High school football / Week 9 preview

Mike DiMauro, The Day, New London, Conn.
·3 min read

Nov. 4—Friday's Games

Fitch at NFA, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Fitch (4-2, 1-0 ECC Div. I); NFA (3-4, 1-0)

Last week: Fitch defeated Stratford 27-14; NFA lost to Cheshire 32-0

Outlook: The winner of this game can do no worse than tie for the ECC Div. I title. A Fitch victory means the Falcons can clinch with a win over East Lyme later this month and an NFA win gives the Wildcats the title with a win over New London on Thanksgiving. Fitch also needs this game to maintain hopes of the postseason in Class L.

Montville at Ledyard, 6 p.m.

Records: Montville (0-6); Ledyard (5-2)

Last week: Montville lost to Plainfield 30-12; Ledyard lost to Windham 23-13

Outlook: It's been a difficult season for the Indians, who are still in search of their first victory, although they were competitive most of the night before falling at Plainfield. Ledyard, meanwhile, has gone into a tailspin after a 5-0 start with tough losses against Stonington and Windham. The Colonels still have a shot to make the Class S playoffs, but will likely need to win their final three games.

Stonington at Windham, 6 p.m.

Records: Stonington (4-3); Windham (2-4)

Last week: Stonington lost to Waterford 55-54 (OT); Windham defeated Ledyard 23-13

Outlook: Few other teams in the ECC have experienced the same emotional waves as Stonington. The Bears scored with 24 seconds left two weeks ago and upset Ledyard before losing in overtime last week at Waterford. It's doubtful there will be a postseason, but there's still plenty left to play for this season. Windham's most complete game of the year was last week's victory over Ledyard.

Bacon Academy at Waterford, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Bacon (0-6, 0-3 ECC Div. II); Waterford (2-5, 2-2)

Last week: Bacon lost to New London 38-8; Waterford defeated Stonington 55-54 (OT)

Outlook: Only Killingly, Stonington and Woodstock have scored more points than the Lancers (191) in the ECC this season. They dropped 55 on Stonington last week, capped by Owen Lanuza's extra point in overtime that gave Waterford its best win of the year. Bacon scored its first points of the season last week on Brett Guntulis' kick return.

Granby/Canton at Valley/OL, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Granby/Canton (4-2); Valley/OL (2-4)

Last week: Granby/Canton lost to Cromwell/Portland 45-6; Valley/OL lost to Stafford/East Windsor/Somers 34-21

Outlook: Both programs are smarting after last week's losses. Valley/OL's task is to stop Granby/Canton senior Sam Attianese, who is among the Pequot's best players. Granby/Canton was Waterford's quarterfinal playoff opponent in 2019.

Saturday's Game

Griswold/Wheeler at Woodstock, noon

Records: Griswold/Wheeler (1-5); Woodstock (5-2)

Last week: Griswold/Wheeler lost to Killingly 39-0; Woodstock lost to East Lyme 21-15

Outlook: Plenty left to play for in Woodstock, which has positioned itself to win the ECC Div. II title (to be decided against Ledyard in two weeks) and a potential playoff berth, if it finishes 8-2.

— Mike DiMauro