SPB's High School Football

OK, so we’ve been busy lately. Busy trying to scrape together every last bit of information to cram into our official high school football previews which will begin next week. I’ve been running around getting personal video interviews with a majority of our 50 schools, trying to somehow cut them all together with video previews — complete with highlights and outlooks, etc.

So after a trip to see the Trumbull schools yesterday, I hightailed it to Shelton for the annual Valley throw-down with Ansonia. I somehow managed to get lost in the Trumbull back roads (don’t ask) so I missed the fireworks of the first few seconds: back-to-back kickoff returns to start a scrimmage that ultimately ended with Shelton ahead 28-27 at halftime (and ended the varsity portion of the game). I also missed a long Shelton touchdown pass and some other big plays. Just shaking off the preseason jitters.

So consider this a pretty poor representation of last night’s scrimmage at Finn Stadium. Whatever. It’s only a scrimmage and we’re only days away from getting real highlights.

Quick thoughts: These teams need to shore up their defenses quick. Ansonia’s gotta work on the turnovers.

We have one or two or three more scrimmages today before we hunker down and get ready for opening night on Wednesday.

Stay tuned.

Continuing our scrimmage coverage for the week, we present two significant game scrimmages (you know, the one run like actual games): Newtown at Seymour on Friday, Sept. 2. Then Masuk at Greenwich, Monday, Sept. 5.

NEWTOWN AT SEYMOUR
We’ll start with this one first. Played on the practice fields at Seymour high school, Newtown defeated the Wildcats 36-27 (or 5 TDs to 4). Notable was the absence of Seymour QB Luke Grabowski, who was just on his way back from an injury at the time. (He has since returned.) Mike Conlon started and, after a shaky start, the Seymour offense got itself into a groove behind RBs Jon Wilson (21) and Jimmy Vartelas (30).

Senior Greg Frattaroli (13), back from an injury, played QB for Newtown in the first half and threw a couple of TDs. Senior FB Lou Fenaroli (44) scored a touchdown, as did utilityman Dan Hebert (12).

WATCH

MASUK AT GREENWICH
Our second reel is bound to get a bit more attention. Defending Class L champion Masuk took a trip to face Greenwich at Greenwich Central Middle School on Labor Day morning.

This makeshift field was used while Greenwich determines if and when it can use Greenwich’s Cardinal Stadium, whose grounds are contaminated with toxic chemicals. The field is fine, the grounds around the bleachers are not. Greenwich athletic director Gus Lindine said the school has plenty of options if the field has to be changed. “We’ve had a lot of offers. Everybody’s been real nice,” he said, adding that he hoped to know for certain by the end of this week.

Greenwich coach Rich Albonizio might have preferred not playing in front of spectators for this one. Early in the scrimmage the coach stopped action to yell at parents and fans for criticizing the referees. “We’re trying to teach the kids sportsmanship! So we don’t need anybody attacking the officials!”

The clip, which can be seen here, is included in the highlight reel.

Masuk outscored Greenwich 5-1. Tom Milone (22), Colin Markus (28) scored touchdowns. Ryan Norado (17) and Brandon Cusmano (9) made outstanding catches. And we saw for the first time new receiver Jason Piontkowski (86), a transfer from New London (yes, the rumors are true for all those who asked me this week). He caught a few of passes, including one for a touchdown.

Masuk’s defense was fast, aggressive and punishing behind Matt Duignan (50), Pat Tripodi (30) and Shawn Flynn (87). Flynn was a menace all morning. He tipped a pass for an interception, forced a fumble after getting beat deep on another pass and, later, laid out Greenwich QB Liam O’Neil on a run play.

Flynn was penalized for leading with his helmet, one of a few penalties he picked up that morning. (“Yeah, I’ve gotta watch that,” Flynn said.) Greenwich’s players, of course, took exception and the scrimmage got chippy before concluding.

Though it didn’t score much, Greenwich did move the ball with a few big plays. They struggled to stop precision passing from Casey Cochran and running from Markus. We probably didn’t get to see Greenwich’s full potential since it was playing without captains C Will Trepp and RB/LB Shane Nastahowski.

(If you listen real close, you can hear MSG’s Mike Quick offering some commentary on the game. He says the talent invoice is in the mail.)

WATCH

Updated: 8:20 p.m. 9/4

And the countdown continues.

Our staffers and photographers continue to run all over Fairfield and New Haven counties, collecting images, videos and (most important) information on our 50 regional high school football teams.

Over the next week, we’ll be molding all of these tidbits into one mighty 2011 preview package to be unveiled the week of Sept. 11 (Gave me chills to write that date, actually, considering its significance. Can’t believe it’s been 10 years since.)

Here are some of the latest stories from Hearst CT, in case you missed any of them:

Lewis likes new path as Bassick head coach
Columnist Chris Elsberry speaks with new Bassick coach Derrick Lewis, the former All-American lineman at Southern Connecticut State and All-State lineman from West Haven. Now a minister on the East End, Lewis sounds like he’s entrenching himself in the job.

Greenwich High School football home games in jeopardy because of contamination
Greenwich Time’s Neil Vigdor details the frustrating saga of the GHS field issues. Scrimmages are being moved and, with just a week and change to go before the opener vs. Ridgefield, it doesn’t look like Cardinal Stadium will be ready, much to the chagrin of coach Rich Albonizio and others in the school system.

Your cheatsheet for SWC fantasy football
In a fun column, News-Times writer Kevin Duffy gives us a mock draft of the top SWC football players if you were ever to run a fantasy football league. (I wouldn’t recommend it.)

Point-Counterpoint: Five area high school football topics for 2011
Another entry from the News-Times staff, writers Kevin Duffy and Chris Brodeur examine the SWC and Danbury-area schools.

Pomperaug in search of a quarterback
Duffy took a visit to Southbury to see how new coach Dave Roach and Panthers were getting along without Chuck Drury and Kellen Croce.

All’s fair in love and turf war: Jess and Dave Roach share the field at Pomperaug
More from Duffy’s visit to Pomperaug.

Five questions facing Brunswick as they open camp
Jumping over to prep schools, writer David Fierro takes a look at Brunswick of Greenwich as it begins its second year in the Erickson League.

Now, on to the scrimmages:
We’ve visited seven scrimmages so far and seen 19 regional teams. Saturday was the biggest football day so far and the rumors and reports have been flying fast and furious from other sites. Ansonia beat West Haven 27-15… North Haven impressed in a scrimmage with Guilford and Woodland… Warde and Oxford impressed in a scrimmage with Hillhouse and Cromwell… Torrington beat Farmington 24-20 in a game scrimmage.

Then there were the reports that Masuk blitzed both Berlin and Southington, something like 18 TDs to one or two or three (depending on who you heard from). Video from Berlin surfaced on YouTube, so we’ll start with that:

WATCH

Meanwhile, We took a trip to a pair of quad scrimmages at New Canaan and McMahon. It was mostly to get preseason video interviews. We did manage to pick up some highlights.

Here’s the scene at the New Canaan Jamboree featuring Bethel (maroon), Trinity Catholic (yellow), Arch Bishop Stepinac or White Plains (blue jerseys) and the legendary Cardinal Hayes of the Bronx (white with maroon trim).

Really not much to see here, especially since it was many of these schools’ first scrimmage of the year. Bethel looked pretty good with QB Brandon Schmidt and RB Brian Birdsell. New Canaan and Trinity looked slightly off on offense but, realistically, you couldn’t take much from this.

WATCH

Finally, we finally publish video from the Ridgefield-Barlow scrimmage. Played August 26 — before Ridgefield was hammered by Tropical Storm Irene — this was the first official scrimmage of the 2011 season.

Again, not much to take from this aside from a couple highlights. Ridgefield QB Connor Rowe’s long TD pass to Sam Gravitte and a couple touchdown runs from Barlow, including one from sophomore QB Jack Shaban (No. 1). He’s been battling Cooper Brown (No. 5) for the gig.

WATCH

Finally, we ran over to McMahon High School in Norwalk and caught up with some of the city schools, Central and Bassick; McMahon and Norwalk.

I got here almost an hour late and only caught some of the first-team squads going head-to-head. So this video isn’t anything stellar. You’ll recognize new Bassick coach Derrick Lewis, Central coach Dave Cadelina, McMahon coach A.J. Albano and new Norwalk coach Sean Ireland and some of the returning stars for all the teams.

Here’s the updated, updated scrimmage schedule for this weekend and beyond. Lots of changes (like Ansonia-West Haven sent to Veterans Field in West Haven Saturday, Sept. 3.) due to the post-Irene effects.

Saturday
Masuk at Southington, 9 a.m.
Football Jamboree at Rocky Hill at, Rocky Hill High School, 10 a.m.
Amity at Pomperaug at, Pomperaug High School, 10 a.m.
Round Robin w/ Fitch & Valley Regional at Middletown at, Middletown High School, 10 a.m.
East Hampton/Vinal Tech at Rocky Hill Jamboree at, Rocky Hill High School, 10 a.m.
Weston/Wolcott/Maloney/Platt Quad at Platt at, Falcon Field, 10 a.m.
Hamden Hall at East Haven at, East Haven High School, 10 a.m.
Guilford and North Haven Scrimmage at Woodland at, Woodland Football Field, 10 a.m.
Farmington at Torrington at, Torrington High School, 10 a.m.
Jamboree at New Canaan at, Dunning Stadium, 10 a.m.
Ansonia at West Haven at Veterans Field, 10 a.m.
Wilbur Cross at Hamden at, HHS Turf Field, 10 a.m.
Shelton at St. Joseph, 10 a.m.
East Hartford at Enfield at, Enfield High Turf Field, 10 a.m.
Jonathan Law at Westhill, 10 a.m.
Greenwich at Iona Prep (NY) at, Iona Prep, 10 a.m.
Quad Scrimmage at Hillhouse at, Bowen Field, 10 a.m.
Lewis Mills at at Gilbert vs St. Paul at, Gilbert, 10 a.m.
Monument Mountain (MA) at Housatonic/Wamogo at, High School Field, 10 a.m.
SMSA/University at Woodstock Academy at, Bentley Main Field, 10:30 a.m.
Granby Memorial at Nonnewaug at, Nonnewaug High School, 10:30 a.m.
Glastonbury at New London at, Canamella Field, 11 a.m.
Danbury at Lyman Hall at, Lyman Hall Fitzgerald Field, 11 a.m.
Norwich Free Academy at New Milford at, New Milford, 11 a.m.
Wolcott at Jamboree at, Maloney High School, 12 p.m.
Norwalk at Multi-team scrimmage at McMahon at, McMahon H.S, 1 p.m.-5p.m.
Putnam/Tourtellotte/Ellis Tech at Jamboree at, Falcon Field, 3 p.m.
Wolcott Tech at CSC Jamboree at Wilcox Tech at, , 3 p.m.
CSC Showcase at Wilcox Tech at, Falcon Field, 3 p.m.
Northwest Catholic at Hall at, Hall HS Stadium (Turf Field), 9 a.m.
Joel Barlow at Wilton Scrimmage Jamboree at, , 9 a.m.
Trumbull at Bunnell at, Bunnell Turf Field, 9 a.m.
South Windsor at Daniel Hand at, DHHS Turf Field, 9 a.m.
Darien at Branford at, James L. MacVeigh Alumni Athletic Complex-Turf Field, 9 a.m.
Fairfield Ludlowe at Fairfield Prep at, Alumni Field, Fairfield University, 9 a.m.
Crosby at Windsor Locks/Suffield/East Granby at, Windsor Locks High School, 9 a.m.
Waterford at Westborough high school, MA at, Westborough High School, 9 a.m.
Rockville at Stafford/East Windsor at, Stafford High, Lighted field behind school, 9:30 a.m.

Monday
Torrington at Seymour at, Seymour High Lower Field, 10 a.m.
Masuk at Greenwich at, Cardinal Stadium, 10 a.m.
Ridgefield at Staples at, , 9 a.m.

Tuesday
Manchester at Berlin at, Scalise Field- Sage Park, 2:45 p.m.
Haddam-Killingworth at Rocky Hill at, Rocky Hill High School, 3:30 p.m.
O’Brien Tech at Nonnewaug at, Nonnewaug High School Field, 3:45 p.m.
Immaculate at New Fairfield at, Rebel Stadium, 4 p.m.
Prince Tech at Avon at, Avon High School, 4 p.m.
Cromwell at Platt at, Falcon Field, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday
East Catholic at Farmington at, Farmington High School, 3:30 p.m.
New Milford at Danbury at, Danbury High School Stadium, 4 p.m.
Lewis Mills at Gilbert/OWT at, Gilbert, 4 p.m.
Maloney at Lyman Hall at, Lyman Hall Fitzgerald Field, 4 p.m.
Norwalk at Newtown at, Blue and Gold Stadium, 5 p.m.
Oxford at Seymour at, Seymour High Main Field, 6 p.m.
Bassick at Jonathan Law at, Jonathan Law Field, 7 p.m.

Thursday
West Haven at Bridgeport Central at, Kennedy Stadium, 4 p.m.
Notre Dame-West Haven at Amity at, Amity High School, 4 p.m.
Guilford at Hall at, Hall HS Stadium (Turf Field), 4 p.m.
South Windsor at Woodstock Academy at, Bentley Main Field, 4 p.m.
Newington at Stonington at, Donald Palmer Field, 4 p.m.
Westhill at Joel Barlow at, Field I (Stadium), 5 p.m.
White Plains (NY) at Fairfield Warde at, Tetreau/Davis Field, 6 p.m.
Bethel at Watertown at, Mills Complex- High School., 6 p.m.
Hyde Leadership at Torrington at, Torrington High School, 6 p.m.
Ansonia at Shelton at, Shelton High School Finn Stadium, 6 p.m.
Greenwich at Hamden at, HHS Turf Field, 6 p.m.
Enfield at Fermi at, Fermi H.S.turf field, 6 p.m.
Naugatuck at Wolcott at, Wolcott High School, Monroe Field, 6 p.m.
Wilbur Cross at Middletown at, Middletown High School, 6:30 p.m.
Wilton at Bunnell at, Bunnell Turf Field, 6:30 p.m.
Branford at Derby at, Derby -Ryan Athletic Complex- Deflippo Field, 7 p.m.

Friday
E.O. Smith at Killingly at, New Killingly High School, 4 p.m.
Wethersfield at Glastonbury at, Stadium Field (turf), 4 p.m.
Fairfield Prep at Staples at, Staples HS, 4 p.m.
McMahon at Darien at, DHS Stadium Field, 4 p.m.
Nonnewaug at Housatonic/Wamogo at, High School Field, 4 p.m.
Abbott Tech at East Hampton/Vinal Tech at, Vinal Regional Technical High School, 4:30 p.m.
Platt at Simsbury at, Simsbury High School, 4:30 p.m.
Stratford at Ridgefield at, Tiger Hollow Stadium, 5 p.m.
Cromwell at Berlin at, Scalise Field- Sage Park, 6 p.m.
Conard at Daniel Hand at, DHHS Turf Field, 6 p.m.
Xavier at Stamford at, Stamford High School, 6 p.m.
Platt Tech at Fairfield Ludlowe at, Taft Field, 6 p.m.
Ellington/Somers at Rockville at, RHS football field, 6:30 p.m.
Southington at New London at, Canamella Field, 6:30 p.m.
Pomperaug at Rocky Hill at, Rocky Hill High School, 7 p.m.
Old Saybrook/Westbrook at East Haven at, East Haven High School, 7 p.m.
Cheshire at Windsor at, Windsor HS, 7 p.m.
Coginchaug at Lyman Hall at, Lyman Hall Fitzgerald Field, 7 p.m.
East Lyme at North Haven at, Vanacore Field, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 10
Wolcott Tech at Granby Memorial at, Ahrens Park Field, 11 a.m.
Lewis Mills at Canton at, Canton H.S., 11 a.m.
St. Paul Catholic at Haddam-Killingworth at, Haddam Killingworth HS, 1:30 p.m.
Rye Country Day (NY) at Trinity Catholic at, Trinity Catholic Alumni Field, 3:30 p.m.
Windsor Locks/Suffield/East Granby at Tolland at, Tolland High School, 9 a.m.

OK, kids, approximately two weeks into the 2011 preseason, it’s time to start posting scrimmage reports. Hurricane Irene has played havoc with the schedule somewhat (some school districts that have postponed school for the week won’t even let their fall teams practice, which is just nuts what with the CIAC’s 14-day mandatory practice rule suddenly hovering over everyone), most teams have been getting back into the groove.

We’ve only been to a few scrimmages and practices so far, Barlow-Ridgefield at Tiger Hollow; Ansonia-Notre Dame-WH at Veterans Stadium. O’Brien Tech-Weston. We’ll be posting modest highlight clips from all of these scrimmages (except, maybe Ansonia-NDWH because, frankly, I was a little lazy shooting video that day. Besides we’ll catch both teams later).

The one many people had their eye on was the Bunnell quad scrimmage featuring Staples, New London and Torrington Wednesday afternoon.

We’ll present those highlights to you first.

One caveat: Take all of this with a seller of salt. Everybody’s got their own agenda during preseason. What you see is not definitive proof of a team’s strength or weakness.

Anyway, here’s the clip with some vague commentary below. Look back here constantly for more. We’ll also post interviews with coaches and key players, culminating with preview videos of the major leagues.

Biggest thing that stood out, I’m sure everybody in attendance would agree, was the surgeon-like passing of Bunnell quarterback Bryan Castelot to the likes of Jared Vasquez and Jawad Chisholm. Add in some nice running by J.J. Bivona and others and Bunnell simply looked on fire. It must have scored 12 or 13 touchdowns (plus just a couple of picks) against all three participants in the half-field format. Bunnell’s defense played passionate and aggressive, once halting Staples on the goal line.

Considering the Dawgs really only had one day of practice in pads and they looked pretty darn sharp. As suspected, they should be a force this year.

Staples, meanwhile, didn’t show off much. Sophomore QB Jack Massie’s still settling in as the full-time starter. Junior receiver/back Nick Kelly looked good. The best offensive player was Jon Heil. Defensively, well considering the Wreckers lost a lot of that side of the ball, it still need improvement. “Growing pains,” said coach Marce Petroccio afterward. “We have a ways to go.”

I know the folks up at Le Blog NVL will want to take a gander at some of these highlights. They love knowing how one of their own stacks up against teams from other leagues, especially those from the FCIAC. And, of course, it has highlights of top back Brenden Lytton. Unfortunately, not too much to see here from Torrington, except a run or two from Lytton. He only carried the ball a handful of times.

We didn’t catch much of Class M semifinalist New London. We’ll say this: They look big and fast.

In the SCC, everybody's chasing Mike Mastroianni and defending Class LL champion, reigning No. 1 Xavier.

Finally, after a brief respite to deal with Hurricane Irene and its aftermath (I just got power back this morning), we return to the pressing questions portion of our 2011 high school football blog.

Once again, this is based on what we know just a week or so into the preseason. Still lots to learn and lots can change.

But here’s what we know, and what we think about the mighty Southern Connecticut Conference.

1. Xavier: Better or worse than last season?

Xavier QB Tim Boyle (7) and OL/DL Sean Marinan

Honestly, it’s hard to be better than Xavier was last season: 13-0, Class LL champs, No. 1 ranking. Can’t ask anything more of a team.

But if you want to split hairs, the 2010 state No. 1, Class LL champ’s one weakness was its offense.

Xavier didn’t exactly blow your doors off with its execution sometimes. That was to be expected, it was a pretty young outfit with a new tailback and new quarterbacks. But the team’s defense was so good, it gave the offense a wider margin of error than most high school programs.

Now cut to 2011 and you’ll possibly see a reversal of roles. Many of the offensive stars from last season are back — senior QB/WR Pat D’Amato, tall junior QB Tim Boyle (who’s been picking up several Division I college offers lately), senior bruiser Mike Mastroianni, senior tight end Ryan Murphy, linemen Sean Marinan and Austin Wezenski.

While the defense returns several standouts, including LB Jovan Santos, it did lose major components — LB Graham Stewart (now at Florida), DE Eric Mishke, LB Austin Ahern and DB Kosy Broderick.

So, based on who returns, we think Xavier will be better on offense, maybe slightly worse on defense.

Slightly.

Whatever. It’ll all even out in the end. Xavier should have an outstanding football team. We’ll submit they’re a solid choice for preseason No. 1.

As for repeating, they’ll be the favorites. But Xavier’s road is a minefield. There are some potential heavyweights lying in wait…

2. And who might those teams be?

Cheshire's Sebastian Little

Off the top of our head: West Haven. Cheshire. Hillhouse… maybe Shelton.

(Again, these are teams on Xavier’s schedule.)

West Haven, which lost to Xavier twice last season, is expected to be strong again with one of the league’s top tailbacks returning in Ervin Phillips. He’s only a sophomore. QB Nick Nieves is also back.

Hillhouse won the Class M championship with a pretty young class. (We’ll get to the Acs in a bit). Shelton brings back a large senior class (see below).

But we’ve been hearing the most buzz about Cheshire.

The 2011 Rams have a massive senior class (28) and 15 returning starters, led by receivers Sebastian Little and Jake Scinto, RB/LB Bill Weyrauch, QB Michael Ecke, RB/LB Dylan Baumgardner; OL/DL Shaun Bowman.

Cheshire was 5-5 last year, but probably better than most teams. Sure, the Rams lost four straight games at midseason, but only by a combined 13 points.

With almost everybody back a year wiser, Cheshire should be in payback mode. They play Xavier at Palmer Field Week 3.

There is an issue with the playing field. The Maclary Complex is getting turf, but won’t be ready until at least Week 5 vs. Cross. (Cheshire will face Hamden at Sheehan Week 1; Hand at Falcon Field in Meriden in Week 4.)

Will that have any effect? Probably not.

3. Hillhouse: Was last year’s title a fluke or what?

Hillhouse coach Tom Dyer addresses his team (including No. 58, Rennick Bryan, right) during a timeout.

You must not know Hillhouse very well. The Acs are notorious for winning titles during so-called  “rebuilding” seasons.

They did it in 2005, reaching the Class M title game with a young team before winning it all in 2006.

Though there was some signs during the 2010 regular season (read: a 9-6 loss vs. Xavier), nobody expected the young Acs — led by a freshman tailback (Harold Cooper) and a sophomore quarterback (Je’Vaughn Moore)  — to roar back from a 2-2 record, capture the No. 8 seed, upset Berlin in the first round and eventually hoist a state championship trophy.

But they did. And now they’re allllll back.

Twelve starters (six on offense, six on defense) return, including Cooper, Moore, big senior lineman and UConn commit Rennick Bryan.

They won’t be sneaking up on anyone this time. And, once again, their schedule is unusually rugged for an SCC Division II team. Division II contender North Haven, along with Division I heavyweights Cheshire and Xavier are all on the docket again.

Even if the Acs lose two or even three of those games, it still might be enough to get them into the Class M playoffs, battle tested and ready to rock like last season.

4. Earth to Shelton. Come in, Shelton. Are you out there, Shelton?

Shelton QB Frank Camerino (left)

It’s been awhile since we’ve truly heard from the Gaels, hasn’t it? OK, they’ve had some solid years, 7-3, 7-4, 6-4 since reaching the 2007 Class LL championship game. But they really haven’t been boss in SCC Division I.

“That doesn’t cut it here,” coach Jeff Roy said. “We’re really looking to get over that hump.”

That could change this season.

Thirteen starters return. Seniors dominate the lineup, including new QB Frank Camerino, who put on a show vs. Derby on Thanksgiving, fullback Gary Thompson and a large, veteran offensive and defensive front led by twins Robert and Austin Rose and Joe Ortoli.

They’re not names yet, and some new go-to guys are desperately needed on offense — especially since standout Will Karcher was lost for the season due to an ACL tear back in the spring. But Shelton is hoping you’ll get acquainted with its players real soon.

Consider the Gaels a dark, dark horse at this point. They’re still a team to watch.

5. Anyone else worthy?

Of all the SCC Division II teams, North Haven‘s getting the most preseason love. The Indians, who notoriously replaced Notre Dame in the Class L playoffs with their upset of the Green Knights at midseason, has everybody’s attention with the return QB Joe Schwab, RB Jalon White, OL/DL Andrew Savenelli and LB Mark Zurlis. With all due respect to NDWH-Xavier, North Haven’s Week 1 matchup at Hillhouse might be the league’s best game of opening night.

As for the rest of the SCC D-II teams, uncertainty rules once you get past Hillhouse and North Haven. Lyman Hall, a playoff team from a year ago, lost plenty of star players with the exception of RB Joe Desandre. They might fall back to the pack along with Foran, Law, East Haven, Sheehan, Guilford and Branford.

Getting back to Division I, Hand – the New Canaan of the SCC — always puts out a good product, though losing all-state WR Alec Pacelli and QB Zach Miller hurts. There were, however, plenty of underclassmen on last year’s Class L semifinal team. The Tigers could potentially be one of the best teams in SCC D-1, or middle-of-the-road.

Notre Dame-West Haven appears to be starting over somewhat. Many of the holdovers from the 2009 state championship team gone — particularly QB Sean Goldrich, WR Tirrell Young and RB David Rose. The Green Knights return tailback Amihr Bess and LB Davante Mallard and a a few experienced linemen.

Fairfield Prep? We’re still deliberating on the Jesuits. Little’s known at this point except they lost some skill guys but remain blessed with a large roster. Now in Year 2 with coach Tom Shea, Prep might be worth a couple of extra victories..

Wilbur Cross will have to find someone to replace standout RB/KR James Ward. The Governors, like Amity and Hamden, appear to be in building mode.

Due to Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene or other circumstances (but mostly due to Irene), many of this weekend’s scrimmage schedules have been cancelled, or postponed and rescheduled.

Here’s the updated list as of Tuesday, August 30

Tuesday

Note: Some of these scrimmages may be postponed due to lingering effects from the storm.

New Fairfield at Newtown, Blue and Gold Stadium, 3:30 p.m.
Ansonia at Notre Dame-WH, Veterans Field, WH, 3:30 p.m.
East Catholic at RHAM, RHAM High School Athletic Complex, 3:30 p.m.
Wilbur Cross at Guilford, Kavanaugh Turf Field at GHS, 3:30 p.m.
Manchester at Wethersfield, Cottone Field at WHS, 3:45 p.m.
St. Paul Catholic at Canton, Canton H.S., 4 p.m.
Bethel at Danbury, Danbury High School Stadium, 4 p.m. Ppd. to Wednesday
Immaculate at Westhill, Westhill Football Field, 4 p.m.
Branford at Fitch, Dorr Field, 4:30 p.m.
Putnam/Tourtellotte/Ellis Tech at West Warwick (RI),  , TBA
Platt Tech at Seymour, Platt Tech soccer field, TBA
Enfield at Longmeadow (MA), Longmeadow H.S., TBA
Hillhouse at Darien, DHS Stadium Field, ppd. (TBA)

Wednesday
Bethel at Danbury, 5 p.m.
Bristol Eastern at Berlin, Scalise Field- Sage Park, 2:45 p.m.
Naugatuck at Amity, Amity High School, 3:30 p.m.
Oxford at Woodland, Woodland Football Field, 3:30 p.m.
Hyde Leadership at North Haven, Vanacore Field, 3:30 p.m.
Rockville at Cromwell, Cromwell High School, 3:45 p.m.
Wolcott Tech at Nonnewaug, Nonnewaug High School Field, 3:45 p.m.
Hartford Public at Hall, Hall HS Stadium (Turf Field), 4 p.m.
Fairfield Prep at Fairfield Warde, Tetreau/Davis Field, 4 p.m.
Staples at Bunnell, Bunnell Turf Field, 4 p.m.
Weston at Wilton, Fujitani Field – Turf, 4:15 p.m.
St. Joseph at Joel Barlow, Field I (Stadium), 4:30 p.m.
Bristol Eastern at Daniel Hand, DHHS Turf Field, 4:30 p.m.
Housatonic/Wamogo at Wilcox Tech, Wilcox Tech School Field, 4:30 p.m.
Cheney Tech at Morgan, Peters Complex, 5 p.m.
Added: Brookfield at Ridgefield, Tiger Hollow Stadium, 5 p.m.
Ledyard at Platt, Falcon Field, 5 p.m.
West Haven at Norwalk, Testa Field, NHS, 6 p.m.
Updated: Shelton at Masuk, 5 p.m. (on Masuk practice field)

Thursday
Oxford at Woodland, Woodland Football Field, 3:30 p.m.
Stafford/East Windsor at Belchertown MA, Belchertown High, 6 p.m.

Friday
Immaculate at New Fairfield, Rebel Stadium, 4:30 p.m.
Manchester at Windsor, Windsor HS, 6 p.m.
Coventry/Windham Tech at Cheney Tech, Cheney Tech, 6:30 p.m.
Newtown at Seymour, Seymour High Lower Field, TBA

Saturday
Added: Ansonia at West Haven, 10 a.m.
Added: Masuk at Southington, 9:30 a.m.
Jamboree at New Canaan, Dunning Stadium, 10 a.m.
Central, Barlow, Norwalk at Wilton Scrimmage Jamboree, 9 a.m.
Football Jamboree at Rocky Hill, Rocky Hill High School, 10 a.m.
Quad Scrimmage at Hillhouse, Bowen Field, 10 a.m.
East Hampton/Vinal Tech at Rocky Hill Jamboree, Rocky Hill High School, 10 a.m.
Weston/Wolcott/Maloney/Platt Quad at Platt, Falcon Field, 10 a.m.
Guilford and North Haven Scrimmage at Woodland, Woodland Football Field, 10 a.m.
Fitch and Valley Regional at Middletown, Middletown High School, 10 a.m.
CSC Showcase at Wilcox Tech, Falcon Field, 3 p.m.
Amity at Pomperaug, Pomperaug High School, 10 a.m.
Hamden Hall at East Haven, East Haven High School, 10 a.m.
Farmington at Torrington, Torrington High School, 10 a.m.
Wilbur Cross at Hamden, HHS Turf Field, 10 a.m.
Shelton at St. Joseph, 10 a.m.
East Hartford at Enfield, Enfield High Turf Field, 10 a.m.
Jonathan Law at Westhill, 10 a.m.
Iona Prep (NY) at Greenwich, Cardinal Stadium, 10 a.m.
Lewis Mills at at Gilbert vs St. Paul, Gilbert, 10 a.m.
Monument Mountain (MA) at Housatonic/Wamogo, High School Field, 10 a.m.
SMSA/University at Woodstock Academy, Bentley Main Field, 10:30 a.m.
Granby Memorial at Nonnewaug, Nonnewaug High School, 10:30 a.m.
Glastonbury at New London, Canamella Field, 11 a.m.
New Milford at Norwich Free Academy, NFA Turf Field, 11 a.m.
Danbury at Lyman Hall, Lyman Hall Fitzgerald Field, 11 a.m.
Putnam/Tourtellotte/Ellis Tech at Jamboree, Falcon Field, 3 p.m.
Northwest Catholic at Hall, Hall HS Stadium (Turf Field), 9 a.m.
Trumbull at Bunnell, Bunnell Turf Field, 9 a.m.
South Windsor at Daniel Hand, DHHS Turf Field, 9 a.m.
Darien at Branford, James L. MacVeigh Alumni Athletic Complex-Turf Field, 9 a.m.
Fairfield Ludlowe at Fairfield Prep, Alumni Field, Fairfield University, 9 a.m.
Crosby at Windsor Locks/Suffield/East Granby, Windsor Locks High School, 9 a.m.
Rockville at Stafford/East Windsor, Stafford High, Lighted field behind school, 9:30 a.m.

Monday, Sept. 5
Torrington at Seymour, Seymour High Lower Field, 10 a.m.
Masuk at Greenwich, Cardinal Stadium, 10 a.m.
Ridgefield at Staples,  , 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 6
Manchester at Berlin, Scalise Field- Sage Park, 2:45 p.m.
Haddam-Killingworth at Rocky Hill, Rocky Hill High School, 3:30 p.m.
O’Brien Tech at Nonnewaug, Nonnewaug High School Field, 3:45 p.m.
Prince Tech at Avon, Avon High School, 4 p.m.
Cromwell at Platt, Falcon Field, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 7
East Catholic at Farmington, Farmington High School, 3:30 p.m.
New Milford at Danbury, Danbury High School Stadium, 4 p.m.
Lewis Mills at Gilbert/OWT, Gilbert, 4 p.m.
Maloney at Lyman Hall, Lyman Hall Fitzgerald Field, 4 p.m.
Norwalk at Newtown, Blue and Gold Stadium, 5 p.m.
Oxford at Seymour, Seymour High Main Field, 6 p.m.
Bassick at Jonathan Law, Jonathan Law Field, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 8
Ansonia at Shelton, 6 p.m.
Guilford at Hall, Hall HS Stadium (Turf Field), 4 p.m.
South Windsor at Woodstock Academy, Bentley Main Field, 4 p.m.
Newington at Stonington, Donald Palmer Field, 4 p.m.
Westhill at Joel Barlow, Field I (Stadium), 5 p.m.
Notre Dame-West Haven at Amity, Amity High School, 6 p.m.
White Plains (NY) at Fairfield Warde, Tetreau/Davis Field, 6 p.m.
Bethel at Watertown, Mills Complex- High School., 6 p.m.
Hyde Leadership at Torrington, Torrington High School, 6 p.m.
Greenwich at Hamden, HHS Turf Field, 6 p.m.
Enfield at Fermi, Fermi H.S.turf field, 6 p.m.
Naugatuck at Wolcott, Wolcott High School, Monroe Field, 6 p.m.
Wilbur Cross at Middletown, Middletown High School, 6:30 p.m.
Wilton at Bunnell, Bunnell Turf Field, 6:30 p.m.
Branford at Derby, Derby -Ryan Athletic Complex- Deflippo Field, 7 p.m.
West Haven at Bridgeport Central, Kennedy Stadium, TBA

Friday, Sept. 9
E.O. Smith at Killingly, New Killingly High School, 4 p.m.
Wethersfield at Glastonbury, Stadium Field (turf), 4 p.m.
Fairfield Prep at Staples, Staples HS, 4 p.m.
Brien McMahon at Darien, DHS Stadium Field, 4 p.m.
Nonnewaug at Housatonic/Wamogo, High School Field, 4 p.m.
Abbott Tech at East Hampton/Vinal Tech, Vinal Regional Technical High School, 4:30 p.m.
Platt at Simsbury, Simsbury High School, 4:30 p.m.
Stratford at Ridgefield, Tiger Hollow Stadium, 5 p.m.
Cromwell at Berlin, Scalise Field- Sage Park, 6 p.m.
Ansonia at Shelton, Shelton High School Finn Stadium, 6 p.m.
Conard at Daniel Hand, DHHS Turf Field, 6 p.m.
Xavier at Stamford, Stamford High School, 6 p.m.
Platt Tech at Fairfield Ludlowe, Taft Field, 6 p.m.
Ellington/Somers at Rockville, RHS football field, 6:30 p.m.
Southington at New London, Canamella Field, 6:30 p.m.
Pomperaug at Rocky Hill, Rocky Hill High School, 7 p.m.
Old Saybrook/Westbrook at East Haven, East Haven High School, 7 p.m.
Cheshire at Windsor, Windsor HS, 7 p.m.
Coginchaug at Lyman Hall, Lyman Hall Fitzgerald Field, 7 p.m.
East Lyme at North Haven, Vanacore Field, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 10
Wolcott Tech at Granby Memorial, Ahrens Park Field, 11 a.m.
Lewis Mills at Canton, Canton H.S., 11 a.m.
Rye Country Day (NY) at Trinity Catholic, Trinity Catholic Alumni Field, 3:30 p.m.
Windsor Locks/Suffield/East Granby at Tolland, Tolland High School, 9 a.m.

Masuk quarterback Casey Cochran

1. Can anyone beat Masuk?

No.

1a. Um… Could you please embellish?

Do we need to? What else is there to say?

You’ve read and seen this a millions times before.

Masuk has the state’s best quarterback in Casey Cochran. But you knew that. You’ve seen and read it it here, here, here, here, here, and (more recently) here.

He leads the state’s best offense, which features strong running back Colin Markus, receivers Tom Milano and Brandon Cusamano and Erik Tucker on the offensive line.

Sure, the fire and brimstone defense of 2010 loses a little oomph without Tim Allen and there’s nobody who can replace Jon Testani (of course) or Joe Diaz on special teams, but the D still has studs like Shawn Flynn, Matt Duignan, Andrew Sebben.

And nobody on their schedule even comes close to their pitch (few teams statewide can).

Masuk’s 2011 opponents were a combined 39-61 last year, with half of those wins coming from just two teams, Pomperaug and  Newtown (16-4).

Unless something catastrophic happens, the stars are aligned for another record-breaking season.

1b. Can they even remotely duplicate last year’s success?

Top Guns (clockwise, from top left) Masuk's Colin Markus, Shawn Flynn, Thomas Milone and Matt Duignan

Fair question.

Probably.

But, boy, the bar is set pretty darn high, isn’t it?

At least they’re the one’s setting it. [Related: Masuk football still has something to prove]

As discussed, it’s going to take an extraordinary effort for someone on their schedule to take them out.

Based on what we know here in August, the only place we can see that happening are: at the SWC championship game (maybe vs. Brookfield or Bunnell?), vs. Newtown on Thanksgiving, or in the Class L playoffs, where New Canaan or Darien or Bunnell or Hand or New London (wouldn’t that be a trip?), or some other as yet unseen powerhouse awaits them.

The only thing this group can do to possibly surpass last year’s dominant, 13-0, state championship season is nab that No. 1 ranking.

[Warning: Premature No. 1 talk]

Unfortunately, even if Masuk goes 14-0 (including a separate SWC championship game) and wins the Class L title, the mythical trophy is out of their hands, just like it was last season.

Xavier will likely retain the No. 1 ranking to start the 2011 season. Why not? They’re going to be an awesome team this year, favorites to repeat. It also helps that they’re the reigning No. 1 and (some) poll voters typically transfer last year’s votes to this year’s poll to start the season.

And, if Xavier weathers its especially tough SCC schedule and go 13-0 again, bet the house and the kids’ college money that they’re staying No. 1. (Another unwritten rule for many poll voters is they’ll never switch a No. 1 vote if their top team doesn’t lose).

Anyway, somebody would have to knock Xavier off and Masuk would likely have to be the only unbeaten team standing before they can get fitted for tuxedos. It’s a stretch, but not out of the realm of possibility.

But talk to us around December. This is 2011, not 2010. Lots can happen. Perceptions always change drastically as we progress.

Brookfield's Boeing Brown

2. Yeah, yeah. Enough about Masuk. Is Brookfield ready for prime time without Brian Kelly?

Kelly was an outstanding football player, tremendous in a pinch and the piston that drove the Brookfield bus all the way to the Class M semifinals, on both offense and defense. He’ll be missed.

But we think the Bobcats will be right back in the hunt again. Fast emerging quarterback Boeing Brown is now a junior with big game experience. He’s getting big college looks. Brookfield’s go-to guy is, of course, senior Leaon Gordon, a bulldozer and one of the league’s top returning offensive players. Brookfield has more than a good share of returning starters like Joey Acquanita and Tyler Heckmann.

They’re going to be good. Not Masuk-good, but a top contender.

Brookfield will be tested early, often and late with dates against Pomperaug, Bunnell, Newtown and Bethel. It’s probably the toughest schedule in the league after Newtown’s.

3. What’s left at Pomperaug? Anything?

Pomperaug coach Dave Roach

What? Who gave you the impression they were gutted?

Yeah, it sounded like gloom and doom when the Maxen twins graduated, longtime coach Chuck Drury and defensive coordinator John Pereira joined young Mike Drury’s staff at Southington, and then QB Kellen Croce took off for the Gunnery.

[thunder] [dramatic chord]

No worries, kids. The end isn’t nigh. Pomperaug’s cupboard is stocked with talent for new coach Dave Roach, whose identity as a teacher, alumni and nine-year assistant coach at the school should make for a pretty seamless transition in Southbury. [Related: Jess and Dave Roach share the field at Pomperaug]

There are promising candidates at quarterback led by senior Garrett DeLotto, a 6-foot-2 converted receiver. It may take time to sort out that spot and the rest of the offense. Thankfully, outstanding receiver and kicker Matt Paola is back after almost an entire season spent on the sidelines, as is top-returning receiver Brett Gaughan. Andrew Reel leads what could be a pretty strong linebacker corps and defense.

So, no, Pomperaug’s not going anywhere in the long term. Their schedule is a monster, however, with contenders Brookfield, Bunnell, Bethel, Newtown and Masuk on the docket.

Good luck with that.

4. What about the Stratford schools???

Bunnell QB Bryan Castelot

Always a pressing question on this space (hence the liberal use question marks).

With their quarterback, highly-rated junior Bryan Castelot, receivers, Josh Diaz and Jared Vasquez, defensive backs David Camille and Jawad Chisholm returning, we can confidently say we believe Bunnell will be a solid contender alongside Brookfield, Newtown and maybe even Pomperaug for a playoff spot. Bunnell went 7-3 as a young club last season and was maybe one or two mistakes away from going 8-2 and sneaking into the playoffs.

The schedule’s pretty tough (Pomperaug, Brookfield and Bethel in a row at midseason), but there’s little doubt they’ll be up to the challenge.

As for Stratford, the climb continues. Losing playmaker Marc Desruisseaux hurts. WR/DE Asia Bolling is a standout, along with seniors Brian Zapata, Jailen Johnson, and Donald Graham. There’s talent bubbling within the underclassmen. Are they capable of a surprise or two? Absolutely. The Red Devils’ best days may be in future seasons.

5. Will we ever hear from Immaculate or Notre Dame-Fairfield again?

Notre Dame-Fairfield coach Rico Brogna

Is this really a pressing question? Well, it’s been so long we have to ask. Both programs (particularly Immaculate) have hit rock bottom over the last five or six seasons. Maybe it’s because of economic issues (who can pony up cash to send their kid to Catholic school in this climate?), or maybe it’s something else.

Regardless, the two schools have gone with pretty exotic hires to put their foundering programs back on the winning path.

Notre Dame, of course, went with journeyman coach and MLB alum Rico Brogna. The Lancers have some talent, especially junior bruiser Nigel Beckford. But there’s still a ways to go for ND to build a winner and Brogna knows it. (If Brogna sticks around for longer than a season, that would help).

We have no idea what to expect from Immaculate‘s Bryan Pinabell, the expat New Englander who learned his football in Florida and coaching in Georgia. Maybe that’ll help. Or maybe coaching this far north will be too much of a culture shock. Either way, if we do hear from Immaculate it probably won’t be this season. They were 0-10 a year ago and are starting from scratch.

Other questions we’ll be asking:

Is everybody healed now at Newtown? Can they get over the hump? …Will Bethel get back in the hunt, or is the honeymoon over for coach Jason Gill and Bethel? …Oxford‘s been knocking on the door for two seasons. Can they produce the schools first winning season or (gasp!) even contend? …Where does Barlow, New Fairfield, New Milford and Weston fit in?

NEXT: THE SCC