Archive for the ‘New Haven County’ Category

Game-by-game regional Thanksgiving week capsules (and pick the winners!)

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley

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. For a few others, it’s your first playoff game. 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, a minority of 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

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Tuesday Night

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Platt Tech at O’Brien Tech

WHERE/WHEN– Finn Stadium, Shelton; 6 p.m.
RECORDS — Platt Tech 3-6, O’Brien Tech 3-6
T-DAY SERIES — First meeting
LAST YEAR — First meeting
KEY STATS — O’Brien Tech sophomore QB Nick Coppola is second in the CSC in passing yards (725). …The teams met at J.J. Sullivan’s in Ansonia in hopes of creating a Thanksgiving week tradition.
AT STAKE — Four wins for both schools. Three straight wins for O’Brien Tech.

Oxford at Pomperaug

WHERE/WHEN – Edward Arum Athletic Complex, Southbury, 6 p.m.
RECORDS — Oxford 3-6, Pomperaug 7-2
T-DAY SERIES — Pomperaug 3-0
LAST YEAR — Pomperaug 38-6
KEY STATS — Pomperaug senior LB Tyler Valenti leads the state with 137 tackles (solo and assists). …Pomperaug’s defense is third in the league in points allowed (16.7 per game). …Pomperaug’s Matt Paola leads state with seven field goals, including state record 54-yarder vs. ND-Fairfield. …Oxford junior Brennan Diaz is tied for fourth in the SWC with 5 sacks. …Oxford is on a two-game win streak. …The game was moved from Oxford (on Thanksgiving Day) to Pomperaug due to field issues.
AT STAKE — An outside shot at a Class LL playoff berth for Pomperaug. Oxford’s first victory in the series.

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Thanksgiving Eve

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Abbott Tech at Wilcox Tech

WHERE/WHEN – Falcon Field, Meriden, 6 p.m.
RECORDS — Abbott Tech 2-7, Wilcox Tech 1-8
T-DAY SERIES — First meeting
KEY STATS — Abbott Tech snapped a 20-game losing streak vs. Stamford Academy in October and then followed it with a 27-14 victory over Wolcott Tech, the first CSC victory in program history. Wilcox Tech’s only victory was vs. Wolcott Tech, which is in its first year as a program. Wilcox Tech defeated Abbott Tech 44-12 in last year’s regular season.
AT STAKE — An unprecedented third victory for Abbott Tech’s football program.

Danbury at Ridgefield

WHERE/WHEN – Lancaster Field at Tiger Hollow, 7 p.m. [Time change]
RECORDS — Danbury 5-4, Ridgefield 7-2
T-DAY SERIES — Ridgefield 6-3
LAST YEAR — Ridgefield 27-14
KEY STATS — Danbury senior RB James Harrington is one of the FCIAC’s leading rushers with 1,022 yards and the leading scorer with 128 points. Danbury FB/LB Austin Calitro is committed to Villanova. …Ridgefield QB Connor Rowe is 2nd in the league in passing yards (1,706). Sr. WR Jack Heller is second in the league in receiving yards (544). Jr. Sam Gravitte is second in the league with 103 points scored and has 4 sacks.
AT STAKE — A shot at a state playoff berth for Ridgefield. A winning season for Danbury.

Woodland at Seymour

WHERE/WHEN– DeBarber Field, 6 p.m.
RECORDS — Woodland 5-4, Seymour 5-4
T-DAY SERIES — Seymour 6-3
LAST YEAR — Woodland 47-7
KEY STATS — Woodland sophomore Tanner Kingsley is one of the NVL’s leading passers (1,407 yards); Matt Zaccaginini is the third-leading rusher (1,266). David Alves leads the league with 7 sacks. …Seymour’s Luke Grabowski has passed for 1,037 yards. Jon Wilson has 923 rushing yards. …Both teams have lost two straight.
AT STAKE — Bragging rights. Seymour’s first winning season under coach Tom Lennon.

SWC CHAMPIONSHIP

Masuk at Newtown

WHERE/WHEN– Blue and Gold Stadium, Newtown, 7 p.m.
RECORDS — Newtown 8-1, Masuk 9-0
T-DAY SERIES — Masuk 8-6-1
LAST YEAR — Masuk 42-0
KEY STATS — Masuk is No. 1 in the state in scoring, 55.7 points per game, an average of 10 points higher than any other school. …UConn commit, QB Casey Cochran is third in the state with 2,448 passing yards. … Masuk leads league with just 89 points allowed. …Thomas Milone (138) and Colin Markus (126) are 2nd and 3rd in the league in scoring. …Newtown’s Lou Fenaroli leads the league with 1,539 rushing yards (school record), and points scored (162). …Newtown DL Hunter Bassett leads SWC with 8.5 sacks (9th in state). …Junior WR/DB Dan Hebert is tied for the league lead with 5 interceptions. …Newtown is the 10th-highest scoring team in the state (39.8 ppg). …The game was moved from Masuk to Newtown due to rain forecasts and field issues at Masuk. This was supposed to be Masuk’s homecoming. It has played just two game at home all season.
AT STAKE — The SWC Championship: Newtown’s first since 1997; Second-consecutive for Masuk. Class LL seeding for Newtown. Class L playoff spot for Masuk.

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Thanksgiving Day

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Barlow at Weston

WHERE/WHEN– Weston High School, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Barlow 3-6, Weston 6-3
T-DAY SERIES — Weston, 6-5-4
LAST YEAR — Weston 48-12
KEY STATS — Weston junior Tyler Hassett is tied for first in the SWC with five interceptions. …Weston has allowed 202 points, least of all SWC Patriot teams. …Barlow is third in the state with 2,941 rushing yards. …Barlow sophomore QB Jack Shaban leads the team with 1,016 yards (7th in SWC).
AT STAKE — Weston’s first state playoff berth. Bragging rights.

Brookfield at Bethel

WHERE/WHEN — Ralph DeSantis Field, 10 a.m.
RECORDS – Bethel 6-3, Brookfield 5-4
T-DAY SERIES –Brookfield 12-3
LAST YEAR – Brookfield 48-26
KEY STATS – Bethel has the No. 8 ranked rushing offense in the state, led by Brandon Schmidt (1,173 yards, 4th best in SWC) and Brian Birdsell. Schmidt is also No. 18 in the state in total offense and 4th in the SWC in scoring. Bethel’s Peter Serencsics averages 12 tackles a game and has 7 sacks. …Brookfield is 16th in the state in total offense. …Brookfield senior RB Leaon Gordon has rushed for 1,117 yards (5th best in SWC, 19th in state). Senior LB Joey Acquanita averages 11.6 tackles.
AT STAKE – The Gavel-Swanson Trophy. For Bethel, a shot at a Class M playoff berth. For Brookfield, a winning season.

Immaculate at Notre Dame-Fairfield

WHERE/WHEN – McCarty Field, Fairfield, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS — Notre Dame 0-9, Immaculate 0-9
T-DAY SERIES — Notre Dame 11-5
LAST YEAR — Notre Dame 34-28
KEY STATS — Notre Dame-Fairfield has lost nine in a row dating back to last year’s Thanksgiving Day victory over Immaculate. …Immaculate has lost 25 games in a row. It’s last win was 28-21 vs. Barlow on Oct. 10, 2009. …Notre Dame has won eight of the last nine meetings. …Notre Dame junior RB/DB Nigel Beckford is 11th in the state in rushing with 1,294 yards. …Immaculate has allowed 397 points, 4th most in the state. ND has allowed 428 points, most in the state.
AT STAKE — First win of the season for either team.

THE CANDLEWOOD CUP

New Milford at New Fairfield

WHERE/WHEN – New Milford High School, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — New Milford 3-6, New Fairfield 3-6
T-DAY SERIES — New Fairfield 3-1
LAST YEAR – New Milford 21-14
KEY STATS — New Milford is 21st in the state in team passing, led by Connor Shanahan’s 1,334 yards (3rd best in SWC). …New Fairfield’s Ardian Sahinovic is 2nd in the state in punting average (42.7 per att). Nick Guardi leads Rebels with 446 rushing yards. New Milford as a team has rushed for 565 yards.
AT STAKE — The Candlewood Cup. Bragging rights. A .500 season for New Milford.

Bassick at Bullard-Havens

WHERE/WHEN – Bullard-Havens High School, Bridgeport, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Bullard-Havens 6-3, Bassick 0-9
T-DAY SERIES — Bullard-Havens 4-2
LAST YEAR — Bassick 28-12
KEY STATS — B-H’s Angel Rosario is third in the CSC in passing, fourth in rushing and third in scoring while Equan Brooks is fourth in the CSC in receiving yards. Bullard-Havens is 13th in state with 2,465 rushing yards. …Bassick’s Vochan Fowler has thrown for 1,329 yards, fourth-best in the FCIAC; Morlo Macklin is No. 4 in the FCIAC with 532 receiving yards; Senior DE Brandon Williams is second in the league with 7.5 sacks. …Bassick has allowed 343 points, most in the FCIAC.
AT STAKE — Bragging rights; Avoiding a winless season for Bassick.

Wilton at Trinity Catholic

WHERE/WHEN – Trinity Catholic Alumni Field, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Trinity Catholic 3-6, Wilton 5-4
T-DAY SERIES — Tied 3-3
LAST YEAR — Wilton 38-20
KEY STATS — Wilton’s Alex Ward is 3rd in the FCIAC in receiving (524 yards); Travis Stella is No. 3 in rushing (724 yards). Wilton has the 20th highest scoring team in the state. …Trinity Catholic has lost five of its last six games since starting 2-1. Senior Dan Pason averages 11 tackles per game. TC’s pass-to-run ratio is 1:4.
AT STAKE — A winning season for Wilton; four wins for Trinity Catholic.

Stamford at Westhill

WHERE/WHEN — J. Walter Kennedy Stadium, Stamford, 10 a.m.
ON THE AIR — WSTC 1400-AM / WNLK 1350-AM
RECORDS — Stamford 6-2, Westhill 0-9
T-DAY SERIES — Stamford 11-4
LAST YEAR — Stamford 53-6
KEY STATS — Stamford QB Bryan Boderick has 1,054 passing yards, fifth-best in the league. …Stamford’s Chandler Foster is tied for 2nd in the FCIAC with 5 interceptions. …Westhill is on an 18-game losing streak dating back to a 32-12 victory over Harding on Sept. 12, 2010. … The Vikings are 11th in the state in tackles, but have allowed 338 points, third-highest in the league. … Stamford has won three straight in the series.
AT STAKE — Bragging Rights. The City Championship, which resides on Strawberry Hill. Stamford’s best record since 1995.
READ MORE — Stamford hopes to ‘finish the job’ vs. Westhill on Thanksgiving

THE ELM CITY BOWL

Hillhouse at Wilbur Cross

WHERE/WHEN – Bowen Field, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS – Hillhouse 6-3, Wilbur Cross 1-8
ALL-TIME SERIES — Hillhouse 31-23-7
LAST YEAR — Hillhouse 30-28
KEY STATS — Hillhouse sophomore Harold Cooper is the 4th-leading rusher in Connecticut with 1,650 yards, Hillhouse is the third-highest rushing team in the state, 3,244 yards. …Wilbur Cross averages just 13.7 points per game; Has lost seven straight since a 40-16 win over Law in Week 2.
AT STAKE — The Elm City Bowl trophy. A slight chance at a playoff berth for Hillhouse, the defending Class M champions.

North Haven at Amity

WHERE/WHEN – William E. Sim Field, Woodbridge, 10 a.m.
ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM
RECORDS – Amity 4-5, North Haven 8-1
T-DAY SERIES — Amity 9-5-1
LAST YEAR – North Haven 40-24
KEY STATS – North Haven is the seventh-best rushing team in the state (2,682 yards, 335 pg), has almost as many run attempts (407) as passing yards (413). …Jalon White leads with 889 rushing yards, 3rd best in SCC Division II; QB Joe Schwab has 753 (5th best SCC D-II). Mark Zurlis averages 12.5 tackles per game. …Amity QB Tyler Vallie is ranked No. 19 in total offense. He’s 3rd in SCC Division I in passing yards (1,073) and fourth in rushing yards (867). …Amity is 20th ranked team in state rushing (2,211).
AT STAKE — A Class L playoff berth for North Haven, its third playoff berth in four years. A .500 season for Amity.

West Haven at Fairfield Prep

WHERE/WHEN — Alumni Field, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS – Fairfield Prep 5-4, West Haven 6-3
T-DAY SERIES –West Haven 12-3
LAST YEAR — West Haven 32-13
KEY STATS — Dillon Ryan has run for over 300 yards in three games since taking over for injured Joe McBride at tailback. QB Tom Brewster has Prep is 4-1 at home this season, but has been outscored 103-0 in the first half against all four winning SCC Division I teams it has faced (Shelton, Hand, Xavier, Notre Dame). …West Haven will likely get standout sophomore TB/DB Ervin Phillips back for the game. He had been injured the last three weeks.
AT STAKE — Fairfield Prep’s first winning season since 2007.

Foran at Law

WHERE/WHEN — Law Field, Milford, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS — Law 0-9, Foran 2-6
ALL-TIME SERIES – Law 21-17
LAST YEAR – Foran 56-21
KEY STATS — Foran has scored 90 points in its last two games, an 49-41 overtime win over Guilford; a 42-41 loss to Stonington. …QB Matt Aspinwall threw for over 300 yards in both games after returning from a month-long injury. He is 20th in the state in total offense (1,877 yards). …Foran’s other win was 41-20 over East Haven. …Foran has allowed 360 total points, most in the SCC. …Law’s Connor Falaguerra is has the 16th most receiving yards in Connecticut (678). …Law has allowed 40 or more points in six of nine games, including last three games.
AT STAKE — Bragging rights in Milford.

Norwalk at McMahon

WHERE/WHEN – Jack Casagrande Field, Norwalk, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS – Norwalk 7-1, McMahon 3-6
ALL-TIME SERIES – McMahon 31-18-1
LAST YEAR – Norwalk 8-7
KEY STAT – McMahon has lost six games by eight points or less, including losses to New Canaan and Staples by 3 points each. …Norwalk’s Delshawn Wilson is tied for 10th in the state with 5 interceptions, and is ranked 6th in the FCIAC in passing yards (1,043). …Norwalk is 4th in the state with 30.5 sacks, led by Patrick Whalen’s 7.5 (2nd best in FCIAC) and Kwazee Rice’s 7 …Norwalk allows just 15 points per game, the least points in the FCIAC (120).
AT STAKE — The Sam Testa Trophy. Norwalk’s first state playoff berth since 1998.
READ MORE — Norwalk eager to break playoff drought

St. Joseph at Trumbull

WHERE/WHEN– Dalling Sports Complex, Trumbull, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS — Trumbull 2-6, St. Joseph 3-6
T-DAY SERIES — Trumbull 21-5
LAST YEAR — Trumbull 38-27
KEY STATS — Both teams played in state championship games last year. …St. Joseph junior Jon Prutting is tied for fourth in the FCIAC with 4 interceptions. St. Joseph has 12 as a team. …St. Joseph has won two straight. Trumbull has lost six straight since a 35-8 win over Ludlowe in Week 3. …Trumbull LB Don Cherry will not play due to suspension.
AT STAKE — Bragging rights.

Harding at Central

WHERE/WHEN — Kennedy Stadium, Bridgeport, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Central 5-4, Harding 2-7
ALL-TIME SERIES – Harding 50-34-4
LAST YEAR – Central 29-25
KEY STATS – Central has won 12 straight series games, an all-time best. …Central has allowed 327 points this season (36.3 ppg), fourth-most in the league; Senior back Fred Tucker is the FCIAC leader with 1,147 rushing yards. … Harding’s Taquan Broadway has 712 rushing yards. …Harding has scored the third-least points in the FCIAC (77). …Head coach James Morris has been suspended by the Bridgeport school district Oct.18 for insubordination. He will not coach in the game.
AT STAKE — The John E. Johansen Trophy. The Bridgeport city championship.

Warde at Ludlowe

WHERE/WHEN – Taft Field, Fairfield, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Ludlowe 0-9, Warde 4-5
T-DAY SERIES – Warde 9-7
LAST YEAR — Warde 21-16
KEY STATS — Fairfield Ludlowe has lost 10 games in a row and hasn’t scored more than 14 points in any game. …Warde has led in the second half of eight games it has played. The Mustangs have lost two straight heading into the game.
AT STAKE — The Gallagher-Baryas Trophy. A .500 season for Fairfield Warde.

Bunnell at Stratford

WHERE/WHEN– Penders Field, Stratford, 10 a.m.
RECORDS — Stratford 3-6, Bunnell 7-2
ALL-TIME SERIES — Bunnell 35-20
LAST YEAR — Bunnell 16-7
KEY STAT — Bunnell’s Bryan Castelot has thrown for 2,257 yards, 5th best total in the state. Bunnell has the state’s sixth-best passing attack. Receivers Jawad Chisholm (914 yards), Jared Vazquez (842) are both among the state’s top 10 receivers; both have 4 interceptions. …Bunnell senior RB David Camille is 20th in the state in rushing (1,106 yards). …Bunnell is sixth in the state in scoring (42.0 ppg), but allows 26.4 points per game. …Stratford has allowed 364 points, third-most in the league. …Bunnell has won 9 out of the last 10 meetings.
AT STAKE — The Harvey E. Manning Trophy; Long shot chance at a Class L playoff berth for Bunnell.

THE TURKEY BOWL

New Canaan at Darien

WHERE/WHEN – Dunning Field, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS — Darien 8-1, New Canaan 8-1
ALL-TIME SERIES — New Canaan 45-33-2 (New Canaan 10-4-1 on Thanksgiving)
LAST YEAR — New Canaan 42-14
KEY STATS — Darien hasn’t won this game since 2001. Darien junior RB Peter Gesualdi is tied for third in the state with 7 interceptions. Darien is 13th in the state in passing, junior Henry Baldwin set the school’s season passing TD mark with 24. …New Canaan’s Matt Milano is 8th in the state with 2,094 passing yards; earlier this season he broke Kurt Horton’s career touchdown mark. … Sr. WR Patrick Newton is among the FCIAC’s top receivers receivers with 634 yards. …New Canaan has the 5th-ranked passing attack in the state and is 11th in total offense.
AT STAKE — The Turkey Bowl trophy. FCIAC East title. Class L playoff berth for the winner. Home for the holidays for the loser.

THE 61st GREEN BOWL

Notre Dame-West Haven at Hamden

WHERE/WHEN — Hamden Field, 10:30 a.m.
ON THE AIR — SportingnewsCT.com OR GoGreenKnights.com (live video feed)
RECORDS — Notre Dame-WH 7-2, Hamden 1-8
ALL-TIME SERIES — Notre Dame 37-21-2
LAST YEAR — Notre Dame 47-0
KEY STATS – Notre Dame has the 12th-best rushing offense in Connecticut, 2,438 yards, led by Jevon Grey (929), Amihr Bess (722) and Cameron Tucker (522). Team has more rushing attempts (358) than total passing yards (310). …Notre Dame’s opponents are a combined 52-29. Its only losses have been against Xaver (9-0) and Hand (9-0). …Eamon DeTorro has 4 interceptions, three have gone for touchdowns. …Hamden has scored 154 more points this year (184) it did a season ago (29). …Notre Dame has won four straight in the series.
AT STAKE – Bragging rights. A Class L playoff berth for Notre Dame-WH.

FCIAC Championship

Staples at Greenwich

WHERE/WHEN – Staples Field, Westport, 10 a.m.
ON THE AIR — WGCH 1490-AM | MSG Varsity-Connecticut (tape delay, 7 p.m.)
RECORDS – Greenwich 8-1, Staples 8-0
T-DAY SERIES – Staples 4-2
LAST YEAR – Staples 27-8
KEY STATS — Staples leads Connecticut with 48 sacks, led by Pieter Hoets 8 and Mikel Washington’s 7. The Wreckers have allowed the third-least points in the league (125). Kevin Kearney is fourth in the FCAIC with 91 tackles despite being out with an injury the last two weeks…. Back Joey Zelkowitz is 3rd in the league with 800 rushing yards, despite missing the last two weeks. …Staples is second in the state with 5 field goals. …Jon Heil is the state’s highest-rated punter (43.1 avg). …Greenwich’s Shane Nastahowski is one of the FCIAC’s best rusher (925 yards) and 2nd-highest scorer (114 points). …Greenwich is the 13th-highest scoring team in the state (37.4 ppg) and No. 12 in sacks (22.5). …Staples has won 5 FCIAC titles, Greenwich has won 12. …The schools have faced off twice for the league title, Greenwich has won both (1974, 2007). …Greenwich’s last title was 2007 (37-0 over Staples). Staples’ last title was 2009 (14-10 over Central).
AT STAKE – The inaugural Jerry McDougall Trophy FCIAC championship; Class LL playoff seeding for Staples; Class LL playoff berth for Greenwich.
READ MORE — Nastahowski puts Cardinals on brink of FCIAC title, playoffs | Staples confident in replacement players | FCIAC championship breakdown

The Silver Turkey

101st meeting: Shelton at Derby

WHERE/WHEN – Lou DeFilippo Field, Derby
RECORDS – Derby 4-5, Shelton 7-2
ALL-TIME SERIES – Shelton 51-42-7
LAST YEAR — Shelton 38, Derby/O’Brien Tech 14
KEY STATS — Derby’s Ray Kreiger leads the NVL and is 4th in the state with 2,494 passing yards. He’s No. 3 in the state in total offense. Dillion McMahon is 2nd in NVL and 5th in state with 977 passing yards. Derby averages 35 points per game, allows 33 points per game. …Shelton has had three different starting QBs, and has thrown for just 632 yards. The Gaels have rushed for 2,087 yards, 24th best in Connecticut, led by Frank Camerino’s 997 yards. …Shelton averages just 20 points per game and allows 18.
AT STAKE — A ninth-straight series victory and a potential Class LL playoff berth for Shelton. Derby’s first victory in the series since 2002 and a .500 season. Bragging rights.

112th meeting: Ansonia at Naugatuck

WHERE/WHEN — Veterans Field, Naugatuck, 10:30 a.m.
ON THE AIR — WATR 1320-AM
RECORDS – Naugatuck 6-3, Ansonia 9-0
ALL-TIME SERIES – Ansonia 67-36-9
LAST YEAR – Naugatuck 38-20 (NVL Championship game)
KEY STATS – Ansonia’s Arkeel Newsome is the state’s leading rusher with 2,494 yards, and the state’s leading scorer with 41 touchdowns and 282 points. …Ansonia owns the state’s top rushing attack with 3,360 yards (just 40 ahead of NVL rival Torrington) and has the state’s third-highest total offense, 4,444 yards. It is the 2nd highest scoring team in Connecticut (after Masuk). …Naugatuck’s Jake Yourison is the NVL’s fourth leading rusher (1,215 yards) and is the 17th best scorer in Connecticut (12.7 ppg).
AT STAKE — For Ansonia, the top seed in the Class M playoffs.

Newtown-Bunnell: The Day After (plus, state playoff clinchers)

Sunday, November 13, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley

Mike Lengel celebrates a fumble recovery in Saturday's SWC game-of-the-year vs Bunnell in Stratford. Newtown qualified for the state playoffs with the victory and faces Masuk for the league title on Thanksgiving Eve.

Jawad Chisholm, left, Andrew Calzone, right, tackle Newtown's Dan Herbert in Saturday's SWC heavyweight fight vs. Bunnell in Stratford.

After a delirious celebration on the eastern end of Bulldog Field, the thousands of previous events of the afternoon finally caught up to the Newtown football team. Panting, coughing, wheezing, chugging water bottles, they were at last told to get off their feet and gather around their coach.

They did so, thankfully, utterly spent, leaving their souls scattered among the souls of the Bunnell football players on the Bulldog Field turf.

Newtown 54, Bunnell 48. Final. Overtime.

“Guys,” Newtown coach Steve George said. “Out of all the years I’ve been here that was the most exciting game I’ve been a part of. And I’ve been around here along time now. You kept fighting and you did what you had to do.”

To a man, they all agreed. Best game they’ve ever been a part of. “Nothing comes close,” junior Dan Hebert said.

“Absolutely,” senior Lou Fenaroli said.

“This is the best day of my life,” senior lineman Hunter Bassett said.

While there have been plenty of games like this over the years, that this one was played on the final day of the penultimate week of the season — when the stakes are at their highest — crammed as much meaning into Saturday’s SWC showdown as any playoff game. The winner would move on to the playoffs. The loser was finished.

And it played out exactly like a heavyweight fight and an Olympic ping-pong battle all rolled into one. Haymaker after haymaker after haymaker until, finally, one mistake led to opportunity led to victory and defeat.

Fumble. Recovery. Hand off. Touchdown. Game Over.

Two teams entered. One team left.

“We left it all on the field,” Bunnell quarterback Bryan Castelot said.

“This is as tough as it gets,” vanquished Bunnell coach Craig Bruno said. “But they deserved it.”

They’re going to be talking about this game for the rest of their lives.

And what a way to end Week 9.

ELSEWHERE on Week 9 Saturday … Staples handled Westhill to punch its FCIAC title ticket along side Greenwich. And Westhill coach Dick Cerone, whose team played both squads, thinks fans should do themselves a favor and check that final out on Thanksgiving. … Stamford kept its faint playoff hopes alive with a 28-20 victory over McMahon. …St. Joseph isn’t going to defend its title, but it earned a small victory with its second straight win. …And, of course, the Saturday roundup which includes everything except Bullard-Havens loss to Cheney Tech.

On Week 9 Friday, we saw Notre Dame-West Haven move closer to a Class L playoff berth with a dominant victory over Fairfield Prep. …Matt Milano returned for New Canaan and led the Rams to a rout of Trumbull. … Norwalk took care of Ludlowe to move within a game of qualifying for the state playoffs. …Masuk crushed Weston to up its win streak to 22 games and continue its playoff course. …Pomperaug handled Stratford to keep breathing in the Class LL playoff race. …Bethel pounded Immaculate to stay alive in Class M. …Brookfield pounded New Milford. …And, of course, the Friday night roundup, which details how sophomores Connor Wallon and Ed Kochiss helped Shelton to a
big 42-28 victory over Cheshire. [VIDEO AT RIGHT]

And, finally, on Week 9 Thursday we watched Greenwich beat Danbury 17-7 with a stifling defensive effort and qualify for the FCIAC championship game. [VIDEO AT RIGHT] …Foran dug deep to defeat Guilford in (yet another) overtime thriller.

But, like Newtown, we aren’t done yet.

The Clinch is In

While Newtown players cheered about ‘Going to the ‘Ship!’ — a second-consecutive SWC Thanksgiving title game tilt with arch rival (and overwhelming favorite) Masuk in Monroe — they had unknowingly earned a berth in the Class LL state playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Yes, Newtown has clinched. As did 10 other state teams this weekend according to the H.A.L. Super Playoff Computer (aka the official CIAC State Playoff worksheet. And, of course, our good friend Ned Griffen at the Day of New London who first reported it at (looks at Twitter), 4:30 a.m. this fine Sunday morning.

In Class LL…

Xavier (9-0), Staples (8-0), and Conard (9-0) and Newtown (8-1) have clinched berths in the 2011 playoff field.

12 more teams are mathematically alive. In order, Hall (8-1), Norwalk (7-1), Greenwich (8-1), Ridgefield (7-2), Shelton (7-2), Pomperaug (7-2), Glastonbury (6-2), NFA (6-2), Stamford (6-2), Hartford Public (7-2), West Haven (6-3), New Britain (6-3) and Southington (6-3).

In Class L…

Windsor (9-0) and Hand (9-0) have clinched.

12 more teams are mathematically alive.

In order: 2. Coventry/Windham Tech (7-0), 3. Masuk (9-0), 4. New London (7-1), 5. New Canaan (8-1), 6. Notre Dame-West Haven (7-2), 7. North Haven (8-1), 8. Darien (8-1), 9. Farmington (7-1), Bunnell (7-2), 10. Torrington (7-2), 11. Middletown (6-2) and 12. Avon (6-2).

In Class M…

Ansonia (9-0) has clinched.

16 more teams are mathematically alive.

In order: 2. Ellington/Somers 7-0), 3. Ledyard (8-1), 4. Cheney Tech (8-1), 5. Berlin (8-1), 6. Waterford (6-2), 7. Wolcott (7-2), 8. Gilbert/Northwestern (6-2), 9. Stonington (5-3), 10. Bethel (6-3), 11. Hillhouse (6-3), 12. Putnam/Tourtellotte/Ellis Tech (6-3), 13. Bullard-Havens, 14. Enfield (6-3), 15. Montville (5-4), 16. Tolland (4-4).

In Class S…

Capital Prep/Classical Magnet (9-0), Valley Regional/Old Lyme (9-0), Holy Cross (8-1) have clinched.

19 more teams are mathematically alive (some barely). In order:

4. North Branford (7-1), 5. Northwest Catholic (7-1), 6. Cromwell (7-2), 7. Rocky Hill (6-2), 8. Haddam-Killingworth (6-2), 9. Weston (6-3), 10. Prince Tech (6-3), 11. Bloomfield (5-3), 12. Griswold (5-3), 13. Coginchaug (5-3), 14. Seymour (5-4), 15. Killingly (5-4), 16. Woodland (5-4), 17. Plainville (4-4), 18. Old Saybrook/Westbrook (4-4), 19. Housatonic/Wamogo (4-4).

More to come…

It’s a Wrap Week 7: The Snow Days of Autumn

Monday, October 31, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley

Nick Kelly leaps to pick off Darien quarterback Henry Baldwin in the third quarter of Staples' snowly 42-23 win over Darien on Saturday.

Bethel's Brian Birdsell fights through Bunnell tackles during his six-touchdown effort Saturday at DeSantis Field. Bethel defeated Bunnell 56-46.

We asked for an upset last week and we got it, with Bethel’s stunning 56-46 victory over Stratford at Ralph DeSantis Field.

That was the only local surprise. Statewide, we saw both NFA (to Stonington) and New London (to Fitch) catch the upset bug and the state playoff picture looked slightly different than they did just days ago.

Of more immediate concern, the SWC playoff race fell out of focus somewhat with Bunnell’s loss. Now it’s anybody’s ballgame for the right to face Masuk at Bunnell on Nov. 16. (Sorry, kids. it’s true. They’re a lock.).

Staples’ win over Darien put the Wreckers and New Canaan’s win over Wilton put those schools in the drivers’ seat for the FCIAC title game. The NVL’s biggest games are coming up this week. The league’s championship picture should be clear before Week 9.

Hand and Xavier remained unbeaten in the SCC. And everybody’s gearing up for that showdown … Oh, wait.

All and all, it was a pretty crazy week, if not for the games then for the snow that dumped on the region turning a handful of games into snowball fights. I’ve never seen anything like it. And it’s still causing havoc across the region. Many towns are still without power. Some schools have, of course, canceled classes indefinitely. The U.S. government had declared a state of emergency.

It’ll be worth watching how long some of these schools remain closed, and how their teams will be affected in the coming days.

We’ve added a post on this issue and will collect information as is becomes available.

In the meantime, if you can read this, here’s look back at Week 7 and a look ahead to Week 8:

Bulldozers

Lou Fenaroli had another monster game for 6-1 Newtown

Javon Grey, Notre Dame-WH – 27 carries, 204 yards, four TDs vs. Wilbur Cross
Arkeel Newsome, Ansonia — 188 yards, 3 TDs on nine carries vs. Crosby
Brian Birdsell, Bethel – Six touchdown runs vs. Bunnell
Jack Shaban, Barlow — Ran for 168 yards and 2 TDs on 16 carries vs. Oxford
Lou Fenaroli, Newtown — 169 yards, 3 TDs, including 95-yard run vs. Brookfield
James Harrington & Austin Calitro, Danbury — Combined for 263 yards rushing and five TDs vs Trumbull

Gunslingers

Matt Milano, New Canaan — 19 of 24 for 298 yards and three touchdowns vs. Wilton
Bryan Castelot, Bunnell – 28 of 50 for 425 yards and six touchdowns in loss to Bethel.
Connor Rowe, Ridgefield — 20 of 28 for 217 yards and one touchdown vs. McMahon.
Casey Cochran, Masuk — Threw for 395 yards and five touchdowns vs. New Milford.

Gamebreakers

Matt Paola, Pomperaug — Tied a state record with a 54-yard field goal vs. record-holder Rico Brogna and Notre Dame-Fairfield
Joey Zelkowitz, Staples — Ran for 188 yards on 15 carries and scored three TDs (including two from 60 yards out) vs. Darien
Danny Rogers, Weston — Scored the game-winning TD in Weston’s cluch 16-9 win over New Fairfield
Barry Boderick, Stamford — Punt return touchdown, TD catch vs. Ludlowe
Joel Arroyo, Greenwich – Caught two long TD passes from Liam O’Neil in Greenwich’s overwhelming win over Westhill
Donald Graham, Stratford — Ran for four touchdowns vs. Immaculate

Brick Walls

Ridgefield's Chris Mirra takes down McMahon's Damien Vega in Week 7.

Kevin Kearney, Staples — 18 tackles, pass defensed vs. Darien
Eddie Kochiss, Shelton – Interception return TD vs. Amity
Chris Mirra, Ridgefield — Intercepted potential game-winning 2-point conversion vs. McMahon.
Dylan Leeming, New Canaan — 16 total tackles vs. Wilton
Brandon Freeman, McMahon — Returned an interception for a TD vs. Ridgefield
Jack Yule, Pomperaug – 16 tackles vs. Notre Dame-Fairfield
Shawn Flynn, Masuk — 10 tackles, interception vs. New Milford
Warde defense — Forced six turnovers, including 2 interceptions apiece from Devon Lofton and Maxx Garrett vs. St. Joseph
Mike Longo, Greenwich – Returned a fumble 82 yards for a TD vs. Westhill
Mike Palomba, Trinity Catholic — Interception return TD vs. Bassick

Valiant in Defeat

Tyler Vallie, Amity – Threw for 131 yards and a TD, rushed for 173 yards and a TD vs. Shelton.
Chad Lawrence, Central – Ran for 100 yards and three touchdowns in loss to North Haven.
Jared Vasquez, Bunnell – 10 catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns vs. Bethel
Nigel Beckford, Notre Dame-Fairfield — 20 carries, 134 yards, 2 TDs rushing, 98-yard kickoff return TD
John Prutting, St. Joseph — Interception return TD vs. Warde
Daron Britt, Law — Caught two touchdown passes in loss to Branford.
Tahir Manning, West Haven – Caught two TD passes to give West Haven a halftime lead in a loss to Hand
Taquan Broadway, Harding — 100 yards rushing vs. Norwalk

We’ll close the Top Performers section with a clip of Matt Paola‘s 54-yard field goal against Notre Dame-Fairfield. It tied the state record held by former Watertown star Rico Brogna … who just happened to be standing on the Notre Dame-Fairfield sidelines as the Lancers head coach. Paola and Rico posed for pictures afterward. Nice moment.

“When we were at midfield, I said to the offensive coordinator, `Get your two-point (conversion) play ready.’ ” — McMahon coach A.J. Albano, whose 2-point attempt failed in a 14-13 loss to Ridgefield.

Austin Calitro fends off a Trumbull defender during the Hatters' victory Friday night.

“Looking back now, I guess it was nice having that week off. The kids were fresh, their legs weren’t heavy. They were ready to play today.” — Stamford coach Bryan Hocter

“When we play in a tighter game than this it is really going to do us in,” — New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli on his team’s penalty-filled 28-14 win over Wilton

“We were terrible tonight, absolutely terrible. We have to move on to the next one.” – Trumbull coach Bob Maffei, whose team lost its fourth-straight game, keeping Maffei at 99 career wins.

“We want to go out with a bang and set the tempo for next year. Those guys have to work hard and (if they do) this is what happens.” –Danbury senior FB/LB Austin Calitro after beating Trumbull.

“The upset. It’s a powerful thing that can change your season. It’s one of the best feelings a football player can have.” — Bethel FB/LB Brian Birdsell, whose six touchdown runs toppled Bunnell from the unbeaten ranks.

“No. 36 had a great game for them. He was all over the field,” — Bunnell coach Craig Bruno on Bethel FB/LB Brian Birdsell.

“We knew that tonight was a do-or-die situation for us. But we are going to pick our heads up, keep going and finish the season strong.” — Brookfield coach Rich Angarano on his team’s 41-0 loss to Newtown, which dropped it to 3-4.

Weston's Danny Rogers scores the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter vs. New Fairfield in the snow last week.

“I should have punted. Everyone makes mistakes. We were all fired up and we wanted to end the game right there.” — Weston coach Joe Lato on a fourth-down call that led to New Fairfield’s go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter of Weston’s 16-9 win.

“That could have been the greatest third quarter in Staples history.” –Staples coach Marce Petroccio on the Wreckers’ 28-point outburst leading to a 42-23 win over Darien.

“It’s a football players dream to play in the snow. It was awesome.” — Staples RB Joey Zelkowitz.

“I think our kids at the half thought we had the game won, and they are too good an opponent to do that.” — Darien coach Rob Trifone on his team’s 42-23 loss to Staples, in which it held a 17-7 halftime lead.

“That’s our goal right now. It’s really big because none of us have ever been in a playoff game before, in any sport. We can smell it.” — Norwalk QB Delshawn Wilson on the Bears’ shot at breaking a 13-year playoff drought.

A lot of good ones out there this week, most having to do with the blizzard at Staples Field. So we’ve decided to drop this week’s best Tweets into slideshow form

Here we go:

Tweets of the Week (Week 7 - 2011)

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Cheshire (4-3) at Notre Dame-WH (5-2), Friday, 7 – The Class L playoff door is opened just a crack for the Green Knights. They can’t lose again. And it only gets tougher against the cornered animal that is 4-3 Cheshire.
Ansonia (7-0) at Wolcott (6-1), Friday, 7 — They’re calling this an NVL showdown for the Brass Division title and a spot in the NVL title game. Or will it be just another Ansonia showcase. (We’re betting the latter).
Fairfield Prep (5-2) at Shelton (5-2), Friday, 7 — This game hasn’t meant a thing for years. With both teams clinging to faint playoff hopes, it’s pretty big now.
Woodland (5-2) at Holy Cross (6-1), Friday, 7 – Holy Cross can basically wrap up the ~~Brass~~ Copper Division (I always get those division titles mixed) with a title here. Might want DiGiorgi for this one.
Seymour (5-2) at Derby (2-5), Friday, 7 — Seymour’s not quite out of the Class S playoff race yet. They’ll need to win out. And, hey, this is a nice rivalry game.
Bethel (5-2) at Newtown (6-1), Friday, 7 – Amazing what an upset can do. In addition to giving their playoff hopes a boost, Bethel dropped some intrigue into the SWC championship race. It won’t mean much if they can’t solve Lou Fenaroli and Newtown. That 41-0 win over Brookfield was frightening.
Pomperaug (6-1) at Masuk (7-0), Friday, 7 — Finally! A Game! A game for Masuk. Its road to a second straight title finally starts climbing up hill after two months in perpetual 50-point hell. This is their first game against a winning team. Masuk should be ready. It’s been practicing seven weeks for this. Whaddya got Pomperaug? Your season begins or ends here.
Central (2-5) at Trumbull (2-4), Friday, 7 — The two Greater Bridgeport powers are down on their luck. I saw one Central player Tweet that a win here would make their season. I’m sure Trumbull feels the same.
New Canaan (7-0) at Stamford (4-2), Saturday, ~~1:30~~ 5 p.m. – Moved from Friday (time changed), New Canaan has few hurdles left on the way to the FCIAC title game. The Boderick Brothers and Stamford are dangerous. But so is New Canaan QB Matt Milano.
McMahon at Greenwich, Saturday, 2 – This game’s of minor intrigue only because of McMahon’s shown it’s capable of knocking off the superpowers, it just hasn’t done it yet. Greenwich has a good shot at reaching state playoffs for the first time since 2007 and an outside shot at the FCIAC final. Game on.
Weston at Notre Dame-Fairfield, Saturday, 2:45 – Every game’s a big game for Weston from here on. They’re in the running for a Class S playoff but still have to play Masuk. So they’d better enjoy this ride, regardless of what happens next week.

Week 5 Primer and Live Updates: McDougall memorials

Friday, October 14, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley

Football weekends won't be the same without Coach Jerry McDougall on the sidelines. (Photo by Sean Patrick Bowley)

Welcome to Week 5, the midpoint of the 2011 high school football season.

And the big news of the day is, what else? Rain. Rain. And more rain. This is — what? — the third week of heavy rain forecasts already? (Check here for the latest)

So get ready for a few postponements tonight and possibly tomorrow as a front moves through our area. Notre Dame at Hand has already been moved to Saturday at 5 p.m. Masuk-Notre Dame to Saturday, 7. There will be others as we move closer to kickoff. So keep checking back here.

Of course, the big, big news of the week is the passing of Trumbull great Jerry McDougall, who will be on the minds of many this weekend, especially the Trumbull football players and coaches as they head to Darien.

Coach Bob Maffei, who was on McDougall’s football and baseball staff for almost 20 years, said the Eagles will wear stickers in McDougall’s honor and are dedicating this season to him. “We’re going to go out there and play our hearts out for him,” Maffei said. “I’m sure he’ll be watching. We’ll give him our best.”

Staples coach Marce Petroccio (Trumbull ’78) said the FCIAC will name the league’s championship trophy in McDougall’s honor. St. Joseph coach Joe Della Vecchia says the St. Joseph-Trumbull Thanksgiving Day trophy will be named in McDougall’s honor.

Finally, memorial services have been set: Calling hours are Sunday, 1 – 7 p.m. at Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home (399 White Plains Rd. Trumbull). The funeral will be Monday, St. Theresa Church 5301 Main Street Trumbull, CT.

“I remember when he retired, there were so many testimonials. I was proud of every single one of his testimonials, but I joked with him, I was sick of talking about him,” said best friend Dick Whitcomb, who will read the eulogy. “He whispered to me the other night, he wanted his funeral to be about his life, not his death. That’s what I’m going to do. This will be like one of his testimonials. Like the old days.”

Read the official obituary here.

Now. On to the games!

Postponements: Notre Dame-WH at Hand, Saturday, 5 p.m. | Notre Dame-Fairfield at Masuk, Saturday, 7 p.m.

Goodies

On The Air

Guilford at Shelton, Friday, 7 p.m. — WELI 960-AM (960weli.com)
Notre Dame-WH at Hand, Saturday, 5 p.m. — sportingnewsct.com or gogreenknights.com
Ludlowe at Greenwich, Friday, 7 p.m. — WGCH 1490-AM (wgch.com)
Torrington at Naugatuck, Friday, 7 p.m. – WATR 1320-AM (watr.com)
New Canaan at Norwalk, Friday, 7 p.m. – WSTC 1400-AM / WNLK 1350-AM (wstcwnlk.com)

Week 5 Live Blog

<a href=”http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=0e4167a1bf” mce_href=”http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=0e4167a1bf” >High School Football Live Scoring Updates</a>

West Haven at Notre Dame-WH (The Movie!)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley

Sorry we’re so late on these, but there were other work-related duties that got priority. But we’re happy to say the latest films have arrived.

We’ll start with Notre Dame-West Haven’s 28-15 victory over rival West Haven at Veterans Stadium.

The Green Knights waltzed home after an impressive 28-0 victory over Shelton, looking for their third straight victory over a West Haven team that was probably a little punch drunk after surviving a two-day bout with Hamden. It showed early as ND’s one-two combo of Cameron Tucker and Amihr Bess broke long touchdown runs for a 14-0 halftime lead.

Then the Green Knights’ defense — which has been outstanding all season — landed a haymaker of its own: Brandon Martin‘s interception return touchdown and a 21-0 lead. Game, set, match? Not if you have Ervin Phillips on your side. Following a key fumble recovery, Phillips and the Westies rallied to within a mere six points. All they needed was a stop on defense.

But Notre Dame’s offense, which had stagnated in the second half no thanks to a few costly penalties, scrapped together a clinching touchdown drive with minutes left in the game.

The Green Knights move to 3-1 and brimming with confidence as they head to the Surf Club for a huge match with 4-0 Hand. West Haven, with coach Ed McCarthy out due to undisclosed medical issues, heads home to face Division II Sheehan at Ken Strong Stadium.

Copious amounts of McCarthy in these clips. He’s a classic. Let’s hope he returns soon.

Grab the popcorn. Somebody get the lights. Roll Film.

It’s a Wrap Week 4: Only nine unbeatens remain

Sunday, October 9, 2011 by:Sean Patrick Bowley

Cameron Tucker races for a touchdown on the first series of Notre Dame-West Haven's 28-15 victory over West Haven. Vidcap by Sean Patrick Bowley

We wrapped up Week 4 with quick strikes and big stops from Notre Dame-West Haven in its 28-15 victory over crosstown rival West Haven. We ended with another Masuk blitz, another Arkeel Newsome tidal wave and Norwalk moving to 4-0 for the first time since… (anyone?) On Saturday, we quietly wrapped it all with tech schools Bullard-Havens moving to 4-0 and Abbott Tech winning its first game since 2009.

With Newtown, Trumbull, Wilton, West Haven and Seymour all going down last week, the region is left with nine unbeaten teams.Pomperaug used defense to bring down Newtown. Greenwich used defense and Shane Natahowski to take out Trumbull. Ridgefield blitzed Wilton. Seymour’s era of good feeling ended against Wolcott.

And so the picture becomes clearer… or, at least, less muddled. In the local leagues, Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan and Staples are the only overall unbeaten teams in the FCIAC (Greenwich, too, since their loss was out-of-conference); Masuk, Pomperaug and Bunnell are the SWC’s only unbeaten teams; Ansonia and Naugatuck in the NVL; Xavier, Hand and North Haven in the SCC. Bullard-Havens and Capital Prep in the CSC.

It’ll be Judgment Day for six of those schools as we wind up the season’s first half. New Canaan travels to Norwalk; Pomperaug takes on Bunnell and Bullard-Havens plays Capital Prep. But those aren’t the only big games going on in Week 5.

But we’ll get to all of that. Let’s take a look at what went down in Week 4.

Ansonia's Arkeel Newsome vs. Holy Cross