Outlook: Last year, Masuk upset Windsor, who was the No. 1 ranked team in the state for a majority of the season, for the Class MM state title. Jackson Zylick hit a game-winning 27-yard field goal with four seconds left, giving the Panthers a 24-21 win over the Warriors. Both teams are expected to be two of the top teams in the class, with each being led by their quarterbacks (Anthony Robinson- Windsor, Aaron Champagne- Masuk), who are two of the best in the state. Ironically, both Windsor and Masuk will have new head coaches as Quinn Fleeting replaces his father Rob at Windsor and Chris Pace replacing Steve Christie at Masuk. Of 22 starters on both sides of the ball, each team brings back 11 or less starters, paving the way for a more competitive class. Bunnell, who fell to Masuk in the semifinals, returns a loaded roster with 13 starters from last season. The Bulldogs bring back their quarterback, top three running backs, and top two receivers. Rody Ricketts (who has offers from Syracuse and CCSU) and All-State lineman Rickie Miller will lead a strong Bunnell team. Wilton made it to the Class MM state final two seasons ago, but an inconsistent 5-5 season (highlighted by a win over Class LL champions, Greenwich) derailed a chance at a state title run. They return 10 total starters including QB Charlie Calabrese. If they can get past its regular season schedule, they could be a darkhorse team to make a run in Class MM. Bristol Central, Newington, and Wethersfield each finished the regular season with 9-1 records, and finished their conference with a three-way tie. Of the trio, Wethersfield brings back the most of their team, returning 16 starters, but will be without QB Cam Righi, who is UConn bound in baseball.

Favorites: Masuk, Windsor, Bunnell

Sleepers: Wilton, Bristol Central, Newington

Players to watch

Anthony Robinson, QB Windsor

Josiah Sims, RB/DE Newington

Aaron Champagne, QB Masuk

Rody Ricketts Jr., WR/DB, Bunnell

Rickie Miller, DE/TE, Bunnell

Charlie Calabrese, QB, Wilton

Heath Weeden, LB, Newington

Jayden Compton Jr., ATH, Windsor

Quincy Lawson, LB/WR, Bristol Central

Aiden Hansen, RB/LB, Torrington

State Championship Prediction: Bunnell over Windsor. Windsor and Masuk will see a lot of change this season, while Bunnell seems to be steadily improving. The return of Ricketts and Miller as well as most of their offense should propel them to a state title win.