Number-one New Canaan faces its biggest test of the 2009 season to date: A trip to Greenwich to play the scored Cardinals. Once third in most of the state polls, Greenwich has dropped way out of the Class LL race by virtue of its 14-13 loss to Central in Week 6.
But a Greenwich win over New Canaan – paired by a Trumbull win over Ridgefield, would put Greenwich in the driver’s seat to make its Thanksgiving game against Staples the FCIAC title game.
A loss, and Greenwich would be virtually out of everything.
But New Canaan is not a guaranteed victory. The Rams enter Week 8 on a 23-game winning streak. And quarterback Turner Baty has thrown for a mind-boggling 1,100 yards over the past three games. It’s also a balanced attack: Greenwich will need to be aware not only of Kevin Macari and Cody Newton, but slot receivers Willie Ouelette and Peter Gronseth and Peter Park, Tim Robustelli and Joe Costigan out of the backfield.
The knock on Greenwich this season has been its defense, which is quite surprising since its starters have given up only one touchdown. Best to say it’s an underrated group. And it can defend the pass: Cameron Ferrara has three interceptions for Greenwich, and the Cardinals have defended 10 passes on the season, led by Colin Bawol’s four.
This could be a good chance to see Greenwich quarterback Mike Lefflbine step up in a big game situation. Lefflbine’s numbers really don’t tell the full story, since he’s watched the second half of many games from the sideline because of blowouts. But he does have 12 touchdown passes and just three interceptions. He also leads the Cardinals in rushing.
I think this is going to be a classic last-team-with-the-ball wins kind of a game. Even though both teams are in passing-oriented offenses, I don’t expect a shootout.
But I expect the Rams to return home with the win.
For the rest of my Week 8 picks, please visit the FCIAC Football Blog.
