The 2024 season kicks off tonight so here is our first Connecticut Top 25 poll of the season.

1. Darien- Blue Wave return several key starters including Georgia Tech commit Kevin Roche, tight end Charlie Thom and quarterback Ben Rolapp. They are well positioned to challenge New Canaan.

2. New Canaan- Rams graduated several key starters from last season’s state title team but do return quarterback Luke Robinson. Lou Marinelli’s squad is well positioned to win another state title.

3. Staples- Graduation hit the defending Class LL champs hard. Let’s see how Adam Behrands and his staff replace some of the big losses.

4. West Haven- Nick Conlan is on a mission and so are the Blue Devils. The key is can they replace Armani Reid and their skill departures.

5. North Haven- Class M is a different beast but the Nighthawks still run the single win to perfection.

6. Greenwich- Do not doubt the Golden Greek, Peter Vomvolakis and the Cardinals. The pieces are in place for a resurgence.

7. Maloney- The Spartans are loaded at the skill positions and primed for a deep run in Class L.

8. Windsor- Love the returning skill group. Warriors are locked and loaded. They are ready to make a run in Class MM.

9. Hand- The Tigers are on the hunt again and looking to go back to back in Class M.

10. Fairfield Prep- The Jesuits senior class is talented and ready to atone for last season’s 4-7 record.

11. Newtown- We are high on Dan Farina’s squad. Especially wide receiver Jayden Taylor.

12. Bloomfield- Kerr brothers and a talented senior class are gone but this program will still contend in Class S.

13- Masuk- Panthers have the pieces to make a strong run. The Walker brothers will be a problem for opponents.

14. Wilton- Don’t sleep on Wilton in Class MM. I don’t care who graduated.

15. Southington- New coach Rob Levesque has to replace C.J DiBenditto but he plenty back to work with.

16. Ansonia- No one is safe in Class S this season. The Ansonia revenge tour could lead to a state title.

17. Cheshire- Matt Jeffery is gone but there is still plenty of talent back.

18. Xavier- 16 starters back for a team that went 7-3 and hungry to make the playoffs.

19. Shelton- The Gaels could be a sneaky problem in a loaded Class L.

20. Rockville- Too much talent back not to be a top 20 team. Line play should be stout.

21. Naugatuck- I could regret not having the Greyhounds in my top 20. Replacing Jett Hall will be tough. Enough back to contend in Class L.

22. Killingly (1-0))- Life after Soren Reif begins. It won’t be that bad. The Vikings have enough talent to contend.

23. St. Joseph- Cadets return a lot of talent and they are ready to run wild in Class M. A tough schedule awaits.

24. Cromwell/Portland- Sal Morello is back. Let the good times roll!

25. Stamford- Quarterback Ejai Presley is ready to burst on the seen for the Black Knights.