CIAC trying to find space for football playoffs

The CIAC has some obstacles to deal with this season with sites for its six state football games. It also hopes to use Rentschler Field next year.

Paul Hoey, the CIAC's Associate Executive Director, said Saturday that three sites have been booked for the Dec. 5 title games — West Haven's Strong Stadium, Waterbury's Municipal Field and Willow Brook Park in New Britain.

Central was booked, but became unavailable Saturday after its football team won to earn a Dec. 5 playoff game. The Blue Devils won't play at home, but their staff won't be available.

Trumbull High hosted finals in the past, but isn't available due to construction.

Hoey said that Southern Connecticut told the CIAC that it could use its field for a game, but pulled the site a few weeks ago due to a home men's and women's basketball doubleheader, thus leaving it with no locker room space.

Hoey said that Middletown High's new facility could be used for a medium or small division game.

"We'll probably take our two big games to West Haven or Willow Brook," Hoey said.

Hoey said the CIAC is still talking with Rentschler about using its facility for next year's finals and may play all four finals on one day (the CIAC voted Friday to expand its playoffs to four eight-team divisions next season).

"We're in discussions with Rentschler, and it's looking very positive," Hoey said. "We're trying to work it out. The question is do we go with all four games at Rentschler if we can get the facility and work it all in."

- Ned Griffen