Archive for the ‘SCC’ Category

‘About Last Weekend…’ Week 5: The Changing of the Guard

Saturday, October 13, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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♦♦♦

Hand's Matt Walsh scores the last of his five touchdowns in the Tigers' 40-20 victory over Xavier at Palmer Field Friday night.

With keen and wisened eyes, a number of Xavier High School football alumni grouped together in shallow right at Palmer Field Friday night.

It was a who’s who of Xavier’s recent, glorious past: Ryan Murphy, Jovan Santos, Austin Wezenski, Sean Marinan, Ryan Jacobucci, Graham Stewart.

Their alma mater was leading Hand 20-14 at halftime in Connecticut’s high school football game of the year.

The game was still in doubt. The alumni, all of whom had been the architects, foremen and builders of two state championships and all but last four of Xavier’s previous 30 victories, were edgy, but confident.

“We got this,” said Ryan Murphy, the former all-state end and back. “They’re not going to be able to keep Tim down. …I’m pretty sure (coach Sean) Marinan gave them lashing in the locker room.”

‘Tim’ is quarterback Tim Boyle, the Boston College-bound quarterback who helped Xavier rally twice in the first half to take their lead.

Outside an unfortunate punt snap and, later, a trick play that helped Hand score its two touchdowns, Murphy’s assessment of the second half seemed to be on-target.

But even he and his band of brothers could tell: Their understudies aren’t as polished as they were a season ago. This wasn’t the same Xavier. This was 2012, not 2011.

Someone said they’d love to see Staples and Class LL championship game. “Yeah,” said Santos, his teammates nodding around him.
“But you know what?” he added. “…It’ll be a much closer game.”

This was before Hand turned the game upside-down. This was before the Tigers marched 95 yards in 23 plays to tie the game. This was before Hand’s defense smothered Xavier on three plays and then marched right back down the field and scored again.

Forget Staples-Xavier fighting for No. 1 in a potential Class LL championship game. UConn recruit Matt Walsh and Hand proved what everyone wearing black feared: Xavier’s reign atop the Connecticut football world is in dispute, if not over already.

Hand's Caleb Ewald scores on a touchdown catch-and-run in the third quarter of Hand's 40-20 victory over Xavier Friday night.

Boyle and Xavier managed just eight plays to Hand’s 48 in the second half. Though outsized on the lines, the Tigers weren’t out-toughed, outclassed or out-played. Hand churned its way up the field, converting a pair of huge fourth downs — one on a tipped-pass catch by offensive lineman Cam Gravina, the other a pass-interference call — to score the tying and go-ahead touchdowns.

Then Xavier flubbed the ensuing kickoff. Hand got the ball back and that was that.

“I didn’t have to say a whole lot (at halftime),” Hand coach Steve Filippone said. “It was just a matter of us playing our game and getting into rhythm.”

Hand outgained Xavier 305-39 in the second half and by the fourth quarter, Xavier’s notorious fan section — The Black Hole — had been drowned out by the legions of Hand fans who paraded up Route 79 in a caravan Ray Curren described as “Hickory-esque.”

From the start, their presence reverberated across the complex. The Hand band, not the Xavier band, performed on the field at halftime.

The Hand student body jeered, ‘OVER-RATED’ at Xavier … when it was just 7-0.

Late in the game, they cheered, ‘START THE BUSES!’ … at the home team.

Yeah.

The Xavier student body, meanwhile, sat in stunned silence.

“They call their fans the Black Hole, but it felt like the Surf Club out there tonight,” said Walsh, who scored five touchdowns on five carries before a garbage-time run at the end of the game.

Heh. An an opponent working with garbage time. …At Palmer Field.

“They out-physicaled us up front, on both sides of the ball in the second half,” said Xavier coach Sean Marinan, who tasted defeat for the first time since the 2009 Class LL semifinals vs. Staples, and for the first time at Palmer Field since a 37-19 loss to Wilbur Cross in Week 1 of that year. “We couldn’t get anything going with offense. We couldn’t stop them defensively.”

We didn’t make a pregame prediction, but quietly I had it pegged 35-24, Xavier.

I saw a few Hand predictions floating around. But most, if not all, said Hand would win in a close game.

Not 40-20.

“We know we’re a second-half team,” Walsh said. “We were last year. I don’t know if any of you were at the Masuk (Class L semifinal) game, but it was 14-14 and we came out of (halftime) and we just exploded and we did the same thing today.”

Now we enter new territory as the second-half of the 2012 high school football season.

For the first time since Xavier toppled Notre Dame-West Haven on opening night of 2010, we’re looking for a new No. 1.

It’s a brave new world.

Xavier has lost its mojo — for now. Hand has an extra swagger. Meanwhile, Ansonia is rolling in the NVL. Staples is rolling in the FCIAC. Masuk is dominating the SWC. Windsor, Glastonbury and Southington are taking care of business in the CCC… etc.

Lest we forget the teams we cover southwestern Connecticut, here’s what was what in Week 5. While everyone had their eyes fixed on Palmer Field,  we same some surprising results down in Shangri La:

To wit:

Trumbull coach Bob Maffei pumps his fist as his team scores in their upset of Darien on Friday night.

Whew. Crazy week.

Here are your recaps and links to all of Week 5′s proceedings.

Friday

Saturday

Week 5 Primer and Live Updates: The Storm Arrives

Friday, October 12, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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…

It’s judgement night in the SCC: Hand and Xavier will kick off in the Rumble at Palmer Field. Hillhouse and North Haven tangle in the fray at Vanacore Field. Fairfield Prep takes on Cheshire in the fight at the Maclary Complex.

There’s so much to say, so much to talk about. Elsewhere Liam O’Neil is back at quarterback for Greenwich as the Cardinals take on Ludlowe. Joe Pacheco and New Fairfield head into the Panthers’ den of Benedict Field in Monroe. Barlow’s looking to go 5-0. And Trinity Catholic hopes to keep its state playoff drive intact when it hosts rival Stamford on Saturday at an Alumni Field that should be packed with alumni.

Ooooh, baby. Can you feel it in the air?

We’re almost halfway through the 2012 season. It’s Week 5.

Buckle up.

Welcome to football central, where you can get all the info you you need as we begin this pivotal week of games.

Here we go.

The Nuts & Bolts of Week 5

On The Air

Live Update Blog

THE GAME OF THE CENTURY*: No. 3 Hand at No. 1 Xavier

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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♦♦♦

Two defending state champions.

Two teams from the mighty, mighty Southern Connecticut Conference.

Two teams riding long winning streaks.

Two teams vying for the No. 1 spot in the polls forever.

Two teams.

One winner.

It’s the one you have been waiting for since the Class LL and Class L trophies were handed out back in December.

It’s the Game of the Century.*

It’s Hand vs. Xavier.

We’re trying desperately not to get swept up in the hype machine. After all, in terms of sheer importance, Hand-Xavier takes a backseat to the SCC Division II clash between Hillhouse and North Haven, or the other SCC Division I fight between Fairfield Prep and Cheshire.

The losers of those final two games are all but cooked in their respective state playoff races.

Meanwhile, the loser of Hand-Xavier still will be in good shape in the Class LL and Class L playoff races. They just can’t afford to lose again.

See what we’re getting at?

But, loooord, we just can’t help ourselves down here in Shangri La. The top two state champions from last year trading blows on a statewide stage? Sign us up.

It’s a game so big, yours truly has been commandeered to make sure Hearst Connecticut has presence among the media blitz. And, it’ll be a media blitz, that’s for sure.

Roll call! New Haven Register, Hartford Courant, WELI, CPTV, Middletown Press, Shoreline Times, The Day? … did I miss anyone? Répondez, s’il vous plaît.

Anywho, here’s the ol’ SPB Blog’s humble contribution to the Rumble at Palmer. We don’t typically cover these behemoths, so don’t expect a lot of insight from our end.

We do want to give our media buddies who *do* cover these teams a pop. Because they’re working hard — oh, so very hard — on giving us the most on this mega-matchup-of-a-lifetime.

When you see your web traffic spike with referrals from “blog.ctnews.com,” you can thank me with gifts later, Mr. Barker and Mr. Otterbein.

These links will be updated all week. Here we go:

Hartford Courant

New Haven Register/Middletown Press

Also:

The game will be broadcast live on CPTV Sports, which is broadcast on Cablevision (ch. 139), Charter (ch. 223, 224), Comcast (185, 187, 744), Cox (ch. 805) and Thames Valley cable (ch. 87).

Maxpreps has designated this one of the Top 10 national games of the week.

So… who’s going to win???? You’re seeing a few crazy polls up there in the links. But what would we be doing if we didn’t poll our readers, as well? (I mean, let’s be honest. Anybody who’s anybody is already here and weighing in, right? :)

After you vote, please feel free to discuss until the big game Friday.

*Until the Next Game of the Century.

That’s a Wrap: Week 4

Monday, October 8, 2012 by:Gary Rogo
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We’re just about at the halfway point of the season. Here’s a quick look back at who did and said what in Week 4. Compiled by Executive Sports Editor Gary Rogo and the Hearst Connecticut sports staff.

Newtown's Dan Hebert catches a touchdown pass from Drew Tarantino in the Hawks' 35-7 victory over Brookfield. Photo: Jason Rearick

BULLDOZERS

  • Frank Bacarella, Masuk: Senior ran 14 times for 133 yards with three scores in a 63-14 rout of Bunnell.
  • Chris Golger, Fairfield Prep: Senior rumbled for 122 yards on nine carries with a pair of touchdowns in a 42-3 win over Shelton.
  • Jack Shaban, Barlow: Ran for four touchdowns with 170 yards in the Falcons’ 40-6 win against Stratford.
  • John Shannon, Bullard-Havens: Ran for 140 yards with five touchdowns in a 48-12 win over Cheney Tech.
  • Christian Bognar, Darien: Senior scored the Blue Wave’s first three touchdowns of the game in a 41-6 win over Danbury.
  • Sam Gravitte, Ridgefield: Ran for three touchdowns in a win over Wilton.
  • Alex McMurray, Greenwich: Rushed for 145 yards with four scores in a 62-31 win over Trumbull.
  • Dave Attolino, Amity: Scored two touchdowns and ran for 179 yards in a 61-43 win over Guilford.
  • Joe Pacheco, New Fairfield: Ran for five touchdowns in a 48-13 win over Bethel.
  • Alex McMurray, Greenwich: Ran for 145 yards and four touchdowns on 15 carries in the Cardinals’ 62-31 win over Trumbull.
  • Sam Panton, Weston: Sophomore rushed for 70 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries in the Trojans’ 48-20 win over Immaculate on Saturday.

GUNSLINGERS

  • Ryan Coppola, Westhill: Threw for three touchdowns and 179 yards, ran for another score in a 40-0 win over Central.
  • Malik Cummings, Masuk: Junior threw a pair of touchdowns and ran for another in a big win over Bunnell.
  • Drew Tarantino, Newtown: Three four first-half touchdowns with 213 yards in a 35-7 win over Brookfield.
  • Mike Kreiger, Derby: Threw three touchdowns on his way to 222 yards in the Red Raiders’ win over Wilby.
  • Brennan Diaz, Oxford: Threw and ran for a pair of scores in a 55-20 romp over ND-Fairfield.
  • Jose Melo, Greenwich: Junior completed 9-of-13 passes for 205 yards in two touchdowns in Greenwich’s victory over Trumbull.
  • Nick Cascione, New Canaan: 12 of 18 for 93 yards and two touchdowns and carried the ball 14 times for 108 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-14 win over Brien McMahon

GAMEBREAKERS

Trinity Catholic's Sean Brown (right) celebrates one of his three touchdowns against Norwalk Saturday.

  • Jake Kasuba, Foran: Sophomore passed for 248 yards with four touchdowns and added 81 rushing yards with a score in a 45-8 win over East Haven.
  • Angelo Genovesi, Platt Tech: Ran for two touchdowns, threw another and blocked a punt in a 53-8 victory against Whitney Tech.
  • Dillon McMahon, Derby: Caught six passes — two for touchdowns — for 132 yards in a 53-14 win over Wilby.
  • Tyler Hassett, Weston: Threw two touchdowns, ran for two touchdowns and returned a punt 50 yards in a win over Immaculate.
  • Sean Brown, Trinity Catholic: Caught a pair of touchdowns, ran for another in a 27-8 win over Norwalk.
  • Colin Ventura, Fairfield Warde: Junior running back took the opening kickoff 75-yards for a touchdown, then added a 17-yard touchdown run in the Mustangs’ 29-28 win over Bassick

BRICK WALLS

  • JaiQuan McKnight, Reshaun Finney, Ansonia: Each returned an interception for a touchdown in a 35-7 win against Holy Cross.
  • Shaq Rowe, Bullard-Havens: Made 11 tackles with two sacks and a fumble recovery.
  • Dan Claroni, Greenwich: Senior linebacker registered two sacks, blocked a punt that was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown and recovered a fumble in the Cardinals’ 62-31 win at home against Trumbull.
  • Lars Pedersen, St. Joseph: Had an interception and returned a fumble 60 yards for a touchdown in a 41-19 win over Stamford

VALIANT IN DEFEAT

Vochan Fowler scores one of his three touchdowns against Fairfield Warde Friday | Photo Amy Mortensen

  • Vochan Fowler, Bassick: Junior quarterback recorded 252 all-purpose yards, ran for three touchdowns and threw for one in the Lions’ 29-28 loss at Fairfield Warde.
  • Michael Conlan, Seymour: Ran for and threw a touchdown in the Wildcats’ loss to Wolcott.
  • Nick Roberts, Trumbull: Pressured throughout, completed 18-of-28 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns in Trumbull’s loss to Greenwich. Hung tough despite being sacked eight times.
  • Cameron Webb, Stamford: 139 yards on 18 carries in a 41-19 loss to St. Joseph.
  • James Coppola, Immaculate: Senior had 56 yards rushing in the first half and returned a kick 70 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter of a 48-20 loss Weston.
  • Darel Bowman, Immaculate: Sophomore wide receiver hauled in touchdown passes of 64 and 49 yards in the second half of the Mustangs’ loss to Weston.

“Running, blocking, passing — it’s all fun. …We’re all family. We don’t care who gets the ball.”

–Masuk back Thomas Milone after a 63-14 victory over Bunnell

“It feels good to get a win under our belt and show the state that Prep is back.”

Prep quarterback Strecker Backe

–Fairfield Prep quarterback Strecker Backe after a 42-3 rout of Shelton.

“We came in here to find out what tier football team we were and I guess we found out.”

–Brookfield coach Rich Angarano on his team’s 35-7 loss to Newtown

“I’ve never gotten more support in my life.”

–Ridgefield sophomore quarterback Ryan Dunn his 15-of-16, 201-yard, two touchdown performance in a 49-14 rout of Wilton.

“It feels phenomenal. …I’m going to die in my shower now.”

–New Canaan quarterback Nick Cascione, after running for three touchdowns and throwing two more in a 38-14 victory over McMahon.

“That was some half. …We have a lot of weapons on this team.”

–Greenwich coach Rich Albonizio after his team scored 42 points in an eventual 62-31 win over Trumbull.

“Everybody knows what happened. I have a hard time thinking that wasn’t blatant.”

Westhill coach Frank Marcucio (3-1)

–Bassick coach Derrick Lewis on his team’s controversial 29-28 loss to Fairfield Warde. Bassick contends Warde was allowed to set up for the winning field goal because the clock didn’t run after the Mustangs were tackled in-bounds with no time outs remaining.

“We are not a one-man show.”

–Westhill coach Frank Marcucio on his team’s 40-0 rout of Central

“I call him the ‘Wild Boar.’”

–Darien coach Rob Trifone on FB Christan Bognar, who scored Darien’s first three touchdowns in a 41-6 rout of Danbury.

“We know what we’re up against next week. We know everyone probably thinks we don’t have a shot in the world against Masuk. But … I hope we really give them a good game next week. These kids deserve that.”

–New Fairfield coach Anthony Fata, after a 48-13 win over Bethel, looking forward to Friday’s game at 4-0 Masuk.

It’s Showdown Week in the SCC, the rest are minor tremors.

SCC

Hand (4-0) at Xavier (4-0), Friday, 7 — It’s here! It’s here! The game of the Century of the Decade of the Year is here! Christmastime! Gather ’round kids. Let’s see what Jolly ol’ Filippone-claus and the defending Class L champion Tigers have in store for the two-time defending Class LL champion and state No. 1 Falcons at Palmer Field. Get there early. Grab a seat and hold on tight. It’s go time.

Hillhouse (3-1) at North Haven (3-1), Friday, 7 — Psst! Here’s a secret for you minions foolishly following the lemmings up to Pamer Field: As far as the state playoffs are concerned, in terms of sheer importance, this game beats Hand-Xavier, 10-1.

Fairfield Prep (3-1) at Cheshire (3-1), Friday, 7 — In any other week, this would be huge. As it is, this critical Class LL clash is reduced to an afterthought, buried beneath the hype of the previous two games. But the winner of this game will have a firm grip on its postseason hopes.

SWC

New Fairfield (3-1) at Masuk (4-0), Friday, 7 – OK, Rebels. You’ve unleashed Joe Pacheco on the SWC. Winners of three-straight. How will you guys stand up to Thomas Milone, Frank Bacarella and the high-flying Panthers? Time to put up or… you know.

Newtown (4-0) at Oxford (3-1), Saturday, 12:30 — The same goes for Oxford. We love that the Wolverines are 3-1. Let’s see how they stand up to Dan Hebert, Julian Dunn and the high-flying Nighthawks.

NVL

Seymour (3-1) at Ansonia (4-0), Thursday, 6:30 — Thumped by Wolcott last week for its first loss, Seymour will now attempt to take down NVL powerhouse and state rival Ansonia.

FCIAC

Bassick (0-4) at Central (0-4), Thursday, 4 — Bassick’s coming off a heartbreaking, controversial 29-28 loss to Fairfield Warde. Central lost its fourth-straight game, 40-0 to Westhill. No matter. It’s rivalry week in Bridgeport and these two teams are famished for a victory. Central will press on without quarterback Xavier Hardison, who will miss his second week due to a concussion suffered vs. Danbury.

Stamford (2-2) at Trinity Catholic (4-0), Saturday, 1 — Trinity has a leg-up in the annual Stamford City championship race, having defeated Westhill in Week 1. But, honestly, there’s so much more at stake for the Crusaders this year. This is their biggest test since upending New Canaan in Week 2 and, even though Stamford has lost two straight, the Black Knights are still dangerous. This is a rivalry game. Trinity’s posteason hopes depend on a victory.

CSC

O’Brien Tech (0-4) at Abbott Tech (1-3), Saturday, 1 — Yes, yes. “Throw out the records.” This is a rivalry game. Get excited.

Sunday Crunch: Attack of the Creatures from the Pits!

Sunday, October 7, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Prepare yourself!

Prepare to scream in TERROR!

Deep! Deep from the depths of the nether regions, come creatures to vile, so merciless, so unrelenting, they threaten to ruin the season of your favorite high school football team!

You’ll experience Thrills! and Chills! as these nightmares come to a football field near you.

You grab your girlfriend or boyfriend tight! You won’t want to let go!

You’ll be petrified in sheer terror as these dark creatures run amok across this land!

They are, the Creatures from the Pits!

This is no B-Movie.

This is real.

Here at high school football central, we keep waiting for the other shoe to drop — heavily, like in some Monty Python skit — on long-dormant, often muddling programs.

Yet these teams, most of whom have served as fodder for the traditional powers over the years, don’t look like they’re going away any time soon.

Trinity Catholic handled Norwalk. The Crusaders are unbeaten. Westhill crushed Central 40-0 to move to 3-1. Barlow hammered Stratford, they’re 4-0. Weston defeated Immaculate. They’re 4-0. Fairfield Prep crushed Shelton. They’re 3-1. Derby, New Fairfield and Oxford are all 3-1.

It’s been quite a year for the underdog programs in southwestern Connecticut.

Sure, the usual suspects still rule. Masuk and Newtown are ruling the SWC. Staples, Greenwich, St. Joseph, Darien and New Canaan (for the most part) are in control in the FCIAC. Xavier, Hand, Hillhouse and North Haven are handling the SCC. Ansonia, the NVL.

But these underdogs — many of whom have been down on their luck recently (Prep), or haven’t had a winning season in a long time (Westhill) — are adding some extra spice to the 2012 season.

They’re giving us reason to be excited about the possibilities — the possibilities of seeing new names and faces playing big games entering the second half of the 2012 high school football season.

But who among these teams are legit?

Who among them are just passing fads?

Let’s take a look at these creatures from the pits who have risen up and are running wild among the citizenry.

Trinity Catholic

Last winning season: 2008 (7-4)
Record: 4-0.
Signature win: 35-28 (OT) over New Canaan.
Why they’re winning: The FCIAC’s top tailback in Shaq Howsie, and a class determined to win.
What’s their limit?: The Crusaders have answered the bell. A huge game with rival Stamford is up next. Win that, and Trinity Catholic will be set up wonderfully for a legitimate run at a postseason berth in Class S. Monster games with Darien and St. Joseph in Weeks 8 and 9 will determine their postseason fate.

Barlow

Last winning season: 2006 (7-3)
2012 Record: 4-0
Signature win: 34-14 over New Fairfield
Why they’re winning: The triple option has been unstoppable under the direction of star QB Jack Shaban and HB Alex Lockwood. 1,700 rushing yards in four games? Yow.
What’s their limit?: We can’t see this freight train grinding down anytime soon. They’re looking good at least until November, when the Falcons finishe with big games vs. Brookfield and Masuk. They’d have to beat both to reach their first league title game since 1987 (when the SWC was the WCC). That’s a tall order. Then there’s a suddenly huge Thanksgiving Day game with Weston, which figures to have major Class M playoff implications.

Fairfield Prep

Last winning season: 2008 (8-2)
Record: 3-1
Signature win: 42-3 over Shelton
Why they’re winning: Third-year coach Tom Shea has mined his roster of 80 players, found the right pieces and has them in the right spots, especially sophomore back John Moten.
What’s their limit?: Prep’s only loss was to Xavier. It avoids Hand. The only heavy hitter left on the schedule until Thanksgiving is Cheshire. That’s Friday. Win, and the Jesuits can start thinking big — like state-playoff big, like old school need-to-beat-West-Haven on-Thanksgiving big. This is not in dispute: After last week’s result, we can say Fairfield Prep is back.

Westhill

Last winning season: 1986 (8-2)
Record: 3-1
Signature win: 37-30 (OT) over Trumbull
Why they’re winning: Davell Cotterell has given the Vikings a weapon they haven’t had in years. Now, team confidence after its 40-0 win over Central is at a level unseen in almost two decades. While their victories to date have been against struggling programs, Westhill is taking care of business. That’s something, oh, about 26 predecessors could never say.
What’s their limit?: Expect Westhill to continue its rise in the standings for at least two more weeks. They’ll be favored vs Franklin, Mass. and Danbury. Then Greenwich comes calling at the end of October and Staples two weeks later. Hard to believe Westhill is ready to play at that level. But they do have a great shot at winning at least seven games, which would be an incredible feat for this program.

Weston

Last winning season: 2011 (7-3) … but before that, 2003, 8-3.
Record: 4-0
Signature win: 22-21 victory over Pomperaug
Why they’re winning: As expected, QB Tyler Hassett (900 yards total offense) is having a great season. His teammates have elevated their games to match. The Trojans have yet to play any of the SWC’s heavyweights. That’ll change this week.
What’s their limit?: It gets tougher, of course. Weston takes on struggling, but cornered Bunnell on Friday. New Fairfield, Masuk and Barlow loom in the season’s second half. If Weston wins the first two, they’ll be in a good place to make their Thanksgiving Day game vs. Barlow for a playoff spot.

Derby

Last winning season: 1996 (6-5)
Record: 3-1
Signature win: 21-20 over Naugatuck
Why they’re winning: The Red Raiders have relied on a nice roster of talented playmakers, Dillon McMahon, Jordan LaRue and Tyrae Small (to name a few).
What’s their limit?: Derby hasn’t had a winning season since 1996. Winning a Week 6 game at Wolcott would be huge step toward making that a reality. The Red Raiders also have tough opponents remaining in Torrington, Seymour and Shelton. They haven’t beaten the Gaels since 2003. They’ll need to beat at least two of those teams to reach those elusive six victories.

New Fairfield

Last winning season:2009 (6-4)
Record: 3-1
Signature win: 41-24 over Bunnell
Why they’re winning: Joe Pacheco has given the Rebels a bona fide star at tailback. He’s second in the state (behind North Haven’s Jalon White) with 787 yards rushing. They haven’t had a player of his caliber in… over a decade? Maybe?
What’s their limit?: As good as this feels, New Fairfield’s road gets significantly harder. It heads to Masuk on Friday (yipes), then it plays Weston, Oxford, Pomperaug and Brookfield, before wrapping up with New Milford. The Rebels probably won’t beat Masuk (sorry, guys), so that means the they must win out to have a decent shot at a Class M playoff berth. As fun as this team has been since losing its opener to Barlow, that’s a lot to ask.

Oxford

Last winning season: Never (program began in 2008).
Record: 3-1
Signature win: None
Why they’re winning: Give them credit, QB Brennan Diaz and Wolverines have rallied around the memory of Brandon Giordano and have taken care of the SWC’s lesser squads.
What’s their limit?: They’re solid. But the Wolverines may not be ready for prime time, as a recent 32-14 loss to Weston showed. They host the Newtown juggernaut on Saturday and still must play New Milford, New Fairfield, Bunnell, Stratford and Pomperaug. A winning season is not too much to ask, but the Wolverines have work to do to secure the program’s first one.

Platt Tech

Record: 3-0
Signature win: Cheney Tech 24-14
Why they’re winning: In the realm of the Tech schools, Platt Tech has been the surprise of the CSC so far. The pitch, catch and run combo of QB Anton Graham and RB Lamont Barham have been solid.
What’s their limit?: The Panthers have all three of the CSC’s top teams yet to play: Bullard-Havens, Capital Prep and Prince Tech. They’ll need to beat two, if not all three of those teams to make a significant dent in the Class L playoff standings (and make a few Class L coaches pretty unhappy, to boot).

Seymour

Last winning season: 2008 (11-2)
Record: 3-1
Signature win: None
Why they’re winning: Undefeated after facing three teams that are a combined 1-11, the Wildcats faced their first strong NVL squad in Wolcott last Week and lost, 48-19. The Cats have been getting solid play from its few seniors, QB Mike Conlan and RB Jimmy Vartelas (7 TDs), in particular.
What’s their limit?: The Wolcott loss was a wake-up call. The Cats will get a slap in the face when they play Ansonia on Thursday night. Luckily, the schedule gets significantly softer afterward. Seymour have a good shot to squeeze three more wins against the likes of Crosby, Watertown and Wilby for a winning season. They also must play Derby and Woodland.

A bit late, but here are Saturday’s results and links:

‘About last night…’ Week 4: Blowout City

Saturday, October 6, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Fairfield Prep's Strecker Backe looks to pass during a 42-3 victory over Shelton Friday night.


Jeez, kids. What got into your pregame pasta dinners this week?

As the scores rolled across our ticker Friday night, it was blowout, after blowout, after blowout.

“Look at all these points being scored,” WELI’s George DeMaio cooed as the night’s action was read to him on his Friday night broadcast. “Unbelievable.”

They came in all shapes in sizes. They developed in a variety of ways.

You had supernovas, like Hillhouse scoring 27 points in the first quarter in a 47-0 win over Law, or Masuk hammering Bunnell with a 28-point second quarter in its 63-14 victory.

You had rolling thunderstorms like Barlow’s 40-6 win over Stratford, in which the Falcons hammered away with three-consecutive 20-point quarters.

You shootout blowouts, like Amity’s 61-43 victory over Guilford, where the teams trade scores until one of them finally asserts its offensive dominance.

You had see-saw blowouts, like Greenwich’s 62-31 victory over Trumbull. The Cards took a 42-0 lead in the first half. Then Trumbull went into blowout mode, outscoring Greenwich 25-7 to make it a 48-25 game in the third quarter before Greenwich turned on the jets again in a 62-31 win.

And there were shocking blowouts, like Fairfield Prep’s 42-3 victory over Shelton. Well, that one was shocking to everybody who isn’t a Fairfield Prep fan.  Yes, we know you believe Prep is good. But I think that result really jarred the rest of us. Now we’re convinced. Welcome back.

Bassick's Vochan Fowler hands off during Friday night's 29-28 loss to Fairfield Warde.

Anyway, blowouts, blowouts, blowouts ruled in Week 4.

Except in Fairfield where Warde defeated Bassick in a contentious and controversial 29-28 victory. Connor McGuinness kicked a 20-yard field goal with 4 seconds left to give the Mustangs the victory.

But was it legit? Reports say Warde was tackled in-bounds with approximately 7 seconds remaining and no timeouts. Apparently the clock didn’t run, which allowed the Mustangs to set up for McGuinness’ field goal.

Bassick coach Derrick Lewis said late Saturday he would protest the result to the FCIAC and CIAC on Monday. “My kids are crushed,” he said in a text message. “That game was ours.”

Here are the results and links from Friday night’s regional games:

* Games summaries included in Friday night’s high school football roundup.

Light schedule for Saturday. Check here for the statewide scores and Saturday’s results.

Hillouse 32, Branford 18 (The Movies!)

Thursday, October 4, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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Couple more videos before we get to this week’s Guide and our Game of the Week polls.

Here’s one from RickVolk21 on You Tube, highlighting Hillhouse’s 32-18 victory over Branford in an SCC game at rainy Branford High School on Sept. 27. Harold Cooper, still smarting a bit from getting banged up by Hand, had a nice day.

The Academics are 2-1 needing one more victory to set up a showdown with North Haven for the de facto SCC Division II title (yeah, it’s early, but do you see any other legit contenders? I’d call this the SCC II championship game, wouldn’t you?)

You can also watch a full broadcast replay from PlayOn! Sports:

CPTV highlights: Xavier 35, Fairfield Prep 14 (The Movie!)

Tuesday, October 2, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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From the good folks at CPTV, highlights from top-ranked Xavier’s 35-14 victory over Fairfield Prep on Saturday night at Palmer Field.

See D’Angelo Berry touch the ball twice in the first two minutes of the game. See him race for a pair of touchdowns to dump Prep into a 14-0 hole.

See the Jesuits pick themselves up and battle back behind John Moten to get within 21-7 at the break and 28-14 after four quarters. See Boston College recruit and Xavier quarterback Tim Boyle throw an absolute rainbow for the clinching score on the first play of the fourth quarter.

See all you need to know!

That’s a Wrap: Week 3

Monday, October 1, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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A weekly look back at the who said and did what during the high school football season. Compiled by the Hearst CT Sports Staff: Mike Cardillo, Sean Patrick Bowley, Dave Ruden, Pat Pickens, Cam Martin and Doug Bonjour.

Bulldozers

Barlow QB Jack Shaban cuts through the pack during a football game against Notre Dame-Fairfield. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 Photo: Scott Mullin

  • Niko DeRosa, Foran: 168 yards and two TDs on 15 carries as Lions won their first game, 26-7 over Sheehan.
  • Joe Pacheco, New Fairfield: 23 carries, 336 yards and 4 touchdowns in 41-24 rout of Bunnell.
  • Nick Kelly, Staples: Senior running back had touchdown runs of 17, 1 and 9 yards in Wreckers’ 55-14 rout of Brien McMahon on Friday
  • John Shannon, Bullard-Havens: Ran for 188 yards – including a 55-yard touchdown run – in a 46-12 win over Abbott Tech.
  • Billy Wilson, Jack Shaban, Barlow: Duo combined for 263 yards and five touchdowns in a 55-12 win over ND-Fairfield.
  • Frank Bacarella, Masuk: Scored on runs of two, four and 26 yards in the Panthers easy 53-8 over Immaculate.
  • Mufasha Abdul Basir, St. Joseph: Ran for 135 yards on 19 carries and scored the winning touchdown in overtime vs. Darien.

Gunslingers

  • Jake Kasuba, Foran: 120 yards rushing and 135 yards through the air on 11 of 17 passing in Foran’s 26-7 win over Sheehan.
  • Nick Roberts Trumbull: The junior quarterback threw for 376 yards and five touchdowns (20, 44, 51, 36, 49)‑ three to Mike Williams‑ in the Eagles’ 35-7 win over Ludlowe.
  • Mike Conlan, Seymour: Threw for 161 yards with three scores as the Wildcats routed Kennedy 42-14.
  • Mark Piccirillo, Shelton: Threw for 217 yards and a pair of touchdowns and ran for another 61 yards with a score in the Gaels 34-28 win vs. Amity.

Tyler Hassett looks to pass for Weston in last week's 22-21 win over Pomperaug. Photo: Christian Abraham

Gamebreakers

  • Frank Cognetta, New Canaan: Sophomore, in his first significant playing time, had 17 carries for 113 yards and one score and a 64-yard touchdown reception in a 35-6 win over Fairfield Warde.
  • Sam Gravitte, Ridgefield: Running back had a combined 151 yards running and receiving, plus a touchdown and field goal in a 24-7 win over Stamford.
  • Andrew Matos, Ansonia: Ran for 91 yards and two scores, caught a 43-yard touchdown pass to lead Ansonia in 48-7 win over Derby.
  • Dan Hebert, Newtown: Ran back the opening kickoff vs. Stratford en route to three touchdowns along with 77 yards rushing and 79 yards receiving in a 43-14 Nighthawks’ victory.
  • Tyler Hassett, Weston: Completed 10 of 14 passes for 131 yards and two TDs, rushed for 89 yards and threw two 2-point conversion passes, including the game-winner, in a 22-21 win over Pomperaug that kept the Trojans unbeaten. He also intercepted a pass on defense.
  • Mike Williams, Trumbull: Caught three touchdown passes and piled up 178 yards in a win over Fairfield Ludlowe.
  • Yves Cassamajor, Westhill: Hauled in a pair of touchdown catches from Ryan Coppolla in the Vikings 13-0 win against Norwalk. It was Westhill’s second straight win.
  • Ed Groth, Shelton: Kicked field goals of 34 and 41 yards in the Gaels’ come from behind 34-28 win vs. Amity.
  • Boeing Brown, Brookfield: Senior caught six passes for 66 yards and kicked a 32-yard field goal in the Bobcats 24-0 shutout win over New Milford.

Brick Walls

  • Shaq Rowe, Bullard-Havens: Made 12 tackles in a win over Abbott Tech.
  • Brennan Diaz, Oxford: Ran back a fumble 29 yards for the go-ahead score in the Wolverinese 40-26 win over Bethel. He also threw for 216 yards and three touchdowns.
  • Austin Gomar, Weston: Senior defensive lineman had a sack and blocked a field goal in the Trojans’ 22-21 win over Pomperaug on Friday.
  • Matt D’Andrea, Darien: Made 10 tackles and had an interception to set up a touchdown in the Blue Wave’s loss to St. Joseph.
  • Davell Cotterell, Westhill: With his team clinging to a 7-0 lead over Norwalk, Cotterell picked off Norwalk quarterback Andy Lovo with 8:37 left. On offense he rushed for 71 yards in the Vikings’ 13-0 win.

Valiant in defeat

  • Cameran Tucker, Notre Dame-WH: Ran for 326 yards in the Green Knights’ 34-13 loss to West Haven.
  • John Moten, Fairfield Prep: Sophomore running back had two touchdown receptions and 81 all-purpose yards in the Jesuits’ 35-14 loss to Xavier.
  • Cameron Webb, Stamford: Rushed for 127 yards on 19 carries and a 21-yard reception in a 24-7 loss to Ridgefield.
  • David Attolino, Amity: Ran for three touchdowns in a 34-28 loss to Shelton.
  • Tajik Baley, ND-Fairfield: Ran back a kickoff 70 yards for a score in the Lancers’ loss to Barlow.
  • Darius Smith, Immaculate: Scored on a 67-yard touchdown run in the Mustangs loss to Masuk.
  • Peter Serencsics, Bethel: Had 21 tackles in Bethel’s loss to Oxford.

“Newsome didn’t need his carries tonight. Matos took over.”

Ansonia's Andrew Matos, left, looks to dodge a tackle by Derby's #7 Dillon McMahon, during football action in Ansonia, Conn. on Thursday September 27, 2012. Photo: Christian Abraham / Connecticut Post

–Derby coach George French after his team fell to Ansonia 48-7

“We didn’t make excuses. We just said, ‘We’re going to find a way.’ And the kids did.

–Weston coach Joe Lato on his team’s 22-21 victory over Pomperaug, the Trojan’s first since 1990.

“This is probably the biggest (win) in our history.”

–Weston quarterback Tyler Hassett.

“I don’t want to make a mockery of the game. …I think that taking a knee and falling down is a heck of a lot more embarrassing than just playing. So we played and everything worked out fine.”

–Staples coach Marce Petroccio on his team’s 55-14 victory over McMahon.

“These players will never stop fighting.”

–St. Joseph sophomore back Mufasha Abdul Basir on his team’s 35-28 2OT victory over Darien.

“This whole season’s been a wake-up call.”

–Trumbull coach Bob Maffei on Ludlowe taking a 7-0 against the Eagles. Trumbull went on to win 35-7 for Maffei’s 100th career victory and its first win of the season.

“I think we played 46 minutes of good football. But the first two minutes we had stars in our eyes.”

Ridgefield's Samuel Gravitte carries the ball during Friday's football game against Stamford at Ridgefield High School on September 28, 2012. Photo: Lindsay Niegelberg / Stamford Advocate

–Fairfield Prep coach Tom Shea on his team’s 35-14 loss to Xavier, in which the Jesuits surrendered two touchdowns to D’Angelo Berry in the game’s first 1 minute, 46 seconds.

“We were down our starting quarterback and it didn’t change anything.”

–Ridgefield RB Sam Gravitte (right) on the Tigers’ 24-7 win over Stamford.

“This is a really good football team and that’s what people don’t realize.”

Westhill coach Frank Marcucio after his team’s 13-0 win over Norwalk, putting the Vikings at 2-1

“Every one’s a big one when you’re Barlow High School. There are no small ones.”

Barlow coach Rob Tynan on his team’s 3-0 start.

“We wanted to show everyone in the SWC that we’re not just some small New Fairfield team that gets run over by big schools.”

–New Fairfield back Joe Pacheco, who ran for 336 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-24 win over Bunnell

SWC

  • Brookfield (3-0) at Newtown (3-0), Friday, 7 – One is an established power with three big wins under its belt. The other is a once-established power attempting to reclaim its crown. This is the SWC’s Game of the Year, Mark I.
  • Masuk (3-0) at Bunnell (1-2), Friday, 7 – Just how far apart is Masuk from the rest of the SWC? We’ll find out. Bunnell’s 41-24 loss to New Fairfield isn’t encouraging.

CSC

  • Bullard-Havens (3-0) at Cheney Tech (2-1), Friday, 6 — Bullard-Havens looks one of the two teams to beat in the CSC. They have to knock off one of last year’s champs to really grab hold.

FCIAC

  • Wilton (2-1) at Ridgefield (2-1), Friday, 7 — These teams do not like each other. Hate might not be a strong enough word, actually. Yet, Ridgefield has owned this rivalry for 18 years running.
  • McMahon (2-1) at New Canaan (2-1), Friday, 7 – The Senators don’t want you to believe they were as bad as they showed vs. Staples. Here’s a chance to make amends and stay in the FCIAC race. For New Canaan, a chance to keep Saturday’s good karma going.
  • Stamford (2-1) at St. Joseph (2-1), Saturday, 2:30 — Last week’s big win over Darien means nothing without following it up. Stamford’s speed has always caused problems for the Hogs. This is no gimme game for either team.

NVL

  • Ansonia (3-0) at Holy Cross (2-1), Friday, 7 – What happened last week Holy Cross? If I’m Ansonia, I smell blood.

SCC

  • Shelton (2-1) at Fairfield Prep (2-1), Friday, 6 – The Jesuits should be feeling good about themselves despite losing at Palmer Field. They played Xavier relatively tough. Toppling Shelton would all but end the Gaels’ state aspirations, and give theirs a boost. Big game.
  • North Haven (2-1) at New London (3-0), Friday, 7 — An intriguing matchup of non-league powers. North Haven needs to win this one to stay in the thick of Class L playoff race and set up a showdown with Harold Cooper and Hillhouse.

Sunday Crunch: Mufasha, St. Joseph states their case

Sunday, September 30, 2012 by:Sean Patrick Bowley
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St. Joseph's Mufasha Abdul Basir busts loose during St. Joseph's 35-28 2OT win over Darien on Saturday.

They call him the ‘Lion King,’ an endearing reference to his name, “Mufasha,” and the namesake of the titular character from the popular Disney franchise.

Like his namesake, Mufasha Abdul Basir grew up before our eyes Saturday at Darien High School. Called upon to make the biggest play of the young season, Abdul Basir, his legs pumping, his shoulders churning, squeezed through the Darien defensive front and fell — just barely — over the goal line to write himself into St. Joseph’s 2012 season highlight reel and lift the Hogs into contender status.

Of course, St. Joseph’s defense had to do some work to secure the exhilarating 35-28 victory. But it was Mufasha’s hard yards in double overtime, necessary after St. Joseph had shanked what would have been the winning chip-shot field goal in OT 1, that secured St. Joseph’s contender status.

“If you don’t want to play this game, you can’t play this game,” he said. “This is a hard-hitting game and you have to want to be great to play this game. And our team wanted to be great, I wanted to be great. I came in with a mindset that I wasn’t going to go down, no matter what. I’m going to keep my feet moving and whoever dares run toward me, I gotta go get it.”

His clutch, 1-yard plunge was reminiscent of the team’s last great running back, Tyler Matakevich, who helped St. Joseph win back-to-back state championships only two years ago. (Aside: Matakevich probably would have leaped over the pile, though).

With a week off from Temple, Matakevich was on the sidelines to watch his former teammates earn their biggest win since he played in the 2010 Class S championship over Ansonia. Mufasha was just an eight-grader then, but the presence of his idol had an effect.

“He’s a great guy and a great inspiration,” Abdul Basir said. “He works hella hard. I kinda wanted to win for him.”

Darien #35 Tommy DiMauro draws the defense as Darien High School hosts St. Joseph High School in varsity football in Darien, CT on Sept. 29, 2012. Photo: Shelley Cryan

The Blue Wave fell to 2-1 and coach Rob Trifone lamented his team playing without star back Peter Gesualdi for the second time and attributed its ineffectiveness during St. Joseph’s comeback to the limited availability of standout lineman Matt D’Andrea. “Put simply, it killed us,” he said. “He’s the best offensive and defensive player we have and when he got tired, it made it difficult.”

But he took some positives out of the close loss.

“…Playing the way we did without Peter Gesualdi, who will be back next week, shows we can play with anybody,” Trifone said.

And so St. Joseph-Darien lived up to its billing. It added St. Joseph, which went 4-6 a year ago, to a crowded house of early FCIAC contenders alongside Darien, Greenwich (2-0) Trinity Catholic (3-0), New Canaan (2-1), Ridgefield (2-1), Stamford (2-1), Westhill (2-1), Wilton (2-1) and Danbury (1-1, 2-1 overall). Staples (3-0) remains the hunted team. And, based on Week 4′s schedule, it doesn’t seem as if there will be much change as we head into midseason.

Same goes for the SWC, which saw little change from last week’s surprises. Barlow, Oxford, Masuk and Newtown won big. Brookfield beat New Milford to set up its grudge match with Newtown on Friday. Masuk at Bunnell is another game to watch.

In the SCC, Fairfield Prep earned some stripes by hanging tough with No. 1 Xavier despite allowing D’Angelo Berry to score two touchdowns on his first two touches of the day. It had the earmarks of a blowout, but Fairfield Prep kept the margin within two touchdowns until the fourth quarter.

“Maybe we had stars in our eyes,” coach Tom Shea said. “But we have to learn that games are 48 minutes long, not 46, unfortunately.”

Though they eventually lost 35-14, Fairfield Prep suddenly doesn’t look like it will be a pushover against some of the other squads on its schedule. The Jesuits don’t play Hand, get West Haven late. Hmm…

Shelton beat back a strong challenge from David Attolino and Amity to earn a critical 34-28 victory.

One of the league’s most surprising results from Friday was West Haven’s 34-13 victory over Notre Dame-West Haven. The score wasn’t surprising, but ND back Cameran Tucker’s performance was downright shocking. He blasted off for 323 yards and Notre Dame only scored 13 points. However it happened, Notre Dame is 1-2 and West Haven is 3-0.

And, finally, in the NVL, the only result of note was Torrington’s big, 24-21 upset victory over Holy Cross. The Crusaders will not be 3-0 heading into Friday’s game vs. Ansonia. Has the luster faded on the last great NVL hope?

EXTRA POINTS: Congratulations to Trumbull coach Bob Maffei for getting win No. 100 in Trumbull’s 35-7 win over Ludlowe. The Eagles snapped a 9-game losing streak dating back a week before program patriarch Jerry McDougall died. …Central quarterback Xavier Hardison suffered a concussion and was carted off the field during his team’s wild, 36-30, loss to Danbury. He was up and about Tweeting on Sunday morning that he was OK. His return to the field is doubtful for next week vs. Westhill.

Saturday’s Regional Roundup

ALSO: Ned Griffen of The Day has your Weekend ‘Polecat’ roundup for statewide news.

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