We start with the carnage up at Rentschler Field for the Class LL championship game.

Xavier, top-ranked and unbeaten Xavier, made a strong case for holding on to its No. 1 ranking with a thunderous 24-13 victory over Trumbull in the Class LL state championship game.

Mike Mastroianni ran for 279 yards and two touchdowns, Pat D’Amato and Kosi Broderick hooked up four times for 162 yards and a touchdown, and the Xavier defense held Trumbull to 26 yards rushing and intercepted three passes en route to its second straight championship.

Xavier’s offensive and defensive lines were the show. That’s all Trumbull could talk about afterward, leading to this great quote from Trumbull junior FB/RB Don Cherry (who had himself a fine day in defeat with 15 tackles and a touchdown), “”If you were out there you’d see that they move like robots. They all move in sync. It was tough dealing with those almost robotic linemen. …They were the best line we’ve seen all year.”

So Xavier stated it’s case emphatically, “I think we made a pretty good statement about that tonight,” coach Sean Marinan said.

He was joined by many (perhaps all) of the SCC aficionados and cheerleaders, who joined Xavier in wagging their index fingers into the air and in cyberspace.

Still three more to go, particularly the one game that may (or may not) have an effect on the No. 1 vote: The Class L championship game between New Canaan and Masuk. That kicks off at 3 p.m. today.

It’s preceded by the Class M final between Hillhouse and New London at 11 a.m. and proceeded by the Class S championship between St. Joseph and Ansonia at 7 p.m.

Live Blog is Below. Share with us your thoughts on all of Friday’s and Saturday’s action during and after the games.

Apologies for last night’s live broadcasts. I misspoke that the games would be shown on video feeds. Only audio was available (and even that apparently shorted out). I’m sure they’ll give it another shot. You can  listen to the games and watch the live blog here .

If that doesn’t work, you can also catch “The Coach” George DeMaio and Nick Aprea, who will take you through all of the remaining action on WELI 960-AM (weli.com).

Or you can watch the CIAC’s live stat tracker here: Class M | Class L | Class S

<a href=”http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=0e4167a1bf” mce_href=”http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=0e4167a1bf” >High School Football Live Scoring Updates</a>

Tonight, we begin.

Tonight the first high school football teams will make their final preparations, pack up their equipment, load up their buses and settle in for the ride up to Rentschler Field in East Hartford for the first of four state championship games.

Trumbull (11-2) and Xavier (12-0) face off in the Class LL title game tonight at what is expected to be a frigid, but snow-free championship game.

Tomorrow, we kick off at 11 a.m. with Class M, followed by our first dream final in Class L and then wrap it all up with our second dream final in Class S.

Without question, we can say these teams are the best of the best. Unlike previous years, we know there aren’t any deserving teams sitting home. We’ve whittled away the pretenders, leaving only the contenders to duke it out for a coveted state championship in one of this state’s finest football facilities.

This might be the best CIAC state championship round since the tournament’s inception 34 years ago. Those who wear the crowns this season can truly say they are among the elite.

In the post below, we go in-depth to all four state championship games and pick our winners. If you haven’t picked yours, you may do so below each capsule. Give us your picks, tell us your reasons.

At right is our video player, with interviews from many of the championship game participants. We’ll continue to add new videos throughout the day and into tomorrow, so keep checking back for interviews and highlights.

Here’s a running list of stories and previews written by the staff of Connecticut Post and Stamford Advocate in advance of the title games:

• Schools get in the spirit of CIAC championships
• Trumbull looks to make most of Class LL final vs. No. 1 Xavier
• Ansonia, St. Joseph a battle of high-powered offenses
• Family Feud: New Canaan’s Shullman, Masuk’s Duigan finally meet on a football field
• RUDEN: New Canaan has few peers in Connecticut football
• State finalists eager to play at Rentschler

Then either bundle up and head to Rentschler for the title bouts. Or you can choose to stay home, plug your computer into your TV and watch the games and the live blog here courtesy of Sportingnewsct.com and Birdseyesports.com.

Or you can let “The Coach” George DeMaio and Nick Aprea take you through the action on WELI 960-AM (weli.com).

And, finally, a quick poll before we get started, because we’re so curious.

If you can’t watch the games live for whatever reason (technical difficulties hampered our efforts in the semifinals) you can always stay on top of the action on the trusty live blog:

Class LL

No. 3 Trumbull vs. No. 1 Xavier

WHERE — Rentschler Field, East Hartford
WHEN — Friday, 7 ; TICKETS – $10
ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM; Sportingnewsct.com
COACHES — Trumbull: Bob Maffei (13th year, 97-31); Xavier: Sean Marinan (9th year, 65-32-2).
RECORDS — Trumbull 11-2 (FCIAC runner-up); Xavier 12-0 (SCC Division I West champion)
HOW THEY GOT HERE – Trumbull defeated Conard 27-9 in quarterfinals, defeated NFA 21-6 in semifinals; Xavier defeated West Haven 28-7 in quarterfinals; defeated Glastonbury 24-13 in semifinals.
STATE TITLES — Trumbull (3): 1978-LL, 1985-LI, 1986-LI. Xavier (1): 2005-LL.
TOP PLAYERS — Trumbull: Sr. WR/DB/KR Phil Terio; Sr. QB/DB Ian Milne; Jr. FB/LB Don Cherry; Sr. FB/LB Matt Lena; Sr. OL/DL Brian Barnash (6-0, 215); Sr. C Joe Riehl (6-0, 220); Sr. QB Brian Gallo; Sr. WR/DE Tom Pauciello (6-6, 235); Sr. G/DT Will Testani (5-10, 240); Sr. DT Ryan Monaco (5-11, 212); Xavier: Sr. LB/TE Graham Stewart (6-1, 220); Sr. TE/DE Eric Mischke (6-3, 230); Jr. FB/LB Mike Mastroianni (1,500+ yards rushing); Sr. LB Austen Ahern; Jr. WR/CB Ryan Jacobucci; Jr. TE/SS Ryan Murphy (6-2, 193); Jr. G/NG Austin Wezneski (6-1, 220); Jr. G/DE Sean Marinan (6-1, 220); Jr. QB/FS/WR Pat D’Amato.
WORTH NOTING — Xavier averages 27.8 points scored, 8.6 points allowed. … Trumbull averages 28.6 points scored, 12.8 allowed. … Xavier has been ranked No. 1 in the New Haven Register media poll for 13 consecutive weeks since defeating No. 1 Notre Dame-WH 22-15 in Week 1. … Stewart is committed to Boston College. … This is Trumbull’s first trip to the playoffs since 2005, when it lost to Xavier 20-7 in the Class LL semifinals. … Trumbull claims a fourth state title, in 1980 when it finished 10-0 and was voted No. 1 in the state despite not qualifying for the Class LL final.
OUTLOOK — Armed with a new offense and a dedicated class of seniors, Trumbull is back in the state championship game for the first time since Jerry McDougall retired after 1997. The Eagles face a formidable foe in top-ranked and unbeaten Xavier. The Falcons are big, fast and physical. Its defensive line is a brick wall, allowing talented linebackers led by Stewart and Ahern and the strong secondary to roam free and cause havoc. It will try to pressure and intimidate Trumbull’s backs and receivers. Offensively, Xavier is old school. It pounds Mastroianni behind a massive line, mixing in timely passes from emerging QB Boyle to receivers Murphy and Stewart. The offense has been mistake prone at times, but has gradually improved. Trumbull isn’t as big, but no team has intimidated the Eagles all year. They must match Xavier’s intensity, keep its playmakers out of the backfield, play focused and mistake free to pull the upset. Most important, Trumbull can’t squander any of the few scoring chances it gets.
OUR PICK–Xavier 22, Trumbull 14

Class L

No. 6 New Canaan vs. No. 1 Masuk

WHERE – Rentschler Field, East Hartford
WHEN – Saturday, 3; TICKETS – $10
ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM; Sportingnewsct.com
COACHES – New Canaan: Lou Marinelli (30^th year, 244-83-7); Masuk: John Murphy (14^th year, 136-31-1)
RECORDS – New Canaan 11-1; Masuk 12-0 (SWC Champions)
HOW THEY GOT HERE – New Canaan: def. Naugatuck 21-12 in QF, def. Hand 39-21 in SF; Masuk: def. Bristol Eastern 49-23 in QF, def. Darien 41-0 in SF.
STATE TITLES – New Canaan (8): 1982-LII, 1993-M, 2001-M, 2002-M, 2006-MM, 2007-MM, 2008-MM, 2009-MM. Masuk (2): 1998-L, 2008-L.
TOP PLAYERS – New Canaan: Sr. WR/DB/KR Kevin Macari (50 catches, 1,065 yards, 18 TDs); Sr. QB Matt Milano (2,766 yards, 39 TD passing); Sr. TE/DE Connor Kilbane; Sr. OL/DL Conor Hanratty (6-5, 310); Sr. RB/DB Joe Costigan; Sr. NG Ryan Schullman (12 sacks); Sr. OL/DL Jack Atchue (6-6, 280); Sr. Masuk: Sr. WR/DB/K Jon Testani (5 TDs, 3 FG, 5 INT, 53 touchbacks); Jr. QB Casey Cochran (3,036 yards, 37 TD, 7 INT passing); Jr. RB Colin Markus (1,362 yards rushing, 22 TDs); Soph. WR Tom Milone (40 catches, 877 yards, 9 TD); Sr. WR Tyler Perimenis (644 yards, 9 TDs receiving); Sr. WR/S/KR Joe Diaz; Jr. DB Shawn Flynn; Sr. LB Anthony Calabrese; Jr. LB Matt Duigan; Sr. DL Tim Allen (6-1, 230 – 7 sacks); Sr. OL Dan Minardi (6-3, 280); Sr. OL Evan Kollmann (6-0, 210).
WORTH NOTING – New Canaan is 56-5 with four straight state championships since 2006. …The Rams have won titles with four different QBs. …Masuk’s Cochran is the 2010 Gatorade Player of the year. …New Canaan averages 40 points scored and 13 points allowed per game. …Masuk has scored a state-best 588 points, and allowed a state-lowest 86. …Masuk’s has 39 sacks, and forced 35 turnovers (16 interceptions, 19 fumbles). …New Canaan has made a state-best 41 sacks.
OUTLOOK — Masuk is one victory away from completing its best season in school history. Led by Cochran and his quick-strike offense, an aggressive defense and superhuman kicking from Testani, Masuk has crushed everyone in its path by an average score of 49-7, including a 41-0 rout of FCIAC champion Darien in the semifinals. Standing in their way is their toughest opponent yet, four-time defending state champion New Canaan, which is practically Masuk’s mirror image. The Rams, armed with an all-purpose threat in Macari a flawless QB in Milano and an underrated defense, can be just as potent. New Canaan fell just one point short of an unbeaten regular season and won’t go down lightly, if at all. Given Testani’s uncanny knack for kicking touchbacks, New Canaan will have to somehow force punts and turnovers, shorten the field and put Masuk’s defense to work. That’s easier said than done. As good as the Rams are, Masuk looks like the total package.
OUR PICK – Masuk 38-28

Class M

No. 8 Hillhouse vs. No. 2 New London

WHERE – Rentschler Field, East Hartford
WHEN – Saturday, 11 a.m.
TICKETS – $10
ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM; Sportingnewsct.com
COACHES – Hillhouse: Tom Dyer (4^th year, 32-12); New London: Jeff Larson (2^nd year, 20-3)
RECORDS – Hillhouse 9-3; New London 10-2
HOW THEY GOT HERE – Hillhouse: def. Berlin 33-30, def. Gilbert/Northwestern 42-14; New London: def. Platt 53-14; def. Brookfield 30-12.
CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY – Hillhouse (3-1): 1985-MI, 2002-SS, 2006-M. New London (5-5): 1983-MII, 1989-SS; 1991-S, 1992-S, 2005-S, 2007-SS.
TOP PLAYERS – Hillhouse: Fresh. RB Harold Cooper (1,254 yards rushing, 13 TD); Sr. RB/LB Taurese Washington (511 yards, 9 TDs rushing); Sr. WR/DB/K Steven Dejournett (279 yards receiving, 3 INT); Sr. OL/DL Tyvon Williams (6-0, 365); Soph. QB Je’Vaughn Moore. New London: Sr. QB Josh Clements (1,400 yards, 20 TDs); Jr. RB/DB Jevon Elmore; Jr. RB/LB Kyle McKinnon (1,056 yards rushing, 15 TD); Sr. FB/LB Stefan Dance (9.1 tackles/gm; Jr. WR/DB Garrick McQueen; Sr. LB Carlos Lozada.
WORTH NOTING –Hillhouse is playing in its second state final in three years under Dyer. …New London is playing in its fourth final in six years, the first under Larson. …Hillhouse averages 24.5 points per game, and allows 15.6 points per game …New London averages 34 points per game, and allows 12 points per game. …The Whalers won eight straight during the season, its only losses were to Montville in the season opener and NFA on Thanksgiving.
OUTLOOK — A tournament once referred to as Berlin invitation will now be won by one of these two proud city programs. Hillhouse is the most unlikely of the two, having gone 7-3 in the regular season with a team that starts a freshman RB and sophomore QB. But here the Acs are, having upset Berlin 33-30 in the quarterfinals and rolling through Gilbert/Northwester. Their opponent, a talented New London squad making up for last year’s upset loss to Bethel. Both teams have speed, although Hillhouse might be the larger of the two. New London might be the more dynamic and more experienced.
OUR PICK – New London 28, Hillhouse 18

Class S

No. 4 St. Joseph vs. No. 3 Ansonia

WHERE — Rentschler Field, East Hartford
WHEN – Saturday, 7; TICKETS — $10
ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM; Sportingnewsct.com
COACHES–St. Joseph: Joe Della Vecchia (13th year, 68-69); Ansonia: Tom Brockett (5th year, 57-6)
RECORDS–St. Joseph (9-3), Ansonia (11-1, NVL runner-up).
HOW THEY GOT HERE–St. Joseph: def. Woodland 42-12; def. Valley Regional 44-7. Ansonia: def. Hyde 47-26; def. Montville 46-15.
STATE TITLES — St. Joseph (9): 1980-S, 1981-SI, 1982-SI, 1983-SI, 1984-SI, 1988-M, 1989-M, 1990-M, 2009-SS. Ansonia (16): 1976-S, 1977-S, 1979-M, 1981-SII, 1982-SII, 1983-SII, 1984-SII, 1987-S, 1988-S, 1989-S, 1994-SS, 1995-S, 2002-S, 2003-S, 2006-S, 2007-S.
TOP PLAYERS–St. Joseph: Sr. FB/LB Tyler Matakevich; Sr. QB Joe Della Vecchia (2,864 yards, 35 TD passing, 586 yards rushing, 5 TD); Sr. RB/DB Jerry Kramer (625 yards, 5 TDs receiving); Sr. WR/DB Quinn Irwin (616 yards, 5 TD receiving); Sr. WR/DB Joe Burns; Sr. WR/DB Pat Mulligan (867 yards, 12 TDs receiving); Sr. RB/LB L.J. Hunt (881 yards rushing, 5 TD); Sr. LB Sean Chinova; Sr. G/DL Nick Adzima (6-1, 254). Ansonia: Sr. RB Montrell Dobbs (354 carries, 3,140 yards rushing, 42 TDs); Jr. QB Eliot Chudwick (884 yards, 22 TD passing); Fr. RB/DB Arkeel Newsome (787 yards, 12 TDs rushing); Jr. TE/DE Sean Rowley; Jr. LB Tyler Wood; Soph. WR/DE Andrew Matos (7 TDs).
WORTH NOTING–St. Joseph leads the state in total offense, with 424 yards per game. …The Hogs have won 8 of 9 games going into the championship. … Ansonia leads the state in rushing with 329 yards per game. … Dobbs’ season rushing totals are the second best in Connecticut history (Ansonia’s Alex Thomas had 3,596 in 2007), his season total touchdowns (42) is tied for second best in state history and his career rushing total of 5,166 yards is fifth best in state history. … Dobbs has run for over 300 yards six times this year.
OUTLOOK–Perhaps no player has done more for his team than Ansonia back Montrell Dobbs. The team’s only senior, Dobbs has led an assault on the state record books, leading the Chargers into their record 24th state championship game. He’s carried this young club on his back. Then again, so has St. Joseph’s versatile QB Della Vecchia, who kept the Hogs afloat while injured starters and stars became healthy enough to return. Since starting the season 1-2, St. Joseph has put up big numbers on its way to its second straight state title game. Prone to teams who can run the ball, St. Joseph’s defense will have its hands full trying to stop Dobbs. Same goes for Ansonia’s defense, which has allowed 21.8 points per game this season. It will have to contend not only with Della Vecchia and his corps of receivers, but big backs Matakevich and Hunt as well. Dobbs figures to get his yards (and touchdowns), but so will St. Joseph. Look for a shootout in this dream matchup between two powerful local programs and a second consecutive title for the Hogs.
OUR PICK–St. Joseph 35, Ansonia 26

Check out the video player at right for interviews from all of our regional championship game participants.

We’re updating this player all day, every day until the finals. Use the scrollbar to cycle down. Also embedded into the video player are all our completed videos throughout the 2010 season.

Currently uploaded: From Class LL, interviews with Trumbull’s Ian Milne, Phil Terio, and coach Bob Maffei. Xavier’s Mike Mastroianni and Eric Mischke.

From Class L, interviews with Masuk’s Anthony Calabrese, Jon Testani, Colin Markus and coach John Murphy.

We’re adding New Canaan interviews sporadically throughout the day. St. Joseph and Ansonia interviews after that.

So enjoy.

You can also find these on our high school football page.

Xavier (left) and Masuk (right) are the two only remaining undefeated football teams in Connecticut. If they both win their championship games, who would deserve to be called No. 1 by the state voters?

Just three more days before the kick off of the CIAC football championship round at Rentschler Field. Three more days before we find out who the best four teams in the state will be.

On Friday night at Rentschler, FCIAC runner-up Trumbull (11-2) takes on top-ranked and undefeated Xavier of Middletown (12-0).

On Saturday we play three. At 11 a.m., it’s New London (10-2) vs. Hillhouse (9-3). At 3 p.m., New Canaan (11-1) plays Masuk. At 7 p.m., St. Joseph (9-3) takes on Ansonia (11-1).

After all the games are played, and we get to look back at the season the voters in the state media and among some select coaches will cast their votes for the best team in Connecticut.

Who will be No. 1?

There are two unbeaten teams remaining in the state, who stand to be considered if they win their championship game.

Will it be Xavier, which has answered every challenge in the  rugged Southern Connecticut Conference Division 1, winning by an average margin of 28-9 against the likes of Notre Dame-WH, Cheshire, Shelton and West Haven?

Will it be Masuk, which hails from the oftentimes less-regarded South-West Conference, but has crushed every opponent it’s faced by an average score of 49-7 — including Class M semifinalist Brookfield, Newtown, Bristol Eastern and FCIAC champion Darien?

Or will it be New Canaan, on the chance that it defeats Masuk and Xavier defeats Trumbull?

We actually had a pretty intense debate about this on Twitter the other day. And again at the state championship luncheon at Rentschler Field.

There are those who believe that Xavier, without question, deserves No. 1 if it defeats Trumbull on Friday. There are others who believe Masuk is the more deserving if it defeats New Canaan.

There’s lots to consider and each voter is unique in what he or she looks at when deciding their No. 1 vote.

What do you think?

Who would you choose No. 1 if both these teams finished unbeaten?

Here’s are the resumes of both Xavier and Masuk, the two unbeaten teams.

We’ll skip New Canaan for now, seeing that the Rams would probably need Xavier to lose, too, to be considered (or … can anyone make the case the Rams deserve the trophy merely for winning? How about Ansonia or Trumbull or…?)

XAVIER (12-0)
Points scored: 333 (27.8 per game). Points against: 103 (8.6 per game).
Victories: at Notre Dame-WH (7-3), 22-15 | Foran (5-5), 37-0 | at Cheshire (5-5), 9-6 | at Amity (4-6) 41-7 | Fairfield Prep (3-7), 34-0 | Shelton (6-4), 14-7 | at Hillhouse (9-3, in Class M final), 9-6 | Hamden (0-10) 46-0 | West Haven (8-3) 42-28 | vs. Middletown (7-3), 27-14. Playoffs: West Haven 28-7 | vs. Glastonbury (10-2), 24-13.

MASUK (12-0)
Points scored: 588 (49.0). Points against: 86 (7.2 per game)
Resume: New Milford (2-8), 49-7 | at Pomperaug (8-2), 42-0 | at New Fairfield (3-7) | Brookfield (9-3, Class M semifinalist), 49-7 | at Bunnell (7-3), 45-0 | at Weston (6-4), 56-7 | Bethel (6-4), 45-0 | Oxford (5-5), 69-28 | at Immaculate (0-10), 54-14 | at Newtown (8-2), 42-0. Playoffs: Bristol Eastern (9-2), 49-23 | Darien (11-1), 42-0.

Of course, you can’t look at just final scores. You really have to immerse yourself in the team’s entire season. How did they win, what happened, who did they play, etc…

Anyway, understanding that this is a decidedly pro-Masuk region (although I do understand we have plenty of Xavier fans/parents/coaches who visit and maybe partake in our discussions here), we turn the debate over to you fine folks.

As always, keep it civil and understand that, since we won’t see these teams do battle on the field, there’s no right and wrong just opinion.

Awright? Have at it…

Coach Tom Dyer (center) and the Hillhouse football players gaze out onto Rentschler Field during the CIAC football luncheon Monday.

Rentschler Field, five days before the first CIAC state championship game. CIAC Executive Director Paul Hoey said the field's grounds crew was busy resodding the field (that's fertilizer sprinkled across the surface) and by game time, "it will be the best grass field you've ever played on."

Here are the dates and times for the four high school football state championships at Rentschler Field, announced Monday morning at the annual CIAC football championship luncheon in East Hartford.

After years spent at CIAC headquarters in Cheshire, and then two years at banquet halls in Simsbury and Southington, this was the first time the annual luncheon was actually held at the title game site.

This gathering felt significantly different than all the others.

The Rentschler Field’s luxury boxes and dining pavilion overlooking the field was a first-class setting for the elite eight teams and coaches. Heck, they even had a first-class speaker: former NFL and University of Notre Dame quarterback Joe Theismann.

You could feel the anticipation and anticipation hanging in the air, ready to be plucked from the tree and devoured by the players.

They walked up to and inside the stadium, wide eyed, some of them speechless. They took turns sitting in the suite’s stands, gazing down at their soon-to-be championship stage.

Sure the field looked beat up after hosting two football seasons (the Big East champion UConn Huskies and the UFL’s Hartford Colonials) but officials assured everyone the grass turf would be in tip-top shape come Friday night, when Trumbull and Xavier kicks off the four-game title round.

All of the kids we talked to didn’t seem to care much.

They were just thrilled to be here, thrilled to have the opportunity to play the biggest games of their lives in such a colosseum.

This was a championship atmosphere.

Just four more days, four fabulous matchups. We’re almost there.

Ladies and Gentlemen: The title schedule.

Note: Tickets to the games will be $10 for each day the games are played.

CLASS LL

No. 3 Trumbull vs. No. 1 Xavier

Friday, 7 p.m., at Rentschler Field

Class L

No. 6 New Canaan vs. No. 1 Masuk

Saturday, 3 p.m. at Rentschler Field

Class M

No. 8 Hillhouse vs. No. 2 New London

Saturday, 11 a.m. at Rentschler Field

Class S

No. 4 St. Joseph vs. No. 2 Ansonia

Saturday, 7 p.m. at Rentschler Field

ESPN analyst and former NFL QB Joe Theismann talks to St. Joseph QB Joe Della Vecchia during Monday's CIAC football luncheon at Rentschler.

Theismann talks to Masuk quarterback Casey Cochran during the CIAC's football championship luncheon at Rentschler Field.

NEWS AND NOTES

St. Joseph senior L.J. Hunt shows off a signed necktie he swapped with former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann during Monday's CIAC state championship at Rentschler Field.

We’re adding some videos from today’s luncheon, including the coaches from Class LL and L and the speech from former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann, who, on his way to cover the Monday Night Football game between the Patriots and Jets, popped in to speak to the championship participants.

Later, Joe chatted with players from Masuk and St. Joseph — particularly QBs Casey Cochran and Joe Della Vecchia.

St. Joseph senior L.J. Hunt (somehow) swapped neckties with Theismann, which had Hunt and the St. Joseph players all fired up (right).

It didn’t dawn on me until later that, as Theismann was giving his speech, Conor Hanratty was sitting right in front of him. Hanratty’s dad, of course, is Terry Hanratty, the quarterback who preceded Theismann at the University of Notre Dame. Conor will be playing there next year.

We’ll have expansive video previews up later in the week.

Until then, keep looking back here for updates.

VIDEO: Class LL championship coaches remarks (Trumbull’s Bob Maffei and Xavier’s Sean Marinan)

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VIDEO: Class L championship coaches’ remarks (Lou Marinelli and John Murphy)

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VIDEO: Joe Theismann’s speech to the eight state championship participants.

Dean Accomando (28) jars the ball loose from Darien quarterback Chris Allam during Masuk's 41-0 Class L state semifinal game at Shelton Saturday. Masuk is one of five regional teams that have qualified for the state championship games at Rentschler Field next week.

Trumbull's Don Cherry tackles NFA tailback Anthony Facchini during his team's 21-6 Class LL semifinal victory at Ken Strong Stadium in West Haven Saturday.

The CIAC Semifinals pretty much boiled down to this:

Unless it was against Masuk, the FCIAC ruled.

Trumbull defeated NFA, 21-6 to reach its first state final in 13 years.

St. Joseph eventually routed Valley Regional/Old Lyme 44-7 to reach its second-consecutive final.

In the nightcap, New Canaan ripped through Hand in the second half to win, 39-21 and reach its fifth-consecutive final.

Of course it wasn’t all roses for the league, Masuk crushed Darien 41-0 in probably one of the most shocking scores of the day (or maybe not), giving one to the SWC.

The NVL got one with Ansonia’s surprisingly easy 46-15 victory over Montville.

All told, the FCIAC ruled with three state final qualifiers — more than any other league. Add Masuk, and teams from Fairfield County make up half the Championship Saturday draw.

Just one step over the Naugatuck River, and you have five southwest Connecticut teams in the state finals, a shade over half the field. Overall, seven of the eight state finalists are from the FCIAC, the SCC, the SWC and the NVL — Four of them (Masuk-St. Joseph-Trumbull-Ansonia) separated by a town line or two.

The only real blemish (outside of Darien) was Brookfield’s 30-12 loss to New London, which allowed one outsider to join the South-by-Southwest football party at Rentschler Field this coming Saturday.

So, yes, it was quite a day for Southwestern Connecticut football, the teams in the Connecticut Post coverage area.

The region has flexed its muscles under the new and improved CIAC playoff system. To wit: Even at 9-1, New Canaan probably wouldn’t have been in the playoffs had this been the old and skewed system of six divisions, four teams. Now it’s in the state championship game.

And they’ll be bringing us quite a weekend of state championship games up at Rentschler Field.

• In Class LL, Trumbull (12-1) takes on unbeaten and top-ranked Xavier. (12-0)
• In Class L, the Dream Final: Masuk (12-0) vs. New Canaan (11-1) –  (somebody pinch me).
• In Class M, Hillhouse (9-3) takes on New London (10-2) in a battle of coastal city schools.
• And in Class S, the one many of you have been waiting for: St. Joseph (9-3) vs. Ansonia (11-1).

The state championship games will be announced at the CIAC State championship luncheon Monday.

This was just a short post. Much more coverage to come today (recaps and videos) and all wee as we get ready for Championship Saturday.

The pieces are set. Let the countdown begin.

ADD: We got to throw together one video from Saturday, Masuk’s 41-0 victory over Darien. This is just a highlight reel to whet your appetite. We’ll have an edited one later. ALSO: Remmy from the NVL Football Blog is allowing us to use his Ansonia-Montville highlight reel. We’re posting that below.

We’ve added New Canaan-Hand highlights, too:

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MASUK-DARIEN

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ANSONIA-MONTVILLE

The stars will be out when the CIAC state football semifinals, featuring eight regional teams, commence today at select football stadiums near you. From left to right, Montrell Dobbs of Ansonia, Brian Kelly of Brookfield, Ian Milne of Trumbull, Matt Milano of New Canaan, Tyler Matakevich of St. Joseph, Chris Allam of Darien and Jon Testani of Masuk.

Good morning, afternoon or evening from wherever you are.

Welcome to Tournament Central. Centro del Torneo.

Welcome to our own personal NORAD for the Connecticut high school football world, the place where you can track everything happening in today’s state football semifinal round.

You’re not going to find a better spot to witness all of the action than right here.

Today the hard-working staff of Connecticut Post, Stamford Advocate and Danbury News-Times will be covering six of the regional state semifinal games, complete with stories, photos and videos as the day goes on and complete recaps at the end of the evening.

We’ve been given access to the webcasts from six games by the good folks at Sportingnewsct.com who will be broadcasting the game and Birdseyesports.com, which will be filming them for the CTSN broadcasts later on.
Three of them are live video streams, three more are audio broadcasts. The only games not being broadcast are Trumbull-NFA and Brookfield-New London.

However, you can still follow everything on our weekly live scoring update blog at the bottom of this page.

PREVIEWS

• 2010 CIAC football semifinal preview capsules and pick the winners
• Despite yearly turnover at QB, New Canaan continues to win state titles
• Darien-Masuk Class L semifinal should be a dandy
• Kelly, Brookfield face New London for another trip to state finals
  

2 PM GAMES

CLASS LL
XAVIER vs. GLASTONBURY
Live video webcast (via sportingnewsct.com and birdseyesports.com)

At Jess Dow Field on the campus of Southern Connecticut State, Boston College commit Graham Stewart and top-ranked and unbeaten Xavier (11-0) look to reach the school’s first state championship game since 2005. Malcom Crossen and Glastonbury (10-1) hopes to spring the upset and reach their second final in three seasons.

Darien's Jake Weil

Masuk's Casey Cochran

CLASS L

MASUK vs. DARIEN
Live video webcast (via sportingnewsct.com and birdseyesports.com)

The SWC Champion Panthers, led by Gatorade Player of the Year Casey Cochran take on the reigning FCIAC champion Blue Wave at Finn Stadium in Shelton. Both teams are looking to make a second state championship game trip in three years.

CLASS M
HILLHOUSE vs. GILBERT/NORTHWESTERN
Live audio webcast (sportingnewsct.com and birdseyesports.com)

Fresh off a 33-30 upset of No. 1 seeded Berlin in the quarterfinals, Taurese Washington and Hillgouse (8-3)  face Bobby Lippincott and playoff newcomer Gilbert/Northwestern of Winsted (9-2) in an unlikely playoff clash at Waterbury’s Municipal Stadium.

Ansonia's Montrell Dobbs

CLASS S
MONTVILLE vs. ANSONIA
Live audio webcast (sportingnewsct.com and birdseyesports.com)

The state’s best two rushing attacks butt heads at Middletown High School. Montrell Dobbs and Arkeel Newsome of Ansonia vs. Tyler Girard-Floyd and Skyler McNair of Montville.

7 PM GAMES

CLASS L
NEW CANAAN vs. HAND
Live video webcast (via sportingnewsct.com and birdseyesports.com)

Kevin Macari and New Canaan vie for their fifth-straight state championship appearance vs. Zach Miller and Hand-Madison at Ken Strong Stadium.

CLASS S
ST. JOSEPH vs. VALLEY REGIONAL/OLD LYME
Live audio webcast (sportingnewsct.com and birdseyesports.com)

St. Joseph QB Joe Della Vecchia and FB/LB Tyler Matakevich look to bring the 8-3 Hogs to a second-consecutive state championship game. They face electric QB Jimmy Fairfield-Sonn and lineman Mitchell King of playoff newcomer Valley Regional/Old Lyme (11-0).

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The Trumbull-NFA Class LL semifinal and Brookfield-New London Class M semifinal at Bunnell are not being broadcast online (to the best of our knowledge. If they are let us know).

You can follow all eight games through the live blog window below. Just click on the window to watch updates from both media and fans at the games. The scoring blog will also appear on the same page as any of the broadcasts above.

LIVE SCORING BLOG