Archive for November 1st, 2012

SWC erases championship week in favor of rescheduled games

Thursday, November 1, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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In contrast to the FCIAC, which is squeezing its final two weeks of the regular season into one week, the SWC has taken the easy step of rescheduling all of their Week 8 football games for the week of Nov. 17, which is typically reserved for its annual championship game.

The championship was supposed to be held Nov. 15 at Bunnell. But ‘Superstorm’ Sandy created enough local havoc that the league’s athletic directors deemed it necessary to use that week for postponed games.

As for actually determining a league champion, Bunnell athletic director Dave Johnson said the SWC’s priorities were making sure all 10 CIAC games were completed.

“Once those games are completed then the football committee will make a decision,” Johnson told reporter Mike Cardillo. “How we decide a league championship, we’re not going to worry about it today.”

The SWC is in a similar situation as the FCIAC.

It has three unbeaten teams remaining. Like Staples and Greenwich in the FCIAC, league favorites Newtown (7-0) and Masuk (7-0) are scheduled to play Thanksgiving eve (Nov. 21).

Playing the part of Trinity Catholic is Barlow (7-0). Barlow is scheduled to face Masuk in Week 9. Barlow does not face Newtown this season.

The general feeling is if Masuk defeats Barlow, the Thanksgiving Day game will serve as the de facto championship for the third consecutive year. But if Barlow defeats Masuk then the SWC would likely have to make a decision to either crown co-champions, or no champion at all.

But unlike the FCIAC, the SWC is not making extraordinary steps to allow a league title game.

Here are the rescheduled SWC Week 8 games:

  • New Fairfield at Pomperaug Nov. 16, 7 p.m.
  • Masuk at Weston, Nov. 15, 7 p.m.
  • New Milford at Stratford, Nov. 17, time TBA
  • Bunnell at Oxford, Nov. 17, noon.
  • Immaculate vs. Newtown, TBA
  • Brookfield at Barlow, TBA
  • Bethel at Notre Dame-Fairfield, TBA
Read more:

Staples’ Petroccio on FCIAC rescheduling squeeze: ‘It is what it is’

Thursday, November 1, 2012 by:Dave Ruden
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Staples coach Marce Petroccio (right) with QB Jack Massie during the Wreckers' game vs. Darien on Saturday, Oct. 27

Staples football coach Marce Petroccio is in a tough situation. His team is in a tougher one.

Based on the revised FCIAC football schedule, the Wreckers — along with Greenwich and Trinity Catholic — could play seven games in 30 days if they reach both the league and state championship games.

Staples is a heavy favorite to run the table and win both. If Petroccio complains about the schedule, he will be viewed as a whiner. If Petroccio says he is pleased with the current situation…lets just say his words may come off as a little disingenuous.

So Petroccio took the high road — or, more accurately, the middle ground — today after having nearly 24 hours to digest the situation.

“It is what it is,” Petroccio said. “What are you going to do? If we are fortunate enough to get to the FCIAC and state games we will deal with it.”

Petroccio said while he may hold one view, he understands that the people at Trinity Catholic are probably looking through a different prism.

“Honest to God, it’s easy to look through my eyes, but look at it through Trinity Catholic’s eyes,” he said. “They are having their best season in 20 years and have a great opportunity.”

About the only time Petroccio strayed from the middle of the road, every so slightly, is when he said, “I think (the FCIAC final) of course should be played. I would have liked a little more time to get ready for three games in a short period of time.”

As for the big question: would Petroccio prefer the revised schedule or canceling the FCIAC championship game, as many have called for, he said, “I’ve got to think about that.”

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