FOOTBALL IS BACK. WE'RE BACK. Now let us cherish our bouncing new bundle of pigskin joy

September 09, 2016 12:00 am • Last Updated: September 14, 2016 2:14 am

By Ned Griffen

n.griffen@theday.com

Howdy,

How art thou? You have a good summer?

There are a few things everyone at Polecat Worldwide holds near and dear to their collective hearts.

The first is heavy metal (none of that faux hair metal, either).

The second is long drives to someplace good.

The third is REAL AMERICAN FOOTBALL (not “futbol”).

It’s been a great year for metal. Fallujah had an AH-MA-ZING disc. Ditto Revocation, led by new American guitar god David Davidson. Sumac’s latest is c'est magnifique. We hope and pray Metallica’s newest album is a return to its once peerless standards. And Meshuggah will destroy us all when it unleashes its latest opus on this silly planet in October (and we will willingly — and happily — be slayed by it).

All that lovely ear candy will be enjoyed during long, Cold-Brew fueled drives this fall as we cross this fine, but broke, state to watch the finest in high school football.

It’s here, kids. It’s really, finally here.

Below are many, many teams you need to know. We used the New Haven Register/GameTimeCT Top 10 media poll as a template and reviewed every team that received a vote.

There are several teams previewed at the end who didn’t receive votes, but who will nonetheless impact our bouncing new bundle of pigskin joy.

Thanks to Dave Ruden of the Ruden Report, Owen Poole of the Norwich Bulletin, Pooch Diggity Dogg and SPB&J (a.k.a. Sean Patrick Starfish, a.k.a. @SPBowley) of the GameTimeCT.com monolith, and numerous coaches who’d were kind enough to talk with us (but would likely rather go unnamed) for their help in this venture.

We hope you enjoy it:

1. Darien (12-0)

STARTING OFF: at St. Joseph, Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

The CIAC Class L champion Blue Wave pick up where they left off last season, namely scaring opponents. Here’s the best explanation about this year’s team — defensive tackle Justin Plank (6-foot-1, 290 pounds) and ends Quinn Fay (6-3, 215) and Cord Fox (5-11, 225) return to lead what was an offense-exterminating line last season. The other DT has been promoted from part-time to full-time status, Michigan-bound Andrew Stueber (6-foot-6, 300 pounds). EEP. We’d be concerned about most teams that graduated their entire offensive and defensive backfields, but this is Darien. You’re NUTS to doubt this program.

2. New Canaan (11-1)

STARTING OFF: vs. Trinity Catholic, Saturday, 3 p.m.

Here’s how well things are going for the three-time, three-time, three-time Class L champions — Alabama, Florida State and South Carolina all offered quarterback Drew Pyne a scholarship during the offseason. Pyne is a FRESHMAN. Yep, it’s good to be the Rams, even if they have just six starters back. Ryan O’Connell will to be the next ace receiver for the state’s leaders of the forward pass. One coach visited the program over the summer and was gobsmacked by the team’s size. We’ll get around to hyping the annual Thanksgrabbing Day Darien-New Canaan game soon, too.

3. Shelton (12-1)

STARTING OFF: at Amity, Friday, 7 p.m.

Bit surprised the Gaels ranked this high as they graduated most of their scorers, the offensiveline, linebackers. …. you get the point. Still, you play in back-to-back LL championships, you’ve earned the benefit of the doubt. QB David Wells played two regular season games last season when starter Zach Tuskowski got hurt and played almost the entire state final when the latter was knocked out of the game. Shelton boys are indoctrinated into football (and baseball) at a young age and learn the Gael system in youth ball, so they’re ready to go once they get to high school. The Gaels’ biggest concern might be the newly realigned Southern Connecticut Conference featuring the most stacked division east of the SEC West, the SCC Division 1. Look at this division and soil yourself in fear — Cheshire, Fairfield Prep, Hand, North Haven, Shelton, West Haven and Xavier. Guess what — you’re team’s schedule stinks in comparison (provided you’re not in the FCIAC).

4. Southington (11-1)

STARTING OFF: vs. Enfield, Friday, 7 p.m.

When we last saw Southington, it imploded in the LL semis with Darien gleefully adding to the carnage for a 49-7 rout. You think the Blue Knights might have had that score still burning in their brains during offseason trip to the weight room, every workout on the track, and every rep at practice? Yeah, this team won’t need motivation this season. The defense should be absolutely horrifying with eight starters back, including linebackers Vance Upham and Ryan Montalvo, the latter who is a dangerous piece of work. Those two will also be the leading rushers for the Blue Knights' no-huddle, LUDICROUS SPEED offense. That and a large, veteran offensive line will help whoever takes over at QB. Prepare to be at Southington in Week 3 (Sept. 23) when it plays host to fellow CCC juggernaut Glastonbury.

5. Windsor (10-1)

STARTING OFF: vs. Bristol Central, Friday, 7 p.m.

Windsor graduated some freak athletes on offense (that would be you, Tyler Coyle and Bennie Fulse). Ah, but this is Windsor, which replaces one freak athlete with another. QB Jahkari Grant is back (1,868 yards, 21 TDs) and gets to throw it to Boston College-bound Jason Pinnock (settle down, DiMauro). Ramel Thames (6-3, 320) and DeAndre Cassanova (6-0, 285) will ensure that Grant will work from the cleanest of clean pockets. Tim Gardner (RB-OLB) is back to hit people, too.

6. Staples (7-3)

STARTING OFF: vs. McMahon, Friday, 7 p.m.

You may ask yourself, “How could the FCIAC have three teams in the top six?” Because the Wreckers are loaded, duh. They reloaded last season and snuck into the playoffs, and most of that team returns. Defense will be the team strength. Ryan Fitton (TE-DE) is a three-year starter and committed to UConn. Andrew Speed is back at QB. Staples' schedule is a bit back-loaded as it closes the regular season with — at Ridgefield (Oct. 21), vs. St. Joseph (Nov. 4), vs. Darien (Nov. 11), and at Greenwich (Thanksgrabbing). Sadly, the Wreckers and New Canaan don’t play for the second straight season. BOO-OOOOOOOO.

7. West Haven (7-4)

STARTING OFF: at Hamden, Friday, 7 p.m.

A very wise, championship-winning coach has given Polecat HQ a team to watch for several seasons now, generally a sleeper. His picks have often been money. A Polecat representative called said coach over the summer and had barely finished saying hello when the coach blurted out, “West Haven!” Everyone seems to be crazy for the Blue Devils this season, so we’re stunned it’s “only” No. 7 to start the season. They have ridiculous depth at running back. Anthony and Kyle Godfrey and Chris Chance combined to rush for 2,499 yards and 42 touchdowns last fall. QB Tim McCarthy is a three-year starter. Nose guard Byron Dickens (6-1, 314) is the state weightlifting champion and can touch the basketball rim. The Westies were knocked out of last year’s LL quarterfinals by Shelton last season. They’re expected to go much farther this season.

8. Middletown (8-3)

STARTING OFF: at Platt, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

The Blue Dragons were quite green last season and still managed to make their fourth straight playoff appearance. They should run that streak to five as almost everyone is back. QB-CB Tyshaun James is one of TEN starters returning on offense. He had 2,582 total yards last season and scored 22 times. The defense is almost as loaded. Last year’s losses to Class L finalist North Haven, Class L semifinalist Wethersfield, and Class L quarterfinalist Windsor should toughen up this team. There’s going to be one of two places you’ll need to be this Thanksgrabbing Eve. The first is Middletown when it plays host to nemesis Windsor. We’ll get to the second place in a moment.

9. Newtown (10-2)

STARTING OFF: vs. New Fairfield, Friday, 7 p.m.

QUICK — which team has two players committed to Power Five programs? It should be obvious since we’re writing about Newtown here. LB-FB Ben Mason (6-3, 240) is a force of one and was successfully wooed by Jim Harbaugh to Michigan. OT Seth Willis (6-5, 310) is headed to BYU. The Nighthawks have the good fortune to have QB Justin Dunn and RB Hunter Cobb back. They took a hit at receiver, the defensive line and defensive backfield. They can mask those issues thusly — hand the ball off to Cobb 25 times, run him behind Mason, who’s running behind Willis. Give Mason 15 carries, too, and see if opposing defenses tap out. Oh, yeah — Masuk comes to Newtown for the annual Thanksgrabbing Eve game that could serve the de facto SWC championship.

10. Xavier (6-4)

STARTING OFF: vs. Norwich Free Academy, Friday, 7 p.m.

The consensus is that West Haven is the SCC team to fear. The staff at Polecat Worldwide is comprised of fools and contrarians, thus we’ve been thinking Xavier may be the SCC team to beat. The Falcons dealt with youth, injuries (they went through three QBs), and a doomsday schedule last season and kept themselves afloat. NG Alex Bates (6-1, 280) and DE Niko Kvietkus (6-3, 245) are among the six starters back on defense. Three starters are back on the offensive line. It must really suck as a defender to have to deal with the Falcons’ always-brawny offensive line just to get to RB Glenn Cunningham, who is 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, and headed to Fordham (he plays CB, too). Junior QB Will Levis is getting looks from Power Five schools. We’ll find out early who’s better, West Haven or Xavier, as they’ll meet at Palmer Field next Friday (Sept. 16).

They also received votes....

Bloomfield (13-0)

STARTING OFF: vs. Berlin, Friday, 7 p.m.

The defending Class S champion WARHAWKS lost a lot on offense. It’s a good thing that Bloomfield always has a crazy amount of talent for a little 'ol school.

Notre Dame-West Haven (9-3)

STARTING OFF: at Bishop Hendricken (R.I.), Friday, 7 p.m.

Nico Ragaini is one of state’s most electrifying playmakers. He had had 64 catches for 903 yards and six TDs for last season’s Class L semifinalist, ran for 408 yards and 8 TDs, had four interceptions, and scored on three punt returns. He’ll need to be just as productive this season as ND graduated the likes of QB Christian Lupoli (the team’s leading rusher two years running — no pun intended) and linebacker Matt Jambor (team-high 106 tackles).

Ridgefield (7-2)

STARTING OFF: vs. Trumbull, Friday, 7 p.m.

Oh-hhhh, the FCIAC should be nastier than usual this fall thanks to better depth thanks to teams such as the Tigers. They finished last season on a five-game winning streak and just missed the LL playoffs despite having the same regular-season record as Staples, a team they beat. The FCIAC is like the Big 12 when it comes to chucking the ball, and Ridgefield should be able to keep pace with the rest of the league thanks to Drew Fowler (1,917 yards passing, 24 TDs), Chris Longo (50 catches, 523 yards, 10 TDs) and Collin Lowe (34 catches, 582 yards, 5 TDs). The defense may be a work in progress due to graduation losses. And who did the Tigers tick off at FCIAC HQ to get the league’s (and one of the state’s) most merciless schedules? They open with Trumbull and New Canaan, play Trinity Catholic and Staples in Weeks 6 and 7, and get Greenwich on Nov. 11. Class LL teams have to earn a berth to the playoffs. Ridgefield will have to survive to get to states.

Seymour (10-2)

STARTING OFF: at Torrington, Friday, 7 p.m.

The NVL favorite and Class S contender, provided it can scale the peak known as Ansonia. There will be times this fall while watching WFSB’s Friday Night Football where you’ll hear Jaylen Kelley’s stats and think there’s a gas leak in your house. He threw for 2,081 yards and 24 TDs last season, ran for a team-high 1,319 yards and 22 TDs, and averaged 40.8 yards on 29 punts. Among the other six returning offensive starters are Bobby Melms (788 yards rushing, 15 TDs, 6 TD catches). Charlie Ritchel (112 tackles) and Lucas Bowen (79 tackles) will hold down the defense at linebacker.

Glastonbury (8-2)

STARTING OFF: at Conard, Friday, 7 p.m.

The Tomahawks have made the LL playoffs eight years running and should extend that streak to nine. Two-way lineman Jared Nelson (6-2, 260) leads an experienced defense and will be a Villanova Wildcat soon. Glastonbury must find a new QB and three offensive linemen. It won’t be able to ease those players into the season as it opens at Conard on Friday and plays at Southington in Week 3.

Ansonia (12-1)

STARTING OFF: at Wolcott, Friday, 7 p.m.

This is the rarest of rare seasons in which Ansonia doesn’t have the NVL’s most veteran talent and could be beaten in-conference. Few teams ever manage to beat the Chargers, though, no matter how vulnerable they may look on paper. That written, they lost leading scorers Tajik Bagley (RB) and Tyler Bailey (WR), who combined for 55 touchdowns, four offensive linemen, and nine defenders to graduation. So maybe they’ll “only” win nine regular season games. Malcom Martin (6-1, 239 pounds) should make some postseason teams at LB, and lord help those who’ll try to tackle him when he’s running the ball at FB. Markell Dobbs is expected to be the latest in Ansonia’s never-ending line of exceptional tailbacks. Bryson Cafaro (11 TD passes) is back at QB, too.

North Haven (12-1)

STARTING OFF: vs. Cheshire, Friday, 7 p.m.

Everyone’s favorite masters of GOD’S FATHER’S OFFENSE had perhaps the greatest season in program history last season. Problem is that almost every one of those dudes graduated (18, to be exact). Worse, the Indians have built themselves into a program worthy of playing in SCC Division I, so they’ll no longer be overwhelming SCC D2 teams on a near weekly basis. North Haven will likely (gag) pass more (barfs) this year as QB-TE-LB Jack Steinman threw 11 TDs last season.

Cheshire (4-6)

STARTING OFF:

The Rams are a popular SCC darkhorse because they have six back on offense and seven on defense. They got Southington’s attention last Thanksgrabbing and had it on the ropes before it scored the go-ahead touchdown with 79 seconds left to win, 36-29.

Trumbull (5-4)

STARTING OFF: at Ridgefield, Friday, 7 p.m.

Yet another FCIAC contender as the Eagles return as much talent as any team in the league. You’ll be hearing a lot about the John McElroy-Danny Hoffman connection. McElroy threw for 2,025 yards and 19 TDs last year. Hoffman caught almost every one of those passes (77 receptions, 946 yards, 7 TDs). Opposing defenses can’t sell out to stop the pass as RB Markeese Woods will make them regret their decision (three veteran linemen have his back, too). Several defenders return, too. It opens at Ridgefield in the best game of Week 1.

New London (2-8)

STARTING OFF: at East Lyme, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Let us not talk about last season, save to say the Whalers were a bit young. They have a new leader this season (former New London standout and DC Juan Roman) and an All-State TE-LB (Yale-bound D. Major Roman). Melquann Gomez starts his second year at QB. An unusual amount of turnover gives the impression that this will be the most 'MEH' ECC season of the millennium. New London has the talent and experience to be a league favorite.

Brookfield (11-2)

STARTING OFF: at Notre Dame-Fairfield, Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

Brookfield’s Class of 2015 was one of the greatest in program history because it paved the way to back-to-back Class M titles. The Bobcats will be hard-pressed to three-peat as Ansonia and North Haven are the only teams we can think of who were wiped out worse by graduation. Harrison Manesis (498 yards, 6 TDs) was the third-leading rusher last season. Brookfield will also have a place in our hearts as long as it continues to be devoted to GOD’S OFFENSE.

Hand (7-3)

STARTING OFF: vs. Fairfield Prep, Friday, 7 p.m.

The Tigers are going to be gnarly on defense (SPB&J said they looked terrific in a scrimmage against New Canaan and Staples). How they’re going to score is the question as the need a new QB and running backs, have spots to fill on the offensive line, etc.

Ledyard (10-2)

STARTING OFF: at Cranston East (R.I.), Friday, 7 p.m.

The Colonels have run the ECC the past two seasons. They’ve got some work to do to continue that run. The offensive line, much of the defense, three-year QB Ty Ebdon, AND head coach Jim Buonocore have all moved on. Manny Sanabria is among the few veterans and is the state’s top returning rusher (1,619 yards). We’re very curious to see rugged LB Max Ebdon as he moves from RB to QB. The Colonels have to gel fast as they play at Cranston East (R.I.) on Friday and play host to perennial power St. Joseph on Sept. 17.

Hillhouse (8-2)

STARTING OFF: vs. Creed/Career/Whitney Tech at NEWLY REMODELED BOWEN FIELD~!!!!, Friday, 7 p.m.

One of the top Class M contenders because of their dynamic backfield. Matt Brehon, David Harris and Shawn Ogarro combined to run for 2,626 yards (9.7 yards per carry) and 34 touchdowns last year. Damian Henderson threw for 1,156 yards and 13 TDs. The offensive line needs to be rebuilt and quickly as the Acs play Hand and at Fairfield Prep in Weeks 2 and 3.

Trinity Catholic (9-2)

STARTING OFF: at New Canaan, Saturday, 3 p.m.

We told you the FCIAC was stacked. So check out the Crusaders' front lines: Senior co-captain Timmy Val is 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds. And he’s one of the smaller linemen. He, Christian Conte (6-4, 300) and Sean Eilersten (6-4, 305) are going to trample some poor souls. Jonmichael Bivona (1,247 yards, 14 TDs) is going to lo-oooove running behind those guys. That foursome is among several two-way players back from last year’s Class S semifinalist. Trinity will be a Class S contender again this season provided they qualify. They open at New Canaan this Saturday, play at Greenwich next weekend, and play Trumbull and Ridgefield in Weeks 4 and 5, respectively.

NFA (6-4)

STARTING OFF: at Xavier, Friday, 7 p.m.

The Wildcats are a bit of an enigma as they graduated some top talent. The speedy Jawaun Johnson is moving from to RB and junior Shea McManaway becoming the new QB. NFA’s non-conference schedule is a beaut as it plays at Xavier, at Darien (Oct. 1), and vs. Staples (Oct. 8).

Killingly (10-2)

STARTING OFF: vs. Bacon Academy, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Killingly was one of the state’s cooler success stories last year as advanced to the Class M semifinals after a few tough seasons. It lost a bit to graduation, yet should still be among the ECC’s best teams. The offense is in good hands with four-year starter Kyle Derosier (QB) and Spencer Lockwood (1,158 yards rushing, 11 TDs). It plays at New London in Week 3 (Sept. 23) in what should be one of the ECC’s best games of the year.

Masuk (6-4)

STARTING OFF: at Stratford, Friday, 6 p.m.

The official 2016 team of SPB&J. The Panthers should ascend back to the top of the SWC because it returns SEVENTEEN starters. Remember the name “Nick Dellapiano.” He threw for 1,070 yards and 11 TDs, ran for a team-high 689 yards and 9 TDs, and had 24 catches for 406 yards and 3 TDs. He’ll play receiver this season while Matt Hersch becomes the full-time QB.

East Hartford (6-4)

STARTING OFF: at New Britain, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Been a while since we’ve seen East Hartford getting votes. In the spirit of transparency, we know less than nothing about this year’s Hornets other than last year’s leading passer (Sergio Rodriguez) and rusher (Talik Adams) were a sophomore and junior, respectively. Heard some CCC coaches talking East Hartford up, too. Sure would be nice to see another CCC Class LL program kick butt other than the usual suspects (Southington, Glastonbury, Conard, and Hall).

New Fairfield (11-2)

STARTING OFF: at Newtown, Friday, 7 p.m.

The REBELS were built to compete for a state title and didn’t disappoint as they smashed their way to the Class M final. Almost the entire offensive line graduated. Fortunately, Kyle Brennan and Reed Oettinger are back (both are 6-2, 250), and New Fairfield plans to keep pounding defenses with the run. The defense is in far better shape than the offense and will be led by middle linebacker A.J. Pearl (97 tackles, 2 INT last season). The Rebels open against SWC fav Newtown in one of the weekend's top games. WHEE-EEEE.

Greenwich (4-5)

STARTING OFF: at Westhill, Saturday, 3 p.m.

The Cardinals had their first losing season since 1985. There’s little chance that happens again. The team and then first-year head coach John Marinelli have had over a year to get acclimated, and that should pay dividends (Marinelli, as you smart folks know, played a big role in New Canaan’s recent success working for his pops, Lou). Greenwich has a lot of holes to fill, so it’s fortunate to have ONE HUNDRED AND NINE PLAYERS on varsity (and over 200 in the program — yes). Linebacker won’t be an issue thanks to seniors Mike Ceci and Paul Williams.

Fairfield Prep (5-5)

STARTING OFF: at Hand, Friday, 7 p.m.

Hopefully, by now, you’ve gained a better appreciation for the SCC D1 death pit. The Jesuits look to throw more this season because senior QB Patrick Conte is back for his season year. He missed four games last year after breaking his collarbone in a season-opening loss to Notre Dame-West Haven, but Yale recognized his talent and successfully wooed him. The SCC’s biggest school never lacks brawn. Among its large individuals this season are senior TE-DL Bobby Haskins is 6-7, 235, and senior two-way linemen Ayinde Johnson (6-2, 240) and Nate Miller (5-10, 260).

BUT WAIT. …. THERE’S MORE

Cromwell/Portland (8-2)

STARTING OFF: vs. Coginchaug, Friday, 4 p.m.

It’s been a few years since the Panthers ruled over the Pequot. They have the veteran talent to seize control back this fall. Kristian Sapp (109 carries, 822 yards, 11 TD) was a Class S All-State running back last season and will get to run behind Anthony Puntiel (6-6, 340). DE Ethan Roy had 12 sacks last year. C&P was a minute away from qualifying for Class S last Thanksgrabbing when it lost on a fumble and safety. It’s making states this season. Believe it.

Ellington (8-2)

STARTING OFF: vs. Valley Regional/Old Lyme, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Word is there are co-favorites to win the Pequot. One is the aforementioned Panthers. Ellington is the other. It returns 10 starters, including brawny senior two-way linemen Ryan Weitz (6-2, 295), Aedan Randle (6-4, 235) and Sean Villeneuve (6-3, 220). Leading rusher Izaiah Castro-Vega (647 yards, 9 TDs) will get more work due to graduation losses. Wellington Silva will also be asked to take on a bigger role in the backfield, a good idea given he was the 2015 Class M outdoor 100 meter champion.

Foran (7-3)

STARTING OFF: at Wilbur Cross, Friday, 3:30 p.m.

Another wise, championship-winning coach said the Lions will play for the Class M title. That seems like a lofty prediction for a program that's only made states twice (the last time in 2001). Most of Foran’s offense will be manned by newbies. QB Lance DiNatale and WR-DB Brett Huber are back to make it all better for the Lions, though. DiNatale threw for 2,707 yards and 26 TDs last season. Huber set SCC records for receptions (88) and yards (1,353), scored 19 times, threw two touchdowns, and had eight interceptions. Lineman Andre Vella is one of seven defensive starters returning. The Lions will also benefit from an easier schedule as a member of the newly realigned SCC Tier II. They’ll play two of their toughest opponents early — North Haven (Sept. 23), and at fellow Tier II rival Hillhouse (Oct. 7).

Hamden (1-9)

STARTING OFF: vs. West Haven, Friday, 7 p.m.

We mention the Green Dragons because of new head coach Tom Dyer. Dyer coached Hillhouse to two state championships and inherits a program that always has great talent. Hamden also has a long, aggravating history of underacheiving and losing far, far too many games for a school with great athletes and numbers (886 boys, 11th largest in the state according to the CIAC 2015-16 enrollments). The biggest fear among SCC football coaches is Hamden with a good coach. The Green Dragons have that now, and the turnaround will happen soon.

Rocky Hill (8-2)

STARTING OFF: at Avon, Saturday, 2 p.m.

The Terriers got screwed by the system last year because it lost 70 playoff points when the CIAC stripped Berlin of seven wins. Rocky Hill ended up missing states by 0.67 points. Not good. It has a great chance to avenge that misfortune with a veteran team. Grant Nieves, Joe Catania and Will White are back to make GOD'S OFFENSE work. The Terriers will be one of the top teams in the CCC D-III.

Valley Regional/Old Lyme (6-4)

STARTING OFF: vs. Ellington, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

The WARRIORCATS have smaller numbers than usual, not much size, and are inexperienced up front. Weep not for them as they're loaded with scorers. QB/DB Matt Sapere (1,329 yards passing, 13 TDs, 4 TD rushing), RB/LB Dan Stecher (793 yards rushing, 11 TDs), WR/DB/K Garrett Burdick and WR/DB/P Ernest Jean-Pierre give VR/OL a foursome that rivals any in the Pequot.

• • • •

There's no need to detail this weekends top game as most have already been mentioned. We love YOU enough to still give you a list, though:

Ellington at Valley Regional/Old Lyme, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Middletown at Platt, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Montville at Griswold, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Berlin at Bloomfield, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Ansonia at Wolcott, Friday, 7 p.m.

Cheshire at North Haven, Friday, 7 p.m. (the old Thanksgrabbing rivalry is kind-of-back!)

Fairfield Prep at Hand, Friday, 7 p.m.

Glastonbury at Conard, Friday, 7 p.m.

New Fairfield at Newtown, 7 p.m.

Notre Dame-West Haven at Bishop Hendricken (R.I.), Friday, 7 p.m.