Archive for November, 2010

Thanksgiving Eve Primer – Live Scoring Updates & Radio Schedule

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the greatest 24-hours of the Connecticut sports calendar.

Tomorrow, thousands of Nutmeg state residents will get up, rub the sleep out of their eyes, grab a cup of coffee or some breakfast and head over to their favorite Thanksgiving Day rivalry game.

It is a day where records are thrown out. Where everybody is undefeated. And a day where memories that will live eternity are created.

It is a day where advanced algebra becomes a pastime as everybody tries to figure out who is in, and who is out of the state playoffs.

But first, we start with the Wednesday night appetizers and there are plenty of these to whet your Thanksgiving Day appetite.

Here’s the regional schedule for Wednesday night:
Westhill at Stamford, 6 | Ridgefield at Danbury, 6 | St. Joseph at Trumbull, 7 | Seymour at Woodland, 6 | SWC Championship: Masuk at Newtown, 7 | Weston at Barlow, 7 | Oxford at Pomperaug, 7 | Stratford at Bunnell, 7 | Bullard-Havens at Bassick, 6

Here’s the state schedule

Here’s What to Look For: We could have Class S wrapped up tonight. Woodland will clinch a Class S spot with a victory over Seymour. …Sacred Heart (which plays Wilby) will clinch with a victory. …Pomperaug needs to win to give itself any shot at getting in (lots has to happen on Thanksgiving Day). … Newtown needs to win to get in. Cromwell plays Coginchaug for one of the last Class S spots. …There are also a few CCC games tonight that will go a long way in determining who from Class LL and L will reach the playoffs. West Haven will be intently watching those games and that Guilford/Hand game tonight at the Surf Club.

To follow along on all the action, click the window below. It is a live Twitter feed from all across the state.

You can also listen to George DeMaio‘s Thanksgiving Eve Extravaganza – Live reports and updates from Wednesday night’s games – WELI 960-AM. He’ll be in the studio getting Wednesday night updates from his cadre of correspondents all across the area.

Here are the other games being broadcast tonight:
Westhill at Stamford, 6 p.m. — WSTC 1400-AM / WNLK 1350-AM
Wilby at Sacred Heart, 6 p.m. — WATR 1320-AM

If you’re at a game, and want to participate in the live blog, just get a Twitter account and send updates from your game through your mobile phone. Remember to add #ctfb to the end of your Tweets to have your update show up on this space.

Our HUGE Thanksgiving Day live blog will begin tomorrow at 7 a.m. Thanks and enjoy the games.

Prank goes wrong for Darien

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Clock tower at Dunning Field painted blue by Darien football players Photo: Contributed Photo / New Canaan News

A little more than 24 hours before their huge meeting with Darien in the Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving, New Canaan awoke to a pretty bad joke. Their field and their school had been vandalized with Darien Blue Wave paint. It was on the school’s doors, signs and on the field house plaza of Dunning Stadium.


Police: Darien football players vandalized New Canaan

Police and school officials later identified at least five students from Darien, including two starters and a reserve on the recently-crowned FCIAC Champion and CIAC playoff-bound football team, according to sources. Those players, according to Darien athletic director John Kellaher “will not be playing football for Darien this year.”

The act of vandalism has created quite a stir down here in Shangri-La and, apparently has resulted in rather swift justice to those involved. The incident was first reported at about 6:45 this morning. Police and school officials outed five perpetrators a little after noon.

“Darien High School officials did extraordinary work in identifying the five students responsible for all the painting,” New Canaan athletic director Jay Egan said. “They will find appropriate disciplinary actions for the boys. New Canaan and Darien are great rivals. It is as good a rivalry as you can find but we also have a great mutual respect for each other.”

Stamford Advocate reporters Dave Ruden and Paresh Jha are on the case and will be updating any more news that come across.

This is a silly and unfortunate incident that has turned one of the best Thanksgiving Day matchups — the New Canaan-Darien ‘Turkey Bowl’ — into a plain old turkey. A tainted one, at that.

New Canaan needs this game to qualify for the state playoffs. It’s not right that we don’t get to see Darien’s best team on the field for the remainder of the season because of a foolish and disrespectful act. The Blue Wave football team figures to be properly affected by the loss of their (now former) teammates and the embarrassment of what they’ve wrought. Not just now, but for the rest of the season as the remainder of the team chases a state championship, and maybe for the rest of their lives.

It was an elaborate and silly prank, yes. It really caused no harm, except to waste money on cleanup. We see these things all the time — even at the highest institutions (Yale-Harvard-MIT, anyone?)

But there’s a difference between a harmless prank and a crime. Vandalizing property is a crime.

As is underage drinking, which apparently caused the suspension of several Lyman Hall football players on the eve of their biggest game of the season, as well. Or stealing, which led to the arrest of a couple of Southern Connecticut State football players according to WTNH.

This is more of a reminder that the kids playing high school are still kids, who are sill learning what is acceptable and what is not acceptable behavior while under the auspices of their families, teachers and coaches. Let’s hope they, and everybody else out there, have learned a valuable lesson from this incident.

Hopefully we’ve seen the end of these selfish and irresponsible acts. Can we please get back to playing football now?

Thanksgiving Football 2010 – Preview & Pick the Winners!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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It’s that time of year again… the Greatest Sporting Day of the Year in Connecticut.

Rivalry Week. Thanksgiving Week.

A day where every game means something — be it pride, a winning season, a .500 season, precious playoff points, bragging rights — and it’s played in front of, most likely, your largest crowd of the year.

For most of you seniors, it’s your last game. For a few others, it’s your first playoff game. And for a select precious few, it’s the start of what you hope to be a glorious championship season.

And it’s your turn to tell us who’s going to win the games.

Pretty straightforward. Just read the preview, pick the winners.

THANKSGIVING EVE

Westhill at Stamford

WHERE/WHEN–Boyle Stadium, 6 p.m.
ON THE AIR — WSTC 1400-AM / WNLK 1350-AM
RECORDS — Westhill 1-8, Stamford 5-4
T-DAY SERIES — Stamford 10-4
LAST YEAR — Stamford 21-11
KEY STAT — Stamford junior Bryan Boderick (1,300 yards passing), has thrown for over 200 yards in four of his last five games. Ruben Pierre-Louis is tied for the state lead with 13 sacks. Westhill has given up 355 points, highest in the FCIAC.
AT STAKE — Bragging Rights. The City Championship trophy resides at Trinity Catholic.

Ridgefield at Danbury

WHERE/WHEN – Crotty Stadium at Clapboard Ridge, 6 p.m.
RECORDS — Ridgefield 6-3, Danbury 3-6
T-DAY SERIES — Ridgefield 5-3
LAST YEAR — Ridgefield 27-6
KEY STAT — Ridgefield senior Chris O’Dea has made 7 field goals, best total in the state.
AT STAKE — A 7-win season for Ridgefield, the last high school football game for Florida-bound OL/DL Tommy Jordan. The Hatters are playing their first home game since assistant coach Robert ‘Bo’ Williams died two weeks ago. This figures to be an emotional contest all around.

St. Joseph at Trumbull

WHERE/WHEN– McDougall Stadium, 7 p.m.
RECORDS — St. Joseph 7-2, Trumbull 8-2
T-DAY SERIES — Trumbull 20-5
LAST YEAR — St. Joseph 49-31
KEY STAT — St. Joseph senior Tyler Matakevich has scored 7 TDs and made 27 tackles in four games back from injury. St. Joseph QB Joe Della Vecchia is No. 2 in the state in total offense (2,500 + yards).
AT STAKE — Bragging rights, seeding (and home playoff games) in the Class LL and Class S playoffs for both teams.

Seymour at Woodland

WHERE/WHEN– Woodland High School, 6 p.m.
RECORDS — Seymour 0-9, Woodland 6-3
T-DAY SERIES — Seymour 6-2
LAST YEAR — Woodland 55-32
KEY STAT — Woodland senior Jack DeBiase leads the team in passing (806 yds), rushing (1,262), scoring (13 TDs) and interceptions (6).
AT STAKE — A Class S playoff berth for Woodland. Avoiding a winless season for Seymour.

SWC CHAMPIONSHIP

Masuk at Newtown

WHERE/WHEN– Blue and Gold Stadium, Newtown, 7 p.m.
RECORDS — Masuk 9-0, Newtown 8-1
T-DAY SERIES — Masuk 7-6-1
LAST YEAR — Newtown 36-22
KEY STAT — Masuk has outscored its opponents by an average score of 51-7. It also leads the state in sacks (35). …Newtown doesn’t typically do well at home vs. Masuk, going 1-2 at Blue and Gold as opposed to 1-1-1 at Masuk the last six seasons.
AT STAKE — The SWC Championship, Newtown’s first since 1996, Masuk’s first since 2003. Class L seeding for Masuk. Class LL playoff spot for Newtown.

Weston at Joel Barlow

WHERE/WHEN– Barlow Field, 7 p.m.
RECORDS — Barlow 2-7, Weston 5-4
T-DAY SERIES — Tied, 5-5-4
LAST YEAR — Barlow 28-19
KEY STAT — Weston senior RB Eddie Hutchins has run for 1,042 yards, good for No. 2 in the SWC.
AT STAKE — Weston’s first winning season since 2002. Bragging rights.

Oxford at Pomperaug

WHERE/WHEN– Edward Arum Athletic Complex, Southbury, 7 p.m.
RECORDS — Oxford 5-4, Pomperaug 7-2
T-DAY SERIES — Pomperaug 2-0
LAST YEAR — Pomperaug 34-15
KEY STAT — Oxford RB Nick Donofrio is the SWC’s leading rusher, 1,248 yards (15 TDs). Pomperaug’s Kellen Croce is second in the league in total offense.
AT STAKE — Oxford’s first victory over Pomperaug and its first winning season. An outside shot at a Class LL playoff berth for Pomperaug.

Stratford at Bunnell

WHERE/WHEN– Bulldog Field, Stratford, 7 p.m.
RECORDS — Stratford 3-6, Bunnell 6-3
ALL-TIME SERIES — Bunnell 34-20
LAST YEAR — Bunnell 38-14
KEY STAT — Bunnell sophomore Bryan Castelot is 2nd in the state in passing yards (2,293 yds, 27 TDs, 14 INT). Stratford’s offense averages just over 14 points per game.
AT STAKE — The Harvey E. Manning Trophy.

Bullard-Havens at Bassick

WHERE/WHEN– Kennedy Stadium, Bridgeport, 6 p.m.
RECORDS — Bullard-Havens 6-3, Bassick 0-9
T-DAY SERIES — Bullard-Havens 4-1
LAST YEAR — Bullard Havens 22-13
KEY STAT — Bullard-Havens’ Nick Rodriguez leads the CSC with 1,100 rushing yards. Bassick has scored just 67 points this season.
AT STAKE — Bragging rights. Avoiding a winless season for Bassick.

♦♦♦

THANKSGIVING DAY

Platt Tech at Abbott Tech

WHERE/WHEN– Stephen A. Kaplanis Field, Broadview Middle School, Danbury, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Platt Tech 0-9, Abbott Tech 0-8
T-DAY SERIES — First Thanksgiving Day meeting
LAST YEAR — Platt Tech 44-20 (regular season)
KEY STAT — Abbott Tech has allowed 41 points per game this season, Platt Tech 47. But Platt Tech averages 19 points scored per game, Abbott Tech just 9.
AT STAKE — The first victory of the season for one of these lucky schools.

McMahon at Norwalk

WHERE/WHEN – Testa Field, 10:30 a.m.
ON THE AIR — WSTC 1400-AM / WNLK 1350-AM
RECORDS – McMahon 6-3, Norwalk 3-6
ALL-TIME SERIES – McMahon 31-17-1
LAST YEAR – McMahon 14-13
KEY STAT – McMahon has won four straight games, averaging 37 points per game. The Senators haven’t allowed more than 21 points to an FCIAC team since a Week 3 37-7 loss to Stamford.
AT STAKE — The Sam Testa Trophy. A victory for outgoing Norwalk coach Pete Tucci. McMahon’s first winning season since 2006.

THE TURKEY BOWL

New Canaan at Darien

WHERE/WHEN – Darien High School, 10:30 a.m.
ON THE AIR — MSG Varsity-Connecticut
RECORDS — New Canaan 8-1, Darien 10-0 (FCIAC Champions)
ALL-TIME SERIES — New Canaan 44-33-2 (New Canaan 9-4-1 on Thanksgiving)
LAST YEAR — New Canaan 14-7
KEY STATS — New Canaan leads the FCIAC in offense with 375 points (42 per game). No. 3 in the state for total offense (410 yards per game). …Darien leads the FCIAC in defense with just 87 points allowed (just under 9 per game) and is No. 2 in the state with 33 sacks.
AT STAKE — The Turkey Bowl trophy. Class L playoff seeding for Darien. Class L playoff berth or home for the holidays for New Canaan.

Trinity Catholic at Wilton

WHERE/WHEN – Fujitani Field, Wilton, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS — Trinity Catholic 3-6, Wilton 3-6
T-DAY SERIES — Trinity Catholic 3-2
LAST YEAR — Trinity Catholic 46-14
KEY STATS — Four backs have combined for the majority of Trinity’s 2,000+ rushing yards, led by senior Mike Rivas‘ 800+ yards. …Four, potentially six, of Wilton’s 10 opponents are going to the state playoffs this season. Wilton’s Marc Piedmont‘s 9 sacks puts him among the state’s top 10.
AT STAKE — A four-win season.

Central at Harding

WHERE/WHEN — Hedges Field, Bridgeport, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Central 5-4, Harding 1-8
ALL-TIME SERIES – Harding 50-34-4
LAST YEAR – Central 49-0
KEY STATS – Central has won 11 straight series games, an all-time best. Harding broke a 2-year losing streak and 33-FCIAC game losing streak with a 12-6 win over Ludlowe at Hedges earlier this season.
AT STAKE — The John E. Johansen Trophy. The Bridgeport city championship.

Ludlowe at Warde

WHERE/WHEN – Tetreau/Davis Field, Fairfield, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Ludlowe 1-8, Warde 4-5
T-DAY SERIES – Warde 8-7
LAST YEAR — Ludlowe 24-14
KEY STATS — Ludlowe coach Matt McCloskey is 2-0 vs. Warde so far.
AT STAKE — The Gallagher-Baryas Trophy. A .500 season for Fairfield Warde.

Staples at Greenwich

WHERE/WHEN – Cardinal Stadium, 10:30
ON THE AIR — - WGCH 1490-AM | WWPT 90.3 (Wreckers Radio) Live video feed
RECORDS – Staples 8-1, Greenwich 5-4
T-DAY SERIES – Staples 3-2
LAST YEAR – Staples 30-28
KEY STATS — Staples leads the state with 24 interceptions this year. Tyler Jacobs is 3rd in the state with 7. Teammate Pat Murray is 3rd in the state with 11 sacks. The Wreckers also average 49 yards per punt. …The losing team has been shut out in four of of the five Thanksgiving Day meetings.
AT STAKE – A berth in the Class LL playoffs for Staples. …For Greenwich, avoiding its worst record in more than four decades (not including a 4-7 forfeit season in 1985).

Amity at North Haven

WHERE/WHEN – Vanacore Field, 10 a.m.
RECORDS – Amity 4-5, North Haven 8-1
T-DAY SERIES — Amity 9-4-1
LAST YEAR – North Haven 21-19
KEY STATS – With 2,627 yards, North Haven is the third-best rushing team in the state (Chris Matteis leads with 850, Jalon White 732). Kyle Kalanta has rushed for 1,007 yards and 9 TDs for Amity.
AT STAKE — A Class L playoff berth for North Haven, its second playoff berth in four years. A .500 season for Amity.

Fairfield Prep at West Haven

WHERE/WHEN — Ken Strong Stadium, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS – Fairfield Prep 3-6, West Haven 7-2
T-DAY SERIES –West Haven 11-3
LAST YEAR — West Haven 36-14
KEY STATS — West Haven has lost two of its last three games and has been outscored 98-121 over that span (including a 57-42 win over Wilbur Cross). …Fairfield Prep has made four field goals this season. It has won just one SCC Division I game (vs. Hamden this year) over the past two seasons.
AT STAKE — A Class LL playoff berth for West Haven (must win and get plenty of outside help).

THE ELM CITY BOWL

Hillhouse at Wilbur Cross

WHERE/WHEN – Wilbur Cross Athletic Complex, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS – Hillhouse 6-3, Wilbur Cross 4-5
ALL-TIME SERIES — Hillhouse 30-23-7
LAST YEAR — Wilbur Cross 34-26
KEY STATS — Hillhouse’s Harold Cooper has run for 1,049 yards this season.  Wilbur Cross’ all-purpose back James Ward has 938 rushing yards, close to 400 yards receiving and 21 touchdowns …Wilbur Cross has scored an average of 30 points in its last four games, but lost all four.
AT STAKE — The Elm City Bowl trophy. For Hillhouse, a chance at a Class M playoff berth (the Acs need to win and get help).

Law at Foran

WHERE/WHEN — Vito DeVito Sports Complex, Milford
RECORDS — Law 3-6, Foran 4-5
ALL-TIME SERIES – Law 21-16
LAST YEAR – Foran 44-37
KEY STATS — With 1,791 yards, Foran has the No. 2-rated passing offense in the SCC (Soph. Joe Zanghi had 354 yards passing last week). With 1,615 yards passing, Law is No. 3. The two teams are ranked No. 12 (Law) and No. 13 (Foran) in the state in total offense. Law’s Josh Patterson has run for 1,029 yards. …Law’s 312 points allowed is the most in the SCC. Foran’s 263 is the seventh most in the SCC.
AT STAKE — For Foran, a .500 season for Foran. For Law, ruining Foran’s .500 season and winning its first Thanksgiving game since 2007.

THE 60TH GREEN BOWL

Notre Dame-West Haven at Hamden

WHERE/WHEN — Hamden Field, 10:30 a.m.
ON THE AIR — SportingnewsCT.com OR GoGreenKnights.com (live video feed)
RECORDS — Notre Dame-WH 6-3, Hamden 0-9
ALL-TIME SERIES — Notre Dame 36-21-2
LAST YEAR — Notre Dame 31-15
KEY STATS – Notre Dame is ranked No. 10 in total offense in the state and averages 35 points per game. …Hamden hasn’t scored 35 points this season (29).
AT STAKE – Bragging rights. Hamden its first win of the season.

Bethel at Brookfield

WHERE/WHEN — Brookfield High School Stadium, 10 a.m.
RECORDS – Bethel 6-3, Brookfield 7-2
T-DAY SERIES –Brookfield 11-3
LAST YEAR – Bethel 42-14
KEY STATS – Brookfield’s Brian Kelly is sixth in the state in scoring (14 TDs, 33 XP, 1 FG, 120 points). He is also second in the state with 8 interceptions. …Bethel has the sixth-best rushing offense in the state: 2,484 yards, 33 TDs (Brandon Schmidt leads with 1,030 yards and 16 TDs).
AT STAKE – The Gavel-Swanson Trophy. For Brookfield, a spot in the Class M playoffs. For Bethel, a faint hope at the Class M playoffs.

Notre Dame-Fairfield at Immaculate

WHERE/WHEN – Immaculate
RECORDS — Notre Dame 1-8, Immaculate 0-9
T-DAY SERIES — Notre Dame 10-5
LAST YEAR — Notre Dame 7-0
KEY STATS — Notre Dame (347) and Immaculate (356) have allowed the most and second-most points in the SWC. ND’s Chris Drusbosky has made 88 tackles this season. Nigel Beckford has 813 rush yards and 11 TDs. …Immaculate’s Greg Wax has passed for over 1,200 yards and 7 TDs.
AT STAKE — Bragging rights.

THE CANDLEWOOD CUP

New Milford at New Fairfield

WHERE/WHEN – New Fairfield Rebels Stadium, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — New Milford 1-8, New Fairfield 3-6
T-DAY SERIES — New Fairfield 3-0
LAST YEAR – New Fairfield 26-20 (OT)
KEY STATS — New Fairfield’s Ardian Sahinovic is No. 2 in the state in punting average (45 yard average). The Rebels have had six tailbacks with more than 100 yards rushing for the season. …New Milford’s Karl Bradshaw has thrown for over 1,000 yards.
AT STAKE — The Candlewood Cup. Bragging rights.

100th meeting: Derby at Shelton

WHERE/WHEN – Finn Stadium, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS – Derby/O’Brien Tech 5-4, Shelton 5-4
ALL-TIME SERIES – Shelton 50-42-7
LAST YEAR — Shelton 33, Derby/O’Brien Tech 6
KEY STATS — Shelton’s Jonathan Groth has 1,191 yards of total offense and has kicked 4 field goals this season. Mike Georgalas has accounted for 31 of the team’s 76 receptions this season (for 311 yards and 4 TDs). …Derby QB Ray Kreiger is 10th in the state with 1,647 yards passing and has 1,905 yards of total offense. …Shelton’s Ray DeAngelis has returned from an ACL tear in the spring.
AT STAKE — Derby’s first victory in the series since 2002, its first winning season since 1996. Shelton, its 8th-straight series victory. Bragging rights.

NVL CHAMPIONSHIP

111th meeting: Naugatuck at Ansonia

WHERE/WHEN — Jarvis Stadium, Ansonia, 10:30 a.m.
ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM and  WATR 1320-AM
RECORDS – Naugatuck 8-1, Ansonia 9-0
ALL-TIME SERIES – Ansonia 67-35-9
LAST YEAR – Ansonia 56-20
KEY STATS – Ansonia’s Montrell Dobbs, the team’s only senior, is the state’s leading rusher with 2,292 yards (286.5 per game) and scorer with 30 touchdowns and 188 points.
AT STAKE — For Naugatuck, a spot in the Class L state playoffs for the first time since 2001 and its first victory over Ansonia since 2001. For Ansonia, seeding in the upcoming Class S playoffs.

That’s all folks!

By the way, if your game has a special name or awards a special trophy let us know and we’ll include it in the capsules.

The Elite 8 – Thanksgiving Week

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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And now, the Elite 8 for Thanksgiving Week.

Only two more left, the end of the regular season, and the end of the playoffs.

Here we go…

TRENDING UP

New Canaan — New Canaan fans got what they wanted, a Darien victory in the FCIAC championship game. Now the Rams have to go out there and beat the Blue Wave to prove, in their own way, that they’re the best team in the FCIAC and — most important — qualify for the state playoffs.

Staples — Still only one loss. The Wreckers should be rested and as healthy as they’re going to be for a postseason run. Gotta beat Greenwich.

TRENDING DOWN

Trumbull — Darien set the Eagles back 4 Weeks with that FCIAC championship game loss. Trumbull couldn’t score numerous times inside Darien territory until it was too late. They’re playoff bound in Class LL, but beating St. Joseph would go a long way toward making their postseason run a long one.

STAYING PUT

Darien — Proved its 10-0 record is no fluke with an FCIAC championship game victory. Next up, the state playoffs.

Masuk, West Haven, St. Joseph, Ansonia, Newtown, Brookfield, Pomperaug, NHWH — They were all idle last week. Three of them are in the state playoffs. Four have a shot to join them. One doesn’t.

Which of those lucky teams will get to improve their stature in the coming weeks?


High School Football Polls – Thanksgiving Week

Monday, November 22, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Not a lot of games this week, but a few important ones. The CSWA has decided against a poll, but NHR and Day of New London are running theirs.

And here they are…

♦♦♦

NHR STATE MEDIA POLL

Team
Record
Pts.
LAST
1
Xavier (15)
9-0
702
1
2
Masuk (9)
9-0
686
2
3
Darien
10-0
602
3
4
Berlin
9-0
537
4
5
New Canaan
8-1
490
5
6
Ansonia
 9-0
429
7
7
Norwich Free Academy
9-0
400
8
8
Hand
 8-1
374
9
9
 Staples
8-1
317
10
10
 Trumbull
8-2
272
6
Other teams receiving votes: Glastonbury (9-1), 265; New London (8-1), 147; West Haven (7-2), 139; Southington (8-1), 119; Valley Regional/Old Lyme (9-0), 115; Naugatuck (8-1), 110; St. Joseph (7-2), 94; Montville (8-1), 88; North Haven (8-1), 87; Bristol Eastern (8-1), 36; Notre Dame-West Haven (6-3) and Windsor (7-2), 27; Maloney (8-1), 26; Newtown (8-1), 9; Middletown (7-2), 8; Brookfield (7-2) and Hyde (7-2). 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.

Status quo, except Trumbull fell from No. 6 to 10 after its FCIAC championship loss. Darien didn’t budge in the rankings, but picked up plenty of votes to take a commanding lead over Berlin as the state’s No. 3.

New Canaan stayed at No. 5 and the rest moved up a spot.

♦♦♦

DAY OF NEW LONDON COACHES POLL

Team
Record
Pts.
LAST
1
Xavier (10)
9-0
384
1
2
Masuk (3)
9-0
370
2
3
Darien
10-0
306
3
4
Berlin
9-0
286
4
5
New Canaan
8-1
251
 6
6
Ansonia
 9-0 247
5
7
Norwich Free Academy
9-0
235
 7
8
Hand
 8-1
218
8
9
 Staples
8-1
169
10
10
 Glastonbury
9-1
120
NR
Other teams receiving votes: St. Joseph (7-2), 108 points; Trumbull (8-2), 102; Montville (8-1), 83; Southington (8-1), 59; North Haven (8-1), 54; New London (8-1), 53; Valley Regional/Old Lyme (9-0), 46; West Haven (7-2), 45; Conard (8-2), 44; Bristol Eastern (8-1), 42; Naugatuck (8-1), 34; Maloney (8-1), 26; Wethersfield (8-1), 17; Notre Dame-West Haven (6-3), 9; Windsor (7-2), 7.
The following 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.

FCIAC Championship replay (Darien 17, Trumbull 7)

Monday, November 22, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Just a quick recap for posterity: The 2010 FCIAC championship game between Trumbull and Darien at McDougall Stadium on Friday.

Like we discussed in the aftermath, this victory was a mission statement from Darien, a message to the rest of the state as it heads into the Turkey Bowl clash with New Canaan. It was a statement that read a) Darien (10-0) is an excellent football team with an outstanding defense. b) It can beat any team put in front of it.

Led by an otherworldly effort from Jake Weil (10 tackles, two fourth down stops in the first half and a key fumble recovery – he should have been the game’s MVP), the Blue Wave held Trumbull scoreless in five trips inside Darien territory in the first half and off the scoreboard long enough for Graham Maybell (104 yards, TD), Chris Allam (103 yards, TD, INT) and the offense to reassert themselves with the single wing in the second half.

Once the offense took the lead, with a 12-yard strike from Allam to Peter Gesualdi, it was back to bone-crushing defense again. Peter McDonough‘s hit on Trumbull’s Phil Terio on fourth and short to end the third quarter allowed Darien to take a two-touchdown lead (set up by Allam’s 49-yard strike to Clay Barker).

And, after Trumbull had a crucial touchdown called back on a penalty, C.J. Raia iced it with a 32-yard field goal.

Just a few minutes and one so-what? touchdown from Trumbull later, Darien could finally celebrate their biggest win of the season, collectively thumb their noses at anyone who doubted them (especially this reporter), and get ready to play arch-rival New Canaan.

Essentially, the game doesn’t mean much for Darien except seeding for the Class L playoffs. But with New Canaan desperately needing a victory to get into states, you can be sure the Blue Wave would love to knock them off, and any remaining doubts about their football team (and reading comments, it seems there are still a few).

♦♦♦

Here’s the game plan for this week.

You have your mAd ScIenTiSt! scenarios: Class LL | Class L | Class M | Class S

Tonight the latest state polls will be released, as will our Elite 8.

On Tuesday, we’ll preview all of the Thanksgiving Day football games.

On Wednesday night, we’ll be running the Live Thanksgiving Night Football Blog.

On Thursday, we’ll run the Live Thanksgiving Day Football Scoring Blog, and then get you up to date on all the playoff pairings as they’re finalized.

We’ll recap it all over the weekend and get ready for the state quarterfinals.

Let’s get ready to rumble.

ThE mAd cIaC fOoTbAlL pLaYoFf sCiEnTiST! – Class S

Sunday, November 21, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Gnaw-gnaw-gnaw-gnaw-gnaw!

It’s maddening, isn’t it?

Never fear! We have three down, one to go!

His Madness loves this playoff system. So many clinched, so few scenarios to figure out. Not like last year when it took him 24 hours to put it together.

And you don’t need to be mad to figure this one out,  it’s the easiest of the bunch!

CLASS S

ANSONIA (9-0, 1300) – CLINCHED
Naugatuck 200 (L)
Guaranteed 20 - Holy Cross/Wolcott; Woodland/Seymour
Bonus 50 - Wilby (Sacred Heart); Watertown (Torrington); Crosby (Kennedy): Derby (shelton); St. Paul (Rocky Hill)
Min - 1320 – 1370
Max – 1520 – 1570

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Clinched a home game, will likely get the No. 1 seed with a victory over Naugatuck.

VALLEY REGIONAL/OLD LYME (9-0, 1330) – CLINCHED
Haddam-Killingworth 130
Guaranteed 40 - Lewis Mills/Wolcott Tech; Cromwell/Coginchaug; Morgan/Old Saybrook;North Branford/Hyde
Bonus 10 - Coventry (Ellington)
Min - 1370 – 1380
Max - 1510 – 1520

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Clinched a home game and can get the No. 1 seed if Ansonia loses. Otherwise it’s in line to get the No. 2 seed.

MONTVILLE (8-1, 1220) – CLINCHED
St. Bernard 120 (M)
Guaranteed 10 - East Lyme/Waterford
Bonus 60 - New London (NFA); Killingly (Putnam); Bacon (RHAM); Plainfield (Griswold); Ledyard  (Fitch); Windham (Wilcox Tech)
Min - 1230 – 1290
Max – 1350 – 1410

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Has clinched a home game. Will get at least the No. 3 seed, possibly higher if they win and Valley and/or Ansonia lose.

ST. JOSEPH (7-2, 1070) - CLINCHED
Trumbull 200 (LL)
Bonus 70 - Crosby (Kennedy); Trinity (Wilton); Bassick (BHTEch); Norwalk (McMahon); New Canaan (Darien); Warde (ludlowe); Greenwich (Staples
Min 1070 – 1140
Max 1270 – 1340

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Will clinch a home game with a victory over Trumbull. Could finish as high as the No. 2 seed if they win enough teams lose. A loss and there’s still an outside chance at a home game. Realistically, St. Joseph finishes anywhere between No. 4 and No. 7.

HYDE (7-2, 1000) – CLINCHED
North Branford 150
Guarantee 20 - Morgan/Old Saybrook; Wolcott Tech/Lewis Mills;
Bonus 20 - Cromwell (Coginchaug); HK (Valley)
Min - 1020 – 1040
Max – 1170 – 1190

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Clinched, because Coginchaug/Cromwell loser can’t catch them, neither can North Branford (even with a victory over them). Would be in line for a home game only if St. Joseph loses.

That leaves five teams vying for three spots…

COGINCHAUG (7-2, 940)
Cromwell 160
Guarantees 20 - Wolcott Tech/Lewis Mills; Old Saybrook/Morgan;
Bonus 30 -  Hyde (North Branford); HK (Valley); SMSA (Bulkeley);
Min - 960 – 990
Max - 1120 – 1150

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Plays Cromwell with the winner going to the playoffs. Coginchaug has some hope if it loses. But only a fool’s hope.

Has a shot at a home game if St. Joseph and Hyde both lose.

WOODLAND (6-3, 960)
Seymour 100
Guarantee 10 - Watertown/Torrington
Bonus 40 - Kennedy (Crosby); Holy Cross (Wolcott); St. Paul (Rocky Hill); Naugatuck (Ansonia)
Min - 970 – 1010
Max – 1070 – 1110

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: In with a victory over winless Seymour. …Could even clinch the final spot with a loss, especially if Cromwell loses. If Cromwell wins, then Woodland would be in a footrace with Coginchaug and maybe even North Branford for the final spot.

SACRED HEART (6-3, 940)
Wilby 130 (L)
Bonus 60 - Cheney Tech (East Catholic); Derby (Shelton); Crosby (Kennedy); St. Paul (Rocky Hill); Torrington (Watertown); Woodland (Seymour)
Min 940 – 1000
Max 1070 – 1130

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: In with a victory over Wilby. The only way the Hearts can get in with a loss is if Cromwell loses to Coginchaug. If Cromwell wins, then the Hearts would need lots of bonus help to outpoint Coginchaug.

CROMWELL (6-3, 810)
Coginchaug 170
Guarantee 20 - Old Saybrook/Morgan; Lewis Mills/Wolcott Tech
Bonus 20 - Ellington (Coventry); North Branford (Hyde)
Min 830 – 850
Max – 1000 – 1020

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Simple: Beat Coginchaug or they’re home for the holidays.

NORTH BRANFORD (5-4, 750)
Hyde 170
Guaranteed 10 - Morgan/Old Saybrook;
Bonus 30 - Enfield (Granby); HK (Valley); Coginchaug (Cromwell);
Max  - 760 – 790
Max – 930 – 960

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Incredibly, they’re still in the hunt. Realistically, North Branford’s only legit hope is to beat Hyde and get losses from Sacred Heart and Cromwell. Even then, Sacred Heart would have to lose a majority of their bonuses, which probably won’t happen.

It’s close but the Lewis Mills brawl ultimately will keep the T-Birds home.

Th-th-th-th-th-th… That’s ALL Folks!

At last, we come to the end.

The ingredients are in place. The Beakers have been filled (Me-me-me-me-me!). The Bunsen burners are cooking. The adding machine has run of of paper. The slide rule’s rusted. The abacus is falling apart.

But His Madness has managed to concoct the last few formulas to complete the Thanksgiving Week scenarios. His job is complete, we’ll be putting him back into the asylum until next year.

All that’s left is for you to wait, watch and listen.

We’ll be running two live blogs in the coming days at Connecticut Post, Danbury News-Times, Greenwich Time and the Advocate of Stamford: Wednesday night and Thursday, all day.

Check there for all the live scores from our staff reporters and citizen reporters out in the field.

REMEMBER: If you’re going to a game, and have a mobile phone. Get a Twitter account and tweet your game’s scoring updates (either through text or the internet) and DON’T FORGET to add #ctfb to the end of your updates. That way everybody can see what’s going on at your game.

We’ll have more reminders on this in a couple of days.

ThE mAd cIaC fOoTbAlL pLaYoFf sCiEnTiST! – Class M

Sunday, November 21, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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His Madness llllllooooooveess CLASS M.

It’s MAD I tells ya! MAD! So many teams. So much madness. Figuring it out on Thanksgiving will be enough to dump you into the loony bin!

And did His Madness overhear George DeMaio and Matt DeMaio call this division the Berlin Invitational on the radio the other day?

His Madness thinks that sounds about right. Though look out for New London and Brookfield.

His Madness will save his Bethel friends some time: It looks pretty dicey.

Anyway… Onto the madness

CLASS M
BERLIN 9-0 1220 – CLINCHED
New Britain 120 (LL)
Bonus 80 - East Catholic (Cheney); NWC (Plainville); Tolland (EO Smith); Bloomfield (Windsor); Rocky Hill (St. Paul); Bristol Eastern (Central); Platt (Maloney); Rockville (South Windsor)
Min – 1220 – 1300
Max – 1340 – 1420

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Clinched a home game. Can get the top seed with a win and a New London loss or just bonus points.

NEW LONDON (8-1, 1140) - CLINCHED
NFA 200 (LL)
Guarantees 10 – Waterford/East Lyme
Bonus 50 – Windham (Wilcox Tech); Wilton (Trinity); Fitch (Ledyard); Stonington (Westerly); Killingly (Putnam)
Min – 1150 – 1200
Max - 1350 – 1400

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Clinches a home game with a win. Can get the top seed with a win and bonus help over Berlin.

PLAINVILLE (8-1, 1090) – CLINCHED

Northwest Catholic 130
Bonus 80 – Maloney (Platt); Weaver (Hartford Public); RHAM (Bacon); Bulkeley (SSMA); EO Smith (Tolland); Rockville (South Windsor); East Catholic (Cheney); Fermi (Farmington)
Min - 1090 – 1170
Max - 1220 – 1300

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Clinches at least a home game with a win.

That leaves five spots and 12 million teams vying for them (OK 14).

BROOKFIELD (7-2, 970)
Bethel 160
Guarantee 20 - Weston/Barlow; Stratford/Bunnell
Bonus 30 - Immaculate (NDFF); New Milford (New Fairfield); Pomperaug (Oxford)
Min - 990 – 1020
Max - 1150 – 1180

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: In with a win, clinches a home game. A loss and can still qualify, but realistically only if at least three contenders lose.

COVENTRY/WINDHAM TECH (7-2, 950)
Ellington/Somers 150
Guarantee 30 - Enfield/Granby; Housatonic/Gilbert; Windsor Locks/Stafford
Min – 980
Max – 1130

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Locked in with maximum and minimum points. Win clinches a spot. Loss and they’ll need serious help.

GILBERT/NORTHWESTERN 7-2 950
Housatonic 150
Guarantee 10 - Stafford/Windsor Locks;
Bonus 30 – Haddam/Killingworth (Valley Reigonal); Granby (Enfield); Ellington (Coventry)
Min – 960 – 990
Max - 1110 – 1140

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Clinches with a victory. Loss and they’ll need serious help.

LYMAN HALL 7-2 950
Sheehan 120
Guarantee 10 - EH/Branford
Bonus 50 – Platt Tech (Abbott); Hillhouse (Cross); Law (Foran); Guilford (Hand); Amity (North Haven)
Min - 960 – 1010
Max - 1080 – 1130

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Clinches a spot with victory. A loss and they’d be in the same boat as Brookfield: needing at least three other contenders to lose.

If all of the above teams win, that leaves ONE spot with 8 million teams vying for it.

PLATT (7-2, 860)
Maloney 190 (L)
Guaranteed 10 - Tolland/EO Smith
Bonus 50 - NWC (Plainville); East Catholic (Cheney); Rocky Hill (St. Paul); New Britain (Berlin); Bloomfield (Windsor)
Min – 870 – 920
Max – 1060 – 1110

Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: It might rip the hearts out of every remaining contender (and Maloney in Class L) if it happens to win on Thanksgiving. It would easily hurdle over Putnam/Tourtellotte/Ellis Tech, beat Hillhouse with one bonus game and Cheney Tech with two bonuses (although those bonuses aren’t exactly sure things.

An easier way is a victory and  loss by one of the teams above.

CHENEY TECH (7-2, 910)
East Catholic 110 (120 – 10S)
Guarantee 10 - Platt Tech/Abbott Tech
Bonus 50 – SMSA (Bulkeley); Wilcox Tech (Windham); Putnam (Killingly); Bullard-Havens (Bassick); Prince Tech (Capital Prep)
Min – 920 – 970
Max - 1030 – 1080

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Needs to win and one of  the six top contenders to lose, especially Platt which could outpoint Cheney if one spot remains. If two teams above lose, write 8-2 Cheney Tech in.

HILLHOUSE (6-3, 860)
Wilbur Cross 150 (140 + 10LL)
Guarantee 10 - Foran/Law
Bonus 40 - North Haven (Amity); Guilford (Hand); Branford (EH); Sheehan (Lyman Hall)
Min - 870 – 910
Max – 1020 – 1060

His Madness SEZ: Needs to win, and get a loss from at least one of the teams above — especially Platt and Cheney Tech.

PUTNAM/TOURTELLOTTE/ELLIS (7-2, 880)
Killingly 100 (-10 for Class S)
Guarantee 20 - Abbott/Platt; Capital Prep/Prince Tech
Bonus 30 – Wilcox Tech (Windham); Bullard-Havens (Bassick); St. Bernard (Montville)
Min – 900 – 930
Max – 1000 – 1030

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: They’ll need to win and hope two top contenders lose, especially two of these: Platt, Coventry, Hillhouse, Cheney Tech, Gilbert/Northwestern.

LEDYARD 5-3 780
Fitch 170 (L)
Guaranteed 10 - Plainfield/Griswold
Bonus – 30 Wilcox (Windham); Bacon (RHAM); Branford (EH)
Min – 790 – 820
Max – 960 – 990

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Need to win, get all of its bonuses and have a bunch of the contenders to lose, especially Cheney Tech, Putnam, Hillhouse, Coventry, Gilbert, Lyman Hall (not in that order).

WATERFORD 6-3 800
East Lyme 160 (L)
Bonus 50 - Stonington (Westerly); St. Bernard (Montville); Ledyard (Fitch); Bacon Academy (RHAM); Plainfield (Griswold)
Min – 800 – 850
Max – 960 – 1010

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: They have slight chance, just needs lots and lots of teams to lose ahead of it.

BETHEL 6-3 770
Brookfield 170
Guaranteed 10 - NDFF/Immaculate;
Bonus 40 - Newtown (Masuk); New Milford (New Fairfield); Barlow (Weston); Stratford (Bunnell)
Min - 780 – 820
Max - 950 – 990

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Same as Waterford, but with slightly less a chance.

WATERTOWN 6-3 760
Torrington 170 (L)
Guaranteed 10 - Kennedy/Crosby
Bonus 40 – Seymour (Woodland); St. Paul (Rocky Hill); Wolcott (Holy Cross); Wilby (Sacred Heart)
Max - 940 – 980

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Even worse than Bethel and Waterford.

ENFIELD (7-2, 840)
Granby Memorial 100
Guarantee 20 – Stafford/Windsor Locks; Housatonic/Gilbert
Bonus 10 - Ellington (Coventry)
Min - 860 – 870
Max – 960 – 970

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Even worse than Bethel, Waterford and Watertown (get the picture?)

WOLCOTT (6-3, 740)
Holy Cross 150
Guaranteed 20 – Crosby/Kennedy; Wooldand/Seymour
Bonus 20 – Wilby (Sacred Heart); Killingly (Putnam)
Max - 910 – 930

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: This is like the the eighth level of Inception.

If Wolcott got in, duck and cover. The end is nigh.

ThE mAd cIaC fOoTbAlL pLaYoFf sCiEnTiST! – Class L [UPDATED]

Sunday, November 21, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Heee hee hee!

His Madness says we’ve only just begun.

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.

Fillet of a fenny snake,
In the cauldron boil and bake;
Eye of newt and toe of frog,
Wool of bat and tongue of dog,
Adder’s fork and blind-worm’s sting,
Lizard’s leg and owlet’s wing,
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

…Now for Round 2 of 4.

MASUK (9-0, 1300)  - CLINCHED, HOME GAME, place TBA
Newtown 180
Guarantee 30 – New Milford/New Fairfield; Brookfield/Bethel; Oxford/Pomperaug
Bonus 30 - Bunnell (stratford); Weston (Barlow); Immaculate/ND
Min – 1330 – 1360
Max - 1510 – 1540

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Win over Newtown gives Masuk the top seed.

DARIEN (9-0, 1190) - CLINCHED
New Canaan 180
Guarantee 10 - Wilton/Trinity
Bonus – 60 Warde (Ludlowe); Danbury (Ridgefield); St. Joseph (Trumbull); Bassick (BH); Westhill (Stamford); Norwalk (McMahon)
Min – 1200 – 1260
Max - 1380 – 1440

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Clinched because of tiebreakers with Bristol Eastern. Win over NC gets it a home game.

♦♦♦♦

That leaves six spots remaining and seven 1-loss teams.

Of them, Hand, Wethersfield, North Haven, Naugatuck, Maloney and New Canaan will all get in with victories on Thanksgiving. Bristol Eastern will likely be the odd-man out in that scenario.

Anybody with two losses needs at least two of the lower 1-loss teams to lose to have a shot at a playoff spot.

Here we go…

HAND (8-1, 1110)
GUILFORD 150
Guarantee 10 - Prep/WH;
Bonus 60 - Hamden (NDWH); Lyman Hall (Sheehan); Amity (North Haven); Cheshire (Southington); Cross (Hillhouse); East Haven (Branford)
Min - 1120 – 1180
Max – 1270 – 1330

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Win and in, most likely gets a home game. Can still get in with a loss, but only if two of the other 1-loss teams lose (especially, Naugy, North Haven, Maloney, New Canaan).

WETHERSFIELD (8-1, 1110)
Newington 100
Guarantee 10 - Plainville/NWC
Bonus 40 - Rockville (South Windsor); EO Smith (Tolland); Weaver (Hartford Public); Fermi (Farmington); RHAM (Bacon)
Min - 1120 – 1160
Max - 1220 – 1260

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Beat winless Newington, and they’re in. Decent shot at the No. 4 seed. Most likely 5th. They can still get in with an unlikely loss, but only if two of the other 1-loss contenders lose or if they can somehow outpoint Bristol Eastern.

NAUGATUCK (8-1, 1050)
Ansonia 190
Bonus 80 - Seymour (Woodland); Torrington (Watertown); Derby (Selton); St. Paul (Rocky Hill); Killingly (Putnam-Tourtellotte); Sacred Heart (Wilby) Kennedy (Crosby); Holy Cross (Wolcott)
Min - 1050 – 1130
Max – 1240 – 1320

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Naugy must beat Ansonia for the first time since 2001 to qualify for the first time since 2001. Has a shot at the No. 3 seed, but more likely the 4 if that happens.

A loss and they’re pretty cooked unless a lot of other contenders lose.

NORTH HAVEN (8-1, 1030) – UPDATED
Amity 140
Guarantee 30 - Hamden/ND; Sheehan/Lyman Hall; Branford/EH;
Bonus 20 - Trinity (Wilton); Foran (Law)
Min - 1060 – 1080
Max - 1200 – 1220

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: North Haven must beat Amity to get in.

A loss and they’re likely out.

MALONEY (8-1, 1010)
Platt 170
Guarantee 10 - E.O. Smith/Tolland
Bonus 50 - Rockville (South Windsor); RHAM (Bacon); Fermi (Farmington); Bristol Central (Eastern); Weaver (Hartford Public); Wethersfield (Newington)
Min - 1020 – 1070
Max – 1190 – 1240

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: A win will put Maloney a breadth within qualifying. If it gets two of its (already shaky) six bonuses they’ll get in, or if a 1-loss team loses. A loss and they’re likely out.

NEW CANAAN (8-1, 990) – UPDATED
Darien 190
Guarantee 20 - Trinity/Wilton; Ludlowe/Warde
Bonus 40 - Bassick (BH); Seymour (Woodland); Greenwich (Staples); Central (Harding)
Min - 1010 – 1050
Max - 1200 – 1240

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: In with a victory over Darien. A loss and they’re in trouble unless a couple teams lose.

BRISTOL EASTERN (8-1, 1010)
Bristol Central 110
Bonus 70 – Bloomfield (Windsor); Rocky Hill (St. Paul); Platt (Maloney); NWC (Plainville); Newington (Wethersfield); East Catholic (Cheney Tech); Tolland (EO Smith); Fermi (Farmington)
Min - 1010 – 1080
Max - 1120 – 1190

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: They’re already in trouble, needing all 80 bonuses just to get to 1200. If all of the teams win in front of them. they’re most likely out.

Eastern’s best shot is to have two contenders ahead of it lose. If one loses, they’ll still need plenty of bonus help. And practically all of their bonuses won’t go their way. We see Eastern finishing anywhere between 1140 and 1150, not nearly close enough unless a two teams lose ahead of them.

WINDSOR (7-2, 980)
Bloomfield 140
Bonus 40 - New Britain (Berlin); Southington (Cheshire); Rocky Hill (St. Paul); Newington (Wethersfield)
Min - 980 – 1020
Max – 1120 – 1160

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Win and hope two or three 1-loss teams lose. There’s a slight chance they could even sneak in over 9-1 Bristol Eastern if a horde of things go their way (like Eastern getting less than half its bonuses and Windsor getting most of theirs).

AVON (8-2, 1090)
Guarantee 30 - Ellington/Coventry; Stafford/Windsor Locks; Granby/Enfield;
Bonus 10 - Housatonic (Gilbert)
Min - 1120 – 1130

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Done with its season and almost done collecting points. Win and pray.

MIDDLETOWN (7-2, 870)
Xavier 190
Guarantee 10 - Fermi/Farmington
Bonus 40 - Bristol Central (Eastern); Hartford Public (Weaver); Bulkeley (SSMA); Newington (Wethersfield)
Max - 1070 – 1110

The Mad Playoff Scientist SEZ: Mathematically alive, but virtually eliminated.

ThE mAd cIaC fOoTbAlL pLaYoFf sCiEnTiST! – Class LL [UPDATED]

Sunday, November 21, 2010 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Week 10 is in the books and now it’s time to unleash the man.

Welcome… to the LA’bor-atory.

(THUNDERCRRRRRAACK!)

HAAAAA HAAA HAAA HAAA HAAAA HAAAAAA!!!!!

The Mad CIAC Playoff Scientist is in. And he’s been pretty ticked off lately with all of these confounded computer programs doing all the heavy lifting, allowing regular citizens cut in on his business.

All that’s left is crafting crazy scenarios, which is enough to make any ordinary citizen go mad. At least he’s still got that.

So for those of you without hours of time on your hands, here we go…

CLASS LL

XAVIER    9-0    1290 [UNOFFICIALLY CLINCHED]
Middletown (7-2) 170
Guarantee 20 - NDWH/Hamden; Prep/WH
Bonus 50 - Cheshire (Southington); Amity (North Haven); Foran (Law); Shelton (Derby); Hillhouse (Wilbur Cross)
Min - 1310 – 1360
Max – 1480 – 1530

His Madness SEZ: Clinched a playoff spot and will likely get a home game even with a loss, especially if Newtown loses to Masuk. Win will likely give it top seed.
NFA    9-0    1260 UNOFFICIALLY CLINCHED
New London (8-1) 180
Guarantee 10 - Ledyard/Fitch
Bonus 60 - Windham (Wilcox Tech); Griswold (Plainfield); Bacon (RHAM); Stonington (Westerly); Easy Lyme (Waterford); Killingly (Putnam-Tourtellotte)
Min - 1270 – 1330
Max - 1450 – 1510

His Madness SEZ: Clinched a playoff spot and will likely get a home game even with a loss to New London. Can get the top seed if can somehow outpoint Xavier with bonuses. But in line to get the No. 2 seed with a win.

GLASTONBURY  ( 9-1,  1280) - UNOFFICIALLY CLINCHED
Bonus 60 – Windsor (Bloomfield); NWc (Plainville); South Windsor (Rockville); Newington (Wethersfield); New Britain (Berlin); Hartford Public (Weaver)
Max - 1280 – 1340

His Madness SEZ: Regular season over. Clinched a playoff spot and most likely a home game unless Newtown beats Masuk. In line for the No. 3 seed.

TRUMBULL    8-1    1140 - UNOFFICIALLY CLINCHED
St. Joseph (7-2) 170
Guarantee 20 - Greenwich/Staples; Ridgefield/Danbury
Bonus 40 – Wilton (Trinity); Westhill (Stamford); Norwalk (McMahon); Central (Harding);
Min – 1160 – 1200
Max – 1230 – 1370

His Madness SEZ: Clinched a playoff spot. Earns a home game with a victory over St. Joseph.

That leaves four spots remaining…

For losing teams, 1110 points puts you on very shaky ground. 1120 points might put you in. 1130 is a good chance.

SOUTHINGTON  (8-1    1080)
Cheshire 140
Bonus 40 - South Windsor (Rockville); New Britain (Berlin); East Catholic (Cheney Tech); Newington (Wethersfield)
Min – 1080 – 1120
Max – 1220 – 1260

His Madness SEZ: In with a victory over Cheshire. Can get as high as the No. 4 seed. Outside shot at a home game.

A loss and Southington will be scrambling for help. It’s point range with a loss is 1080-1120, but they’ll probably only get to 1090 or 1110. And that likely won’t be good enough, even if a few contenders lose.

NEWTOWN    (8-1, 1070)
Masuk 190
Guarantee 20 - Immaculate/NDFF; Bunnell/Stratford
Bonus 40 - Brookfield (Bethel); Oxford (Pomperaug); New Fairfield (New Milford); Barlow (Weston)
Min – 1090 – 1130
Max - 1280 – 1320

His Madness SEZ: In with a victory over Masuk, and it is line for the No. 5 or No. 4 seed with a win. … Not many people are giving the Nighthawks a chance in that one, so let’s take a look at a loss:

A loss and the Nighthawks will be scrambling. They can still get in, but only if another contender or two loses and enough bonuses come in. Realistically, Newtown will probably get anywhere between 1100-1110. That might not do it, 1120 probably will but they’d need an upset or two (Oxford over Pomperaug, Barlow over Weston).

STAPLES    (8-1 , 1050)
Greenwich 150
Guarantee 20 – Norwalk/McMahon; Trinity/Wilton
Bonus 40 – Westhill (Stamford); Ridgefield (Danbury); Harding (Central); Ludlowe (Warde)
Min - 1070 – 1110
Max – 1220 – 1260

His Madness SEZ: In with a victory over Greenwich. Outside shot as a home game if enough teams lose.

A loss, and the Wreckers are in big trouble. They’ll need most or all of their bonuses, and quite a few contenders to lose, to have any shot just to get to 1100 or 1110. Staples would be counting on Westhill, Harding and Ludlowe to all win to collect bonuses, and that’s almost no shot at all.

CONARD (8-2, 1120)
Bonus 30 - Hartford Public (Weaver); Farmington (Fermi); Bulkeley (SSMA); Middletown (Xavier); Bristol Central (Eastern)
Min - 940 – 970
Max - 1120 – 1150

His Madness SEZ: Finished with its regular season and they’re in halfway decent shape. Their potential bonuses are dicey, and but one or two might do it. Their best shot is a loss by either Southington, Newtown or Staples. That most likely clinches it for Conard.

If all three teams win, the Chieftans must pray that West Haven is denied bonuses and doesn’t catch it on points. Conard has 50 bonuses. three of them (which would up Conard to 1140) should do the trick. West Haven would then need all 50 of its bonuses just to tie. Conard’s ahead on tiebreakers.

If two of those contenders lose, the Conard’s probably going dancing.

HALL    (8-1,  1090)
Bonus 40 – Middletown (Xavier); Bulkeley (SSMA); Hartford Public (weaver); South Windsor (Rockville); Farmington (Fermi); Bristol Central (Bristol Eastern)
Max - 1090- 1150

His Madness SEZ: Finished with its regular season, but they need help to get a spot. Hall can’t catch Conard, so that leaves three spots left. Hall’s best shot would require three of the remaining contenders to lose (Southington, Newtown, Staples, West Haven and Pomperaug). If two lose, it still has a mathematical shot, but it’ll be right to the wire. Of their 60 50 bonuses, only two are realistic, which would put them at 1110 at most.

WEST HAVEN (7-2, 950)
Fairfield Prep 130
Guarantee 10 – Hamden/ND;
Bonus 50 – Amity (North Haven); Guilford (Hand); Sheehan (LH); Cheshire (Southington); Cross (Hillhouse)
Min – 960 – 1010
Max – 1090 – 1140

His Madness SEZ: The Westies need to beat Fairfield Prep, and at least one contender to lose (ideally Southington, which would give the Westies 10 points toward its 50 available bonuses and drop Southington behind).

But even if that happens, the Westies would be in a fight for bonus points with the loser and Hall. Again, a Southington loss is the most beneficial.

Their prospects would brighten considerably if two of the contenders lost. Staples or Southington would be ideal — that would almost assuredly knock either out, but the Westies would still need to stay ahead with least three or four of their five bonuses to assure a spot. Realistically, we see the Westies finishing between 1100-1120. Very close.

POMPERAUG (7-2, 910)
Oxford 150
Guarantee 20 - New Milford/New Fairfield; Weston/Barlow;
Bonus 30 – NDFF (Immaculate); Bethel (Brookfield); Stratford (Bunnell)
Max - 1080 – 1110

His Madness SEZ: The Panthers need to beat Oxford, pray all of its bonuses come in and then pray that Hall is denied bonuses, that West Haven loses, and then two of Southington, Staples and Newtown lose. In short, they’re a longshot.

Are you new to all of this? Can’t follow along? Here’s the CIAC’s playoff point structure:

CRITERIA

The top eight teams in each division will be selected using a point system as follows:
Three classes of competition will be used with the point system.

  • Division LL & L — Highest class
  • Division M — Middle Class
  • Division S — Lowest Class

Now…

  • A school will receive 100 points for defeating a school in its own class.
  • 90 points for defeating a school in one lower class;
  • 80 points for defeating a school in two lower classes;
  • 110 points for defeating a school in one higher class;
  • 120 points for defeating a school in two higher classes.

A school defeating a league opponent of a lower class will not be subject to the structure as outlined above. but will receive 100 points.

A school will receive 10 points for each victory earned by any opponent it has
defeated.

The total number of playoff points will be divided by the total number of games played to determine the
point value earned by each school.

The following three steps will be used in breaking ties in pairings if two or more schools finish with the
same point value in the same division.

1) In the event the schools have met during the regular season, the winner wins the position in
question.

2) The wins and ties of each of the opponents are added (2 points per win and l point per tie) and
the team with the greatest number of points wins the position in question. This includes each
opponent regardless of whether the game was won or lost.

3) If there is still no winner the computer will “flip a coin” to determine the winner of the position. These are predetermined. Click here to see who wins in the case of a tie.

The top eight (8) teams in each division will qualify for the quarterfinal games (32 teams total).

Enter His Madness: We sports writers have nicknamed the potential points for each contender.  “Guaranteed” points are the 10 points guaranteed to the contender’s point total because it beat both opponents playing in a game. “Bonus” points are 10 points that the contender will earn if the listed team wins (because it beat that team in the regular season). But if the team in parentheses wins then it will not earn any points.

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