SPB's High School Football

1. SPB, I hope Notre Dame tapes your prediction to the locker room wall. Since you have ND-WH at #3 in your own elite 8, you are are saying Conard would be at least the third best team in southwestern CT? Right…

   Comment by roto — December 1st, 2009 @ 6:23 am

2. Class LL Cheshire at Glastonbury

   Just like all good programs do, these guys did not rebuild, they reloaded. After losing arguably the two best players in the state last year in Jordan Brown and Billy Ragone, the Rams and Tomahawks had tremendously unexpected seasons and square off in a rematch of last year’s LL title game. Sean McQuillan does it all for Glastonbury and may be the difference in this one with his ability to throw and run (and kick and punt and tackle and….). Cheshire has as much air game as an ostrich, but nobody runs the option like they do.

   Class LL Xavier at Staples

   I wish this game could have waited for Saturday. The winner here should go on to win LL. All people seem to talk about with these two is schedules. Xavier ran through the grinder in the SCC and is a bad half away from being the #1 team in the state. If you listen to anyone from Fairfield County, Staples had bye weeks all the way through week 10, but they managed to go undefeated and win the toughest league in the state. After beating Greenwich and Central in back to back weeks, nobody can say the Wreckers have not played anyone. I don’t care how they won or by how much, a win is a win. I can’t wait to hear the SCC fans and FCIAC fans after this one. Shoutout to Staples’ uniforms. They are simple, but efficient.

   Class L Notre Dame-WH at Conard

   Here you go, Conard. You say you deserve this chance, and at 10-0 you certainly do. This game is another battle of schedules. The Green Knights had to fight up Hamburger Hill to get to the playoffs and the Chieftains barely broke a sweat to go undefeated against the teams they played. They say that it’s not the destination that matters, but the journey, and ND’s season should have them pumped and primed for the tough L field. Be careful ND, Conard will be inspired to play hard to prove to the athletic department that the temporary lights were worth it.

   Class L Simsbury at Pomperaug

   Matchup of two blue collar teams from white collar towns. For some reason, the hype seems to have quieted for Pomperaug. They were being touted as one of the top teams in the state after they beat Masuk, and with good reason. Now people don’t seem to know who to pick in this game. I don’t get it, but I still think the Panthers have a shot at being #1 in the state with an impressive run through this L field. Pomperaug-ND would be a big draw on Saturday.

   Class MM St.Paul/Goodwin Tech at New Canaan

   After winning one of the most exciting games of the year against Greenwich, the New Canaan Rams proceeded to quit against Bridgeport Central and then squeak out a win at home against Darien. It is safe to say they no longer look invincible. With that said, they are still the overwhelming favorite against St. Paul and the Gang. Under legendary coach Jude Kelly and playing in their first season in the NVL, the Falcons had a very nice year. They have enough talent to keep this interesting, but a win might be asking for too much.

   Class MM Vinal Tech/Coginchaug at East Lyme

   Class M semifinalist Avon is undefeated right now, but only because they did not have buzzsaw VTC on their Pequot schedule. Somehow, that last sentence is entirely true. VTC has had a great season and they deserve to be in the playoff field, but the ride ends on Tuesday night in East Lyme. The Vikings will win this one at home. Quick hint when making your Tuesday night picks: If a team has the word Tech anywhere in their name, pencil their opponent into a game on Saturday. Nay….pen them in.

   Class M Berlin at Avon

   This game will be played at historic Muzzy Field in Bristol with the state’s 3rd and 4th leading rushers going head to head (Avon’s Ross McDonald and Berlin’s Max Delorenzo). Undefeated Avon only played one close game all season, against Cromwell. This is either because Avon is really good or because their schedule was embarrassing. The answer lies somewhere in between, but leans toward the latter. Sidebar on Berlin: why is their mascot the Redcoats? Weren’t they the enemy? Wouldn’t Berlin Patriots have made more sense? Was Berlin secretly founded by Benedict Arnold?

   Class M Bethel at New London

   Life is unfair sometimes. When Michael Oher was adopted by a wealthy white family and steered towards their alma mater Ole Miss, it was viewed as a heartwarming story made into a bestseller and now a sappy movie starring the delightful Sandra Bullock. When the same situation happened to Jordan Reed at New London last year, it was seen as just another example of why Jack Cochran is the devil. What does this have to do with Bethel at New London? Not much. But who doesn’t enjoy a gratuitous shot at the man who brought us the 50 point rule? Whalers should win their first playoff game in the post Cochran era.

   Class SS Bullard Havens Tech at Montville

   Say what you will about Bullard Havens not being worthy of a postseason bid, but they beat Capitol Prep twice in the same season. And if you think that is something to laugh at, ask McMahon how easy it is. Seriously though, playing the same team twice in the regular season is beyond ridiculous and a threat to legitimacy. But the system is what it is. Best of luck to Bullard Havens. And best of luck to the Montville JV players, who will see tons of action in this game. The best part about this game is that it isn’t being held at Bullard’s home field, affectionately known as Goose[dropping] Stadium.

   Class SS St. Joseph at Holy Cross

   The Holy War at Municipal Stadium. After predictable losses to New Canaan and Greenwich, the Cadets needed to win out and pray that things fell their way. Unfortunately for NVL champ Holy Cross, those prayers were answered. The Crusaders faltered over the second half of the season, notching 1 point wins over Kennedy and Sacred Heart and bottoming out with a stunning loss to mediocre Naugatuck. The combination of Della Vecchia and Matakevich power the Hogs offense, but the strength of Holy Cross is their stingy defense. This should give them a fighting chance in this one, but will Holy Cross be able to score enough to keep it close?

   Class S Ansonia at Northwest Catholic

   Two years ago when these teams met in the semifinals, the game received national media attention on the Mike and Mike in the Morning show on ESPN radio. Since there are no longer any Golics on the Northwest Catholic roster, it is doubtful this will happen again. After early season losses to Holy Cross and Watertown, Ansonia has looked more like the dominant program of years past. They are getting offensive contributions from many sources, and they will need their defense to be ready to stop the tight wing T look from Northwest Catholic. I believe that Northwest learned this style of offense by watching hours and hours of tape of the Irish national rugby team or that new Matt Damon movie.

   Class S Bloomfield at Hyde

   Two Class S mainstays meet on the West Haven turf. Bloomfield rolled through their schedule before dropping a close game to Windsor on Thanksgiving Eve. This loss not only dropped the Warhawks out of the top seed, but star quarterback Denzell Jones was injured in the contest. If he is unable to play, it would change the nature of this game completely. Speaking of S mainstays, since 1995, Bloomfield and Ansonia have been in the S semifinals together 8 times (in ’02 and ’03, Bloomfield was in SS). Only one year (2005) has neither been in the semifinals, and in that year, both Hyde and NW Catholic were both in it!

   Best team not to make the playoffs? The obvious choices of Bridgeport Central, Greenwich, and Masuk are all worthy candidates. Looking outside southern CT, it might be Windsor. Playing one of the tougher schedules in the state this year, the Warriors finished the season at 8-2 with their only losses coming to playoff qualifiers Simsbury and Glastonbury.

   Enjoy the games. And go out and go see one!

   Comment by Bay — December 1st, 2009 @ 7:51 am

3. It is silly to even see New London get a Vote they need to step up play. one of the Weakest Schedule…

   Comment by Football Bob — December 1st, 2009 @ 8:26 am

4. I like that your predictions aren’t all safely within a range (24-21). You make some bold predictions like St. Joe’s trampling on HC (which I agree will happen). I think that Avon will give Berlin a closer contest (Berlin never does well in the States).

   But SPB, you have been reading the blogs too much. Conard over ND-WH? You’ve been reading CONARDFAN’s blogs too much! I will be happy to eat my words if Conard pulls the (large) upset, but I just don’t see it happening. Conard will not have seen anything like ND-WH this year, whereas ND-WH has already faced Xavier, Hamden, Cheshire, Cross, Hand…..

   I have nothing against Conard and would love to see them pull the upset. But they won’t. I like ND-WH 30-14.

   Comment by HSFB Fan — December 1st, 2009 @ 8:56 am

5. SBP you must like giving out free meals,Conard over Notre Dame ?

   Comment by cuoz18 — December 1st, 2009 @ 10:35 am

6. As I understand it, the town of Berlin changed the pronunciation of their name from Ber-LIN to BER-lin during WWI to show solidarity against the Germans and support of the British. I assume their nickname has something to do with this. Any Berliners want to back me up on this?

   Comment by Avon fan — December 1st, 2009 @ 12:05 pm

7. ND West Haven 35, Conard 14

   SPB, are you a Conard graduate or related to one? Esposito and company are good but they have not seen a formidable team like NDWH all year.

   Let the battle for number one begin. A great docket of games on tap for tonight, wish they were spread out over a few days to take more in.

   Comment by Pigskin Prophet — December 1st, 2009 @ 12:05 pm

8. SPB, Thanks for the great preview. I’ll be at Conard tonight and Glastonbury on Saturday if they can withstand Cheshire’s option. Windsor was a better than average program this year but definitely did not belong in the states. They are athletic at some positions and large. However, they are incredibly sloppy and their line is below average. Coach Fleeting will have that team well oiled next year and they will be as ferocious as Weaver’s teams of the past. A playoff spot for them this year would have been wasted. Have fun tonight.

   Comment by Sal — December 1st, 2009 @ 1:12 pm

9. Bay,

   Great analysis. I love the dig on Jack Cochran. Any state that needs to enforce a 50 point rule, should be embarrassed. If you don’t realize you shouldn’t beat your opponent by more than 50 points, you shouldn’t be coaching high school athletes. Thanks Jack! Notre Dame and SJ are suspect on defense. Good game plans vs. these teams is to keep it low scoring and try to keep their offenses off the field. Holy Cross will get destroyed by SJ, and Notre Dame should be #1 in the state if they run the table. That is if Staples loses, which they will. Staples is good, but they are not the #1 team in the state. Xavier will beat them tonight.

   Comment by Tiger Woods Wannabe — December 1st, 2009 @ 2:04 pm

10. Avon had an easy schedule but totally dismantled all their foes except for Cromwell. Cromwell found out what Berlin may find out tonight do not underestimate Avon. They are most soundly coached team in CT High School Football. Their coach took over a weak program in a Soccer town and built a program with 100 players in the program. Hard work still goes along way in this world…

    Comment by Falcon Fan — December 1st, 2009 @ 2:23 pm

11. Hey Bay…

    Thanks again for your insight & work on your post…I read the whole thing, and always learn something from what you write…You also have a real skill at writing, and command of the language, as well as a seemingly endless knowledge of all the teams in the state…That’s why I really appreciate your blog contibutions…You have even been able to progress to integrate a little comic relief into your post…lol

    I can only go by what I’ve seen in person (only 2 games), on MSG, or heard over the internet radio, which means I really don’t know much about any teams beyond the Housy River, outside of the Ansonia Chargers, who blow me away with their incredible record over the last 30+ years, so I could never count them out of any playoff game…

    Staples gained my respect, grudgingly, with their last 2 W’s over 2 good teams…I know nothing of Xavier (not even where they are exactly located), except for what you & Sean have provided…All I know is Staples has to be pretty banged up after 2 very physical games, and not much time to heal up…

    After seeing them live against GHS, I can’t see St Joe’s losing to anyone in class SS, unless Matakevich gets the swine flu, or something…

    And, for some reason, although I know nothing about them except someone told me where they are located, I’m pulling for Conard to win the L, mostly because it might help validate my contention that they played 8 teams their size, and larger, and went undefeated…They almost didn’t even make it with a 10-0 record…I just think that the point system will be tweeked next year, to eliminate that possibility…

    Thanks again for the fine analysis, and I look forward to, hopefully, your final summation wrap up on this season, and continued contributions next season…

    Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 1st, 2009 @ 2:31 pm

12. Can’t wait to hear all the Staples fans excuses should they not win the state championship this year:

    1- Injuries …(LOL…every team is beat up this time of yesr!
    2- The FCIAC championship game vs Central beat the heck out of our guys (weel, you Staples fan were the ones who put a premium on winning that game)
    3- Greenwich was so physical on Thanksgiving, and that took alot out of us (well, you really played NOBODY all season, so, yes, you were DUE to run into a good team sooner rather than later.) Staples, remember, your schedule di NOT iclude one team which made it to te state playoffs: You didn’t play St. Joseph’s. You didn’t play New Canaan. Heck, you didn’t even play New Canaan.
    4- We didn’t have Jimmy Hughes. (Oh ya….sorry, you have been using that same excuse since Shelton ran up and down the field on you in the 2003 state playoffs. I got news for ya, Staples fans, you could have had John Riggins in the lineup that day and you weren’t beating Shelton that day. fact is, you couldn’t STOP Shelton’s offense. Wait…I think Shetlon just scored ANOTHER touchdown!
    5- We didn’t get a true home game in the semifinals. (What kind a “elite” football program can’t get lights at a field. Sad. sad. sad.) Note…this excuse can only be vaild if Staples loses tonight…not Saturday.
    6-States don’t matter to us…it’s all about the FCIAC title! (This is the biggest joke on the planet! Any team that says this is trying to make themselves and their season feel better.)

    Comment by FunAndGun — December 1st, 2009 @ 2:35 pm

13. SPB -
    Read the preview capsules and your picks.
    Not to be picky. but it’s JAKE Santora, Wrecker Captain and younger brother of Matt. He may be a one-armed bandit tonight, but he can still get it done. I’d say the score is right but you’ve got the wrong team with the “W”. Should be a great game. Are you trying to double down on your steak dinner bet?

    Comment by Referee — December 1st, 2009 @ 2:39 pm

14. Damn… I do that a lot with kids whose brothers were good. Thanks I’ll fix it.

    Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 1st, 2009 @ 2:46 pm

15. Jeez, FunAndGun, these are just kids. Sounds like you have a personal score to settle. Get over it. Save the vitriol for the pros who get paid to do this.

    The only insight I have on Staples is not that they expect to win, are the best team, etc. just that they truly *want* to win and feel that if everyone does their job (unlike last week) then if they win they deserve it. This is the least egotistical team imaginable. And if you check the roster, the core is comprised of an incredibly talented junior class with enough talent leftover for the JV to also go unbeaten, the point being it’s a great place for kids to learn the game and learn to play to their potential. How can you beat that?

    Comment by Jeff — December 1st, 2009 @ 3:21 pm

16. Had a chance to see both Conard and Simsbury play this year and am very interested to see how they stack up against two formidable teams. Haven’t heard much about Pomperaug and ND-WH but sounds like they’re legit. Conard hasn’t really played the toughest of schedules, but they steam-rolled everybody.

    Comment by g-buryfan — December 1st, 2009 @ 4:01 pm

17. Have you all ever considered that it might be best just to keep your thoughts to yourselves? Let the teams play the games, and leave the predictions to the experts. Great site SPB.

    Comment by NAV — December 1st, 2009 @ 4:10 pm

18. NAV – I am not sure I see your point – there would be no blog then and you would not be able to say “Great site SPB”

    What am I missing?

    Comment by THS Fan — December 1st, 2009 @ 4:47 pm

19. I’m a high school fan more than following any particular team. This is a great time of year yet it’s a crime Bridgeport Central isn’t participating. Granted, Staples dropped an easy TD prior to the miracle screen pass but it was Bridgeport who annihilated New Canaan yet we find New Canaan still playing.

    Bridgeport is likely the 2nd best team in LL and a rematch with Staples would an absolute classic. The remaining LL team just don’t match up and aren’t at the level of Central. Certainly not at the level of Staples (heck, the remaining might not even beat Greenwich or New Canaan)

    Comment by What a joke/crime Central isn't playing — December 1st, 2009 @ 6:28 pm

20. I was at the Xavier/Staples game tonight and just came to the conclusion that Staples must have the best group of players at the skilled positions in the state. Not one, like the fabulous running back Hayes of Xavier, but many. You look at them and you think they have no chance to win but they do and the reason is the many options they have at their skilled positions. They will break one or two in every game because of these guys. That is why they are hard to beat.

    Comment by mooncake — December 1st, 2009 @ 9:47 pm

21. How do you like us now funandgun? And most people making the comments about injuries etc aren’t even staples fans.

    Comment by SHS — December 1st, 2009 @ 10:47 pm

22. then the people making comments about injuries need to keep their mouths shut

    Comment by Ron — December 1st, 2009 @ 10:55 pm

23. FunandGun,
    I am not sure why you continue to attack Staples despite its exceptional run. I do not want to make this a personal attack against you, but come on. Right now, the only people whining are you and a few other proud NC fans who continue to doubt Staples and are continually proven wrong by the Wreckers’ outstanding play.
    And by the way, judging by NC’s performance in its past three games, I’d say the Rams would be lucky to beat East Lyme for a Class MM title. I hope I’m wrong; it would be great for the FCIAC if three of its schools could take home state titles. But should they lose, I can’t wait to hear your moaning about how NC lost because they “graduated everyone from last year.”

    Comment by fciacfootballfan1 — December 1st, 2009 @ 11:15 pm

24. I have to admit SHS, I wasn’t a Staples believer at all until these last 3 games…All great games against good opponents…All 3 games went down to the wire, and Staples pulled them all out…So I tip my hat to them…

    I know nothing of the Cheshire team, except they have also been in the winner’s circle in multiple years past…It ought to be a great game, also…

    Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 1st, 2009 @ 11:15 pm

25. And by the way, FunandGun, what an utterly stupid comment about Staples’ lack of lights. Staples could be Don Bosco, and it still wouldn’t have lights; it can’t help the fact that neighbors of the school continually block proposals to install light towers (though the town of Westport finally ratified an amendment that would permit the installation of lights – hopefully, this gets through the neighbors’ appeals).

    Comment by fciacfootballfan1 — December 1st, 2009 @ 11:19 pm

26. The point is that this is a site where an expert can post his thoughts and commentary on a field in which he specializes in. Not all blogs have to be interactive, and the fact that the comments get to the point where adults are slandering and discrediting the hard work of high school kids tells me that one ought to consider whether allowing these sorts of posts is correct. At the very least, these people should consider how they are coming off in their comments. I was unaware that a blog couldn’t exist without a slew of ridiculous and utterly unintelligent comments. What am I missing?

    Comment by NAV — December 1st, 2009 @ 11:56 pm

27. FunandGun,

    Does your mother know your on the computer again???

    Sorry, SPB, I know I said I was done posting but we’re not done yet!

    Comment by PatPatriot — December 2nd, 2009 @ 12:02 am

28. “Sidebar on Berlin: why is their mascot the Redcoats? Weren’t they the enemy? Wouldn’t Berlin Patriots have made more sense? Was Berlin secretly founded by Benedict Arnold?”

    Nothing to do with the Revolution. Everything to do with the school’s color being red. Something about the little old school cape raincoats that football players used to wear back in the day. Only team in America with that name.

    Comment by Redcoats — December 2nd, 2009 @ 12:08 am

29. FunandGun,Quit knocking Staples!!!!! Those NC State Title are like Italian lira, no matter how many you have, they’re still worth nothing! Next year, you’ll run with the big dogs and let’s see how you do!!!

    Comment by FallFBFanatic — December 2nd, 2009 @ 12:11 am

30. Thanks for the clarification but my opinion is that would be one dimensional and boring but certainly if SPB wants to make that happen -it’s his blog! I think he would miss the vintage Ray Brown comments!!

    Sean your thoughts??

    Comment by THS Fan — December 2nd, 2009 @ 6:35 am

31. umm…in defenseof Fun and Gun..and the NC program….they are going after their FOURTH STRAIGHT STATE TITLE on Saturday…..
    I’m nothere to bash Staples, because they, too, have an excellent program.
    But it is RIDICULOUS for any Staples fan to say that any NC state title is meaningless. Are you kidding me? The Class MM was the BEST divisiosn in the state last year…and NC went 13-0, won the FCIAC title, beat Staples along the way, and was the No. 1 team in the state. Sounds like something Staples can accomplish this year (minus the beating NC part, because the schedule-makers didn’t allow it this year….and the LL is not as tough as the L, but certainly tough enough). So, watch what you say before you start putting down the NC program!
    All they do is win, year in and year out.
    Having said that, I think East Lyme beats NC this weak…as NC graduted EVERYBODY from last year.
    ANY state title is BIG, New Canaan just goes where the CIAC tells them to go based on their smaller enrollment. The L will surely be tougher next year, but the MM was SO tough last year, as I said.
    NC will “struggle” to win 8 games in my opinion next year, as theyagain graduate almost everyone. So, don’t even expect NCHS to MAKE states next year.
    I still cannot get over FallFBFantaic’s comments…I hope he was joking…..I’m sure Marce and Staples would love to have a few more state titles instead of 6-5 seasons.
    All that said, good luck to BOTH teams on Saturday!

    Comment by CTfootballjunkie — December 2nd, 2009 @ 6:04 pm

32. CTFootballJunkie, no joking!
    Don’t kid yourself that Class MM compares to Class L or LL. There’s a great deal of respect for NC but don’t go throwing stones at the accomplishments of other programs because “you think” your riding on top of everyone else. I sincerely hope that NC and Staples win on Saturday. It makes for great football in the FCIAC! It’s all about Saturday night not history.

    Comment by FallFBFanatic — December 3rd, 2009 @ 11:36 pm

33. Good luck to both Staples and New Canaan. Two great programs.
    But not rivals. New Canaan’s rival has always been and will always be Darien.

    Comment by NCFootballFan — December 4th, 2009 @ 12:24 am

34. Stop Knocking Staples and New Canaan. These two have been rivals in all sports since the 1930′s and both have graced the field and the courts with nothing but class.

    Lets recognize the accomplishments of both teams and be satisfied with that. They should be playing against each other in football every year because they are such great rivals. It’s true that NC biggest rival will always be Darien because they are neighboring towns and have the same economic make-up. In years to come Staples , like it or not, will dominate towns like Darien and New Canaan because of their increased enrollment so learn to live with it. If Stamford and Norwalk had only one school they would dominate the league like Greenwich.

    Also, those people who think the MM title is always easy pickings don’tknow what they are talking about. The past two years New Canaan had to beat a great Daniel Hand team and a great Darien team to capture the state title.

    In most of the other sports the clas MM is the hardest to win. Lacrosse, Soccer, Field Hockey , Golf etc.

    AS the great philosopher MR. RODNEY KING once said ” Can’t we all just get along”

    Comment by jjs — December 4th, 2009 @ 11:57 am

35. Ummm… there is no class MM in any of those other sports you listed, jjs

    Comment by roto — December 4th, 2009 @ 2:20 pm

36. He means Class M…regular Class M

    Comment by NCFootballFan — December 4th, 2009 @ 11:23 pm

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