 @ 5:26 pm
SPB – just read the CIAC criteria online for the 2009 season from its website…it says that a team gets 50 points for a tie – seems to mean that a tie at the end of the regulation means that team gets 50 points even if it eventually loses in the new CIAC tiebreaker system for all games – the winner gets 100 points for the win plus the bonus points…why else have points for a tie if they don’t mean at the end of regulation….would that mean Glastonbury gets an extra 50 points for a tie and could have a max of 1400 and a possible home game taking it away from xaiver…
Comment by xvrfball — November 22nd, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
Ask a team that has never won an FCIAC championship if it’s meaningful or not…..As Greenwich, New Canaan, and Staples have been the 3 “teams to beat” the past several years in the FCIAC, are they taking their own league championship for granted?? I’m an FCIAC guy, but you can’t walk around saying “the FCIAC is the best league in the state” in one breath, and then say “who cares if you win an FCIAC championship? in the next one….
As is usually the case, you win the FCIAC, you’ve made the states…there, hopefully you are “battle tested” after going through your league, and are ready to go…
Final thought — you think the 2005 Staples team would have wanted that FCIAC championship? Could have made them the #1 team in the state that year……(though Xavier was a beast……)
Comment by fciacfootballfan — November 22nd, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
You’re grasping at straws. No games can end in a tie. Therefore no points are awarded to ties.
I don’t know why the CIAC still has this point structure up there.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — November 22nd, 2009 @ 6:41 pm
CardinalDynasty – using your standards, wouldn’t New Canaan (five state titles this decade) and Staples (three state titles this decade) be the “big 2″ in the FCIAC, not Greenwich (two state titles this decade)? As for total domination, were you also a member of the 2005 and 2006 Greenwich teams which were shut out by Staples?
Comment by FB92 — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:04 pm
hey cuoz—-how many undefeated teams would lose 5 games with westies schedule?
Comment by ray brown — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
Interesting that a Greenwich fan would call Staples fans “whiney”, after how they took that New Canaan loss.
Comment by tpl — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:10 pm
Cardinal Dynasty sounds like a delusional former cardinal player, now fan. Staples and NC have both won more state titles than Greenwich this decade, and both are primed to add another title.
What good does it do to bring up random seasons and talk about who beat who. its been an even series this decade…each program having a down year at some point. I was on the staples team that demolished Greenwich 28-0 in 2003… but like I said its been an even series.
And anyone who says its not a big deal to win an FCIAC championship is nuts. Its hands down the best conferenece in the state, every year!
Its not a big deal? tell that to the Central players who were crying on the turf Friday night, tell that to the 5,000 people who were at the game. Please, its a huge deal to win the FCIAC title, to say otherwise is ignorant. Yes it is a bigger deal to win states but an FCIAC title is a big deal
Comment by fciacfan03 — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:29 pm
Your right NC does deserve respect – but not sympathy. Depending on what division your in that’s exactly why winning the FCIAC can be so tough.
CardinalDynasty my foot, your Prophet right? Good move going under cover after the Central slap down…
Comment by PatPatriot — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:33 pm
Is the playoff system changing after this season?
Comment by fciacfan03 — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:43 pm
Yes
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:45 pm
Read through all of the “mad scientist” scenarios thinking this is far worse than the BCS and the electoral college combined. When I saw your analogy in the L bracket I had to LOL. Great effort, great analysis and great writing.
Al Davis just called…his advice to all of the teams on the bubble: “JUST WIN BABY!”
Comment by Referee — November 22nd, 2009 @ 8:11 pm
Greenwich HS is the third largest in the state with about 1000 more kids attending it than Staples and 1500 more than NC. Add to that the financial ability to run a top-flight program and you have one formidable obstacle in Class LL. That’s not to say Staples and NC aren’t blessed financially as well, only that Greenwich stands alone in the state in that regard. That’s also not to say Greenwich shouldn’t be proud of their accomplishments, only that they shouldn’t diminish that of the other schools less fortunate.
Comment by Jeff — November 22nd, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
in what way
Comment by fciacfan03 — November 22nd, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
also… No Name, I apologize to any St Paul and Coginchaug fans/followers. First rule should be to not talk about teams you know nothing about and haven’t seen play. Believe me, I will be boths biggest fans next week in the playoffs.
Comment by PatPatriot — November 22nd, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
Staples should beat New Canaan every year…they are a LL school…NCHS is just a little old MM school. But NC wins more FCIAC titles and states. Imagine having 200 more boys to choose from? You can field a whole starting football unit from that?!
Comment by NewCanaanFootballfan — November 22nd, 2009 @ 10:19 pm
We’ll see when the dust settles on December 5th…..when NCHS has another STATE title…..and Staples is just holding a little FCIAC trophy….something New Canaan wins every other year but doesn’t care much about. Again…you play for STATES!
Staples fans…you BETTER be on this message board on Saturday night, December 5th!!! Don’t hide, when the REAL hardware is handed out!
By the way….the SCC is the best conference in the state, hands down. The bottom of the FCIAC sucks. New Canaan graduated 17 starters this season from an undefeated.
Comment by NewCanaanFootballfan — November 22nd, 2009 @ 10:25 pm
NewCanaanFootballfan, Staples is much closer in size to NC two classes down in MM than they are to Greenwich in LL. If NC is so confident as a school that they are the cream of the crop in the FCIAC, then ask to be one of the 36 teams (expanded from 23) in the new highest Class next year. BTW, for sure NC has lots to be proud of given its relative size, students like you notwithstanding.
Comment by Jeff — November 22nd, 2009 @ 11:43 pm
To comment on a post Jeff had waaaaaaaaaaaay back on No. 10:
No. We’ve run three posts on what the playoff situation would look like if next year’s format was implemented this year.
As of last week this would be your Class LL: Staples, Xavier, Glastonbury, Simsbury, Cheshire, Central, Ridgefield, Hamden. …Greenwich, Newtown and Manchester would all be hoping Hamden lost and then would be looking for bonuses.
I think everybody but Central, Ridgefield and Hamden will have clinched by now.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — November 23rd, 2009 @ 12:35 am
Sean, as I read it, the top division would be 36 teams next year, not 23, meaning many of the top teams from Class L would be moved up to the top division (e.g. Simsbury, Conard, Pomperaug, possibly Masuk; to figure out which ones you’d have to look at enrollments that the CIAC is using this year). These top teams may also have one loss or less, meaning once again that teams with two losses might be on the outside looking in during the playoffs!
Comment by Jeff — November 23rd, 2009 @ 9:16 am
Fact: It is much easier to qualify for a state title in all sports because of the 40% rule. It’s harder to qualify for the states in Football but still much harder to qualify for you league title because they only select two teams.
That being said I personally would rather win the state title in all sports rather than the league. Forget which is harder, what has more prestiege, what the fans want. As a former player the only thing I ever thought about was bringing home a state championship to my hometown.
Comment by MR. D — November 23rd, 2009 @ 10:09 am
Imagine if you are Ridgefield right now. You have gone through a weak schedule that you as a school had no control over. You lost one game to Staples and no one has given you a sniff as far county respect or state consideration. It seems unfair and it is unfair that the higher ups (administration) don’t take a hard fast look at next years schedule in the FCIAC. Everyone will play the exact same schedule. The winner of the Staples vs Ridgefield game will waltz into the County and state playoffs while the loser sits home. With the new state format it might increase both of their chances next year. Let’s have some exciting games across the board in the FCIAC. I can only count three big games all year. Come on John Kuczo and Ralph King you are both great sportsmen-do whats right for the players and their fans.
Comment by jjs — November 23rd, 2009 @ 10:21 am
NCFootballfan, chill. If Dec. 5 is full of puffed up chests and silly insults I’m not sure what reason there would be to read. Can I assume you were one of the class acts that ran around the track spitting at the opponents stands right before you lost the game? As to caring or not caring about a championship game by any name -a winner plays like every game is a championship game and should feel accordingly afterwards.
Comment by fb44 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 10:29 am
At this point all I seem to be reading are the jealous rants of NC and Greenwich fans, whose teams didn’t have what it takes to make the FCIAC championship this year. Staples was the best team in the league this year…get over it. They are primed to make a run for a state title…and unfortunately unlike NC they actually have to play quality teams in the playoffs year in and year out.
Comment by fciacfan22 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 11:22 am
You must be new Jeff. We’ve already done this. Go back, one week, two weeks, three weeks…. we’ve been showing everybody what the new playoff races would look like. Simsbury is the only Class L school in contention that would have been in Class LL.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — November 23rd, 2009 @ 11:24 am
Fciacfan22, We will see if Staples was the best team in the league this year. They must beat Greenwich on thursday for all the marbles. A loss and it’s the most devistating loss in Staples history. i know because I have been following Staples since the early fifties. If We run the table we would have won the Fciacs, STATES and the #1 ranking in the state of CT. We also win the KELLY award at the WALTER CAMP All-American dinner. If we lose then all is forgotton except the FCIAC title which is nice. GO WRECKERS!!
Comment by old52 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
I miss the days of RAY RAY BROWN and ANSONIA VINNY, though they are diehard Valley fans I admire their loyalty. Ansonia still has a great shot at the S title though this team is not vintage Ansonia.
The STAPLES vs GREENWICH game should be a dandy!! Hope to see a rematch of the POMPY vs Masuk game only if NDWH doesn’t qualify.
New Canaan vs Darien will again be a WAR!
NDWH vs. Hamden is a classic. Cheshire vs Southington will put points on the board.
Masuk and Staples have got to take care of business or they both could miss the STATE PLAYOFFS.
Comment by jjs — November 23rd, 2009 @ 12:11 pm
hey cuoz—-how many undefeated teams would lose 5 games with westies schedule?
Comment by ray brown — November 22nd, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
Not sure about 5 losses but in that
3-5 loss range:
Avon
Vinal Tech/Coginchaug
2-4 loss range:
Conard
Bloomfield
New London
Comment by cuoz18 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 1:11 pm
That is pathetic that cuoz18 is even thinking about that. No one cares. Avon, Vinal Tech/Coginchaug, Conard, Bloomfield, and
New London would all beat West Havern. At least they have a new turf field to play on.
Comment by MasukRules — November 23rd, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
Sean, yes, very new to things, but enjoying having found this resource. Excellent job. According to the CIAC web site (http://www.casciac.org/tournament_packets/fb0910.pdf), which I finally uncovered, if the realignment were to have gone into effect this year, and assuming 35 teams in the top Class (the top two Classes would likely have 35 and other two would have 36), the following schools would have been moved up (the number being the enrollment): Simsbury 832, Stamford 823, West Haven 821, Hall 794, Hartford Public 775, New Milford 775, Bristol Central 773, Newington 770, Norwalk 765, Bulkeley 751, Windsor 742, and Wilbur Cross 729.
This would make the top four schools by enrollment in the next Class be Pomperaug 718, Naugatuck 714, Conard 707, and Masuk 701. I mention this because a few boys added here and there could affect teams on the bubble. In fact, when I did a Google search of CT high school enrollments, I thought all four for sure would have been moved up this year (imagine that) and therefore, incorrectly erred when not seeing them in your blog that you had just assumed eight spots given the current class structure. My bad. BTW, all the Class MM schools (e.g. New Canaan) would be pulled up a Class with these and the remaining Class L schools, as well as current Class M schools Branford 571, Platt 571, and Lyman Hall 559. A 31% better chance to make the playoffs next year, but the competition gets fiercer. Should be fun!
Comment by Jeff — November 23rd, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
Jeff. Save yourself the trouble. We’ve been doing this for three years: Here was our latest posting on this very same discussion last week. Take another trip to the Playoff Land of Make Believe. Of course, it’s no longer Make Believe.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — November 23rd, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
This version shows the enrollments and gives a little background:
http://blog.ctnews.com/hssports/2009/11/04/seans-playoff-neighborhood-of-make-believe-a-reality/
Comment by Dr. Von Nostran — November 23rd, 2009 @ 3:34 pm
BEING HONEST ALL THIS WHINING & BICKERING MAKES MOST OF YOU LOOK LIKE CHILDREN STOP ARGUING & LETS BE MEN & TALK ABOUT FOOTBALL THIS YR! I WAS APART OF CENTRAL FOOTBALL 04-08 WE HAD GOOD TEAMS WITH STATE TITLE DREAMS BUT THOSE DREAMS DIDNT COME TRUE BUT IM NOT UPSET YOU LEARN TO DEAL WITH IT..BUT BACK TO FOOTBALL, STATES IS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT ANIMAL & IT BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN EVERYBODY AND/OR EXPOSES THE TEAMS WHO REALLY SHOULDNT HAVE BEEN THERE..HOPEFULLY MY HILLTOPPERS GET IN THIS YR & LEMME POINT THIS OUT STAPLES GOT LUCKY BECAUSE THE CENTRAL STAFF CALLED A TIMEOUT WITH A MINUTE+ LEFT! WHY I DONT KNOW BUT THATS LAST WEEK LETS SEE AFTER THE THANKSGIVING GAMES WHAT THESE TEAMS ARE REALLY ABOUT!
Comment by KyleK — November 23rd, 2009 @ 3:34 pm
Kyle lose the cap locks next post. thx.
Comment by Dave k — November 23rd, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
Staples didn’t suddenly change their play call to some tricky play during that time out. Its unfair to say the coach lost the game with that one time out. HS football is flukey by its nature and the fun is in the unanticipated moments such as a great catch and great run by a player in the final minute of the game. Kyle just curious, being man is saying that Staples got lucky in a game that was a great match up of defenses or what it be more of a man to say congrats Staples – I hope we can play you again during the States?
You do not seem to be alone in your need for anger management class on these blogs. Our boys are being killed in Afghanistan – that’s something to get red-faced angry about, not a HS football game!
Comment by fb44 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
Hey fb44, What about IRAQ. You must be a Bush supporter
Comment by jake — November 23rd, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
lol fb44 your a funny guy but i said what i said & i mean it! cadelina should have just let the boys play it out so im sticking to what i said!! & this statement (You do not seem to be alone in your need for anger management class on these blogs. Our boys are being killed in Afghanistan – that’s something to get red-faced angry about, not a HS football game!) was uncalled for grow up! but it really doesnt matter who central plays im hoping they get it in because there is a chance they may not make it but if they do get in whoever they play will have their hands full!
Comment by KyleK — November 23rd, 2009 @ 4:05 pm
#
That is pathetic that cuoz18 is even thinking about that. No one cares. Avon, Vinal Tech/Coginchaug, Conard, Bloomfield, and
New London would all beat West Havern. At least they have a new turf field to play on.
Comment by MasukRules — November 23rd, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
Just answering a Ray Brown Question,As to Avon, Vinal Tech/Coginchaug, Conard, Bloomfield, and
New London would all beat West Havern I say:”Better to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.”
Comment by cuoz18 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
Guys, enough bickering. This is getting tedious.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — November 23rd, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
cant wait til states i feel there will be many upsets!
Comment by KyleK — November 23rd, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
Jake – absolutely didn’t mean to forget about Iraq! And absolutely for Bush over Obama, at least our health care didn’t turn socialist! I’m thinking Palin for Prez next go around LOL LOL
Comment by fb44 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 4:47 pm
good points by jjs and Mr. D…I agree with you completely.
Staples has a cakewalk to the FCIAC final gain next year…no New Canaan, no Darien, no St. Joe, no Greenwich (until AFTER the FCIAC final is played!) At least that game counts for states.
Speaking of New Canaan, I think Lou Marinelli has done one of his best coaching jobs ever. He graduated like 17 or 18 starters from a team which went 13-0 and was the No. 1 team in CT and won the TOUGHEST field (Class MM) in the state last year. This NCHS has OVERACHIEVED! You don’t just lose Quinn to Ondash and not suffer. We were very fortunate to have Baty show up a week before school started. But too many starters were lost. How can litttle old NC compete with HUGE schools like Greenwich and Central. They are not supposed to, and Central exposed that. Upsetting Greenwich was great. NCHS has no kicking game, no running game, and no defense….and is still 8-1 and might win what really matters…a STATE TITLE. Staples is better than NCHS at every potion, other than QB and WR.
I think all NCHS fans knew that the media was voting for NC based a lot on last year’s total dominance and this year’s hot start. But, in truth, this was a TOTALLY different (and weaker) team. How Lous got this team to beat St. Joe and Greenwich and be 8-1 is amazing. But, even though fellow FCIAC fans don’t wanna hear it, the bottom of the league stinks. The SCC is so much better. The truth hurts.
Comment by NewCanaanFootballfan — November 23rd, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
First Warning: No Religion. No Politics.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — November 23rd, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
Just curious…what is Staples’ all-time record in FCIAC finals?
Just curious…what is Staples’ all-time record in state semifinals and finals? (More important)
New Canaan’s in FCIAC?
New Canaan’s in states? (More important)
Not trying to start anything…I don’t know the answers….I was wondering if anybody had that information.
Some Staples fan was on here the other night crucifying Central for never winning a “big game” while claiming that Staples always wins “the big games”.
Since there has been a lot of Staples/NC talk going on in here lately, I just wanted to compre the two programs’ histories.
I’m sure New Canaan has won more of both, although FCIAC titles mean very little to this storied program….it’s all about the states. I just wanted to see how far Staples was behind. Staples has been good the last 13 seasons or so.
Comment by NewCanaanFootballfan — November 23rd, 2009 @ 5:36 pm
sorry SPB (and KyleK) crossed the line. How boring would it be if all teams played as predicted? Except for Staples that is.
Comment by fb44 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
hey newcanaanfootballfan i believe new canaan has the edge in the question your asking
Comment by Harding Pride — November 23rd, 2009 @ 6:00 pm
Harding Pride….thanks…that’s what I figured..I just want numbers to bck up my case that NC has the superior program to Staples all-time..and with a smaller school.
The Staples fan said that Staples had only lost one FCIAC title game…well, that is wrong..because I can think of two just off the top of my head….they lost 14-0 at Boyle few years ago..and 37-0! at HOME on Thanksgiving morning to Greenwich in ‘o7 I believe.
The same Staples fans said that they have only lost 2 state playoff games ever….that is wrong…because I can name 2 off the topof my head, an I KNOW I am missing a few…they lost to Shelton in the game that kept getting postponed, and they lost to Bunnell 28-26 a few years ago. There has to be at least 2 more losses in there.
Comment by NewCanaanFootballfan — November 23rd, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
Staples lost 27-14 to Fitch in 2001.
Comment by John D — November 23rd, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
Oh yeah, they Lost to Hand 14-7 in the 1997 championship game.
Comment by John D — November 23rd, 2009 @ 7:41 pm
From CIAC website… http://www.casciac.org/scripts/champions.cgi
New Canaan State Champ/runner-up
Year Sport Class Champion Runner-up Score
2008 Football MM New Canaan Darien 26-7
2007 Football MM New Canaan Daniel Hand 34-30
2006 Football MM New Canaan Maloney 53-21
2002 Football M New Canaan Ledyard 21-0
2001 Football M New Canaan Seymour 29-6
2000 Football M Bloomfield New Canaan 55-6
1996 Football M Killingly New Canaan 27-13
1993 Football M New Canaan Daniel Hand 35-14
1982 Football L-II New Canaan Naugatuck 20-12
Staples:
Year Sport Class Champion Runner-up Score
2006 Football L Bunnell Staples 28-26
2005 Football L Staples Masuk 31-6
2004 Football L Staples East Lyme 35-7
2003 Football L Shelton Staples 35-18
2002 Football MM Staples Seymour 35-14
1997 Football L Daniel Hand Staples 14-7
Comment by Dr. Von Nostran — November 23rd, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
N.C. has won 6 F.C.I.A.C. Championships and Staples has won 5.
Comment by The Truth — November 23rd, 2009 @ 8:21 pm
Championships
2009 FCIAC Champions
2005 Connecticut State Champions Class “L”
2004 Connecticut State Champions Class “L”
2003 FCIAC Champions
2002 Connecticut State Champions Class “MM”
1997 FCIAC Champions
1975 Connecticut State Champions
1975 FCIAC Champions
1967 FCIAC Champions
Comment by The Truth — November 23rd, 2009 @ 8:30 pm
Thanks Truth and Dr. Von Nostran!
So, to summarize:
New Canaan is 7-2 all-time in state finals
Staples is just 3-3 all-time in state finals
New Canaan haswon 6 FCIAC titles, but how many finals have they been in?
Staples has won 5 FCIAC titles, but how many finals have they been in?
Comment by NewCanaanFootballfan — November 23rd, 2009 @ 9:50 pm
by the way, I believe the 1975 Staples state title was “mythical”…as polls were used back then..not taking anything away..just saying. New Canaan had a few of those too, I believe.
So…when all is said and done…it’s clear that New Canaan, despite having a smaller school, has a stronger football tradtion than Staples.
Still not Greenwich….but.
Comment by NewCanaanFootballfan — November 23rd, 2009 @ 9:54 pm
Perhaps New Canaan has a more impressive resume than Staples, but pedigree does not win football games, particularly against a Darien defense that has surrendered just 51 points this season. Remember, Darien needs this game to get into the MM state playoffs, so they will be just as motivated as the Rams, if not more. Staples will also be battling for its state playoff aspirations against a Greenwich team that will surely play intense football to compensate for the fact that its own state title dreams for this season have all but vanished. Should be two great games.
Comment by fciacfootballfan1 — November 23rd, 2009 @ 10:43 pm
N.C. has been in the F.C.I.A.C final 13 times. S.H.S. has been to the finals 8 times. There was no championship game untill 66′. In 63′ Staples would have played Darien if they had one. You are correct, until 76′ the state champion was voted on.
New Canaan is one of the greats. They have great tradition. I love F.C.I.A.C. Football.
Comment by The Truth — November 23rd, 2009 @ 11:42 pm
can someone explain how the FCIAC makes up their football schedule and how is it that one of the stronger teams did not play the others this year. also, do they prepare their schedule on a 2 year basis? i think that is how it’s done in the SCC?
btw, according the massey ratings, this was the strength of schedule for the top 7 FCIAC teams: new canaan was 22, st. joe’s 25, ridgefield 31, greenwich 32, central 51, staples 60 and darien 69. the top nine CT schools with strength of schedules are all from the SCC.
Comment by hoop — November 24th, 2009 @ 8:35 am
Not to take anything away from New Canaan, but they have been winning States all these years in a less competitive division (M and MM). I think the only way to compare these schools head-to-head are by their FCIAC title records, in which New Canaan is 6-7, and Staples is 5-3. And even there they’re pretty even… NC has only one more win but a handful more losses.
Comment by fciacfootball — November 24th, 2009 @ 9:06 am
The Truth-
You are great! Thanks for the infoe.
fciacfootballfan- Iam one of new canaan’s biggest fan’s and I think they have A GREAT chance of LOSING to Darien this week. In fact, I think New Canaan is the underdog. Darien needs the GAME THIS WEEK…and New Canaan does not..the Rams are basically already in Class MM. I think NC loses to darien on T-Day, but wins the Class MM title. Staples should beat Greenwich..as Greenwich really has nothing to play for.
Comment by FunAndGun — November 24th, 2009 @ 10:14 am
Up until 1976 the FCIAC was the biggest game of the year because they were the only league with a playoff. After Thanksgiving the season was over.
Once the State tournament came into being in 1976 the Fciac lost its lustre though it is important for the teams involved because it gives you and extra game and something to shoot for. Simply put in the scheme of things it is not really that important. But it is fun!
The SWC and The Nvl also now have a league title game. The teams that win the state titles are the teams that are recognized. It might not sound fair but thats the way it is. It’s way more important to win the states.
To prove a point on a higher scale: Last year in the ACC basketball tournament NOrth Carolina had a few nagging injuries and decided to rest three of their starters so they would be ready for the National Tournament. North Carolina got clobbered but went on to win the National Title.
Ask yourself this question. Would you rather win your league or the national Championship?
Comment by Mr. D — November 24th, 2009 @ 11:36 am
You heard it here first: Staples will put up 50 on Greenwich.
Comment by old52 — November 24th, 2009 @ 11:43 am
In College football there is no path to being #1 w/out winning your conference,Florida must beat Alabama in the SEC Championship in order to have a shot at the National Championship,some programs are trying to win state Championships,and some strive to be #1 in the State!
Clyde
Comment by Clyde — November 24th, 2009 @ 11:58 am
KyleK, I really thought the Hilltoppers had Staples at halftime, and I thought before the game that they would win by at least 2 touchdowns…I was rooting hard for Central, and think they got jobbed by the refs on that fumble recovery for a TD…That very well could have changed everything, but the ref(s) blew a quick whistle, and decided the play was dead…Ref calls are part of the game, though, and I was wrong about who I thought would win…
It does set up an interesting T-day game b/tw Staples & Greenwich…A lot of people on this Blog are giving the Cards no chance, with nothing to play for…They lost 2 games this year, each by 1 point, keeping them out of everything…They haven’t lost their pride though, and I would be really suprised if they came out with nothing on Thursday…
Sorry old52, but I really think you are out of your mind if you think Westport is going to drop 50 pts. on Greenwich…Staples is good, but this is a rivalry that goes way back, so I wouldn’t count Greenwich so totally out of winning this game…That could leave Staples holding an empty bag, and may possibly leave them out of the States…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 24th, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
Mr.D is correct-
Would you rather win a stupid Big East or Big Ten or ACC title or a NATIONAL Championship?
No comparison! That’s why STATER title are far more importnt than FCIAC titles. Keepy lying to yourself, Staples fans, whatver makes you feel better.
Also, to fciacfootballfan…you are CLUELESS.
New Canaan has been is 13 FCIAC title games! Staples? Only 8! LOL Facts are facts.
Also….New Canaan WON the TOUGHEST division in the entire STATE last year…the CLASS MM….the 3 top ranked teams in the STATE were all Class MM: New Canaan, Darien, and Hillhouse.
Also, New Canaan didn’t have it easy in 1999 as one of their state championship losses came to Bloomfield! The same Bloomfield team that is widely considered the BEST team to ever be assmembled in the history of CT high school football. That was after NC beat Greenwich in the FCIAC final. That’s how meaningless the FCIAc is. Bloomfield was the best team in the state. FCIAC champs usually don’t have good fortunes in the states.
Basically, Staples has a LONG way before they can be mentioned in the SAME SENTENCE as New Canaan. Look at the titles. Talk to me when they win about 5 more rings an New Canaan wins no more.
Also, Staples should dominate NC head-to-head (which they don’t)..because they are a Class LL school and NCHS is a little Class MM school. Staples, with its enrollment of more than 200 more BOYS than New Canaan, should be blowing then Rams off the field every year. Staples can field a whole extra team than NCHS!
Comment by FunAndGun — November 24th, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
NewCanaanFootballFan & FunaAndGun you keep bringing up what NC has done in the past compared to Staples. 1. Quite a chip on your shoulders w/regard to Staples – you should count how many posts you have on the subject. 2. The past is the past – the teams are made up of entirely new kids so your stats are fairly meaningless with regards to this year.
Have you compared individual players/team stats for THIS YEAR? Like wins/losses? How many total points given up by theDefense? The “weak schedule” excuse won’t hold water, one of the teams Staples beat, beat you pretty handily.
Comment by fb44 — November 24th, 2009 @ 3:27 pm
Clyde, You are correct and I agree with you. If you needed to win the FCIAC to go to the state title game then the FCIAC would be most important. But the way it’s set up you don’t have to win it.
Comment by jjs — November 24th, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
Clyde….what’s wrong with you…that’s how insignificant FCIAC’s are! You don’t even have to win it to win states! The game is just an exhibition…and the state doesn’t even count it! If you LOSE the game, there is NO penalty…since the game does not count!
Comment by FunAndGun — November 24th, 2009 @ 4:05 pm
fb44–
we are taling about history…not 10 weeks…also, talk to me on the night of DEcember 5th..won New Canaan wins ANOTHER STATE TITLE…and Staples has nothing
Comment by FunAndGun — November 24th, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
never was a history buff. Yes, we’ll see about Dec. 5 – not my style to debate with amateur theoriticals
Comment by fb44 — November 24th, 2009 @ 5:33 pm
It does not matter if Staples, New Canaan, or Rippowam wins the F.C.I.A.C., its a big deal. So is winning a State Championship. As for student body size. Staples is LL this year but has gone from LL to L to MM over the years. Staples was a three year high school until 1984 when they added the ninth grade.
Comment by The Truth — November 24th, 2009 @ 5:36 pm
Staples fans are lucky Greenwich has nothing to play for….or your season might be over at 12:30 p.m. Thurday. Let’s see if Greenwich packs it in. I think Staples wins that game. If you lose, tht would be embarassing! Either way, Rams win another state title on 12/5…Staples does not.
Comment by NewCanaanFootballfan — November 24th, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
By the way…..it is not a COUNTY championship….it is a LEAGUE championship…there is as many (if not more!) schools who play football in Fairfield County who are NOT in the FCIAC as there are schools that are in the FCIAC.
Win states, then we’ll talk. Even though NC has more state titles AND FCIAC titles than Staples…(and appearances, too!)
Comment by NewCanaanFootballfan — November 24th, 2009 @ 6:20 pm
The Truth,
Every public high school was a 3 year school back before then, starting in the 60’s…It was strictly demographics…They (towns & school officials) couldn’t possibly handle the amount of the baby boomers (myself included) in a 4 year high school anymore…So they had to out of necessity create “Junior Highs”…Grades 7-9…What a mistake they turned out to be, but there wasn’t any other choice due to the amount of kids they had to put somewhere, and they were unprepared…It was an emergency fix…They didn’t have the computer power to even crunch the much less comprehensive census data back then, and so were caught off guard across the entire country…
Above history lesson said, some high schools just have a great tradition of fielding very competitive teams year after year, regardless of student body size…They are able to get a higher percentage of the best athletes to play than larger schools…Greenwich is a perfect example…When I was there in the very late 60’s & beginning of the 70’s the best athletes didn’t even bother playing anything…It just wasn’t cool…Times do, and did change, though, but still there are so many different choices in sports, or academics, that a larger student body doesn’t necessarily mean a better football team…How many of GHS swimmers, wrestlers, hockey players, etc. would the coaching staff love to have try out for football?…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 24th, 2009 @ 6:21 pm
Christ New Canaan fans are jealous….
Comment by tpl — November 24th, 2009 @ 6:39 pm
Three more games to prove you are as good as you say, Staples…3 more games. You control your own destiny.
Comment by Manny — November 24th, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
NewCanaanFootballfan says:
“Staples fans are lucky Greenwich has nothing to play for….or your season might be over at 12:30 p.m. Thurday.”
I am a die hard Staples fan, but I will tell you this — Greenwich always has something to play for — PRIDE. As much as I’d like the Cardinals to stay home and eat turkey, they’ll be there and ready to leave it all on the Staples field.
Comment by Tony Slez — November 24th, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
I forgot …. Despite the fact the Greenwich will be going all out for pride … Staples will win. GO WRECKERS !!!!
Comment by Tony Slez — November 24th, 2009 @ 6:55 pm
NCFootballFan – what on earth gets you so riled up – its kinda unnerving. Definitely don’t want to be in the same room with you when your team disappoints! ghsgranda – your history lesson was actually very interesting. I would truly love to see football become “in” at Harding – I have true respect for those boys who get out on that field in spite of everything. Those are real winners
Comment by fb44 — November 24th, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
NewCanaanFootballFan,
“Greenwich has nothing to play for”…I disagree, it’s a big rivalry for the Cardinals going way back, on a par with the New Canaan, and Darien rivalries…
Greenwich still has something to prove, despite being out of it…They have a lot of seniors on the team who know this is their last High School football game, and I’d be really suprised if they just rolled over for Westport, who they do not like…I’m not saying they’ll win b/c Staples is good, but I also wouldn’t sell the Cards so short in this game…Greenwich players & fans would much rather see the Central Hilltoppers get in than Staples…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 24th, 2009 @ 8:11 pm
There are a few silly comments on this blog post that need to be addressed. First of all, Greenwich is playing for pride, which is one heck of an important thing when it comes to football. An 8-2 record, including a victory over its arch-rival Staples, would be a far better accomplishment than 7-3 for a program with a winning tradition like Greenwich. Staples may (and in my opinion will) win the game, but I highly doubt the Cardinals will “pack it in;” the game will be highly contested.
Next, there’s the issue of the FCIAC Championship and league championships in general. I am not going to debate the merits of a league versus a state title; however, to say the FCIAC title is insignificant just because the game is not counted towards the state playoffs is simply untrue. A league title means you have earned a ring and the right to be considered the top team in the league; if FCIAC’s are so unimportant, why do teams work so hard to achieve them (and, FunAndGun, if FCIAC championships don’t matter to you, then why do you brag about NC’s appearances in the game in post #80)?
State titles would be much more impressive if there weren’t six divisions of 23-24 teams each (thankfully, the setup will change starting next season). You cannot compare winning a CT state title to winning the national championship, for which over 100 teams compete. There are 19 FCIAC teams and several very good ones; thus, it could be argued that winning an FCIAC championship is nearly comparable to winning a state title.
And please stop whining about school sizes. If Staples should beat NC every time they play, why do the Rams bother preparing for the games at all? Heck, why doesn’t the United States just give up every Olympics; after all, China and India both outnumber us by over 700 million people.
Finally, though I appreciate the enthusiasm of fellow Staples fan old52, I doubt that 50 points will be scored in the entire Staples-Greenwich game, let alone that Staples will put up 50 by itself.
Comment by fciacfootballfan1 — November 24th, 2009 @ 8:46 pm
fciacfootball fan and other staples fans on here-
You are not going to convince any of us New Canaan fans that an FCIAC title is more important than a state title (even though we have won more of those than you have….yawn)
.
The Rams show up to play bigger schools because they HAVE TO in Connecticut….they have no choice. If this was New York or another state, they would play only schools there own size. That’s why state playoffs here are fairly broken up into divisions by ….too many in my opinion, which is why next year is going to be great!
If winning the FCIAC is so tough, why do FCIAC champions rarely go on to win states?
Besides New Canaan and Greenwich, on occasion.
Who would a New Canaan fan ever be jealous of a Staples fan? Who leads thr all-time series? Who has more titles? Who has the better tradition? Who is about to win another state title? I think you have that backwards! Staples fans are jealous of NC Pride….and the titles!!
Another one coming up in 2 weeks…
Comment by NCHSPride — November 24th, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
Greenwich is good…but this is not vintage Greenwich..or vintage NC for that matter, to be honest.
Anyway, if you lose to Greenwich you don’t deserve to make states with that lousy schedule.
Let the whining begin (if you lose)…refs? math? etc??
Comment by NCHSPride — November 24th, 2009 @ 10:14 pm
Well said fciacfootballfan1. The Cardinals are playing to beat the #1 team in the state this week. They are playing to knock the Wreckers out of states. They would love to leave SHS on Thursday 10-1. I have too much respect for them to think they are not going to show up ready to play.
Comment by The Truth — November 24th, 2009 @ 10:46 pm
If Staples beats the Cards easily, it’s gonna be “Staples is awesome. the cards showed up. It’s just Staples is awesome.” Not so.
Hopefully, Greenwich doesn’t lay an egg.
In fact, most people on here think Greenwich will WIN! Why is that?
Comment by Manny — November 24th, 2009 @ 10:53 pm
The Truth,
GHS has an achilles heel, their place kicker…Both games they lost (to Central & New Canaan) were by 1 point, and they missed key extra points, that if made would have at least put them in overtime…If you saw their last game against St Joe’s, they went with a different PAT kicker…He went 3 for 4, which was a slight improvement…Staples does have that great kicker, and it could come down to that…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 24th, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
Unless the Cards come out so fired up for the whole game, then no kicker will matter…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 24th, 2009 @ 11:23 pm
NCHSPride- What do Staples fans/players have to be jealous of New Canaan of? Last time I checked we’re number 1 in the state and just beat the team that beat you 42-7. To be honest, I can tell you the kids on Staples really don’t care how many state titles NC won in the 70’s or whatever the years were. All they care about is winning this year, which they have.
Comment by tpl — November 24th, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
tpl-
Not talking about the 70’s….talking about this decade….look at the titles…Staples’ best decade ever can’t even match this decade by New Canaan. NCHS has won the last THREE state titles……….how many has Staples won in the last three years? ZERO is the answer!
Comment by NCHSPride — November 25th, 2009 @ 12:52 am
To all those thinking their team has the best record in the CT state title games…
I’ve looked it up, and no team comes even close to Ansonia…And I’m a GHS Cardinal fan…In the 33 years (seasons) that there has been a State Championship for each class, Ansonia has been in 23 of them in 4 different school size classes from LL,M,SS,& S…They are 16-7 in those 23 games…No one in the state comes close to that many appearences, or wins, period… They’ve appeared in 70% of all State Championship games in their class at the time, and won 70% of all those appearances…They are the only true dynasty in CT Football…Hell, those are better percentages than the New York Yankees…LOL
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 25th, 2009 @ 2:44 am
Go Chargers!!!
Comment by The Truth — November 25th, 2009 @ 6:18 am
If you want to get a good look at Connecticut High School football records:
http://www.ctsportswriters.org/
Click on the link on the left side of the page…….fun to look at some of the numbers…
Comment by FCIACfootballfan — November 25th, 2009 @ 8:58 am
1-Ansonia
2-Greenwich
nobody will ever debate that, ghs grandpa. Those 2 programs are in a league of their own.
Tell us something we don’t know!
Comment by FunAndGun — November 25th, 2009 @ 9:24 am
C’mon guys-stop all the bickering about Staples and New Canaan. It’s embarassing because they are both two excellent programs who represent their league and their community with class.
Greenwich is the power in the FCIAC whether we like it or not. They have great tradition, good athletes and the enrollment. You mix a class program with enrollment you have a dynasty.
All of this would be decided each year if the top teams in the FCIAC played each other every year. The problem is you never know who is going to be good from year to year.
Comment by jjs — November 25th, 2009 @ 9:56 am
FunAndGun,
I knew Greenwich had been in a lot of State Championship games, but until I looked it up, I didn’t realize how dominant Ansonia has been in the last 30+ years…They blow everyone away, and I guess I never really knew that…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — November 25th, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
Staples football alum….
Best team – ‘67? ‘75? ‘03? ‘04 ????
I’ll take ‘75.
Comments?
Best game….
Sorry NC, but the most exciting game had to be….
At NC, ‘05 – 2 TD’s with 1:24 on the clock – insane.
Comment by dpet — November 25th, 2009 @ 9:15 pm
The 67′ Team did win the FCIAC Championship Game 8-0, breaking Stamford Catholic’s 30 game win streak. Dave Lindsay, Staples big tight end caught a 60 yrd pass for the only TD. 75′ has to get my vote followed the 97′ team. I know 97′ did not win state but they were nasty. Anyway 75′ Wolfie went on to start at the Cuse, Dematio went to Maryland. Glen Hartman was a great back, FCIAC Championship MVP. Tim Bensey was a one of the great SHS QB’s.
Comment by The Truth — November 26th, 2009 @ 8:04 am
Happy Thanksgiving
Comment by The Truth — November 26th, 2009 @ 2:07 pm
YOU WERE WRONGGGGG
Xavier beat Middletown and Cheshire beat Southington but the two teams tied for point because Hand beat Guilford. Now Xavier DOES NOT have a home game, instead they play at Staples.
Comment by retrospect — November 26th, 2009 @ 3:09 pm
After all the SWC smack talk all year since August SCC is going to win LL and L .NVL again has Ansonia who I respect very much. St Joes will destroy Holy Cross and St Pauls has no chance. Steve Fainer got his feelings hurt so good riddance. Remmy please tell valley boys SCC is best league in state.Watch what NDWH does to pompy.Shelton beat masuk by 6 tds in preseason and went 7-3 in scc.West Haven plays in nvl or swc they go 9-1 or 10-0 too.
Comment by sccfan — November 26th, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
It must be tough for Central. They had a great team this year.
Comment by MasukRules — November 26th, 2009 @ 7:39 pm
as a ansonia coach once said “well play the game in a walmart parking lot on xmas day if they want to”
Comment by ray brown — November 26th, 2009 @ 9:18 pm
Comment by NCHSPride — November 25th, 2009 @ 12:52 am
“Not talking about the 70’s….talking about this decade….look at the titles…Staples’ best decade ever can’t even match this decade by New Canaan. NCHS has won the last THREE state titles……….how many has Staples won in the last three years? ZERO is the answer!”
Don’t mean to continue this argument but NCHS pride, listen to what you just said, if you are talking about “this decade,” then why do you mention that staples has 0 championships in the last 3 YEARS? As i recall, Staples has 3 state championships this decade — keyword decade like you stated. 2002,2004,2005. They may not be in the past 3 years but they are still titles, since you want to plat that card.
Comment by 4thandinches — November 28th, 2009 @ 4:24 am
but, he is right…..ZERO in the last three years for Staples…..
Three in the last three years for New Canaan…….
Comment by Cam — November 28th, 2009 @ 2:32 pm
but he was talking about this DECADE, which is my point, not just the past 3 years….whatever, you NC fans seem real bitter, why do you feel the need to talk down a program like Staples and point out all of your state titles and such. Also, all the trash talk about how on Dec 5th, you guys will be holding another trophy and staples will be sitting at home……we’ll see about that. You sore loser NC fans really just talk out of your butts. And btw, if NC does win states again, congrats, but Staples controls their own destiny. Enough with the bold predictions about them losing to greenwich and not making states (which never happened) — throw out the crystal ball please
Comment by 4thandinches — November 28th, 2009 @ 8:34 pm
Incredible BS written by NC Fans. It’s killing you that you haven’t won a State Title against any of the big boys! Try playing Class L or LL all the time in the States. Take your hollow victory trophies and come back when you want to run with the big dogs. Sick of you putting down everyone elses program. No respect here!!! Staples and Greenwich get my vote for Class Acts!!! I couldn’t be more happy that Central spanked you. What a clinic they ran against you but that didn’t matter because the FCIAC Title isn’t important to you only the States. Shine’em up boys, keep hiding behind them!
Comment by FallFBFanatic — November 28th, 2009 @ 9:49 pm