Friday's Games

New London at Fitch, 6:30 p.m.

Records: New London (1-5, 0-1 ECC Div. I); Fitch (6-0, 1-0)

Last week: New London lost to Killingly 39-16; Fitch defeated Waterford 42-7

Outlook: Exciting times at Fitch. The Falcons have a chance to win ECC Division I and qualify for the Class L playoffs in the coming weeks. But for now, they get to renew a rivalry with New London, their former Thanksgiving Day rival. Can the Whalers, unlike Fitch's other opponents, stop the option? Can the Falcons, unlike New London's other opponents, stop Gio Lopez, who is among state leaders with 10 touchdown receptions? A win here keeps Fitch unbeaten in the division.

NFA at East Lyme, 6:30 p.m.

Records: NFA (3-3, 1-1 ECC Div. I); East Lyme (5-1, 2-0)

Last week: NFA defeated Stonington 35-0; East Lyme defeated Ledyard 50-14

Outlook: A victory in this game means East Lyme would be playing for the ECC Div. I title in two weeks against Fitch. The Vikings already have two wins in the division. East Lyme would also move northward in the Class L playoff standings with a win over a Class LL school. NFA, meanwhile, snapped a losing streak last week against Stonington. The Wildcats have played one of the state's toughest schedules to date. Has it prepared them to play one of the hottest teams in the ECC?

Stonington at Waterford, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Stonington (1-4, 1-0 ECC Div. II); Waterford (0-5, 0-1)

Last week: Stonington lost to NFA 35-0; Waterford lost to Fitch 42-7

Outlook: It was not an easy week at Stonington. The Bears had to play several young and undersized players, after sustaining some injuries in the loss to NFA. But there's good news, too: Stonington is the only unbeaten team in ECC Div. II and controls its destiny within the division. This game may come down to this: Can Waterford's defense, which has allowed 36.4 points per game, stop Stonington's double wing?

Ledyard at Montville, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Ledyard (2-4); Montville (2-4)

Last week: Ledyard lost to East Lyme 50-14; Montville lost to Plainfield 26-7

Outlook: Opportunities for victory haven't come often in recent weeks for either program. But this is one of them. Montville has lost four straight since opening the season 2-0, while Ledyard's wins have come against teams with a combined 1-11 record. The good news: Somebody's going to win.

Valley/Old Lyme at Cromwell/Portland 6 p.m.

Records: Valley (5-1, 4-1 Pequot Sassacus); Cromwell/Portland (6-0, 5-0)

Last week: Valley defeated North Branford 23-0; Cromwell/Portland defeated Old Saybrook/Westbrook 12-6

Outlook: Clearly the biggest game of the season for the Warriors, who played perhaps their best game of 2017 last week. A win pulls Valley/Old Lyme into a first-place tie with Cromwell/Portland in the division and vaults the Warriors into the thick of the Class S playoff race. A loss likely means the playoffs are out of reach.