TODAY'S GAMES

Woodstock at Fitch, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Woodstock (0-3, 0-1 ECC Large Division); Fitch (2-1, 1-1)

Outlook: If Fitch coach Mike Emery had a strand of yarn for every time he has said, "we just want to keep improving" over the years, he'd have a roomful of sweaters by now. Yet that's what the Falcons keep doing. Even last week's 34-27 loss to undefeated NFA had its encouraging moments. Fitch is the considerable favorite here and should be 3-1 by night's end.

Bacon at Waterford, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Bacon (0-2, 0-1 ECC Medium Division); Waterford (1-2, 0-1)

Outlook: The Lancers played perhaps their best half of the season in the second half last week against Plainfield. Suddenly, this game assumes even more meaning with the ECC Medium Division race wide open after Windham's upset of Ledyard last week. Waterford can even its record in the division and build momentum into crucial division games later this month and next.

Killingly at Montville, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Killingly (0-2); Montville (2-1)

Outlook: This is the final of Killingly's schedule-brought-to-you-by-the-Marquis-de-Sade. The Redmen at least had a bye week after opening with New London and Ledyard. This isn't any easier. If Killingly emerges relatively healthy, it can compete for the ECC Small Division title. … Montville righted itself last week against Bacon Academy.

NFA at Ledyard, 6:30 p.m.

Records: NFA (3-0); Ledyard (2-1)

Outlook: All season, Ledyard coach Jim Buonocore has reminded his players that, essentially, you can't print playoff tickets until you get there. And now the Colonels, following last week's upset loss at Windham, are in some danger. A loss here - to a very good team - would likely force Ledyard to win its last six games to qualify. Ledyard's defense will have a hard time containing NFA senior running back Marcus Outlow, who could be the difference.

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

Records: Morgan (1-2, 1-2 Pequot Sassacus); Valley/Old Lyme (2-1, 2-1)

Outlook: Valley/Old Lyme has scored 82 points in its last two games. After a 49-0 win two weeks ago, it dropped 33 on rival Old Saybrook/Westbrook last week, thanks to Justin Cheverier's 139 yards and five touchdowns.

North Haven at New London, 6:30 p.m.

Records: North Haven (2-1); New London (3-0)

Outlook: North Haven, which hails from the vaunted Southern Connecticut Conference, won't be intimidated. The Indians run the single wing with 22 juniors, after qualifying for the playoffs the last two years. It's doubtful they've seen speed that can match New London's, but they've already played No. 1 Xavier this season, which should account for something.

SATURDAY'S GAME

Stonington vs. East Lyme at Waterford, 2 p.m.

Records: Stonington (2-1); East Lyme (0-3)

Outlook: It has been a discouraging start for the Vikings, who have lost to Fitch, Windham and New London. This won't be much easier. Stonington, which beat Windham in Week 1 and got well on Woodstock last week after stumbling against Fitch, will challenge East Lyme at the line of scrimmage.

- Mike DiMauro