There's nothing new about a team taking the No. 1 ranking away from another even after both won.

The way that Darien overtook Southington for No. 1 in The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches' poll is unprecedented in its 13-year history.

The Blue Wave received three less first-place votes than the Blue Knights, yet passed them for the number one ranking. Southington has been No. 1 since the first vote after Week 1.

Darien knocked off previously unbeaten New Canaan, 28-21, to win the FCIAC championship on Thanksgiving Day. It earned them three extra first-place votes for five overall.

Southington (10-0) wasted a 14-point, fourth-quarter lead and had to rally to beat four-win Cheshire that same day, 36-29.

The Blue Knights received the other eight first-place votes.

The Blue Wave passed Southington because they were voted second by 12 coaches and third by another.

Three coaches dropped the Blue Knights to fourth on their ballots, accounting for their drop to second.

Darien and Southington would have a chance to decide the ranking on the field in next week's semifinals should both win their CIAC quarterfinal games on Tuesday.

Shelton (10-0) leapfrogged New Canaan for third. No. 4 New Canaan (8-1) plays at No. 5 Windsor (10-0) in a Class L quarterfinal that’s as big as a state final.

Ledyard (9-1) received seven votes for 57 points and are 13th overall. Killingly (9-1) was the only other Eastern Connecticut Conference team that received votes (two votes for 20 points).

— Ned Griffen