Friday's games

(6:30 p.m. unless noted)

Ledyard at Stonington

Records: Ledyard (7-1, 3-0 ECC Medium Division); Stonington (5-2, 2-1)

Last week: Ledyard defeated Montville 55-13; Stonington defeated Bacon 47-20

Outlook: Ledyard clinches the ECC Medium Division with a victory and takes a major step toward the Class M playoffs and a home game. Stonington, meanwhile, has won five straight and will be tough on its home field. Ledyard held ECC leading rusher Jeremiah Crowley of Montville to 70 yards last week, but faces a more potent overall offense this week. Ledyard quarterback Ty Ebdon threw for more than 350 yards last week and was nominated for the WFSB-TV (Ch. 30) Player of the Week Award.

Griswold at Waterford

Records: Griswold (5-3); Waterford (3-4)

Last week: Griswold defeated St. Bernard/Norwich Tech 35-0; Waterford was idle

Outlook: Waterford is one of the top offenses Griswold will see this season. The Lancers have played well in recent weeks, including a 22-21 win over Windham two weeks ago. Two of Griswold's five wins this season have come against St. Bernard/Norwich Tech.

Killingly at NFA

Records: Killingly (4-4); NFA (6-1)

Last week: Killingly lost to Windham 54-22; NFA defeated East Lyme 49-21

Outlook: The Wildcats have no room for error in the highly competitive Class LL playoff race. The good news is that the offense looked better than it had in a while last week, with running back Marcus Outlow saying his tender ankle wasn't much of an issue anymore. Killingly, despite its loss last week, remains one of the pleasant surprises in the ECC this season.

Middletown at New London

Records: Middletown (8-0); New London (5-2)

Last week: Middletown defeated Farmington 21-7; New London defeated Fitch 49-20

Outlook: The Whalers have won four straight, but this is likely the best team they'll see all season, perhaps including NFA. Middletown is big and fast, although coach Sal Morello says not as fast as New London. Quarterback Dario Highsmith has rushed for 21 touchdowns and 1,876 yards, also throwing for 500 yards and eight touchdowns. Receiver Jacob Homar has 420 yards receiving, 20 catches for five touchdown receptions and linebacker Isiah Thomkins is the leading tackler with 75 tackles in seven games. New London quarterback Danny Maranda has thrown for 1,170 yards and 17 touchdowns, while running back Orrin Parke has 841 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. Receiver/kick returner Jose Garcia, of whom Morello made special mention, has 25 catches for 467 yards and nine scores. Garcia also has 250 kick return yards. Teammate Niko Ramos has 377 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Valley/Old Lyme at Cromwell

Records: Valley/Old Lyme (7-0); Cromwell (4-3)

Last week: Valley defeated Ellington/Somers 48-21; Cromwell lost to Enfield 20-7

Outlook: Valley controls its destiny not merely to make the Class M playoffs but to be the top seed, following St. Joseph's loss to New Canaan last week. Cromwell has been a contender in Class S in past seasons but isn't the same since former coach Sal Morello left for Middletown.

East Lyme at St. Bernard/Norwich Tech, 7 p.m.

Records: East Lyme (4-3); St. Bernard/Norwich Tech (1-7)

Last week: East Lyme lost to NFA 49-21; St. Bernard/Norwich Tech lost to Griswold 35-0

Outlook: East Lyme's playoff and divisional aspirations ended with its recent two straight losses. But the Vikings can still achieve a winning season. It should start here. The Saints have lost six straight.

Saturday's games

Montville at Bacon Academy, 1 p.m.

Records: Montville (4-4); Bacon (2-5)

Last week: Montville lost to Ledyard 55-13; Bacon lost to Stonington 47-20

Outlook: Montville has lost two straight and has played itself out of the race for the ECC Medium Division and state playoffs. The Indians were listless on offense and defense last week. They can still have a winning season, however, as well as helping running back Jeremiah Crowley (1,402 at the moment) eclipse 2,000 yards.

Fitch at Woodstock, 1:30 p.m.

Records: Fitch (2-6); Woodstock (0-6)

Last week: Fitch lost to New London 49-20; Woodstock was idle

Outlook: It hasn't been a memorable season for either team. The Falcons broke a losing streak two weeks ago but couldn't sustain the momentum last week against New London.

- Mike DiMauro