As we continue our series with coach Q&As with state champions, we got a chance to talk with Xaverian’s Al Fornaro. The Hawks went 9-4 with a D1 state title this fall, the program’s second in as many years. We wanted to get Fornaro’s take on his team, and why the Hawks were so successful in the postseason. Here is an edited version of that conversation. Adam Kurkjian: Last year……
By Matt Spalding NEFJ Staff NEW BRITAIN — The final CIAC State Championship Game of 2024 saw the Greenwich Cardinals take on the West Haven Blue Devils, vying for the Class LL Championship. For Greenwich, the Cardinals were looking to capture their 10th title of the CIAC era, while West Haven was looking for its first since 2002, when the Blue Devils defeated Greenwich for a state title at Kennedy……
By Rob Gullo NEFJ Staff NEW BRITAIN — Meeting each other for the 100th time and a second time this season, No. 2 seed New Canaan and No. 4 Darien battled for the Class L state championship at Arute Field in New Britain on Saturday afternoon. In the end, New Canaan defended its title as it defeated Darien, 35-21, winning a third-straight state championship and defeating Darien a second time……
You may look at a piece like this and think, “The 2025 season? Already?” Why, yes, it is a perfectly acceptable time to look ahead, because, why not? So, in alphabetical order, here are 40 teams to keep an eye out for. A lot can happen between now and August, including #TransferSeason, so this list is sure to change. Until then, take a look. Andover — The Warriors had a……
Photo credit — Scott Sulkazi By Robert Gullo NEFJ Correspondent NEW BRITAIN, CT — Two of the best teams in the state of Connecticut for high school football squared off Friday night as the No. 1 Windsor Warriors and No. 6 Masuk Panthers battled for the Class MM state championship. Tied 21-21 with seven seconds remaining in the game, Masuk junior kicker Jackson Zylick hit the game-winning field goal to……
On Thursday, UConn coach Jim Mora participated in a Zoom call leading up to a December 27 Wasabi Fenway Bowl against North Carolina. Of course, UNC is the next destination for former Patriots coach Bill Belichick. During the Zoom call, most of the discussion was around both that, and the comings and goings of the transfer portal. When asked about Belichick, Mora was extremely complimentary of him. “I think it’s……
A look at our final 2024 MIAA top 25 as we put a bow on the season. As is custom, we put a premium on team accomplishments. It is not simply the 25 teams for who would beat whom. That is the case In some of these placements, but not all. We like to get all eight division champions in. It was another great season, so let’s look back and remember……
Photo by Dan Heary By Rob Gullo NEFJ Staff WINDSOR — On Sunday, the No. 1 football team in the state of Connecticut, the Windsor Warriors, showed why they are the best team in Connecticut. The No. 1 seed Warriors shut out the No. 4 Newington Nor’Easters 50-0 in the semifinal round of the class MM playoffs, to reach their second state title game in the last five years. “I……
What a season for the Catholic Memorial Knights. They beat King Philip, 39-21, in the D2 state title game on Thursday night, and went unbeaten against Massachusetts competition. Their only loss was the Cardinal Hayes of New York in the first game of the season. We wanted to get coach John DiBiaso on the phone and talk about his season, and we did that Saturday afternoon. Here is an edited……
By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Staff FOXBOROUGH — West Boylston held off a late Randolph rally to escape with the 22-16 victory for their third straight state title. The number one and two teams in Division 8 put on quite the show for fans at Gillette Stadium. No.1 Randolph came into this game looking to win its second state title in the last four years, while No.2 West Boylston came to……