Archive for November 20th, 2012

Thanksgiving Football 2012: Thursday’s Game-by-Game Previews (and pick the winners!)

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Greenwich football players gather before facing Staples in last year's FCIAC Championship game in Westport. A year later, the Cardinals and Wreckers will do it all again Thursday morning, this time in Greenwich.

Here’s the complete run-down on all of the games played on Thanksgiving morning, including the FCIAC Championship between Greenwich and Staples, the ultra-important Barlow-Weston clash (seriously!) and the longstanding traditions: Ansonia-Naugy, Derby-Shelton, The Green Bowl.

Click here for the TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY slate, which includes St. Joseph-Trumbull and the SWC Championship, Newtown vs. Masuk.

Same as before. Just scroll through, read through the previews and pick the winners.

(Most of the statistics provided are via teams on Maxpreps.com, many teams do not provide statistics.)

For complete state playoff scenarios, give the Mad Playoff Scientist a visit. He’s got all the goods for you:

CLASS LL | CLASS L | CLASS M | CLASS S

Everybody ready?

Let’s go…

Thanksgiving Day

O’Brien Tech at Platt Tech

WHERE/WHEN– Law Field, Milford; 10:30
RECORDS —
Platt Tech 5-4, O’Brien Tech 1-8
T-DAY SERIES — Platt Tech 1-0
LAST YEAR — Platt Tech 48-8
KEY STATS — Lamont Barham, Angelo Genovesi and Anton Graham have shared the team’s rushing duties for Platt Tech. Soph. WR Zatrell Lyons leads the team with 10 TDs. …Nick Coppola leads O’Brien in total yards. …Platt Tech averages almost the same points (224) as it allows (222). …Platt Tech has allowed 343 points, scoring just 118.
AT STAKE — School record 6-wins for Platt Tech; O’Brien Tech’s first victory in the new rivalry.

Who will win O'Brien Tech at Platt Tech?

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Abbott Tech at Wolcott Tech

WHERE/WHEN – Pop Warner Field, Middle School Street, Torrington, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Abbott Tech 5-4, Wolcott Tech 2-6
T-DAY SERIES — First meeting
KEY STATS — Abbott Tech upset playoff-contender Prince Tech 17-14 in October. …QB Greg Ramos has run for almost 500 yards and 11 TDs. …Dave Cartisano has run for almost 500 yards and 7 TDs. …Jake Ruggiero lead the team with 5 sacks.
AT STAKE — The first winning season in Abbott Tech’s short history.

Who will win Abbott Tech at Wolcott Tech?

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Weston at Barlow

WHERE/WHEN– Barlow High School Field I, Redding, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Weston 7-2, Barlow 8-1
T-DAY SERIES — Weston, 7-5-4
LAST YEAR —
Weston 29-23
KEY STATS — Weston’s Tyler Hassett has amassed over 2,000 yards of total offense and accounted for 24 touchdowns. …Justin Schaffer has caught 55 passes for 903 yards and 5 TDs. Austin Gomar is a state leader with 12 sacks. …Weston is balanced with 171 yards passing, 193 yards rushing per game. …Barlow has amassed 3,688 yards rushing, but only 199 yards passing in its triple option offense. …Alex Lockwood has run for 1,037 yards and 17 TDs. William Wilson has 10 TDs. …QB Jack Shaban, who ran for over 1,000 yards and 13 TDs, was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. …Cooper Brown will start at QB.
AT STAKE — Barlow’s first state playoff berth. Weston’s first state playoff berth since 1989, second overall. Loser likely goes home (though Barlow has outside shot with a loss). Bragging rights.

Who will win Weston at Barlow?

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Bethel at Brookfield

WHERE/WHEN — Brookfield High School Stadium Field, 10 a.m.
RECORDS – Bethel 3-6, Brookfield 5-4
T-DAY SERIES –Brookfield 12-4
LAST YEAR – Bethel 40-21
KEY STATS – Bethel QB Joey Piatnik has run for 1,250 yards and 15 TDs, Cal Daniels has caught 34 passes for 342 yards and 5 TDs. Peter Serenscics lead the team with six sacks. …Brookfield junior QB Brad Westmark is one of the top passers in the state with 2,172 yards and 15 TDs. …Boeing Brown and Liam Clancy both have over 500 yards receiving. …Kory Brown has run for over 500 yards. …Though dominated in the series, Bethel has won two out of the last three meetings.
AT STAKE – The Gavel-Swanson Trophy. A winning season for Brookfield.

Who will win Bethel at Brookfield?

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THE CANDLEWOOD CUP

New Milford at New Fairfield

WHERE/WHEN – Rebels Stadium, New Fairfield, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — New Milford 1-8, New Fairfield 5-4
T-DAY SERIES — New Fairfield 3-2
LAST YEAR – New Milford 31-28
KEY STATS — New Fairfield back Joe Pacheco is the state’s leading rusher with 2,101 yards and 21 touchdowns. He is 155 yards away from breaking Rich Comizio’s school record of 2,156 set in 1982. That total will also be an SWC record. …New Fairfield averages 305 rushing yards per game. …QB Mike McCourt has thrown for 543 yards and a touchdown since replacing starter Mike Jamieson during New Fairfield’s loss to Masuk. …New Milford has won two consecutive games since beginning the season 0-7. …Connor Shannahan has thrown for 1,532 yards and 13 TDs vs. 13 INTs for New Milford.
AT STAKE — The Candlewood Cup. Bragging rights. A winning season for New Fairfield.

Who will win the Candlewood Cup?

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Trinity Catholic at Wilton

WHERE/WHEN – Tom Fujitani Field, Wilton, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Trinity Catholic 7-2, Wilton 4-5
T-DAY SERIES — Wilton 4-3
LAST YEAR — Wilton 49-14
KEY STATS — Trinity has reached seven victories for the first time since 2008. Another win will be its highest total since going 8-3 in 2002. A victory would also put the Crusaders into their first state playoff game since beating Putnam to win the Class S final in 1993. …Shaquan Howsie has run for 843 yards and 12 TDs, leading a ground game that averages 224 yards per game. Trinity only passes for 75 yards per game. …The Crusaders have lost two straight after starting year 7-0. …Wilton snapped a three-game losing streak with last week’s 14-0 win over Warde, reportedly with 27 players on the roster. …Wilton has won two straight in this series, which began in 2005.
AT STAKE — Trinity Catholic’s first state playoff berth since the 1993 state championship season. A .500 record for Wilton, and third-straight Thanksgiving Day victory.

Who will win Trinity Catholic at Wilton?

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Westhill at Stamford

WHERE/WHEN — Robustelli Field at Boyle Stadium, Stamford, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Westhill 1-8*, Stamford 2-7
T-DAY SERIES — Stamford 12-4
LAST YEAR — Stamford 34-6
KEY STATS — Westhill Senior back Davell Cotterell has over 1,600 yards rushing, putting him in the Top 5 in the state’s recorded rushers. Despite its winning record, Westhill has been outscored 207-245. …Westhill was forced for forfeit four games due to the use of an ineligible player. …Stamford began the season 2-0, but hast lost seven straight. The Black Knights have won four straight in the series.
AT STAKE — Bragging Rights. Westhill’s first winning season since 1987.

Who will win Westhill at Stamford?

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THE ELM CITY BOWL

Hillhouse at Wilbur Cross

WHERE/WHEN – Wilbur Cross Athletic Complex, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS – Hillhouse 7-2, Wilbur Cross 2-7
ALL-TIME SERIES — Hillhouse 32-23-7
LAST YEAR — Hillhouse 48-12
KEY STATS — The Academics have a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Harold Cooper (1,162 yards) and Andrew Anderson (1,005). …Cooper missed several games at midseason. …Hillhouse has won two straight in the series. …The Academics haven’t defeated a Division I team this season, falling to No. 1 Hand 37-19, and later blew a 49-21 fourth-quarter lead in a 50-49 loss to Xavier. …Wilbur Cross’ 323 points allowed is most among SCC Division I teams, third-most in the league. The Governors snapped a four-game losing streak last week against East Haven.
AT STAKE — The Elm City Bowl trophy. A Class M playoff berth for Hillhouse.

Who will win the Elm City Bowl?

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Amity at North Haven

WHERE/WHEN – Vanacore Field, North Haven, 10 a.m.
RECORDS – Amity 4-5, North Haven 6-3
T-DAY SERIES — Amity 9-6-1
LAST YEAR – North Haven 27-10
KEY STATS – North Haven senior RB Jalon White is among the top leading rushers in the state with 1,544 yards and 21 touchdowns. …North Haven has run for 3,087 yards on 496 carries, and thrown for just 354 yards on 16 completions (46 attempts). …White is also the team’s leading passer with 123 yards and a TD. …North Haven lost to the No. 1 team in the state twice this season: then-No. 1 Xavier 49-12 in September, No. 1 Hand 24-7 in October. …Amity’s Dave Attolino is close to 1,000 yards. He has 955 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing. …Amity has scored one more point than it has allowed this year: 293-292.
AT STAKE — Only a slight chance for a Class L playoff berth for North Haven. A .500 season for Amity.

Who will win Amity at North Haven?

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Fairfield Prep at West Haven

WHERE/WHEN — Ken Strong Stadium, West Haven, 10:30 a.m.
ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM

RECORDS – Fairfield Prep 6-3, West Haven 7-2
T-DAY SERIES –West Haven 12-3
LAST YEAR — West Haven 42-39
KEY STATS — West Haven’s Ervin Phillips has run for 847 yards and 19 TDs, he’s added another 300 yards receiving and has scored 22 touchdowns. …But backfield mate Eddy Williams has been just as good with almost 700 yards and 14 touchdowns rushing. …Behind the tandem West Haven’s averaged 37 points and allowed 20 per game. …West Haven’s only losses were to No. 1 Hand 21-20 and Xavier 42-7. …Fairfield Prep has run for 2,219 yards and 37 touchdowns, as opposed to just 639 yards through the air. …Sophomore John Moten leads Prep with 500 yards rushing and 12 TDs. …Prep has lost two of its last three games since starting the season 5-1. …West Haven has won 10 of the last 11 meetings. Fairfield Prep hasn’t won since 2007, the last time the Jesuits reached the state playoffs.
AT STAKE — The No. 8 seed in the Class LL playoffs. West Haven will clinch the final spot with victory. Fairfield Prep needs to win and pray, thanks to the Westhill forfeits.

Who will win Fairfield Prep at West Haven?

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Foran at Law

WHERE/WHEN — Vito DeVito Sports Complex, Milford, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS — Law 4-5, Foran 5-4
ALL-TIME SERIES – Law 21-18
LAST YEAR – Foran 48-13
KEY STATS — Foran sophomore QB Jake Kasuba is ranked third in the state in passing yards with 2,258 yards and 17 TDs vs. 12 interceptions. …Fellow sophomore Nick Weissauer has 66 catches for 780 yards and 5 TDs. …Foran averages 255 passing yards and 226 rushing yards per game. …Law junior QB Tim Maher has over 1,000 yards of total yards and has accounted for 15 TDs. Law averages 266 rushing yards, but only 46 passing. …The Lawmen have been outscored 305-255, but have won two of their last three.
AT STAKE — Bragging rights in Milford. Winning season for Foran. .500 season for Law.

Who will win Law at Foran?

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McMahon at Norwalk

WHERE/WHEN – Sam Testa Field, Norwalk, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS – McMahon 5-4, Norwalk 2-6 3-5
ALL-TIME SERIES – McMahon 31-19-1
LAST YEAR – Norwalk 17-0
KEY STAT – McMahon’s Kyle Jordan has run for 930 yards and 12 TDs this season. Teammate Trevon Forney has added 553 and 8 TDs. … The Senators have won three of their last four games, including an upset of playoff contender Ridgefield, since starting season 2-3. …Norwalk, which reached last year’s Class LL quarterfinals, has scored just 91 points (an average of 10 per game), while allowing 200 (22.2 points per game). …Norwalks picked up a third victory from Westhill’s forfeit.
AT STAKE — The Sam Testa Trophy. The FCIAC Central Division title and a winning season for McMahon.

Who will win the Sam Testa Trophy?

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Central at Harding

WHERE/WHEN — Hedges Field, Bridgeport, 10 a.m.
RECORDS —
Central 1-7 2-6, Harding 0-9
ALL-TIME SERIES –
Harding 50-34-4
LAST YEAR –
Central 28-20
KEY STATS –
Central has won 13 straight series games, an all-time best. Central picked up a second victory with Westhill’s forfeit. …Central has scored 166 points, but has allowed 337, the second-most in the league behind Bassick. …Xavier Hardison is the team’s quarterback. …Harding QB Tashon Ballard has thrown for 741 yards and 4 TDs. Jahaad Williams has caught 31 passes for 343 yards and a score. …Harding has scored just 44 points this season, least in the FCIAC and second least in the state. …Not counted is last week’s 75-42 loss to Hamden Hall (a non-CIAC school).
AT STAKE — The John E. Johansen Trophy. The Bridgeport city championship for Central.

Who will win Central at Harding?

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Ludlowe at Warde

WHERE/WHEN – Tetreau/Davis Field, Fairfield, 10 a.m.
RECORDS —
Ludlowe 4-5, Warde 1-8
T-DAY SERIES – Warde 10-7
LAST YEAR —
Warde 52-13
KEY STATS — Ludlowe has won three consecutive games since coach Matt McCloskey announced his resignation before the Falcons played Stamford. …Quarterback Matt White has accounted for 12 TDs, he threw the winning touchdown pass both times in one-point victories over Stamford and Norwalk. …This is Ludlowe’s first three-game win streak in three years. …The Falcons have been outscored by an average 24-16 this season. …Warde has allowed 314 points, third most in the FCIAC. The Mustangs have won the last two meetings.
AT STAKE — The Gallagher-Banyas Trophy. A .500 season for Fairfield Ludlowe.

Who will win the Gallagher-Baryas Trophy?

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THE TURKEY BOWL

New Canaan at Darien

WHERE/WHEN – Darien High School Stadium Field, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS — New Canaan 8-1, Darien 6-3
ALL-TIME SERIES — New Canaan 46-33-2 (New Canaan 13-4-1 on Thanksgiving)
LAST YEAR —
New Canaan 42-21
KEY STATS — Darien hasn’t won this game since 2001. ..Dueling New Canaan QBs Nick Cascione and Ted Bossidy have combined to throw for 1,548 yards and 20 touchdowns. …Cascione leads with 956 yards and 14 TD passes. He is also the team’s leading rusher at 554 yards and 8 TDs. …New Canaan has won seven straight games since a 35-28 overtime loss to Trinity Catholic. …New Canaan has clinched a playoff spot and will be making in its 8th consecutive playoff appearance. …The Rams have won their previous three games by an average of 35-7. …Darien QB Henry Baldwin has thrown for the most yards in the FCIAC, 1,830, and thrown 22 TD passes vs. 12 interceptions. …Darien averages 203 yards passing and 192 yards rushing, led by Christian Bognar’s 837 yards and 7 TDs.
AT STAKE — The Turkey Bowl trophy. FCIAC East title for New Canaan. Class L playoff seeding for New Canaan (the Rams will likely reach No. 5 or No. 6). Faint hopes at Class L playoffs for Darien.

Who will win the Turkey Bowl?

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THE 62nd GREEN BOWL

Notre Dame-West Haven at Hamden

WHERE/WHEN — Hamden Field, 10:30 a.m.
ON THE AIR — GoGreenKnights.com (live video feed)
RECORDS — Hamden 2-7, Notre Dame-WH 3-6
ALL-TIME SERIES — Notre Dame 38-21-2
LAST YEAR — Notre Dame 42-14
KEY STATS – Notre Dame has won five straight in the series… Cameran Tucker is one of the state’s rushing leaders with 1,450 yards and 15 TDs. He’s led an attack that averages 251 rush yards per game. …Senior Jordan Williams has eight sacks. …Since starting the season 1-5, the Green Knights have won two of their previous three games, including an upset of Fairfield Prep. …Hamden snapped a three-year SCC Division I losing streak with last week’s 26-24 victory over Amity. …Their only other win was 30-6 over Law.
AT STAKE – Bragging rights.

Who will win the 62nd Green Bowl?

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FCIAC CHAMPIONSHIP

Staples at Greenwich

WHERE/WHEN – Cardinal Stadium, Greenwich 10 a.m.
ON THE AIR — WGCH 1490-AM | MSG Varsity-Connecticut
RECORDS – Greenwich 8-0, Staples 8-0
T-DAY SERIES – Staples 5-2
LAST YEAR – Staples 31-27
KEY STATS — Staples has amassed 4,000 total yards, it averages 365 rushing yards per game, fifth best in Connecticut. Four players have run for over 400 yards, led by Joe Zelkowitz’s 636 yards and 10 TDs. …Senior James Frusciante has accounted for more than half of the team’s receiving yards, he has caught 31 passes for 552 yards and 8 TDs. …Defensive linemen Pieter Hoets and Jared Levi have 5 sacks apiece. ….Greenwich QB Liam O’Neill has thrown for 1,060 yards and 17 TDs in just five games after missing the first three due to a finger injury. … Senior Alex McMurray lead the team with 17 TDs. …End Joe Kelly has 603 yards and 12 TDs receiving. …Staples has won 6 FCIAC titles, Greenwich has won 12. …The schools have faced off three times for the league title, Greenwich has won two (1974, 2007), Staples one (2011). …Greenwich’s last title was 2007 (37-0 over Staples). Staples is the defending champion.
AT STAKE – The Jerry McDougall FCIAC championship Trophy. Class LL playoff seeding and a home quarterfinal for the winner, road game for the loser.

Who will win the FCIAC Championship?

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THE SILVER TURKEY

102nd meeting: Derby at Shelton

WHERE/WHEN – Finn Stadium, Shelton, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS – Derby 6-3, Shelton 5-4
ALL-TIME SERIES – Shelton 52-42-7
LAST YEAR — Shelton 26-19
KEY STATS — Derby is having its best season since the 1990 state championship year. It has clinched its first winning season since going 6-5 in 1996. …Led by Tyrae Small’s 952 yards, Derby is averaging 214 rushing yards per game. …First-year starting QB Mike Kreiger has thrown for just over 1,068 yards and 16 TDs vs. just 3 interceptions. …Dillon McMahon has caught 29 passes for 540 yards ans 8 TDs. …Shelton has been balanced with 185 yards rushing and 165 yards passing per game… Sophomore QB Mark Piccirillo has thrown for 1,432 yards and 14 TDs and leads the team in rushing with 440 yards. … Shelton has lost two straight: to No. 1 Hand and former No. 1 Xavier. ….Derby hasn’t won since 2002.
AT STAKE — A 10th-straight series victory for Shelton. Derby’s first victory in the series since 2002 and its first 7-win season in two decades. Bragging rights.

Who will win the 103rd meeting of Shelton-Derby?

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113th meeting: Naugatuck at Ansonia

WHERE/WHEN — Jarvis Stadium, Ansonia, 10:30
ON THE AIR — WATR 1320-AM
RECORDS – Ansonia 10-0, Naugatuck 6-3
ALL-TIME SERIES – Ansonia 68-36-9
LAST YEAR – Ansonia 49-14
KEY STATS – The Chargers have been more balanced, with 271 yards rushing and 104 yards passing per game (in contrast to a 367-67, run-pass advantage). …Back Arkeel Newsome has still run for 1,499 yards and 23 TDs. …Due to a nagging injury, that’s almost 1,000 yards less and 18 TDs less than he did at this time last year…Sr. Andrew Matos has covered the Chargers with 960 total yards and 19 touchdowns. …Jai’Quan McKnight has thrown for 960 yards and 20 TDs. …Ansonia is No. 9 in the state in total yards. …Naugy’s Mick Pernell has run for 907 yards and 16 TDs, caught 29 passes for 651 yards ans 10 TDs. …Sophomore Jason Bradley has thrown for 1,328 yards and 25 TDs. …Naugatuck is 2nd behind Ansonia in the NVL in total points scored (406), but its 223 points allowed is almost twice as much as Ansonia (120). …Ansonia is the two-time defending NVL champion.
AT STAKE — For Ansonia, the top seed in the Class S playoffs.

Who will win the 113rd meeting of Ansonia-Naugatuck?

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Thanksgiving Football 2012: Tuesday and Wednesday’s game-by-game previews (and pick the winners!)

by:

Masuk (left) and Newtown knock heads in last year's SWC Championship game at Blue & Gold Stadium. One year later, they'll do it all over again -- same time, same place -- Wednesday night.

It’s that time of year again… the Greatest Sporting Day of the Year in Connecticut.

Rivalry Week. Thanksgiving Week.

A day where every game means something — be it pride, a winning season, a .500 season, precious playoff points, bragging rights — and it’s played in front of, most likely, your largest crowd of the year.

For most of you seniors, it’s your last game. Go out in a blaze of glory.

For a few others, it’s an unofficial playoff game. You win or go home.

And for a select precious few, it’s the start of what you hope to be a glorious championship season.

And for everybody, it’s time to tell us who’s going to win the games.

Pretty straightforward. Just read the preview, and pick ‘em. (Most of the statistics provided are via teams on Maxpreps.com, many teams do not provide statistics.)

Look here all of THURSDAY morning’s games.

For complete state playoff scenarios, give the Mad Playoff Scientist a visit. He’s got all the goods for you:

CLASS LL | CLASS L | CLASS M | CLASS S

To get you started, we’ve published previews for Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s games. The full Thursday breakdown will be published before noon on Tuesday.

Here we go…

Tuesday Night

Bullard-Havens at Bassick

WHERE/WHEN – Kennedy Stadium, Bridgeport, 6 p.m.
RECORDS — Bullard-Havens 7-2, Bassick 1-8
T-DAY SERIES — Bullard-Havens 5-2
LAST YEAR — Bullard-Havens 20-0
KEY STATS — Bullard-Havens has allowed just 99 points all year in the CSC, Bassick has allowed 3 1/2 times that amount in the FCIAC. …Bassick QB Vochan Fowler is 4th among reported FCIAC passing and rushing leaders. He has thrown for 1,107 yards and 7 TDs, run for 831 yards and 7 TDs. …Behind John Shannon’s 1,143 rushing yards, Bullard-Havens averages almost 300 rushing yards per game. …Tech sophomore Chris McNamara has accounted for 500 yards of total offense and 6 TDs since taking over for injured QB Equan Brooks vs. Capital Prep on Nov. 10. …After a 5-0 start, Bullard-Havens is 2-2 in its last four games. …The Tigers average 38 points per game, Bassick averages 16.9.
AT STAKE — A shot a qualifying for the Class M playoffs for Bullard-Havens. The Tigers need to win and get some help. Bragging rights.

Who will win Bullard-Havens at Bassick?

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Thanksgiving Eve

Oxford at Pomperaug

WHERE/WHEN – Edward Arum Athletic Complex, Southbury, 7 p.m.
RECORDS — Oxford 7-2, Pomperaug 4-5
T-DAY SERIES — Pomperaug 4-0
LAST YEAR —
Pomperaug 10-7
KEY STATS — At 7-2, Oxford is having its finest season since its varsity program began in 2008. Seven wins is a school record and the the school’s first winning season. …Pomperaug is trying to avoid its first losing season since going 4-6 in 1995. The last time Pomperaug was 5-5 was in 2005. …Oxford QB Brennan Diaz is No. 9 in the SWC in total yards with 1,746 and has accounted for 10 TDs. Teammate Chris Vankamerik leads SWC in receiving yards with 903 and 9 TDs. …Pomperaug averages 21.8 points per game and has won two straight. Senior RB Dylan McAllister is the grandson of former Ansonia coach Bill McAllister.
AT STAKE — A (razor-slim) shot at the school’s first state playoff berth for Oxford. A three-game win streak and a 5-5 season for Pomperaug.

Who will win the Battle of Route 188?

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Ridgefield at Danbury

WHERE/WHEN – Crotty Field at Clapboard Ridge, Danbury, 6 p.m.
RECORDS — Ridgefield 7-2, Danbury 2-7
T-DAY SERIES — Ridgefield 7-3
LAST YEAR —
Ridgefield 56-14
KEY STATS — Danbury has lost six straight games since beating Central 36-30 on Nov. 29. The Hatters have been outscored  …Elijah Duffy has played quarterback the last three weeks due to injury to starter Anferny Ith. …Ridgefield’s Connor Rowe is ranked No. 3 among FCIAC passers with 1,216 yards. He leads the Tigers in total yards with 219 yards per game… Rowe and LB Andrew Barton are committed to Bryant. …Sr. WR/RB Sam Gravitte has scored 20 touchdowns, Aiden Mauro has made 7 interceptions. …Danbury hasn’t won in Thanksgiving series since 2007.
AT STAKE — An outside shot at a state playoff berth for Ridgefield (the Tigers need Prep to beat West Haven and then major bonus help). Danbury’s third victory.

Who will win Ridgefield at Danbury?

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Woodland at Seymour

WHERE/WHEN– Woodland Football Field, Beacon Falls, 6 p.m.
RECORDS — Woodland 6-4, Seymour 5-4
T-DAY SERIES — Seymour 6-4
LAST YEAR —
Woodland 28-7
KEY STATS — Tanner Kingsley is one of the NVL’s elite passers. He’s thrown for over 2,000 yards and 34 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. Anthony Scirpo is his top target with 45 catches for 624 yards and 15 TDs, followed by Brian Reiss (40 catches, 6 TDs) and Ramhil Rountree (34 catches, 87 TDs). …QB Mike Conlon leads Seymour, averaging 134 total yards per game. RB Jim Vartelas lead team in rushing and scoring. …Woodland averages 383 total yards a game, Seymour 274. …Seymour hasn’t had a winning season since its last playoff appearance in 2008. …The Hawks lost last week’s NVL title game to Ansonia, 56-26.
AT STAKE — A Class S playoff spot for Woodland. A win and some help get Hawks into the field. Seymour’s first winning season under coach Tom Lennon. Bragging rights.

Who will win Seymour at Woodland?

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Notre Dame-Fairfield at Immaculate

WHERE/WHEN – Westside Athletic Complex, WCSU, 7 p.m.
RECORDS — Notre Dame 0-9, Immaculate 0-9
T-DAY SERIES — Notre Dame 11-5
LAST YEAR — Notre Dame 57-16
KEY STATS — Notre Dame hasn’t won since edging Immaculate a year ago. The Lancers have lost nine straight. Immaculate has lost 35 straight games dating back to 2009, when it beat Barlow 28-21 on Oct. 10 of that year. It hasn’t defeated Notre Dame since a 22-18 victory in 2008.
AT STAKE — First win of the season for either team.

Who will win Notre Dame-Fairfield at Immaculate?

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Stratford at Bunnell

WHERE/WHEN– Bulldog Field, Bunnell High School, Stratford, 7 p.m.
RECORDS —
Stratford 2-6, Bunnell 2-6
ALL-TIME SERIES — Bunnell 36-20
LAST YEAR —
Bunnell 50-19
KEY STATS — Bunnell has won five straight in the series and 11 of the last 12 dating back to 2000. Stratford’s only win during that stretch was a 40-8 victory in 2006. …Bunnell quarterback Bryan Castelot has thrown for 1,600 yards and 14 TDs vs. 14 interceptions. Teammate Devante Teel has 676 receiving yards and 6 TDs. …Bunnell has allowed 35.7 points per game, while scoring just an average of 24.3 points. …Stratford averages 23.3 points per game and allows almost 30 per game.
AT STAKE — The Manning E. Harvey Trophy; Bunnell’s sixth straight series win. Stratford’s first win since 2007. Bragging rights.

Who will win the Manning E. Harvey Trophy?

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St. Joseph at Trumbull

WHERE/WHEN– McDougall Stadium, Trumbull, 7 p.m.
RECORDS — Trumbull 4-5 5-4, St. Joseph 7-2
T-DAY SERIES — Trumbull 21-6
LAST YEAR —
St. Joseph 35-24
KEY STATS — Trumbull has dominated the series, but St. Joseph has won three of the last five meetings. …QB Jordan Vazzano is second in the FCIAC in passing with 1,804 yards and 23 TDs against 9 interceptions. …13 TD throws have gone to leading receiver Jake Pelletier. …St. Joseph averages 39 points per game, giving up an average of 18. …Trumbull has been outscored by opponents by an average score of 36-26. Its 325 points allowed is the second-worst in the FCIAC. …Trumbull earned a fifth victory with Westhill’s forfeit.
AT STAKE — A Class M playoff spot and possible home quarterfinal for St. Joseph. The Hogs must win to clinch their third playoff berth in four years. The Jerry McDougall Thanksgiving Trophy. Bragging rights.

Who will win St. Joseph at Trumbull?

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SWC CHAMPIONSHIP

Masuk at Newtown

WHERE/WHEN– Blue and Gold Stadium, Newtown, 7 p.m.
RECORDS — Newtown 9-0, Masuk 9-0
T-DAY SERIES — Masuk 9-6-1
LAST YEAR —
Masuk 46-7
KEY STATS — Masuk the No. 6-ranked team in the state, outgains Newtown in total yards per game 515-327. It also averages more points: 49-38. …Newtown, the No. 10-ranked team in the state, is undefeated heading into Thanksgiving for the first time since 1996, when it eventually lost in the Class LL semifinals. Masuk coach John Murphy was in his final year an assistant on that team, coached by Bob Zito. …Masuk’s Thomas Milone, a UConn baseball commit, has amassed over 1,600 yards of total offense and is tied for third in state with 29 TDs. …Masuk QB Malik Cummings has thrown for 1,800 yards and 19 TDs vs. just two interceptions. …Masuk is No. 1 in the state in total offense with 500 yards per game. …Newtown QB Drew Tarantino has thrown for 1,387 yards and 19 TDs vs. just two interceptions… Cooper Gold has run for 727 of Newtown’s 1,534 rush yards. …Soph. WR Julian Dunn leads the team with 515 yards and 8 TDs. …Senior WR/DB Dan Hebert was lost for the season with a broken arm vs. Bunnell two weeks ago. …Masuk has won two straight since Newtown’s 2009 upset that knocked Masuk out of the playoffs.
AT STAKE — The SWC Championship: Newtown’s first since 1997; Third-consecutive for Masuk. Class LL seeding for Newtown: Hawks can get a home game with victcory. Class L seeding for Masuk: a win gives Panthers a ‘home’ game and the No. 3 seed.

Who will win the SWC Championship?

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Westhill forfeits 4 victories, turns playoff points upside-down days before Thanksgiving.

by:

Westhill coach Frank Marcucio and the Vikings were forced for forfeit four games due the the use of an ineligible player, altering Westhill's dream season and the state playoff landscape.

Westhill’s dream season is technically over.

The Vikings, who were on the cusp of playing for their first winning season since 1987, forfeited four victories this morning, the CIAC announced.

Westhill must hand over wins over Trumbull, Central, Norwalk and Danbury.

They are now 1-8 heading into their Thanksgiving Day game with Stamford (2-7).

Dave Ruden caught up with Westhill AD Mike King, who declined to comment based on student matters.

Westhill football coach Frank Marcucio told Ruden, “If I had an idea the kid was ineligible he wouldn’t have played. The kids knew about it yesterday and the kids’ comment was they can’t take away what we did on the field.”

The player in question didn’t play vs. Wilton due to a suspension “unrelated to the eligibility issue,” Marcucio added, which is why that victory wasn’t forfeited.

The player didn’t play vs. Staples and wouldn’t have played vs. Stamford, Marcucio said.

READ THE FULL STORY FROM DAVE RUDEN

And suddenly, the state playoff prospects of several regional football teams just got turned upside down. Ridgefield’s prospects brightened. Fairfield Prep’s dimmed. Greenwich and Staples could potentially lose out on the No. 1 seed.

With the regular season about to end in two days, CIAC Executive Director Karissa Neihoff told our own Dave Ruden, “This is a pretty urgent situation.”

“It’s no fault of the student-athletes because of one school’s mistake,” she told Ruden about the suddenly shifting playoff points. “To have to change your mindset is devastating.

“Now think of the Westhill kids. Boy your heart breaks for them too.”

For now: Here are the latest playoff calibrations factoring in the Westhill forfeits.

Here are the updated, class-by-class scenarios: CLASS LL | CLASS L | CLASS M | CLASS S

Ridgefield picked up 20 bonus points from the move, and will get an additional 10 for beating Danbury. That vaults their Class LL playoff prospects from slim to reasonable and screwed Fairfield Prep, in the process.

Before the forfeits, a Fairfield Prep win over West Haven likely would have put the Jesuits into great position to slide into the Class LL field as the No. 8 seed.

Now, if Ridgefield beats Danbury and Fairfield Prep upsets West Haven, the Tigers will clinch the final spot.

“It’s unfortunate what happened, I feel bad for the kids,” Ridgefield coach Kevin Callahan told Ruden. “Obviously we gained from this so we feel lucky about that. It fell into our laps.”

Fairfield Prep coach Tom Shea told our own Pat Pickens: “It’s very disappointing for us. You want these things to be settled on the field and not taken out of your hands because of off-field events. We have a great rivalry game on Thanksgiving to look forward to and we always take pride in playing our best, so this will not impact how we play. It’s just one of those things you can’t control.”

Westhill’s forfeit also impacted the No. 1 seed prospects for the winner of Greenwich-Staples. Both schools lost 10 points, dropping the likelihood the winner will clinch the No. 1 seed over Southington.

Trinity Catholic also lost points, making their playoff scenario slightly dimmer. A win over Wilton won’t clinch, but the Crusaders will just need some slight help to secure their bid.

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