No. 7 Glastonbury at No. 2 Southington, ppd. to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
No. 5 Norwich Free Academy at No. 4 Newtown, ppd to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
No. 6 Greenwich at No. 3 Xavier (at Palmer field), ppd. to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Still on:
No. 8 West Haven at No. 1 Staples, 6:30
Semifinals
Both semifinals ppd. to Sunday, Dec. 2 at TBA
CLASS L
Quarterfinals
No. 7 Fitch at No. 2 Windsor, ppd. to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
No. 8 Platt at No. 1 Hand (at the Surf Club), ppd. to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
No. 5 Middletown vs. No. 4 Masuk (at Bunnell), ppd to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
No. 6 New Canaan vs. No. 3 Avon (at Simsbury), ppd. to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Semifinals
Both semifinals ppd. to Sunday, Dec. 2 at TBA
CLASS M
Quarterfinals
No. 8 Montville at No. 1 Wolcott, ppd to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
No. 6 Weston vs No. 3 Ellington/Somers (at Enfield), ppd. to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Still on:
No. 7 Bullard-Havens at no. 2 Berlin, 6:30
No. 5 St. Joseph vs. No. 4 Hillhouse (at East Haven), 6:30
Semifinals
Both semifinals ppd. to Sunday, Dec. 2 at TBA
CLASS S
Quarterfinals
No. 7 Woodland at No. 2 Capital Prep/Classical, ppd to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
No. 6 Trinity Catholic at No. 3 North Branford, ppd. to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. AT GUILFORD
No. 8 Prince Tech at No. 1 Ansonia, ppd. to Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Still on:
No. 5 Hyde at No. 4 Rocky Hill, 6:30
Semifinals
Both semifinals ppd. to Sunday, at TBA.
SEMIFINALS – Saturday, Dec. 1-2
at Bunnell, 2 p.m.
at Cheshire, 2 p.m.
at CCSU, 2 p.m.
at Falcon Field, Meriden, 2 p.m.
at Middletown, 2 p.m.
at Trumbull, 2 p.m.
at West Haven, 2 and 7 p.m.
FINALS at RENTSCHLER FIELD, EAST HARTFORD
at Friday, Dec. 7 – Game at 7 p.m.
at Saturday, Dec. 8 – Games at 10:30, 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Start off with the two-time defending state champs, the FCIAC champions, the SWC champions, the ECC Large champs, CCC Division I’s best team.
It’s a division so good, one unlucky 10-0 team must hit the road in the state quarterfinals: All the way from Norwich to Newtown.
Foof.
Since losing 42-7 to Xavier in last year’s Class LL final, this has been a season of destiny for Staples. The Wreckers haven’t trailed all season and made mince meat of the FCIAC. They’re stacked with talent up and down the roster. Eight state voters have deemed them the No. 1-ranked team.
They’re aligned for a rematch with Xavier. But first things first: The Wreckers must find a way to halt top tailback Ervin Phillips and West Haven.
The Westies have only lost to two teams this year, 10-0 Hand and Class LL No. 3 seed Xavier.
What do you say about Xavier? They’ve looked vulnerable this year? Have you seen Xavier lately?
Since being down 49-21 to Hillhouse in the fourth quarter in Week 6, the Falcons have scored 170 points, averaging just under two touchdowns in 13 quarters. Worse for this field, they’re healthy. Their starting linebacker unit has returned. Their offense, led by Boston College recruit QB Tim Boyle, is on fire.
The Falcon start off with FCIAC runner-up Greenwich, which is itching to redeem itself after last week’s FCIAC title-game loss.
Let’s not discount QB Stephen Barmore and No. 2-seeded Southington, or their quarterfinal opponent, No. 7 Glastonbury. The Tomahawks were yards away from winning their CCC showdown with the Blue Knights in October only to see an interception eventually turn into the winning touchdown of a 28-21 Southington victory.
The winner of the rematch might get to test Xavier’s championship meddle. Or maybe get an LL heavyweight match with Greenwich.
Perhaps still overlooked despite going 10-0 for the first time in 16 years and winning its first SWC title in 15 years, Newtown is anxious to prove it’s among the elite. Their first game at Blue and Gold Stadium matches up with back Marcus Outlow and unbeaten Norwich Free Academy. Winner gets the Staples-est Haven winner.
We know Newtown would love another chance at Staples after letting slip a 14-0 least in last year’s semifinals.
Most observers like Staples-Xavier II. But anything can happen. This division just might prove it.
What do you think?
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Class LL preview
Previews and predictions by the Hearst CT sports staff: Doug Bonjour: Staples-West Haven; David Fierro: Greenwich-Xavier; Sean Patrick Bowley: Glastonbury-Southington. Stats provided by teams via MaxPreps. Some statistics may not include Thanksgiving Week.
No. 8 West Haven at No. 1 Staples
WHERE – Staples High School, Westport RECORDS — West Haven 8-2 (SCC Division I East second place); Staples 9-0 (FCIAC champions) PLAYOFF RECORD — West Haven 6-6; Staples 11-8 LAST APPEARANCE — West Haven 2010 (Lost to Xavier 28-7 in LL quarterfinals); Staples 2011 (Lost to Xavier 42-7 in LL final). PLAYERS TO WATCH — West Haven: Sr. FB Eddy Williams (855 rushing yards, 16 TD), Jr. RB Ervin Phillips (957 rushing yards, 22 TD), Jr. LB Jesse Ridgway (61 tackles). Staples: Sr. RB/DB Joey Zelkowitz (954 rushing yards, 14 TD), Sr. RB/S Nick Kelly (507 rushing yards, 10 TD), Sr. WR/DB James Frusciante (658 receiving yards, 11 TD), Jr. QB Jack Massie (1,189 passing yards, 12 TD, 549 rushing, 9 TD), Sr. DE Pieter Hoets (73 tackles, 7 sacks), Sr. LB Lance Lonergan (74 tackles, 4 INT, 1.5 sacks). YOU SHOULD KNOW — The teams last met in 2006 in the semifinals of the Class L state playoffs, a game Staples won 24-7. … West Haven’s two losses this season came against teams with a combined 19-1 record, 21-20 against Daniel Hand and 42-7 against Xavier. … West Haven is averaging 41 points in its eight wins. … Staples leads the state with 52 points a game, and has scored no fewer than 48 points in its nine wins. … Staples is third in the state with 4,573 total yards of offense. … Running back Joey Zelkowitz rushed for a record 317 yards in a 48-20 win over Greenwich in the FCIAC championship game on Thanksgiving. … Staples is fifth in the state in rushing with 3,356 yards. … Offense has allowed just five sacks this season. … Senior linebacker Lance Lonergan has returned three of his four interceptions for touchdowns. … Staples has not trailed at any point this season. DOUG’S PICK – Staples 31, West Haven 17 SPB’S PICK – Staples 35, West Haven 20
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No. 5 Norwich Free Academy at No. 4 Newtown
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 WHERE – Blue and Gold Stadium, Newtown RECORDS — Norwich Free Academy: 10-0 (ECC Large champions); Newtown: 10-0 (SWC Champions) PLAYOFF RECORDS – Norwich Free Academy 2-3; Newtown 4-8. LAST APPEARANCE — Norwich Free Academy: 2010 (lost to Trumbull 21-6 in LL semifinals; Newtown: 2011 (lost to Staples 44-20 in LL semifinals). PLAYERS TO WATCH –Norwich Free Academy: Sr. QB Joey Paparelli (580 yards, 11 TDs passing; 702 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs); Jr. RB Marcus Outlow (954 rushing yards, 15 rushing TDs, 2 TD catches); Soph. RB Khaleed Exum-Strong (592 yards, 8 TDs rushing); Sr. WR Ryer Caruso (6 TD catches); Sr. LB Anthony Gomes (6 sacks). Newtown: Jr. QB Andrew Tarantino (98-for-162, 1,675 passing yards, 23 passing TDs, 3 interceptions); Jr. RB Cooper Gold (815 yards, 16 TDs rushing); Soph. WR Julian Dunn (565 yards, 9 TDs receiving); Sr. WR/DB Justin DeVellis (5 TD catches, 4 INTs); Soph. LB Tim Krapf (70 tackles); Sr. OL/DL Pat Thornberg (3.5 sacks); Jr. OL/DL Josh Krapf (3.0 sacks). YOU SHOULD KNOW – Sr. WR Dan Hebert has been out of action since breaking his arm against Bunnell on Nov. 9. …Newtown won its first SWC championship since 1997 with a 21-14 victory over Masuk. Gold was the MVP with 222 yards rushing and 2 TDs. … Paparelli threw two TD passes to Caruso and Outlow ran for two scores as NFA beat New London on Thanksgiving in the 151st meeting … Both Newtown (Masuk) and NFA (Fitch) have each played just one team that qualified for the state playoffs. … Newtown outscored its opponents 372-106, while NFA out-scored its opponents 393-91. … This is the first time in the brief history of the quarterfinal round that two undefeated teams are meeting … When Newtown won its last state title (1992, Class MM), it was playing in the now-defunct Western Connecticut Conference, its mascot was the Indians and Blue and Gold Stadium was still named after Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner. RICH’S PICK — NFA 28, Newtown 21 SPB’S PICK – Newtown 21, NFA 14
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No. 7 Glastonbury at No. 2 Southington
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE — Fontana Field, Southington RECORDS — Glastonbury 9-1 (CCC Division I East champion); Southington 10-0 (Division I West champion) PLAYOFF RECORD — Glastonbury 5-4; Southington 5-6 LAST APPEARANCE — Glastonbury 2011 (lost to Xavier 34-6 in LL quarterfinals); Southington: 2007 (lost to Shelton in 21-19 in Class LL semifinals) PLAYERS TO WATCH — Glastonbury: Sr. QB/WR Ben Berey; Jr. QB Jalen Ollie; Sr. DE/TE Joshua Hill; Sr. OL/DE Matthew Hill; Sr. RB/DB Charles Wooding; Sr. RB/DB Tyler Janssen; Southington: Jr. QB Stephen Barmore (1,819 yards, 18 TDs passing; 325 yards, 10 TDs rushing); Jr. RB Jarrid Grimmett (646 yards, 9 TDs rushing); Sr. Anthony Bonefant (40 catches, 610 yards, 5 TDs); Jr. WR Corbin Garry (33 catches, 598 yards, 6 TD); Jr. DE Zach Maxwell (8 sacks); Sr. LB Justin Rose (8.4 tackles/gm); Sr. LB Nick Spitz (8.7 tackles/gm) YOU SHOULD KNOW – This is a rematch of an Oct. 20 game, won by Southington 28-21 on Grimmett’s TD run with 34 seconds remaining. … is Glastonbury’s fifth straight state play playoffs. …This is Southington’s first state playoff appearance since losing to Shelton in the 2007 LL semifinals. …This is the second time these programs have met in the state playoffs. Glastonbury defeated Southington to win the 1984 LL title. …Southington coach Mike Drury is a Bristol native and the son of former Pomperaug championship coach Chuck Drury, who is an assistant on the staff. …Ollie is the son of UConn men’s basketball coach Kevin Ollie. …Southington has allowed just 98 points, the sixth least in the state and second-least for an LL school (behind NFA’s 91). Both teams average approximately 35 points per game. ….This is Southington’s second game on its new turf field. SPB’S PICK – Southington 34, Glastonbury 21
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No. 6 Greenwich at No. 3 Xavier
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 WHERE — Palmer Field, Middletown ON THE AIR — CPTV Sports (check local listings) | WGCH 1490-AM RECORDS — Greenwich 8-1 (FCIAC runners-up); Xavier (SCC Division I West champions)
PLAYOFF RECORD — Xavier 8-4; Greenwich 16-5 LAST APPEARANCE — Xavier: 2011 (defeated Staples, 42-7, in LL finals); Greenwich: 2007 (beat Shelton, 28-14, in LL final) PLAYERS TO WATCH — Greenwich: Sr. RB Alex McMurray (628 yards, 17 TDs rushing, 3 TDs receiving); Sr. QB Liam O’Neil (1,134 yards, 17 TDs); Sr. TE/DE Joe Kelly (24 receptions, 602 yards, 12 TDs); Sr. FS/WR Taylor Olmstead; Sr. DL Alex McGee (team-high 8 sacks); Sr. RB/LB Mark Bernstein (483 yards, 7 TDs); Sr. WR Vincent Ferraro (23 receptions, 492 yards, 5 TDs); Xavier: Sr. RB/DB DeAngelo Berry (1,275 yards, 27 TDs); Sr. QB Tim Boyle (1,612 yards, 15 TDs); Sr. WR/DB Kris Luster (47 receptions, 930 yards, 6 TDs); Jr. RB/DB Andrew Meoli (304 yards, 4 TDs); Sr. LB Max Tylki (6-1, 207); Sr. LB Charlton Ortega; Jr. DB/WR Nate Gonzalez (64 tackles, 6 INT); Sr. OL/LB Matt Manzione (62 tackles); Jr. ILB Derek Jones (5-10, 207) YOU SHOULD KNOW — Greenwich and Xavier are facing each other in the postseason for the first time since the Cardinals beat the Falcons, 24-8, in the Class LL semifinals. … Two-time defending Class LL champion Xavier is 22-1 in its last 23 games, its only loss coming to Daniel Hand last month. … Boyle will play at Boston College next year. … Greenwich has won seven state championships, its most recent coming in 2007. … Xavier has captured five state titles. … The Cardinals are averaging 46 points per game, while the Falcons are scoring 44 points per contest. … Boyle and Berry are ranked among the top 20 in the state in passing and rushing, respectively. … Greenwich is 16-3 the last two seasons with two of the losses coming against Staples in the FCIAC championship game. … Berry has rushed for more than 200 yards in a game twice so far this season and has had three or more touchdowns in all but two games. … The teams representing the SCC have fared well in the state tournament recently. Xavier and Hand won their respective class titles a year ago, Xavier and Hillhouse won in 2010, while Cheshire and Notre Dame-West Haven claimed state titles in 2009. SPB’S PICK — Xavier 48, Greenwich 28
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Finally, we talked state playoffs on the Laxworm High School Football show on Sunday. Hear Kyle Brennan of Re-Am, Ned Griffen of The Day and myself break it all down. Special guest was coach Rob Fleeting of Windsor.
Matt Walsh, Peter Gerson and the unbeaten defending Class L champion Hand Tigers are back for another run at a glorious 10th state championship. And as of now they’re the favorites to win it all again. After all, they come from the mighty Southern Connecticut Conference and toppled two-time defending Class LL champ Xavier back on Oct. 12.
So who’s going to do what Xavier couldn’t?
How about Windsor?
The talented, high-flying Warriors bring one of the state’s best quarterbacks in Robert Quinn Fleeting and twin monsters Lance and Cole Ormsby. Windsor, which knocked off Notre Dame-West Haven and had New Canaan down before the Rams rallied late and broke Windsor’s heart on a last-second field goal.
Coach Rob Fleeting, the QB’s father, said the team has taken that loss, rededicated themselves and learned from their mistakes. They’re a solid choice to reach the final and take a shot at the champs. (We interviewed Fleeting on the Laxworm High School Football show last Sunday. Listen below.)
Masuk, fresh off its first SWC regular season loss in four seasons, will have to regroup fast to take on talented Middletown and coach Sal Morello. The Panthers had their way with everyone in the league until Newtown. Were some cracks exposed?
And, returning to the state playoffs for the eighth consecutive year is New Canaan. The Rams, suffered their first Thanksgiving loss in nine years and haven’t been as dominant as season’s past. They get to play Avon, a relatively unknown Pequot squad up in Simsbury.
Mike Emery is back in the playoffs with Fitch for the first time since the state championship coach returned. Platt is armed with Justin Potts, but is burdened with a trip to the Surf Club in late November. Good luck.
In the end, Windsor and Hand seem headed for a collision course. But this field has just enough talented teams, don’t be surprised to see a surprise team emerge from the wreckage of a few upsets.
Maybe.
What do you think?
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Class L previews
Previews and predictions by the Hearst Connecticut sports staff: Sean Patrick Bowley:Platt-Hand; Fitch-Windsor; Mike Cardillo:Masuk-Middletown; Dave Ruden:New Canaan-Avon.
All games at 6:30 p.m.
No. 8 Platt at No. 1 Hand
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m. WHERE – The Surf Club, Madison RECORDS — Platt: 8-2 (CCC Division III East champions); Hand: 10-0 (SCC Division I East champions) PLAYOFF RECORD — Platt: 1-4; Hand: 18-7 LAST APPEARANCE — Platt 2010 (lost to New London 53-14 in M quarterfinals); Hand 2012 (defeated New Canaan 34-10 in L championship) PLAYERS TO WATCH — Platt: Sr. RB Justin Potts (1,466 yards, 22 TD rushing; 3 TDs receiving); Jr. QB Anton McBride (1,069 yards, 7 TDs, 6 INT); Jr. LB Jason Nelson (10 tackles/gm); Jr. TE/LB Scott Dargan; Hand: Sr. FB/LB Matt Walsh (10 TDs); Sr. DL Peter Gerson; Sr. WR Kyle Anderson (467 yards, 4 TD receiving; Sr. WR Caleb Ewald (519 yards, 5 TD receiving; Sr. QB Brendan Bilcheck (1,493 yards 13 TD, 10 INT; 488 yards, 8 TD rushing); Sr. SS Alex Tuccero. YOU SHOULD KNOW – Hand has completed the eighth unbeaten regular season in school history with back-to-back 10-0 seasons. …It is riding a 23-game win streak, second only to Ansonia (25) in Connecticut. …Hand’s Walsh is a UConn recruit and has run for 10 TDs this year. …Gerson will play at Yale. …Platt’s Potts is among the top 10 rushers in the state …Including a 34-14 win over then-unbeaten Berlin, Platt has won six straight since a 48-8 loss to Rocky Hill. …It has outscored its opponents by an average of 36-17. …Hand has outscored its opponents by an average of 36-15. …Hand has been ranked the No. 1 team since defeating then-No. 1 Xavier 40-20 on Oct. 12. SPB’S PICK — Hand 48, Platt 16
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No. 5 Middletown vs. No. 4 Masuk
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE — Bulldog Field (Bunnell), Stratford RECORDS – Middletown 8-2; Masuk 9-1 PLAYOFF RECORD –Middletown: 3-3; Masuk: 13-11 LAST APPEARANCE — Middletown: 2009 (0-1, Lost in Class MM semifinals to New Canaan, 28-0); Masuk: 2011 (1-1, Lost in Class L semifinal to Hand, 35-14) PLAYERS TO WATCH –Middletown: Soph. QB Dario Highsmith; Sr. WR/RB Jha’Kur West; Jr. K Van Uk; Sr. WR Otto Marcello; Masuk: Sr. WR/RB/DB Thomas Milone (2,200 total yards, 36 TDs); Sr. RB Frank Bacarella (13 TDs); Sr. QB Malik Cummings (19 TDs, 4 INTs); Sr. DE Brad Swain; Sr. DB Kyle Fontneau; Sr. DL Bryan Monaco. YOU SHOULD KNOW — Both teams enter the playoffs off a defeat. … Middletown’s two losses are at the hands of Class L No. 2 seed Windsor and Class LL No. 3 seed Xavier, the latter on Thanksgiving. … Masuk’s lone defeat came on Thanksgiving Eve to undefeated Class LL No. 4 seed Newtown in the SWC championship game. … Middletown’s defense has allowed 124 points, but 81 of those came in the losses to Windsor and Xavier. … The Blue Dragons use a trio of running backs (Shaiquan Turner, Yaamal Jackson and Isaiah Thompkins) and their quarterback, Dario Highsmith, can run and throw. … Masuk’s offense has scored over 40 points in all its victories. … Milone has literally done it all for the Panthers — running, catching, returning, even throwing on occasion. He’ll need to be at his best for Masuk to make the semifinals for the third straight season. … Masuk is 1-0 at Bulldog Field this year, defeating Barlow 42-23 on Nov. 10. … Cummings picked up an ankle injury in the win over Barlow. He didn’t play the next week in a 49-0 win over Weston and returned against Newtown and threw a pair of interceptions. MIKE’S PICK – Middletown 31, Masuk 21 SPB’S PICK — Masuk 35, Middletown 21
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No. 6 New Canaan vs. No. 3 Avon
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 WHERE – Simsbury High School RECORDS — New Canaan: 8-2 (FCIAC East second place); Avon: 10-0 (Pequot Uncas champions) PLAYOFF RECORD — New Canaan: 20-6; Avon: 0-2 LAST APPEARANCE –New Canaan: 2011 (0-1, lost to Daniel Hand 34-10 in Class L final); Avon: 2009 (0-1, lost to Berlin 35-28 in Class L semifinals). PLAYERS TO WATCH — New Canaan: Jr. QB/RB Nick Cacione (1,093 yards passing, 5 TDs; 711 yards rushing, 8 TDs); Teddy Bossidy Jr. QB/RB (619 yards passing, 7 TDs; 358 yards rushing, 3 TDs); Sr. WR Grady Lynch (29 catches, 299 yards, 5 TDs); Jr. DB Cole Harris (111 tackles, 2 interceptions); Jr. LB Michael Root (65 tackles); So. LB Zach Allen (55 tackles, 6 sacks); Avon: Sr. RB Colin Moore (2,003 yards, 29 TDs); Jr. QB Noah Hahn (652 yards, 6 TDs); Jr. LB Jimmy Murphy (123 tackles, 7 sacks); Sr. LB Joe Murphy (111 tackles). YOU SHOULD KNOW – New Canaan has played in six straight state championship games, but has lost two in a row after winning four straight. … The Rams head into the state tournament off a regular-season loss for the first time in 11 years. … Root has been the impact player he was expected to be on defense since returning in midseason from an injury. … New Canaan has more yards on the ground (1,942) than through the air (1,720) for the first time since adopting the spread offense seven years ago. … Avon and New Canaan are meeting for the first time. Avon has not played an FCIAC school since 1962. …Avon averages 261 rushing yards and 66 passing per game. …Avon has allowed just 96 points, sixth least in the state. Its closest win was 14-7 over Class M playoff participant Ellington/Somers. …Moore is just one of a handful of 2,000-yard rushers. DAVE’S PICK — New Canaan 28, Avon 14. SPB’S PICK – New Canaan 35, Avon 14
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No. 7 Fitch at No. 2 Windsor
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE – Jack O’Brien Stadium, Windsor RECORDS — Fitch 8-2 (ECC Large, second place); Windsor 9-0 (CCC Division II West champions) PLAYOFF RECORD — Fitch: 7-4; Windsor: 2-4 LAST APPEARANCE — Fitch: 2005 (lost to Staples 27-21 in L semifinals); Windsor: 2011 (lost to New Canaan 27-24 in L semifinals) PLAYERS TO WATCH — Fitch: Jr. QB Devante Anderson (6-5, 200); Sr. RB/DB Saffwan Davis; Jr. RB/DB Robert Johnson; Jr. OL/DL Lester Smith (5-10, 230); Windsor: Sr. QB Robert Quinn Fleeting (2,125 yards, 27 TDs, 3 INT passing; 545 yards, 7 TDs rushing); Sr. RB Devonte Dillon (579 yards, 3 TD rushing); Jr. RB Jalen Berry (496 yards, 7 TD rushing); Sr. WR Ryhieme Moore (771 yards, 8 TD receiving); Sr. LB Cole Ormsby (14 sacks; Sr. LB Lance Ormsby. YOU SHOULD KNOW – This is Fitch’s first state playoff appearance since 2005, the first since coach Mike Emery’s return to coach the Falcons in 2008. …In his first stint, from 1992-2003, Emery won six playoff games, two state titles and the state’s No. 1 ranking in 2000. …The Falcons average 40 points per game, the ninth-best in the state. …Windsor allows just 8 points per game, the second-least in Connecticut. …Fleeting is the son of coach Rob Fleeting. …The Windsor averages 476 yards per game. This is its second-consecutive unbeaten regular season. Windsor has won 20 of its last 21 games. SPB’S PICK — Windsor 37, Fitch 21
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Finally, we talked state playoffs on the Laxworm High School Football show on Sunday. Hear Kyle Brennan of Re-Am, Ned Griffen of The Day and myself break it all down. Special guest was coach Rob Fleeting of Windsor.
Hillhouse-St. Joseph, two recent state champions (St. Joseph won back-to-back in 2009 and 2010, Hillhouse won in 2010) facing off in a game that many (outside of Wolcott and the NVL) pegged as this division’s likely state championship matchup a few weeks ago.
To the lucky winner of this mega-matchup of SCC and FCIAC clubs: a trip to face two strong programs in Montville or Wolcott in the semifinals.
Ah, well. Them’s the breaks in the wacky CIAC state playoff seeding formula.
While the power teams are weighing down one half of the Class M seesaw, on the other side you have a 2009 state champion in Berlin and three solid programs with little or no state playoff pedigree.
Know more for being a basketball school, Weston is making its first playoff appearance since being run over by the late Jack Hunt’s Ansonia squad in the 1989 Class S championship. This is the school’s third state playoff game.
Coach Joe Lato, QB Tyler Hassett and the Trojans travel waaaaay up to Enfield where they’ll take on Ellington/Somers in that school’s second state playoff appearance.
Bullard-Havens has been here twice before. Both time the CSC power took to the road and got hammered. First by Tolland in 2007, then by Montville in 2009. Big back John Shannon and the Tigers are hoping this time will be different.
Who’s the favorite? Though we’re curious to see what outstanding QB Mike Nichol and Wolcott — making its second-straight state playoff appearance — can do against a team against the SCC or FCIAC, the winner of the Hillhouse-St. Joseph game will undoubtedly have the faith and big-game experience to go all the way.
We’ve had our say. Who’s your favorite?
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Preview capsules compiled by Hearst Connecticut sports staff:Sean Patrick Bowley: Montville-Wolcott; Bullard Havens-Berlin; Michael Fornabaio: St. Joseph-Hillhouse; Doug Bonjour: Weston-Ellington
Class M previews
No. 8 Montville at No. 1 Wolcott
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 WHERE – Monroe Field, Wolcott RECORDS — Montville 8-2 (ECC Medium champion); Wolcott: 9-1 (NVL Brass second-place). PLAYOFF RECORD — Montville 3-6; Wolcott 1-2 LAST APPEARANCE — Montville: 2010 (lost to Ansonia 48-15 in S semifinals); Wolcott: 2011 (lost to Ledyard 35-0 in M semifinals). PLAYERS TO WATCH — Montville: Jr. RB Jeremiah Crowley (1,537 yards, 19 TDs) Crowley; Sr. OL/DL Jake Basillica (6-4, 295); LB Holloway; Wolcott: Sr. QB Mike Nichol (1,352 yards, 18 TDs passing; 1,226 yards, 20 TDs rushing); Sr. RB/LB Joe Lynch (819 yards, 13 TDs rushing; Sr. WR Matt Cyr (376 yards, 8 TD receiving); Soph. WR Jay Pelletier (396 yards, 4 TD receiving) YOU SHOULD KNOW – This is Wolcott’s second state playoff appearance. It won the school’s first playoff game in last year’s quarterfinals. …It had the second-best record in the NVL, losing only to Ansonia 41-12. It defeated NVL runner-up Woodland 54-12 the week before the NVL title game. … Nichol is one of the state’s most dynamic players, with 2,500 yards of total offense. He has accounted for 38 TDs. … Lynch transferred from Holy Cross to Wolcott before the season began. … Montville has won three straight since a 26-21 loss to Ledyard. It’s other loss was to 38-6 to New London. …Montville’s only wins over winning teams was Stonington and Windham. …Basillica is a four-year starter who played on the Indians’ last-two playoff teams (2009-10) … Crowley played with NFA’s Marcus Outlow in Norwich’s youth football league. SPB’S PICK – Wolcott 28, Montville 14
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No. 5 St. Joseph at No. 4 Hillhouse
WHERE — Crisafi Field, East Haven High School RECORDS — St. Joseph 8-2; Hillhouse 8-2 (SCC Division II West champion) PLAYOFF RECORD — St. Joseph 13-2; Hillhouse 9-2 LAST APPEARANCE — St. Joseph: 2010 (3-0, beat Ansonia 49-28 in Class S final); Hillhouse: 2010 (3-0, beat New London 7-0 in Class M final) PLAYERS TO WATCH — St. Joseph: Jr. QB Jordan Vazzano (2,016 yards, 27 TD passing); Sr. RB/LB Mike Pulaski (9 TD rushing); Sr. WR/DB/K Jake Pelletier (800-plus yards, 14 TD receiving; 54 PAT); Jr. WR/DB Denzel Moscova (5 TD receiving); Soph. DB/WR Lars Pedersen (5 interceptions). Hillhouse: Jr. RB/LB Harold Cooper (1,337 yards, 19 TD rushing); Sr. RB/DB Andre Anderson (1,080 yards, 12 TD rushing); Sr. QB/DB Je’Vaughn Moore (649 yards, 6 TD passing; 760 yards, 7 TD rushing); Sr. LB/OL Terrell Fairweather (92 tackles incl. 4 sacks); SR WR/DB Darryn Horner (3 interceptions; 206 yards, 3 TD receiving). YOU SHOULD KNOW — Two of the top mid-sized schools from two of the state’s top conferences meet for the first time in the playoffs. … It’s Hillhouse’s home game on a strength-of-schedule tiebreaker; it’s at East Haven because Bowen Field, the Academics’ home, has no lights. … Vazzano threw for 212 yards and four touchdowns the night before Thanksgiving against Trumbull, pulled soon after halftime of a 55-20 win. … The Cadets have won four in a row, needing to win all four, scoring 208 points. ..Lleading rusher Mufasa Abdul-Basir will miss the remainder of the season due to academics. … Hillhouse has scored 182 points in its past four games, winning the last three by a combined 133-7 after losing to Xavier 50-49. … Cooper, bound for major college football, missed two early season games with injuries but still ran for 150-plus yards five times. … St. Joseph has won 10 CIAC championships, tied with Hand for second (Ansonia, 17), including the 2009 Class SS and 2010 Class S titles. Hillhouse, among the oldest programs in the state, has won four CIAC titles (1985, 2002, 2006, 2010) and claims 10 state championships before playoffs began in 1976. SPB’S PICK – Hillhouse 34, St. Joseph 28
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No. 6 Weston at No. 3 Ellington/Somers
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 WHERE – Enfield High School, Enfield RECORDS – Weston 8-2; Ellington/Somers 9-1 PLAYOFF RECORD – Weston 1-1; Ellington/Somers 0-1. LAST APPEARANCE – Weston: 1989 (lost to Ansonia 44-0 in S final); Ellington/Somers: 2011 (Lost to Wolcott 32-26 in overtime in M quarterfinals). PLAYERS TO WATCH – Weston: Sr. QB/DB Tyler Hassett (1,540 passing yards, 16 TD, 720 rushing, 10 TD), Sr. WR/DB Justin Schaffer (946 receiving yards, 8 TD), Sr. DE/OL Austin Gomar (57 tackles, 14 sacks), Jr. LB/TE Erik Dammen-Brower (66 tackles). Ellington/Somers: Sr. RB/LB Neal Janiga, Jr. QB/DB Joe Leslie, Sr. WR/S Austin Tautkus, Sr. WR/DE Brandon Coverdill. YOU SHOULD KNOW – Weston will be making just its second appearance in the state playoffs. … Weston has three fourth-quarter comebacks this season. … Wide receiver Justin Schaffer is third in the state with 946 receiving yards. … Weston is listed seventh in the state with 27 sacks. … Ellington/Somers has allowed just 93 points in 10 games. … Ellington/Somers has three shutouts and has held opponents to single digits six times. … Lone loss came at undefeated Avon 14-7 on Nov. 10. DOUG’S PICK – Weston 17, Ellington/Somers 13 SPB’S PICK — Weston 27, Ellington/Somers 20
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No. 7 Bullard-Havens at No. 2 Berlin
WHERE — Sage Park, Berlin RECORDS — Bullard-Havens 8-2; Berlin 9-1. PLAYOFF RECORD — Bullard-Havens: 0-2; Berlin: 4-14. LAST APPEARANCE — Bullard-Havens: 2009 (lost to Montville in Class SS semifinals, 48-12); Berlin: 2011 (1-1, lost to Ansonia in Class M semifinals 48-14). PLAYERS TO WATCH — Bullard-Havens: Sr. RB/LB John Shannon (1,423 rushing yards, 25 TDs); Sr. OL/DL Shaq Rowe (14 sacks); Jr. OL/DL Trayvis Keitt; Sr. QB Equan Brooks; Berlin: Jr. QB Mitch Williams (14 TDs, 5 INTs); Sr. RB Justin Gombotz (18 TDs); Sr. RB/CB Scott McLeod (13 TDs); Sr. RB/S Kevin Main. YOU SHOULD KNOW – Berlin’s only loss came to Class L No. 8 seed Platt in Week 8. … Bullard-Haven’s two defeats are against Class S playoff teams Capital Prep and Prince Tech. … Berlin defeated New Britain 32-28 in the Wishbone Bowl on Thanksgiving Eve. Redcoats backs McLeod and Gombotz each went over the 100 yard mark in the win. … The Redcoats average over 35 points a game with a balanced offense (223 rushing yards/134 passing yards). … Bullard-Havens recovered from a shutout loss to Capital Prep on Nov. 11 to beat Bassick, 49-24, in its regular season finale to clinch a playoff spot. … The Tigers average just over 300 rushing yards per game. … Shannon has gone for over 100 yards in eight games, including a 280-yard, five-touchdown display against Bassick. MIKE’S PICK – Berlin 36, Bullard-Havens 20 SPB’S PICK — Berlin 48, Bullard-Havens 14
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Finally, we talked state playoffs on the Laxworm High School Football show on Sunday. Hear Kyle Brennan of Re-Am, Ned Griffen of The Day and myself break it all down. Special guest was coach Rob Fleeting of Windsor.
Ansonia's Arkeel Newsome drags Woodland defenders on his way to 222 rushing yards and four TDs in the NVL Championship game. The Hawks and Chargers are both Class S playoff teams and could meet for a third time in the state title game.
Get your ‘The Ansonia Invitational’ jokes out of the way now. We’ve all heard it. Find some new material.
The Chargers, last year’s Class M champions, had no peer among NVL schools while rolling to a consecutive league title and a 25-game win streak. They’re big, -strong, fast, talented and just flat-out better than any of the apparently poor, hapless teams who will have the misfortune to match up with them.
Just ask No. 7 seed Woodland. As good as the Hawks were this year, they couldn’t even get within four touchdowns of their Valley rivals.
What chance does anyone else have?
Provided Ansonia gets by Prince Tech, a playoff newcomer that approximately a century behind Ansonia in tradition (most are pegging it as a sure 50-point candidate), the Chargers face either Hyde or Rocky Hill and then (possibly), North Branford, Trinity or Woodland. We’re all interested in seeing what 10-0 Capital Prep/Classical/Achievement brings to the mix after thoroughly dominating the CSC. They’re virtual unknowns.
The best quarterfinal match might be when Trinity Catholic carries the FCIAC banner into the woods of North Branford to take on the high-flying Pequot Sassacus champions. The FCIAC has never lost to a Pequot school in the state playoffs.
Hyde vs. Rocky Hill figures to be another intriguing ground-and-pound game to determine who gets to face the Chargers.
What will Trinity Catholic bring? Can the Crusaders continue their dream season all the way into the state finals? It’s not a stretch to say most of us in Shangri La would love to see them go up against Ansonia. FCIAC vs. NVL, y’know…
But unless something unforeseen happens (a meteor, perhaps?), the general consensus is Ansonia should be raising yet another state championship banner come Dec. 7.
Who says otherwise?
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Class S preview
Capsules and predictions by the Hearst Connecticut sports staff: Mike Cardillo: Ansonia-Prince Tech; Rich DePreta: Trinity Catholic-North Branford; Sean Patrick Bowley: Woodland-Capital; Hyde-Rocky Hill. Stats provided by teams via MaxPreps. Some statistics may not include Thanksgiving Week.
No. 8 Prince Tech at No. 1 Ansonia
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30
WHERE — Jarvis Field, Ansonia RECORDS — Prince Tech 8-2 (CSC second place); Ansonia 11-0 (NVL Champion) PLAYOFF RECORD — Prince Tech: 1st appearance; Ansonia: 29-14 LAST APPEARANCE — Prince Tech: none; Ansonia: 2011 (defeated Ledyard 47-0 to win Class M championship). PLAYERS TO WATCH — Prince Tech: Fr. QB Rayshawn Phillips (13 TDs, 10 INTs); Sr. RB Rahkeem Jordan (2000 rushing yards, 25 TDs); Sr. WR/DB Ed Redding (474 receiving yards, 4 TDs); Jr. LB Roekwan Holmes (138 tackles); Sr. LB Garfield Bell; Ansonia: Soph. QB JaiQuan McKnight (21 TDs, 6 INTs); Jr. RB Arkeel Newsome (1715 rushing yards, 23 TDs); Sr. WR/LB Andrew Matos (836 receiving yards, 12 TDs); Sr. TE/DE Raeshaun Finney. YOU SHOULD KNOW – Call it as stark a contrast in high school football history as possible. Ansonia has a Connecticut-best 17 state titles, while this will be Prince Tech’s first state playoff game. … Ansonia, the NVL champs, is riding a 25-game winning streak. The Chargers last defeat came in the 2011 Class S final to St. Joseph. … Ansonia has outscored opponents 542-173. … The Chargers are more balanced this year, rushing for over 275 yards a game, while throwing for over 100. … The Falcons have run for over 300 yards in a game three times this year. … Prince Tech has posted four shutouts, including three in a row in September and early October. …Due to an early season injury, Newsome has rushed for approximately 1,000 yards and 20 TDs less than he had at this point last year. MIKE’S PICK – Ansonia 63, Prince Tech 13 SPB’S PICK — Ansonia 48, Prince Tech 6
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No. 5 Hyde at No. 4 Rocky Hill
WHERE – Rocky Hill High School RECORDS — Hyde 9-1 (Pequot Sassacus second place); Rocky Hill: 9-1 (CCC Division III West champion) PLAYOFF RECORD — Hyde 8-4; Rocky Hill 0-3 LAST APPEARANCE — Hyde: 2010 (lost to Ansonia); Rocky Hill: 2011 (lost to Valley Regional 14-13 in S quarterfinals) PLAYERS TO WATCH — Hyde: Sr. QB/CB Kevin Jones (527 yards, 5 TD passing; 720 yards, 11 TD rushing); Sr. RB/FS Ezekiel Nixon (981 yards, 13 TD rushing); Sr. RB/LB Marcus Rogers (693 yards, 4 TD rushing); Sr. OL/DL Donnery Evans (8 sacks); Rocky Hill: Jr. RB/LB Chris Young (1,777 yards, 26 TDs rushing); Sr. QB Troy Syme (555 yards, 12 TD passing); Sr. S Chris Stoneburner (4 INT, 5 fumble rec); Sr. G/LB Nick Carducci (8.4 tackles/gm, 3 sacks) YOU SHOULD KNOW — This is Rocky Hill’s second consecutive playoff appearance. Rocky Hill’s 416 points scored is the best in the CCC. They average 305 yards rushing per game, just 56 passing. …Rocky Hill has attempted 45 passes all season. …Young is one of the state’s top runners. …Rocky Hill’s only loss was a 25-14 loss to Berlin. It also defeated Class L qualifier Platt 48-8. … Hyde began the season 9-0 before losing its finale to fellow playoff qualifier North Branford, 32-28. … Hyde has outscored its opponents by an an average 36-9. SPB’S PICK — Rocky Hill 28, Hyde 21
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No. 6 Trinity Catholic at No. 3 North Branford
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE — North Branford High School’s Colifeti Field, North Branford ON THE AIR — WELI 960-AM RECORDS — Trinity Catholic 8-2; North Branford 10-0
PLAYOFF RECORDS — Trinity Catholic 1-2; North Branford 2-6
LAST STATE APPEARANCE — Trinity Catholic: 1993 (defeated Putnam 14-12 in Class S championship); North Branford 2011 (lost to Northwest Catholic, 22-19 in S quarterfinals). PLAYERS TO WATCH — Trinity Catholic: Sr. RB/LB Shaquan Howsie (843 rushing yards in 139 carries, 16 rushing TDs); Sr. RB/WR/DB Shawn Brown (491 rushing yards on 47 carries, 5TDs); Soph. RB/DB Randy Polonia (346 yards rushing on 46 carries, 6 TDs); Jr. WR/DB Neno Merritt (9 receptions, 170 yards; 4 interceptions). North Branford: Sr. QB Brandan Basil (138-for-227 passing, 2413 yards, 36 TDs, 4 interceptions); Sr. RB/KR Joe DeLucia (1,000 all-purpose yards, 19 TDs); Sr. RB/LB Dale Hausman (973 rushing yards on 91 carries, 9 TDs; Sr. RB/LB Chris Caron (40 receptions, 862 yards, 14 TDs), Sr. G/DE Christian Sgro (7 QB sacks). YOU SHOULD KNOW — North Branford enters the game off a 32-28 victory over fellow Class S playoff participant Hyde Leadership… North Branford’s Colifeti Field is a grass field. … North Branford has four running backs with 225 yards or more as well as three receivers with 500 yards in catches this season. … North Branford kicker senior Joe DeLucia and Trinity Catholic senior kicker John Benalcazar have each only had to make one field goal all season. Benalcazar’s kick earned Trinity a 31-28 upset win over New Canaan. … North Branford’s defense has 28 sacks and 18 interceptions. …Basil, the son of head coach Mark Basil, is one of the top passers in the state. … North Branford has two solid kickoff returners in Joe DeLucia and Chris Caron. … Senior linebacker Cody Zaro leads Trinity Catholic in sacks (4) and tackles (97) this year. Linebacker Matt Christensen is second in tackles (74). … Trinity Catholic has only lost to Darien (28-20, on last-second Hail Mary TD) and Class M No. 5 seed St. Joseph (49-14). SPB’S PICK — Trinity Catholic 38, North Branford 32
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No. 7 Woodland at No. 2 Capital Prep/Classical/Achievement
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m. WHERE — Dillon Stadium. Hartford RECORDS — Woodland 7-3 (NVL runner up); Capital/Classical/Achieve 10-0 (CSC Champion) PLAYOFF RECORD — Woodland 4-2; Capital Prep 0-1 LAST APPEARANCE — Woodland: 2010 (lost to St. Joseph 48-12 in S quarterfinals); Capital: 2011 (lost to Cromwell 23-14 in Class S quarterfinals)
PLAYERS TO WATCH — Woodland: Jr. QB Tanner Kingsley (2,675 yards, 42 TDs passing); Sr. WR/DB Anthony Scirpo (898 yards, 19 TDs receiving; Sr. WR Rahmil Rountree (654 yards, 11 TDs receiving); Sr. OL/DL Eric Collodel; Jr. TE/LB Levi Fancher. Capital: Fresh. RB/DB Bennie Fulse (951 yards, 11 TD); Sr. QB Antwan Bird (1,358 yards, 13 TD, 1 INT passing; 656 yards 11 TD rushing); Jr. LB Mike Jones (6-0, 220); Sr. WR Daquan Clarke (536 yards, 8 TD receiving) YOU SHOULD KNOW — Woodland’s Kingsley set a single-game state passing record with 615 yards and 8 touchdowns in the Hawks 62-26 victory over Seymour on Thanksgiving eve. …He is now the state’s passing leader in both yards and touchdowns. …This is Capital’s second playoff appearance. The Trailblazers average 245 rush yards, 161 pass yards and have beaten their CSC opponents by an average score of 43-8. …Their 76 points allowed is the lowest in the state. …Their closest game was a 52-24 win over Platt Tech. …Woodland lost to Ansonia twice, 47-16 and 56-26 in the NVL championship game. …Woodland also lost to NVL Brass runner-up and Class M top seed 54-12 the previous week. …The Hawks average almost 40 points per game, but have allowed an average of 21 SPB’S PICK – Woodland 42, Capital Prep 28
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Finally, we talked state playoffs on the Laxworm High School Football show on Sunday. Hear Kyle Brennan of Re-Am, Ned Griffen of The Day and myself break it all down. Special guest was coach Rob Fleeting of Windsor.
Your SWC Champion Newtown Nighthawks have jumped from No. 9 to No. 7 in the pre-playoff edition of the NHR State Media Top 10.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but this might be the highest the Nighthawks have climbed in the polls for as long as I’ve been here (2008, maybe?). The last time they finished in the Top 10 was the 12-1 team in 1996. Long way to go on that front.
But they clearly deserve the high praise. Dominating second-half effort
Other teams receiving votes: Masuk (9-1), 275; Hillhouse (8-2), 239; North Branford (10-0), 224; West Haven (8-2), 213; St. Joseph (8-2), 115; Berlin (9-1), 67; Middletown (8-2), 59; Wolcott (9-1), 49; Hyde (9-1), 23; Avon (10-0), 15; New Canaan (8-2) and Woodland (7-3), 14; Oxford (8-2), 9 . 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; Kyle Brennan, Waterbury Republican-American; Chris Brodeur, Danbury News-Times; Bryant Carpenter, Meriden-Record Journal; George DeMaio, WELI; Mike DiMauro, The Day of New London; Matt Doran, MSG Varsity; 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, West Hartford News/New Britain City Journal; 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.
The Day of New London Top 10 Coaches Poll
Also receiving votes: Hillhouse-New Haven (8-2), 138 points; Masuk (9-1), 105; West Haven (8-2), 76; Wolcott (9-1), 74; Middletown (8-2), 58; Avon (10-0), 55; St. Joseph-Trumbull (8-2), 48; Berlin (9-1), 45; North Branford (10-0), 37; New Canaan (8-2), 31; Hartford Capital/Classical/Achievement (10-0), 15; Fitch (8-2), 7.
The following coaches voted: Tom Brockett, Ansonia; Jim Buonocore, Ledyard; Craig Bruno, Bunnell; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; Steve Filippone, Hand; Rob Fleeting, Windsor; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul; Tim King, Valley Regional; Sean Marinan, Xavier; John Murphy, Masuk; Marce Petroccio, Staples; Bob Zito, Maloney.
A look as who did what on Thanksgiving Week 2012. Compiled by executive sports editor Gary Rogo and the Hearst CT sports staff.
BULLDOZERS
Joey Zelkowitz, Staples: Ran for FCIAC-title game record 317 yards on 20 carries and scored three TDs, as Wreckers won the league championship for second straight year.
John Shannon, Bullard-Havens: Helped the Tigers finish off an 8-2 regular season with 274 yards and five TDs on 23 carries in a 49-24 defeat of Bassick.
Cooper Gold, Newtown: Torched two-time defending league champion Masuk for 222 yards and a pair of touchdowns to propel the Nighthawks to a 21-14 victory in the SWC championship game.
Andrew Louis, Central: Gained 100 yards and scored three TDs on 11 carries as Hilltoppers hung on to beat Harding 30-22.
Arkeel Newsome, Ansonia: Ran for four TDs and caught a 9-yard pass from Jai’Quan McKnight for a fifth score in 48-27 victory over Naugatuck.
Collin Cioffi, New Fairfield: Stepping in for an absent Joe Pacheco, junior finished with 205 yards from scrimmage and a TD in 31-13 pasting of New Milford.
Sam Gravitte, Ridgefield: Ran for 158 yards and three TDs in 42-6 rout of Danbury.
Shaquan Howsie and Shawn Brown, Trinity Catholic: Howsie ran for 155 yards and a pair of scores while Brown added 131 rushing yards with three TDs, including one on a 76-yard pass from Danny O’Leary, as the Crusaders clinched a Class S playoff berth with a 42-32 defeat of Wilton.
Davell Cotterell, Westhill: Workhorse carried 32 times for 195 yards and one TD as the Vikings subdued city rival Stamford 20-6.
Kyle Jordan, McMahon: Broke free after slow start for 130 yards and TD runs of 20 and 61 yards.
GAMEBREAKERS
Connor Cadrin, Foran: Scored five TDs, two on passes from Jake Kasuba, two on runs and one on a 66-yard kickoff return in a 56-29 defeat of Law. For good measure, he intercepted a pair of passes and forced a fumble.
Joe Piatnik, Bethel: Quarterback ran for 249 yards and three TDs on 25 carries and threw scoring passes of 39, 68 and 25 yards in a 48-28 defeat of Brookfield.
Nick Lombardo, Darien: Caught TD passes of 35, 30 and 30 yards from Henry Baldwin as the Blue Wave beat New Canaan for the first time since 2001.
Terrence N’dabian, Bunnell: Insertion of senior as starting QB turned the pass-happy Bulldogs into an option team. Responded with 224 rushing yards and two TDs on 30 carries. He also threw a TD pass and returned an interception 70 yards for a score.
Justin Schaffer, Weston: Ran for a touchdown and caught the winning TD pass in Weston’s state-tournament clinching victory over Barlow.
GUNSLINGERS
Jordan Vazzano, St. Joseph: Sophomore threw for 212 yards and four touchdowns as the Cadets clinched a state playoff berth with a 55-20 victory over Trumbull.
Jake Kasuba, Foran: Sophomore finished with 257 yards passes and four TD tosses, two each to Connor Cadrin and Nick Weissauer.
Tanner Kingsley, Woodland: Set a state record with 615 passing yards while throwing for eight TDs in a 62-26 rout of Seymour.
Tyler Hassett, Weston: Threw for 126 yards and two TDs in 21-14 victory over Barlow, earning the Trojans their first state playoff berth in 23 years.
Jai’Quan McKnight, Ansonia: Soph had TD runs of 65 and 59 yards in win over Naugatuck and added a TD pass to Arkeel Newsome.
Mark Piccirillo, Shelton: Soph threw a 38-yard TD pass to Kyle Drost, capping a four-play, 72-yard game-winning drive in 27-21 victory over Derby. Finished with 126 yards on 8-of-16 passing and 111 yards rushing and two TDs on 14 carries.
Brennen Diaz, Oxford: Completed 10-of-16 passes for 197 yards and two TDs — both to Chris Vankamerik — in 42-22 beating of Pomperaug. Capped effort with a late interception.`
BRICK WALLS
Kyle Dammeyer, Jimmy Gasper and Benjamin Brzoski, Fairfield Ludlowe: Dammeyer recovered fumble and had 1 1/2 sacks in 31-13 victory over Fairfield Warde as the Falcons won their last four games to finish 5-5. Gasper blocked a punt and recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. Brzoski scooped up a Warde fumble and went 92 yards for a TD.
William Kelly, Notre Dame-Fairfield: Blocked a punt and returned it five yards for a score in Lancers’ 26-22 victory over Immaculate.
Justin DeVellis, Newtown: Picked off a pass to seal Newtown’s SWC Championship victory over Masuk.
Jack Hamilton, Weston: Made several late stops, including a batted down pass on 4th down to preserve Weston’s state playoff clinching victory over Barlow.
VALIANT IN DEFEAT
Marc Cesare, Trumbull: 137 yards rushing and two TDs in loss to St. Joseph
D.J. Smith, Harding: Went 74 yards for a TD on the Presidents’ first play and finished with 197 yards on 13 carries, scoring a second time on a 51-yard run in the third quarter.
Thomas Milone, Masuk: 165 yards of total offense and two TDs and an interception in a 21-14 loss to Newtown in the SWC championship game.
Alex McMurray, Greenwich: Scored three TDs on runs of 6, 1 and 4 yards in 48-30 loss to Staples in the FCIAC championship game.
We say this every year, but there are only perhaps three or four people in the state who see practically every high school football team of note throughout a season.
One is the New Haven Register football writer emeritus and Connecticut football record book archivist, Bob Barton. No one knows more than him.
The other three got together on the WFSB Friday Night Football show on Friday to talk some playoffs — hosts John Holt and Joe Zone and The Day of New London’s Ned Griffen.
Griffen, affectionately known as The Lonesome Polecat — named after the A) Bobby Darin song from ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’; B) The B-17 Bomber from World War II; C) the unorthodox offensive formation; and C) after those lonely drives Ned makes every week to the far reaches of Connecticut (we wonder if Ned sings the song on his way from football outpost to football outpost), breaks down what he thinks will happen when the 2012 state football playoffs conclude in two weeks.
Ned also talks about who he’s voting No. 1 and who he’ll vote No. 1 should the top seeds win out. (Hint: Ned and I agree). Also, why is it so easy for Ned to predict the behavior of the majority of the voters? What he says will happen. Bank on it.
The 2012 CIAC high school playoff schedules have been approved and stamped. Here’s the complete schedule.
QUARTERFINALS – Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6:30
(at higher-seeded teams)
CLASS LL
No. 8 West Haven (8-2) at No. 1 Staples (9-0)
No. 5 Norwich Free Academy (10-0) at No. 4 Newtown (10-0)
No. 7 Glastonbury (9-1) at No. 2 Southington (10-0)
No. 6 Greenwich (8-1) at No. 3 Xavier (9-1) at Palmer Field, Middletown
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CLASS L
No. 8 Platt (8-2) at No. 1 Daniel Hand (10-0) at The Surf Club, Madison
No. 5 Middletown (8-2) vs. No. 4 Masuk (9-1) at Bunnell
No. 7 Fitch (8-2) vs. at No. 2 Windsor
No. 6 New Canaan (8-2) vs. No. 3 Avon (10-0) at Simsbury
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CLASS M
No. 8 Montville (8-2) at No. 1 Wolcott (9-1)
No. 5 St. Joseph (8-2) vs. No. 4 Hillhouse (8-2) at East Haven;
No. 7 Bullard-Havens Tech (8-2) vs. No. 2 Berlin (9-1) at Sage Park, Berlin;
vs. No. 6 Weston (8-2) at No. 3 Ellington/Somers (9-1) at Enfield
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CLASS S
No. 8 Prince Tech (8-2) No. 1 Ansonia (11-0) at Jarvis Field, Ansonia
No. 5 Hyde Leadership (9-1) at No. 4 Rocky Hill (9-1)
No. 7 Woodland (7-3) at No. 2 Capital/Classical/Achievement (10-0) at Dillon
Stadium, Hartford;
No. 6 Trinity Catholic (8-2) at No. 3 North Branford (10-0)
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SEMIFINALS – Saturday, Dec. 1
at Bunnell, 2 p.m.
at Cheshire, 2 p.m.
at CCSU, 2 p.m.
at Falcon Field, Meriden, 2 p.m.
at Middletown, 2 p.m.
at Trumbull, 2 p.m.
at West Haven, 2 and 7 p.m.
FINALS at RENTSCHLER FIELD, EAST HARTFORD
at Friday, Dec. 7 – Game at 7 p.m.
at Saturday, Dec. 8 – Games at 10:30, 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Staples coach Marce Petroccio gets a dousing from Brian Book after the Wreckers won back-to-back FCIAC titles with 48-30. Staples earned the top seed and a date with No. 8 West Haven in the Class LL playoffs.
Only — what? — five, maybe four years ago figuring out the state playoff pairing became a Thanksgiving game unto itself. Without the benefits of Twitter and the genius of the CIAC’s information maven Matt Fischer, we lowly reporters used do anything and everything to get the results and then calibrate the playoff rankings.
Sitting in our running cars and our stomachs rumbling, we’d text each other, call each other, scribble in our notepads, call our sources. Once we thought we had a firm grasp of the scenarios, we’d go on on the air with ‘The Coach’ George DeMaio of WELI and then argue about the results.
Nowadays, it’s a cinch. We punch the scores into Fischer’s playoff calculator and (voila!) we know who’s in and who’s out.
Sure, we may still sit in our cars, but now getting the information is quick and easy.
Heck, I was able to accurately tell Weston coach Joe Lato that his team had qualified for the state playoffs for the first time in 23 years while he was addressing his football team.
It took me slightly longer to figure out if Barlow had lucked out, but that was only because its last hope — Hillhouse — was still playing. Hillhouse was burying Wilbur Cross 35-0 by the time I’d retreated to my car in Redding.
It was only after a quick check of Fischer’s supercomputer that I realized Hillhouse’s impending victory was going to keep Barlow out.
I didn’t bother going back into the school. I’m sure coach Rob Tynan already knew.
We had the Class LL state playoff field set by 1 p.m. We knew the Class M and S playoff fields set just 15 minutes later. Class L needed to await the result of the day’s final game — Darien-New Canaan — but we knew that field by 1:20.
I think it’s a record.
Anyway, while playoff dreams for teams like Barlow, Darien, North Haven, Fairfield Prep and Ridgefield came to a screeching halt on Thanksgiving morning, 11 regional teams had an extra happy holiday. Trinity Catholic is in for the first time since 1993. Weston, for the first time since 1989. Despite its SWC Championship loss the night before, Masuk still managed a home playoff game (at Bunnell, where else?)
The SCC-FCIAC challenge for 2013-14 is being held up due to continued grumblings about Amity opting to play Seymour Week 1. Thankfully, the state playoffs of 2012 have forced-fed these leagues to each other. In the first round the heavyweights will clash in the first round: Staples-West Haven, Greenwich-Xavier, St. Joseph-Hillhouse. Only Hand and New Canaan avoided each other… for now.
Yes, Hillhouse and St. Joseph would have been a nice championship. We’re sure the rest of Class M will disagree.
The monstrous CCC got seven bids and is guaranteed at least one victory (whew!) when Glastonbury gets a rematch with Southington in Class LL. The NVL, SWC, ECC and CSC were tied with the least with three.
Two of the CSC schools will match up with two NVL schools in the Class S first round. The other, Bullard-Havens, travels to Berlin in Class M.
Southington missed out on some points when Manchester-East Hartford was canceled due to a tragic drowning death of a Manchester student on Wednesday. But it didn’t matter once all the points came in. Staples still would have clinched the No. 1 seed, regardless.
NFA is the only unbeaten team that didn’t earn a home game. Damon Outlow and the Wildcats travel to Blue and Gold stadium to take on the new SWC Champions, your Newtown Nighthawks.
Masuk inched up and claimed a home game in Class L thanks to losses by New Canaan and Fitch. Masuk will host Middletown at Bunnell. New Canaan travels to Simsbury to play Avon, since Avon doesn’t have lights.
St. Joseph-Hillhouse will play at East Haven since Bowen Field doesn’t have lights.
The 2012 Playoff Field
CLASS LL
No. 8 West Haven (8-2) at No 1. Staples (9-0)
No. 5 Norwich Free Academy (10-0) at No. 4 Newtown (10-0)
No. 6 Greenwich (8-1) at No. 3 Xavier (9-1)
No. 7 Glastonbury (9-1) at No. 2 Southington (10-0)
CLASS L
No. 8 Platt (8-2) at No. 1 Hand (10-0)
No. 5 Middletown (9-1) vs. No. 4 Masuk (9-1) [at Bunnell]
No. 6 New Canaan (8-2) at No. 3 Avon (10-0) [at Simsbury]
No. 7. Fitch (8-2) at No. 2 Windsor (9-0)
CLASS M
No. 8 Montville (8-2) at No. 1 Wolcott (9-1)
No. 5 St. Joseph (8-2) at No. 4 Hillhouse (8-2) [at East Haven]
No. 6 Weston (8-2) at No. 3 Ellington/Somers (9-1)
No. 7 Bullard-Havens (8-2) at No. 2 Berlin (9-1)
CLASS S
No. 8 Prince Tech (8-2) at No. 1 Ansonia (11-0*)
No. 5 Hyde Leadership (9-1) at No. 4 Rocky Hill (9-1)
No. 6 Trinity Catholic (8-2) at No. 3 North Branford (10-0)
No. 7 Woodland (7-3*) at No. 2 Capital Prep/Classical/Achieve 1st (10-0)
Jack Hunt
Ansonia loses a legend on Thanksgiving morning
While Thursday’s games didn’t offer much in the way of upsets, there certainly was plenty of drama.
The games began beneath a pall when word spread through word-of-mouth at Jarvis Stadium and to the rest of the state via the Twitter game updates that Ansonia patriarch Jack Hunt had died just hours before kickoff.
Even the furthest reaches of Connecticut knew of Hunt, who starred at Ansonia in the 1960s and returned as coach to win seven state championships and almost 200 games from 1987-2005.
His death, from cancer at age 66, to come on the biggest sporting day in Ansonia and Connecticut, suddenly made everything else that happened seem insignificant. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with the Hunt family and everyone in the Ansonia community.
We thought this would happen.
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WHERE – Staples High School, Westport
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m.
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m.
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE — Sage Park, Berlin
POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, 6:30
WHERE – Rocky Hill High School
