Xavier has been voted the No. 1 team in the NHR’s state media poll for the second-consecutive year.

This time, it was unanimous.

Xavier was simply dominant in 2011. It earned its second-straight unbeaten, 13-0 season, capped with 42-7 victory over FCIAC Champion Staples in the Class LL championship game.

Fellow SCC Division I team Hand  took No. 2 with a 13-0 season, including a convincing 31-10 victory over New Canaan in the Class L championship game.

Despite playing in the same league, Xavier and Hand did not face each other.

Class M and NVL champion Ansonia, which capped the first 14-0 season in Connecticut history with a 38-0 victory over Ledyard in the championship game, took the No. 3 spot.

Class S champion and NVL runner-up Holy Cross (12-2) chimed in at No. 8.

Locally, FCIAC champion and Class LL runner-up Staples (11-1) took the No. 4 spot. SWC Champion and Class L semifinalist Masuk (11-1) comes in at No. 5. Class L runner-up New Canaan (11-2) finished No. 6.

Class L semifinalists Windsor and New London  finished No. 7 and 9, respectively. Notre Dame-West Haven, which lost to both Class LL and L champions and then Windsor in the Class LL quarterfinals, rounded out the poll at No. 10.

Xavier was also a unanimous No. 1 in the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance Poll.

Xavier got all but one of the No. 1 votes in The Day’s state coaches poll.

Final NHR State Media Poll

Others receiving votes: Norwalk (9-2), 225; North Haven (9-2), 192; Ledyard (11-2), 186; Newtown (9-3), 169; Cromwell (10-3), 144; Greenwich (8-2), 84; Hall (9-2), 81; Berlin (10-2), 52; Valley Regional/Old Lyme (10-2), 51; Northwest Catholic (9-3), 21; Conard (9-2), 20; Ellington/Somers (10-1), 17; Glastonbury (8-3) and West Haven (7-3), 11; Wolcott (8-4), 9; Pomperaug (8-2), 7.
The following voted: Marc Allard, Norwich Bulletin; Bob Barton, New Haven Register; Bill Bloxsom, Hersam-Acorn; Sean Patrick Bowley, Connecticut Post; Don Boyle, Sporting News CT; Jim Bransfield, Middletown Press; Bryant Carpenter, Meriden-Record Journal; George DeMaio, WELI; Mike DiMauro, The Day of New London; Matt Doran, MSG Varsity; Kevin Duffy, Danbury News-Times; Tom Evans, Norwalk Hour; Noah Finz, WTNH-8; Ned Griffen, The Day of New London; John Holt, WFSB-3; Mark Jaffee, Waterbury Republican-American; Ken Lipshez, Patch/West Hartford News; Mike Madera, Elm City Newspapers; Joe Morelli, New Haven Register; Dave Phillips, Shore Line Newspapers; Mike Pucci, New Haven Register; Dave Ruden, Stamford Advocate; Tom Yantz, Hartford Courant; Mike Wollschlager, New Haven Register; Jimmy Zanor, Shore Line Newspapers.

Final Day Coaches Poll

Also receiving votes: Notre Dame-West Haven (8-3), 107 points; Cromwell (10-3), 104; North Haven (9-2), 91; Norwalk (9-2), 73; Newtown (9-3), 50; Conard-West Hartford (9-2), 35; Greenwich (8-2), 29; Berlin (10-2), 26; Valley Regional/Old Lyme (10-2), 25; Hall-West Hartford (9-2), 18; Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (9-3), 17; Farmington (9-1), 15; Bunnell-Stratford (8-2), 8; Tie, Waterford (7-4) and West Haven (7-3), 7.
The following coaches voted: Tom Brockett, Ansonia; Jim Buonocore, Ledyard; Craig Bruno, Bunnell-Stratford; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Rob Fleeting, Windsor; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Sean Marinan, Xavier-Middletown; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.
Dave Cadelina of Bridgeport Central could not be reached to vote.

CSWA Media Poll

Also Receiving Votes: Ledyard 11-2 114; Norwalk 9-2 106; Newtown 9-3 85; Cromwell 10-3 80; North Haven 9-2 60; Greenwich 8-2 32; Hall 9-2 21; Berlin 10-2 19; Valley Regional/Old Lyme 10-2 16; Shelton 8-2 8; Northwest Catholic 9-3 5; Conard 9-2 4; North Branford 4; Wolcott 8-4 3; Darien 2; Farmington 9-1 2; Bunnell 1
Voters: Brian Barreto (NVL Blog), Bob Barton (CT H.S. Football Record Book), Bill Bloxsom (Hersam Acorn), Jim Bransfield (Middletown Press), Kyle Brennan (Waterbury Republican-American), George DeMaio (WELI Radio), Gerry deSimas (Collinsville Publishing Co.), Bill Donovan (WXLM 980 AM), Mark Fijalkowski (CT Sports Network), Dave Greenleaf (Bristol Press), Mike Guerrera (Southington Citizen), John Holt (WFSB Channel 3), Larry Kelley (SE Conn Patch), Bob Lazzari (Valley Times), Greg Lederer (Cheshire Herald), Ken Lipshez (Farmington/W. Hartford Patch), Robert Mayer (Berlin Patch), Eric Montgomery (Minuteman Newspapers), Sean Patrick Bowley (Connecticut Post), Dave Phillips (Shoreline Newspapers), Mike Pucci (New Haven Register), Paul Rosano (Meriden Record-Journal), Dave Ruden (Stamford Advocate), Elliott Schickler (Westport News), Mike Suppe (Hersam Acorn Newspapers), Peter Vander Veer (Hersam Acorn Newspapers), Tom Yantz (Hartford Courant), Rich Zalusky (Willimantic Chronicle), Jimmy Zanor (Shore Line Times).

Holy Cross QB Zach Brown

We’re just wrapping up our last previews for tomorrow’s regional football state championship games.

You can find everything you need here, links, stats AND special video previews (Xavier-Staples will be available tonight):

• Class LL Championship Preview
• Class L Championship Preview
• Class M Championship Preview

But, oh yes, one state championship will be decided tonight. It doesn’t include regional teams, but it has potential of being the best of the four state championships.

The Class S title game between Holy Cross and Cromwell.

You can follow all the action here, interactively on the live blog, or you can just watch the CIAC’s Play-by-play update feed from Rentschler Field, or you can visit our friends Remmy and Kyle at the NVL Football Blog, who have been all over this one. Or you can do all three.

No. 2 Holy Cross vs. No. 8 Cromwell

WHEN/WHERE – Rentschler Field, 6:30 p.m.
ON THE AIR – Sportingnewsct.com | WELI 960-AM
TICKETS – $10
COACHES — Holy Cross: Mike Giampetruzzi; Cromwell: Chris Eckert
RECORDS — Holy Cross 11-2 (NVL runners-up); Cromwell (10-2)
HOW THEY GOT HERE – Holy Cross: def. Haddam-Killingworth 42-14, def. Valley Regional 23-14; Cromwell: def. Capital Prep/Classical Magnet 23-14; def. Northwest Catholic 35-19
STATE TITLES – Holy Cross (1): 2006-SS; Cromwell (1): 2008-S
TOP PLAYERS — Holy Cross: Sr. RB/LB Dave DiGiorgi (1,068 yards, 12 TDs); Sr. QB Zach Brown; Sr. LB/OL Anthony Jemele (6-0, 215); Jr. RB/LB Adrian Brown (1,152 yards, 13 TDs); Sr. WR/DB Paul Cotter; Sr. LB Joe Parent; Fresh. WR/DB Isaiah Wright (8 TDs). Cromwell:Sr. QB Anthony Morales (3,365 yards passing, 42 TDs); Derrick Villard (1,964 yards yards, 24 TDs rushing); Sr. WR Michael Antonio (1,291 yards, 18 TDs receiving) Sr. OL/DL Mike Sullivan (18 sacks); Sr. WR/DB/K Brett Director (874 yards, 9 TDs receiving); Sr. LB Ricky Feggins.
WORTH NOTING – Morales is one touchdown pass away from breaking the state’s single-season passing record he shares with New Canaan’s Matt Milano (42), and is 193 passing yards away from breaking former Southington QB Matt Keleher’s single season record of 3,558. …Behind Morales in the air, Villard on the ground Cromwell is the state leader in passing yards and total offense (5,990). …It averages 42.7 points per game, it has scored under that average in two playoff games. …Holy Cross’ only losses this season have both been to Ansonia, 45-13 in the regular season and 33-0 in the NVL title game. …Take away two losses to Ansonia, Holy Cross is 11-0 and has outscored its opponents 363-150, or an average of 33-14.
OUTLOOK — In one of the best matchups of the state championship weekend, the Class S game features offenses on opposite ends of the spectrum. Cromwell has produced the state’s statistically most prolific offense in the state with a spread attack that stretches the field with a deep passing game and selective, but effective running from Villard on the ground. Holy Cross loves to pound away with backs DiGiorgi and Brown, but can pass when necessary with freshman Wright already emerging as a bit-time threat. The Class S championship will come down to defenses and Holy Cross might hold the edge in that department, having allowed just 150 points all season against everybody but Ansonia. But Cromwell’s not exactly a sieve. Sullivan’s 18 sacks lead the state. The offenses should have their way early before defenses take control. Someone’s going to have to make a big play late. Tough matchup to call.
OUR PICK — Cromwell 34, Holy Cross 26

Finally, the last of the CIAC State Championship Videos: St. Joseph’s 49-28 victory over Ansonia in the Class S championship game. This game was probably the best of the bunch, given the extraordinary efforts by both teams, the back-and-forth fireworks display between St. Joseph’s Tyler Matakevich and Ansonia senior Montrell Dobbs, who was heroic in trying to will his young teammates to the title — 52 carries, 303 yards, 3 TDs.

You really couldn’t have asked for much more from a battle between two of our region’s best programs. St. Joseph and its massive class of seniors won its second straight championship, going from 1-2 to 10-3 and a high ranking in the state polls. But they all walked off the field overflowing with respect for Ansonia, a team that played well beyond its years.

Final thoughts on the weekend, the season and Elite 8 rankings coming up.

Dim the lights, heat the popcorn. It’s time to relive Masuk’s Class L championship victory over New Canaan at Rentschler Field.

Tonight, we begin.

Tonight the first high school football teams will make their final preparations, pack up their equipment, load up their buses and settle in for the ride up to Rentschler Field in East Hartford for the first of four state championship games.

Trumbull (11-2) and Xavier (12-0) face off in the Class LL title game tonight at what is expected to be a frigid, but snow-free championship game.

Tomorrow, we kick off at 11 a.m. with Class M, followed by our first dream final in Class L and then wrap it all up with our second dream final in Class S.

Without question, we can say these teams are the best of the best. Unlike previous years, we know there aren’t any deserving teams sitting home. We’ve whittled away the pretenders, leaving only the contenders to duke it out for a coveted state championship in one of this state’s finest football facilities.

This might be the best CIAC state championship round since the tournament’s inception 34 years ago. Those who wear the crowns this season can truly say they are among the elite.

In the post below, we go in-depth to all four state championship games and pick our winners. If you haven’t picked yours, you may do so below each capsule. Give us your picks, tell us your reasons.

At right is our video player, with interviews from many of the championship game participants. We’ll continue to add new videos throughout the day and into tomorrow, so keep checking back for interviews and highlights.

Here’s a running list of stories and previews written by the staff of Connecticut Post and Stamford Advocate in advance of the title games:

• Schools get in the spirit of CIAC championships
• Trumbull looks to make most of Class LL final vs. No. 1 Xavier
• Ansonia, St. Joseph a battle of high-powered offenses
• Family Feud: New Canaan’s Shullman, Masuk’s Duigan finally meet on a football field
• RUDEN: New Canaan has few peers in Connecticut football
• State finalists eager to play at Rentschler

Then either bundle up and head to Rentschler for the title bouts. Or you can choose to stay home, plug your computer into your TV and watch the games and the live blog here courtesy of Sportingnewsct.com and Birdseyesports.com.

Or you can let “The Coach” George DeMaio and Nick Aprea take you through the action on WELI 960-AM (weli.com).

And, finally, a quick poll before we get started, because we’re so curious.

If you can’t watch the games live for whatever reason (technical difficulties hampered our efforts in the semifinals) you can always stay on top of the action on the trusty live blog:

Class LL

No. 3 Trumbull vs. No. 1 Xavier

WHERE — Rentschler Field, East Hartford
WHEN — Friday, 7 ; TICKETS – $10
ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM; Sportingnewsct.com
COACHES — Trumbull: Bob Maffei (13th year, 97-31); Xavier: Sean Marinan (9th year, 65-32-2).
RECORDS — Trumbull 11-2 (FCIAC runner-up); Xavier 12-0 (SCC Division I West champion)
HOW THEY GOT HERE – Trumbull defeated Conard 27-9 in quarterfinals, defeated NFA 21-6 in semifinals; Xavier defeated West Haven 28-7 in quarterfinals; defeated Glastonbury 24-13 in semifinals.
STATE TITLES — Trumbull (3): 1978-LL, 1985-LI, 1986-LI. Xavier (1): 2005-LL.
TOP PLAYERS — Trumbull: Sr. WR/DB/KR Phil Terio; Sr. QB/DB Ian Milne; Jr. FB/LB Don Cherry; Sr. FB/LB Matt Lena; Sr. OL/DL Brian Barnash (6-0, 215); Sr. C Joe Riehl (6-0, 220); Sr. QB Brian Gallo; Sr. WR/DE Tom Pauciello (6-6, 235); Sr. G/DT Will Testani (5-10, 240); Sr. DT Ryan Monaco (5-11, 212); Xavier: Sr. LB/TE Graham Stewart (6-1, 220); Sr. TE/DE Eric Mischke (6-3, 230); Jr. FB/LB Mike Mastroianni (1,500+ yards rushing); Sr. LB Austen Ahern; Jr. WR/CB Ryan Jacobucci; Jr. TE/SS Ryan Murphy (6-2, 193); Jr. G/NG Austin Wezneski (6-1, 220); Jr. G/DE Sean Marinan (6-1, 220); Jr. QB/FS/WR Pat D’Amato.
WORTH NOTING — Xavier averages 27.8 points scored, 8.6 points allowed. … Trumbull averages 28.6 points scored, 12.8 allowed. … Xavier has been ranked No. 1 in the New Haven Register media poll for 13 consecutive weeks since defeating No. 1 Notre Dame-WH 22-15 in Week 1. … Stewart is committed to Boston College. … This is Trumbull’s first trip to the playoffs since 2005, when it lost to Xavier 20-7 in the Class LL semifinals. … Trumbull claims a fourth state title, in 1980 when it finished 10-0 and was voted No. 1 in the state despite not qualifying for the Class LL final.
OUTLOOK — Armed with a new offense and a dedicated class of seniors, Trumbull is back in the state championship game for the first time since Jerry McDougall retired after 1997. The Eagles face a formidable foe in top-ranked and unbeaten Xavier. The Falcons are big, fast and physical. Its defensive line is a brick wall, allowing talented linebackers led by Stewart and Ahern and the strong secondary to roam free and cause havoc. It will try to pressure and intimidate Trumbull’s backs and receivers. Offensively, Xavier is old school. It pounds Mastroianni behind a massive line, mixing in timely passes from emerging QB Boyle to receivers Murphy and Stewart. The offense has been mistake prone at times, but has gradually improved. Trumbull isn’t as big, but no team has intimidated the Eagles all year. They must match Xavier’s intensity, keep its playmakers out of the backfield, play focused and mistake free to pull the upset. Most important, Trumbull can’t squander any of the few scoring chances it gets.
OUR PICK–Xavier 22, Trumbull 14

Class L

No. 6 New Canaan vs. No. 1 Masuk

WHERE – Rentschler Field, East Hartford
WHEN – Saturday, 3; TICKETS – $10
ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM; Sportingnewsct.com
COACHES – New Canaan: Lou Marinelli (30^th year, 244-83-7); Masuk: John Murphy (14^th year, 136-31-1)
RECORDS – New Canaan 11-1; Masuk 12-0 (SWC Champions)
HOW THEY GOT HERE – New Canaan: def. Naugatuck 21-12 in QF, def. Hand 39-21 in SF; Masuk: def. Bristol Eastern 49-23 in QF, def. Darien 41-0 in SF.
STATE TITLES – New Canaan (8): 1982-LII, 1993-M, 2001-M, 2002-M, 2006-MM, 2007-MM, 2008-MM, 2009-MM. Masuk (2): 1998-L, 2008-L.
TOP PLAYERS – New Canaan: Sr. WR/DB/KR Kevin Macari (50 catches, 1,065 yards, 18 TDs); Sr. QB Matt Milano (2,766 yards, 39 TD passing); Sr. TE/DE Connor Kilbane; Sr. OL/DL Conor Hanratty (6-5, 310); Sr. RB/DB Joe Costigan; Sr. NG Ryan Schullman (12 sacks); Sr. OL/DL Jack Atchue (6-6, 280); Sr. Masuk: Sr. WR/DB/K Jon Testani (5 TDs, 3 FG, 5 INT, 53 touchbacks); Jr. QB Casey Cochran (3,036 yards, 37 TD, 7 INT passing); Jr. RB Colin Markus (1,362 yards rushing, 22 TDs); Soph. WR Tom Milone (40 catches, 877 yards, 9 TD); Sr. WR Tyler Perimenis (644 yards, 9 TDs receiving); Sr. WR/S/KR Joe Diaz; Jr. DB Shawn Flynn; Sr. LB Anthony Calabrese; Jr. LB Matt Duigan; Sr. DL Tim Allen (6-1, 230 – 7 sacks); Sr. OL Dan Minardi (6-3, 280); Sr. OL Evan Kollmann (6-0, 210).
WORTH NOTING – New Canaan is 56-5 with four straight state championships since 2006. …The Rams have won titles with four different QBs. …Masuk’s Cochran is the 2010 Gatorade Player of the year. …New Canaan averages 40 points scored and 13 points allowed per game. …Masuk has scored a state-best 588 points, and allowed a state-lowest 86. …Masuk’s has 39 sacks, and forced 35 turnovers (16 interceptions, 19 fumbles). …New Canaan has made a state-best 41 sacks.
OUTLOOK — Masuk is one victory away from completing its best season in school history. Led by Cochran and his quick-strike offense, an aggressive defense and superhuman kicking from Testani, Masuk has crushed everyone in its path by an average score of 49-7, including a 41-0 rout of FCIAC champion Darien in the semifinals. Standing in their way is their toughest opponent yet, four-time defending state champion New Canaan, which is practically Masuk’s mirror image. The Rams, armed with an all-purpose threat in Macari a flawless QB in Milano and an underrated defense, can be just as potent. New Canaan fell just one point short of an unbeaten regular season and won’t go down lightly, if at all. Given Testani’s uncanny knack for kicking touchbacks, New Canaan will have to somehow force punts and turnovers, shorten the field and put Masuk’s defense to work. That’s easier said than done. As good as the Rams are, Masuk looks like the total package.
OUR PICK – Masuk 38-28

Class M

No. 8 Hillhouse vs. No. 2 New London

WHERE – Rentschler Field, East Hartford
WHEN – Saturday, 11 a.m.
TICKETS – $10
ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM; Sportingnewsct.com
COACHES – Hillhouse: Tom Dyer (4^th year, 32-12); New London: Jeff Larson (2^nd year, 20-3)
RECORDS – Hillhouse 9-3; New London 10-2
HOW THEY GOT HERE – Hillhouse: def. Berlin 33-30, def. Gilbert/Northwestern 42-14; New London: def. Platt 53-14; def. Brookfield 30-12.
CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY – Hillhouse (3-1): 1985-MI, 2002-SS, 2006-M. New London (5-5): 1983-MII, 1989-SS; 1991-S, 1992-S, 2005-S, 2007-SS.
TOP PLAYERS – Hillhouse: Fresh. RB Harold Cooper (1,254 yards rushing, 13 TD); Sr. RB/LB Taurese Washington (511 yards, 9 TDs rushing); Sr. WR/DB/K Steven Dejournett (279 yards receiving, 3 INT); Sr. OL/DL Tyvon Williams (6-0, 365); Soph. QB Je’Vaughn Moore. New London: Sr. QB Josh Clements (1,400 yards, 20 TDs); Jr. RB/DB Jevon Elmore; Jr. RB/LB Kyle McKinnon (1,056 yards rushing, 15 TD); Sr. FB/LB Stefan Dance (9.1 tackles/gm; Jr. WR/DB Garrick McQueen; Sr. LB Carlos Lozada.
WORTH NOTING –Hillhouse is playing in its second state final in three years under Dyer. …New London is playing in its fourth final in six years, the first under Larson. …Hillhouse averages 24.5 points per game, and allows 15.6 points per game …New London averages 34 points per game, and allows 12 points per game. …The Whalers won eight straight during the season, its only losses were to Montville in the season opener and NFA on Thanksgiving.
OUTLOOK — A tournament once referred to as Berlin invitation will now be won by one of these two proud city programs. Hillhouse is the most unlikely of the two, having gone 7-3 in the regular season with a team that starts a freshman RB and sophomore QB. But here the Acs are, having upset Berlin 33-30 in the quarterfinals and rolling through Gilbert/Northwester. Their opponent, a talented New London squad making up for last year’s upset loss to Bethel. Both teams have speed, although Hillhouse might be the larger of the two. New London might be the more dynamic and more experienced.
OUR PICK – New London 28, Hillhouse 18

Class S

No. 4 St. Joseph vs. No. 3 Ansonia

WHERE — Rentschler Field, East Hartford
WHEN – Saturday, 7; TICKETS — $10
ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM; Sportingnewsct.com
COACHES–St. Joseph: Joe Della Vecchia (13th year, 68-69); Ansonia: Tom Brockett (5th year, 57-6)
RECORDS–St. Joseph (9-3), Ansonia (11-1, NVL runner-up).
HOW THEY GOT HERE–St. Joseph: def. Woodland 42-12; def. Valley Regional 44-7. Ansonia: def. Hyde 47-26; def. Montville 46-15.
STATE TITLES — St. Joseph (9): 1980-S, 1981-SI, 1982-SI, 1983-SI, 1984-SI, 1988-M, 1989-M, 1990-M, 2009-SS. Ansonia (16): 1976-S, 1977-S, 1979-M, 1981-SII, 1982-SII, 1983-SII, 1984-SII, 1987-S, 1988-S, 1989-S, 1994-SS, 1995-S, 2002-S, 2003-S, 2006-S, 2007-S.
TOP PLAYERS–St. Joseph: Sr. FB/LB Tyler Matakevich; Sr. QB Joe Della Vecchia (2,864 yards, 35 TD passing, 586 yards rushing, 5 TD); Sr. RB/DB Jerry Kramer (625 yards, 5 TDs receiving); Sr. WR/DB Quinn Irwin (616 yards, 5 TD receiving); Sr. WR/DB Joe Burns; Sr. WR/DB Pat Mulligan (867 yards, 12 TDs receiving); Sr. RB/LB L.J. Hunt (881 yards rushing, 5 TD); Sr. LB Sean Chinova; Sr. G/DL Nick Adzima (6-1, 254). Ansonia: Sr. RB Montrell Dobbs (354 carries, 3,140 yards rushing, 42 TDs); Jr. QB Eliot Chudwick (884 yards, 22 TD passing); Fr. RB/DB Arkeel Newsome (787 yards, 12 TDs rushing); Jr. TE/DE Sean Rowley; Jr. LB Tyler Wood; Soph. WR/DE Andrew Matos (7 TDs).
WORTH NOTING–St. Joseph leads the state in total offense, with 424 yards per game. …The Hogs have won 8 of 9 games going into the championship. … Ansonia leads the state in rushing with 329 yards per game. … Dobbs’ season rushing totals are the second best in Connecticut history (Ansonia’s Alex Thomas had 3,596 in 2007), his season total touchdowns (42) is tied for second best in state history and his career rushing total of 5,166 yards is fifth best in state history. … Dobbs has run for over 300 yards six times this year.
OUTLOOK–Perhaps no player has done more for his team than Ansonia back Montrell Dobbs. The team’s only senior, Dobbs has led an assault on the state record books, leading the Chargers into their record 24th state championship game. He’s carried this young club on his back. Then again, so has St. Joseph’s versatile QB Della Vecchia, who kept the Hogs afloat while injured starters and stars became healthy enough to return. Since starting the season 1-2, St. Joseph has put up big numbers on its way to its second straight state title game. Prone to teams who can run the ball, St. Joseph’s defense will have its hands full trying to stop Dobbs. Same goes for Ansonia’s defense, which has allowed 21.8 points per game this season. It will have to contend not only with Della Vecchia and his corps of receivers, but big backs Matakevich and Hunt as well. Dobbs figures to get his yards (and touchdowns), but so will St. Joseph. Look for a shootout in this dream matchup between two powerful local programs and a second consecutive title for the Hogs.
OUR PICK–St. Joseph 35, Ansonia 26

Coach Tom Dyer (center) and the Hillhouse football players gaze out onto Rentschler Field during the CIAC football luncheon Monday.

Rentschler Field, five days before the first CIAC state championship game. CIAC Executive Director Paul Hoey said the field's grounds crew was busy resodding the field (that's fertilizer sprinkled across the surface) and by game time, "it will be the best grass field you've ever played on."

Here are the dates and times for the four high school football state championships at Rentschler Field, announced Monday morning at the annual CIAC football championship luncheon in East Hartford.

After years spent at CIAC headquarters in Cheshire, and then two years at banquet halls in Simsbury and Southington, this was the first time the annual luncheon was actually held at the title game site.

This gathering felt significantly different than all the others.

The Rentschler Field’s luxury boxes and dining pavilion overlooking the field was a first-class setting for the elite eight teams and coaches. Heck, they even had a first-class speaker: former NFL and University of Notre Dame quarterback Joe Theismann.

You could feel the anticipation and anticipation hanging in the air, ready to be plucked from the tree and devoured by the players.

They walked up to and inside the stadium, wide eyed, some of them speechless. They took turns sitting in the suite’s stands, gazing down at their soon-to-be championship stage.

Sure the field looked beat up after hosting two football seasons (the Big East champion UConn Huskies and the UFL’s Hartford Colonials) but officials assured everyone the grass turf would be in tip-top shape come Friday night, when Trumbull and Xavier kicks off the four-game title round.

All of the kids we talked to didn’t seem to care much.

They were just thrilled to be here, thrilled to have the opportunity to play the biggest games of their lives in such a colosseum.

This was a championship atmosphere.

Just four more days, four fabulous matchups. We’re almost there.

Ladies and Gentlemen: The title schedule.

Note: Tickets to the games will be $10 for each day the games are played.

CLASS LL

No. 3 Trumbull vs. No. 1 Xavier

Friday, 7 p.m., at Rentschler Field

Class L

No. 6 New Canaan vs. No. 1 Masuk

Saturday, 3 p.m. at Rentschler Field

Class M

No. 8 Hillhouse vs. No. 2 New London

Saturday, 11 a.m. at Rentschler Field

Class S

No. 4 St. Joseph vs. No. 2 Ansonia

Saturday, 7 p.m. at Rentschler Field

ESPN analyst and former NFL QB Joe Theismann talks to St. Joseph QB Joe Della Vecchia during Monday's CIAC football luncheon at Rentschler.

Theismann talks to Masuk quarterback Casey Cochran during the CIAC's football championship luncheon at Rentschler Field.

NEWS AND NOTES

St. Joseph senior L.J. Hunt shows off a signed necktie he swapped with former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann during Monday's CIAC state championship at Rentschler Field.

We’re adding some videos from today’s luncheon, including the coaches from Class LL and L and the speech from former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann, who, on his way to cover the Monday Night Football game between the Patriots and Jets, popped in to speak to the championship participants.

Later, Joe chatted with players from Masuk and St. Joseph — particularly QBs Casey Cochran and Joe Della Vecchia.

St. Joseph senior L.J. Hunt (somehow) swapped neckties with Theismann, which had Hunt and the St. Joseph players all fired up (right).

It didn’t dawn on me until later that, as Theismann was giving his speech, Conor Hanratty was sitting right in front of him. Hanratty’s dad, of course, is Terry Hanratty, the quarterback who preceded Theismann at the University of Notre Dame. Conor will be playing there next year.

We’ll have expansive video previews up later in the week.

Until then, keep looking back here for updates.

VIDEO: Class LL championship coaches remarks (Trumbull’s Bob Maffei and Xavier’s Sean Marinan)

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VIDEO: Class L championship coaches’ remarks (Lou Marinelli and John Murphy)

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VIDEO: Joe Theismann’s speech to the eight state championship participants.

We press on with the final two classes of the CIAC state quarterfinal draw.

In Class M, which has strengthened considerably in recent weeks, we have a defending state champ vs. a young but talented SCC Division II power.

We have a pair of playoff babies in Plainville and Gilbert/Northwestern, who have played in a grand total of one playoff game in their histories. Plainville might be the feel-good story of the tournament. Having gone 1-19 in its two previous seasons, they’re in the playoffs with a new coach. They go into the tournament, however, without their starting QB.

On the other side of the draw, we have Brookfield, an SWC power just two years removed from a state title taking on Lyman Hall, SCC school making its second playoff trip, but still hobbled somewhat by the absence of three key players. Finally, we have a CCC upstart in Platt vs. an ECC power in New London that is only three years removed from its title.

Class S looks weaker than previously thought a few weeks ago, with many of the teams backing into the tournament draw. Hyde takes a three-game losing streak into its game with Ansonia, the state’s all-time leader in playoff appearances. The Chargers looked dominant throughout before getting bumped off by Naugatuck on Thanksgiving.

We have Sacred Heart, the state’s only 6-4 team to make the field, but on that’s led by the best passing duo in the state. The Hearts, making their first playoff appearance in 22 years takes on one of the surprise teams of the tournament, Valley Regional/Old Lyme — dominant at 10-0 and having the best season in school history.

We have both of last year’s Class SS finalists, Montville and St. Joseph in the draw. Montville, playing as well as anyone in the state, takes on Cromwell. St. Joseph, out of the FCIAC, hobbles into its state quarterfinal to take on Jack DeBiase and Woodland.

Again, read the synopsis, make your pick and add your comments on who you think will advance to Saturday’s semifinals.

Class M

No. 8 Hillhouse at No. 1 Berlin

WHERE — Sage Park, Berlin
RECORDS — Hillhouse 7-3 (SCC Division II West runners-up); Berlin 10-0 (CCC Division III champion)
PLAYOFF RECORD — Hillhouse 6-2; Berlin: 3-12
LAST APPEARANCE – Hillhouse: 2008 (lost to Darien in Class MM semifinals 35-32); Berlin: 2009 (defeated Bethel 46-6 in Class M championship).
PLAYERS TO WATCH –Hillhouse: Fresh. RB Harold Cooper (1,000+ yards rushing); Sr. RB/LB Taurese Washington; Sr. WR/DB/K Steven Dejournett; Sr. OL/DL Tyvon Williams (6-0, 365); Soph. QB Je’Vaughn Moore. Berlin: Sr. RB/LB Max DeLorenzo (1,174 yards rushing, 18 TD); Sr. LB Mason Powers (6-2, 210); Sr. OL/DL Joe Dellaquila (6-3, 220)
KEY STATS – All-state back Max DeLorenzo is committed to UConn. …Berlin averages 40 points (5th best in the state) and allows just over 11 per game. It’s closest victory was 12-6 over Bloomfield. The Redcoats have won 12-straight dating to last year’s playoffs. …Hillhouse is playing in its second state playoff under coach Tom Dyer. Hillhouse has won 2 state titles and is 5-2 in the state playoffs since 2002. …The Academics have won three straight since a 9-6 loss to No. 1 Xavier.
THE PICK – Berlin 35-14

No. 5 Plainville at No. 4 Gilbert/Northwestern

WHERE – Robert H. Frost Complex, Torrington High School
RECORDS – Plainville 8-2 (CCC Division IV co-champions), Gilbert/Northwestern 8-2  (Pequot Uncas runner-up).
PLAYOFF RECORD – Plainville 0-1; Gilbert/Northwestern 0-0
LAST APPEARANCE — Plainville: 1997 (lost to Platt 18-11 in 1997 Class M semifinals). Gilbert/Northwestern: First appearance.
PLAYERS TO WATCH –Plainville: Sr. OL/DE Kevin Spence (6-0, 200); Jr. RB Adam Foster; Jr. FB/DE Chris Kuzia; Sr. FB/LB/QB Ross Zettergren; Sr. OL/DL Leon Stefanski; Gilbert/Northwestern: Jr. OL/LB J.P. Dulac (8 sacks); Jr. RB Devon Molway (1,210 yards rushing, 10 TD); Sr. WR/DB Drew McCarthy (5 INT).
THINGS TO KNOW – Neither team has ever won a playoff game. …Plainville coach Chris Ferrell is in his first year. Plainville was 0-10 and gave up 397 yards last season. This season, Plainville has allowed just 121.  …Plainville won seven straight at midseason, including its first home win in three years, before a Thanksgiving loss to Northwest Catholic.  …Plainville lost QB Tony Lopizzo for the season with a knee injury suffered in that game. …Gilbert has rushed for 2,082 yards and 23 TDs this season and has registered 33 sacks, second-best recorded in the state behind Masuk. The Yellowjackets have also made 13 interceptions.
THE PICK – Gilbert/Northwestern 28, Plainville 7

No. 6 Lyman Hall at No. 3 Brookfield

WHERE – Brookfield High School Stadium Field
RECORDS – Lyman Hall 7-3 (SCC Division II West runners-up), Brookfield 8-2 (SWC third-place)
PLAYOFF RECORD – Lyman Hall 1-0; Brookfield 7-4
LAST APPEARANCE — Lyman Hall: 1985 (defeated Middletown 28-18 in Class M championship); Brookfield: 2008 (defeated Ledyard 16-14 in Class M championship).
PLAYERS TO WATCH – Lyman Hall: Jr. RB Joe Desandre (1,114 yards, 13 TD rushing); Sr. RB/DB Zac Falconeri (1,1138 yards, 18 TD); Sr. QB/CB Kyle Upton; Sr. RB/LB Billy Graeb Brookfield: Sr. WR/DB Brian Kelly (19 catches, 542 yards, 10 TD; 300 yards rushing 4 TD; 9 INT, 3 defensive TDs); Soph. RB/LB Leaon Gordon (1,161 yards, 14 TD rushing); Soph. QB Boeing Brown (1,057 yards 15 TD); Sr. TE/LB Shea McGorty (6 sacks); Sr. OL/DL Dion Koumoutseus (6-3, 300); Sr. DB/WR Nick Paez.
THINGS TO KNOW – Brookfield is making its fifth state playoff appearance under coach Rich Angarano. …Brookfield’s Brown took over as the starter after a week 1 loss to Newtown. …Brookfield is recorded as the No. 10 rushing offense in the state with 2,570 yards …Brookfield has won seven straight since a 49-7 loss to Masuk, scoring more than 40 points in four of those games. ..Gordon has run for over 200 yards in his last two games. …Desandre and Falconeri are only the second pair in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season. …Lyman hall won six straight games at midseason, including a 28-20 victory over fellow Class M playoff team Hillhouse. …Three Lyman Hall players were suspended 10 days for violation of school policy the day before Thanksgiving.
THE PICK – Brookfield 28-14

No. 7 Platt at No. 2 New London

WHERE – Canamella Field, New London
RECORDS – New London 8-2 (ECC Large Division runners-up); Platt 8-2 (CCC Division III third-place).
PLAYOFF RECORD – New London 7-6; Platt 1-3
LAST APPEARANCE — New London: 2009 (lost to Bethel 42-6 in Class M semifinals); Platt: 2004 (lost to Branford 54-14 in Class MM semifinal).
PLAYERS TO WATCH – Platt: Sr. RB/LB Henry Jackson (623 yards, 8 TDs rushing); Jr. QB/CB John Marks (1,625 yards, 13 TD passing); Kahari Davis; Sr. OL/DL Anthony Sanders; New London: Sr. QB Josh Clements (1,400 yards, 20 TDs); Jr. RB/LB Kyle McKinnon (900 yards rushing, 13 TD); Sr. FB/LB Stefan Dance; Sr. WR/DB Garrick McQueen; Sr. LB Carlos Lozada.
THINGS TO KNOW – Platt is ranked No. 20 in passing offense. …Platt’s only losses were to Division III rivals Bristol Eastern (28-20) and Berlin (45-14). …New London averages 32 points per game, and just 11 points per game. …The Whalers won eight straight during the season, its only losses were to Montville in the season opener and NFA on Thanksgiving.
THE PICK – New London 49-6

♦♦♦♦

Class S

No. 8 Sacred Heart at No. 1 Valley Regional/Old Lyme

WHERE – Valley Regional High School, Deep River
RECORDS – Sacred Heart 6-4; Valley Regional/Old Lyme 10-0 (Pequot Sassaucus champion)
PLAYOFF RECORD – Sacred Heart 1-2; Valley Regional/Old Lyme 0-0.
LAST APPEARANCE — Sacred Heart: 1991 (lost to Stonington in Class SS championship); Valley Regional/Old Lyme: First appearance.
PLAYERS TO WATCH – Sacred Heart: Soph. WR/DB David Coggins (78 catches, 1,417 yards, 9 TDs; Sr. QB Rohan Ifill (2,607 yards, 24 TD, 14 INT); Valley: Jr. QB Jimmy Fairfield-Sonn (2,262 yards total offense, 24 TD passing, 26 TD rushing); Sr. DE/TE Mitchell King (6-6, 232); Sr. OL/DE Cavan Flynn.
THINGS TO KNOW– Sacred Heart’s Coggins and Ifill form the top passing-catching combo in the state. Both are No. 1 in their respective categories. …Ifill is No. 1 in the state in total offense. …Coggins, considered one of the top sophomore talents in the country, is back from a 1-game suspension for fighting during a Week 9 win over Woodland. …Fairfield-Sonn, a converted wide receiver, is No. 9 in total offense. …King has offers from Tulae and Temple, and receiving interest from several other Division I schools. …Valley Regional has allowed just 55 points this season, lowest total in the state, and is ranked No. 10 in total offense. …Sacred Heart has allowed 28 points per game while scoring 31 points per game.
THE PICK – Sacred Heart 36, Valley Regional/Old Lyme 34

No. 5 Woodland at No. 4 St. Joseph

WHERE – Taft Field at Fairfield Ludlowe
RECORDS – Woodland 7-3, St. Joseph 7-3
PLAYOFF RECORD – Woodland 4-1; St. Joseph 10-2
LAST APPEARANCE — Woodland: 2007 (lost to Seymour 46-28 in Class SS semifinal); St. Joseph: 2009 (defeated Montville 14-3 in Class SS championship).
PLAYERS TO WATCH — Woodland: Sr. QB/DB Jack DeBiase (6 INT; 1,384 yards, 13 TD rushing; 819 yards passing); Jr. OL/DL Zack Plourde; Jr. DL Jeff Holder; Sr. TE/LB Zach Happy; Sr. RB/DB Jake Pinhoe;  St. Joseph: Sr. FB/LB Tyler Matakevich; Sr. QB Joe Della Vecchia (2,395 yards, 27 TD passing, 522 yards rushing, 4 TD); Sr. WR/DB Quinn Irwin; Sr. RB/DB Joe Burns; Sr. WR/DB Pat Mulligan (12 TD); Sr. RB/LB L.J. Hunt (724 yards rushing); Sr. LB Sean Chinova.
THINGS TO KNOW – Woodland is No. 7 in the state in rushing offense, with 2,669 yards per game. …DeBiase converted from tailback to quarterback this season and is No. 11 in total offense. …St. Joseph is no. 7 in total offense, but allows 25 points per game. …Della Vecchia is questionable with an ankle injury suffered in the Thanksgiving finale vs. Trumbull, as are two linemen. …Matakevich, an all-state pick as a junior, missed the first five games of the season with a broken foot. St. Joseph is 4-1 with him in the lineup. …St. Joseph’s losses were to Wilton, Darien and Trumbull. …Woodland’s losses were to Ansonia, Wolcott and  Sacred Heart. …Both teams claim a victory over Class L combatants New Canaan (St. Joseph) and Naugatuck (Woodland). …St. Joseph is 3-0 over NVL teams in the last two years, including a 57-7 victory over Holy Cross in last year’s semifinals.
THE PICK – St. Joseph 34-20

No. 6 Hyde at No. 3 Ansonia

WHERE — Jarvis Stadium at Nolan Field, Ansonia
RECORDS – Hyde 7-3 (Pequot Sassaucus fourth-place), Ansonia 9-1 (NVL runners-up)
PLAYOFF RECORD – Hyde 8-3; Ansonia 24-13
LAST APPEARANCE — Hyde: 2009 (defeated Northwesth Catholic 21-0 in Class S championship); Ansonia: 2009 (lost to Northwest Catholic 24-0 in Class S semifinal).
PLAYERS TO WATCH — Hyde: Jr. OL/DL Robert Fairweather (9 sacks); Sr. OL/LB Marquis Lee; Jr. QB/S James Baker-Howard; Soph. RB Gary Ormond; Jr. RB/LB Devan Dolphin. Ansonia: Sr. RB Montrell Dobbs (2,397 yards, 26 TD rushing); Jr. QB Eliot Chudwick (21 TD passing); Fresh. RB/DB Arkeel Newsome (661 yards, 10 TDs rushing); Jr. TE/DE Sean Rowley; Jr. LB Tyler Wood; Soph. WR/DE Andrew Matos.
THINGS TO KNOW – Hyde, the defending class champion, started the season 7-0, but enters the playoffs on a three-game losing streak. …it scored just 20 points combined in the three losses. …Overall, Hyde has scored just 164 points (16.4 average), worst of any playoff team. …Ansonia won nine straight before losing the season final to Naugatuck. …Dobbs is the state’s leading rusher, leading scorer (21 ppg), and the team’s only senior. …He has rushed for over 300 yards four times, and over 200 yards seven times. …Ansonia is No. 2 in rushing offense (behind Montville) and No. 5 in total offense. …It allows 22.0 points per game.
THE PICK – Ansonia 40-6

No. 7 Cromwell at No. 2 Montville

WHERE – Montville High School Turf Field
RECORDS – Cromwell 7-3, Montville 9-1
PLAYOFF RECORD — Cromwell 4-4; Montville 2-5
LAST APPEARANCE — Cromwell: 2008 (defeated Ansonia 14-12 in Class S championship); Montville: 2009 (lost to St. Joseph 14-3 in Class SS championship).
PLAYERS TO WATCH –Cromwell: Jr. QB Anthony Morales; Jr. WR/DB Brett Director; Sr. WR/DB Lorenzo Hart;  Montville: Sr. RB/LB Tyler Girard-Floyd (1,575 yards, 22 TD rushing); Sr. RB/DB Skyler McNair (548 yards, 7 TD rushing); QB/DB Troy Nunes (879 yards, 11 TD passing); Sr. TE/LB Cody Bigelow; Sr. RB/DE Elijah Brown; Jr. LB Ken Strecker.
THINGS TO KNOW – Montville has the No. 1-ranked recorded rushing offense in the state (3,149 yards, 41 TDs) and the No. 3 scoring offense in the state behind Masuk and New Canaan. …The Indians’ only loss was 24-14 to Fitch in Week 3. …Cromwell coach Lou Bronk is in his first season. He took over for Sal Morello, who started the program 10 years ago and won a state championship before taking over at Middletown this summer. …Cromwell opened the season 0-2, but has won seven of eight games. …It’s only other loss was 29-28 to Haddam-Killingworth in OT two weeks ago.
THE PICK – Montville 42-13