High School

Class M — Daniel Hand 57, Rockville 20 — Tigers dominate for 14th state title

December 9, 2023
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By Matt Spalding NEFJ Correspondent NEW BRITAIN — In Saturday’s Class M state title game, Daniel Hand demolished Rockville, 57-20, to win its 14th state crown. Hand dominated early and often, adding another trophy to the case of a legendary program. The game saw the Daniel Hand Tigers, led by coach Erik Becker, taking on the Rockville Rams, led by coach Erick Knickerbocker, in an Eri(c)k Bowl, of sorts. The……

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Class L — New Canaan 28, Darien 21 — Rams win second straight

December 9, 2023
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By Tony Catalina NEFJ Correspondent EAST HARTFORD — The New Canaan Rams clashed with the Darien Blue Wave for the Class L state championship Saturday, and the Rams earned their second straight Class L title, 28-21. In what looked improbable even half way through the fourth quarter, the Rams found a way to make timely plays on both offense and defense to come from behind to secure another trophy. “That……

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Class MM — North Haven 21, Wilton 0 — Nighthawks dominate in all three phases

December 9, 2023
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By Matt Spalding NEFJ Correspondent NEW BRITAIN — North Haven shut out Wilton, 21-0, to win its second consecutive CIAC Class MM state championship. Domination of all three phrases by the Nighthawks was the name of the first of three games contested at Arute Field on CIAC Championship Saturday. North Haven coach Anthony Sagnella clutched his family tight after winning his second straight state championship game. You could certainly understand……

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Class S — Bloomfield 42, Cromwell/Portland 20 — Warhawks pull away

December 9, 2023
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By Tony Catalina NEFJ Correspondent EAST HARTFORD — For the second time in three years, the Bloomfield and Cromwell/Portland powerhouse programs met with a state title on the line. In 2021, Cromwell/Portland won it. But on Saturday, Bloomfield took home the Class S title, 42-20. In what was an offensive dominated day, Bloomfield was able to continuously strike all day long. When asked what this win feels like, Bloomfield coach……

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Class LL State Title Game Preview: #1 Staples Wreckers vs. #3 West Haven Blue Devils

December 9, 2023
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We have a heavyweight fight on our hands between Staples and West Haven. These two teams met in Week One with the Blue Devils winning 33-23. Staples has gone undefeated since however and has bern a different team. The Wreckers offense is powered by Caleb Smith, arguably the best player in Connecticut this season. Smith has amassed 1,400 yards rushing and 1,924 passing coming into this game. He leads an……

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Class SS State Title Game Preview: #8 Watertown Warriors vs. #7 Joel Barlow

December 9, 2023
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It is not very often you get two lower seeds in a state title game but we have it with this match up between Watertown and Joel Barlow Falcons.  The Warriors went 5-5 during the regular season but thanks to playoff wins over Granby Canton and GNH, the Warriors are now in position to play for a state title game.  Senior running back, linebacker Ty Housen leads the way for……

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Class M State Title Game Preview: #1 Daniel Hand Tigers vs. #2 Rockville Rams

December 9, 2023
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Defense will reign supreme in this one vs. two match up in Class M.  Daniel Hand’s defense has been among the best in the state this season. They have surrendered 9.5 points per game this season. They have been one of the best defenses in New England this season along with King Philip (Ma) and Bedford, N.H statistically. The Tigers had six straight shutouts from September 22nd to November 3rd…….

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Class L State Title Game Preview: #2 New Canaan Rams vs. #8 Darien Blue Wave

December 9, 2023
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Two of the best programs in state history square off today in a Class L state title game that many might not have predicted at the beginning of the season.  New Canaan being in this game was expected. Darien however is a different story. Many people thought that the Blue Wave would be rebuilding under first year coach Andy Grant but a talented group of underclassman has paved the way……

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Class MM State Title Game Preview: #3 Wilton Warriors vs. #5 North Haven Nighthawks

December 9, 2023
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If you like strong running games and stout defenses, you will love this match up.  Wilton’s imposing front seven led by linebacker Todd Woodring, defensive tackle George Papakosmas and defensive end Owen Theoharides might be the toughest front to run against in the state. The Warriors front seven has been dominant all season long. Today however they face a stiff test in North Haven and their ground and pound single……

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Class S State Title Game Preview: #2 Bloomfield Warhawks vs. #4 Cromwell-Portland Panthers

December 9, 2023
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For the second time in three years, these two programs are meeting in the state title game. CP won the first match-up in 2021, 21-6.  Bloomfield is making their third straight title game appearance not counting the 2020 Covid season. They lost to Ansonia in last season’s Class S title game, 28-21.  The last time Bloomfield won a state title was 2018 so the Warhawks are due but in order……

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