YOUR championship previews
Saturday is both the greatest and most melancholy day on the high school sports calendar.
We’ll be treated to the state’s best football teams this weekend and, thanks to the CIAC scheduling doubleheaders, get a double shot of the world’s greatest game.
Saturday will also be a day of SAD as it’s the end of the season, leaving us nothing to do but count down the days until kickoff 2016.
Yes, we can still indulge in 40 bowl games and an NFL postseason that runs into February, but Saturday drills home the harsh reality that the end is nigh.
The weather is supposed to be redonkulously warm for this time of the year. Can’t remember temperatures being that high for a state final since Mike Penta and Notre Dame of West Haven both ran over and stunned top-ranked Fitch, 35-15, in the 2001 Class L final (sorry to dredge up bad memories, Falcon-ians).
The four championship games all have meaty storylines, too.
Shelton will try to stop Darien’s PATH OF RAGE through LL.
Football aristocracy (New Canaan) meets the new kids (North Haven) in Class L.
New Fairfield wants to avenge its Week 1 loss to Brookfield and, in the process, win its first state title, while the Bobcats want to repeat in Class M.
Ansonia and Bloomfield meet for a finals record sixth time in Class S.
Don’t be a dummy — get thee to either Willow Brook Park or West Haven High and enjoy a day outdoors with sweet, sexy football.
We also encourage YOU to follow all the fun live via The Twit at #cthsfb.
There are multiple ways to follow the games should you have the misfortunate of not being able to attend live — CPTVSports, NFHSNetwork.com, the lovable GEORGE DeMAIO at WELI 960-AM and CBSPorts.com’s GameTracker.
Enough jibber-jabber. Here are YOUR championship previews for the last time this year.
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CLASS LL
No. 1 SHELTON vs. No. 2 DARIEN
WHERE: Willow Brook Park, New Britain, 2:30 p.m.
RECORDS: Shelton 12-0; Darien 11-0.
SEE/HEAR: CPTVSports (tape delay, 8 p.m.); NFHSNetwork.com; CBSSPorts.com GameTracker.
SHELTON'S DUDES: Sr. LB Ron Hubbard; Sr. TE-DB Alex Kirk; Sr. RB-DB Keith Prior; Sr. WR-DB Kevin Robinson; Jr. WR Anthony Schiavo; Jr. LB-RB Jonathan Sobotka; Sr. QB Zach Tuskowski (27 TDs); Sr. OL Matt Zelanin (6-4, 295).
DARIEN'S DUDES: Sr. DE Mark Evanchick (79 tackles, 21.5 sacks); Sr. QB Timmy Graham (70.6 completion percentage, 2,896 yards, 39 TDs); Sr. RB Shelby Grant (772 yards rushing, 12 TDs; 35 catches, 448 yards, 6 TDs); Sr. CB-WR Tyler Grant; Sr. WR-FS Hudson Hamill (39 catches, 591 yards, 10 TDs); Sr. WR Colin Minicus (54 catches, 858 yards, 11 TDs); Jr. OT-DT Andrew Stueber (6-6, 305); Sr. DB Bobby Trifone (3 INTs); Sr. DB Christian Trifone.
WHEN SHELTON HAS THE BALL: Gaels left tackle Matthew Liscio gets to spend an afternoon with Evanchick. Lucky him! We’re assuming, of course, that the Blue Wave have no plans to have the state’s all-time sack leader move back and forth from left end to right end (where all-Southern Connecticut Conference right tackle Matt Zelanin hangs out). Shelton right guard Robert Valeri will likely be asked to help Liscio on double teams. What makes the Blue Wave defense more nightmarish is that they’re so strong in the back with Tyler Grant and the Trifones. Darien ain’t much fun to throw against, either. So how will the Gaels attack Darien? Danged if we know. There’s no questioning Shelton’s toughness as it’s persevered despite starters Peter Hoff (RB) and Chris Kanios and Sam Kirk (WR-DB) all suffering broken legs within a six-week period. Hubbard is a great example of the Gaels’ ability to win with new starters. The All-SCC linebacker split time with Prior at running back during Monday’s 35-28 semifinal win over Newtown and opened the game with a touchdown pass and ran for two more.
WHEN DARIEN HAS THE BALL: Shelton head coach Jeff Roy used the word “crisp” when discussing the Blue Wave offense. That’s on the nose. Darien’s passing game has one of the state’s most efficient and prolific (30.5 attempts per game). Southington tried blitzing Graham during Monday’s semifinal and he still managed to get the ball off. The Blue Wave don’t run as much (22.5 attempts per game) but got Shelby Grant involved against Southington (20 carries, 176 yards, 1 TD). Hubbard, Kirk, Prior and Sobotka and the Gaels’ defense have matched up with good spread offenses this season (Hand, Newtown, Notre Dame of West Haven).
CALPREPS.COM SEZ: Darien 31-28.
POLECAT WORLDWIDE SEZ: Darien.
READ MOAR:
Sean Patrick Starfish, GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/21st Century Monolith: His preview.
Doug Bonjour, Hearst Inc.: Shelton faces tough hurdle in Darien; and, What do the coaches' say about the matchup.
Pooch Diggity Dogg, GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/21st Century Monolith: Kevin Robinson the one constant for injury-riddled Shelton.
Scott Ericson, Hearst Inc.: Darien’s secondary locking it down all season.
Emery Filmer, The Ruden Report: In Darien, offensive line play a thankful job. In a pass-first spread where you're getting hit (as opposed to dealing out hits as a run blocker)?
Pete Paguaga, Norwalk Hour: Darien faces Shelton in search of long yearned-for title.
Dave Ruden, The Eponymous Report: Trifone, Darien seniors hoping special 10-year run ends with team’s first state title in 19 years.
• • • •
CLASS L
No. 1 NORTH HAVEN vs. No. 6 NEW CANAAN
WHERE: West Haven High, 2:30 p.m.
RECORDS: North Haven 12-0; Wethersfield 10-1.
SEE/HEAR: CPTVSports; NFHSNetwork.com; WELI 960-AM; CBSSports.com GameTracker.
NORTH HAVEN'S BEST: Sr. OL-DL Patrick Casey (6-1, 275); Jr. DB-RB Tom Dodge; Sr. TE-DL Jeremy Imperati (14 catches, 410 yards, 7 TDs; 54 tackles, 4 sacks); Sr. DL-OL Mike Masnato (36 tackles); Sr. LB-RB Dave Mikos (158 tackles); Sr. QB-DB Mike Montano (1,721 yards rushing, 26 TDs; 444 yards passing, 6 TDs; 48 tackles, 4 INTs); Sr. DL-RB Conner Suraci (1,103 yards rushing, 14 TDs; 72 tackles).
NEW CANAAN'S BEST: Sr. Matt Cognetta (589 yards rushing, 4 TDs; 31 catches, 441 yards, 5 TDs); Sr. OLB Michael Cognetta; Sr. QB Michael Collins (3,234 yards, 53 TDs); Sr. DL Matthew Hall (6-5, 230); Sr. OL Lucas Niang (6-7, 298); Sr. WR Kyle Smith (54 catches, 921 yards, 15 TDs); Sr. OLB David Strupp; Sr. WR-K Peter Swindell (36 catches, 756 yards, 12TDs); Sr. MLB Thomas Williams.
WHEN NORTH HAVEN HAS THE BALL: No one has been able to halt Connecticut’s most beloved distributor of GOD’S FATHER’S OFFENSE. Wethersfield came the closest in Monday’s 21-14 semifinal loss, yet North Haven still ran 40 times for 379 yards and three scores. The Indians’ ability to string together long drives would certainly be beneficial give how quickly the Rams can score. New Canaan’s defense has been quite good during the postseason given that its passing game gets most of the hype. Windsor had one of the state’s best RB-WR combos in Bennie Fulse III and Tyler Coyle, respectively, and the Rams held it to a touchdown in a 21-6 quarterfinal win. Notre Dame of West Haven averaged 33.3 points prior to its semifinal against New Canaan. The Green Knights had just 13 points through three quarters of a 51-27 loss. North Haven has (sadly) thrown a little more this season and should have to do that today with the Rams so geared to stop its smash-and-bash running game.
WHEN NEW CANAAN HAS THE BALL: Collins has had one of the greatest quarterbacking seasons in state history as he’s thrown for a state-record 51 touchdowns. His passing yardage ranks seventh all-time according to the Connecticut High School State Record Book (Cromwell’s Anthony Moreales threw for a record 3,688 yards in 13 games during the 2011 season). Smith has been Collins favorite target (he had 16 catches against ND) and is difficult matchup given his size (6-2, 220). We have no clue how North Haven is going to get pressure on Collins as he’s guarded by a brawny line, particular on the left side with Niang. Perhaps the Indians would be best served sitting back and hammering the Rams’ receivers? We’re just throwing ideas out here.
CALPREPS.COM SEZ: North Haven 35-34.
POLECAT WORLDWIDE SEZ: New Canaan.
READ MOAR:
Sean Patrick Starfish, GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/21st Century Monolith: His preview.
Ray Curren, GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/21st Century Monolith: It’s been a long road, but Sagnella, North Haven arrive as a football program with first state final.
Pooch Diggity Dogg, GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/21st Century Monolith: Tight-knit North Haven in search of first state title.
Pete Paguaga, Norwalk Hour: New Canaan plays North Haven in quest for three straight.
Dave Ruden, The Eponymous Report: Better watching New Canaan try to add to state trophy case without Darien; and, Niang’s defensive dominance an unsung aspect of New Canaan’s success.
• • • •
CLASS M
No. 2 NEW FAIRFIELD vs. No. 5 BROOKFIELD
WHERE: West Haven High, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS: New Fairfield 11-1; Brookfield 10-2.
SEE/HEAR: CPTVSports; NFHSNetwork.com; WELI 960-AM; CBSSports.com GameTracker.
NEW FAIRFIELD'S BEST: Sr. OT-DL Kyle Brennan (6-1, 250); Sr. OG-DT Russell Howard (6-2, 250; 51 tackles, 6 sacks); Sr. RB-LB James Lewis (351 yards rushing, 4 TDs; 35 tackles); Sr. LB Brian McGonnigle (95 tackles); Jr. OT-DT Reed Oettinger (6-2, 250; 33 tackles); Sr. FB-LB A.J. Pearl (87 tackles, 2.5 sacks); Sr. TE-DB Greg Radovic (325 yards receiving, 5 TDs); Sr. TE-DB Rudy Sarro (22 catches, 318 yards, 3 TDs; 4 INTs); Sr. RB-MLB Zach Tripodi (302 carries, 2,107 yards, 26 TDs); QB Mike Zanca (1,088 yards passing, 11 TDs)
BROOKFIELD'S BEST: Sr. C-DT Nick Acquanita (6-1, 297); Sr. WINGBACK-FS Andrew Collins (407 yards rushing, 9 TDs; 52 tackles); Sr. OG-DT Zach Delia (62 tackles); Sr. WINGBACK-OLB-SS Bobby Drysdale (1,350 yards, 14 TDs; 83 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 3 INTs); Sr. WINGBACK-CB Sam Loranger (237 yards receiving, 3 TDs); Jr. WINGBACK-CB Harrison Manesis (435 yards rushing, 5 TDs; 233 yards receiving, 3 TDs; 32 tackles, 3 INTs); Sr. Matt Melby (72 tackles); Sr. FB-MLB Austin Reich (541 yards, 10 TDs; 89 tackles, 3 INTs); Sr. QB-DB John Roscigno (848 yards, 9 TDs); Sr. OT-DT Nick Seis (97 tackles, 13.5 sacks).
WHEN NEW FAIRFIELD HAS THE BALL: This is the state championship of Polecat Worldwide’s dreams because both love hammering defenses with the run, and there should be (hopefully) no more than 10 pass attempts. The best thing that happened to New Fairfield this season was its 27-13, opening game loss to Brookfield. The REBELS changed their offensive identity after that game from the spread (bleh) to the POWER I (YAY) and averaged 253.9 yards rushing. Tripodi has been the team’s brahma bull and aided by an offensive line that’s equal parts physical and athletic. It’s a good thing that Drysdale, Reich, Seis and company are used to playing a rugged style of football as the Bobcats are facing a near mirror image of themselves.
WHEN BROOKFIELD HAS THE BALL: The Bobcats have been Connecticut’s maestros of GOD’S OFFENSE and averaged 266.7 rushing yards per game. Drysdale is an all-state talent who gets the bulk of the touches with Reich smashing up the middle when teams sell out to defend the flank. Manesis has been incorporated into the rushing attack the last three games. The Rebels' defense has been ludicrous this postseason because they’ve allowed just four first downs and no points. Brennan, Howard and Oettinger have been terrific up front with Lewis, McGonnigle and Pearl adding heat.
CALPREPS.COM SEZ: New Fairfield 24-19.
POLECAT WORLDWIDE SEZ: New Fairfield 3-2.
READ MOAR:
Sean Patrick Starfish, GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/21st Century Monolith: His preview.
Rich Gregory, Hearst Inc.: Familiar foes; and, game breakdown.
• • • •
CLASS S
No. 1 ANSONIA vs. No. 2 BLOOMFIELD
WHERE: Willow Brook Park, New Britain, 10:30 a.m.
RECORDS: Ansonia 12-0; Bloomfield 12-0.
SEE/HEAR: CPTVSports (tape delay, 5 p.m.); NFHSNetwork.com; CBSSports.com GameTracker.
ANSONIA'S BEST: Jr. QB-K-P Bryson Cafaro; Sr. RB-DB Tajik Bagley; Sr. WR-DB Tyler Bailey; Sr. TE-DL Angel Falero (6-3, 215); Jr. RB-LB Malcolm Martin; Sr. OL-LB Keith Zdep (6-0, 185).
BLOOMFIELD'S BEST: Sr. WR-DB Jose Crespo (25 catches, 528 yards, 8 TDs); Sr. WR-DB Isaiah Colebrook (25 catches, 463 yards, 4 TDs); Jr. LB-WR Dillon Harris (150 tackles, 8 sacks); Sr. QB Rayshawn Phillips (67.3 completion percentage, 2,640 yards passing, 30 TDs; 664 yards rushing, 9 TDs); Sr. RB-LB Andrell Pinnock (1,304 yards rushing, 15 TDs); Sr. OL-DL Kahari Scarlett (118 tackles, 19.5 sacks); Jr. WR-DB Russell Thompson-Bishop (38 catches, 638 yards, 9 TDs).
WHEN ANSONIA HAS THE BALL: The undispusted masters of the MANLY DISCIPLINE OF THE RUNNING ARTS. The Chargers’ offense is as subtle as a pipe to the face and has upped the workload of Bagley. The Naugatuck Valley League Player of the Year has run 55 times over two games for 419 yards and five touchdowns. Bailey is often used as a runner, too. Ansonia’s coaching staff is crafty enough to know when to let Cafaro let it fly. The WARHAWKS have had a monstrous pass rush (50 sacks), but that won’t come in handy much against the Chargers. Note, too, the Bloomfield’s closet games have been against teams committed to the run — Berlin (a 23-14 loss before the CIAC dropped the bomb on the Redcoats), Rocky Hill (26-19 — the Warhawks jumped out to a 19-0, first-quarter lead), and East Catholic (38-32, and 28-20).
WHEN BLOOMFIELD HAS THE BALL: There’s nothing that drives defenses battier than a mobile quarterback. Bloomfield has one of the best in Phillips. He’s run 34 times for 240 yards and two TDs in the playoffs while still throwing for 311 yards and three scores. Bad, bad things happened to the Chargers the last time they faced a Pinnock. The Warhawks also have burners (such as Thompson-Bishop) that most teams don’t. One thing Ansonia has going for it defensively is that Bagley and Bailey are both very good corners.
CALPREPS.COM SEZ: Ansonia 35-21.
POLECAT WORLDWIDE SEZ: Ansonia.
READ MORE:
Sean Patrick Starfish, GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/21st Century Monolith: His preview.
Kurmudgeonly Kyle Brennan, Waterbury Anarchist-American: Ansonia-Bloomfield: A state rivalry like no other; Plenty of gems at CIAC football luncheon; his interview with Ansonia HC Tom Brockett; and, his Class S preview.
Bryant Carpenter, Meriden Record-Journal: Wallingford’s Brockett & his Ansonia Chargers are right back on the horse.
Pooch Diggity Dogg, GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/21st Century Monolith: In drive for 20th title, Ansonia defense gears up for challenge against Phillips, Bloomfield.
Mark Jaffee, Waterbury Anarchist-American: Chargers, Warhawks pose plenty of problems.
Derek Turner, GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/21st Century Monolith: Nightmare 2014 season propelled Bloomfield to a 2015 dream season.
Tom Yantz, Hartford Courant: features on Bloomfield's Kahari Scarlett; and, Ansonia's Tajik Bagley (as well as a look at the Chargers' record-setting backs under Brockett's watch).
(NOTE: CalPreps.com's computer model is 23-1 picking playoff games, Polecat Worldwide is 21-3).
• • • •
More STORYTIME~!
Doug Bonjour, Hearst Inc.: Championship notebook.
Kurmudgeonly Kyle Brennan, Waterbury Anarchist-American: His interview with CIAC football chairman Leroy Williams.
Pooch Diggity Dogg, GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/21st Century Monolith: Championship notebook.
Mark Jaffee, Waterbury Anarchist-American: Promising future for Seymour football.
VERY SPECIAL AUDIO — Three fools breakdown the finals on the CIACcast.
• • • •
Ned Freeman’s computer rankings for CalPreps.com and MaxPreps.com updated through the semifinals: 1. Darien; 2. New Canaan; 3. Shelton; 4. North Haven; 5. New Fairfield; 6. Notre Dame-West Haven (9-3, win over West Haven, losses to New Canaan, North Haven, and Shelton); 7. Newtown (10-2, lost to New Fairfield and Shelton); 8. Brookfield; 9. Ansonia; and, 10. Southington (11-1, lost to Darien). Bloomfield is 17th.
• • • •
Thanks for reading. More soon.
Vaya con dios....
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