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

December 9, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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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CIAC Semi-Final Previews

December 3, 2023

It is Survival Sunday in the CIAC Playoffs. The state semi-finals are upon us and there are some unbelievable match-ups on tap. All six classes have a championship caliber game. It should be a great day of football.  Here is our preview. Class LL Southington Blue Knights at Staples Wreckers: Staples survived last week against Fairfield Prep and their reward is facing off against Southington and their high flying offense….

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CIAC Playoff Quarterfinals Preview

November 28, 2023

The CIAC playoffs in all six classes kickoff on Tuesday night. There are several intriguing round one match-ups. Class LL #1 Staples vs. #8 Fairfield Prep: The Wreckers beat Greenwich on Thanksgiving to secure the number one seed in Class LL. On paper they are one of the most talented teams in the state led by Caleb Smith. They are explosive on offense and can break a game open with…

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Connecticut Top 25 Poll – Week 13 (Public)

November 27, 2023

By Nick Dalessio NEFJ Correspondent Playoff time. Here’s our latest Top 25 as the postseason ramps up… 1. Naugatuck, Next Game: 11/28 vs. No. 21 Darien  The Greyhounds were able to beat previously undefeated Ansonia 42-22. They used two quarterbacks in the game- senior Jett Hall and junior Ethan Jones. Jones completed two passes, both for touchdowns. Hall rushed for 228 yards and two scores. 2. Staples, Next Game: 11/28…

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