YOUR CIAC football semifinal previews.
Howdy,
We're making good on our promise to provide YOU with CIAC semifinal previews after failing to do so during for the quarterfinals.
Let's not dawdle and get right to it, shall we?
Oh, yeah — all games kickoff at 6:30 p.m. Follow on the Twitters at #cthsfb.
HEY! HO! LET'S GO!
CLASS LL
No. 1 DARIEN vs. No. 4 SOUTHINGTON
WHERE: Boyle Stadium, Stamford.
RECORDS: Darien 11-0; Southington 11-0.
DARIEN’S BEST: Sr. RB-OLB Finlay Collins (685 yards rushing, 10 TDs; 80 tackles, 5 sacks); Sr. G-DE Cord Fox (73 tackles, 10 sacks); Jr. RB Max Grant (23 catches, 568 yards, 8 TDs); Jr. RB-OLB Nick Green (73 tackles); Sr. WR-CB Tim Hergert (32 catches, 582 yards, 6 TDs; 4 INTs); Sr. QB Brian Peters (2,776 yards passing, 29 TDs, 7 INT, 61.5 completion percentage); Jr. RB-SS Mitchell Prior (735 yards rushing, 13 TDs).
SOUTHINGTON’S BEST: Jr. QB Will Barmore (1,817 yards passing, 23 TDs, 7 INTs); Sr. DE Robert Bunting (57 tackles, 4 sacks); Jr. OLB Joe Koczera (80 tackles, 4.5 sacks); Sr. WR-S Anthony Plantamuro (40 catches, 599 yards, 12 TDs; 3 INTs); Jr. Sean Scanlon (42 tackles, 4.5 sacks); Sr. RB-OLB Vance Upham (1,816 yards rushing, 25 TDs; 8 catches, 176 yards, 2 TDs; 83 tackles, 4.5 sacks).
WORDS: Southington got the rematch it wanted after the Blue Wave mowed it down in last season’s LL semis, 49-7, at the very same site. It’s not going to be any easier a second time around for the Blue Knights, though. They’re not as dangerous through the air as they have used Upham a lot as a battering ram. That plays right into Darien's hands as it's been miserly against the run all season. If you believe in the power of comparative scores, Southington beat NFA in last Tuesday’s quarterfinals (35-22). Darien bludgeoned NFA in Week 4, 45-6.
WINNER: Darien.
No. 6 SHELTON vs. No. 7 RIDGEFIELD
WHERE: Finn Stadium, Shelton.
RECORDS: Shelton 9-2; Ridgefield 9-2.
WATCH: HAN Network.
SHELTON’S BEST: Sr. OL-ILB Dan Barone (70 tackles); Sr. TE-LB Justin Greene (115 tackles); RB-DE Ronnie Rich (991 yards rushing, 9 TDs); Sr. RB-MLB Jonathan Sobotka (42 tackles, 3.5 sacks); Sr. WR-FS Anthony Schiavo (42 catches, 706 yards, 9 TDs); Sr. QB-CB David Wells (2,058 yards passing, 21 TDs, 9 INTs; 717 yards rushing, 13 TDs; ); Sr. WR-DB-K Joe Zoppi (21 catches, 371 yards, 5 TDs; 50-53 XP, 10 FG).
RIDGEFIELD’S BEST: Jr. MLB-OLB Alex Cali; Sr. QB Drew Fowler (1,189 yards passing, 14 TDs, 4 INT; 3 rushing TDs); Jr. MLB Noah Isaacson; Sr. WR-CB Chris Longo (57 catches, 886 yards, 4 TDs); Sr. RB-OLB Pat Lang; Sr. WR-K Collin Lowe (32 catches, 561 yards, 9 TDs); Sr. Shane Palmer (883 yards rushing, 8 TDs; 34 catches, 559 yards, 10 TDs); Sr. FS-SS Aidan Spearman.
WORDS: We humbly recommend you attend this game if you like games in which the scoreboard goes on tilt. Both teams have very strong passing games and have been in their fair share of shootouts. Shelton has been one of the state’s highest-scoring teams (38.8 ppg) and has the more balanced offense. Wells is the latest in a long line of terrific Gaels quarterbacks and a dual threat. Schiavo (16.8 yards a catch) should receive a lot of attention from the Tigers’ defense, but it can’t sell out for the pass thanks to Rich (5.8 yards a carry) and Wells (8.7 yards per carry). Ridgefield’s defense did, however, do a tremendous job containing one of the state’s most electric running backs, West Haven’s Anthony Godfrey, in last week’s 28-21 win. The Tigers’ offense is running efficiently again since Fowler returned from a shoulder injury. Good luck to the Gaels’ defender shadowing Palmer. Ridgefield’s height at receiver poses a unique problem for any secondary (senior Collin Lowe is 6-foot-5, Longo is 6-3). Comparative scores — Shelton lost at home to West Haven (59-52, Nov. 11); Ridgefield beat the Westies on the road.
WINNER: Ridgefield.
CLASS L
No. 1 WINDSOR vs. No. 4 MIDDLETOWN
WHERE: Jack O'Brien Stadium, Windsor.
RECORDS: Windsor 11-0; Middletown 9-2.
WINDSOR’S BEST: Sr. WR-DB Timothy Gardner-Russaw (834 yards rushing, 11 TDs; 27 catches, 382 yards, 3 TDs; 53 tackles, 5.5 sacks); Sr. QB-DB Jakhari Grant (2,847 yards, 31 TDs, 5 INTs); Sr. WR-DB Jason Pinnock (50 catches, 1,083 yards, 12 TDs; 33 tackles, 7 INTs); Jr. QB-LB Shayne Manson (56 tackles, 6.5 sacks); Sr. WR-LB Jomal Mills (83 tackles); Jr. RB-LB Joe Russell (80 tackles); Jr. WR-DB Marquis Wilson (34 catches, 712 yards, 6 TDs; 41 tackles, 4 INTs).
MIDDLETOWN’S BEST: Jr. RB-DB Stone Belzo (101 tackles); Jr. RB-DB DeShaun Bradshaw (520 yards rushing, 5 TDs); Sr. QB-DB Tyshaun James (1,503 yards rushing, 26 TDs; 1,274 yards passing, 10 TDs, 3 INTs); Sr. RB-LB Ibn Lombardo (546 yards rushing, 5 TDs); Sr. WR-DB Justin McMillan (17 catches, 562 yards, 8 TDs; 29 tackles); Sr. RB-LB Jay Nanfito (57 tackles); Jr. RB-LB Mike Souza (57 tackles); Jr. OL-DL Derrick Vereen (39 tackles, 9 sacks).
OUTLOOOK: THE REMATCHENING — Windsor rallied to beat the Blue Dragons on the road, 21-17, in a Thanksgrabbing Eve cliffhanger. Middletown was driving for a touchdown leading by two points when Jerry Woodard caught James’ fumble in the air and scampered for an 88-yard, go-ahead touchdown with 5 minutes, 41 seconds left in the game. The Warriors later stopped James on fourth-and-goal at their own 3-yard line with under a minute left. Windsor has loved to attack through the air this season and, with Grant and Boston College-bound Pinnock, so would you. It was efficient with the pass the first time around against the Blue Dragons and got its offense on track when it ran more. Running is what Middletown loves to do as it’s done that nearly three times more than it’s thrown. James has such good instincts and balance as a runner (he rushed 24 times for 149 yards and 2 TDs the last time vs. the Warriors). The Blue Dragons struggle with the pass though, and as much as we preach the virtues of the Manly Discipline of the Rushing Arts, sometimes you must throw. Windsor didn’t let Middletown do that much the first time around, and it’s allowed a state-low 5.6 points per game.
WINNER: Windsor.
No. 2 NEW CANAAN vs. No. 6 NOTRE DAME-WEST HAVEN
WHERE: Dunning Field, New Canaan.
RECORDS: New Canaan 10-1; Notre Dame 8-3.
WATCH: GoGreenKnights.com.
NEW CANAAN’S BEST: Sr. RB-MLB Graham Braden (887 yards rushing, 8 TDs; 52 tackles, 5 sacks); Sr. WR-MLB James Freyre (68 tackles, 3 sacks); Jr. WR-MLB-K Grant Morse (69 tackles); So. WR Quintin O’Connell (42 catches, 683 yards, 7 TDs); Sr. WR-CB Ryan O’Connell (520 yards rushing, 10 TDs; 19 catches, 424 yards receiving, 5 TDs; 7 INTs); Fr. QB Drew Pyne (1,787 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs; 3 rushing TDs); Sr. WR-DB Tom Root (24 tackles, 5 INTs).
NOTRE DAME’S BEST: Sr. FB-ILB Tristan Andrzejewski (76 tackles, 3 sacks); Jr. QB-DB Chris Elias (1,874 yards passing, 14 TDs, 6 INTs; 316 yards rushing, 6 TDs); Sr. WR-DB Jordan Gargiulo (73 tackles); Sr. WR-DB Nico Ragaini (54 catches, 924 yards, 6 TDs; 210 yards rushing, 5 TDs; 30 tackles); Sr. FB-LB Jack Scalesse (73 tackles, 7 sacks); Sr. RB-LB Josh Witkowsky (969 yards rushing, 16 TDs).
OUTLOOOK: The Voices (in our heads) tell us this rematch from last season's semis will be the night's second-highest scoring game. The three-time, three-time, three-time defending L champion Rams have become the state’s home office for the forward pass ever since they adopted Tony Franklin’s up-tempo, spread offense. Pyne received offers from Alabama and Florida State before he even took a varsity snap this season. Ryan O’Connell has been the team’s “joker” as he’s been impactful as a runner, receiver and defender. New Canaan has run more this season with Braden leading the way. Its defense had been tough all season until its last two games, a 37-34 overtime loss to Darien on Thanksgrabbing, and last week’s 31-28 quarterfinal win over Masuk). The Green Knights started the season 0-2 before getting on a roll playing one of the state’s most evil schedules (CalPreps.com rates it the state’s fifth-toughest). Ragaini is the state’s all-time receiving leader and is so dangerous that he’s been triple-teamed at times. He’s a nightmare any time he touches the ball. Elias has been effective in his first year as ND’s starting quarterback. The Green Knights opted to pound the ball at New London last Tuesday with Witkowsky getting 23 carries for 112 yards and a score in a 44-7 rout. ND has played better than Masuk this season, and the latter gave New Canaan fits last week. There ain’t no way we’re picking against the Rams, though. It hasn’t lost at home to anyone other than Darien since Nov. 9, 2007 (a 14-7, double overtime loss to Staples). It’s been an efficient machine this millennium. And head coach Lou Marinelli (CIAC state-record 11 titles) and is staff are as good as it gets in Connecticut.
WINNER: New Canaan.
CLASS M
No. 1 VALLEY REGIONAL/OLD LYME vs. No. 5 ST. JOSEPH
WHERE: Richard B. Blythe Field, Deep River.
RECORDS: Valley/Lyme 10-1; St. Joseph 9-2.
VALLEY/LYME’S BEST: Sr. WR-S-K Garrett Burdick (35 catches, 629 yards, 11 TDs; 35 tackles, 12 INTs; 45-48 XP; 3 FG); Sr. G-DE Mitch Conrad (64 tackles); Jr. Ernest Jean-Pierre (18 catches, 318 yards, 3 TDs; 30 tackles, 3 INTs); So. Jason O’Brien (12 catches, 280 yards, 4 TDs; 37 tackles); Sr. QB Matt Sapere (1,540 yards passing, 22 TDs, 6 INTs; 695 yards rushing, 10 TDs); Sr. T-DE Cody Stalls (84 tackles); Sr. RB-ILB Dan Stecher (1,140 yards rushing, 12 TDs; 128 tackles); Jr. ILB Roan Sullivan (114 tackles).
ST. JOSEPH’S BEST: Sr. QB Cory Babineau (2,369 yards passing, 29 TDs, 3 INTs; 252 yards rushing, 4 TDs); Sr. LB Adam Derbyshire (85 tackles, 3 sacks); Sr. DE Brian Harner (74 tackles, 9.5 sacks); So. OLB Jesse Lawson (93 tackles); Jr. WR Jared Mallozzi (88 catches, 1,299 yards, 18 TDs); Sr. Nick Osborne (55 tackles, 6 INTs); So. WR Paul Pesmeg (41 catches, 640 yards, 8 TDs); Fr. RB Jaden Shirden (858 yards rushing, 11 TDs).
OUTLOOOK: The game’s most intriguing matchup is St. Joseph’s passing game vs. the Warriors’ pass defense. The Cadets have run the Tony Franklin System as well as anyone in the state since implementing it in 2007 and have won four state titles since then. Babineau is a three-year starter, which includes a 37-7 win over Ledyard in the 2014 CIAC Class M-Small title game. Mallozzi has gone gonzo this season as he leads the state in touchdown catches, is second in receptions and third in receiving yards per game (118.1) according to stats inputted into MaxPrep.com’s database. The Cadets also run one of the nastiest draw plays in the state with Shirden emerging as the feature back. Valley/Lyme has allowed just one passing touchdown all season. ONE (in last week’s 30-12 rout of Berlin). Burdick is the state’s interception leader and is the veteran member of a very athletic secondary. Cornerbacks Jacob Kruszewski and O’Brien, and safety Jean-Pierre round out that group. Sapere had his best game of the season against Berlin as he ran for a season-high 187 yards and three touchdowns and threw a 28-yard touchdown to Jean-Pierre. Burdick is his top target. Stecher is a pain to bring down due to his speed and stout build (5-8, 182 pounds). One big advantage for the Cadets is that its players go only one way.
WINNER: St. Joseph.
No. 2 HILLHOUSE vs. No. 3 KILLINGLY
WHERE: Bowen Field, New Haven.
RECORDS: Hillhouse 10-1; Killingly 10-1.
HILLHOUSE'S BEST: Jr. RB-DL Prince Boyd (98 tackles, 10.5 sacks); Sr. RB-LB Matt Brehon (1,531 yards rushing, 16 TDs; 66 tackles, 6.5 sacks); Sr. RB-DB David Harris (782 yards rushing, 7 TDs); Jr. WR-DB Chase Kinzly (22 catches, 458 yards, 8 TDs; 3 INTs); Sr. RB-LB Shawn Ogarro (547 yards rushing, 6 TDs; 72 tackles); Sr. OL-DL Billy Oliver (5-11, 275 pounds); Sr. TE-DL Derrick Sims (tackles, 7.5 sacks).
KILLINGLY'S BEST: Sr. G-DE Collin Byrnes; Jr. FB-LB Zach Caffrey (269 yards rushing, 6 TDs; 82 tackles); Sr. QB Kyle Derosier (946 yards passing, 16 TDs, 5 INTs); Jr. T-DT Alex Fontaine (6-0, 285); Jr. TE-DE Jake Gauthier (15 catches, 221 yards, 5 TDs); Jr. RB-LB Spencer Lockwood (2,231 yards rushing, 25 TDs; 16 catches, 187 yards, 3 TDs).
OUTLOOOK: This game is POLECAT APPROVED as both teams are loyal devotees to the Manly Discipline of the Running Arts. Hillhouse averages 322 yards rushing a game, Killingly 262.5 yards. And both teams average under a 100 yards passing. JOY. There’s are few backfields as lethal as the Acs as Brehon, Harris and Ogarro can all burn a defense. Worse, they’re all 5-9 or under (Harris is 5-6), so good luck finding them behind the Acs’ offensive line. Killingly uses Lockwood as a sledgehammer and will use him to bludgeon a defense as much as they can (he ran on 35 of Killingly’s 45 plays for 302 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 27-7 pounding of Bunnell). Caffrey is no joy to tackle, either. Derosier can sling it when needed. Hillhouse has a built-in advantage as it’s a home game, meaning no long ride, and it gets to use its speed on its turf field. Killingly sure did a great job slowing down Bunnell and all of its speed last week, though.
WINNER: Hillhouse.
CLASS S
No. 2 ANSONIA vs. No. 6 CROMWELL/PORTLAND
WHERE: Nolan Field, Ansonia.
RECORDS: Ansonia 11-0; Crom/Port 10-1.
LISTEN: WELI-960 AM.
ANSONIA’S BEST: Sr. QB-DB-K Bryson Cafaro (575 yards passing, 13 TDs; 40-51 XP); Jr. RB-DB Markell Dobbs (1,893 yards rushing, 26 TDs; 8 catches, 197 yards, 4 TDs); Jr. WR-DB Justin Lopez (14 catches, 317 yards, 6 TDs); Sr. FB-LB Malcolm Martin (385 yards rushing, 7 TDs).
CROM/PORT’S BEST: Jr. WR-DB Dianta Highsmith (32 catches, 727 yards, 8 TDs); Jr. RB-LB Kitrell Lauray (412 yards rushing, 4 TDs; 131 tackles); Sr. OL-DL Ethan Roy (87 tackles, 7.5 sacks); Sr. RB-DB Kristian Sapp (2,037 yards rushing, 29 TDs; 47 tackles, 3 INTs); Sr. WR-DB Jon Siena (519 yards rushing, 6 TDs; 16 catches, 333 yards, 4 TDs; 111 tackles, 5 INTs).
WORDS: Ansonia has been the undisputed master of the Manly Disclipline of the Running Arts during head coach Tom Brockett's 11 seasons. He's coached three of the top 10 all-time leading rushers in state history with Dobbs well on his way to being the next great Chargers back. Martin (6-0, 215) has helped Ansonia mash its way to 327.5 yards rushing a game (at 10.4 yards a carry). Cafaro starts his second year at QB and thrown 13 TDs on just 51 attempts. The Chargers' defense has held eight opponents to eight points-or-less (Class M quarterfinalist Wolcott scored the most while enduring a 62-21 beating in Week 1). The Panthers were the biggest surprise of the quarterfinals as they went on the road to play defending S champion Bloomfield without starting QB Bryce Karstetter and won, 28-14 (they led 22-0 after three quarters). Sapp ran 23 times for a season-high 269 yards and three touchdowns in that win. The All-State back isn’t the biggest (5-10, 165), but he’s tough to take down, never mind trying to grab him. Siena is a versatile threat. The loss of Karstetter is huge, though. That’s not the way one wants to go into a game vs. Ansonia, which hasn’t lost at home since Thanksgiving 2010. The Chargers on are their way to a seventh-straight state final and a shot at a state-record 20th CIAC title.
WINNER: Ansonia.
No. 4 ROCKY HILL vs. No. 8 SEYMOUR
WHERE: McVicar Field, Rocky Hill.
RECORDS: Rocky Hill 10-1; Seymour 9-2.
ROCKY HILL’S BEST: Jr. RB-DB Joe Catania; Jr. QB Daniel Cavallaro; Sr. RB-LB Rocky Montalvo; Sr. RB-DB Grant Nieves.
SEYMOUR’S BEST: Sr. WR-LB Lucas Bowen (113 tackles); Sr. QB-DB Jaylen Kelley (1,692 yards rushing, 26 TDs, 3 INTs; 1,251 yards rushing, 18 TDs; 52 tackles); Sr. WR-DB Alex Massie (26 catches, 658 yards, 10 TDs); Jr. RB-DB Bobby Melms (1,175 yards rushing, 19 TDs; 19 catches, 410 yards, 6 TDs; 21 tackles); Sr. OL-LB Charlie Ritchel (129 tackles).
WORDS: Yet another POLECAT APPROVED GAME. The Terriers love to play physical on offense and use their trio of backs to pound out yards using GOD'S OFFENSE. They've thrown a little more this season (BLEH) to take use of Cavallaro's skils. The Wildcats' Kelley and the blazing-fast Melms are a headache to defend, especially with Kelley running the read option. Seymour has thrown more than Rocky Hill, but it's still a running team at heart. The Terriers will should be the most physical team the Wildcats have played since Ansonia ran it down, 41-20, on Oct. 28.
WINNER: Rocky Hill.
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Thanks for reading. More soon.
Vaya con dios....
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