I
s this thing on?
Can anybody see this?
If you can, you’re one of the lucky ones. You have power. Our best to everyone who might still be in the dark. Prayers to everyone who might be in worse shape.
Delayed due to ‘Superstorm Sandy,’ we humbly present to you the Elite 8 for what has become Week 7 1/2 around here.
Only a few games on the schedule for this weekend, mostly in the NVL, SCC and CSC.
The FCIAC won’t play again until Thursday. The SWC won’t play its Week 8 games until Week 10.
So here’s where we stand:
NEWTOWN (7-0; Up next: vs. Bunnell, Nov. 9) — The Hawks took out Bethel easily. They get a week off before facing Bunnell. Then Immaculate. All that’s really left is to see what their Class LL playoff seeding looks like after its game vs. Masuk.
NEW CANAAN (6-1; Up next: vs. Stamford, Nov. 8) — The Rams clawed their way past Wilton thanks to a clutch 46-yard touchdown run by co-quarterback Ted Bossidy and have won five straight games. It hasn’t been pretty, but the Rams are getting the job done.
FAIRFIELD PREP (5-2; Up next: vs. Notre Dame-WH, Nov. 9) – Despite multiple warning signs, the Jesuits couldn’t escape the upset bug going around in Week 7. They were manhandled by Amity in a 24-21 loss. Now the Jesuits’ playoff hopes are in jeopardy.
At least they have another week off to think about it.
Then again, maybe that’s not such a good thing.
STAPLES (6-0; Up next: at Fairfield Warde, Nov. 8) — Just a quick note on “seven games, 30 days” scenario we keep applying to Staples.
It is all contingent on Trinity Catholic. If Trinity somehow defeats Darien and St. Joseph the next two weeks, there will be an FCIAC championship game held on Nov. 17.
In that case, Staples or Greenwich and Trinity would have to play seven games to win a state championship. It doesn’t just apply to Staples.
They’re just the team most likely to do it.
Anyway… Staples is rolling along, with high praise and hyperbole at every turn.
ANSONIA (7-0; Up next: vs. Wolcott, tonight) – The Chargers are wondering what the fuss is all about. They practiced. They’re playing a huge NVL game vs. unbeaten Wolcott as scheduled. Win, and they’re in great shape — not just in the playoff standings, but in grand scheme of the 2012 season.
GREENWICH (6-0; Up next: at McMahon, Nov. 8) – The Cardinals are quietly going about their business, dominating teams on the way to their first state playoff berth since 2007. They’re a virtual lock, but they’re also in the same boat as Staples: hoping “seven games, 30 days” doesn’t become a reality. (And if they’re not hoping that, they’re nuts).
WEST HAVEN (7-0; Up next: vs. Wilbur Cross, Nov. 3) — There was Twitter misinformation (go figure) saying that the Westies would be playing Wilbur Cross on Nov. 15. It has since been debunked. Ervin Phillips and West Haven have to play Cross on Saturday. Then, it’s Xavier week…
MASUK (7-0; Up next: vs. Barlow, Nov. 9) — Superstorm damage notwithstanding, all’s well in Monroe. Week off before a showdown with Barlow. Win and we can call the Thanksgiving Day game the de facto SWC championship.
TRINITY CATHOLIC (7-0; Up next: vs. Darien, Nov. 8) — We sympathize with Trinity Catholic. The Crusaders are having one of the best years in school history and now they must play their two biggest games under duress, like the rest of the FCIAC.
That said, nobody’s crying for the Crusaders. The league is going to extraordinary lengths, making everyone squeeze two games into a week, just to ensure Trinity gets a shot at playing for a league championship.
This insane arrangement is creating some Trinity animosity among some of the more inconvenienced teams.
“I don’t know anybody who thinks this is a good idea,” said St. Joseph coach Joe Della Vecchia, whose team is desperately searching for a field with lights to play its Thursday game vs. Bassick.
The league announced Thursday that it would allow teams to push their Tuesday, Week 9 games up a few days should Trinity Catholic lose to Darien this week.
You can bet there are more than a few coaches who are desperately hoping that happens. It would mean no FCIAC championship and significantly less stress on their burdened schedules.
We love and applaud you, Trinity. But… well, you know…
RIDGEFIELD (5-2; Up next: vs. Harding, Nov. 8) — What the heck happened last week, Tigers? They’d be trending down, but there’s nowhere else to go but out. They’re very close to falling off the map. Shelton thinks they should have.
ST. JOSEPH (5-2; Up next: vs. Bassick, Nov. 8) – As mentioned, St. Joseph is desperately trying to find a place to play their Thursday night game vs. Bassick. A day game isn’t a viable option, Della Vecchia said, because most of his assistants teach at other schools and likely couldn’t get the needed time off to play an afternoon game. Bassick coach Derrick Lewis is looking at possibly moving to Sacred Heart. Kennedy Stadium isn’t an option because Trumbull and Central are playing there. Trumbull’s McDougall Field is a possibility, but much of Trumbull is still dark as of this writing.
Oh, and did we mention St. Joseph is in a desperate fight for Class M playoff points? The Hogs can’t afford to lose any more games. They’re up against a wall.
BARLOW (7-0; Up next: vs. Masuk, Nov. 9) — Playing the part of Trinity Catholic in the SWC is undefeated Barlow. The Falcons are having one of the best seasons in school history and, before Superstorm Sandy hit, controlled their own destiny on the road to the SWC championship.
But the SWC didn’t bend like the FCIAC just to help them. Now Barlow’s chances of actually playing for an SWC title is zero.
Granted, Barlow need to beat Masuk and Brookfield to stake a legitimately claim on the league title. And, honestly, that’s a long-shot scenario.
So unless Barlow can somehow pulls off the feat, it’s likely the SWC title will be decided on Thanksgiving Eve anyway.
As you were.
Need to give a shout-out to Sean for keeping us updated and entertained during an otherwise dreadful few days. Well done, Sean, very few news guys have been as ready at their post as you during this Superstorm. A resilience that must have been earned during all those harsh winter storms you endured at the Cuse.
staples varsity will be out by halftime of the next two games against warde and westhill. marce and the other coaches have a lot of experience and intelligence and will not kill them during practices. they have an experienced group of seniors that will be ready to work and stay healthy. no serious issues with the schedule
Barlow should be ranked higher.