The Lonesome Polecat (state variant): BRACKETLOGY~!, polls, and notables
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Dear self,
You will keep this edition of BRACKETOLOGY~! as concise as possible.
You will not subject our beloved reader to endless playoff permutations.
You will not give yourself a headache trying to figure this all out. Your brain is important and shouldn’t be reduced to goo that dribbles out of your nose.
Now look into the mirror and tell the person looking back at you that you love them.
(why don’t we have a reflection?)
Less talk. More rock. MORE BRACKETOLOGY~!
GROUND RULES
1. We’re going to be wrong about a bunch of these predictions and that's cool. Surprises are (usually) FUN.
Honestly, we hope we’re wrong more than we’re right as things have been too predictable thus far.
2. Just because we didn’t pick your team to qualify doesn’t mean we hate you. Hell, WE DON’T EVEN KNOW YOU, MAN.
3. Do you realize how the pain, blues and agony CIAC robotics savant Matt Fischer endured while building the ROBOABACUS, a magical contraption that keeps YOU updated on all the playoff races? No? Well, he did. So stop being so selfish and solicit the bloody thing.
4. No one officially qualifies until the CIAC football committee says they qualified. They’ll give everything a big A-OK the day after the end of the regular season.
5. This is an exhibition, not a competition. Please, no wagering.
Remember, kids — the top eight teams in each division qualify, and bonuses are the 10 points a team receives for every win by an opponent it defeated.
We've added “high” and “low” categories when listing the teams fighting for berths. They represent a team’s maximum and minimum number of potential playoff points.
The state quarterfinals (Tuesday, Nov. 27) and semifinals (Sunday, Dec. 2) are hosted by the higher seeds. The finals are on Saturday, Dec. 8 at sites to be determined.
We plan on posting updates after tonight and tomorrow night. You are also encouraged to follow all the fun the next three daze via the Twit at #cthsfb.
Twenty-one teams in. ELEVEN more berths to be claimed.
GO.
• • • •
CLASS LL
IN: No. 1 Shelton (8-0), No. 2 Darien (9-0), No. 3 Southington (9-0), No. 4 Newtown (9-0), No. 5 Greenwich (9-0) and No. 6 New Britain (9-1).
The top four seeds are up for grabs.
WIN-AND-IN
6. FAIRFIELD PREP (8-1)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing at West Haven (5-4).
HIGH: 1,360
LOW: 1,160
BONUSES (50): NORTH HAVEN over Amity; NFA over New London; SHEEHAN over Lyman Hall; CHESHIRE over Southington; HARDING over Bridgeport Central.
The Jesuits can lose and still qualify. Their minimum (1,160) is very close to New Canaan (1,180) and Staples’ (1,170) maximum, and those two won’t reach those numbers without beating one of the state’s top two teams.
East Hartford cannot catch Prep.
8. NEW CANAAN (7-2)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing vs. Darien (9-0) at Boyle Stadium, Stamford.
HIGH: 1,180
LOW: 930
BONUSES (60): NORWALK over McMahon; TRUMBULL over St. Joseph; FAIRFIELD LUDLOWE over Fairfield Warde; DANBURY over Ridgefield; WESTHILL over Stamford; TRINITY CATHOLIC over Wilton.
CalPreps’ computer model predicts Darien 24-19, should you give a doodle.
9. STAPLES (7-2)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing at Greenwich (9-0).
HIGH: 1,170
LOW: 930
BONUSES (50): BRIDGEPORT CENTRAL over Harding; FAIRFIELD WARDE over Fairfield Ludlowe; WILTON over Trinity Catholic; RIDGEFIELD over Danbury; STAMFORD over Westhill.
CalPreps’ computer model predicts Greenwich 31-14.
DOESN’T HAVE TO BEAT DARIEN OR GREENWICH
10. EAST HARTFORD (7-2)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing Eve vs. Manchester (4-5).
HIGH: 1,090
LOW: 920
BONUSES (30): GLASTONBURY over Bloomfield; SIMSBURY over Avon; NEWINGTON over Wethersfield.
Which seems like a safer route to playoffs — beating Manchester and hoping that Darien and/or Greenwich win, or by having to beat Darien or Greenwich?
THE EIGHT: No. 1 Shelton (10-0) vs. No. 8 East Hartford (8-2); No. 2 Darien (10-0) vs. No. 7 New Britain (9-1); No. 3 Newtown (10-0) vs. No. 6 Fairfield Prep (9-1); No. 4 Southington (10-0) vs. No. 5 Greenwich (10-0).
• • • •
CLASS L
IN: 1. Naugatuck (9-0), 2. Hand (9-0), 3. Middletown (8-0), 4. Maloney (8-1).
The first three teams have all clinched home quarterfinals. Maloney will, too, with a win over Platt on Thanksgrabbing.
WIN-AND-IN
5. BUNNELL (8-1)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing Eve vs. Stratford (1-8).
HIGH: 1,180
LOW: 1,030
BONUSES (40): LEDYARD over Fitch; BETHEL over Brookfield; FORAN over Law; MASUK over Newtown.
The Bulldogs can lose and still qualify because RHAM is the only team outside of the top eight that can catch them. One problem — their bonuses are AWFUL.
6. WINDSOR (7-2)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing Eve at Middletown (9-0).
HIGH: 1,250
LOW: 1,000
BONUSES (60): HARTFORD PUBLIC over Bulkeley/HMTCA/Weaver; FARMINGTON over Plainville; NFA over New London; PLATT over Maloney; E.O. SMITH over Tolland; BRISTOL CENTRAL over Bristol Eastern.
The Warriors can lose to Middletown and still qualify if North Haven, Platt or RHAM lose.
7. NORTH HAVEN (7-2)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing Eve vs. Amity (5-4).
HIGH: 1,200
LOW: 980
BONUSES (60): WEST HAVEN over Fairfield Prep; CHESHIRE over Southington; BROOKFIELD over Bethel; FORAN over Law; MASUK over Newtown; HILLHOUSE over Wilbur Cross
North Haven can also lose and qualify if Windsor, Platt or RHAM lose.
8. PLATT (7-2)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing Eve at Maloney (8-1).
HIGH: 1,160
LOW: 950
BONUSES (30): FARMINGTON over Plainville; E.O. SMITH over Tolland; BRIDGEPORT CENTRAL over Harding.
The Panthers must beat Maloney. They cannot catch Windsor if they both lose. They can catch North Haven if they both lose, but it’s very unlikely.
REPLY HAZY, TRY AGAIN
9. RHAM (7-2)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing Eve vs. Bacon Academy (3-6).
HIGH: 1,080
LOW: 910
BONUSES (50): BULKELEY/HMTCA/WEAVER over Hartford Public; PLAINVILLE over Farmington; AVON over Simsbury; TOLLAND over E.O. Smith; ROCKY HILL over Cromwell/Portland
The Sachems should beat Bacon, but need a loss by Bunnell, Windsor, North Haven or Platt, and perhaps bonuses, too.
10. WETHERSFIELD (6-3)
NEXT: Thankgrabbing Eve at Newington (3-6).
HIGH: 970
LOW: 790
BONUSES (40): HARTFORD PUBLIC over Bulkeley/HMTCA/Weaver; NW CATHOLIC over East Catholic; E.O. SMITH over Tolland; WINDSOR over Middletown
The Eagles cannot catch the top seven ranked teams. RHAM will beat them out if it wins, too.
11. GUILFORD (6-3)
It plays at Hand on Thanksgrabbing Eve.
THE EIGHT: No. 1 Middletown (10-0) vs. No. 8 Windsor (7-3); No. 2 Hand (10-0) vs. No. 7 RHAM (8-2); No. 3 Maloney (9-1) vs. No. 6 Bunnell (9-1); No. 4 Naugatuck (9-1) vs. No. 5 North Haven (8-2).
• • • •
CLASS M
IN: 1. St. Joseph (8-1), 2. Berlin (9-1), 3. Sheehan (9-1), 4. Killingly (8-1) and 5. Cheney Tech (8-2).
The first four teams have earned home quarterfinals.
WIN-AND-IN
6. BROOKFIELD (7-2)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing Eve vs. Bethel (1-8).
HIGH: 1,140
LOW: 980
BONUSES (50): NOTRE DAME-FFLD over Pomperaug; NEW FAIRFIELD over New Milford; STRATFORD over Bunnell; MASUK over Newtown; HILLHOUSE over Wilbur Cross
The Bobcats are about to punch their ticket.
7. EAST HAVEN (7-2)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing over Branford (5-4).
HIGH: 1,100
LOW: 900
BONUSES (50): BETHEL over Brookfield; LYMAN HALL over Sheehan; COGINCHAUG/HALE-RAY/EAST HAMPTON over North Branford; NOTRE DAME-FFLD over Pomperaug; WILBUR CROSS over Hillhouse.
The Yellowjackets have never made states.
10. WOLCOTT (6-3)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing at Holy Cross (6-3).
HIGH: 1,040
LOW: 860
BONUSES (20): SEYMOUR over Woodland; WATERBURY CAREER over Gilbert/Northwestern.
The Eagles would’ve qualified last season with a win over Holy Cross. They led by 15 points in the second quarter, only to have the Crusaders zip past them for a 42-28 win.
REPLY HAZY, TRY AGAIN
8. ABBOTT TECH/IMMACULATE (6-3)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing Eve vs. MCW United (0-9).
HIGH: 980
LOW: 870
BONUSES (10): QUINEBAUG VALLEY over Thames River.
They’ll beat MCW, but they’re also going to need East Haven or Wolcott to lose, and then beat out other teams in this grouping via bonuses.
9. ROCKVILLE (6-3)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing Eve vs. Ellington (1-8).
HIGH: 990
LOW: 860
BONUSES (20): WINDSOR LOCKS/SUFFIELD/EAST GRANBY over Stafford/East Windsor/Somers; GILBERT/NORTHWESTERN over Waterbury Career.
What was written about ATI applies to the Rams.
11. LAW (6-3)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing at Foran (1-8).
HIGH: 1,000
LOW: 840
BONUSES (50): LYMAN HALL over Sheehan; STRATFORD over Bunnell; CHESHIRE over Southington; BRANFORD over East Haven; GUILFORD over Hand.
The LAWMEN’s best hope is a Wolcott loss and to get enough bonuses to beat out other hopefuls (they have some pretty improbable bonuses, though). They’ll be in bidness if Branford beats East Haven, too.
12. WESTON (6-3); and, 13. BRANFORD (5-4)
Weston is too far behind. Branford is a few time zones behind.
THE EIGHT: No. 1 St. Joseph (9-1) vs. No. 8 Wolcott (7-3); No. 2 Sheehan (9-1) vs. No. 7 East Haven (8-2); No. 3 Berlin (9-1) vs. No. 6 Brookfield (8-2); No. 4 Killingly (9-1) vs. No. 5 Cheney Tech (8-2).
• • • •
CLASS S
IN: No. 1 Bullard-Havens (9-0), No. 2 Ansonia (9-0), No. 3. Stafford/East Windsor/Somers (9-0), No. 4 Cromwell/Portland (8-1), No. 5. Bloomfield (8-1) and No. 6. Woodland (8-1).
S/EW/S will get a home quarter with a win over Windsor Locks/Suffield /East Granby (5-4) on Thanksgrabbing Eve.
Bloomfield will earn a home quarterfinal with a win TONIGHT against Glastonbury (5-4).
WIN-AND-IN
7. HADDAM-KILLINGWORTH (8-1)
NEXT: TONIGHT at Valley Regional/Old Lyme (7-1).
HIGH: 1,300
LOW: 1,100
Tonight’s game is a Class S qualifier. H-K can also lose and qualify if Plainfield loses.
8. PLAINFIELD (8-1)
NEXT: Thanksgrabbing vs. Griswold (5-4).
HIGH: 1,260
LOW: 1,090
BONUSES (20): STONINGTON vs. Westerly (R.I.); BACON ACADEMY over RHAM
It can lose and qualify IF Valley Regional/Old Lyme and Seymour lose. There’s a remote chance that it can out-point Seymour even if the latter beats Woodland.
9. VALLEY REGIONAL/OLD LYME (7-1)
NEXT: TONIGHT vs. Haddam-Killingworth (8-1).
HIGH: 127.8 average (it plays a nine-game schedule).
LOW: 107.78.
The WARRIORCATS must win as they cannot catch Plainfield even if it loses to Griswold.
11. SEYMOUR (6-3)
It lost QB Ian Sadick to a season-ending injury.
THE EIGHT: No. 1 Ansonia (10-0) vs. No. 8 Haddam-Killingworth (9-1); No. 2 Bullard-Havens (10-0) vs. No. 7 Valley Regional/Old Lyme (8-1); No. 3 Stafford/East Windsor/Somers (10-0) vs. No. 6 Cromwell/Portland (9-1); No. 4. Bloomfield (9-1) vs. No. 5 Woodland (9-1).
• • • •
BEHOLD, The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches' poll: 1. Darien (nine first-place votes); 2. Greenwich (four first-place votes); 3. Hand; 4. St. Joseph; 5. Shelton; 6. Newtown; 7. Southington; 8. Ansonia; 8. New Britain; and, 10. Fairfield Prep.
• • • •
The GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/Hearst Inc. Monolith Top 10 media poll: 1. Darien (13 first-place votes); 2. Greenwich (10 first-place votes); 3. Hand (four first-place votes); 5. Shelton; 6. St. Joseph; 7. Southington; 8. Newtown; 9. New Britain; and, 10. Ansonia.
Twelve is the number that Naugatuck is ranked in the coaches’ poll, and that Fairfield Prep is ranked by the media.
• • • •
Ned Freeman’s cold, calculating computer rankings for CalPreps: 1. Darien; 2. Greenwich; 3. St. Joseph; 4. Shelton; 5. Newtown; 6. Hand; 7. Fairfield Prep; 8. New Canaan; 9. Southington; and, 10. New Britain. It rated Ansonia No. 17 and Naugatuck 25th.
Cheshire (3-6) continues to have the state’s most asinine schedule as it’s opponents are a combined 61-20. The Rams have played three unbeaten teams ranked in The Day coaches’ poll — Hand, Newtown and Shelton and also lost to Fairfield Prep and North Haven. They end their season at unbeaten Southington on Thanksgiving.
Should you care, the computer would seed the playoffs as follows:
No. 1 Darien vs. No. 8 New Britain; No. 2 Greenwich vs. No. 7 Southington; No. 3 Shelton vs. No. 6 New Canaan; No. 4 Newtown vs. No. 5 Fairfield Prep.
No. 1 Hand vs. No. 8 Wilton (5-4); No. 2 North Haven vs. No. 7 Naugatuck; No. 3 Middletown vs. No. 6 Windsor; and No. 4 Bunnell vs. No. 5 Maloney.
Wilton is propped up by its strength of schedule, featuring losses to Darien, St. Joseph and Staples.
No. 1 St. Joseph vs. No. 8 Weston; No. 2 Sheehan vs. No. 7 Law; No. 3 Brookfield vs. No. 6 Killingly; No. 4 Berlin vs. No. 5 New Fairfield (5-4).
New Fairfield is rated (and so high) because of its schedule. It throttled Weston (31-0) and lost to Hand (35-6), Newtown (35-0), Brookfield (10-7) and Bunnell (18-14).
No. 1 Ansonia vs. No. 8 Seymour; No. 2 Cromwell/Portland vs. No. 7 Valley Regional/Old Lyme; No. 3 Bloomfield vs. No. 6 Haddam-Killingworth; No. 4 Woodland vs. No. 5 Stafford/East Windsor/Somers.
• • • •
Dig the ballot Polecat HQ filed for the GameTimeCT.com/New Haven Register/Hearst Inc. Monolith media poll:
1. Greenwich
2. Darien
3. Hand
4. St. Joseph
5. Shelton
6. Southington
7. Newtown
8. Fairfield Prep
9. New Britain
10. Staples
11. New Canaan
12. Berlin
13. North Haven
14. Sheehan
15. Middletown
• • • •
NOTABLES~!
Kobe Comizio returned the opening kickoff for a 75-yard touchdown as Greenwich scored 28 in the first quarter of last Wednesday’s 38-7 win over Xavier. Gavin Muir threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Lance Large and ran for an 8-yard touchdown in the first quarter before being given the rest of the game off for the Cardinals. Jack Feda added 10 tackles for Greenwich, which allowed just 134 yards.
Dajuan Lomotey ran seven times for 70 yards and two touchdowns and Tyreece Lumpkin had four catches for 58 yards and a touchdown and scored on a 5-yard run as Middletown thumped New London last Wednesday, 37-12. Jonta’e Dempsey completed 7-of-11 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown and intercepted a pass on defense, Matthew Aresco kicked four extra points and a 32-yard field goal, and Kyle Despres had two interceptions for the Blue Dragons.
Shawn Robinson ran 30 times for 212 yards and two touchdowns and caught a 14-yard touchdown pass as New Britain rolled Berlin last Friday, 33-14. The Hurricanes outgained Berlin in the second half, 192-35, with all of their yards via the run. Tahje Yopp ran 20 times for 102 yards and two scores and threw the touchdown pass to Robinson. Kevin Dunn was 12-of-18 passing for 171 yards and scored on a 9-yard touchdown run for the Redcoats.
Jake Roberts completed 10 of 15 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns and got to take the second half off because Shelton pummeled West Haven last Saturday, 42-12. Paul Ferrigno scored on receptions of 57 and 49 yards and Jack Carr ran six times for 38 yards and two scores for the Gaels.
Charles Schioppo ran 15 times for 108 yards and three touchdowns to lead Guilford past Lyman Hall last Wednesday, 24-19. Tyler Filley kicked three extra points and a 26-yard field goal, and Owen Nizolek had nine tackles for Guilford (6-3), which hadn’t won six games since 2000. Sean Pragano completed 15 of 30 passes for 232 yards with three touchdowns, including two to SHAKESPEARE Rodriguez (nine catches, 209 yards), for the Trojans. Also, Furkan Parcal had 11 tackles and Rodriguez had an interception.
Jack McDowell completed 5 of 7 passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns and ran 10 times for 46 yards as Old Saybrook/Westbrook mowed down Woodstock Academy last Wednesday, 35-10. Danny Almada ran five times for 101 yards and two touchdowns for the Rams and Landis Twomey added 11 carries for 82 yards and a score with a team-high seven tackles and 1 ½ sacks. ... Seven Barlow-ians combined to run 24 times for 323 yards and six touchdowns in last Wednesday’s 42-0 win over Bassick. Brett Hugo ran four times for 61 yards and two touchdowns for the Falcons.
Senior Nehemiah Brown of Vinal Tech/Goodwin Tech/Whitney Tech put up perhaps the most insane rushing stats of the season. He ran nine times for 295 yards and five touchdowns in a 52-0 mauling of Platt Tech last Friday. Egad. ... Ben Gendreau completed 16 of 30 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions and caught a 42-yard touchdown as Cheney Tech blanked Thames River last Friday, 22-0. Isaiah Brothers caught a 25-yard touchdown pass and threw the touchdown to Gendreau, Alquan Brown had seven catches for 97 yards and a score, and Nijzire Van Allen had nine tackles.
Sheehan beat East Haven last Saturday, 41-17, with Terrence Bogan rushing for 253 yards and five touchdowns. ... Nsaiah Harriet ran 14 times for 100 yards and added two sacks to pace Killingly past Capital Prep/Achievement First last Saturday, 42-7. Derek Turner scored on runs of 1 and 2 yards and returned a blocked punt 5 yards for a touchdown, Jackson Lopes had nine carries for 95 yards and a touchdown, Matt Phelan had 10 tackles and a sack for Killingly. It finished with 36 carries for 305 yards. RPO — RUNNING PEOPLE OVER.
Abbott Tech/Immaculate ran past O’Brien Tech last Saturday, 36-14. Matt Christe ran 23 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns, had two catches for 73 yards, and a sack for THE UNITED. Anthony Frasier added 23 carries for 151 yards and two scores and Shakwez Danzy had two sacks. Jonte Roc ran 13 times for 87 yards and a touchdown and threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to twin brother Jommar for the Condors. ... Joshua Dodd completed 12 of 15 passes for 381 yards and five touchdowns as Quinebaug Valley strafed MCW United last Saturday, 42-0. Jamie Talbot had three catches for 170 yards and three touchdowns and added an interception for the Pride.
IZZO LIZARDI (what an awesome name) ran 19 times for 142 yards and a score as Hall downed Conard on Saturday, 27-17, to win West Hartford. Leo Dionicio had 10 carries for 41 yards and two TDs, Gave Salomons had six catches for 138 yards and a score and had seven tackles, and Hugh Wells had 10 tackles for Hall. ... Chris Salemme completed 8 of 13 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns for East Lyme as it thumped Branford last Saturday, 34-13. Andrew Haas ran 12 times for 137 yards and a touchdown, Blane Hart scored on a 23-yard catch and 37-yard run, and Cam Hart had 14 tackles for the Vikings.
Windham’s 48-0 rout over Amistad was more exhibition than game last Saturday. The Whippets had ran just eight offensive plays yet led, 32-0, with 4 minutes, 56 seconds left in the first quarter. The officials began running the clock in the second quarter with Windham going ahead, 48-0, with 5:19 left in the first half. Nate Barbosa Torres ran four times for 103 yards and two touchdowns (all in the first quarter), and Issiah English had three carries for 72 yards and a score. Amistad dressed just 20 players and gained 41 yards.
• • • •
Thanks for reading. More soon.
Adios....
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