Archive for October, 2010

Bloody Week 6 Part 2: League Championship Races

Monday, October 25, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Here are your FCIAC playoff standings with three weeks to go.

Unbeaten Darien and Staples are at the head of the table, with Trumbull, Ridgefield, Stamford, New Canaan all getting a seat.

We’ll take a quick look at scenarios below.

Team
 Rec Pts. Avg
DARIEN

5-0

610

122.0
STAPLES 6-0 720 120.0
TRUMBULL 5-1 640 106.7
RIDGEFIELD 4-1 470 94.0
STAMFORD 4-2 520 86.7
NEW CANAAN
 4-1 430 86.0
GREENWICH 4-2 510 85.0
CENTRAL 4-2 430 71.7
WILTON 3-2 350 70.0
ST. JOSEPH
 3-2 350 70.0

♦♦♦♦

Unless we get another massive round of upsets, A team with two losses is almost assuredly out. So we’ll just focus on the 1-loss teams right now.

Here’s what the contenders have left:

DARIEN (5-0, 610, 122.0): vs. Bassick (0-6), at Westhill  (1-5), vs. Norwalk 2-4. Synopsis: Very winnable games vs. Bassick and Westhill. Norwalk might decide to show up in that final game. Darien’s favored to win all three and clinch.

STAPLES (6-0, 720, 120.0): vs. Ludlowe (0-6), at Wilton (3-2), vs. Trumbull (5-1). Synopsis: Controls its own destiny. Favored to win all three games, but the Trumbull game is still pretty close. A loss there would muddle up the race for second place, depending how Trumbull fares against its remaining opponents.

TRUMBULL (5-1, 640, 106.7): at Danbury (2-4), at Ridgefield (4-1), at Staples (6-0). Synopsis: The toughest road of all the one-loss teams, but controls its own destiny. However, with two of the top contenders left on its schedule, winning out will almost assure the Eagles a spot in the playoff.

RIDGEFIELD (4-1, 470, 94.0): at McMahon (3-3), vs. Trumbull (5-1), vs. Wilton (3-2). Synopsis: Will probably have to win out and hope Trumbull beats Staples and maybe get somebody else to upset Trumbull. They’re longshots.

NEW CANAAN (4-1, 430, 86.0): vs. Wilton (3-2), vs. Greenwich (4-2), vs. Central (4-2). Synopsis: Yes, 4-2 Stamford is ahead of the Rams on point average because New Canaan’s four defeated opponents so far have just 4 victories between them (thanks Warde!). If they win out, that should change. But not enough to outpoint, 1-loss Ridgefield, Staples or Trumbull.

♦♦♦♦

THE SWC PLAYOFF RACE

The SWC just takes the top two records for its league championship game, Nov. 18 at Brookfield. If there’s a tie, head-to-head and then CIAC playoff points points are used.

Here’s the breakdown.

Team
 Rec
MASUK

6-0


NEWTOWN 5-1
POMPERAUG 5-1
BETHEL 4-2
BUNNELL 4-2
BROOKFIELD 4-2
OXFORD 4-2

MASUK (6-0) — Has Bethel (4-2), Oxford (4-2) and Immaculate (0-6) at home to finish up its schedule. They’d need to lose twice to miss the SWC title game. Two more wins will clinch it.

NEWTOWN (5-1) – Has New Fairfield (2-4), Barlow (2-4) and Stratford (2-4) left. If they win out they’d be close to clinching a title game, but might have to wait to see if it can outpoint Pomperaug in playoff points. (The two teams don’t go head-to-head).

POMPERAUG (5-1) – Has Barlow (2-4), Brookfield (4-2), New Fairfield (2-4) left. Will have to win out and hope to outpoint an 8-1 Newtown.

BROOKFIELD (4-2), BETHEL (4-2), BUNNELL (4-2) and OXFORD (4-2) are all long shots. Newtown and Pomperaug would both have to lose at least one game to give any of these teams a chance.

♦♦♦♦

I’m going to go out on a limb and say, unless you have a death wish or are hoping to claim a No. 1 statewide ranking at season’s end, vying for this championship game is probably the least of your concerns.

To wit: You have the championship on Friday, Nov. 19 at Trumbull. Then you play six days later on Thanksgiving. But you’re also in the state playoffs and, five days later, you play in the CIAC quarterfinals. Win that, and four days later you’re playing in the semifinals. Win that, and seven (or six) days later you’re playing in the state championship game.

That’s potentially five games in 3 weeks. Ouch.

With just four state playoff divisions and three rounds to hoist the trophy, a state championship trophy means more than it ever has since the CIAC started hosting them. League title games are obsolete now, especially since these leagues are so large, it’s impossible to give competing teams equal roads to get there (never mind excluding the Thanksgiving Day opponent).

I have this dream where, say, Staples qualifies for the league title game and then declines to play in it. Imagine Marce Petroccio of Staples declining to play in the FCIAC championship, boldly stating, “We play for state championships here.”

If anybody remembers how beat up the Wreckers were coming out of last year’s 14-10 league championship win over Central, they’d understand that logic.

It’ll never happen, but I can dream can’t I?

Deja Vu Again: Another Bloody Week 6 (updated)

Monday, October 25, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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St. Joseph senior Tyler Matakevich runs for yardage against New Canaan in his first game back from a foot injury. The Hogs won 28-27.

On 9:30 on Wednesday morning at Stratford High School, math teacher Joe Della Vecchia watched the sweetest two words in the English language buzz into his mobile phone.

The message came from Tyler Matakevich, the all-state fullback and linebacker at St. Joseph High School, where Della Vecchia has been the head coach for 12 seasons. The senior was having his damaged right foot, which kept him from playing in the first five games of the 2010 season, examined by doctors again.

Most weeks, the news was sullen and discouraging.

This time, it was euphoric.

Game On.

“…I knew he was back,” Della Vecchia said. “I was ready to leave school and go hang out with him for awhile. He just means so much to this team and the way we play emotionally with him is indescribable.”

Just like that, St. Joseph’s 2010 season outlook seemed to take a trip back to August, when the Cadets were ranked No. 3 in the state polls and everybody’s pick as top contenders for the FCIAC and state championship.

It was perfect timing, too. St. Joseph, its season already on life support after losses to Wilton and Darien, was about to face undefeated New Canaan in a game that essentially meant its season. It was a game Matakevich promised himself he wouldn’t miss.

Matakevich got a rousing applause from the St. Joseph fans as he trotted out onto Dalling Field for the pregame warmups. He played sparingly on offense, actually scoring his first touchdown on a 1-yard leap into the end zone, and made some plays on defense. But it was his presence in uniform that likely made the most difference.

“I’ve been playing football with Tyler since we were little kids and he’s always been that spark, that person who gets everybody riled up,” said fellow senior captain Pat Mulligan, who had two interceptions and returned a kickoff 91-yards for a touchdown to break a 21-21 tie with 49 seconds remaining. “Getting him back for this game was great.”

As everybody knows by now, St. Joseph defeated New Canaan 28-27 in a game that wasn’t over until Jerry Kramer batted down a 2-point conversion pass with 2.8 seconds remaining, a successful New Canaan onside kick, and a last-ditch rugby scrummage that ended in the hands of Trevor Dalling.

“He did a tremendous job. Just him being there made a big difference for St. Joes,” New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli said. “You have to take your hat off, that’s a tremendous effort.”

Della Vecchia, Mulligan and Matakevich all agreed: The Hogs have their swagger back. They believe the pieces are coming together again to make this team close to what it was supposed to be.

“We needed a big game like that,” Della Vecchia said. “I don’t know if we were starting to doubt ourselves… but our confidence should be sky high right now. We just beat one of the best teams in the State of Connecticut over the last four years, won four straight championships, it doesn’t get any better than that.

“If I was everybody else, I’d be afraid to play St. Joes now,” Matakevich said.

♦♦♦♦

Stamford players swarm Trumbull's Phil Terio during the Black Knights' 27-19 upset victory over the Eagles at McDougall Stadium Friday night.

Matakevich’s return, St. Joseph’s gutsy 1-point victory was just one of the many wild stories going on in Week 6, which — for the second straight season — turned the high school football season upside-down.

After 5 pretty dull weeks, we finally have ourselves a football season.

A recap of the insanity:

  • First, the best story of the night: Down 10-0 at halftime, SCC Division II North Haven rode the single-wing to victory over SCC Division I power and former No. 1 Notre Dame-West Haven Friday night. How about North Haven, and not Notre Dame, looking like a playoff team in Class L.
  • At McDougall Stadium, Stamford shocked unbeaten Trumbull (for the second straight year), 27-19. After watching Stamford get manhandled by Ridgefield in Week 1, I thought they wouldn’t win a game. Now they’ve won four straight.
  • Red Lion Christian came to Darien a newsmaker worthy of ESPN’s Outside the Lines (which, in fact, featured the Delaware school a month ago): A 14-year old, eighth-grade USC commit, a program accused of recruiting violations in its home state, two Pennsylvania private schools refusing to play for safety concerns? Sounded pretty formidable. Down 20-7, Darien flipped the script, rallied and won, 21-20. Wow. What’s this really say about Red Lion? What’s this really say about Darien? They are most certainly a lock for the Class L playoffs (no chance of Darien losing two games the rest of the way. None).
  • Greenwich picking itself off the ground with a big, 34-23 homecoming victory over Central, to further muddle the FCIAC and Class LL  hierarchy.


What else? What else?

  • How ’bout Newtown? Lost their top receiver and kicker to a knee injury. Lost their starting QB to a shoulder injury. So Newtown slotted in little sophomore Dan Hebert, last year’s freshman team quarterback and the kid dazzled in a 27-12 victory over Bunnell, which wasn’t final until captain Matt Datin, a basketball forward by trade, leaped, grabbed a rebound of a tipped pass and raced 70-some-odd yards the other way with seconds remaining. Is he a forward or a point guard?
  • Matt Paez did the same thing for Brookfield, albeit earlier in the Bobcats’ 41-19 victory.
  • Two crazy things stuck out in Fairfield Warde’s 41-40 comeback victory over Trinity Catholic. First, Trinity going for two points up 40-27 and 2:41 remaining. The other: How Warde managed to disrupt a kneel down, cause a fumble and score again with 2.9 left to win the game. Yikes.
  • Masuk’s first-team defense giving up its first score of the season after Weston caught the Panthers sleeping with a fake punt. Masuk went on to win 56-7, with Casey Cochran throwing for over 400 yards and three TDs.
  • Shelton hanging tough with Xavier at Palmer Field, which, coupled with Notre Dame-WH’s loss to North Haven has brought up some questions about Xavier’s No. 1 ranking.
    We didn’t get this game called into our offices, but according to Jim Bransfield at the Middletown Press, Xavier’s coaches were none too happy with this performance. Shelton actually had the ball at the Xavier 32 with 6 minutes left and elected to go for the gusto, rather than punt and pin Xavier deep. But the pass fell short. Xavier took the ball and drove for the winning TD, 14-7.
  • Daniel Hand wiping out Wilbur Cross at home. Hard to figure, the Governors.
  • Fairfield Prep’s failed 2-point conversion and 14-13 loss to Amity, leaving the Jesuits still in search of their first SCC Division I victory since 2008.
  • East Haven breaking its 30-some-odd losing streak with a 41-14 victory over Platt Tech.

Did we miss anything?

So, given all of this, we’re going to have a massive, massive shakeup in the state polls and the Elite 8 rankings come tonight.

More important are the CIAC State Playoff Standings, which now begin to get attention. Here are the standings

Here’s what the playoffs would look like if they started today:

CLASS LL
No. 8 Southington (5-1) at No. 1 NFA (6-0)
No. 5 West Haven (6-0) at No. 4 Staples (6-0)
No. 7 Trumbull (5-1) at No. 2 Xavier (6-0)
No. 6 Glastonbury (5-1) at No. 3 Hall (6-0)

Next 8: Newtown (5-1), Ridgefield (5-1), Pomperaug (5-1), Conard (4-2), Stamford (4-2), Greenwich (4-2), Wilbur Cross (4-2), Manchester (4-2)… and Central (4-2)

CLASS L
No. 8 Fitch (4-1) at No. 1 Masuk (6-0)
No. 5 Bristol Eastern (6-0) at No. 4. Naugatuck (6-0)
No. 7 Windsor (5-1) at No. 2 Darien (6-0)
No. 6 Hand (5-1) at No. 3 Wethersfield (6-0)

Next 8: Maloney, North Haven (5-1), Avon (5-1), New Canaan (5-1), Bunnell (4-2), Middletown (4-2), Torrington (4-2), Farmington (4-2)

CLASS M

No. 8 Coventry/Windham Tech (4-1) at No. 1 Berlin (6-0)
No. 5 Cheney Tech (5-1) at No. 4 Enfield (5-1)
No. 7 Lyman Hall (5-1) at No. 2 New London (5-1)
No. 6 Platt (5-1) at No. 3 Plainville (5-1)

Next 8: Gilbert/Northwestern (5-1), Hillhouse (4-2), Waterford (4-2), Bethel (4-2), Wolcott (4-2), Brookfield (4-2), Bullard-Havens (4-2), Ledyard (3-2)

CLASS S

No. 8 St. Joseph (4-2) at No. 1 Ansonia (6-0)
No. 5 Coginchaug (5-0) at No. 4 Montville (5-1)
No. 6 Woodland (4-2) at No. 3  Hyde (6-0)
No. 7 Sacred Heart (4-2) at No. Valley Regional/Old Lyme (6-0)

Next 8: North Branford (4-2), Oxford (4-2), Griswold (4-2), Cromwell (3-2), Holy Cross (3-3), Housatonic (3-3), Weston (3-3).

♦♦♦♦

Week 6: We’re Halfway Home

Friday, October 22, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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♦♦♦

WALK OUTSIDE. Take a breath. Look around.

See that? Feel that? Taste that? There’s a chill in the air. Brilliant oranges, yellows and reds are blooming from the trees. The ground crackles and snaps beneath your feet. We’re knee-deep in autumn.

And those crowds on Friday night, they buzz just a little bit louder on the sidelines, don’t they? The cheers pack a little more wallop when something good happens. Those groans creak a little louder when something doesn’t.

We’ve reached the midpoint of the 2010 High School Football Season.

Can you feel it? The intensity is building.

Just five more weeks, and we’ll be scarfing down playoff scenarios with our Thanksgiving Turkey.

So what do we know? What have we discovered so far? Who’s up? Who’s Down? Who’s out?

Masuk's Jon Testani

Five weeks into the SWC season and nobody’s touched Masuk. Jon Testani, Anthony Calabrese and the first team defense hasn’t given up a point. The offense is explosive, with Casey Cochran and Colin Markus. The Panthers win by an average score of 45-3. I haven’t seen this much regular-season hype about a Masuk team since Wargo-Mish-Muniz-Cavanaugh-etc. in 2003.

The rest of the league has been competitive, but far, far behind the Monroe Panthers. It’s become a race for second place, with Bunnell, Newtown, Pomperaug and even Brookfield all jockeying for the second spot… for the right to get hammered by Masuk in the title game? It certainly looks that way. No worries. There’s always the state playoffs, and all are in contention.

Trumbull's Phil Terio

Five weeks into the FCIAC season, it’s not as clear-cut.

At the top, we have 5-0 Staples, which passed one test against Ridgefield and is biding its time until November, hoping to stay healthy and get one or two key players (read: sophomore Nick Kelly) back for the stretch run.

We have Phil Terio and 5-0 Trumbull, who have passed two huge tests vs. Central and Greenwich and is building confidence. We have 5-0 Darien, which is basically done with the competitive part of the FCIAC schedule and is waiting to see how the rest of the league shakes out. We have 5-0 New Canaan, which is just starting the competitive part of its schedule.

After that, Central (4-1) and Ridgefield are close behind, chasing their only losses of the season, waiting for the next round of big games. St. Joseph (3-2) is trying hard to stay afloat in the Class S playoff race, praying it can beat New Canaan Saturday and keep their season alive, praying senior Tyler Matakevich can return in time to make a difference in this, his senior season.

This league is just starting to heat up.

Who will reach the FCIAC championship? It’s a bottle neck right now, and there are worries we’ll have a three-team tie at the end of Week 9.

West Haven's Kevin Phillips

Five weeks into the SCC season, top-ranked Xavier and its bone-crushing defense remain the class of the league. Kevin Phillips and West Haven are 5-0, with an impressive victory over former No. 1 Notre Dame-West Haven on its resume. But their schedule only gets brutal from here: at Cheshire, vs. Hand, at Wilbur Cross, at Xavier.

Same goes for 4-1 Wilbur Cross. Speedster James Ward and the Govs earned an impressive victory vs. Cheshire last week, but their climb only gets tougher: at Hand, at Notre Dame, vs. West Haven… And Hand, and Notre Dame-WH and Shelton.

Foof.

Will someone rise to the top, or will these teams just knock each other off until nobody’s left standing?

Say what you will, nobody faces a gauntlet like the SCC Division I schools. Nobody. 8-2 might not get some of these teams into the playoffs, but it seems like it should. (I’m not complaining, just wish some other leagues would adopt the SCC philosophy… although I’ve heard other interesting alternatives).

Five/Six weeks into the NVL season, and Ansonia is all growns up. Maybe not physically (still lots of underclassmen — and you know what that means), but as a team they’ve answered the call with crushing victories over Holy Cross, Wolcott and Watertown. Montrell Dobbs is tearing the league up. Freshman Arkeel Newsome is turning heads — and not just when he runs by you on a kickoff return.

On the other side, you have, possibly, the first legit Naugatuck team since 2000. Unless Torrington, or Jack DeBaise and Woodland show up (these teams play Friday night), the season will come down to a mega-Thanksgiving Day matchup at Jarvis Stadium between the old Rivals.

Cherish the thought, NVL fans.

Five Weeks into the Connecticut High School football season the Southwestern Connecticut teams are still king.

Is there anyone up north or east (excluding Xavier, an SCC school) that can challenge any of our boys?

Six weeks left until the end of the regular season and we begin the quarterfinals and the road to Rentschler…

♦♦♦♦

Now, to business…

Here’s your Week 6 Lineup:

A look back and look ahead at the 2010 season to date, compiled by the football staff at Hearst CT, me included. What about you? What’s were your favorite games and moments from the first half of the season? WRITE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!

The HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE

ON THE AIR – WEEK 6

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

AND, finally, the neverending high school football live update Twitter feed:

Guide To The Games: Week 6

Thursday, October 21, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Here’s your guide to this week’s games (sans Ansonia, which wiped out Watertown 47-23 Thursday night).

TODAY

VISITOR HOME

TIME

SKINNY
Guilford (3-2) Hillhouse (3-2)

3

Guilford’s only losses are vs. SCC D1
Bullard-Havens (4-1) Cheney Tech (4-1)

6

Welcome to the CSC title game
Ludlowe (0-5) McMahon (2-3)

6

McMahon showing signs of life
Wilton (2-3) Bassick (0-5)

7

Bassick’s been shut out in three games
Stamford (3-2) Trumbull (5-0)

7

Eagles looking for a little payback for ‘09
Derby/O’Brien (2-3) Wolcott (4-1)

7

Raiders actually have a shot at Copper title
Wilby (0-5) Seymour (0-5)

7

Could we finally get a W from the Wildcats
West Haven (5-0) Cheshire (2-3)

7

Maclary’s grass field is Cheshire’s 12th man
Wilbur Cross (4-1) Hand (4-1)

7

You can cut playoff intrigue with a knife
Fairfield Prep (2-3) Amity (2-3)

7

Prep has a shot at 1st SCC D1 win in 2 years
Shelton (3-2) Xavier (5-0)

7

At Palmer, Shelton is already down 7-0
Foran (2-2) Sheehan (1-4)

7

Both teams having tough luck at QB
Law (0-4) Lyman Hall (4-1)

7

Actually, Law hasn’t been half bad this year
Hamden (0-5) Branford (0-5)

7

Branford’s had hard luck, Hamden no luck
ND-WH (3-2) North Haven (4-1)

7

Remember: These are both Class L teams
Brookfield (3-2) New Milford (1-4)

7

Don’t expect another Wave upset
Bunnell (4-1) Newtown (4-1)

7

Winner is a contender, loser isn’t
Pomperaug (4-1) Stratford (2-3)

7

Pomperaug’s not letting injuries define it
East Haven (0-5) Platt Tech (0-5)

7

Easties looking to break 3-year losing streak

♦♦♦♦

SATURDAY

VISITOR HOME

TIME

 SKINNY
Warde (2-3) Trinity Catholic (1-4)

1

Trinity might have a slight edge
Bethel (3-2) Immaculate (0-5)

1

Remember, Bethel. Masuk’s next.
Stamford Acad, (0-1) Abbott Tech (0-4)

1:30

SA playing just 4 varsity games this year
Harding (1-4) Staples (5-0)

2

Wreckers just praying to stay healthy
New Canaan (5-0) St. Joseph (3-2)

2

Will he or won’t he play? Will it matter?
Central (4-1) Greenwich (3-2)

2

Gotta take care of business, Central
Red Lion  (5-1) Darien (5-0)

2

Why did Darien schedule this headache?
Masuk (5-0) Weston (3-2)

2

If Pomperaug handled Weston…
Westhill (1-4) Danbury (1-4)

2:30

Oughta be a close game, no?
Ridgefield (4-1) Norwalk (2-3)

3

Ridgefield’s just biding its time
New Fairfield (1-4) Barlow (2-3)

3

Redding’s gorgeous this time of year
Woodland (3-2) Torrington (4-1)

7

Gotta keep up with Naugy, Hawks
Oxford (3-2) ND-Fairfield (0-5)

7

How far will Oxford fall without Miller?

Live High School Football Chat, Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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We’re gearing up for another round of High School Football live chat tonight at 8 p.m. Once again, we’re going to try to stay on script and limit the amounts of comments we get during the session so our panelists can get a chance to respond. So be patient.

Otherwise, lots to talk about. See you then!

Staples’ Kelly to miss 3-4 weeks

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Staples' sophomore Nick Kelly goes up for a pass in the Wrecker's 34-14 victory over Ridgefield last month. Kelly is out 3-4 weeks with a dislocated kneecap.

Some relatively good news on the injury front this week for Staples.

Rising sophomore tailback Nick Kelly will miss approximately 3-4 weeks with a dislocated kneecap suffered in last week’s 21-13 victory over McMahon.

This is much sunnier news than the original prognosis, which was a possible torn ACL. For a team that had already lost one projected starter in Ryan Burke to an ACL injury in the spring, Kelly’s diagnosis is welcomed news. The Wreckers are clearly better with Kelly on the field. And there’s a good chance they will get him back in time for the stretch run.

The time span for a likely return ends somewhere around the time Staples plays what could be a huge game vs. Trumbull in Week 9.

And, speaking of Burke, the Wreckers are holding out hope that the senior could return to the field in time for the state playoffs, maybe Thanksgiving. “I don’t know,” coach Marce Petroccio said. “We’ll see.”

Wednesday Matinee: Pomperaug at Weston (The Movie!)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Good day. Today’s SPB Theater matinee is Pomperaug’s 38-7 victory over Weston on Saturday afternoon.

It’s quick and to the point. No grand introductions in this reel. But there is plenty of Andrew Reel… and Kellen Croce and Brett Gaughan and, of course, Willie Maxen, cast and all, making his debut at fullback for twin brother Kevin.

You’ll see Weston actually take a 7-0 lead on a blocked punt and return by senior Jake Spencer on Pomperaug’s first possession of the game.

You’ll see Kellen Croce tie the score with a 60-yard jaunt just a few plays later.

Then you’ll see Pomperaug pour on the points, two TDs by Gaughan, another from Maxen and a field goal by Eric Beatty to end the half with the Panthers comfortably in front 31-7.

You won’t see the second half. But you will see interviews with Reel, Maxen and the comedy stylings of Pomperaug coach Chuck Drury who was knocking his little small audience over with a couple of zingers in his postgame interview (Might have to post the full video of that to give you the full effect).

See it all now…

As we mentioned, Pomperaug, which has had more than its share of bumps, bruises and season-ending injuries, is hoping it can win out to return to the postseason in Class LL. The Panthers get Stratford next, then Barlow, Brookfield, New Fairfield and Oxford. Coaches from Xavier were in attendance on the off-chance Pomperaug pulls it off.

Weston, which surprised most by leaping out to a 3-1 start, just couldn’t get back Eddie Hutchins and its offense moving against the Panthers’ front. Hutchins had 21 yards on 17 carries in a game that started out well, but spiraled out of Weston’s control. The Trojans fall to 3-2 and gets a visit from unbeaten Masuk Saturday at 2 p.m.

Hello.

This concludes the first half of our 2010 season.

Plenty more to come on this midseason high school football bridge week.

Masuk 45, Bunnell 0 (The Movie!)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Good evening and welcome back to SPB Theater. Our feature tonight is Masuk’s 45-0 victory over Bunnell in a showdown of 4-0 SWC teams.

Lots to convey here in a 45-0 game.

You’ll see Masuk’s Joe Diaz break the game open with an interception TD early in the first quarter and a second-half kickoff return TD.

You’ll see, or at least notice, Bunnell’s ability to drive into Masuk territory, only to come up short on several fourth-down situations. You’ll see the fake punt fumble, a few incompletions and a great sideline tackle by Masuk linebacker Anthony Calabrese on fourth and short to keep Bunnell off the scoreboard.

You’ll see Bunnell’s defense geared up to take away Masuk’s passing game. You’ll see Bunnell intercept Masuk quarterback Casey Cochran three times (all three by the Chisholm boys, Jibril and Jawad). But you’ll also see Colin Markus rip off several long runs to set up three touchdowns and a field goal against that same scheme.

You won’t see a few other fumbles, both by Masuk and Bunnell midway through the game. Nor will you see Masuk’s attempts to keep the score under 50 points late by taking seven consecutive knees.

See it all now…

Bunnell (4-1) faces Newtown (4-1) in a pretty important SWC game up at Pomperaug’s Arum Field on Friday night. Winner will leap into the second-place driver’s seat, perhaps alongside Pomperaug (4-1) which faces Stratford (2-3) the same evening.

Meanwhile, Masuk (5-0) goes to Weston (3-2) in an attempt to get an even firmer grip on the SWC’s top spot.

We’ll have Pomperaug-Weston later tonight or tomorrow.

The Elite 8 – Week 6

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Ladies and Gentlemen, your Elite 8 for Week 6.

We’ve reached the regular season’s midpoint and there hasn’t been a ton of movement from last week, just some slight tweaking to the Top 8.

TRENDING UP

Ansonia – Montrell Dobbs ran buck wild and the Chargers made their showdown with undefeated, preseason NVL favorite Wolcott a no-contest by halftime. They make a giant leap into the 8, slightly edging out still unbeaten Darien for the final spot.

New Canaan — Just slightly to No. 2 given Staples’ performance vs. Westhill McMahon and the possible loss of Nick Kelly indefinitely. The Rams have been impressive, wiping out everybody on their schedule so far. They take to the road vs. St. Joseph this week.

TRENDING DOWN

STAPLES — Just slightly, from No. 2 to No. 3. McMahon gave the Wreckers all it could handle last week and was within one score of taking the lead before Staples pulled ahead for good.

Darien — Actually, this is no fault of their own. The Blue Wave handled Trinity Catholic convincingly enough last week. If we could do ties here in the Elite 8, maybe we’d have Darien in a tie with Ansonia. But we don’t. Decisions have to be made. If somebody takes a leap, somebody has to drop. Last week, it was Bunnell. This week it’s Darien.

STAYING PUT

EVERYBODY ELSE

Masuk (over Bunnell), West Haven (over Sheehan), Trumbull (over Greenwich), Notre Dame-WH (over Hand), Central (over Westhill), Ridgefield (over Harding), Wilbur Cross (over Cheshire), Pomperaug (over Weston), Newtown (over Notre Dame-Fairfield), Bunnell (loss to Masuk), Greenwich (loss to Trumbull), Shelton (over Guilford) …None of these teams really deserved a bump down (not that Darien did, either but you get the point).

Greenwich’s loss to Trumbull was close. ..Bunnell’s loss to Masuk wasn’t, but the Dawgs had handled everybody else until then. Besides, as crazy as it sounds, Bunnell was the most competitive team I’ve seen vs. Masuk so far. …Shelton didn’t put Guilford away until late, but who else do you want in there? Maybe Brookfield. Maybe St. Joseph. Tough call.

State Polls for Week 6

Monday, October 18, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Here are your state polls for Week 6.

We have a few NVL sightings in this week’s tally.

Ansonia’s victory over Wolcott last week has given the Chargers a firm hold on a Top 10 spot among all the state’s voters. They’re now nine in most polls, 8 in the coaches. Naugatuck also moves into the Top 10 for the Reg’s media voters and the Coaches.

Hyde Leadership moves into No. 10 in the CSWA Media.

Xavier’s still No. 1. Masuk moves into No. 3 in the Reg media. Other than that, it’s pretty much status quo.

NHReg MEDIA POLL

Rank Team (1st place) Rec Pts Prev.
1. Xavier (17) 5-0 702 1
2. New Canaan (2) 5-0 638 2
3. Masuk (3) 5-0 634 4
4. Staples (2) 5-0 614 3
5. Berlin 5-0 473 5
6. Trumbull 5-0 451 6
7. West Haven 5-0 412 7
8. Darien 5-0 453 9
9. Ansonia 5-0 293 NR
10. Naugatuck 5-0 182 NR

Others receiving votes: Norwich Free Academy (5-0), 177; Hyde (5-0), 172; Notre Dame-West Haven (3-2), 145; Ridgefield (4-1), 120; Bridgeport Central (4-1), 101; Bristol Eastern (5-0), 91; Glastonbury (4-1), 83; Fitch (4-0), 71; Wilbur Cross (4-1), 56; Hall (5-0), 55; Windsor (4-1), 54; Valley Regional/Old Lyme (5-0), 44; Bunnell (4-1), 40; Hand (4-1), 38; Southington (4-1), 36; Montville (4-1), 37; New London (4-1), 33; Pomperaug (4-1), 8; Wolcott (4-1), 7.
The following voted: Marc Allard, Norwich Bulletin; Bob Barton, New Haven Register; Bill Bloxsom, Hersam-Acorn; Sean Patrick Bowley, Connecticut Post; Don Boyle, Sporting News CT; Jim Bransfield, Middletown Press; Bryant Carpenter, Meriden-Record Journal; George DeMaio, WELI; Mike DiMauro, The Day of New London; Matt Doran, Norwalk Hour; Kevin Duffy, Danbury News-Times; Noah Finz, WTNH-8; Ned Griffen, The Day of New London; John Holt, WFSB-3; Mark Jaffee, Waterbury Republican-American; Ken Lipshez, New Britain Herald; Mike Madera, Elm City Newspapers; Joe Morelli, New Haven Register; Dave Phillips, Shoreline Times; Mike Pucci, New Haven Register; Dave Ruden, Stamford Advocate; John Silver, Manchester Journal Inquirer; Tom Yantz, Hartford Courant; Jimmy Zanor, Shore Line Newspapers.

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CSWA MEDIA POLL

Rank Team (1st place) Rec Pts Prev.
1. Xavier (21) 5-0 465 1
2. Masuk (6) 5-0 434 2
3. New Canaan (2) 5-0 418 3
4. Staples (3) 5-0 396 4
5. Berlin 5-0 329 5
6. Trumbull 5-0 327 6
7. West Haven 5-0 269 9
8. Darien 5-0 234 8
9. Ansonia 5-0 196 NR
10. Hyde Leadership 5-0 133 10

Also Receiving Votes: Norwich Free Academy 5-0 109; Naugatuck 5-0 79; Notre Dame-West Haven 3-2 71; Bridgeport Central 4-1 51; Bristol Eastern 5-0 51; Ridgefield 4-1 51; Glastonbury 4-1 38; Southington 4-1 23; Windsor 4-1 23; Hall 5-0 21; Fitch 4-0 20; Wethersfield 5-0 20; Daniel Hand 4-1 19; Wilbur Cross 4-1 16; Bunnell 4-1 11; Valley Regional/Old Lyme 5-0 11; Montville 4-1 10; Manchester 4-1 5; New London 4-1 4; Torrington 4-1 3; Wolcott 4-1 2; Cheshire 2-3 1
Voters: Marc Allard (Norwich Bulletin), Bob Barton (CT H.S. Football Record Book), Bill Bloxsom (Hersam Acorn), Don Boyle (Sporting News CT), Jim Bransfield (Middletown Press), Johnny Burnham (Bristol Press), Ray Curren (Elm City Newspapers), George DeMaio (WELI Radio), Gerry deSimas (Collinsville Publishing Co.), Bill Donovan (WXLM 104.7 FM), Mark Fijalkowski (CT Sports Network), Tim Gaffney (Litchfield County Sports), Dave Greenleaf (CCC website), Mike Guerrera (Southington Citizen), John Holt (WFSB Channel 3), Larry Kelley (Patch.com), Bob Lazzari (Valley Times), Greg Lederer (Cheshire Herald), Ken Lipshez (New Britain Herald), Eric Montgomery (Minuteman Newspapers), Tim Parry (FCIAC Football Blog), Sean Patrick Bowley (Connecticut Post), Dave Phillips (Shoreline Times), Pat Pickens (Fairfield Citizen-News), Mike Pucci (New Haven Register), Jesse Quinlan (Greenwich Time), Paul Rosano (Meriden Record-Journal), Dave Ruden (Stamford Advocate), Mike Suppe (Hersam Acorn Newspapers), Peter Vander Veer (Elm City Newspapers), Tom Yantz (Hartford Courant), Jimmy Zanor (Shore Line Newspapers)

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DAY OF NEW LONDON

Rank Team (1st place) Rec Pts Prev.
1. Xavier (11) 5-0 382 1
2. Masuk (1) 5-0 360 2
3. Staples (1) 5-0 330 3
4. New Canaan 5-0 328 4
5. Berlin 5-0 254 5
6. West Haven 5-0 215 7
7. Trumbull 5-0 212 6
8. Ansonia 5-0 173 10
9. Darien 5-0 166 9
10. Naugatuck 5-0 151 NR

Also receiving votes: Norwich Free Academy (5-0), 131 points; Bristol Eastern (5-0), 84; Hyde-New Haven (5-0), 66; Notre Dame-West Haven (3-2), 56; Fitch-Groton (4-0), 54; Bridgeport Central (4-1), 49; Wethersfield (5-0), 44; Wilbur Cross-New Haven (4-1), 36; Tie, Glastonbury (4-1) and Ridgefield (4-1), 29; Tie, Southington (4-1) and Windsor (4-1), 26; St. Joseph-Trumbull (3-2), 19; Tie, Montville (4-1) and New London (4-1), 16; Tie, Hand-Madison (4-1) and Valley Regional/Old Lyme (5-0), 15; Wolcott (4-1), 10; Bunnell-Stratford (4-1), 9; Tie, Cheshire (2-3) and Torrington (4-1), 7.
The following coaches voted: Tom Brockett, Ansonia; Jim Buonocore, Ledyard; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Sean Marinan, Xavier-Middletown; Sal Morello, Middletown; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

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