Welcome back, my friends. Hope the Turkey went down well.
Welcome back to high school football. Welcome to the second season.
It’s Year 2 of the CIAC’s gloriously expanded playoff field (I’m a fan). Four divisions. Four champonships at stake. Eight teams enter, four teams leave and leap head-first into an uber short week before the state semifinals. It’s a tough stretch to get to the championship. But once you’re there, it’s a well-deserved week before the state championship games at Rentschler Field.
In the four-division, 32-team field features two returning state champions (Xavier and Masuk), three returning finalists (Ansonia, New London and New Canaan), and nine other repeat qualifiers (Staples, Glastonbury, Hall, Conard, Hand, North Haven, Berlin, Valley Regional/Old Lyme and Cromwell).
That means there are 18 new teams in this year’s field. In Newtown, Norwalk and Ridgefield in Class LL. Windsor, Notre Dame-WH, Coventry/Windham Tech in Class L; Bethel, Ellington/Somers, Ledyard, Cheney Tech, Wolcott, Waterford in Class M; Holy Cross, Northwest Catholic, North Branford, Capital Prep/Classical Magnet, Haddam-Killingworth; Rocky Hill in Class S.
Wolcott, Ellington/Somers, Cheney Tech and Capital Prep/Classical are all making their first playoff appearances.
As always, we’ll be keeping an eye on how the leagues fare: So here’s your league-by-league breakdown:
- CCC (7): Conard, Hall, Glastonbury, Windsor, Berlin, Rocky Hill, Northwest Catholic.
- Pequot (6): Ellington/Somers, Coventry/Windham Tech, North Branford, Haddam-Killingworth, Cromwell, Valley Regional/Old Lyme. (Four of these teams are in Class S; none play each other in the 1st round).
- FCIAC (4): Staples, Ridgefield, Norwalk, New Canaan. (Staples and Ridgefield play each other).
- SCC (4): Xavier, Hand, Notre Dame-WH, North Haven.
- SWC (3): Newtown, Masuk, Bethel.
- ECC (3): New London, Ledyard, Waterford (Ledyard and Waterford play each other).
- NVL (3): Ansonia, Wolcott, Holy Cross
- CSC (2): Capital Prep/Classical; Cheney Tech
The Connecticut Post/Stamford Advocate/Danbury News-Times SWCT region features nine state playoff teams: Staples, Ridgefield, Norwalk, Newtown in Class LL; New Canaan, Masuk, Notre Dame-WH in Class L; Ansonia and Bethel in Class M. No one in Class S.
Here’s the playoff schedule:
- Quarterfinals: Tuesday Nov. 29 – 6:30 p.m. at sites of the higher seed (except Rocky Hill-Valley Regional, which is at 5:30 p.m.
- Semifinals: Saturday, Dec 3 at the following sites
- Middletown HS (2 p.m.)
- Cheshire HS (2 p.m.)
- Bunnell HS (2 p.m.)
- Sheehan HS (2 p.m.)
- East Haven HS (2 p.m.)
- Falcon Field, Meriden (2 p.m.)
- Municipal Stadium, Waterbury (2 p.m.)
- West Haven HS (two games at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
- Championships: Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 at Rentschler Field (One game on Friday evening at 6:30 / Three games on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.)
We’ll start with Class LL and L because all but two of our regional teams reside here.
Class LL
No. 8 Glastonbury at No. 1 Xavier
WHERE — Palmer Field, Middletown
RECORDS — Glastonbury 8-2 (CCC Division I East champion), Xavier 10-0 (SCC Division I West champion)
PLAYOFF RECORD — Glastonbury 5-3; Xavier 5-3
LAST APPEARANCE – Glastonbury: 2010 (1-1, lost to Xavier 24-13 in LL quarterfinals); Xavier: 2010 (3-0 Class LL champions, defeated Trumbull 24-7).
PLAYERS TO WATCH – Glastonbury: Sr. WR/DB Bobby Solecki, Sr. WR/DB Nick Welsh; Soph. QB Josh Hill; Sr. OL/DL Thomas Bakre (6-0, 215). Xavier: Sr. RB Mike Mastroianni (1,136 yards, 8 TD rushing); Sr. QB/DB Pat D’Amato; Sr. OL/DL Sean Marinan; Sr. OL/DL Austin Wezenski; Sr. WR/DB Ryan Jacobucci (5 INT); Sr. TE/LB Ryan Murphy; Sr. LB Jovan Santos.
YOU SHOULD KNOW – Glastonbury has scored 22 rushing TDs, just 5 passing despite running in a spread offense. The defense has posted four shutouts, and has allowed just 77 points this season, third best in the state. …It averages just 25 points per game, lowest in Class L playoffs. …Coach Scott Daniels took over for Peter Peiffer this year. …Xavier, the reigning No. 1 team in the state, is on a state-best 23-game win streak (tied with Masuk). Hasn’t lost since the 2009 Class LL semifinals (to Staples 31-27). …Xavier has allowed 76 points, second-best in the state. It has posted three shut outs. …Xavier has scored 423 points, sixth-best total in state. …QB D’Amato is committed to Stony Brook; Santos is committed to UMass.
OUR PICK – Xavier 48-7
No. 5 Norwalk at No. 4 Conard
WHERE — Conard HS, West Hartford
RECORDS — Norwalk 8-1, Conard 9-1 (CCC Division I East co-champion)
PLAYOFF RECORD — Norwalk 0-1; Conard 0-4
LAST APPEARANCE – Norwalk: 1998 (0-1, lost to Southington 34-22 in Class LL semifinals); Conard: 2010 (0-1, lost to Trumbull 27-6 in Class LL quarterfinals).
PLAYERS TO WATCH – Norwalk: Sr. QB/DB Delshawn Wilson (1,675 yards, 17 TD total offense; 6 INT); Sr. TE/DE Gil Arujo (6 sacks); Sr. WR/DB Derek Edwards (504 yards, 7 TD receiving); Sr. DE Kwazee Rice (9 sacks); Soph. Cory Barrett (6-1, 228); Sr. LB Patrick Whalen (6-0, 204) Conard: Sr. RB Ricky Cotton (1,239 yards, 13 TDs rushing); Sr. LB Dominick Spaulding (6-1, 220); Sr. DE Chris Reckmeyer (6-2, 235); Jr. QB Owen Snyder (6-2, 180).
YOU SHOULD KNOW – This is Norwalk’s first state playoff berth since 1998. It’s only loss was to New Canaan 28-14. …Norwalk leads the state in sacks with 38.5, led by Whalen and Rice. Defense also has 14 interceptions and allows 12.0 points per game. …With 243 points, Norwalk averages the second-least offensive points in Class LL playoffs (27 ppg). …Conard allows 9.1 points per game and scores an average of 32.5 per game. …Its only loss was to Hall 20-0 at the end of the regular season.
OUR PICK – Norwalk 24-14
No. 6 Newtown at No. 3 Hall
WHERE — Hall HS Stadium, West Hartford
RECORDS — Newtown 8-2 (SWC runners-up), Hall 9-1 (CCC Division I East co-champion)
PLAYOFF RECORD — Newtown 3-7; Hall 0-4
LAST APPEARANCE – Newtown: 2008 (0-1, lost to Glastonbury 42-28 in Class LL semifinals); Hall: 2010 (0-1, lost to NFA 30-14 in Class LL quarterfinals).
PLAYERS TO WATCH – Newtown: Sr. RB/LB Lou Fenaroli (1,598 yards, 24 TDs rushing); Sr. OL/DE Tyler Hassett (8.5 sacks); Sr. OL/DL Mac Morlock (6-3, 265); Jr. WR/DB Dan Hebert (8 TD, 6 INT); Jr. WR Justin Devellis; Sr. WR/DL Mike Lord ; Hall: Sr. WR/ Ian Dugger (829 yards, 12 TD receiving; 9 tackles/gm; 4 INT); Sr. QB George Lund (1,332 yards, 16 TD passing); Sr. ILB/RB Jesse Maltz (311 yards rushing; 6.7 tackles per game, 5 sacks); Sr. RB/LB Christian Bohn (691 yards rushing).
YOU SHOULD KNOW – Newtown switched to Soph. QB Drew Tarantino after a 16-9 loss to Pomperaug in Week 4. …He’s thrown for over 1,000 yards, 10 TDs and 4 interceptions (3 vs Masuk). Newtown won five straight afterward, including a 54-48 OT win over Bunnell to clinch a state playoff berth. …Newtown’s other loss was 46-7 vs. Masuk on Thanksgiving eve. …Newtown has 17 interceptions, fifth-most in the state. …Fenaroli is the single-season rushing record holder at Newtown. …Hall’s only loss was 19-0 to New Britain, a game in which Hall committed six turnovers. …Hall has won six straight by an average score of 30-13, including a 20-0 victory over unbeaten Conard in Week 10. …Dugger is 10th in the state in receiving yards.
OUR PICK – Newtown 34-21
No. 7 Ridgefield at No. 2 Staples
WHERE — Tom Fujitani Field, Wilton
RECORDS — Ridgefield 8-2; Staples 9-0 (FCIAC Champions)
PLAYOFF RECORD — Ridgefield: 3-1; Staples 9-7
LAST APPEARANCE – Ridgefield: 2005 (0-1, lost to Masuk 18-16 in Class L semifinals); Staples: 2010 (0-1, lost to Glastonbury 7-6 in Class LL quarterfinals).
PLAYERS TO WATCH – Ridgefield: Jr. RB/KR Sam Gravitte (753 yards, 12 TDs rushing); Jr. QB Connor Rowe (1,807 yards, 16 TD, 11 INT passing); Sr. RB/LB John Turner (671 yards, 7 TD rushing); Sr. LB Adrian Jones; Sr. OL/DE Mike Tarantino; Sr. OL/DE Matt Flanagan (5 TD, 4 sacks) Staples: Sr. RB/DB Nick Kelly (14 TD); Jr. WR/DB James Frusciante (3 INT); Sr. OL/DL Bo Gibson (6-0, 245); Jr. RB Joey Zelkowitz (800 yards, 10 TD rushing); Jr. LB Pieter Hoets (8 sacks).
YOU SHOULD KNOW – The teams met in a preseason scrimmage Sept. 5., but did not meet in the regular season. …Staples defeated Ridgefield 31-17 in Week 3 of 2010. …Ridgefield’s last victory over Staples was 36-7 in 2008. Staples has won two straight. …Staples’ Joey Zelkowitz missed two games due to a shoulder injury. LB Kevin Kearney has missed the last three games. ..Staples leads the state in sacks with 43. …LB/K Robbie Wolf has 7 field goals. …Ridgefield’s only losses were to Greenwich and Norwalk. …It has 16 interceptions, sixth most in the state. …Gravitte averages 12 points per game (21st best in state). Rowe averages over 200 yards in total offense. …Common opponents in the FCIAC: Greenwich (Staples won 31-27; Ridgefield lost 16-3); McMahon (Staples won 24-21; Ridgefield won 14-13); Warde (Staples won 35-17; Ridgefield won 37-20); Central (Staples won 48-8; Ridgefield won 48-32); Danbury (Staples won 31-12; Ridgefield won 56-14).
OUR PICK – Staples 27-17
Class L
No. 8 Notre Dame-WH at No. 1 Windsor
WHERE — Windsor High School
RECORDS — Notre Dame-WH 8-2; Windsor 10-0 (CCC Division II West champion)
PLAYOFF RECORD — Notre Dame-WH: 5-3; Windsor 1-3
LAST APPEARANCE – Notre Dame-WH: 2009 (2-0, defeated Pomperaug 28-21 in Class L final); Windsor: 2008 (1-2, lost to Masuk 50-12 in Class L semifinals.
PLAYERS TO WATCH – Windsor: Sr. WR/S Aaron Berardino (1,182 yards, 17 TD receiving); Jr. LB Kamahl Valentine (9.5 tackles/gm); Sr. LB Mike Joseph (8 tackles/gm); Sr. RB Kymm Jordan (588 yards rushing); Jr. QB Rob Fleeting (2,445, 28 TD, 5 INT passing; 418 yards, 4 TDs rushing); Notre Dame: Sr. RB Amihr Bess (722 yards, 8 TD rushing); Sr. RB/LB Javon Grey (929 yards, 13 TD rushing); Sr. LB Davante Mallard (7.8 tackles/gm); Sr. DB Eamon DelTorro (4 INT, 3 TD); Sr. DB Anthony Masucci (8.2 tackles/gm); Sr. T Ludovic Richardson (6-3, 277); Sr. DB Maliik Tinney (4 INT)
YOU SHOULD KNOW – Notre Dame’s opponents were a combined 53-38 this year… ND’s only losses were to 10-0 Xavier (36-7) and 10-0 Hand (24-14). …ND averages 276 rushing yards per game, 36 passing. …Notre Dame has the 15th-best rushing offense in Connecticut, 2,487 yards. …Windsor has the state’s third-ranked passing offense (2,641 yards) and is sixth in total offense (4,256). …Windsor has the fourth-most sacks in the state with 31. …Fleeting, the son of Windsor coach Rob Fleeting, is second in the state in total offense, fourth in passing yards. …Berardino has the second-most receiving yards in the state and is No. 3 in scoring (17.2 ppg).
OUR PICK – Notre Dame-WH 28-21
No. 5 New Canaan at No. 4 New London
WHERE — Canamella Field, New London HS
RECORDS — New Canaan 9-1 (FCIAC East champion); New London 9-1 (ECC Large champion)
PLAYOFF RECORD — New Canaan 18-5; New London 9-7
LAST APPEARANCE – New Canaan: 2010 (2-1, lost to Masuk 50-20 in Class L final); New London: 2010 (2-1, lost to Hillhouse 7-0 in Class M final)
PLAYERS TO WATCH – New London: Sr. RB/LB Kyle McKinnon; Sr. OL/LB Brendan McNeil (6-0, 220); Sr. QB Robert Key; Sr. RB/DB Jevon Elmore. New Canaan: Sr. QB Matt Milano (2,362 yards, 30 TD passing); Sr. TE/DE Dylan Leeming; Sr. LB Kevin McDonough; Sr. WR/DB Patrick Newton (678 yards, 9 TD receiving); Sr. OL/DL Thomas Rochlin (6-2, 265); Sr. WR/LB Connor Kilbane; Sr. LB Bobby Distler; Sr. OL/DL Kalin Killinger (6-3, 285)
YOU SHOULD KNOW – This is New Canaan’s seventh-straight state playoff appearance; it won four state titles and was runner-up once during that run …New Canaan has made the state finals five-straight years; the last time it failed to reach the final was with a Class MM loss to East Lyme in 2005. …Milano recently surpassed Kurt Horton as New Canaan’s all-time leading passer … New London reached last year’s Class M championship game, losing to Hillhouse. …McKinnon set the school’s career touchdown record this year. …New London’s only loss was 14-0 to Fitch. The Whalers defeated FCIAC opponent Greenwich 51-33 in Week 3. …New Canaan did not play Greenwich this season. …New Canaan’s only loss was to Stamford, 36-29. Milano missed most of the game due to a migraine.
OUR PICK – New Canaan 34-30
No. 6 North Haven at No. 3 Masuk
WHERE — McDougall Stadium, Trumbull
ECORDS — North Haven 9-1 (SCC Division II East champions); Masuk 10-0 (SWC Champions)
PLAYOFF RECORD — North Haven 0-2; Masuk 11-10
LAST APPEARANCE – North Haven: 2010 (0-1, lost to Hand 19-7 in Class L quarterfinals); Masuk: 2010 (3-0, defeated New Canaan 50-20 in Class L final).
PLAYERS TO WATCH – North Haven: Sr. RB/DB Jalon White (1,061 yards, 12 TD rushing); Sr. QB/DB Joe Shwab (1,006 yards, 14 TD rushing; 483 passing yards); FB/LB Mark Zurlis (6-0, 205); Sr. TE/LB Spencer Oakes; Sr. OL/DL Andrew Savinelli (6-2, 260) ; Masuk: Sr. QB Casey Cochran (2,634 yards, 35 TD, 3 INT passing); Sr. RB Colin Markus (1,330 yards, 18 TD rushing); Sr. LB Shawn Flynn; Sr. LB Matt Duignan; Sr. LB Pat Tripodi; Jr. WR Thomas Milone (1,011, 16 TD); Sr. WR Jason Piontowski; Sr. DB Nick Lauricella (4 INT); Sr. WR Brandon Cusmano.
YOU SHOULD KNOW – Masuk has won 23-straight games dating back to Thanksgiving 2009. It was ranked No. 1 for two weeks and No. 2 since Week 4. …Cochran, a UConn commit, is 38-3 as a starting QB and has two state titles (New London and Masuk). …Cochran is the state’s all-time leading passer in yardage and touchdowns. …Milone is No. 5 in the state in receiving yards. …Masuk is the state’s top scoring offense (54 ppg), No. 2 in passing and No. 4 in total offense (4,722). …Masuk’s opponents were 40-60 this season. …Masuk failed to score in the first quarter for the first time all season vs. Newtown, but won 46-7. …North Haven is the third-best rushing team in the state (3,517 yards in 495 attempts and has passed for 604 yards. …North Haven’s only loss was to Class L No. 8 seed Notre Dame, 27-12.
OUR PICK – Masuk 42-8
No. 7 Coventry/Windham Tech at No. 2 Hand
WHERE — The Surf Club, Madison
RECORDS — Coventry/Windham Tech 9-1 (Pequot Sassaucas runners-up); Hand 10-0 (SCC Division I East champions)
PLAYOFF RECORD — Coventry/Windham Tech 0-2; Hand 15-7
LAST APPEARANCE – Conventry/Windham Tech: 2006 (0-1, lost to New Canaan in Class MM semifinals); Hand: 2010 (1-1, lost to New Canaan 38-21 in Class L semifinals).
PLAYERS TO WATCH – Coventry/Windham Tech: Sr. QB/DB Mike Fahey (6-0, 180); Jr. RB/LB Kyle Wing; Jr. WR/LB Tim Meyers Hand: Sr. WR/DB Nick Vitale; Sr. QB/S Henry Foye (1,803 yards, 20 TD); Sr. OL/D. Joe DeMichele (6-2, 285); Jr. FB/LB Matt Walsh (6-1, 220); Jr. OL/DE Peter Gerson (6-3, 215; 12 sacks).
YOU SHOULD KNOW – Hand has completed the seventh unbeaten regular season in its history, last was 2007 (lost to New Canaan in Class MM final). …Coventry has 39 players on its CIAC roster; Hand has 62. …Vitale is committed to Stony Brook; His older brother Richie Vitale was the MVP of New London’s 2008 state title team. …Coventry’s only loss was to Class M participant Ellington/Somers on Thanksgiving, 27-14. …Coventry averages 34 ppg and allows 15 ppg. …It’s closest win was 26-21 over Avon. …Hand’s closest win was 24-14 over Class L qualifier Notre Dame-WH.
OUR PICK – Hand 42-6
SPB, two nit-picks. I believe Xavier’s alltime play-off record is 5-3 (losses in Finals in 1977 and 1981 and in semi’s to Staples in 2009). Also, I believe the X and Masuk win streaks both stand at 23 games entering the play-offs. Overall, fabulous work.
Xavier’s postseason record is indeed 5-3. And, yes, they’re both 23-straight. Thanks.
R-MAC’S FANTASTIC FOUR #1 Masuk #2 Xavier #3 Ansonia # Capital/Prep
Hey SPB, where’s the love for the CCC? I would definitely not be overlooking Hall against Newtown, and Conard could definitely come out with the win against Norwalk. Windsor might have it a little tougher, but I could still see them slipping away with the victory against NDWH.
Glastonbury’s pretty much doomed against the X-Men though, can’t disagree with that. Still, lots of good info here, nice work.
NO Love for the CCC! Not until they win more than one playoff game with eight teams and don’t screw me every time I pick them.
I *almost* picked Hall. Almost. Because I was impressed with the Conard game. And I almost picked Windsor. I really like Windsor. I’ve been voting then high for a while.
But I just couldn’t pull the trigger. Too many bad memories of NDWH dropping 40 on Conard in the first half of 2009 after I picked them.
Believe me, if Windsor and Hall or Conard win, I’ll be in front of the handshake line. But, no, no faith right now.
I bet the Gbury coach won’t be running his mouth after tomorrow night. I assume Masuk vs Hand will be the 7pm stand alone game on Saturday night. if its not we all should line up and throw eggs at the CIAC building.
SPB,
Fair enough on CCC; however, Hall is physical and athletic and will handle Newtown. Norwalk will likely beat Conard and Glastonbury will get trounced, but their defense is very good and will keep Xavier under 35. WIndsor is total wildcard. They could lose in first round or win the whole thing (Masuk included). Don’t underestimate New Canaan. They played their worst game of the year last year against Masuk so the score was deceiving. By worst game i mean self-destructing penalties and turnovers. If they play there best and are motivated after Marinelli reminds them they got pushed around last year — you never know.
Great analysis! Let’s pray the rain holds off!
PS This is the most awesome high school football coverage anywhere. Thank you SPB – you deserve a raise. Only wish for the kids in the CCC that the Hartford Courant was 1/2 as good.
@PABLO….thats funny…New Canaan played their worst game vs. Masuk and thats why they lost??? Masuk made major adjustments in the second half and kicked New Canaans XXX! GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE…DONT BE LIKE SOME OF THESE OTHER GUYS WHO ALWAYS STATE HOW THE OTHER TEAM LOST AS OPPOSED TO HOW MASUK WON!!
I think Sean Patrick would agree….SPB?
Hey I play for Hall, and Sean allow me to formally invite you to Hall high tomorrow so we can restore your faith in the CCC, and i’ll see you in the handshake line
@CLASS L – Masuk was that good last year. They should have been No. 1 last year. They were that good.
Good luck #71, I like the nighthawks in that one. I also think it’s going to take a little more than Hall over a Newtown to restore that faith!!
@#71 warriors – That’s the spirit! Go out there and play your game. Show me and everyone else what’s what.
I wish I could go, just to show you I’d be in the line first. But my bosses want me elsewhere.
IN FACT, if I see you guys at Rentschler’s pregame press conferences next week, the Hall table will be the first table I visit. Promise.
(PS> To any other player out there, as everybody knows, I’m wrong a lot [Just ask Tolland in 2007]. So don’t take any score predictions personal. Just play the best game you can play and show us otherwise.)
@CLASS L
New Canaan did play a terrible game last year, no one would argue that, but even if they played their best game, Masuk would’ve still beaten them by 2 td’s. This season’s an entirely different story though, I don’t think Masuk can physically punish New Canaan’s front 7 the way they did last year.
Agree with SPB. Masuk was that good last season, and should have been ranked #1.
This year, so far, based on what I have seen, Xavier deserves the #1 ranking.
But I think Ansonia and Hand could mix it up with either team.
Lets be honest. HALL>NEWTOWN. Hall is known to go hard in the paint. They shake and back all day, no one can stop them. Don’t believe me go to the game, Hall is going to pop the trunk on Newtown.
LOVE TO SEE NEW LONDON-MASUK MATCH FOR OBVIOUS REASONS,BUT HAND–MASUK WOULD BE A GOOD ONE.I FIGURE STAPLES—XAVIER FINAL.
@Pablo, I hope you are right on Hall and wrong on Conard. No one will hold X under 35 the rest of this year.
LL is like the prom-king coronation for Xavier – I think Hall will surprise people and score some points on them and Staples will keep it close for a half at least – but this one is all Xavier. The only question is how many first place votes they get.
That being said, I think the L champ may end up being a team with a loss already – I think it’s a going to be a Cochran bowl and I think New London might win it. Masuk is certainly worthy of that #2 vote (which at the end will be Ansonia’s slot in the polls) but the road is a lot more difficult for them – Hand gets what appears to be a first-round cupcake with Coventry-WT and Masuk’s going to face a North Haven team that’s going to ground and pound as long as they don’t need to start throwing the ball – plus I’d assume Masuk hasn’t faced a team as strong up front as North Haven or Hand all year. If they get by both those teams, which I think they will, they will face a New London team that’s not going to be as banged up and will have a major chip on their shoulders. New London will have a tough first round game with New Canaan, but being at home will be a help. Nd-WH and Windsor I don’t know who to pick. ND-WH could have easily gone undefeated in the SCC if they had the division/schedule where they didn’t face Hand and Xavier. Windsor seems like they should be getting more love. Hopefully a good game.
Xavier 41 Glastonbury 6- Even if it was Pomperaug. They would fare no better.
Norwalk 27 Conard 7- Norwalks season gets to last an additional 5 days.
Newtown 35 Hall 8- I trust SPB’s prediction. He’s pretty much seen every Newtown game.
Staples 26 Ridgefield 20- Staples is a resilient team. Nothing will stop them, until East Hartford.
Notre Dame 20 Windsor 14- Windsor is better than everyone is giving them credit for. But when in doubt. Go against the CCC.
New London 35 New Canaan 31- Can go either way. But will be the wildest of all the first round games.
Masuk 40 North Haven 8- In the words of the guy from the Hillhouse video. Ain’t no way yo!
Hand 49 Coventry/WT 0- Even less of a way.
Conard or Hall can surprise,and possibly ridgefield as well. I cant believe ridgefield was 42 points better than danbury a week ago,but trailed central in late 3rd quarter a week before. However gravitte is a heck of a ballplayer.
The only team I remember since 2000 to do any damage out of the CCC was Cochrans New Britian Hurricanes.In 2003 or 2004 I went to classic game at WH .Two great teams playing in front of largest crowd I have ever scenene at a high school game.Mike Macleod scored with 40 secs left to clinch it for NB.WH had been on end of obvious bad call by ref on previous series that negated a td that would have put them ahead.I believe WH beat Greenwich the next year to win it .GHS asst coach smashed trophy after game in a hissy fit.
RE: Masuk last year and this year.
First, I didn’t intend to take anything away from Masuk. They earned the championship. My point was that the score was deceiving and a well played game by NC (as is their custom) would have changed the score not necessarily the outcome. Second, NC defense has been soft at times this year and i think Masuk is even better. In sum, “if” NC gets by New London and Windsor, and they play their best game of year, they are capable of upsetting Masuk. WIndsor is also a wild card. All that being said, i’d put my money on Masuk.
Lastly, go Hall!!
Xavier is # 1 and they are biger, stronger, and faster than any team they have played. I wish they could play a post season game with Masuk and put an end to all the speculation.I think it would fill Rent. field. Masuk has a great team as well. I hope they can play Hand as it would be a super game.
Masuk cancellation line?
Windsor is going to surprise everyone in L division. Maybe win it all, end up # 2 behind Xavier.
As a New Canaan fan they did not play a terrible game in last years final. They did quite well and might have taken the lead early in the third quarter if not for a stellar Masuk defense. Simply put, Masuk was the better team pure and simple. This years Masuk team is clearly head and shoulders better than the other teams in the Class L.
Lets hope that New Canaan, NDWH, Hand and Masuk advance to the semi-finals. We are in for great football.
T-Minus 12 hours until the 2011 CT Playoffs are underway. Can’t wait to see what everybody’s got. Phenomenal job again this year SPB, look forward to this every year.
SPB – Windsor didn’t show up for their 50-15 loss to Masuk in the 2008 semis, so I guess yeah their last “appearance” was in 2003.
Newtown-Hall will be one of the best games of the night. Newtown hung tough with a great Glastonbury team a few years back but lost, this time I think they beat a CCC foe in a squeaker 24-21.
I really want to see the NC-New London game, but 90 miles on I-95 at rush our in the rain, wouldn’t get their until half-time. I see New London getting off to a great start and holding on for the victory, perhaps a pic at goal-line to seal it.
Ridgefield-Staples, would love to see the 2005 versions play each other again, this one not so much.
Bethel doesn’t have chance against Ansonia, and with so many of tonight’s games being played in the Hartford area it looks like McDougall Stadium for me. C’mon North Haven please make it interesting!
@TJ – gah. You couldn’t have noticed that 12 hours ago?
@SPB, I noticed that too after doing my research on recent CCC futility in L, but didn’t want to nitpick. Windsor lost to staples in semis in 2003 and Ridgefield in finals in 2002.
@roto – Speak up, son!
You guys are my proofreaders. So when I submit it to my editors for print, they think I’ve suddenly become the cleanest writer ever.
That stat about NDWH’s opponents’ win/loss record is rather deceiving, wouldn’t you say SPB? Take out the records of Xavier and Hand (both 10-0 and NDWH lost to both) and NDWH’s opponents record is a combined 33-38. Mediocre at best. Dont be surprised when Windsor wins this one. Windsor’s A. Berardino may be the best receiver in the state. Just ask the folks at Waterford about him. Here are his stats from that one game: 9 Catches for 200+ receiving yds. 4 TD’s. 4 Interceptions.
Sorry, I was was suffering through the Giants game.
No team is immune to the wheels falling off now and again, especially HS kids playing with a ball that bounces funny, but that’s football. Expect the unexpected even in the playoffs no matter how good the team.
NC v NL – I don’t see an NC-NL shootout today. Each team wants to keep the other team’s offense off the field and is capable of running the ball. Recall NL ate up Greenwich on the ground. NL has the more explosive offense but NC the more steady. I still think the NC defense is overall better and also playing better of late. Third down conversions will be key.
Staples v Ridgefield – This could be a trap game for Staples figuring no way the FCIAC champs should lose to a two-loss FCIAC team they’ve owned the last two years. Their defense always seems to need a half to figure out the other team before coming to life and allowing their explosive offense to score at will. That’s not a way to win a championship. Can Staples ever put together two solid halves of football?
Norwalk v Conard – Norwalk better keep in mind they are going over to someone else’s house to play ball. Someone with a big CCC chip on their shoulder. Norwalk better want this game reallll bad.
Studying up on the North Haven single-wing offense, pretty cool but very very old school. I’m not sure Masuk has enough time to prepare.
http://www.coachteed.com/freedl/Offense/2002%20Single%20Wing%20Offense.pdf
#30 2-years ago Bethel was going to get beat by #1 ranked New London bad. Bethel won! That was 2-years ago – As a Bethel fan do I think Ansonia will win….YES. Just hope its a good game and not a blow out.
HOnus, I must respectfully disagree with your assessment of the New London vs. New Canaan game. New Canaan needs to make this game a shootout otherwise they have little chance. Though the NC
defense has improved they don’t have the tough hitters or cover people they have had in the past. It should be a great game though. Go RAMS.
@Northern CT. Windsor ain’t playing Waterford tonight. Nor RHAM. But thanks for the heads up. Forecast calls for rain…
The CCC and the Pequot are KILLING this new playoff format. Horrible decision to allow a over 30 team leagues.
I doubt if North haven will score against Masuk. The Masuk defense is very good.
Jeb,
Is fired up about tonight’s game I’m sure. Let me put him at ease for that long drive. NC 35-NL 33. With all the playmakers on both sides the kicking game will play a huge role in this one. When I saw NL play greenwich their kicking game was not that good. Unless it has improved it will haunt them tonight.
Attention Masuk- I’ve figured out why you guys are #2. If you can just do 3 things, you’ll be #1 by next week. 1. Go harder in the paint than Xavier. 2. Shake and bake all day, but don’t stop there-continue it into the night. 3. Pop trunks. I don’t know what any of that means, but it has helped Hall to become greater than Newtown, so it seems pretty fool-proof. Thank you for sharing Hall’s secrets J-Beezy!
lets get off the west haven crying towel,they are out of playoffs and they stunk this year.who cares what they did 15 years ago.you scc guys are crybabies.
to Northern CT Fan –
I’d tend to agree with you on NDWH, if they didn’t knock off NH, who would have been a 3rd 10-0 team on their schedule. I guess starting tonight we’ll see if some of those SCC records are inflated, or if the 7-3 and 6-4 SCC teams might have been better than some of the 9-1 teams in the state.
On another note, I have to agree with Pablo on SPB’s coverage, and also on the fans commenting – I’ve moved out of state, and sadly it took me two years to find this website, which is heads and tails better than the spotty CT HS football reporting available elsewhere. The comments section as well is educational and interesting, rather than being filled with name calling and bias like other sites. Nice work all around.
23) Glastonbury has done some damage in recent years. They won in 08, were one and done in 09, and beat Staples and hung in with Xavier last year. But yeah, they are by far the only competitive team in the past few years. Even the Pequot has fared better than the CCC
Someone’s math is wrong, too. All of NDWH’s opponents played 10 games, which means the 8 teams they beat had to play a sum total of 80 games. Those 8 teams went 40-40 for the record. Just out of curiosity, who is Windsor’s signature win against this year?
Sean can you post a playoff bracket to show who the winners match up against. Masuk will play the winner of the Hand game etc. etc. Step it up Sean , it should’ve been up already !
@Roto – Math? I’d bet on me. …Looking at it again … NDWH’s opponents were 60-40 and yes, wins against teams that went 40-40.
#37, you can’t win a game with deception. You might grab a quarter, you might even slow the game down a bit… but you can’t win a game.
Masuk by 3 touchdown minimum.
Coventry gets slapped around good by Hand at the Surf and Turf.
Hall and Conard… .voted off the show. Nice seasons, didn’t really play anyone tough.
Glastonbury….. well, maybe the bus breaks down if they are lucky.
CCC = JV. Heard all the yapping about Windsor in ’09 and then watched Masuk take them out behind the shed for a whipping. I can’t imagine that they are any more disciplined now than they were then.
Do the JV’s have a state championship? If CCC wants to win, have their varsity football teams compete at that level.
R-Mac –
For all of your playoff needs:
http://www.casciac.org/fb.shtml
Open SPB blog in one window and the ciac website in the other.
After playoffs, mix in a little work.
Are any of the state playoff games streamed online? Radio? Thank you
ND-Windsor is live stream VIDEO; Glastonbury-Xavier is radio live stream; Staples-Ridgefield is live radio stream; North Branford-NWC is live radio stream.
All links can be found on the live blog entry.
CTHSFootballRocks,
The CCC reconfigured their conference and Hall and Conard each played 9 LL opponents and 1 L opponent. Nobody plays togher schedule as all the big boys (New Britain, HPublic, Southington, Glastonbury, Simsbury, COnard, Hall, Manchester) all beat up on one another. Not Staples vs. Trininity Catholic or Greenwich v. Bunnell.
Bloomfield and NB have had recent dynasties. Glastonbury won it all two years ago and Northwest Catholic was runner-up 3 years ago.
Trying to discount Cochran from CCC is like taking Marinelli out of the FCIAC and simply relying on Staples for justification.
Turf fields at Hall and Conard so weather shouldn’t be much of a problem there, although Hall does spread the offense out and throws the ball around. Conard doesn’t throw ball at all so mud wouldn’t affect them anyway. Windsor, however, plays on grass and throws a lot. Heavy rain could be an issue for Windsor if it occurs.
weather did favor Newtown (great inside outside run game), but they were evenly matched teams and Newtown won. Congrats to Newtown on moving on and congrats to the Hall Warriors – especially the seniors – on a terrific season.
Congrats to all the winners that moved on.
jbreezy- newtown popped halls trunk hard…
Great pick Masuk 42-8 over North Haven. The teams were tied starting the 4th quarter and North Haven was 25 yards from evening the score with under 4 minutes to play. They may not have won but North Haven sure opened some eyes. It was not a fluke. If just one of the 5 almost interceptions were made by the Indians they could have pulled an upset.
@Fan that was there – I’m good for at least one of those outrageously wrong scores a year. Tech schools showed up, too.
I do love when I’m wrong and teams show up. Makes me smile for the kids.
Gotta say, though, I kinda nailed the finals on many of these. If not the actual score then at leas what it implied. Newtown, Norwalk, NWC, Holy Cross… New Canaan-New London
Well I have watched every Windsor game for two seasons and they keep improving. It seems they are considered an underdog. But, who doesn’t love an underdog. They play well on the both sides of the ball. They have an explosive offense which can make big plays or they can run the ball and still score. The defense can keep them in the game, disrupt the opposing offense and capitalize on its mistakes. Their special team kick returner is dangerous with three returns for TD this season. If they make a mistake and kick to their premier returner he can take to the house. I have seen them make the appropriate adjustments and dominate the opposition. I do not know New Caanan but it should make for an interesting game.
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