Archive for November, 2011

Ansonia wins NVL Championship (with video) and your latest playoff musings

Friday, November 18, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
Comment
Comments(7)
|
|

Arkeel Newsome bulls through Holy Cross defenders on his way to an NVL MVP award. Ansonia captured the league title with a 33-0 win at Municipal Stadium Thursday night | Photo by Christian Abraham

From the outset, it appeared if every notion about Ansonia-Holy Cross II would come to fruition.

Holy Cross punt. Arkeel Newsome. One carry. One touchdown.

By the time the Holy Cross coaching staff had finished screamed “C’mon! That was too easy!” at their players, Newsome added another touchdown on the Chargers’ second possession.

The rout was on.

Or was it?

To their credit, the Crusaders didn’t throw up their hands. They didn’t lie down. They played with passion and pride befitting a team that’s already on its way to the state playoffs.

Though Ansonia never scored again in the first half, though Holy Cross buckled down, though people like me (48-7) started to squirm a bit for being so rash, the scoreboard was what everyone expected: Ansonia 33, Holy Cross 0.

Ok, so yeah it was in a way.

You could argue this was a much closer game than Week 4. Newsome busted loose for only one of his patented long touchdowns (as opposed to four the first time). The Cross defense never allowed another one. It was only a 14-0 game at halftime thanks to a goal line fumble by Newsome.

Then again, as Ansonia’s players have been quick to remind every one all season, it takes 11 guys to make a football team.

So, while Newsome only wowed the crowd on one long run, the rest of the Chargers made sure he didn’t need to go nuts. They kept Cross’ dangerous skill players out of the end zone while Newsome simply churned his way to a somewhat deceptive 286-yard, 5 TD, MVP performance.

Captains Jake LaRovera, Tyler Wood and Hakeem Martin hoist the NVL Championship trophy after Thursday

“We were never concerned,” standout linebacker Tyler Wood said. “We knew the defense would pick it up and the offense would do their part. The defense was pretty good tonight. We played hard. We had fun.”

Jh’mel Trammell was a brick wall. Jake LaRovera had a sack. Newsome intercepted a pass. Wood topped it off with fumble recovery and a sack. All and all, a good day on the football field.

“We just talked about staying patient,” Ansonia coach Tom Brockett said. “We were in control. You can’t blow everybody out early. Holy Cross is a tough team and is very capable of winning Class S.”

They are. But so is Ansonia in Class M. Perhaps more so. They’ll tune up for the playoffs against Naugatuck on Thanksgiving Day (a game that Brockett said Naugy has an edge, at least because it had the week off) and then they’ll go to work in capturing its first state title since Alex Thomas roamed the end zone.

(Incidentally, Thomas is about to play his last game at Yale this week in ‘The Game’. Where does the time go?)

Elsewhere on this light but busy Week 10…

The state playoffs added two more participants. Ledyard rallied to beat Branford 28-21 to punch its ticket in Class M. Northwest Catholic dominated Bristol Eastern to claim a spot in Class S.

In Class LL, Glastonbury won and Norwich Free Academy won to add their names to an already crowded list of contenders (alongside the likes of Ridgefield, Shelton, Greenwich, Norwalk and Pomperaug).

In Class L, crushing news for Bunnell. Though Middletown dominated the stat sheet, it failed in the turnover department, losing 18-12 to Farmington. New London took care of Griswold 15-0.

That all but eliminates the Bulldogs from playoff contention and makes it even more imperative for teams like Notre Dame-WH, North Haven, New Canaan, Darien and Masuk to win on Thanksgiving Day.

North Haven and Notre Dame might even have to turn an ear to Plainville on Thanksgiving Day. A Farmington win will edge it ever so closer to a playoff berth and — in the event Masuk and New London win — will have ND and North Haven praying for enough bonus points.

It’s going to be thisclose between Farmington and Notre Dame-WH if all holds to form. Both teams would love an NFA win over New London to help matters.

It also assures the loser of New Canaan-Darien a ticket home for the holidays. New Canaan will clinch with a win, but Darien (like ND and North Haven) needs to win and hope enough bonus games come through.

Still another slate of games today and tomorrow with playoff implications. Including Hall vs. Conard in the Class LL race. A Hall victory gets it in. A loss will drop it into the already crowded Class LL mix.

We’ll continue to break it all down for you as we go along.

Live from Municipal: It’s rematch at the NVL Championship (and other Week 10 games)

Thursday, November 17, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
Comment
Comments(29)
|
|

Ansonia's defense wraps up Holy Cross quarterback Zach Brown in the Chargers 45-13 victory at Jarvis in Week 4.

Back in Week 4, a pair of unbeaten teams walked onto the Jarvis Stadium field anxious to make a point about their place in 2011 NVL season.

Holy Cross struck the first blow. Ansonia countered. Again and again and again. The Chargers won the battle emphatically, 45-13.

Six weeks later, we’re getting a do-over. Why? Wasn’t the first meeting proof enough no one was going to touch Ansonia in the NVL this season?

Well, Holy Cross went back to work after that disheartening loss. The Crusaders refocused. They rebounded. They smacked the rest of their opponents around, captured the NVL Copper Division trophy and earned a berth in the NVL championship game. So they get this chance at putting the breaks on the Ansonia gravy train.

So, ready or not, we’re taking the show to Municipal Stadium for Ansonia-Holy Cross II: The Reckoning

(For whom, I’ll let you decide).

NVL Championship

WHEN — Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE — Municipal Stadium, Waterbury
RECORDS — Holy Cross 8-1 (Copper Division champs, Ansonia 9-0 (Brass Division champs)
LAST MEETING — Ansonia 45, Holy Cross 13
PLAYERS TO WATCH — Holy Cross: Sr. RB/LB Dave DiGiorgi; Sr. QB Zach Brown; Sr. LB/OL Anthony Jemele; Sr. RB/LB Adrian Brown; Fresh. Isaiah Wright; Ansonia: Soph. RB/DB Arkeel Newsome; Sr. LB Tyler Wood; Sr. TE/DL Jake LaRovera; Jr. RB/DB Tyler Lester; Sr. OL/DL Tyler Williams (6-2, 260).
WHY ANSONIA WILL WIN – It has, by far, the biggest, baddest front seven in the league. Oh, and a kid named Newsome.
WHY HOLY CROSS WILL WIN – They won’t… unless Ansonia doesn’t get off the bus. (Zing!) In all seriousness, the Crusaders have dangerous athletes. Maybe if they can keep Newsome from any of his patented, back-breaking 70-yard touchdown runs? Maybe.
OUTLOOK — Holy Cross scored on its first drive when the teams met. After that, it was all Ansonia. Newsome countered with a 73-yard touchdown and, 311 more yards and four more touchdowns later, the Chargers served notice to the rest of the league they’d be near impossible to beat. Holy Cross has grown some since then, winning five straight, including overwhelming victories over Naugatuck and Woodland to clinch the Copper Division title and a Class S state playoff berth. They’re still nowhere near Ansonia’s level, however. The Chargers’ defense has plenty of weapons to hold Holy Cross’ skill players in check. And whenever the ball is in Newsome’s hands, Holy Cross’ chances decrease exponentially.
PREDICTION – Ansonia 48, Holy Cross 7

♦♦♦♦

This game doesn’t count for states. But it doesn’t matter. Both teams have already qualified in their respective classes, anyway.

Elsewhere, however, there are a bunch of statewide games Thursday that DO have state playoff implications.

The biggest games of the night include Farmington at Middletown (Farmington needs to win to keep pace in the tightening Class L race), New London at Griswold (Both teams need to win out. This is huge in Class L and Class S), Lewis Mills at North Branford (NB will clinch a spot in Class S with a victory), NFA vs. Wilbur Cross at East Haven (big for NFA’s chances in Class LL), Northwest Cathlolic at Bristol Eastern (NWC can clinch a Class S berth with a victory), Glastonbury at South Windsor (Glastonbury needs to win out to have a shot at qualifying in Class LL)

We’re running the live blog as usual, so expect to see updates mostly from the NVL title tilt, but also many of these bigger games. Keep a close eye on them, especially you Bethel, Bunnell and Weston.

The Elite 8: Week 10

Thursday, November 17, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
Comment
Comments(41)
|
|

Lots to do today. And, since there’s been no movement, lots of playoff talk in this week’s Elite 8.

We delve into state playoff scenarios for some of these teams. For the full breakdown, click here to head over to the Mad CIAC State Playoff Scientist’s laboratory, for the best, most comprehensive scenarios in the state .

We’ve combed through them thoroughly, and no one (save for the Lonesome Polecat with whom we check frequently) comes close.

Onto the Elite 8.

No one.

No one.

MASUK – Handled Weston as expected. Now the cards are all on Masuk’s table for Thanksgiving. Win and it gets an SWC championship trophy and a chance to defend its state championship. Lose and they’re in big, big trouble.

ANSONIA – They’re heavy favorites to win tonight, against Naugatuck on Thanksgiving and then the Class M title. No pressure, guys.

STAPLES – If you haven’t seen (and how could you not?), there was an off-week incident involving an assistant freshman coach, who allegedly gave out a password for a porn website to some of his players. That coach has been relieved. It’s undoubtedly been a distraction for a team trying to win a second FCIAC title in three years without two of their best players, Joey Zelkowitz and Kevin Kearney. Luckily, the Wreckers have already qualified for the Class LL playoffs. So the pressure’s off, somewhat.

Updated: Staples coach charged with giving freshman players porn access

GREENWICH – Wasn’t the greatest of offensive performances against Danbury. But the defense was outstanding. “We’re back as a program,” coach Rich Albonizio said after the 17-7 victory that turned this Thanksgiving Day game into the FCIAC championship. Greenwich, however, hasn’t participated in the state playoffs for almost four years. They need to win this game.

NOTRE DAME-WH – Took care of business quickly vs. Fairfield Prep. Now the Green Knights set their sights on the 61st Green Bowl and a well-deserved spot in the Class L playoffs.

NEWTOWN — Won an absolute classic vs. Bunnell. Their reward? a guaranteed Class LL playoff berth (when was the last time Newtown clinched before Thanksgiving? Anyone?) and a chance at the SWC title. They’ve got nothing to lose on Thanksgiving Eve vs. Masuk except a home playoff game (which might mean a date with Xavier. So scratch that sentiment). An upset win would knock Masuk out for the second time in three seasons.

DARIEN – Things were good when QB Henry Baldwin set a school passing touchdown record with 24 in a season with the Blue Wave’s win over Bassick. Then, while they were thinking about ways to beat New Canaan for the first time since 2011, came news of  coach Rob Trifone’s father’s death. No doubt there are heavy hearts in Darien and, maybe, some divine inspiration for the task ahead. The story is similar to last year: A win and they’re in the playoffs for the third time in four years while sending their arch rivals home. Unlike last year, a loss will probably end Darien’s season.

NEW CANAAN – QB Matt Milano made a triumphant return to the field as the Rams bounced struggling Trumbull. Once again, they’re in a winner-take all game against Darien in the Turkey Bowl. Win, they’re in. Lose, they’d be out of the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Batten down the hatches.

OTHERS

Norwalk (7-1) — Just one eentsy-weentsy-wittle victory over McMahon, and the Bears are dancin’ for the first time since 1998. … Bunnell (7-2) – The pain of their heartbreak from losing to Newtown figures to endure on Thanksgiving Day if things break the way they should in Class L. … Pomperaug (7-2) – If they beat Oxford, expect to see Pomperaug jackets in Westport or Norwalk Thanksgiving morning. A Greenwich or Norwalk loss will give these guys playoff hope. As would a Thanksgiving Eve loss by Ridgefield. … Shelton (7-2) — Any chance the Gaels can get Derby an emergency admittance back into the SCC? Those 30 lost playoff points for the Red Raiders’ recent move to the NVL are already costing them dearly. …Ridgefield (7-2) – I’d be pretty confident about the playoffs if I’m wearing Orange and Black. I’d be even more confident if my team beat Danbury and heard these words: “McMahon upsets Norwalk” or “Staples beats Greenwich.” …Stamford (6-2) – Had the Black Knights completed that comeback vs. Ridgefield, they”d be talking playoff possibilities right now. As it is, they’ll have to settle for their upset of New Canaan as the top 2011 memory. And that’s not bad.

ThE mAd PLayoFF scIENtist REtUrns! (Updated)

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
Comment
Comments(26)
|
|

Welcome… to the LA’bor-atory.

(THUNDERCRRRRRAACK!)

HAAAAA HAAA HAAA HAAA HAAAA HAAAAAA!!!!!

The Mad CIAC Playoff Scientist has awoken from his year-long slumber, almost a week earlier than normal. But hey, he’s anxious to get this playoff party started.

He’s warmed up to the arrival of the H.A.L (Levy) 9000 Super Playoff Computer. Now it’s just a matter of sifting through the formulas and hash out these scenarios.

And, once again, that gets a little tricky because of the hoards of infernal Pequot and CCC teams that have two games remaining.

Remember, we have four classes, top eight get in.

The Point System:

  • Teams get a 100 points for a victory, and then 10 points for every opponents’ win. This last part is referred to as “bonus” points.
  • Teams also get 10 points for beating a team in one higher class, 20 for two higher classes and 30 for three higher classes.
  • Large teams aren’t penalized for beating smaller teams in their own league. But in non-league games, larger teams are penalized 10 points for defeating a team in one lower class, 20 for two lower classes and 30 for three lower classes.
  • It’s added up and divided by the number of games played. That average is a team’s playoff point total.

If any of you apprentices out there notice anything amiss, His Madness would love to know.

These are broken down into four categories: ‘They’re In‘ (self-explanatory); ‘Just Win, Baby‘ (controls their own destiny); ‘A Little Help Here?‘ (needs to win out and get outside help) and ‘False Hope‘ (mathematically alive, realistically not).

Here are the complete playoff standings

Here we go…

Class LL

James Fruscaiante and the Wreckers have already qualified in Class LL.

THEY’RE IN

Xavier (9-0), Staples (8-0), Conard (9-0), Newtown (8-1)

JUST WIN, BABY

Hall (8-1, vs. Conard), Norwalk (7-1, vs. McMahon), Greenwich (8-1, vs. Staples).

Hall can still get in with a loss. Norwalk or Greenwich will be cooked worse than your aunt’s roast duck if they lose. They must win.

A LITTLE HELP HERE?

Ridgefield (7-2) – The Tigers are in the best shape at No. 8. They need to beat Danbury and hope for a few things to break their way, like Greenwich or Norwalk (or both) to lose and then outpointing some of the lower contenders. They’d love if McMahon upset Norwalk, that would help them max out at 113.0 point average. NFA losing to New London would help them immensely. Oh, and a loss and they’re done.

Shelton (7-2) — They’re killed by Derby’s residence in the NVL. The non-league game is worth 30 points less than it did a few years ago. The Gaels are also counting on 90 bonuses from the likes of Guilford (vs. Hand), Hamden (vs. ND) and Wilbur Cross (vs. Hillhouse). Good luck with that. They probably won’t get a max 113.0 average. It’ll be closer to 107.0, which Pomperaug, Glastonbury and NFA can all surpass. Getting Ridgefield and Norwalk to lose will brighten Shelton’s day. But they’ll be sweating like a turkey on Thanksgiving, regardless.

Pomperaug (7-2) – The Panthers need to beat Oxford and get a few others surrounding it to lose — especially Ridgefield and Glastonbury. Greenwich or Norwalk losses would help too. They can max at 113.0 average. But their 50 bonuses include Newtown (over Masuk), New Fairfield (over New Milford) and Stratford (over Bunnell). It’s tough, but not impossible, and certainly better than Shelton.

Glastonbury (6-2) — Have two winnable games left vs. South Windsor and Simsbury. Two wins would put the Tomahawks into a points race with Shelton, Ridgefield and/or Pomperaug. They can max out at 112.0 average, but are counting on 60 bonuses to get there. A Norwalk or Greenwich loss would help matters.

Norwich Free Academy (6-2) – The Wildcats must win out to get into position — and that includes beating New London. If NFA can somehow pull that off, they’d be in a points race for one of the final spots. Of course, like the others, the Wildcats will benefit greatly if many of them lose. They have 80 bonuses, many of which probably won’t come in. We’ll know more after this weekend.

FALSE HOPE

Stamford (6-2); Hartford Public (7-2); West Haven (6-3); New Britain (5-3); Southington (5-3).

CLASS L

Casey Cochran and Masuk need a victory over Newtown to qualify in Class L.

THEY’RE IN

Windsor (9-0), Hand (9-0)

JUST WIN, BABY

Coventry/Windham Tech (8-0, vs. Granby Memorial, Ellington/Somers), Masuk (9-0, vs. Newtown), New London (7-1, vs. Griswold, NFA), New Canaan (8-1, vs. Darien).

Masuk and New London would both be in trouble with a loss. New Canaan would be out with a loss. Coventry/Windham Tech will almost assuredly be in with a win over Ellington/Somers.

A LITTLE HELP HERE?

Darien (8-1) — The Blue Wave aren’t quite guaranteed a berth even if they defeat New Canaan. They’ll be very close, however. A North Haven, Notre Dame or Farmington loss will do the trick. They’re done with a loss.

Notre Dame-WH (7-2) — Just a little. A win over Hamden gets the Green Knights on the cusp of a playoff berth. A Farmington loss would make it a clinch. They should have confidence in those 70 bonus games, too. Done with a loss.

North Haven (8-1) — Needs to beat Amity. After that, its only real worry is if Farmington wins out and collects enough bonuses, which is unlikely.

Farmington (7-1) — Must beat good Middletown team and then Plainville to get into position. It’s counting on a horde of bonus help (100 points as of right now) though. Not enough will come through to catch North Haven in that case. Their best hope is for ND or North Haven to lose to clinch with a win.

NEW: Bunnell (7-2) — We misspoke on Bunnell. The Dawgs still cling to an outside shot if they beat Stratford. They can get into the field if Middletown beats Farmington and if Amity upsets North Haven. It would then have a chance to outpoint both teams and the New Canaan-Darien loser if enough of its 50 bonus points come through. They can get anywhere between 1170-1120.  Notre Dame losing to Hamden won’t hurt, either. Of course if Middletown also beats Xavier, they’d be finished.

Middletown (6-2) – How about this road? Beat 7-1 Farmington. Then topple top-ranked and unbeaten Xavier, then hope for the bonuses to outpoint ND or North Haven. Beating That middle part is like the Great Wall of China.

FALSE HOPE

Bunnell (7-2), Torrington (7-2) – Would need for most of those teams to lose and max out on bonuses.

CLASS M

Brandon Schmidt and Bethel need lots of help in the Class M playoff race.

Updated – Wednesday 11/16
 THEY’RE IN

Ansonia (9-0), Ellington/Somers (8-0)

JUST WIN, BABY

Ledyard (7-1, vs. Branford, Fitch), Cheney Tech (8-1, vs. East Catholic), Berlin (8-1, vs. New Britain), Waterford (6-2, vs. Windsor, East Lyme), Wolcott (7-2, vs. Holy Cross).

Berlin and Ledyard would still be in good shape with at least one loss. Waterford and Cheney Tech can both clinch even with a loss if Stonington loses to Westerly (R.I.). Wolcott is done if it loses to Holy Cross, Gilbert/Northwestern wins out and Stonington beats Westerly.

A LITTLE HELP HERE?

Gilbert/Northwestern (6-2) — Have winnable games vs. Stafford/East Windsor and Housatonic/Wamogo remaining. That’ll get Gilbert/NW to 1090 points with 20 bonuses remaining. That’s close to clinching the final spot. They’d love if Wolcott loses to Holy Cross. That would grease their playoff wheels. If Stonington beats Westerly, it’s a footrace for bonus points.

Stonington (5-3) — Beat Foran on Wednesday, so all it needs now is a win over Westerly (R.I.) to get into position for the final playoff spot. They’d be counting on a lot of bonuses, and they’d have a tough time outpointing Waterford since they share many of the same bonus games. Their best bet is for Gilbert or Wolcott to lose.

Bethel (6-3) — The Wildcats need serious help, especially since they probably won’t get half of their 50 bonus games. Realistically, the Wildcats need to beat Brookfield then get Stonington to lose once and Waterford to lose twice. There’s a slight chance they could outpoint Wolcott if Wolcott loses to Holy Cross, but unlikely. A Gilbert/Northwestern loss is also desirable. Overall, they’ll need at least two teams ahead to lose to have any chance. It’s not impossible, but I’d be concerned.

FALSE HOPE

Hillhouse (6-3), Putnam/Tourtellotte/Ellis Tech (6-3), Bullard-Havens (6-3), Montville (5-4), Tolland (6-3) — Too many unlikely variables for Hillhouse for us to give them a legit shot. Let’s just say the Acs need a miracle.

CLASS S

Tyler Hassett and Weston need to win and get help in the Class S playoff race.

THEY’RE IN

Capital Prep/Classical Magnet (9-0); Valley Regional (9-0); Holy Cross (8-1).

JUST WIN, BABY

North Branford (7-1, vs. Lewis Mills, Hyde. One win gets them in); Northwest Catholic (7-1; vs. Bristol Eastern, Rocky Hill). One win gets them in, still alive with two losses); Cromwell (7-2, vs. Coginchaug, still alive with a loss); Rocky Hill (7-2, vs. Bristol Central and Northwest Catholic); Haddam-Killingworth (6-2, vs. Old Saybrook/Westbrook, Valley Regional/Old Lyme).

A LITTLE HELP HERE?

If all of those teams win, the field will be complete and contenders flapping in the wind. Even Rocky Hill would have an decided edge over all of them with just one more loss. So the only realistic shot any of the remaining teams have is if HK loses to Valley or if Rocky Hill loses twice.

Griswold (5-3) – Its only chance to qualify is to win out and get one of the teams above it to lose, specifically Rocky Hill to Northwest Catholic or HK to Valley Regional. Alas, New London sits there like a brick wall and loss would doom them.

Prince Tech (6-3) — Can clinch one of the last two remaining spots by beating Capital Prep/Classical, and then get HK to lose. That would put Prince at at least 1030 which would be the magic number to outpoint the others. Beating Capital Prep/Classical is easier said than done.

Weston (6-3) — The Trojans must beat Barlow and hope a bunch of teams lose to move into position for the final spot. Valley Regional must take care of HK, Cromwell must take care of Coginchaug, Capital Prep must take care of Prince Tech, New London must take care of Griswold. But — get this — all of those scenarios are likely. They realistically won’t catch Rocky Hill, so their only real issue will be with Bloomfield and one-loss HK. Weston can max out at 1030 points, but will likely get somewhere along the lines of 990 or 1000.

Bloomfield (5-3) — Same issue as Weston. Bloomfield must win out (against winless Weaver and Fermi), hope all of those same teams lose and wait for enough bonuses to clinch over Weston and HK. A Weston loss to Barlow would be nice, too. The Warhawks can top out at 1030, and they’ll get many of their 80 available bonus points.

Coginchaug (5-3) — Finishes with Morgan and Cromwell and can top out at 1000 points. They’ll need to win both games, get the same Weston and Bloomfield teams to lose, plus hope enough bonuses come in to top Weston and Bloomfield and a three-loss HK in a points race.

It’s going to be tight.

FALSE HOPE

Seymour (5-4), Killingly (5-4), Woodland (5-4), Plainville (4-4), Old Saybrook/Westbrook (4-4), Housatonic/Wamogo (4-4).

State Polls: Weeks 9-10

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
Comment
Comments(104)
|
|

No real changes atop the polls for Week 10. Xavier’s still No. 1 (by 12 points) and Masuk’s still No. 2 as we head into the last week of the season.

State Media Top 10

Others receiving votes: Greenwich (8-1), 224; Darien (8-1), 222; Newtown (8-1), 201; North Haven (8-1), 186; Valley Regional/Old Lyme (8-0), 142; Hall (8-1), 71; Norwalk (7-1), 55; Ledyard (7-1), 26; Ellington/Somers (7-0), 23; Pomperaug (7-2), 22; Berlin (8-1), 17; North Branford (7-1), 15; Bunnell (7-2), 14; Holy Cross (8-1), 11; West Haven (6-3), 9; Stamford (6-2), 8; Middletown (6-2) and Waterford (6-2), 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, MSG Varsity; Kevin Duffy, Danbury News-Times; Tom Evans, Norwalk Hour; Noah Finz, WTNH-8; Ned Griffen, The Day of New London; John Holt, WFSB-3; Mark Jaffee, Waterbury Republican-American; Ken Lipshez, Patch/West Hartford News; Mike Madera, Elm City Newspapers; Joe Morelli, New Haven Register; Dave Phillips, Shore Line Newspapers; Mike Pucci, New Haven Register; Dave Ruden, Stamford Advocate; Tom Yantz, Hartford Courant; Mike Wollschlager, New Haven Register; Jimmy Zanor, Shore Line Newspapers.

Day Coaches Top 10

Also receiving votes: North Haven (8-1), 107 points; New Canaan (8-1), 101; Newtown (8-1), 82; Greenwich (8-1), 75; Valley Regional/Old Lyme (8-0), 71; Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (7-1), 64; Ledyard (7-1), 46; Hall-West Hartford (7-1), 39; Holy Cross-Waterbury (8-1), 34; Berlin (8-1), 30; Norwalk (7-1), 23; Ellington/Somers (7-0), 20; Bunnell-Stratford (7-2), 14; West Haven (6-3), 11.

The following coaches voted: Tom Brockett, Ansonia; Jim Buonocore, Ledyard; Craig Bruno, Bunnell-Stratford; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Rob Fleeting, Windsor; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Sean Marinan, Xavier-Middletown; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance Top 10

Also Receiving Votes: Greenwich 8-1 82; Valley Regional/Old Lyme 8-0 78; Darien 8-1 74; North Haven 8-1 67; Newtown 8-1 62; Hall 8-1 43; Northwest Catholic 7-1 27; Ledyard 7-1 18; Berlin 8-1 16; Norwalk 7-1 15; Capital Prep/Classical Magnet 9-0 12; Ellington/Somers 7-0 10; Newington 8; Bunnell 7-2 7; Holy Cross 8-1 5; Waterford 6-2 4; Hillhouse 6-3 3; Coventry/Windham Tech 7-0 2; Middletown 6-2 1; North Branford 7-1 1; Norwich Free Academy 6-2 1; West Haven 6-3

Voters: Brian Barreto (NVL Blog), Bob Barton (CT H.S. Football Record Book), Jim Bransfield (Middletown Press), Kyle Brennan (Waterbury Republican-American), George DeMaio (WELI Radio), Gerry deSimas (Collinsville Publishing Co.), Bill Donovan (WXLM 980 AM), Mark Fijalkowski (CT Sports Network), Dave Greenleaf (Bristol Press), Mike Guerrera (Southington Citizen), Larry Kelley (SE Conn Patch), Pete Lamoureux (WCCC 1290 AM), Bob Lazzari (Valley Times), Ken Lipshez (Farmington/W. Hartford Patch), Robert Mayer (Berlin Patch), Eric Montgomery (Minuteman Newspapers), Sean Patrick Bowley (Connecticut Post), Dave Phillips (Shoreline Newspapers), Pat Pickens (Fairfield Citizen-News), Mike Pucci (New Haven Register), Paul Rosano (Meriden Record-Journal), Dave Ruden (Stamford Advocate), Mike Suppe (Hersam Acorn Newspapers), Peter Vander Veer (Hersam Acorn Newspapers), Tom Yantz (Hartford Courant), Rich Zalusky (Willimantic Chronicle), Jimmy Zanor (Shore Line Times)

That’s a Wrap Week 9: Setting the Thanksgiving table

Monday, November 14, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
Comment
Comments(4)
|
|

Masuk's football team races onto Benedict Field to play Weston last Friday. Masuk defeated Weston 56-14 and faces Newtown with Class L playoff berth on the line.

Newtown's Lou Fenaroli runs for one of his four touchdowns vs. Bunnell. The Nighthawks won and qualified for the state playoffs.

The turkey has been basted and is in the oven. The potatoes are getting mashed. Cranberries are being diced. The stuffing is getting stuffed. We’re getting our good china out.

We’re just over a week away from Thanksgiving. And we need just a few more ingredients before our yearly football cornucopia begins.

The NVL title game between Ansonia and Holy Cross on Thursday at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury. The postponed SWC and other league games from snowy Week 7.

Then we’re ready to go.

Ten Eleven playoff spots have already been decided. Xavier, Conard, Staples and Newtown in Class LL; Hand and Windsor in Class L; Ansonia and Ellington/Somers (which clinched Monday night) in Class M; Valley Regional/Old Lyme, Capital Prep/Classical Magnet and Holy Cross in Class S.

There’s 22 21 left.

Here’s the latest from the HAL 9000 Super CIAC Playoff Computer.

Here’s what went down in Week 9.

Bulldozers

  • David Camille, Bunnell – 22 carries, 191 yards, three TDs; 1 TD receiving vs. Newtown.
  • Javon Grey, Notre Dame-wH — 159 yards, 4 TDs vs. Fairfield Prep.
  • Johnny Anzalone & Kenny Francois, Norwalk – Combined for 266 yards and three TDs vs. Ludlowe
  • Andrew Reel, Pomperaug — Ran for 161 yards, four TDs in the first quarter vs. Stratford.
  • Brandon Schmidt, Bethel – Ran for 168 yards, four TDs on eight carries vs. Immaculate.
  • Leaon Gordon, Brookfield – 282 yards rushing, 5 TDs on 10 carries vs. New Milford.
  • Arkeel Newsome, Ansonia – Seven carries, 107 yards, three TDs vs Wilby.

Gunslingers

Newtown's Andrew Tarantino throws a pass vs Bunnell Saturday.

  • Drew Tarantino, Newtown – Completed 21 of 27 passes for 292 yards and three TDs vs. Bunnell.
  • Bryan Castelot, Bunnell – 13 of 31 for 213 yards, two TDs vs. Newtown.
  • Bryan Boderick, Stamford — 312 yards and two TDs vs. McMahon
  • Casey Cochran, Masuk — 13 of 18 for 355 yards, five TD passes, TD run vs. Weston.
  • Matt Milano, New Canaan – Returned from a migrane that took him from the Stamford loss to completed 18 of 28 passes for 18 yards and three TDs vs. Trumbull.
  • Connor Wallon, Shelton – Sophomore started his first varsity game and completed 4 passes, three for TDs to Ed Kochiss, vs. Cheshire
  • Ray Krieger, Derby – Threw a school-record five TD passes vs. Crosby.
  • Matt Aspinwall, Foran — Completed 19 of 30 passes for 206 yards and a TD vs. Guilford.

Gamebreakers

Stamford's Barry Boderick catches a pass for a touchdown vs. McMahon.

  • Lou Fenaroli, Newtown – 176 total yards of offense, four touchdowns, including winner in OT vs. Bunnell.
  • Dave Yerxa, Foran – Ran for three TDs, including the winner in double overtime vs. Guilford.
  • Taylor Olmstead, Greenwich – Blocked a punt and returned it for a TD vs. Danbury.
  • Sean Carroll, Wilton – Scored three TDs, including an 80-yard run to rally Wilton past Warde.
  • Ed Kochiss, Shelton — Caught three passes, all for TDs, and completed a pass vs. Cheshire.
  • Barry Boderick, Stamford – 11 catches, 104 yards, two TDs vs. McMahon.
  • Cory Fisher, Newtown – Kickoff return touchdown, decisive fumble recovery in OT vs. Bunnell.
  • Dillon McMahon, Derby — Caught three TD passes, ran a kickoff 88 yards for a score vs. Crosby.
  • Dan Hebert, Newtown – 242 total yards, two TDs vs. Bunnell.
  • Jack Massie, Staples – Was 8 of 9 for 143 yards and two TDs, ran for another vs. Westhill.
  • Nick Kelly, Staples – Six touches, 94 yards, two TDs vs. Westhill
  • Alex Miller, Oxford — Two TD passes and TD run vs. Notre Dame-Fairfield.

Brick Walls

Greenwich's Shane Nastahowski tackles Danbury's Garin Mooney in last Thursday's game.

  • St. Joseph defense – Three turnovers vs. Trinity Catholic. Two interception touchdowns including Lars Pederson’s 99-yarder vs. Trinity Catholic.
  • Eamon DeToro, Notre Dame-WH — Interception return for TD vs. Fairfield Prep.
  • Shane Nastahowski, Greenwich – Had eight tackles, one sack and vs. Danbury, helpd hold back James ‘Speedy’ Harrington to just over 50 yards rushing.

Valiant in defeat

  • Davell Cotterell, Westhill — Ran for 120 yards, returned a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown vs. Staples.
  • Joe Marx, Fairfield Warde – Had 10 carries, 114 yards; 2 receptions 79 yards, ran for a TD and caught a TD in Warde’s loss to Wilton.
  • Nigel Beckford, ND-Fairfield – 209 yards and two TDs vs. Oxford.
  • Jon Wilson, Seymour – Scored two TDs, including go-ahead 96-yard run in loss to Watertown.
  • Dillon Ryan, Fairfield Prep – Ran for 137 yards vs. Notre Dame-WH.
  • Deon Wiggins, Central — Competed 10 of 25 passes for 283 yards and two TDs vs. Ridgefield.

“It’s great to be back. It’ll be a big one on Thanksgiving Day, that’s for sure.” — Staples coach Marce Petroccio on playing for the FCIAC title vs. Greenwich.

Brookfield's Leon Gordon busts loose for one of his 5 touchdowns vs. New Milford.

“This is the best game I’ve ever been a part of, no competition. I can’t think of anything that could top this.” — Newtown junior Dan Hebert

“After they fumbled it, I knew all Fenaroli had to do was plow through everybody like he’s done all season,” –Newtown coach Steve George

“I think we left everything on the field. Everybody is sad; the goal from when these seniors came in, from when they were freshmen, was to get this team back in the playoffs. They worked so hard for it.” –Bryan Castelot, Bunnell junior QB

“We’ve been through a lot together. When you lose a close game it takes that emotion out of you. It’s really tough. These kids are resilient. They haven’t given up once.” –McMahon coach A.J. Albano

“It is real positive to our team. We have six starters on offense that are sophomores. We want to finish off the season strong and head into next year ready to go.” – St. Joseph coach Joe Della Vecchia

“It’s always big for us to play Hamden on Thanksgiving. We need to take care of business.” –NDWH coach Tom Marcucci

“We said after the Stamford game that every game is a playoff game now. Lose and you hand in the pads on Thanksgiving.” — Matt Milano, New Canaan QB

“We’ve hit rock bottom with the injuries. We finish with St. Joseph and hopefully we will get some kids back. You just have to hang tough.” –Trumbull coach Bob Maffei

“Casey is the real deal, he never misses. They are a tough task for anyone.” –Weston coach Joe Lato

“Two years ago, we were looking ahead to the state championship and it hurt us. By taking one team at a time, we don’t pay attention to any rankings.” — Masuk senior QB Casey Cochran.

“I was really feeling it tonight. We all were feeling it as a team. Everyone just focused on doing their jobs and it all came together.” –Leaon Gordon, Brookfield senior RB

“It’s just amazing that when we get crucial plays in the game, things always go against us It’s just unbelievable. We stop them on fourth down and there’s a penalty and we give them a chance to get a touchdown. I feel terrible for our seniors because they just can’t catch a break.” — Fairfield Warde coach Duncan Della Volpe to the Fairfield Minuteman on a fourth-down pass interference call vs. Wilton

Once again, in gallery form.

  • Ansonia's Arkeel Newsome vs. Holy Cross in Week 4. The teams meet again for the NVL Title Thursday.

    NVL Championship: Ansonia (9-0) vs. Holy Cross (8-1) at Municipal Stadium, Waterbury, Thursday, 6:30 p.m. – Holy Cross is a playoff team. Ansonia beat these guys 45-13 in Week 4. Unless they find some Kryptonite for Arkeel Newsome, expect a “Showdown? Showcase” game. (By the way, no this doesn’t count toward playoffs).

  • Stonington (5-3) at Foran (2-6), Wednesday, 6 p.m. — The Lions won their second game of the season in a thriller. Stonington upset Norwich Free Academy earlier this season. Any game Stonington can lose is good for Bethel.
  • Farmington (7-1) at Middletown (6-2), Thursday, 7 p.m. – Not an area game, but one plenty of Class L playoff contenders will have their eyes on. Farmington is sitting at No. 10 and loss will only thin out the herd somewhat. Middletown is also in the hunt, but they’ll have to play Xavier at the end of the year.
  • New London (7-1) at Griswold (5-3), Thursday, 6:30 — The Whalers will move ever closer to clinching a Class L playoff berth with a win. A loss would significantly help some of the local Class L teams. Griswold is hanging by its fingernails in Class S.
  • Lewis Mills (1-7) at North Branford (7-1), Thursday, 6:30 — After last year’s insanity, you can bet North Branford’s players on the sidelines will be wearing cement shoes for this one. A win will clinch the T-Birds a Class S playoff spot.
  • Ledyard (7-1) at Branford (3-5), Thursday, 7 — Ledyard will clinch a Class M playoff berth with a win. This game has some significance for Bethel’s playoff hopes.
  • Hall (8-1) at Conard (9-0), Saturday, 1:30 — The regular season finale for these two. Major implications for Class LL. Conard’s in, but Hall isn’t. A win will clinch a playoff spot, and narrow this field to just three open spots.
  • Haddam-Killingworth (6-2) at Old Saybrook/Westbrook (4-4), Saturday, 1 — HK needs to keep winning to maintain its hold on a Class S playoff spot. It’s currently 8th.
  • Ellington/Somers (7-0) at Housatonic/Wamogo (4-4), Saturday, 1 — Ellington/Somers needs this to stay in the Class M hunt. It faces unbeaten Class L contender Coventry/Windham Tech in the finale.
  • Norwich Free Academy (6-2) vs. Wilbur Cross (1-7) at East Haven, Saturday, 6 p.m. — NFA’s still hanging around in Class LL and can possibly outpoint the likes of Shelton and Ridgefield if enough breaks right. They’ll need to win out. Does Wilbur Cross, which has struggled all year, have any shot?

State Playoffs: The Clinch Is In for Staples, Newtown & Ansonia

Monday, November 14, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
Comment
Comments(4)
|
|

I was told today in an email you had to “get through the Newtown-Bunnell” stuff to get the real important information for Week 9 in Sunday’s blog.

Sheesh. Tough crowd, tough crowd.

So, in case you couldn’t lift your fingers to scroll down or just plain didn’t see it, we’re re-posting the bottom of Sunday’s blog post to give you where the playoffs situation stands heading into the limited Week 10 schedule.

The Clinch is In

While Newtown players cheered about ‘Going to the ‘Ship!’ — a second-consecutive SWC Thanksgiving title game tilt with arch rival (and overwhelming favorite) Masuk in Monroe — they had unknowingly earned a berth in the Class LL state playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Yes, Newtown has clinched. As did 10 other state teams this weekend according to the H.A.L. (Levy) 9000 Super Playoff Computer* (aka the official CIAC State Playoff worksheet.)

And, of course, our good friend Ned Griffen at The Day of New London who first reported it at …(looks at Twitter)… 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

Class LL

Xavier (9-0), Staples (8-0), and Conard (9-0) and Newtown (8-1) have clinched berths in the 2011 playoff field.

12 more teams are mathematically alive.

5. Hall (8-1), 6. Norwalk (7-1), 7. Greenwich (8-1), 8. Ridgefield (7-2), 9. Shelton (7-2), 10. Pomperaug (7-2), 11. Glastonbury (6-2), NFA (6-2), 12. Stamford (6-2), 13. Hartford Public (7-2), 14. West Haven (6-3), 15. New Britain (6-3) and 16. Southington (6-3).

Class L

Windsor (9-0) and Hand (9-0) have clinched.

12 more teams are mathematically alive.

3. Coventry/Windham Tech (7-0), 4. Masuk (9-0), 5. New London (7-1), 6. New Canaan (8-1), 7. Notre Dame-West Haven (7-2), 8. North Haven (8-1), 9. Darien (8-1), 10. Farmington (7-1), 11. Bunnell (7-2), 12. Torrington (7-2), 13. Middletown (6-2) and 14. Avon (6-2).

Class M

Ansonia (9-0) has clinched.

16 more teams are mathematically alive.

2. Ellington/Somers 7-0), 3. Ledyard (8-1), 4. Cheney Tech (8-1), 5. Berlin (8-1), 6. Waterford (6-2), 7. Wolcott (7-2), 8. Gilbert/Northwestern (6-2), 9. Stonington (5-3), 10. Bethel (6-3), 11. Hillhouse (6-3), 12. Putnam/Tourtellotte/Ellis Tech (6-3), 13. Bullard-Havens, 14. Enfield (6-3), 15. Montville (5-4), 16. Tolland (4-4).

Class S

Capital Prep/Classical Magnet (9-0), Valley Regional/Old Lyme (9-0), Holy Cross (8-1) have clinched.

19 more teams are mathematically alive (some barely).

4. North Branford (7-1), 5. Northwest Catholic (7-1), 6. Cromwell (7-2), 7. Rocky Hill (6-2), 8. Haddam-Killingworth (6-2), 9. Weston (6-3), 10. Prince Tech (6-3), 11. Bloomfield (5-3), 12. Griswold (5-3), 13. Coginchaug (5-3), 14. Seymour (5-4), 15. Killingly (5-4), 16. Woodland (5-4), 17. Plainville (4-4), 18. Old Saybrook/Westbrook (4-4), 19. Housatonic/Wamogo (4-4).

I’m sure everybody’s hard at work on their team’s scenarios. So feel free to discuss here. With a week and change to go, we’ll have a more comprehensive breakdown shortly.

The Playoff Format

For the uninitiated, we have four playoff classes by size of enrollment. Three rounds of playoffs.

From the CIAC’s Football Page:

  • Quarterfinal games will be held on Tuesday evening, November 29, 2011 – 6:30 p.m. — at the site of the higher ranked team providing they meet minimum field requirements.
  • Semifinal games will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the following neutral sites:
    • Middletown HS (one game at 2 p.m.)
    • Cheshire HS (one game at 2)
    • Bunnell HS (one game at 2)
    • Sheehan HS (one game at 2)
    • East Haven HS (one game at 2)
    • Falcon Field, Meriden (one game at 2)
    • West Haven HS (two games at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.)
  • Final games will be held on Friday-Saturday, December 9-10, 2011 – Rentschler Field (One game on Friday evening / Three games on Saturday, times TBA)

State Championship games are the week after at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. One game Friday, Dec. 9. Three games Saturday, Dec. 10.

—-

*Note: A tip of the cap to the late Shoreline Times sports editor Hal Levy, who used to calculate all of the state playoff points by hand. Now it’s done for all over us with the click of a button. Long live, Hal!

More OT Madness: Foran’s 47-41 2 OT victory over Guilford

Monday, November 14, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
Comment
Comments
|
|

Newtown-Bunnell wasn’t the only crazy OT game in Week 9.

Though it didn’t pack the playoff intrigue as Saturday’s heavyweight fight in Stratford, Thursday saw a tit-for-tat battle between SCC Division II combatants Guilford and Foran, won by the Lions on Dave Yerxa’s TD run.

This game was filmed by rogue cameraman RickVolk21, who’s gone to a quite a few state games this year capturing highlights from the stands and then Tweeting out links to his YouTube channel. He’s been to a few Foran contests this year. Thankfully, he was at Saturday’s game and treats us to a good one.

Enjoy.

The sickest highlight reel of the year: Newtown 54, Bunnell 48 OT (The Movie!)

Sunday, November 13, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
Comment
Comments(54)
|
|

No introduction needed.

This was the game of the year in the SWC, possibly the game of the year in the region.

Newtown’s 54-48 overtime victory over Bunnell.

It’s probably the sickest video I’ve ever produced. Great theater guys. It was a pleasure to watch.

It clinched a state playoff berth for Newtown and added an SWC trophy to the stakes of its annual Thanksgiving game with Masuk.

Try to watch this reel without chewing your nails off, or ruining the upholstery. And make sure you take your heart medicine.

Roll film.

Newtown-Bunnell: The Day After (plus, state playoff clinchers)

Sunday, November 13, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
Comment
Comments(7)
|
|

Mike Lengel celebrates a fumble recovery in Saturday's SWC game-of-the-year vs Bunnell in Stratford. Newtown qualified for the state playoffs with the victory and faces Masuk for the league title on Thanksgiving Eve.

Jawad Chisholm, left, Andrew Calzone, right, tackle Newtown's Dan Herbert in Saturday's SWC heavyweight fight vs. Bunnell in Stratford.

After a delirious celebration on the eastern end of Bulldog Field, the thousands of previous events of the afternoon finally caught up to the Newtown football team. Panting, coughing, wheezing, chugging water bottles, they were at last told to get off their feet and gather around their coach.

They did so, thankfully, utterly spent, leaving their souls scattered among the souls of the Bunnell football players on the Bulldog Field turf.

Newtown 54, Bunnell 48. Final. Overtime.

“Guys,” Newtown coach Steve George said. “Out of all the years I’ve been here that was the most exciting game I’ve been a part of. And I’ve been around here along time now. You kept fighting and you did what you had to do.”

To a man, they all agreed. Best game they’ve ever been a part of. “Nothing comes close,” junior Dan Hebert said.

“Absolutely,” senior Lou Fenaroli said.

“This is the best day of my life,” senior lineman Hunter Bassett said.

While there have been plenty of games like this over the years, that this one was played on the final day of the penultimate week of the season — when the stakes are at their highest — crammed as much meaning into Saturday’s SWC showdown as any playoff game. The winner would move on to the playoffs. The loser was finished.

And it played out exactly like a heavyweight fight and an Olympic ping-pong battle all rolled into one. Haymaker after haymaker after haymaker until, finally, one mistake led to opportunity led to victory and defeat.

Fumble. Recovery. Hand off. Touchdown. Game Over.

Two teams entered. One team left.

“We left it all on the field,” Bunnell quarterback Bryan Castelot said.

“This is as tough as it gets,” vanquished Bunnell coach Craig Bruno said. “But they deserved it.”

They’re going to be talking about this game for the rest of their lives.

And what a way to end Week 9.

ELSEWHERE on Week 9 Saturday … Staples handled Westhill to punch its FCIAC title ticket along side Greenwich. And Westhill coach Dick Cerone, whose team played both squads, thinks fans should do themselves a favor and check that final out on Thanksgiving. … Stamford kept its faint playoff hopes alive with a 28-20 victory over McMahon. …St. Joseph isn’t going to defend its title, but it earned a small victory with its second straight win. …And, of course, the Saturday roundup which includes everything except Bullard-Havens loss to Cheney Tech.

On Week 9 Friday, we saw Notre Dame-West Haven move closer to a Class L playoff berth with a dominant victory over Fairfield Prep. …Matt Milano returned for New Canaan and led the Rams to a rout of Trumbull. … Norwalk took care of Ludlowe to move within a game of qualifying for the state playoffs. …Masuk crushed Weston to up its win streak to 22 games and continue its playoff course. …Pomperaug handled Stratford to keep breathing in the Class LL playoff race. …Bethel pounded Immaculate to stay alive in Class M. …Brookfield pounded New Milford. …And, of course, the Friday night roundup, which details how sophomores Connor Wallon and Ed Kochiss helped Shelton to a
big 42-28 victory over Cheshire. [VIDEO AT RIGHT]

And, finally, on Week 9 Thursday we watched Greenwich beat Danbury 17-7 with a stifling defensive effort and qualify for the FCIAC championship game. [VIDEO AT RIGHT] …Foran dug deep to defeat Guilford in (yet another) overtime thriller.

But, like Newtown, we aren’t done yet.

The Clinch is In

While Newtown players cheered about ‘Going to the ‘Ship!’ — a second-consecutive SWC Thanksgiving title game tilt with arch rival (and overwhelming favorite) Masuk in Monroe — they had unknowingly earned a berth in the Class LL state playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Yes, Newtown has clinched. As did 10 other state teams this weekend according to the H.A.L. Super Playoff Computer (aka the official CIAC State Playoff worksheet. And, of course, our good friend Ned Griffen at the Day of New London who first reported it at (looks at Twitter), 4:30 a.m. this fine Sunday morning.

In Class LL…

Xavier (9-0), Staples (8-0), and Conard (9-0) and Newtown (8-1) have clinched berths in the 2011 playoff field.

12 more teams are mathematically alive. In order, Hall (8-1), Norwalk (7-1), Greenwich (8-1), Ridgefield (7-2), Shelton (7-2), Pomperaug (7-2), Glastonbury (6-2), NFA (6-2), Stamford (6-2), Hartford Public (7-2), West Haven (6-3), New Britain (6-3) and Southington (6-3).

In Class L…

Windsor (9-0) and Hand (9-0) have clinched.

12 more teams are mathematically alive.

In order: 2. Coventry/Windham Tech (7-0), 3. Masuk (9-0), 4. New London (7-1), 5. New Canaan (8-1), 6. Notre Dame-West Haven (7-2), 7. North Haven (8-1), 8. Darien (8-1), 9. Farmington (7-1), Bunnell (7-2), 10. Torrington (7-2), 11. Middletown (6-2) and 12. Avon (6-2).

In Class M…

Ansonia (9-0) has clinched.

16 more teams are mathematically alive.

In order: 2. Ellington/Somers 7-0), 3. Ledyard (8-1), 4. Cheney Tech (8-1), 5. Berlin (8-1), 6. Waterford (6-2), 7. Wolcott (7-2), 8. Gilbert/Northwestern (6-2), 9. Stonington (5-3), 10. Bethel (6-3), 11. Hillhouse (6-3), 12. Putnam/Tourtellotte/Ellis Tech (6-3), 13. Bullard-Havens, 14. Enfield (6-3), 15. Montville (5-4), 16. Tolland (4-4).

In Class S…

Capital Prep/Classical Magnet (9-0), Valley Regional/Old Lyme (9-0), Holy Cross (8-1) have clinched.

19 more teams are mathematically alive (some barely). In order:

4. North Branford (7-1), 5. Northwest Catholic (7-1), 6. Cromwell (7-2), 7. Rocky Hill (6-2), 8. Haddam-Killingworth (6-2), 9. Weston (6-3), 10. Prince Tech (6-3), 11. Bloomfield (5-3), 12. Griswold (5-3), 13. Coginchaug (5-3), 14. Seymour (5-4), 15. Killingly (5-4), 16. Woodland (5-4), 17. Plainville (4-4), 18. Old Saybrook/Westbrook (4-4), 19. Housatonic/Wamogo (4-4).

More to come…

Page 3 of 512345