Thursday's Games

Bacon Academy at Stonington, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Bacon (4-4, 1-1 ECC Division II); Stonington (2-5, 2-0)

Last week: Bacon defeated Ledyard 37-14; Stonington lost to Griswold 42-14

Outlook: Hard to believe, but true: Despite Stonington’s 2-5 record, the Bears can do no worse than tie for a division title with a victory here. Bacon already has one loss and Stonington already defeated one-loss Montville earlier this season. Bacon, however, is coming off its best win of the season against Ledyard, while the Bears couldn’t have played worse in last week’s turnover-filled loss to Griswold. If Stonington wins, the school would have ECC titles in some form this fall in football, boys’ soccer, field hockey and girls' cross country.

Waterford at Montville, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Waterford (0-7, 0-2 ECC Division II); Montville (3-5, 1-1)

Last week: Waterford lost to NFA 42-15; Montville lost to New London 46-21

Outlook: One of the league’s best rivalries is renewed here, although the teams are playing for little. The Lancers are trying to avoid a winless season, while the Indians hope to build on an encouraging rally against New London last week. Montville fell behind 20-0 and took a 21-20 lead, giving coach Tanner Grove some hope for a .500 season into the final few weeks of the season.

Friday's Games

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

Records: Fitch (7-0, 2-0 ECC Division I); East Lyme (5-2, 2-1)

Last week: Both teams were idle

Outlook: This is the game of the year to date in the ECC. Fitch can win Division I and clinch a state playoff berth with a win and some help, also moving closer to a home game in the playoffs. East Lyme needs a win to tie Fitch atop ECC Division I and keep its playoff hopes alive in Class L. Both teams were idle last week, leaving ample time to prepare. Can East Lyme stand up to Fitch’s speed? Can Fitch, with a size disadvantage, avoid getting run over? Probably the biggest game for both programs in several years.

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

Records: Ledyard (2-6, 0-2 ECC Division I); New London (2-6, 0-2)

Last week: Ledyard lost to Bacon 37-14; New London defeated Montville 46-21

Outlook: Normally, a game between Ledyard and New London in early November would draw the attention of the region and possibly the state. But the programs are a combined 4-12 this season. The Whalers snapped a six-game losing streak last week, but may have lost quarterback Owen George (finger) in the process. Ledyard has allowed 259 points, only five fewer than Windham for worst in the conference.

Saturday’s Games

Prince Tech at Thames River, 10 a.m.

Records: Prince Tech (6-1, 5-1 CTC); Thames River (4-3, 4-3)

Last week: Prince Tech lost to O’Brien Tech 18-12; Thames River defeated Platt Tech 62-28

Outlook: Thames River has won three straight since a lopsided loss to Bullard-Havens a month ago. The Crusaders even scored a season-high 62 points last week at Platt Tech. A win here would continue their ascent in the conference. Prince Tech lost its first game of the season last week to O’Brien Tech, a team Thames River defeated earlier this season.

Valley/Old Lyme at Lewis Mills, 1 p.m.

Records: Valley/OL (7-1, 5-1 Pequot Sassacus); Lewis Mills (1-7, 1-5)

Last week: Valley defeated Rockville 28-6; Lewis Mills lost to H-K 35-13

Outlook: The Warriors are on track for a Class S playoff spot and a share of the Sassacus Division title should they keep winning. Valley, Old Saybrook/Westbrook and Cromwell/Portland each have a loss in the division. Lewis Mills’ defense has allowed more than 30 points per game this season.