Archive for September, 2012

Sunday Crunch: Mufasha, St. Joseph states their case

Sunday, September 30, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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St. Joseph's Mufasha Abdul Basir busts loose during St. Joseph's 35-28 2OT win over Darien on Saturday.

They call him the ‘Lion King,’ an endearing reference to his name, “Mufasha,” and the namesake of the titular character from the popular Disney franchise.

Like his namesake, Mufasha Abdul Basir grew up before our eyes Saturday at Darien High School. Called upon to make the biggest play of the young season, Abdul Basir, his legs pumping, his shoulders churning, squeezed through the Darien defensive front and fell — just barely — over the goal line to write himself into St. Joseph’s 2012 season highlight reel and lift the Hogs into contender status.

Of course, St. Joseph’s defense had to do some work to secure the exhilarating 35-28 victory. But it was Mufasha’s hard yards in double overtime, necessary after St. Joseph had shanked what would have been the winning chip-shot field goal in OT 1, that secured St. Joseph’s contender status.

“If you don’t want to play this game, you can’t play this game,” he said. “This is a hard-hitting game and you have to want to be great to play this game. And our team wanted to be great, I wanted to be great. I came in with a mindset that I wasn’t going to go down, no matter what. I’m going to keep my feet moving and whoever dares run toward me, I gotta go get it.”

His clutch, 1-yard plunge was reminiscent of the team’s last great running back, Tyler Matakevich, who helped St. Joseph win back-to-back state championships only two years ago. (Aside: Matakevich probably would have leaped over the pile, though).

With a week off from Temple, Matakevich was on the sidelines to watch his former teammates earn their biggest win since he played in the 2010 Class S championship over Ansonia. Mufasha was just an eight-grader then, but the presence of his idol had an effect.

“He’s a great guy and a great inspiration,” Abdul Basir said. “He works hella hard. I kinda wanted to win for him.”

Darien #35 Tommy DiMauro draws the defense as Darien High School hosts St. Joseph High School in varsity football in Darien, CT on Sept. 29, 2012. Photo: Shelley Cryan

The Blue Wave fell to 2-1 and coach Rob Trifone lamented his team playing without star back Peter Gesualdi for the second time and attributed its ineffectiveness during St. Joseph’s comeback to the limited availability of standout lineman Matt D’Andrea. “Put simply, it killed us,” he said. “He’s the best offensive and defensive player we have and when he got tired, it made it difficult.”

But he took some positives out of the close loss.

“…Playing the way we did without Peter Gesualdi, who will be back next week, shows we can play with anybody,” Trifone said.

And so St. Joseph-Darien lived up to its billing. It added St. Joseph, which went 4-6 a year ago, to a crowded house of early FCIAC contenders alongside Darien, Greenwich (2-0) Trinity Catholic (3-0), New Canaan (2-1), Ridgefield (2-1), Stamford (2-1), Westhill (2-1), Wilton (2-1) and Danbury (1-1, 2-1 overall). Staples (3-0) remains the hunted team. And, based on Week 4′s schedule, it doesn’t seem as if there will be much change as we head into midseason.

Same goes for the SWC, which saw little change from last week’s surprises. Barlow, Oxford, Masuk and Newtown won big. Brookfield beat New Milford to set up its grudge match with Newtown on Friday. Masuk at Bunnell is another game to watch.

In the SCC, Fairfield Prep earned some stripes by hanging tough with No. 1 Xavier despite allowing D’Angelo Berry to score two touchdowns on his first two touches of the day. It had the earmarks of a blowout, but Fairfield Prep kept the margin within two touchdowns until the fourth quarter.

“Maybe we had stars in our eyes,” coach Tom Shea said. “But we have to learn that games are 48 minutes long, not 46, unfortunately.”

Though they eventually lost 35-14, Fairfield Prep suddenly doesn’t look like it will be a pushover against some of the other squads on its schedule. The Jesuits don’t play Hand, get West Haven late. Hmm…

Shelton beat back a strong challenge from David Attolino and Amity to earn a critical 34-28 victory.

One of the league’s most surprising results from Friday was West Haven’s 34-13 victory over Notre Dame-West Haven. The score wasn’t surprising, but ND back Cameran Tucker’s performance was downright shocking. He blasted off for 323 yards and Notre Dame only scored 13 points. However it happened, Notre Dame is 1-2 and West Haven is 3-0.

And, finally, in the NVL, the only result of note was Torrington’s big, 24-21 upset victory over Holy Cross. The Crusaders will not be 3-0 heading into Friday’s game vs. Ansonia. Has the luster faded on the last great NVL hope?

EXTRA POINTS: Congratulations to Trumbull coach Bob Maffei for getting win No. 100 in Trumbull’s 35-7 win over Ludlowe. The Eagles snapped a 9-game losing streak dating back a week before program patriarch Jerry McDougall died. …Central quarterback Xavier Hardison suffered a concussion and was carted off the field during his team’s wild, 36-30, loss to Danbury. He was up and about Tweeting on Sunday morning that he was OK. His return to the field is doubtful for next week vs. Westhill.

Saturday’s Regional Roundup

ALSO: Ned Griffen of The Day has your Weekend ‘Polecat’ roundup for statewide news.

Week 3 Primer and live updates: Rain, postponements galore (updated)

Friday, September 28, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Weston's #4 Erik Dammen-Brower crosses into the endzone for a touchdown, during football action against Pomperaug in Southbury, Conn. on Friday September 28, 2012. Photo: Christian Abraham / Connecticut Post


Week 3 began as a mess with rain, rain and more rain fudging with the schedules.

But there was football played Friday night and there were a few intriguing results, especially up north, where nary a drop fell after kickoff.

Along Route I-84, Tyler Hassett and Weston hit a landmark victory when they rallied back to defeat Pomperaug for the first time in school history.

Ridgefield suspended quarterback Connor Rowe, but still defeated Stamford 24-7.

Staples had no trouble with McMahon 55-14.

Meanwhile, in the underwater league (aka, SCC): West Haven defeated Notre Dame-WH. Hand handled Cheshire. Foran defeated Sheehan. Guilford hammered Lyman Hall. Hillhouse took care of Branford.

FRIDAY’S RESULTS/POSTPONEMENTS

  • CSC: Putnam/Tourtellotte/Ellis Tech at Platt Tech, Saturday, 4:30
  • FCIAC: Ridgefield 24, Stamford 7 | Wilton at Bassick, ppd Saturday, 10:30 | Danbury at Central, ppd Saturday, 11 | Staples 55, McMahon 14 | Fairfield Ludlowe at Trumbull, ppd Saturday, 10
  • NVL: Wolcott at Crosby | Holy Cross at Torrington, ppd. Saturday, 10 a.m. | St. Paul Catholic at Naugatuck, ppd Saturday, 7:30
  • SCC: Hand 35, Cheshire 7 | West Haven 34, ND-West Haven 13 | Amity at Shelton, ppd. Saturday, 1:30 | Fairfield Prep at Xavier, ppd Saturday, 7 | Foran 26, Sheehan 7 | Hillhouse 32, Branford 18 | Guilford 56, Lyman Hall 7 | Law at Hamden, Saturday, noon
  • SWC: ND-Fairfield at Barlow, ppd. Saturday, 4 | Bunnell at New Fairfield, ppd. Monday, 6 | Immaculate at Masuk, ppd. Saturday, 7 | Newtown vs. Stratford at Bunnell HS, ppd. Saturday, 10 | Oxford at Bethel, ppd. Saturday, 7 | Weston 21, Pomperaug 20

For a full schedule that updates automatically, check the CIAC here.

Plenty of games Saturday, follow the live blog for more.

Live Blog

Derby-Ansonia XC: No Newsome? No problem

Thursday, September 27, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Ansonia's #4 Andrew Matos, left, looks to dodge a tackle by Derby's #7 Dillon McMahon, during football action in Ansonia, Conn. on Thursday September 27, 2012. Photo: Christian Abraham / Connecticut Post

For a sportswriter on deadline, the 90th Ansonia-Derby meeting was a dream game.

First off, it was over quickly (that, my friends is the ultimate sportswriter’s dream).

Second, it came custom built with an all-to-easy newspaper lead by halftime. It was so easy, when told what was happening at Jarvis Stadium, every sports editor in the Connecticut Post newsroom called it in unison:

Standout back Arkeel Newsome managed just 34 yards on six carries. The Chargers still beat Derby 48-6.

Yep. Ansonia made sports writing seem as easy as how Ansonia looked in dispatching Derby on Thursday night.

Newsome was hobbled by a slight ankle injury during the game’s first few plays and spent the last three quarters on the sideline with a wrap around his leg.

No worries. Receiver Andrew Matos took the ball and scored three touchdowns — two running, two receiving. Jai’Quan McKnight threw a pair of touchdown passes and ran for another.

Ansonia won its 14th straight game against an NVL opponent and improved to 3-0.

As for Newsome, the injury didn’t seem too serious and coach Tom Brockett said as much. Newsome scored a short touchdown and had a 2-point conversion late in the first quarter. He carried the ball just six times before retiring for the night.

But, hey, who needed Newsome when everyone else in Lavender was doing just fine?

Let Newsome rest the leg. Ansonia has Holy Cross coming up next week. Let the rest of the boys have some fun for a change.

As for Derby, though disappointing, it wasn’t an surprising result. Ansonia’s just that good, apparently. The Red Raiders are still pretty good by the rest of the league’s standards. They still have a great shot at that elusive winning season. They just got run over by a bulldozer tonight.

This is Ansonia’s league, everyone else is just a stage prop.

We’ll have some short highlights, photos and the game story from our man on the scene.

(Let’s see if his lead fits ours…. Update: Close enough. We’re all different.)

The primer and live update blog will be up tomorrow.

Thursday night results

  • NVL: Ansonia 48, Derby 6
  • SCC: North Haven 47, East Haven 3
  • CSC: Prince Tech 48, O’Brien Tech 0

Note: For those of you who are wondering about the headline. XC = 90.

SPB’s Guide to Week 3′s Games

Thursday, September 27, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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We had a change in the schedule. Derby takes on Ansonia Thursday night in the 90th meeting between the two schools. Here’s our preview capsule.

Also, as requested by our faithful readers from out shoreline way, we’ve added the entire SCC slate to the Guide to the Games.

So, yes, Madison, Guilford, New Haven, North Haven, Branford, East Haven, Cheshire and Wallingford. Get your Friday snark here.

POSTPONEMENTS (because I’m not changing the guide anymore): The East Haven at North Haven game has also been pushed to tonight.

♦♦♦

Coggins decommits from Boston College (ESPN-Boston)

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Sacred Heart receiver David Coggins has de-commited from Boston College, according to a report in ESPN-Boston on Wednesday evening.

Coggins, who has made news recently for being embroiled in a recruiting scandal that ended with him receiving a four-game suspension from the CIAC, told the website he was rescinding his verbal commitment because, “I wanted to keep my options open and see what else is out there,” he said.

Coggins told ESPN-Boston Temple and Illinois are now in the mix along with Boston College. He also has an offer from Central Connecticut State.

“BC isn’t out of the picture,” Coggins told ESPN-Boston. “I’m hoping more schools call after the season.

The senior, who has caught 139 passes for 2,256 yards and 17 touchdowns, hasn’t played since his sophomore year. He broke his ankle in last year’s preseason.

An independent investigation found Naugatuck coach Rob Plasky violated CIAC rules by giving $1,000 to Coggins’ guardian Meme Martin in an effort to help Coggins transfer to Naguatuck. Plasky resigned immediately after the allegations were revealed in August.

On Sept. 20, the CIAC hit Naugatuck with a $7,500 fine and probation. It suspended Coggins and teammates Javon Martin and Xavier Woods four games apiece. They will be eligible to return for Sacred Heart on Oct. 12 when the team plays Crosby.

“I didn’t know my legal guardian took the money,” Coggins told ESPN-Boston. “I wanted to transfer because I couldn’t afford Sacred Heart. Some of that money was for tuition [past due]. Now I have my tuition [reduced].”

Further reading:

Hillhouse’s Dyer won’t miss games as result of grade-tampering suspension

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Hillhouse coach Tom Dyer

According to a report in the New Haven Independent, the suspensions handed down by New Haven Superintendent Reginald Mayo will not keep Hillhouse coach Tom Dyer from missing any games as head coach.

An investigation found that Dyer and four others attempted to mislead the NCAA and/or others by tampering with grades and course descriptions.

Dyer, part-time administrator Ed Scarpa, Hillhouse assistant principal Ed Nguyen and Riverside school principal Wanda Gibbs, each met with Mayo and given two-day, unpaid suspensions from their jobs.

Hillhouse principal Kermit Carolina, who maintains he’s innocent of the charges, will not learn his fate until he meets with Mayo, the New Haven Indy reported.

Update: Carolina was given a three-day suspension Wednesday, according to New Haven Indy.

Dyer’s suspension will be served Monday and Tuesday.

Dyer has been the Hillhouse coach since 2007. He won a state championship in 2010.

Update: CIAC media director Joel Cookson said the CIAC’s position on these matters is that if any CIAC violations took place, it’s up to the school district to report it.

Derby at Ansonia game moved to Thursday

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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The 90th meeting between Derby and Ansonia at Jarvis Stadium has been moved to Thursday (tomorrow!) at 6:30 p.m.

According to Derby coach George French, Ansonia has said the threat of rain on Friday and Saturday would be too much for its newly-sodded field to handle. The original turf was destroyed by a nighttime joy-rider before the season began.

The game would have had to been moved to Thursday or Monday. The rivals chose Thursday.

Plan accordingly.

SPB’s Elite 8: Week 3

Tuesday, September 25, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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We’re all shook up heading into Week 3 of the high school football season. Some surprising local results have us scratching our heads and thinking about what’s what. What to do with teams like Trinity Catholic, Stamford and Westhill. What do do with Brookfield, Weston and Barlow? Only so many spots, so many teams to consider.

It’s been trendy to pump up the underdogs who barked so loudly around here last week.

But we’re going slightly conservative on this week’s EE.

For now, we’ll give the establishment the benefit of the doubt while waiting to see what some of those hot-button teams do next before we frantically start pushing them.

So, here we go:

GREENWICH (2-0; Up next: bye); DARIEN (2-0; Up next: Saturday vs. St. Joseph); MASUK (2-0; Up Next: Friday vs. Immaculate) — For the most part, all three teams mopped the floor with their Week 2 opponents. Greenwich handled Bassick, Darien beat Warde and Masuk beat New Milford.

All of them have moved up mostly because West Haven has moved down (we’ll get to that). Masuk takes the biggest jump into the No. 5 slot. Tough call between Masuk and Darien right now.

ST. JOSEPH (1-1; Up Next: at Darien, Saturday) – The Hogs make their debut in the Elite 8 thanks to their dismantling of Wilton. Caught them in person and here’s what sticks out: They’re huge (QB Jordan Vazzano would be a tackle on practically every other high school football team in Connecticut) and they play tough defense.

Yeah, they’re 1-1, but we give them credit for making Staples sweat in Week 1.

Now comes the tough part: Staying here. They travel to Darien in the region’s biggest and best Saturday encounter.

TRINITY CATHOLIC (2-0; Up Next: Harding, Saturday); BROOKFIELD (2-0, Up Next: at New Milford, Saturday); BARLOW (2-0; Up Next: vs. Notre Dame-Fairfield); STAMFORD (2-0; Up Next: at Ridgefield, Friday) — These teams made the most noise in Week 3. Trinity, of course, nipped New Canaan. Brookfield blitzed Bunnell. Barlow hammered Bethel; Stamford crushed Norwalk.

Intriguing. But now here comes the Big Question: Are these teams for real? Maybe, but it’s not enough to leap them into the Elite 8 just yet. We have our eyes wide open.

Yes, Westhill is not on this list. They lost convincingly to Trinity Catholic in Week 1 and beat a Trumbull squad that hasn’t won since program patriarch Jerry McDougall died last October. It’s going to take a little more.

We also considered Derby or Weston among the missed. But we think Derby will have to beat Ansonia or, failing that, win a few more NVL games. Ditto Weston. We’ll just say they’re all close.

WEST HAVEN (2-0; Up Next: at Notre Dame-WH, Friday) – Think of this as a slap on the wrist. After giving our due respect to Guilford, which manned-up and didn’t back down to the big, bad Westies of SCC Division I, we were a little disappointed that West Haven found itself down 14-0. That kind of behavior is not befitting a Top 8 squad, boys.

You have been warned. Notre Dame won’t be so forgiving.

NEW CANAAN (1-1; Up Next: at Fairfield Warde, Saturday) — Trinity Catholic’s 31-28 upset might be the first legitimate crack in New Canaan’s armor we’ve seen since… 2004? The Rams, who drop from No. 8 into the ‘Missed,’ have some work to do if they want to reclaim their mojo.

BUNNELL, WILTON, NORWALK have all dropped out of the ‘Missed.’ Now they’re just missing.

STAPLES (2-0; Up Next: vs. McMahon, Friday): Just crushed Central. Wow.

ANSONIA (2-0; Up Next: vs. Derby, Friday): Just crushed Woodland. Wow.

FAIRFIELD PREP (2-0; Up Next: at Xavier): We love Fairfield Prep’s spirit after winning its first two games. Well done. This next game is an entirely different story, altogether.

“It’s an entirely different story.”

That was an ‘Airplane!’ joke.

RIDGEFIELD (1-1; Up Next: vs. Stamford): Ridgefield won their first game, handily taking care of Ludlowe. Now the Tigers get Stamford in what suddenly looks like a big test against Stamford. Can’t slip up now, guys.

SHELTON (1-1; Up Next: vs. Amity): See above. Insert ‘Foran’ for Ludlowe and ‘Amity’ for Stamford.

Vote now! What’s Week 3′s Game of the Week?

Tuesday, September 25, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Trinity Catholic-New Canaan was overwhelmingly voted Week 2′s ‘Game of the Week’ by you, the ever wise high school football fans, players and coaches.

That turned out to be the correct response. (Though it might have got a few write-in votes, we didn’t include Westhill-Trumbull as an option. Silly us. But, based purely on meaning as well as excitement, we still think TC-NC was the big winner).

Anyway, so you picked that one right. Hooray.

Let’s see how smart you guys are now.

What’s the game of the week for Week 3? Not as many choices this time, but there are some good candidates.

Whaddyagot for us, knaves?

That’s a wrap Week 2

Monday, September 24, 2012 by:Gary Rogo
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A look back at the who did and said what in Week 2 of the 2012 high school football season.

Compiled by Gary Rogo, Executive Sports Editor of Hearst CT Newspapers, and the Hearst CT Staff.

Bulldozers

  • Trinity Catholic's Shaquan Howsie carries the ball during Saturday's game against New Canaan at Trinity Catholic High School on September 22, 2012. (Lindsay Niegelberg)

    John Shannon, Bullard-Havens: Ran for 163 yards and three TDs on just five carries in 47-0 shutout of Wolcott.

  • Joe Pacheco, New Fairfield: Rushed for 223 yards and two TDs in a 49-0 shutout of Immaculate.
  • James Semonella, Amity: Rushed for 172 yards and two TDs in 58-14 rout of Sheehan. Teammates Dave Attolonio (122 yards, 2 TDs) and Corey Ricks (108 yards 2 TDs) also contributed on the ground.
  • Sam Gravitte, Ridgefield: Rushed for three TDs (8, 4 and 3 yards) and caught a 58-yard scoring pass from Connor Rowe in a 41-14 victory over Fairfield Ludlowe.
  • Kyle Jordan and Trevon Forney McMahon: Jordan, a senior, rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries in the Senators’ 41-14 dismantling of Harding. Forney, a junior, added touchdown runs of 53 and 21 yards.
  • Alex Lockwood, Barlow: Ran for 224 yards and scored on all four of his carries, from 75, 6, 64 and 80 yards, in a 48-20 dismantling of Bethel.
  • Cooper Gold, Newtown: Rushed 118 yards and two TDs on 14 carries and caught a pass for another score in a 42-7 rout of Pomperaug.
  • Cameron Webb, Stamford: Carried 16 times for 146 yards and two TDs and added a 28-yard TD reception as Black Knights routed Norwalk 48-7.
  • Jack Massie and Nick Kelly, Staples: Kelly, who missed the opener with concussion-like symptoms, rushed for two scores and 66 yards on six carries as the Wreckers ran past Central 49-6. Massie ran for scores of 57 and 5 yards.
  • Shaquan Howsie, Trinity Catholic: Finished with 139 yards and two TDs on 22 carries in the Crusaders’ 31-28 upset of New Canaan in overtime.
  • Sam Breiner, Stratford: Ran for 97 yards in less than three quarters of work in Stratford’s 37-14 win over ND-Fairfield.
  • Kory Brown, Brookfield: Ran for a pair of touchdowns in a 33-18 win over Bunnell.

Gunslingers

Jordan Vazzano celebrates after scoring on a 72-yard touchdown run vs. Wilton Saturday. Photo by Autumn Driscoll

  • Jose Melo, Greenwich: Junior completed 13-of-18 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns in Greenwich’s 48-2 win over Bassick.

  • Henry Baldwin, Darien: Threw four TD passes (26, 59 yards, 61 and 67 yards) in 44-21 rout of Warde.
  • Jordan Vazzano, St. Joseph: Completed 11 of 18 passes for 181 yards and two TDs and ran 72 yards for another score in 34-0 blanking of Wilton.
  • Brad Westmark, Brookfield: Junior lit up Bunnell for 391 yards and two scores on 25-of-35 passing in a decisive 33-18 victory
  • Jai’Quan McKnight, Ansonia: Sophomore connected with senior Andrew Matos on three TDs (79, 43 and 24 yards) and ran for a score in a 47-16 victory over Woodland.
  • Mark Piccirillo, Shelton: In his first varsity start, completed 14 of 28 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-8 victory over Foran
  • Malik Cummings, Masuk: Threw for 289 yards and two TDs in a 41-21 defeat of New Milford.

Gamebreakers

  • Tyler Hassett, Weston: Returned an interception 76 yards for a TD; on offense ran 26 yards for a score and threw a 27-yard TD pass in a 32-14 defeat of Oxford.
  • Noah Provo, Stratford: Ran 10 yards for the game’s first score, then returned an interception 99 yards for a TD in a 37-14 beating of Notre Dame-Fairfield.
  • Thomas Milone, Masuk: Rushed for 103 yards and four TDs and caught five passes for 82 yards and a fifth TD in a 41-21 defeat of New Milford.
  • Davell Cotterell, Westhill: 193 yards rushing on 27 carries and 2 TDs, 3 receptions for 34 yards and a TD, and a 62-yard kickoff return in a 37-30 overtime victory over Trumbull. Finished with 339 all-purpose yards. The victory ended a 20-game losing streak and a 39-year winless streak against Trumbull.
  • Nick Lombardo, Darien: Caught three passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns in Darien’s rout of Fairfield Warde.
  • Nick Biasetti and Boeing Brown, Brookfield: Biasetti, a junior, caught 8 passes for 143 yards, and Brown, a converted quarterback, chipped in with seven catches for 121 yards and one score in the victory over Bunnell.
  • Joe Kelly, Greenwich: Senior tight end had three receptions for 86 yards, including touchdown catches of 40 and 41 yards for the Cardinals, who beat Bassick, 48-2
  • John Benalcazer, Trinity Catholic: Kicked a game-winning 21-yard in the Crusaders’ upset of New Canaan, 28 years to the day of Trinity’s last victory over the Rams.

Brick Walls

  • Malik Whittaker, McMahon: Junior cornerback scored on a 36-yard interception return in a 41-14 rout of Harding. On offense he carried five times for 57 yards and a touchdown.
  • Austin Gomar, Weston: Keep Oxford off-stride with two second-half sacks, forcing a fumble in a 32-14 victory.
  • Sergio Colon, Stratford: Had two interceptions in the Red Devils’ win over ND-Fairfield.
  • Tyrae Small, Derby: Blocked an extra-point kick to help preserve Red Raiders’ 21-20 victory over Naugatuck. Also intercepted a pass.
  • Casey Burdick, Brookfield — Intercepted two passes in Brookfield’s 33-18 win over bunnell.

Valiant in defeat

  • Jack Barfuss, New Canaan: Caught TD passes of 28, 29 and 18 yards in 31-28 overtime loss to Trinity Catholic.
  • Quentin Brunetti, Trumbull: Quarterback completed 17 of 37 passes for 227 yards and 2 TDs in 37-30 overtime loss to Westhill.
  • Andrew Calzone, Bunnell – Caught a pair of touchdown passes in Bunnell’s loss to Brookfield
  • Joe Piantik, Bethel – Ran for a 50-yard score and threw for two more in a 48-20 loss to Barlow.

“…There are ghosts here. Maybe we stirred them a little bit.”

Trinity Catholic coach Peter Stokes on beating New Canaan 31-28 in overtime.

“If words could explain it I would tell you…”

Shaquan Howsie on the feeling of beating New Canaan for first time in 28 years.

“I learned a long time ago that you have to go to your players, not your playbook. So we came in with a good game plan: Give the ball to No. 7.”

Westhill coach Frank Marcucio on his team’s 37-30 OT win over Trumbull, and tailback Dave Cotterell

Stamford's Cameron Webb carries the ball during Friday's game against Norwalk High School at Stamford High School on September 21, 2012. Photo: Lindsay Niegelberg / Stamford Advocate

“Everything just clicked together. I dedicate my performance to Marcus.”

–Stamford back Cameron Webb on his team’s 47-7 rout of Norwalk.

“That was an old-fashioned there boys.”

Norwalk coach Sean Ireland, omitting a few words in describing his team’s loss to Stamford.

“The kid can sling it, huh?”

Brookfield coach Rich Angarano on quarterback Brad Westmark, who was 25-of-35 for 391 yards and three touchdowns in an eye-opening win over Bunnell

“This means we’re back.”

Brookfield captain Tom Salvatore on a 33-18 win over Bunnell

“This isn’t the old Abbott Tech anymore. We’re a good team and we’re looking for Ws.”

Abbott Tech quarterback Greg Ramos after a 28-26 overtime loss to 2011 playoff team Cheney Tech

“I feel I’m starting to get the hang of it. I just felt comfortable back there. Making the proper reads and making the proper passes.”

Ansonia quarterback Jai’Quan Knight in an understatement after torching Woodland on 8-of-9 passing for 216 yards and three touchdowns in a 47-16 victory.

FCIAC

  • Stamford at Ridgefield, Friday, 7 – So Stamford wants to be a player, huh? Maybe they should beat up on someone of their caliber? Seriously, suddenly this is a big game.
  • St. Joseph at Darien, Saturday, 1:30 – If St. Joseph really is legit, it can muddle the FCIAC championship race with a victory here. Darien has mowed down two Fairfield teams and the Hogs flexed their biceps by dismantling Wilton. Get your tickets now.
  • McMahon at Staples, Friday, 7 — Both teams are 2-0, but just how far apart are they? This was a barn-burner last season. McMahon’s two-headed running attack of Trey Forney and Kyle Jordan vs. the Staples chimera: Frusciante, Kelly, Zelkowitz and Massie (among others).

SWC

  • Newtown at Stratford, Friday, 7 – Newtown found its new tailback and seems to have rounded into form with a dominant victory over Pomperaug. Now the Hawks just need to get Danny Hebert involved. Stratford wants to prove it’s for real.
  • Weston at Pomperaug, Friday, 7 – Pomperaug’s struggles aside, this would be a pretty big win for Weston, especially when you think of how far it’ll go in getting the Trojans a state playoff berth. Pomperaug would love to build beyond a foundation.

SCC

  • Fairfield Prep at Xavier, Friday, 7 – Fairfield Prep’s BACK! …Or is it? It’s more likely the Jesuits will be found flat on their backs at Palmer Field. But who knows for sure…?
  • Amity at Shelton, Friday, 7 – These old Housatonic League rivals face off in a “reclamation project” game. They both lost their opening games and then dominated in Week 2. The winner gets to feel a heckuva lot better at 2-1.
  • Cheshire at Hand, Friday, 7 – Cheshire’s Don Drust is undefeated as head coach. OK, so he’s only 2-0. But the underdog Rams can go a long way in removing that “interim” tag.
  • West Haven at Notre Dame-West Haven, Friday, 7 – The Westies were down 14-0 against Guilford and moved up in the state polls? The Green Knights would love to prove that was a mistake in the annual Battle of West Haven. (We’re sure the West Haven coaches hate having to play at Veterans Field for a second-straight year).

NVL

  • Derby at Ansonia, Friday, 7 — Derby is 2-0 and looking good after their solid 21-20 victory over Naugatuck. Asking them to go 3-0 might be a bit too much against their hated rivals, especially the way Ansonia’s playing right now. This will be the 90th meeting between the two schools. Ansonia leads the series 53-28-8.

CSC

  • Abbott Tech at Bullard-Havens, Saturday, noon –Abbott Tech’s playing well despite losing in double-overtime to Cheney Tech. Bullard-Havens, meanwhile, looks unstoppable in the CSC.
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