Friday's Games

Griswold at Montville, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Griswold (2-2); Montville (2-2)

Last week: Both teams were idle

Outlook: Montville, which began 2-0, has lost two straight. And the Indians have had two weeks to chew on a 35-0 loss to Stonington, during which the defense was unable to stop the double wing. Will the Indians come out ornery? Montville is still looking for its first home win of the season.

Waterford at Windham, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Waterford (0-3); Windham (0-4)

Last week: Both teams were idle

Outlook: So who says there's not good news to report here? There is. One of these teams will earn its first win here (barring a tie). The Lancers have been plagued by turnovers on offense and an inability to stop anybody on defense. Bad combination. Did they use the bye week to improve? We'll see.

Bassick at Ledyard, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Bassick (0-5); Ledyard (1-3)

Last week: Bassick lost to Lyman Hall 43-14; Ledyard was idle

Outlook: This is a great opportunity for win No. 2 for the Colonels. Bassick has been blanked twice and scored 26 points all season. The Colonels have had two weeks to incorporate new quarterback Jacob Sylvia into the lineup. Sylvia, making his first start two weeks ago, hit James Smith (twice) and Stanley Green with touchdown passes in a loss at Notre Dame of Fairfield.

Fairfield Prep at New London, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Prep (4-1); New London (1-3)

Last week: Prep defeated Xavier 35-7; New London was idle

Outlook: Scouting report on the Jesuits: Very big. Which means New London's lines will have quite the challenge. Prep used the running of Justin Keith (121 yards) and six sacks to beat Xavier last week. New London starting quarterback Owen George is still injured and not expected to play.

East Lyme at Barlow, 7 p.m.

Records: Barlow (3-1); East Lyme (3-1)

Last week: Barlow defeated New Milford 41-21; East Lyme was idle

Outlook: Perhaps at the beginning of the season, this might not have been regarded as one of the state's best games of the weekend. But East Lyme is among the pleasant surprises of the ECC, while Barlow leads the Patriot Division of the South-West Conference. Barlow's triple option ran up 475 yards last week, providing East Lyme's defense with an attention-getter in practice all week.

Fitch at Branford, 7 p.m.

Records: Fitch (4-0); Branford (1-4)

Last week: Fitch was idle; Branford defeated Jonathan Law 45-21

Outlook: Can the Falcons, who are gaining votes in the state media and coaches' polls, stand prosperity? They've had two weeks to enjoy their rout of NFA. Now comes a trip downstate to play a team from the Southern Connecticut Conference that won its first game last week. Fitch and Branford have common opponent Notre Dame of West Haven. Fitch defeated the Green Knights, who later beat Branford.

Saturday's Games

O'Brien Tech at Thames River, 10 a.m.

Records: O'Brien Tech (4-0: Thames River (1-3)

Last week: O'Brien Tech was idle; Thames River lost to Bullard-Havens 52-0

Outlook: It doesn't get any easier this week for the Crusaders, who lost to unbeaten Bullard-Havens decisively. O'Brien Tech is also undefeated overall and within the Connecticut Technical Conference.

Valley/Old Lyme at Nonnewaug, noon

Records: Valley/OL (3-1); Nonnewaug (1-3)

Last week: Valley/OL lost to Old Saybrook/Westbrook 34-13; Nonnewaug defeated Morgan 30-22

Outlook: Valley/OL coach Tim King said he wouldn't be happy until "noon next Saturday" when his team kicks off at Nonnewaug, following last week's loss to Old Saybrook/Westbrook. Not much went right for the Warriors, who were a river of penalties and turnovers. Valley/OL may have to win out to qualify for the state playoffs, as has been the program's custom.

NFA at West Haven, 7 p.m.

Records: NFA (2-2); West Haven (5-0)

Last week: NFA was idle; West Haven defeated Cheshire 27-0

Outlook: Three West Haven running backs eclipsed 100 yards in last week's win over Cheshire. And to think NFA had trouble with Fitch's option two weeks ago. This won't be easy. West Haven is ranked No. 4 in The Day's latest state coaches' poll and runs the Wing-T, also difficult to stop.