Ladies and gentlemen, the final Elite 8 of the 2009 season: Notre Dame is No. 1.
The Green Knights were the easy pick atop our southwest Connecticut rankings. They defeated an awesome, awesome team in Pomperaug; after the Xavier loss (in which they led 21-0), Notre Dame ripped through the rest of the SCC Division I fairly easily and tipped eventual Class LL champion Cheshire along the way. They had a great line, excellent linebackers and the offense was a machine with Sean Goldrich, Justin Willis and Connor Keniry. The resume speaks for itself. Beating a legit 12-0 Pomperaug team propels them to the top.
Staples is No. 2. The Wreckers’ resume included an FCIAC championship victory over Central, wins over Greenwich, Xavier and they were just yards away from sending the Class LL final to overtime after falling behind 21-7. Awesome defense all year. And the Wreckers proved no one man makes a team by slotting Keith Gelman in for injured Brandon Pacilio and not even missing a beat. This bunch didn’t have many superstars, but played great football the whole year.
Pomperaug is No. 3. The Panthers, too, were an awesome team. They ripped through the SWC, beat a good Masuk team in the SWC title game, took out a strong Simsbury team and gave Notre Dame-WH all it could handle in a classic Class L encounter. Say what you will about the pass interference call, but you have to play through it. ND had a touchdown called back, too. The turnovers are what killed Pomperaug in the final. And Notre Dame is the reason why. If they played again? Who knows? Like Staples, tough way to go out for a great senior class. But an awesome season, nonetheless. A team to watch next year.
Central is No. 4. Yes. This is a team everybody would have loved to see in the Class LL draw. The Hilltoppers more than made up for their showing at Trumbull by knocking off Greenwich with big plays, absolutely burying eventual Class MM champion New Canaan, and then came within a minute of beating a great Staples team. This team was born a year too early. If the new playoff format was implemented The Hilltoppers would have been in the eight-team field (and would have gone to Glastonbury for round 1).
New Canaan is No. 5. This group overcame a major plot twist at the start of the season when Turner Baty showed up to win a fourth straight Class MM championship — no small task. The kids pulled together with Baty, won big games and were No. 1 in the polls all year until getting crushed by Central at Kennedy. We like to compare that loss to Central’s 21-0 showing at Trumbull. Every team in this draw had its hiccup, but because of that loss, it’s tough to put NC ahead of Central — which was edged out of the stacked LL draw — even with the MM title. Still, this was an awesome team — one whose defense really came on in the season’s final weeks to propel the Rams to the top. It’ll be even more intriguing to see how the they fare next season when they’re bumped into the Class L draw alongside Masuk, Pomperaug and Notre Dame-WH.
Greenwich is No. 6. Yes, the Cardinals finished 7-3. But lost to Central, New Canaan and Staples by 1, 1 and 2 points respectively. The Cardinals were an excellent team, but seemed to self-destruct in tight situations. That’s something to take into the offseason where there’s some rebuilding to do. But they’ll be back.
St. Joseph is No. 7. The Cadets had a tremendous year — their best season in 19 years, navigating a rough FCIAC schedule (losses to Greenwich and New Canaan) to finish 8-2, getting into the playoffs and then rode defense and junior Tyler Matakevich to their first state championship since 1990 and ninth overall. Many are pegging this to be a contender next year. Lots of seniors graduate, but Matakevich and QB Joe Della Vecchia return. Winning a title next year will be tough either way. The Cadets would have been in Class S alongside Northwest, Hyde, Bloomfield and Ansonia. …they would have still gone to Holy Cross in the quarterfinals, and we know how that turned out.
Masuk is No. 8. The Panthers, too, overcame a plot twist before the season when Casey Cochran showed up and still managed a tremendous year. But this was still a very young group and it showed at times, especially late in the season. They had Pomperaug sweating in the SWC title game, but stumbled at the finish line against Newtown. Like Central, we never got to really see how this team would have responded in the playoffs. Make no mistake, this is the team to beat next year, and maybe the year after that in the SWC. They’re going to be around for a long, long time.
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just an fyi sean, bethel finished 9-3. and the elite 8 looks very good. Masuk should be a top team next year.
Comment by bethel — December 8th, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
Yeah, I know. I forgot to update the other rankings.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
Sean what play off spot did Masuk play in? That’s right Newtown took care of that. I’m sorry Masuk is good, but should not be in the top eight this year. Lets see what happens next year, QB is back and he is VERY GOOD, number 1 WR is gone and a few other ball handlers gone and small but fast line.
Comment by Big Dad — December 8th, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
Masuk was 9-1 and, like most everybody else, had one regular-season setback. Unfortunately for them, it was a big one. Otherwise, they were a good team all year and clearly would have had a chance in Class L had enough broke right for them. They were right there with Pomperaug, just not good enough to get over the hump. Who should I put in their place?
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
Ridgefield 9-1 very very good team played well all year, Bethel 9-3 knocks off the over all # 3 team New London (at the time),NL also # 1 in class M. Masuk only beat Bethel by a TD. Look who Masuk played up to the Newtown game? Weston, Barlow, Oxford and that was also close to name a few.
Comment by Big Dad — December 8th, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
So? Masuk still beat Bethel. So I can’t rank Bethel higher despite their postseason success in Class M — Bethel also got obliterated by Pomperaug. I’ve seen both Ridgefield and Masuk live and I liked Masuk better overall.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
That’s fair, but Newtown still beat Masuk and that did more to hurt Masuk than help Newtown. Masuk lost to Pomp in the SWC and lost a must win to Newtown at Masuk. Ridgefield plays in FCIAC i.e NC, Staples, Darien, etc. My vote goes to Ridgefield. Again the QB from Masuk is going far, he is GOOD.
Comment by Big Dad — December 8th, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
Good job on the elite eight SPB…i might have placed NC over Central because of Centrals two losses but they did handle NC quite easily . poor Ridgefield..nine and one and everybody is down on them.
Not so sure that Pomperaug is not a better team than Staples but we will never know. Staples did play a tougher schedule down the stretch.
Comment by frnkiefiveangels — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
Good Job 1 thru 4 after that you pretty much could have thrown the other 4 plus Hamden,Shelton and Ridgefield in a hat and come up with an order.
Comment by DDS — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
Yeah… Ridgefield had a great season — just one loss — But it’s hard to compile a resume for them. Not many great teams on their schedule, lost 30-0 to the one ranked team they played. Tough to get a true gauge on them. Ridgefield will have its chance at redemption next year… they should be pretty good.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
You’re probably right about that DDs, except New Canaan. They have to be in the top 5. Even then, you can argue I have them too low. But it’s all good.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:11 pm
SPB………I don’t think Pomp should be #3, because they were in
a weak division SWC……other than Masuk, and Bethel. I wonder how Pomp would have done in another division. Do not get me wrong, Pomp is good???? But I don’t think a #3…The bottom line, they did not play anybody that was that good. They blew everybody out!!!!
Comment by Donald C — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
Seeing Pomperaug live a few times, I don’t care who they played. They were a great team and would have done exceptionally well no matter who you put in front of them. They were right there against Notre Dame. You could even argue they should be No. 2 and I wouldn’t quibble with you.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
Nice to follow these postings all year. You mention that a lot of these teams should be back in the hunt next year, it seems like that is usually the case with most of these schools. Can you repost the 8 from the end of 2008? It would be interesting to see the movement.
Comment by football — December 8th, 2009 @ 2:53 pm
Oh, boy…The end of 2008 was, if I remember correctly because I can’t find it: 1. New Canaan; 2. Brookfield; 3. Masuk; 4. Darien; 5. Hamden; 6. Hillhouse; 7. Ansonia; 8. Seymour… Or maybe Newtown was in there, too. I’ll have to go digging.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
SPB, once again keeping it real
This makes sense and really does not have any flaws (I guess some could argue Central, except NC – toppers smoked the rams)
It’ll be fun to see how some of these teams turn out next year – Masuk is young, NC is young (compared to past versions) – can’t wait!
Comment by fan — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
SPB………You are right…Pomp was right there with ND-WH
but they made too many mistakes. A good team, in the biggest game of the year, can not make mistakes like that. I also think the kid from Berlin, is just as good as Ben C. Matt D is only a junior, and this kid is the real deal. Like you said, Pomp ripped through the SWC, because the SWC is weak……….we will see how they do next year
against Masuk. All said and done, great job on the picks. Keep up the good work!
Comment by Donald C — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
Haven’t gone back to last year, but the pre-season was:
1)Hamden
2)Greenwich
3)Shelton
4)Staples
5)New Canaan
6)Masuk
7)NDWH
8)Ansonia
Comment by Dr. Von Nostran — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
Sean-
You can’t have NC behind Central..no matter what the score Central beat them by.
1- Central had two losses
2- NC won a state title
3- Central didn’t come close to NC in any of the state polls….how could you actually have them in front of NC in a REGIONAL poll…LOL….are you saying that you are right and that all the other coaches and sportswriters (except for that one kooky person who actually voted a two-loss Central team who didn’t win a playoof game of any type or didn’t even make the states) are wrong? Get off of hometown Central’s “nutsack.”
Comment by Richmond Spider — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:18 pm
I’m a poll voter and, yes, I’m saying a majority of the other sports writers and broadcasters are wrong.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:22 pm
Very happy to see Bethel in the 11th spot above. It was a great year with the highlight obviously being the NL upset in the Semi’s. The Berlin game? They were indeed monsters and had a lot of depth. Bethel has a roster of just over 30 players. Just about all starters go both ways and many even play all special teams. Not an excuse for losing because Berlin was the better team, but I think the Bethel team was a bit out of gas against Berlin, adding to the beating.
With the weathering of the August Head Coaching change this was more than we had hoped for. This is hopefully a turning point for Bethel Football. Hopefully many more kids will come out for the team as we can see that depth is one key to winning championships.
As a Dad of a three year starter who saw 1-9, 6-5 and 9-3 I could not be happier!
Thanks SPB and Conn Post for your coverage!
Comment by Pete — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:23 pm
also, SPB, Central had 9 wins. NC had 11. Central had 2 losses, as I said. NC only had that 1!
To Big Dad-
Your argument makes no sense because Ridgefie,d din’t even play NC OR Darien this year…so forget about them having a TOUGH Fciac schedule. The ONE good team Ridgefield did play (Staples) they lost 30-0!
Comment by Richmond Spider — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
Pompeaug was for real. They had excellent balance on both sides of the ball. they just came up short against a very good ND team.
Comment by john — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:28 pm
Coach Gill, Martin, and the rest of the staff did an outstanding job at Bethel this year. Nobody thought Bethel was going to win. I heard there whole line is coming back next year. They will
need to address the QB spot. Coach Gill had the kids on the same page and they worked there tails off. Great job Bethel! The only thing I heard up in Bethel is that some good athlete’s go out for the sport they love and get cut. This keeps them away from going out from other sports. Maybe that is why the numbers are so low on the football team. I heard it’s you know up there.
Comment by Donald C — December 8th, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
When a team like Warde surprises Darien in the first game of the season you can write that head to head off, your not going to rank Warde higher because of that win. Central didn’t get in to the playoffs because of the playoff format not because they weren’t worthy and Central had 2 losses because they beat NC and made it to the FCIAC’s where they lost to Staples, NC didn’t have that chance to win or lose because they LOST to Central. Saying NC should be ranked higher than Central because they won the MM’s and forget about the head to head game is like winning the NIT’s and saying your better than the losing team in the NCAA finals that beat your ass during the season.
Comment by DDS — December 8th, 2009 @ 4:30 pm
DDS, you took the words right out of my mouth. You have to consider the head to head AND the FCIAC point system, however flawed it is. The FCIAC Championship takes the 2 best teams in the league. Ironically, that game did not include 2 state championship teams. What does that tell you?
Comment by Voice of Central — December 8th, 2009 @ 4:57 pm
NC lost to Central 42-7 and people are arguing that you put them behind Central…..What is your argument? Do teams lose to teams that are inferior to them by 35 points. No. Obviously NC had a more successful season, but Central had a better team which is what the polls address.
Comment by tpl — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:06 pm
Actually, the polls didn’t address that, hence my beef with the rest of the sports writers. No big deal, all we should really care about here is No. 1, and they got that right.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:09 pm
First of all, congratulations to the Notre Dame Green Knights, the #1 team of 2009. Cheers also to Cheshire, New Canaan, Berlin, St Joseph, and Hyde. It was an interesting season for sure. Quick recap:
“Now You See Me, Now You Don’t”- Two high caliber QBs were magically delivered to the doorsteps of elite programs in Masuk and New Canaan. Nobody knew why they showed up, but Marinelli and Murphy weren’t complaining. Less than a week after the season ends, however, both players have been rumored to be getting out of Dodge already. If coaches want to recruit, why don’t they just go to a Catholic school?
“Faulty Logic”- This year, the law of common opponents could have been thrown out the window. By that equation, Capital Prep would have had Staples on the ropes. Why not? Central lost a thriller to Staples. But Central lost to Trumbull, who lost to Stamford, who lost to McMahon, who lost to Capital Prep, and Kevin Bacon’s uncle went to Capital Prep. Isn’t that how this game works?
“No Respect, I Tell Ya”- The NVL, eagerly awaiting basketball season, hurt its already less than stellar reputation by going 0-3 in the CIAC playoffs. You know it’s a bad year in your conference when the lone bright spot is a St. Paul loss. League champ Holy Cross was crushed by FCIAC second tier St. Joe’s. Holy Cross could not have done any worse. Literally. They lost by 49. One more point for the Cadets and Coach DellaVecchia would have been suspended for the championship game.
“George DeMaio is Thrilled”- The SCC quieted the debate over the state’s dominant conference for at least a few months, locking up the top two spots in the poll and trophies in the two toughest classes in the state. The FCIAC put four teams in the final Top 10 poll and also won two state titles, but the SCC wins bragging rights this year. Lyman Hall and East Haven fans will be insufferable all winter.
“Back to the Future” – Great to see the Ansonia Derby game renewed this year. Rivalries like this are the reason we follow high school football. Lots of pride and tradition on display that night.
“Best Down Year Ever” Greenwich- If it was anyone but the Cardinals, people would be more sympathetic. They lost three games by a combined 4 points. They were more than capable of beating any team in the state on any given day, but were spectators in December. Look for them to contend as usual next year, while trying not to draw the ire of those rogue referees.
“The Ebb and Flow”- Some storied programs returned to glory this year, while others took a step back. Notre Dame, Cheshire, Staples, Central, Pomperaug and St. Joe’s all got back to their winning ways. I realize that Cheshire was in the LL final just a year ago, but this was their first state title since 1997. Notre Dame was 4-6 last year, Central was 3-8, St. Joe’s, Pomperaug and Staples were all 6-5. On the flip side, Bunnell, Brookfield, and Fairfield Prep all took major steps backwards. Bunnell went from 9-2 to 4-6. Brookfield went from 12-1 and league and state titles to 2-8. Fairfield Prep continued its demise with a winless campaign.
“Maybe They Would Show Up for League Games” – We hear the FCIAC is looking for another member to make an even twenty. How about adding the Harlem Hellfighters? Ludlowe had no trouble beating them this year.
“Why Pre Season Polls are Stupid: Exhibit A” Seymour ranked #5. Rough year for first year coach Tom Lennon, but he is not to blame for the Wildcats 1-9 season. They lost their top two players in the first game and by mid-season their starting right tackle had moved to RB….seriously. It appears that the loss of players to Oxford and Woodland will affect Seymour more than anyone had anticipated, but they will find a way to right the ship.
“Big City Beatdowns” Shout outs to Bridgeport Central and Wilbur Cross. Central shocked the state when it beat Greenwich, and then stomped on #1 New Canaan in the rain at Kennedy Stadium. Wilbur Cross upset Xavier in Week 1 and then ended Hamden’s season right before the Green Bowl.
Hope you enjoyed the season. Great job all year Sean.
Comment by Bay — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
Nice job Sean. I really appreciate the coverage. Full discloseure: My son attends St. Joe’s. I think it is interesting that St. Joe’s ends up #7 in the Elite 8 (limited geographic area of the CT Post), and # 7 in many State polls. I have watched HS football for many years. Although most fans favor THEIR team in a big way, as evidenced on these and other blogs, I think one over riding factor is ignored. The large schools have a very large advantage over the smaller schools, and it shows in the size and number of kids available. I am a fan of the SCC (which gets a raw deal in the states) because they play their regular season in LARGE and small school divisions, for the most part. Therefore most games are meaningful, and in many ways more fair than other leagues. As noted on another post, Hand (MM)(by choice, I am told) plays in the Large Division of the SCC, and gets clobbered. We all know how good that program is, but they struggle to get to states, playing 4-5 LL schools on their schedule. hopefully the new format will make it “more fair” (whatever that means) for all schools. it is true that you can only beat who you are scheduled to play, but even the college BCS attemots to account for League Strentgh and Strength of schedule. Once again, it was a very entertaining year, and I hope that the seniors are off to excellent colleges to get an education. See ya next year.
Comment by davidfromshelton — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:13 pm
And to you, too.
Good stuff. I’d say you should start your own blog, but I’d like it to stay here.
Also, I’m glad everybody like the “Big City Beatdown” headline. Seems that’s made the rounds recently.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
I think Shelton had a better year than Ansonia. It was a down year for the NVL.
Comment by MasukRules — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
Thanks, davidfromshelton. Actually, Hand does very well in the SCC’s upper division. Just two years ago they were 10-0 and went to the Class MM finals only to get upset by New Canaan (then 8-2) in a wild comeback. In their first two seasons of SCC Division I, Hand won state titles in 2005 and in 2004. Consider them the New Canaan of the SCC: a relatively smaller school that typically dominates in football.
I understand the St. Joseph argument. They’re an SS school in the FCIAC — which, unlike the SCC — is comprised of mostly Class LL and L schools. And they’re being asked to beat Trumbull, Ridgefield, Greenwich, etc. while other SS schools get schedules filled with other SS schools in small-school leagues (Pequot, NVL and, to some extent, lower SCC, lower CCC divisions). St. Joseph’s criteria is indeed much more difficult and they need to play extraordinarily well to qualify.
You could also make the same argument for smaller schools like Foran (SS) and Sheehan. Yes, they play in SCC Division II. But they, like most of their lower-division brethren, have two Division I games built into the schedule. Seeing how SCC-1 vs. 2 has gone over the years, you wouldn’t be wrong to suggest they have at least one, but more likely two losses built in. They’d need to beat at least one of the big schools to even have a chance at qualifying over a ton of small schools that all typically go 9-1, Hyde, Cromwell, Ansonia, etc.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
sorry, I had signed off but the Ridgefield comment gt me going. How can a LL school in the FCIAC not play anybody? 9-1 but please review the schedule? No NC, Greenwich, Central, not even St. Joe’s or Darien— how is that possible? The SCC does it properly: Head-2-head. Ridgefield played a LL schedule of: Harding, McMahon, Trumbull and Danbury (a total of 10 wins). I repeat, How is that schedule possible? They would have (IMHO) been in big trouble in the States with the real big boys. Note: A very good Shelton team beat West Haven (always very good) week 1, then lost in successive weeks to Xavier, Chesire and Hamden (#2 in state at the time)…………THAT s the difference in scheduling between the two leagues.
________________________________________
Ridgefield 9-1-0 300/0 1200 120.00 80 Wins Over: Stamford (L-5w,0t), Fairfield Ludlowe (MM-6w,0t), Wilbur Cross (L-5w,0t), Harding (LL-0w,0t), Norwalk (L-2w,0t), Brien McMahon (LL-3w,0t), Trumbull (LL-5w,0t), Wilton (MM-2w,0t), Danbury (LL-2w,0t)
Losses To: Staples (LL-10w,0t)
Comment by davidfromshelton — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:41 pm
Shelton actually had a better year than Masuk. I will take 7-3 record in the Best league in the state than 9-1 in the swc. Enjoy your state championship trophy from last year. It is going to be a long time before you get another one. I dont care who is coming back next year. It is going to be a lot harder for teams like Masuk Newtown Pomp and NC with the new playoff system. i actually heard a something the other day that a returning play might not be returning next year. Funny thing Masuck played 3 tough games all year and lost all 3. Masuk would be lucky to win 5 games in the SCC d1. Sean great job this year without you, there would be no place to talk about high school football.
Comment by mon78 — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:43 pm
I’d like to see NC play Central on a clear night off of astroturf. i bet it would be a much different game
Comment by fciac — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:44 pm
davidfromshelton, excellent point I would love to see some of these teams with these padded 9-1 records play that schedule.Lets take Masuk for example, in your opinion what would there record have been. Keep in mind shelton beat them pretty bad in the beginning of the year.
Comment by mon78 — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:50 pm
Sean, accurate retort as usual. am a bg fan of Hand’s program. However, the difference to me is that after fighting through the Upper Division of the SCC, the smaller schools if they make it to states, usually have been beaten and battered by, frankly, bigger kids, and more bodies. They simply do not have the bodies, back up players to regroup at year end. The LL schools may have two or three decent left offensive tackles (for example), where the MM schools and lower usually get by with one player (let’s be honest)at each position, then a big fall off.
Enough of that — thanks again. I really hope the kids understand the value of education and do not get carried away with this “football stuff” the way we do. Cheers.
Comment by davidfromshelton — December 8th, 2009 @ 5:50 pm
Programs like Masuk and Pomperaug would do exceptionally well in other leagues. Sure you’d see a few more down seasons like ND (which was 4-6 last year), but I would take this year’s Pomperaug team and last year’s Masuk or Brookfield team up against anyone.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 6:14 pm
fciac,
No it wouldn’t; rain and astrotruf had no bearing on the fact that NC was helpless against Central’s physicality and explosive rushing attack (300+ yards on the ground). My guess is that a change in conditions would alter Central margin of victory by one, maybe two scores, but not much more. Nevertheless, this is football, and you must either deal with the conditions you face each week or lose.
Comment by fciacfootballfan1 — December 8th, 2009 @ 6:43 pm
A few points. I agree with Sean that this year’s Pomperaug team was very very good. We do however, need to consider the injury factor, and splaying soft team throughout as warmup for the States. On the other side of that coin, if a team survives the “injury bug,” makes it to states through a brutal schedule, then they are better prepared to win the close games, and play in difficult (Decemebr in CT) and varying weather conditions.
Mon78, thank you for the support, but I hear so many stories about the scrimmages (preseason) from very biased perspectives, that i have learned to almost totally discount the discussions and hte supposed results of those contests. But i do know a little bit about football and Shelton was an explosive team, (defense was disappointing),overshadowed by a brutal schedule and very difficult league (even more so than usual this year). Geez, Hand was 5-5. A very talented but erratic Cross team was only 5-5 in league yet, surprised Xavier and lost to Ridgefield (at Ridgefield) 28-27 after leading big through 3 quarters. Just a brutal year for SCC teams to survive the regular season because they MUST LAY EACH OTHER, for the most part. Very few “gimmes.” let’s hoep the new format provides the justice we all discuss on this board.
Ok, over and out, really this time.
Sean hope you are back next year, or working for the NY Post. Happy New Year all.
Sorry, if I bashed anyone or a program on this blog, not normally my style. Just think the scheduling should be equal/fair, to provide an equal opportunity for the kids that work so hard. One more time — THINK EDUCATION. Football for most CT kids is transitory.
Comment by davidfromshelton — December 8th, 2009 @ 6:44 pm
When St Joes was a dominant state powerhouse under McCarthy and Hayes from 1980 to 1990, the size of the school was never an issue then.
When Debry used to routinely beat Shelton and Cheshire (and everybody else in the Housy Conference) the size of the school did not seem to be an issue.
Stratford High was a great team in the late 1980s. Scary good. They were a small school.
When Ansonia won 25 straight games in 2002 and 2003 and then was #1 in 2006 and 2007, the size issue did not affect them.
From 1997 to 2000, Bloomfield was the most dominant high school football team this state has ever seen. They were on a different level than everyone else. And they were in Class S.
Don’t use size as an excuse to lose. Find a way to win.
Comment by Rob — December 8th, 2009 @ 6:49 pm
You can’t bash Masuk or any other team for the schedule they played, the schedules aren’t hand picked, and teams differ from year to year.
@mon78 – Why is everyone bringing up scrimmages at this point? This is post-season.. pre-season is an opportunity for coaches to take their teams for test rides, not a test of team’s strength. Masuk was missing one of it’s best players in the Shelton scrimmage and obviously fixed some kinks to turn out with a better season than Shelton anyway.
Comment by hsfootball — December 8th, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
There is now a new record for talking about scrimmages.
Comment by MasukRules — December 8th, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
you can have your 9-1 records against pop warner teams. I really don’t care. Good Luck next year oh thats right you really dont need it. It must be great knowing that every year you are always going to be 9-1.
Comment by mon78 — December 8th, 2009 @ 8:11 pm
Rob, I attended Stratford high in the early/mid 70’s with Nichk Giaquinto, as QB, in the old MBIAC. They were a great team. However, we never got to see them against the big schools across the state.
Yes, there are awesome teams at all levels and sizes. However, back then, State Champion and rankings were decided by pollsters, not via playoffs. The large schools as a rule have a significant advantage over the small schools, unless the small school has a once in a decade or lifetime player. Depth is crucial in football, as you can see with the power college conferences. teams can get off to a good start, but rarely survie the injury bug, and 2nd tier players at quietly important positions like left offensive tackle.
A good and spirited discussion but without the superstar (Ansonia often has a superstar, as did the Bloomfield team you mention). let’s admit that since CT football is not, say Georgia or Florida, one star can make a huge difference.
ike most guy’s (quietly) know, SIZE MATTERS.
eg: This years best LL amd L teams would have handled the other division’s easily, and (my favorite school) St. Joe’s is an excellent example.
Comment by davidfromshelton — December 8th, 2009 @ 8:24 pm
I nominate Bay for Poster of the Year.
Comment by roto — December 8th, 2009 @ 8:26 pm
Note: The Bloomfield example you use is dubious as Cochran (spell check please) was the coach and an “S” school that cheats and recruits specific players, and breaks every other rule known to mankind and the CIAC, is not indicative of a small school triumphing over larger schools. Cochran’s recruiting system resembled that of the NY Yankee’s.
Note: The Catholic schools that I know do NOT recruit (that may be hard to believe). I worked at Prep a few years ago, and they did not recruit (in any way) top hockey players that I personally know very well.
Ok, let’s move onto basketball.
Comment by davidfromshelton — December 8th, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
mon78- let’s go easy on the Masuk bashing. They have an awesome program there. Murphy is a great coach and next year they’ll be a machine. SPB’s right too, they’ll continue to be a top team for a long time to come. I can tell you one thing Masuk will play anyone from any league and still be very competitive. New Canaan-Masuk in 2008 would have been an epic game. I know I’m not the only one who thinks that. When 9-2 is a down year for Masuk this year, that says alot.
Congrats to all the state champs this year, SPB you do an awesome job covering as well.
Comment by southwest ftball — December 8th, 2009 @ 8:57 pm
hey bob… in comment 42 you say ont use the size of the school as an excuse. would you rather be able to field a team from a school that has 300 boys or 800 boys
Comment by joe — December 8th, 2009 @ 9:31 pm
Rob, During the McCarthy/Hayes eras SJ played in the MBIAC and ACC. It wasn’t until they joined the FCIAC and had to face the L and LL schools on a weekly basis that the “drought” began. Sean makes the point much more concisely than I’ve been able to in post #33.
Roto – I second your nomination.
Comment by Dr. Von Nostran — December 8th, 2009 @ 9:45 pm
Masuk has a great football program. Always did and always will.
It starts when the kids are young. In the town of Monroe, they have a great feeder program. SPB is right, Masuk will be good for a long time.
Comment by Donald C — December 8th, 2009 @ 10:03 pm
Dr. Von Nostran,
St. Joes fell off a cliff when Hayes was still the coach and they were still in the ACC. In 1990, I believe they were #1 in the state. The very next year, they stunk and they stayed that way until the ACC collapsed for good (‘95ish?). My point is, the drought predates them joining the FCIAC.
Comment by roto — December 8th, 2009 @ 10:14 pm
My main point is just not to use class size as an excuse. Don’t sell yourself short or have the attitude that it’s more acceptable to lose to a larger school.
I am a realist and understand that it is easier for Greenwich to be good year after year because they have a large pool of players to choose from. But Bassick, Wilton, Norwalk, and Danbury have this same advantage and I know St Joes does not feel intimidated to play those teams at all. They would be upset to lose to those teams. They would not rationalize it.
St Joes is returning many key players next year. They should have the attitude that they can go undefeated and win the league because they can. They have the ability to beat New Canaan and Greenwich next year. I hope they beat both of them. But if they don’t, nobody should feel it was inevitable.
Comment by Rob — December 8th, 2009 @ 10:18 pm
St Joe’s
Wins Over: Crosby (L-2w,0t), Wilton (MM-2w,0t), Darien (MM-7w,0t), Trinity Catholic (S-4w,0t), Bassick (L-2w,0t), Fairfield Warde (MM-5w,0t), Norwalk (L-2w,0t), Trumbull (LL-5w,0t)
Losses To: New Canaan (MM-9w,0t), Greenwich (LL-7w,0t)
FCIAC opponents:
2 LL
2 L
4 MM
1 S
St Joe’s used to be in SS and for their later championships M . The ACC was comprised of ND-WH (current L, used to be LL), Xavier (LL), Prep (LL), East Catholic (S, but used to be M), St Bernard (SS, maybe have been M, not 100% on that one), Northwest Catholic (S), South Catholic (closed). So the opponent classes look like
3 LL
1 M
2 SS
1 S
So I don’t know if the distribution is all that different. And we should note that their biggest rival was always Prep – a big school that has always been LL or L.
Yes I agree “good” tends to correlate with “bigger”, but I don’t think St Joes problem is really size. Their problem is that you need to be 8-2 at worst to have a shot at the states – 3 losses usually eliminates you. In most of their FCIAC years, they just can’t seem to get over the 3 to 2 loss hump. This year they did.
Comment by FauxRealism — December 8th, 2009 @ 10:19 pm
Correction, SPB:
The Wreckers did send the LL State Championship game into overtime. They were yards away from sending it into 2OT when Kelly was stripped.
Comment by fciacfootballfan1 — December 8th, 2009 @ 10:23 pm
Right. Sorry. Writer’s fatigue.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 8th, 2009 @ 10:46 pm
Back then St. Joes played NDWH, West Haven, Prep, Xavier and Hamden almost every year.
Comment by Ole#65 — December 8th, 2009 @ 11:06 pm
Points well taken. Maybe I should change post #51 from “joined the FCIAC” to “Left the MBIAC”, and from “L and LL” to “high quality programs”.
Comment by Dr. Von Nostran — December 8th, 2009 @ 11:08 pm
Sean,
First of all, you’re probably getting some well deserved rest now that the football season is over, but I’d like to congratulate & thank you, and all others involved at the CT Post for such an informative, and interesting forum to discuss CT High School football…You have all done a great job, and I’ve learned a lot since stumbling onto this site a couple of months ago…I’ve been out of steady work for quite a while now, and it’s been a nice diversion, especially since my oldest grandson plays for the GHS Cardinals, and being a senior he played his last Cardinal game on Thanksgiving day…
I have a couple of questions regarding the change in format for next year, that I know you diligently worked on & with the blessing of Steve Filippone of Hand-Madison it has been put into place…I hope you’ll get the chance to respond sometime in the future…I went into the archives and re-read your “Playoff of Make Believe” article of November 4th, and saw how the new 4 divisions would break out for next year…It looks like the divisions are divided up as equally as possible based on this years male enrollment figures, the only way you could do it, since there is no way to predict accurately what next year’s numbers will be…I’m just wondering if you, or Mr. Filippone know for sure if this is actually the way the new divisions (Classes) will be made up?…Or will any other criteria, or factors be considered beyond strictly enrollment numbers?…A lot of good teams (at least this year) seem to be right on the “cusp” between a lower class, and the next class up…I also read a post on another recent blog, that in the past Trinity Catholic (who I know nothing about, even where they are) was moved up in Basketball at some point from Class S or M to LL, and that the Staples Soccer team was moved up to Class LL from L well before the football team was…I assume that this was because, despite their student body size, they dominated the smaller classes in those particular sports…Could that same sort of reasoning be used in Football, as well under the new format?…
Anyway, if you know the answer or can find out, it would be interesting to know…Thanks again for the great job all season…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 8th, 2009 @ 11:17 pm
Roto – good call on the nomination
Bay – looks like I have to step up my off season regimen to make a run at #1 next year
SPB and everyone – Yes, I agree… good teams can play with good teams from any league. However, when the caliber of opponent is higher week after week after week, the odds of losing a game or two increase dramatically. (It’s the same reason the casino wants you to stay as long as possible. The longer you stay, the less likely you are to leave “undefeated”. lol)
Now this year it worked out that the SCC looks great with LL and L champs + another top 10 team. However, as I wrote a month or so ago… the real reason that the SCC is the best conference is that the top 10 teams all man up and agree to play one another EVERY year (technically they skip one, and get 2 crossover “easier” games). Fans – put it this way: next year we will see Cheshire @ ND, Xavier @ ND, and in all probability Xavier vs. Cheshire, too. How awesome is that?
Compare that to the silly bickering in the FCIAC between Staples and New Canaan on this board – hey guys – settle it on the field… opening week of 2010! You will get a huge gate, the interest of every fan in the state, probable game on MSG, etc. While you’re at it, let’s see Ridgefield-Central, St Joes-Staples, and all the other combos of your best teams. Especially you – Greenwich/Staples/NC – elite teams by any measure – you have no excuse for not playing each other every year.
The SCC format may not be perfect, but it generates the most competitive and fair schedule. (Note: nothing wrong with being in SCC Div II – you get 8 games vs. similar programs and 2 cracks at the big boys. Go 8-2 and you have a good shot at the post-season.) Other leagues should take a long look to see how the 2-tier format can be adapted for them.
Comment by FauxRealism — December 8th, 2009 @ 11:50 pm
DDS..I HOPE you are not comparing the FCIAC title game to the NCAA finals and the Class MM state title to winning the NIT…if so ,your priorities and mindset are DEAD WRONG!
Comment by Richmond Spider — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:20 am
what the fciac champiionship ganme usially tells me is that it means NOTHING….as a NC fan,…who has won it SEVERAL times…we play for states….the fciac champ RARELY wins states…..heck, the two teams in it didn’t even win states this year…they weren’t good enough…that’s how bad the league is. Fciac is overrated!
NC keeps things in perspective…you play for STATE titles…not silly rankings or league titles.
Comment by Richmond Spider — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:25 am
voice of central..it also told me that central got killed by a hapless Trumbull team……Staples choked in the big game…………St. Joe’s got it done when they needed to…NC got kit done when they needed it.
Stop hating!
Comment by Richmond Spider — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:29 am
Faux Realism…The format has already been changed for next year…The CIAC is going to a 4 division (Class) league of either 35 or 36 teams each, with the top 8 teams in each Class (LL,L,M,and S) making the playoffs in each class with a quarter, semi, & final in each class starting after the Thanksgiving day games…I’m not sure if they are retaining 2 seperate divisions within the SCC next year, as in years past…I’m not familiar with all the SCC teams…All I know is there is going to be a big shake up in the entire state, especially with a lot of Class MM teams moving up to Class L, and to a lesser extent, Class SS teams moving up to Class M…Where I see a potential problem is in Class S where you will have a dozen or so Class SS teams from this year in with all the Class S teams, including some powerhouses like Bullard Havens, St.Joe’s, Montville, Holy Cross…That’s why I asked the question to Sean if the new Class divisions are going to be determined strictly by enrollment…Maybe, that’s why I hear they are keeping this year’s schedule the same for everyone next year…To see how it all shakes out with the new format…It may take a few years to tweak, to get it down right…I’m just afraid that the CIAC will always be tweaking behind the curve, because teams do turnover due to graduation, especially in the smaller sizes, where it is often harder to reload year after year…
Comment by ghsgrandpa — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:39 am
FauxRealism, to steal an idea from somewhere else on the board, I’d have no problem with you being poster #1B.
Comment by roto — December 9th, 2009 @ 6:56 am
Sean-
I love your comments on New Canaan…”roller coaster year”…they were 11-1 and won a state championship…I think most coaches/players in the state would like a ticket on that roller coaster!! Nice coverage all year.
Comment by MR.WILSON — December 9th, 2009 @ 9:25 am
Not to keep burning the candle on the Central/NC thing
No doubt that Central should be ranked above NC – smoked them head to head late in the season
But let’s be clear on what Central did in the rain against NC
Central had two AWESOME drives against NC and set the tone
But NC gave up the ball 3 times inside their own 20 (2 fumbles by Baty just flat out losing the ball while throwing or setting up to throw) – i think only one was an int – and all three resulted in td’s
NC also drove on Central several times and gave up the ball inside the Central Red Zone a few times
Again, not killing Central here…they smoked NC – you gotta be able to play in any kind of weather conditions
But if they play on a fair weather night, the result is a close game (just like the Greenwich/NC, Staples/Greenwich and Central/Greenwich games all were)
Comment by fan — December 9th, 2009 @ 10:26 am
and staples/central
Comment by fan — December 9th, 2009 @ 10:29 am
What about if East Lyme played NC or Montville played St. Joseph on a fair weather night and not the rain, snow and slush of Championship saturday?
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 9th, 2009 @ 11:10 am
I attended the Montville-SJ game and it was quite a thriller. If it had been dry weather it would have been a much higher scoring game. Montville would not have fumbled so much and SJ would have been able to stick to their gameplan. If it was dry, SJ would have dominated scoring 40+ points on a weak pass defense.
Comment by football — December 9th, 2009 @ 11:28 am
Sean,
By your logic Trumbull should be ranked higher than Bridgeport Central. 21-0
Comment by jared — December 9th, 2009 @ 11:36 am
New Canaan “Cochran rules” East Lyme on a nice day, I think. There was a gaping chasm between the athleticism and skills of those two teams.
Comment by Dave — December 9th, 2009 @ 12:01 pm
If I strictly used who-beat-who as logic, Capital Prep is No. 1
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 9th, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
Ridgefield #1
They beat Wilbur Cross, who beat Xavier, who beat ND, who beat Cheshire, who beat Staples!
Comment by Ziggy StarDust — December 9th, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
SPB-
yes, by yoir faulty logic…..Trumbull should be ranked higher than central..you make no sense
Comment by NCExit37 — December 9th, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
also…if NC plays East Lyme on a clear day, the score is 76-0….and Lou can’t coach the first game of next year.
If NC plays Central (let’s say when Staples did at Trumbull that night in the FCIAC’s) on a dry night with no wind, the game is a toss-up. Not saying NC wins, but they probably do.
Finally, NC probably beats Staples this year…as Staples’ pass defense was not good at all, and that was New Canaan’s strength…their passing attack. Staples was very luck y they didn’t have to play great passing teams like New Canaan (or even St. Joe’s with QB Dellavechia) this year.
Comment by NCExit37 — December 9th, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
Yeah and if the Queen had Ba..s she would be King..its not NC’s birthright to be Top 3 every year, you have a great program and are in it every year now let the 4 teams better than you have some glory for a year. Richmond, Your a good NC fan, you have to hang your hat on whatever you can and I guess all you really have this year is winning the MM’s by beating what were those teams names again? Oh thats right, St Paul Catholic etc…and East Lyme, Congrats.
Comment by DDS — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
I’m not going strictly by who-beat-who. I’m taking all factors into consideration. Central went 9-1 in the regular season and only missed by points in the Class LL field. I’m taking into account they beat Greenwich and they absolutely hammered the Class MM champion 42-7 and were the FCIAC runners-up. So, sorry, yes I have them ranked higher than New Canaan. All that rain and snow didn’t prevent NC from beating East Lyme, so why should we use that as a crutch against Central?
Nevertheless, awesome season for NC. I never thought they’d do it for a fourth-straight time (never thought they’d win two- or three-in-a-row, either). Great team this year.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:18 pm
SPB you don’t have to explain it, if it was head to head Warde would be ranked higher than Darien. Central was a better team than NC this year, not by much regardless of the score but they were.
Comment by DDS — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:34 pm
Sean, I’m a newtown player and I cant help but notice you dont give newtown any respect. it seems like its something personal.
Comment by newtown09 — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:34 pm
What can I say about Newtown? They’re in the second-tier of the Elite 8. Signature win against Masuk, but I can’t put them ahead of Masuk like I can Central over New Canaan. Newtown lost to Pomperaug and New Fairfield. Masuk lost to Newtown, but played in the SWC title game and came within 10 yards of tying that game. Masuk had 9-1 record, just like 75 percent of the Class L playoff teams but just missed by points. You’ll notice I didn’t put Bethel in the Elite 8, or Ridgefield. There’s only so many spots.
On my end, I assure you, it’s never personal.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
Why did’nt you mention rose on the offense line for nd.That kid is great.
Comment by ty — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:43 pm
newtown09, there’s an interesting story behind SPB’s lifelong hatred of you and your town.
When Sean was a young boy, his parents took him to an opera and they skipped out early. They were heading to their car when a gang of Newtown football players killed his parents underneath the pale moonlight! He pledged from that day forth that if he ever became a high school sports writer, he would not give Newtown the respect they deserve as a pretty good team in a very mediocre league.
Comment by Spurrier's Visor — December 9th, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
New cannan and St. Joes’s had the best years among fciac teams simply because they won STATE titles…enough said. That’s all that counts.
Done!
Comment by NCExit37 — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
I love how people are jealous of NC’s success year in and year out! They just keep winning many football games year-in and year-out + FCIAC titles (even though that’s NOT important) and Top 5 rankings (also not important) and STATE titles (VERY important).
We LOVE the haters!
Program of the deacde!
SPB said it himself…along with alot of other media members.
Comment by NCExit37 — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
By the way….NC had THREE first place votes in the writers poll and another in the media poll! Staples had ZERO first place votes in any poll! How can you explain that?? The pollster have spoken!
They also finished ahead of Central in EVERY poll!
The POLLS LOVE NC every year…how do you explain that?
Comment by NCExit37 — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
Well, you could call Ansonia the program of the decade, too. They didn’t win six titles (four) but won more games, was no. 1 twice (as opposed to once) … Can’t go wrong with either.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
My god how many times can you say the same things over and over.
Comment by STFU Already — December 9th, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
Exit 37 your killing me put me down as a hater now. Sorry Lem and Pete.
Comment by DDS — December 9th, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
NCExit37,
Are you sure your looking at the same polls we are? Staples finished AHEAD of NC in EVERY poll even with the 3 1st place votes for NC. In my opinion Staples,Xavier,and pomperaug were all better then NC. Coach marinelli does a GREAT job though and i would say he’s the best coach in the state but to say this years team is Great would be wrong
Comment by HSfootballfan09 — December 9th, 2009 @ 3:19 pm
I agree with STFU. I guess it is sort of fun to try to say who is number one, but if the teams never play it does not matter. Even when the teams DO play, people seem to dispute the outcome.
This year’s teams did a great job of upending all the expert’s predictions.
What was the preseason Elite Eight?
Comment by GHS Fan — December 9th, 2009 @ 3:30 pm
The preseason Elite 8 was: 1. Hamden, 2. Greenwich, 3. Shelton, 4. Staples, 5. New Canaan, 6. Masuk, 7. Notre Dame-WH; 8. Ansonia — I don’t have it in front of me but Pomperaug, Ridgefield were among those in the bottom 8.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 9th, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
NCExit37,
Congratgulations: NC won the Class MM state championship for the fourth year in a row, a remarkable accomplishment regardless of how one perceives Class MM. And Coach Marinelli is easily one of the best in the state.
That being said, your comments are ridiculous. Why you continue to feel the need to rip into Staples is beyond me; if, as you say, NC’s winning a state championship is more significant than Staples’ FCIAC championship, then you can stop your childish trash talking now because NC has already done all the talking.
And as far as I know, I didn’t hear any New Canaan bloggers complaining about how meaningless the FCIAC title game was when the Rams won it last year. Now that they’re not 13-0 again and Staples is ranked higher than them in all the polls (oh wowie, three first place votes! You must be so proud…), suddenly Staples’ achievemnets become meaningless. Remeber, in the four straight years NC has won state championships, it has won just one FCIAC title. There is really less of a difference between winning FCIACs and States than people think; a highly-competitive 19 team league versus a so-so (for NC) 24 team state conference. Both are meaningful accomplishments; next year, when the format changes, winning states will undoubtedly be more significant than winning FCIACs; if NC wins again next year, THAT would be a truly impressive feat.
Also, 85 times out of 100, New Canaan loses to Central. Central was simply far too physical for the Rams to handle; as I said before, the rain had no bearing on Central’s rushing attack, which ran silly all over NC.
You say that people are jealous of NC’s success. But right now, the only jealous person on this blog is you because (don’t lie) you wish your team hadn’t got its behind handed to it in Week 9 and thus be prevented from playing Staples for the FCIAC championship. I’m not taking anything away from NC, which is a fantastic program (certainly one of the best this decade, as you say), but you need to grow up.
Comment by fciacfootballfan1 — December 9th, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
Just to clear up a few misguided thoughts above:
THe FCIAC Championship game is between the best teams in the league, if your squad is not the best in your league where school size does not matter (refer to comment #46), then obviously your team has not won the games it needed to be better than the teams in that game.
If a team cannot beat the teams in it’s league, winning a state title against questionable opponents does not catapult that team above foes they lost to. Or shall I say were crushed by.
Football is not tennis or baseball. Weather conditions are part of the game. NC fans weren’t crying about the monsoon during the St. Joes’ game (refer to comment #68)
New Canaan has a great coach and program but they were perhaps the 3rd best team in the FCIAC (tied with Greenwich in my book). Yes, my fellow fans, New Canaan has arguably the best program in the last 10 years. But THIS year they were not the best. Struggling with Darien and St. Paul doesn’t help.
Comment by Voice of Central — December 9th, 2009 @ 4:15 pm
A good showing this year for bethel, and a top team in pompy. down year for most others. Who do you see next year in the SWC ? bunnell make a comeback ? masuk always good, but loses all recievers ( maybe QB ? ), pompy losing a lot of seniors, backfield, newtown, brookfield ? How about nd – fairfield, 1st year coach, played a lot of close games, returning some talent ? oxford ? What do you think, SPB ?
Comment by SWC Observer — December 9th, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
It’s all about winning the STATES and the banners….nothing else matters. Sorry Staples! And Central? LOLLOLOLOL.
My job is done here.
NC…TEAM OF DECADE!
Comment by Richmond Spider — December 9th, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
SPB this blog was very entertaining but once the children entered….(#97) it’s time to close the door.
Comment by Baby Patrol — December 9th, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
Ok lets clear things up.
Crick O MVP, Cochran 2nd
Staples D is D MVP. Anyone else second
Petroccio coach of year. Lost QB and was a play away. Catalina 2nd.
Love how New Cannan, Staples and Ridgefield get transfers and it’s ok, Masuk gets one and it’s armagedon.
Stop crying Central, Masuk, Ridgefield, it’s the system, you all should have won and you would have been in.
Please FCIAC and SWC get rid of your league championship games. They are killing your teams for States.
What happen at Bunnell, no more D1 kids, all those fake punts and onside kicks don’t look so good with normal kids.
Great job Joe Dell and ST Joes. Way to go Hoggs!! Maroon and Gold St Joe’s
Comment by [Guest] — December 9th, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
(shrug) Everybody is entitled to their opinion.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 9th, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
In most years YES the FCiac is a game matching the two best teams. But because the schedule is so watered down for some teams that might not always be the case.
The FCIAc was very fortunate that Staples was terrific this year otherwise you would have had the winner of the Ridgefield-Staples game represent one side of the FCIAC. Next year either Staples or Ridgefield has to win one game and thats the game they play against each other to again qualify for the FCIACS. The other teams, Greenwich St. JOes, New Canaan, Darien and Central must compete against each other. Totally unfair.
This year the FCiac was top-heavy. You had about six good teams who can compete against anyone in the state. Let’s hope that McMahon, Norwalk, Stamford, Trumbull, Ridgefield, Danbury etc can come up to the pack and make the Fciac again the premier league in the state.
Comment by Mr ChooChoo — December 9th, 2009 @ 6:32 pm
Thanks for the list of the Elite 8. To summarize – Beginning of year –
1. Hamden, 2. Greenwich, 3. Shelton, 4. Staples, 5. New Canaan, 6. Masuk, 7. Notre Dame-WH; 8. Ansonia
End of year
1. Notre Dame W-H 2. Staples 3. Pomperaug 4. Central 5. New Canaan 6. Greenwich 7. St Joseph 8. Masuk
So 5 out of 8 stayed in Top 8. I think that qualifies as an pretty informed opinion.
Nice work. Thanks for the blog!
Comment by GHS Fan — December 9th, 2009 @ 8:33 pm
Let me preface this message by stating the following facts:
1- I am a New Canaan fan
2- I saw Staples play their last four games of the season (three in person, and the Thankgiving game on television)
3- I like to think of myself as unbiased
4- SPB knows 80 times more about CT high school football than I do
5- I have been a high school football fan in this area for about 25 years.
I’ve been a longtime “lurker” on here, but I posted the other night on adifferent thread when fellow New Canaan fans were getting out of hand. I’m not a preacher, but I wish NC fans would go back and read my comments and take my advice. This will be my second and lastpost on the subject, and I will address a few more things.
Again, we won another state championship. That was our goal. Mission accomplished. Fantastic!
However, in my opinion, Staples was the best team I saw this year (up until the final play of the season). As I said a few nights ago, Staples was never out of a game, no matter what the score or situation. The Wreckers treated me to some of the most breathtaking football I have ever seen over those final 16 days of the season. Staples could beat anybody in the state.
Did I root for Staples? No. But, let me tell you, that was a GREAT football team and was easily the #1 team in the state until that last play on Sunday. Those kids from Westport showed amazing heart and took diehard high school football fans such as me on a heartpounding ride which I will never forget.
Could New Canaan beat Staples if they played this year? Yes. Could Staples beat New Canaan if they played this year? Yes. Do I KNOW for a fact who would win? NO. Both great teams.
Again, Staples, you had a great season and should be remembered for the grit you showed when your back was up against the wall against some very good football teams in those final four games. Sipmly amazing works by the Westporters.
Moving on to Central…if Central played New Canaan that night in Naples, FL in 85 degree weather and no wind and no rain, Central still wins that game. It’s not 42-7…but it might be 35-21. In my opinion, and this is only an opinion, Central still wins that game by two touchdowns, no matter where it was played or under what type of conditions.
Can New Canaan beat Central? Yes. But not that week. That was Central’s week. Does that mean I think the game was a fluke? Absolutely not. Botht teams can beat each other. Central wanted it more. They played better. They were the FAR better team that night. Great year for Central!
Finally, I’d like to move onto to SPB’s Final Elite 8.
Let me start out by saying that I pesonally know SPB in “the real world”….meaning, we are friends off of this message board.
Rankings are not very important to me, sincethey really don’t mean much. However, I was trying to “guess” what SPB’s Elite 8 would look like before it came out on Monday. I texted him on Monday afternoon, saying that I would not rank Central ahead of New Canaan. He texted me back with some vaild points. It’s really no big deal. I completely understand his points. And I’m sure he (and all of you) could understand my points (although most likely not agree with them, LOL). As SPB would tell you, I am not a “homer.” I hate “homers.”
That said, I still disagree with SPB that he has Central ranked ahead of New Canaan in his final Elie Eight…but I UNDERSTAND it. (It’s really not that big of a deal to me)
That’s my point here to all my fellow New Canaan fans…..PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, stop putting down Staples and Central. Staples has one of the best programs in the state! And Central…well….if you were at Kennedy Stadium that night….I don’t need to tell you how good Central was this year!
We have a great program in New Canaan. But we are not the only ones.
Again, I’m sorry if it sounds like I’m preaching. But New Canaan has always been a class program and I don’t want a few fans spoiling that.
Thanks to every player on all the local teams for giving us an exciting season. And a big thanks to Sean for his blog.
Happy holidays to everyone.
-Dave L
Comment by Dave L — December 9th, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
SPB who would you say your top 8 for next years season would be?
Comment by Goomba — December 9th, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
Good points Dave… I’m changing my phone number.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 9th, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
Top 5-SWC teams in 2010 and the order can be changed around. Bethel, Newtown, Masuk, Oxford, Pomp. I would like to see the SWC championship game between the top team in each division not just the top 2-teams. Some say the best two should be in it then why have 2-divisions? The number 1 team in the colonial plays the number 1in the Pat division and if they need to redo the make-up of the SWC to balance it off so be it. How about one better – have the SWC join in with the FCIAC to have a super leaugue with 5 big divisions. Some SWC teams would drop out and end up in places like the NVL and others leagues.
Comment by Big Dad — December 10th, 2009 @ 8:58 am
Dear Voice of Central…i was reading your post #95 and although i tend to agree with you on most of your points there are a few i respectfully disagree with. I think that it is without question that Central was better then NC that night and you did beat them up good, despite weather i dont think the score would have changed much. But i still would put NC above Central in the rankings. Why you may ask? The main reason is that You have 2 losses, NC has 1 and a State Championship. Now you can make the arguement that you kicked NC’s butt, but cant the same arguement be made my Trumbull over you guys? So would you say Trumbull should be ranked higher then you guys becuase they beat you…no you wouldnt, and why? becasue you guys are the better team. I understand you beat the hell out of NC, but i still see them as the better team, just not on that day. Last i checked, trumbull beat the hell out of you guys also.
SPB maybe i am wrong but i think my logic makes sense…now lets be honest all that matters is that #1 spot, but i like to think that without NC getting a chance to play Staples that common opponents could not boost central past NC. Yes Central smoked NC, but has anyone thought that maybe NC just had a bad night…like when Central played Trumbull…they just had one bad night….ahh who cares anyway.
Congrats to all the teams this year….Catalina of Coach of the Year hands down!!!
Comment by prophet — December 10th, 2009 @ 10:02 am
All you fairfield county ppl are pathetic you think your so much better than everyone with your cool hats and big houses, lets get this straight. Its not the NVL SWC SCC CCC or whatever, then entire state of connecticut was terrible this year. Theres little boys running around the fields now a days. Please just stop talking about these teams. None of these teams are even that good. The statewide embarassment CT had this year is the reason kids need to get off the couch and video games and start practicing skills. The Bloomfield team i saw in 1998, probably one of the best teams ever, would have made all these little boys and girls in the FCIAC crumble up in a little ball. Seriously you guys need to stop thinking you’re so great, cause you really arent good at all. New Haven county owns ya’ll!!! Get smacked in the all star game it seems almost every year. Tristan Roberts from Ansonia made all you Fairfield County boys cry back to mommy and daddy, Im sure they bought you a nice new toy after the game though
Comment by New Haven — December 10th, 2009 @ 11:36 am
I have always hated those cool hats they wear too!
lol
Comment by Tim Mac — December 10th, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
At least we have hats!!
Comment by Dirt — December 10th, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
Number 108 we are! Deal with it.
Comment by Big Dad — December 10th, 2009 @ 3:20 pm
Prophet,
I follow the logic you have. Only this is the Central/Trumbull Game was 0-0 at halftime. And when you factor the fact that it is the end of the year, most recent play. But true as it is, you have to have the hardware-NC has theirs this year.
New Haven, what are you talking about?? The only reason New Haven “dominates” the all-star game is because 1/2 the kids in Fairfield county don’t play in the game. Please!!
Comment by Voice of Central — December 10th, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
Cool hats?…..
Comment by tpl — December 10th, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
Good point…The fairfield County team can’t get the really good players to play…I’m not a big fan of the game anyway…have only been to way…not really interested in pounding my chest about a glorified scrimmage
Comment by A_Fan — December 11th, 2009 @ 8:44 am
spb this is a bit of topic but do u ahve any explanation for the debacle in brookfield. i no ethey lost a ton of their starters from last… but still a 2-8 season. any chance theere are gonna be decent at all next year.. besides that Pompy was the best team and ND-WH beat pompy so good choice for #1
Comment by ohio DB — December 11th, 2009 @ 11:33 am
Brookfield just lost a lot of all-state caliber players. I mean, a lot. It happens. Not sure about next year. They were down after the Lutrus years, but only for a year or two. Coach A is a good coach. They’ll be fine.
Comment by Sean Patrick Bowley — December 11th, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
Brookfield will need 2 – 3 years. This years QB was good and he is a senior also Brookfield will lose a few good backs. The team size (player) is small. Coach “A is first class and a good coach. Brookfield also has a good feeder system.
Comment by Big Dad — December 11th, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
Congratulations to the New Canaan High School Rams for being voted the Best Team in Fairfield County in 2009 in the Bill Gonillo Top 5 Media Poll ….it is New Canaan’s second straight year winning the award, after the 13-0 season in 2008.
The 15-member media panel voted New Canaan as the best football team in Fairfield County, after the Rams crushed East Lyme 28-0 in the state title game…its fourth straight state title.
Staples finished in 2nd.
St. Joe’s finished in 3rd.
Pomperaug (which is not in Fairfield County but plays in the SWC) was 4th.
Central was 5th.
The media members did a nice job by rewarding NC and St. Joe’s for winning the big, important games…the state titles. NC received 7 of the 15 first-place votes, while Staples had the other 8. What hurt Staples was the fact that Staples had five votes at #3 or less, while New Canaan had just three. Voters rightfully penalized Staples for not winning the big game. Central fell victim to the system and its loss to a hapless Trumbull team.
Again, these voters cover the teams on a weekly basis…not the upstate teams, so these guys no what they are talking about.
Also, MaxPreps has come out with their final Top 10, in case you are interested…..
1-NDWH
2-Cheshire
3-New Canaan
4-Staples
Comment by NCHSRamsFb — December 14th, 2009 @ 5:36 pm
Hyde can also be talked about as the team of the decade winning 4 State Titles.
Comment by cuoz18 — December 23rd, 2009 @ 3:11 pm