Howdy,

We're hours away from the start of another blessed season (Enfield at Granby gets us started at 4:45 this afternoon). That alone is worth running around in circles while flapping one's arms and shouting, "WHOO."

The best thing about the season — INTERLEAGUEMAGGEDON.

The 2013 calendar has allowed for an 11-game season, prompting some conferences to release teams from their confines and allow them to play outsiders.

The FCIAC and SCC begin their battle royal tonight. The NVL and SWC clash in Week 6 (Oct. 18-19). Some other teams also manned up and scheduled quality instead of cupcakes. Two that spring immediately to mind are Norwich Free Academy at Glastonbury and Middletown at New London. HATS OFF to all four of you.

All these non-conference fracases recently got Day sportswriter/curmudgeon Mike DiMauro thinking aloud. He (rightfully) believes that we should be gifted with these games every year because we'd get to see the best play the best (i.e. Ansonia v. Masuk).

The problem is that many conferences lock their teams into interleague games, allowing them no flexibility to look elsewhere. That's understandable — you form a league to make scheduling EASIER, not harder. The presence of an 11-game season gives everyone a little freedom, but it only comes around every few years.

(Please don't ask us to explain the math and mysticism involved with the calendar that allows for an 11-game season. Besides, said timetable system was created by our Norse gods and goddesses and is not for us mortals to ponder or question).

The CIAC could allow the football season to start a week early during a 10-game season in order to fit in an 11th-game. In theory. In theory, communism works. In theory.

It's not wise to have teenagers play more games than necessary. There's a chance that teams will play 15 games this season should they compete in a conference with a championship game, and advance to a state final. That's one less game than professionals play, and although football is a glorious game, it is a violent one. The body can only handle so much punishment. Those of you who've moshed for a living can attest to that fact.

Here, then, is a modest proposal for all conferences — allow your membership to schedule one non-conference opponent a season. Better yet, form a regular partnership with another league so that coaches and athletic directors don't go mad scrambling to schedule a game.

Stay the course, FCIAC, NVL, SCC and SWC!

Yes, this is easier said than done. It's hard for the CCC to square off with another as it has THIRTY TWO teams. That's double the number in the ECC (15). We honestly have no idea how the CCC, CSC, ECC and Pequot could pair up with one another, but there are smarter minds out there than ours. Folks of great intellect figured out how to harness electricity, put man on the moon, and created the boneless buffalo chicken wing. Surely someone can master this scheduling conundrum.

In the meantime, take a moment to enjoy the great wonders this week, such as Hand at New Canaan, Staples at Xavier, and West Haven and Greenwich.

■ ■ ■ ■

The Day's Top 10 state coaches' poll shall be unleashed on the populace next week. We prefer to allow voters a week's worth of games before passing judgment, rather than basing decisions on last year's results or preseason expectations.

The New Haven Register prefers to jump headfirst into the abyss and released its media poll Monday, thus allowing fans and players to start bickering over their placement. It also allows us to use their poll to give YOU a quick overview of teams around the state.

Note that first-place votes are in parentheses, followed by last year's record, total points, and last year's final ranking:

1. Xavier (14) 12-1 890 2

KNOW THIS: The voters are unfazed that the three-time, three-time, three-time Class LL champions have graduated eight starters on both sides of the ball. And why would they as the Falcons have won 38 of their last 39 games.

NEXT: v. Staples, today, 6:30 p.m.

2. Ansonia (13) 14-0 874 3

KNOW THIS: Opponents should be thankful the Chargers use the I-formation instead the flexbone because QB Jai'Quan McKnight, RB Arkeel Newsome and FB Saiheed Sanders would be an insane option trio.

NEXT: v. Torrington, Thursday, 7 p.m.

3. New Canaan 9-3 606 NR

KNOW THIS: The Rams have enough veteran talent to make a run at the CIAC Class L title. They'll start this season by playing host to the two-time, two-time defending kingpins.

NEXT: v. Hand, today, 6:30 p.m.

4. Norwich Free Academy (1) 12-1 580 6

KNOW THIS: The Class LL runner-up returns running backs Marcus Outlow and Khaleed Exum-Strong, and defensive terrors J'Von Brown and Tuzar Skipper. And now you know why the Wildcats earned a number one vote.

NEXT: v. Montville, Sept. 21, 1 p.m.

5. West Haven 8-3 549 NR

KNOW THIS: Syracuse-bound tailback Ervin Philips has moves like Neo in "The Matrix" character, and Jesse Ridgway, Tayvon Gibbs and Nyrell Moore comprise a nasty linebacker corps. Head coach Ed McCarthy needs six more wins to pass Bill Mignault for the most career coaching victories in state history. The Blue Devils will get him those wins and perhaps a Class LL title, too.

NEXT: at Greenwich, Thursday, 6 p.m.

6. Middletown 8-3 501 NR

KNOW THIS: The Blue Dragons haven't won a playoff game since winning the 1992 Class MM title. That will change this season. QB Dario Highsmith is one of eight starters back for an offense that averaged 34 points last year, and the defense returns six. Only Xavier, Class L finalist Windsor and Class L semifinalist Masuk were able to beat them last season.

NEXT: v. East Lyme, Thursday, 7 p.m.

7. Southington 10-1 498 10

KNOW THIS: Its only loss last year was to Glastonbury, which it beat during the regular season. Over half the starters are back, including Yale-bound quarterback Stephen Barmore and tailback Jarrid Grimmett.

NEXT: at Glastonbury, Thursday, 6 p.m.

8. St. Joseph-Trumbull 8-3 442 NR

KNOW THIS: Senior quarterback Jordan Vazzano has played since he was a sophomore, as has three offensive linemen. Tailback Mufasha Abdul Basir returned to the program, too. Say hello to your 2013 Class M champs.

NEXT: v. Notre Dame-West Haven, Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

9. Newtown 10-1 438 NR

KNOW THIS: This ranking is probably too low for the Nighthawks. The defending SWC champions have nine offensive starters and five on defense, and no one was able to beat them until NFA squished them in the LL quarterfinals (63-21). Reckon that loss shall fuel Newtown's rage.

NEXT: at Pomperaug, Thursday, 7 p.m.

10. Hand (2) 13-0 401 1

KNOW THIS: It has just one starter back on offense and four on defense, and head coach Steve Filippone said over the offseason that his team would likely be a seven-or-eight win team. Uh-uh, say opposing coaches who've either seen them at camps or scrimmaged them. The two-time, two-time Class L champs have looked like a team that should make a run at a three-peat.

NEXT: at New Canaan, today, 6:30 p.m.

Others receiving votes

Windsor (11-1), 316 points

KNOW THIS: The Warriors return just nine starters, but two of them are two-way linemen Charles Baldwin and Keith Benjamin. That's a good start. Tailback Jaylen Berry will burn a lot of opposing defenses, too.

NEXT: at Manchester, Friday, 6 p.m.

Glastonbury (10-2), 256

KNOW THIS: Like Windsor, the Tomahawks graduated 13 starters. Like Windsor, the Tomahawks don't do rebuilding. The early schedule is a concern as they play host to Southington on Thursday, and NFA comes to town in Week 4.

NEXT: v. Southington, Thursday, 6 p.m.

Greenwich (8-2), 234

KNOW THIS: When we last saw the Cardinals, they were being trampled by Xavier in the LL quarterfinals (55-14). That was very un-Greenwich-like, and it's a bit of a mystery right now as they graduated 36 seniors. Austin Longi should be one of the FCIAC's most exciting players, a "Joker" who can play at either tailback or the slot. Defensive end Jack Wynne (6-5, 230) has given UMass a verbal commitment.

NEXT: v. West Haven, Thursday, 6 p.m.

Staples (10-1), 219

KNOW THIS: We challenge you to find a team hit harder by graduation than the Wreckers. The FCIAC champions have just four starters back, and the noobs will get a baptism by fire today at Xavier. One can always count on Staples being a contender thanks to coaching and pedigree, but it should take longer than usual to get online.

NEXT: at Xavier, today, 6:30 p.m.

Masuk (10-2), 141

KNOW THIS: There was a lot of fussin' and afeudin' going on here weeks ago as some players and parents were upset with new head coach Dave Brennan. Things have simmered down since then, and the Panthers have enough veteran talent to compete for a playoff berth. QB Malik Cummings threw for 2,158 yards and 19 TDs last year. And bless whoever made the SWC schedule this season as Masuk plays against former coach John Murphy and his new team, New Milford, on Thursday. That's a better storyline than you're going to get from "Breaking Bad."

NEXT: at New Milford, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Hillhouse (11-2), 139

KNOW THIS: A lot of folks (and coaches) are curious to see what happens with the Academics after head coach Tom Dyer resigned in early August to become Hamden's AD. Dyer led the team to two Class M titles the past three years. The early schedule is a nightmare as Hillhouse plays at Darien, v. Hand, and at Xavier in the first four weeks. The good news — the Acs always have talent, and Harold Cooper, the fastest teen in the state, returns.

NEXT: at Darien, Thursday, 4 p.m.

New London (7-3), 137

KNOW THIS: The Whalers are very interesting. They finished 7-3 last season after Duane Maranda took over as head coach that summer. Everyone will benefit from an offseason together. New London will use its Chip Kelly-esque offense to tear up opposing defenses, and it has so, so many scorers (tailback Orrin Parke and receivers Nico Ramos and Jose Garcia, to name a few). That's great for junior Dan Maranda, who starts his first season at QB. The offensive line will also be more settled — the Whalers had a different starting five every game last season due to injuries and inexperience.

NEXT: v. Plainfield at Coast Guard, Saturday, 11 a.m.

Shelton (6-4), 71

KNOW THIS: The Gaels haven't been to states in five years. That's far too long for a program that's used to winning. There's been good chatter about them during the preseason. Junior Mark Piccirillo threw for 15 touchdowns last season and ran for five more. Senior running back Jason Thompson, who missed most of last year to injury, has been described as a bruising tailback who's a throwback to Shelton teams of yore.

NEXT: v. Trumbull, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Berlin (11-2), 58

KNOW THIS: There's few teams that can claim they were whacked by graduation as hard as Staples. Berlin comes close, though, as it lost 16 starters from their Class M runner-up team. Like Staples, the Redcoats have coaching and pedigree working in their favor. QB Mitch Williams starts his third season.

NEXT: at Bristol Eastern, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Fairfield Prep (6-4), 43

KNOW THIS: The Jesuits are the great unknown in the SCC D-1. SCC biographer Ray Curren recently wrote that Prep has good size on both sides, but inexperienced at the scoring positions.

NEXT: at Stamford, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Naugatuck (6-4), 22

KNOW THIS: Here's the rare guarantee you'll get this season — the Greyhounds will entertain you. Craig Bruno has moved in from Bunnell, which he led to its only two state titles, and is willing to try any play once. He also inherits a lot of talent as QB Jason Bradley starts his second season, and the offensive line had four starters back.

NEXT: at Crosby, Friday, 7 p.m.

Valley Regional/Old Lyme (7-3), 28

KNOW THIS: The Warriors rebuilt last season with mostly young players and did well. They could make the playoffs for the third time in four seasons as they return 16 starters. Depth is always a concern for V/OL, and somehow, it was pushed up into Class M this season. The Pequot Conference also realigned this season with the best teams crossing over to play one another, so the Warriors have perhaps their toughest schedule ever.

NEXT: at Hyde, Thursday, 4:30 p.m.

Capital Prep/Classical/Achievement (10-1), 27

KNOW THIS: Senior fullback-linebacker Mike Jones is a top Division I recruit. Running back Bennie Fulse ran for 14 touchdowns last season and averaged 16.32 yards a carry. He was a freshman, by the way. Pencil the Trailblazers in for their second straight Class S berth.

NEXT: v. Platt Tech, Saturday, noon

Oxford (8-2), 26

KNOW THIS: The Wolverines missed the Class S playoffs by a mere 40 points last season. Kountry Kyle Brennan, the Waterbury Republican-American scribe and Boomer the Quinnpiac Bobcat, swears they'll make it this season. Oxford returns most of its starters. It'll be breaking in a new QB — Kyle Chudoba, who pitched the baseball team to the Class S title last spring.

NEXT: at Weston, Thursday, 4 p.m.

Ledyard (7-3), 21

KNOW THIS: The ball should be in the air more than anytime in Colonels history as they're going to pass often out of the spread. The new style will help an inexperienced and smaller offensive line, and take advantage of the skills of tailback JoJo Shumaker and receivers Joe Carter, Khary Childs, Jordan Kowalski, etc. Sophomore Ty Ebdon is a promising QB. The defensive line was hit hard by graduation, too, so all of that offensive talent could allow Ledyard to outscore teams if need be.

NEXT: vs. RHAM, Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Rocky Hill (9-2), 20

KNOW THIS: Head coach Dave Coyne and his staff quietly, and without much fanfare, does fine work with the Terriers. We admit we're a bit biased as they run GOD'S OFFENSE. This is the YEAR OF THE RUNNING BACK, and Chris Young is one of the state's best. He averaged over a first down every carry (12.29) with 27 touchdowns.

NEXT: at Wethersfield, Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Platt-Meriden (8-3), 16

KNOW THIS: The downside — all-state tailback Justin Potts graduated. The upside — the Panthers return eight on offense. That includes quarterback Andrew McBride and four offensive linemen. The defense isn't as settled with only four starters back, none of which were linemen. Platt has enough to get back to the Class L playoffs.

NEXT: v. Waterford, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Foran-Milford (6-4), 14

KNOW THIS: It's been a while since there's been this much optimism about the Lions. They return eight on defense and seven on offense, including junior QB Jake Kasuba (2,547 yards, 24 TDs). Foran will have to survive the opening few weeks as they play at West Haven (Sept. 20) and play host to Shelton (Oct. 4).

NEXT: v. Fairfield Warde, today, 7 p.m.

Farmington (8-2), 12

KNOW THIS: The Indians have lost just three games over the past two seasons and finished ninth in the Class L rankings, just short of the playoffs. That's what happens when you're in the same division as Middletown and Windsor. Farmington will try again to break down the door and have the scorers to get the job done. Ivan Guadalupe ran for 1,302 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, and Kenny Jones had 1,675 total yards of total offense. The offensive line is inexperienced, whereas the defense is in good shape. Now the Indians just need to beat either Middletown or Windsor in order to guarantee a playoff berth.

NEXT: at Simsbury, Thursday, 6 p.m.

Wolcott (9-2), 12

KNOW THIS: The Eagles return 14 starters. Unfortunately for them, one of the few starters they have to replace is a big one — QB Mike Nicol, who carried the offense with his legs and arm last fall. Vincent Gambino takes over that position. We'd usually feel confident picking a team with so much veteran talent to make states, but Wolcott's schedule ain't easy. It plays Naugatuck, Newtown (eep), Ansonia (EEP), Derby and Holy Cross.

NEXT: v. Sacred Heart, Friday, 7 p.m.

Guilford (5-5), 8

KNOW THIS: The Indians, like Foran, are another SCC D2 team that folks think could challenge Hillhouse and North Haven's dominance. They nearly beat Hillhouse last season as they had considerably more offense, but flubbed the dub (a 20-18 loss). The flexbone offense is in great shape as QB Joey Nault and tailbacks Eric Zergiebel and David Knapp all return. SCCCurren and Sean Patrick Starfish both pick Guilford to win the division, but its chances of making states are slim as it plays three of the SCC's top teams (Hand, Shelton and West Haven), in addition to Foran, Hillhouse and North Haven.

NEXT: v. Wilton, Thursday, 7 p.m.

North Haven (7-3), 8

KNOW THIS: Speaking of North Haven, word is that it doesn't have a game-breaker such as Jalon White (New London remembers him). It'll be as physical as ever, and will grind team's down playing GOD'S FATHER'S OFFENSE. It also has a tougher schedule than most SCC D2 teams as it plays Xavier, Hand and Darien.

NEXT: at Bridgeport Central, Thursday, 6 p.m.

North Branford (12-1), 8

KNOW THIS: The Purple and Black Attack blitzed most of their opponents last season en route to the Class S final. They won't be able to match that success as most of that crew graduated. They'll still be a pain to play, though. They generally are.

NEXT: v. Haddam-Killingworth, Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Amity-Woodbridge (4-6), 7

KNOW THIS: Surprised the Spartans received one 15th-place vote as they haven't had a winning season since 2008, but VIVA LA DIFFERENCE. Amity has scorers, but are inexperienced up front. Senior Kyle Luth was seven-for-seven on field goals last season. That's a lot for a state high school kicker.

NEXT: v. Seymour, today, 7 p.m.

Bethel (4-6), 7

KNOW THIS: The Wildcats have enough talent and experience to have a winning season. QB Joey Piatnik ran for 1,760 yards and 21 touchdowns last season directing the team's option offense. He's got some brawny blockers in TE Cal Daniels (6-3, 250) and linemen Ian Melvin (6-5, 270) and Ethan Draper (6-2, 250).

NEXT: at Barlow, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Gilbert/Northwestern (7-3), 7

KNOW THIS: They have some good scorers up there in Winsted. QB John Lippincott and RB Tony Ortiz Jr. alone provide a fine 1-2 punch. The yellow and blue also have receiver Nick Pedrolini and tight end Paxton Lewis-Franklin. The Yellowjackets will have to contend with a tougher schedule than usual as past success earned it games against the Pequot's best.

NEXT: at Cromwell, Thursday, 3:30 p.m.

■ ■ ■ ■

There's a lot more you need to know about this season, and too little time and too many websites to visit.

Allow us to help YOU as we've hyperlinked a treasure-trove of stories:

Gentleman Jim Bransfield, Hearst Inc.: Commandments for parents attending high school sporting events. Yeah, verily.

Bob Barton, JRC Amalgamated: Players ready to rewrite Connecticut H.S. football record book.

FCIAC

Hearst Inc.: Media day and capsules.

JRC Amalgamated: Sean Patrick Starfish's cheat sheet.

NVL

JRC Amalgamated: Sean's cheat sheet.

The NVL Blog: Primers, Picks and Preseason All-NVL.

Waterbury Republican-American: Capsules.

SCC

JRC Amalgamated: Division I rankings, Division II rankings, and Sean Patrick Starfish's cheat sheat.

SWC

Hearst Inc.: Here.

JRC Amalgamated: Sean's cheat sheat

POTPOURRI

Hartford Courant: Area team capsules

Hearst Inc.: Area team capsules

Waterbury Republican-American: Area team capsules.

Ansonia

Kevin Duffy, Hearst Inc.: Newsome piles on yardage, history at Ansonia

Mark Jaffe, Waterbury Republican-American: Sanders embraces new role

Pooch Diggity Dogg, JRC Amalgamated: Ansonia will rely on talented offensive line

NVL Blog: Ansonia team preview

Avon

Gerry deSimas Jr., Collinsville Press: Despite tougher schedule, Avon aims for another Pequot title, playoff berth

Branford

Dave Phillips, JRC Amalgamated: Former Branford QB Limone savors challenge as Hornets' new head coach

Bunnell

Rich Elliott, Hearst Inc.: Bunnell coaching job everything Cotto 'hoped and dreamed for'

Canton

Gerry deSimas, Collinsville Press: Experienced Canton grid team faces challenging schedule

Crosby

Mark Jaffee, Waterbury Republican-American: Crosby seniors set a course to better season

NVL Blog: Team preview

Danbury

Chris Brodeur, Hearst Inc.: Danbury football team looks to get 'Bigger. Faster. Stronger'

Darien

Jon Chik, Hearst Inc.: Darien lacks superstars, but still has plenty of talent

Derby

NVL Blog: Team preview

East Haven

Chris Hunn, JRC Amalgamated: Anthony Lucibello building a program at East Haven

Farmington

Gerry deSimas, Collinsville Press: Farmington looks strong with some dynamic players returning

Foran

Pooch Diggity Dogg, JRC Amalgamated: Lofty expectations for Foran

Gilbert/Northwestern Regional

Mark Jaffee, Waterbury Republican-American: Experienced quarterback at the helm for Gilbert-Northwestern

Granby

Gerry deSimas, Collinsville Press: Granby football hopes to take next step — a winning season

Greenwich

David Fierro, Hearst Inc.: Greenwich looking to find the right pieces to its winning puzzle

Guilford

John Lecardo, Guilford Courier: Football Looks to Build Success Upon Late Season Surge

Haddam-Killingworth

John Lecardo, The Source: HK Football Anticipates Youthful Uprising on Gridiron

Hand

John Lecardo, The Source: Tigers Begin Title Defense with Younger Group

Harding

William S. Paxton, Hearst Inc.: Cochran trying to breathe life into downtrodden Harding

Hillhouse

Henry Chisholm, JRC Amalgamated: Hillhouse football expects smooth sailing with new skipper

Holy Cross

NVL Blog: Team preview

Kennedy

Mark Jaffee, Waterbury Republican-American: For Kennedy, pieces start to fall into place

NVL Blog: Team preview

Lewis Mills

Gerry deSimas Jr., Collinsville Press: Winless Mills looks to build foundation of success

Lyman Hall

Bryant Carpenter, Meriden Record-Journal: Lyman Hall puts last year's book on the shelf

Maloney

Bryant Carpenter, Meriden Record-Journal: Are these guys chips off the old block M?

Masuk

Michael Fornabaio, Hearst Inc.: Masuk football moving forward, puts disputes into past

McMahon

Cameron Martin, Hearst Inc.: McMahon will rely on Forney

Middletown

Jimmy Zanor, JRC Amalgamated: Middletown football sets sights on big season

Naugatuck

NVL Blog: Team preview

Newington

Chris McLaughlin, New Britain Herald: Newington opens year with new foe in Bacon Academy

Newtown

Chris Brodeaur, Hearst Inc.: Cooper Gold, Newtown football team primed for SWC title defense, deep playoff run

North Haven

Ray Curren, JRC Amalgamated: North Haven's Sabrina Fronte steps to the forefront as team's starting placekicker

Norwalk

Cameron Martin, Hearst Inc.: Norwalk has plenty of speed, lacks experience

Platt

Bryant Carpenter, Meriden Record-Journal: West Side cupboard remains full stocked. Waterford, you should probably read this.

Rocky Hill

Tom Yantz, Hartford Courant: Left Or Right, Chris Young Is Rocky Hill's Hammer

Sacred Heart

Mark Jaffee, Waterbury Republican-American: Sacred Heart faces difficult season; thin roster will be challenged

Mark Jaffee, Waterbury Republican-American: Perugini a versatile leader for Sacred Heart football

NVL Blog: Team preview

St. Paul

Jim Fuller, JRC Amalgamated: UConn-bound Logan Marchi passing all the tests

NVL Blog: Team preview

Seymour

Mark Jaffee, Waterbury Republican-American: Seymour's Sirowich plays with unrivaled passion

NVL Blog: Team preview

Sheehan

Bryant Carpenter, Meriden Record-Journal: Ready to take on Olympus

Shelton

Pooch Diggity Dogg, JRC Amalgamated: Talented Shelton excited for upcoming season

Simsbury

Gerry deSimas Jr., Collinsville Press: Simsbury uses preseason to get offense, defense into gear

Southington

Bryant Carpenter, Meriden Record-Journal: Aspiring to Knights on Broadway

Chris Hunn, JRC Amalgamated: Experience a key for Yale-bound Barmore

Mark Jaffee, Meriden Record-Journal: Knights' 'Mr. Reliable' gives a verbal to Yale

Tom Yantz, Hartford Courant: Southington's Stephen Barmore Says His Dream Is Now a Mission

Stamford

Scott Ericson, Hearst Inc.: Webb determined to lead Stamford to successful season

Staples

Mary Albl, JRC Amalgamated: Staples ready for challenges ahead on gridiron

Doug Bonjour, Hearst Inc.: Two-time FCIAC champion Staples beings with mostly new roster

Torrington

NVL Blog: Team preview

Trinity Catholic

Rich DePreta, Hearst Inc.: Trinity Catholic, Panapada ready to being new era

Valley Regional/Old Lyme

Jimmy Zanor, JRC Amalgamated: 'Rebuilding' season over, Valley in chase for state crown

Watertown

NVL Blog: Team preview

Westhill

Scott Ericson, Hearst Inc.: Westhill now plays in a winning culture

West Haven

Mojo Morelli, JRC Amalgamated: West Haven football coach Ed McCarthy on verge of becoming Connecticut's all-time wins leader

Wilby

NVL Blog: Team preview

Wolcott

NVL Blog: Team preview

Woodland

NVL Blog: Team preview

Xavier

Jimmy Zanor, JRC Amalgamated: Xavier eyes a fourth straight Class LL title

■ ■ ■ ■

America loves predictions, so here are your 2013 playoff participants.

This forecast was done in about 16 minutes. Very little research (or thought) went into it. We plan on being wrong on about half and, in fact, look forward to it. Ignorance is bliss.

CLASS LL: Glastonbury, Greenwich, New Milford, Newtown, Norwich Free Academy, Southington, West Haven, and Xavier.

CLASS L: Farmington, Guilford, Hand, Naugatuck, New Canaan, New London, Platt, and Windsor.

CLASS M: Berlin, Bethel, Foran, Ellington/Somers, Gilbert/Northwestern Regional, Ledyard, St. Joseph, and Valley Regional/Old Lyme.

CLASS S: Ansonia, Capital/Classical/Achievement, Derby, Hyde, Morgan, Northwest Catholic, Oxford, and Rocky Hill.

The winners? Sorry. No can do. Life has to have some surprises. Besides, we already gave you St. Joseph, and you can easily ansonia figure out ansonia another state champion ansonia.

■ ■ ■ ■

Media alert for this weekend — John Holt and Joe Zone will host the season debut of WFSB-3's Friday Night Football on THURSDAY at 11:15 p.m. Most of the fun happens Wednesday and Thursday, so they decided to get a jump on the season.

Football. Autumn. George DeMaio. These are three great things that go great together. George and his dulcet tones return to WELI-960 tonight as he broadcasts Staples at Xavier. He'll cover Wilton at Guilford manana. Friday, he heads down to The Valley for St. Paul at Derby. You can listen at 960WELI.com and iHeart.com if you don't live in the greater New Haven region.

Waterbury's WATR will broadcast Friday's Watertown at Holy Cross game. You can follow the game at watr.com in case you don't live near the Brass City.

Lastly, fans of football and the antisocial media are encouraged to follow all the nightly (and daily) action on Twitter at #cthsfb.

Polecat intern @MetalNED will also jibber-jabber on about football and thrash metal, too.

(Get the new Revocation. NOW).

■ ■ ■ ■

That's all for now. Thanks for reading. Enjoy another magical season.

Vaya con dios....