SWC Buzz

Stay up to date with the SWC

2008-08-27T12:57:00.000-04:00

SCW Buzz has been merged with the NEW AND IMPROVED FCIAC Football Blog. Check it out: http://fciacfootballblog.com

Reader Mail Time: A What-If in Stratford

2008-05-28T08:35:00.000-04:00

It's reader mail time (lol)! I got an interesting e-mail last Sunday while I was away on business, and only got a chance to just write the guy back the other day saying "thanks for the e-mail." But with some teams' beginning their spring practices, it's an interesting concept: What if there was just ONE public high school in Stratford? How well would a combined Stratford-Bunnell football program fare with the rest of the state?

The author told me is that it would sure get the Staples fans riled up (even though they will meet in a scrimmage this August and probably not again until the following year, based on their new CIAC class designations). And that's a shame, though it's great fodder for another post some day and some time.

Here's the letter:

Tim,

I was looking on the SWC blog and tried to post
something on the FCIAC blog to stir up a hornets nest and was hoping
you could help me out.

When talking with a prominent senior running
back from Stratford High and a prominent wide receiver from Bunnell, we
all asked each other, "why the hell is Stratford 2 schools?!"

We
talked about the recent teams, and what it would be like. I won't get
to detailed about it and I'll keep it short, but even the FCIAC
heavyweights can't deny this.

Sean Murray, Steve Smith, and Chris
Sloat were the best quarterbacks in recent years in the SWC - and all
from Bunnell. Murray had EJ Yearwood and Daryl Staley, Smith had Marcus
Easley, Franklin, Mike Easley and Jackson. Sloat had Jackson Easley Harrison and Rosario. Obviously, Bunnell turned these players into championships. Stratford took great players, most notably from the past 2 years, and were on the brink of greatness.

Honostly
Tim, do you think that Ansonia or Greenwich would even stand a chance
of a team with Smith/Sloat in a spread with Torrey or Ox in the
backfield, with Easley, Harrison, Jackson, Ox/Torrey, Stenson, or
Vasquez to throw to? I could go on making a super team but am too tired.

Do you really think anyone in the state could hang with that?

Some even went as far as thinking that team would be nationally ranked!

Just wondering what an unbiased person thought about this.

E-mail me back or put it up on the blog, I'm sure that would be interesting for Staples fans haha.

-(Name withheld, unless the author let's me post it)

For such a small town, Stratford has a TON of talent. So in a way, the students are I guess fortunate enough to have two high schools. I would have loved to see some of these kids play Pop Warner since, if I recall, the town has just one team.

Yes, on paper, a 2007 version of this dream-team could very well be placed ahead of Ansonia in the state polls. Unless, of course, Masuk shines in the second half of the state championship game as it did and Ansonia steamrolled New London as it did.

But here's a bunch of other things to consider:

If there was one high school in Stratford, how many of these athletes would have gone to St. Joseph, Fairfield Prep, or Notre Dame-Fairfield instead? Would all three if those programs had improved and made states?
Would Craig Bruno be the coach, or Duane Shirden? In an alternate world, maybe Bruno would be the head coach at Bassick (where he is a teacher) or Harding (where he was once an assistant) and had one of those schools winning back-to-back titles?
Would Torrey Mack or Octavias McKoy become slot receivers at Bunnell, or would Mario Guerrero become an every-down back at Stratford, alongside Oliver Aurelia? Or would you play a two-back spread offense instead (like New Canaan). What would be the best offense?
Two platoon football could be alive in Stratford, and maybe Torrey and Ox become defensive specialists?
Would Justin Shumyhora, who hasn't had to throw the ball much in his career, have been this year's Chris Sloat, and thrown for close to 3,000 yards?

Unless Stratford is REALLY facing a budget crisis, I don't see the town going back to one high school (unless Stratford High's building is past it's prime and they look to add on to Bunnell instead - Fairfield tried that in 1987, and it didn't work). But until then, the what-if aspect of football in Stratford could be pretty fun.

Courant Announces All-State Team

2007-12-27T13:37:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah, The Courant has an All-State team, too...

And it's an interesting one. It's set up more like a 50-man roster than a first-team and whatnot. And there's a slew of honorable mentions.

There are a lot of FCIAC players on the team though, so it's worth checking out.

Click here for the offense.

Click here for the defense. (Honorable mention defense is not shown... bummer)

FCIAC and Bunnell Dominates Register's All-State Team

2007-12-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

Looking online for the New Haven Register's All-State team? Yeah, you an everyone else. At least last year you could find the previous All-State teams. This year - nada. So I schlepped out to the store and picked up the paper so I could tell you who from the area is on the team, which I always consider to be the "real" All-State team.

The FCIAC is well represented, and so is the SWC. Alex Thomas, of course, is the Player of the Year (that one made it online, so someone there is slacking, or a dopey marketer thinks newsstand sales will skyrocket if they keep the team offline).

Anyway, here it is, with the SWC players bolded:

OFFENSE:

QB - Charlie Westfal, New Canaan
RB - Nathan Pagan, Newington
RB - Geoff Schultz, Shelton
RB - Alex Thomas, Ansolia
WR - Marcus Cooper, Bloomfield
WR - Michael Easley, Bunnell
OL - Chris Bisanzo, Greenwich
OL - Jeff Farrell, Bunnell
OL - Mike Golic, Northwest Catholic
OL - Erik Kuraczea, Ansonia
OL - Keatrick Redding-Hall, Weaver
UT - Rob Moir, Seymour
K - Alfredo Frausto, Cromwell

DEFENSE:

LB - Scott Christy, Masuk
LB - Jack Cooper, Berlin
LB - Mike Flynn, Ansolia
LB - Josh Kozel, Staples
LB - Andre Lawrence, Hartford Public
LB - Jonathan Meyers, Greenwich
DB - Jonathan Jackson, Bunnell
DB - Torrey Mack, Stratford
DB - Rich Vitale, New London
DL - Masengo Kabongo, Fairfield Prep
DL - Trevardo Williams, Bridgeport Central
ST - Will Volage, Woodland
P - Christian Garcia, Norwalk

SWC Second-teamers:
QB - Chris Sloat, Bunnell
DB - Octavious McKoy, Stratford

SWC Third-teamers:
RB - Mike Leonetti, Pomperaug
WR - Mark Harrison, Bunnell
OL - Bobby Major, Pomperaug
OL - Bill Romanello, Masuk
DL - Hopeton Quarrie, Bunnell

SWC Honorable Mentions:
QB - Ray Palmer, Masuk; RB - Rob Fiore, Barlow; and Sean Macey, New Fairfield; OL - Greg McLain, New Fairfield; WR - Pat Cassidy, New Fairfield; DL - Matt Walker, Pomperaug, and Cody Wallace, New Milford; LB - Sly Accettullo, Notre Dame-Fairfield, and Mike Valenti, Bethel;P - Matt Charney, New Fairfield; K - Dan DeGeorge, Pomperaug.

Got photos? Here's the Long-awaited Newtown-Bunnell Gallery

2007-12-12T20:15:00.000-05:00

Okay, I think the Newtown-Bunnell game was played when, early October? Well, I've FINALLY got around to doing the gallery of that game.

You can go to my photo store, to view the gallery. Once in, go to "Gallery," scroll down to "High School Football 2007," and select "Newtown at Bunnell."

And the photos are available for sale, too, and can be purchased direct from that site. $5 for a 4X6, $6 for a 5X7, $12 for an 8X10. Remember... the holidays are here (and so is the Weston-New Milford gallery).

Chris Elsberry: Play the CIAC Finals At the Rent

2007-12-09T11:10:00.000-05:00

Matt Levine's been saying it on the air for a while, and now Chris Elsberry has it in print. But will the CIAC ignore common sense?

The CIAC Championship games DESERVE to be played at Rentschler Field.

Look, we all know the CIAC is frugal. But for one day a year, can't they go all out and play the greatest games of the season on the state's finest stage? Elsberry's column points out all the states that have Super Saturdays, with championship games in major venues.

One thing missing (though it may be there - the RIF bus never dropped by my school). Alabama has its games at Legion Field in Birmingham.

I know the CIAC was going to hold two there a few years ago at The Rent, but a blizzard meant the postponement of all games, and the need for new venues.

But it can happen. Have a Super Saturday at The Rent. Ask some companies for sponsorship dollars and I'm sure the costs will be covered.

And it'll give the kids involved even more to remember...

Down at the bottom of Elsberry's column is a plug for Bill Gonillo night at The Arena at Harbor Yard on Sunday, when the Sound Tigers take on the Albany River Rats. Here's some more info on how you can get your discounted tickets to the event, and the pre-game reception, from BillGonillo.com.

And another great clip today from Elsberry. It's about former Bunnell wide receiver Marcus Easley, who is making a name for himself as a walk on receiver at UConn. The junior walk-on decided to concentrate on academics as a freshman, then walked on last season. This year he's seen action in six games.

Catch Craig Bruno on Live From the FC

2007-12-07T18:13:00.000-05:00

Can't come down from the state championship football high? Neither can I. So tune in at 10 a.m. to Live From the FC and listen to interviews with the three Fairfield County coaches who won state championships this season. Have any questions for them? Send them via AIM to livefromthefc.

First up, New Canaan head coach Lou Marinelli, who had one for the ages Saturday with the Rams' come-from-behind 34-30 win over Daniel Hand to take the Class MM crown.

Next up: Rich Albonizio, whose Greenwich team completed back-to-back FCIAC and Class LL championship runs with a 28-14 victory over Shelton.

And last but not least, Bunnell head coach Craig Bruno, whose Bulldogs also completed back-to-back campaigns in the SWC and Class L with a 22-14 win over league rival Masuk.

Click the link above, or the logo, to listen live. Or check later Saturday for the archive.

State Coaches Poll: Bunnell Finishes 3rd, Masuk 9th

2007-12-03T19:53:00.001-05:00

Ansonia has been named the No. 1 team in the state, according to The Day of New London's State Coaches Poll. Greenwich finished second, while Bunnell finished third.

The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches football poll

First-place votes in parentheses, record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last week’s ranking:

1. Ansonia (9) 13-0 380 1
2. Greenwich (2) 11-1 364 2
3. Bunnell-Stratford (2) 13-0 346 4
4. Seymour 11-1 276 10
5. New Canaan 10-2 272 NR
6. Hand-Madison 11-1 236 3
7. Shelton 10-2 224 7
8. Ledyard 10-1 213 NR
9. Masuk-Monroe 10-3 170 NR
10. New London 11-1 140 5

Dropped off: Bristol Eastern (6), Staples-Westport (8) and Southington (9).

Also receiving votes: Bridgeport Central (8-2), 138; Southington (9-2), 125; Bristol Eastern (10-1), 106; Staples-Westport (8-2), 96; Berlin (10-2), 68; Conard-West Hartford (9-2), 45; Cromwell (10-1), 42; Tolland (9-3), 28; Woodland-Beacon Falls (8-4), 24; Weaver-Hartford (9-2), 14; Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (8-3), 8.

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

Bunnell Players and Craig Bruno to Appear On The Fifty Yard Line

2007-12-03T12:01:00.000-05:00

I just got an e-mail from Matt Levine, the host and producer of The Fifty Yard Line, a football show streamed in live video to his Web site, mattlevine.net, at 7 p.m. Tuesdays from Route 22 restaurant in Stamford.

Levine has confirmed that Bunnell head coach Craig Bruno and a few of his players -- most likely Class L championship game MVP Mario Guererro and WR-DB Mike Easley -- are scheduled to appear on the show.

So log in live, or come on down and join us (I'm the co-host) at Route 22 and download the archive later. Route 22 is located at 1980 W. Main St. in Stamford, between Exits 5 & 6 on I-95.

The Bunnell Three-Peat: Are The No. 1?

2007-12-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

Let's face it. The state's coaches and the state's writers are going to to declare Ansonia No. 1. They went undefeated, put up some gaudy numbers, have the state's Player of the Year (Alex Thomas), and to top it off, they took down the Evil Empire (okay, maybe just Darth Vader) on Championship Saturday.

We'll probably see Greenwich take No. 2. They earned some respect with their showing in Florida (though it was a loss) and picked up some more votes in both polls with impressive performances against Staples and Central. But because they didn't dismantle Shelton in the Class LL championship game, they will miss out on the grand off-the-field prize.

But what about Bunnell?

A lot of people are talking No. 3, and I have to agree. Maybe they're even a No. 2?

The SWC doesn't get the credit it deserves. Maybe it's a down season, but who knows for sure? You can't take away the fact that Bunnell took down Staples, a team ranked 4th and 5th most of the season. And you can't brush off the fact the Bulldogs had to beat Masuk three times this season to claim its hardware.

It's tough to beat a team once in a season, even more so to take someone down twice. But three times in one season? You have to be a damn good team to do that.

I don't have a vote, but I'll give you my Top 3:

Greenwich
Bunnell
Ansonia

DING DING DING... Round Three Is Here...

2007-12-01T09:04:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the biggest day of the high school football season. Can I have a, "No, duh?"

Six games will be played, six state titles will be awarded (in a state with less than 130 teams). You'll be able to see and hear every game, whether it's on TV, the Internet, or your old-fashioned transistor radio.

Start your day here with a cup of coffee at 10 a.m. and listen to Live From the FC. Our guests — Rob Adams of WGCH AM 1490, The One and Only Phil Soto-Ortiz of SportingNewsCT.com, and Mark Dwyer of New Canaan News-Review — will break down the Class LL, L, and MM games for you.

And if you can't make it to West Haven for Round Three of the Masuk-Bunnell series will be broadcast LIVE on CPTV, for those of you with cable television or rabbit ears, starting with pregame at 6:30. SportingNewsCT.com will also pick up the feed from CPTV.

Meanwhile, here's some press clippings to enjoy:

(New Haven Register) Masuk-Bunnell to face off for a third time
(New Haven Register) Bulldogs feature one of most versatile attacks in state
(Connecticut Post) Bruno's creativity attracts opponents attention
(Connecticut Post) Murphy, Masuk look to end title drought

Sites and times for Saturday's CIAC Football Championship Games

2007-11-28T12:06:00.001-05:00

Driving directions to all sites can be found at
<http://www.casciac.org/scripts/fb_playoffs07.cgi>

-------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS LL
#1 Greenwich (10-1) vs. #2 Shelton (10-1)
7:00 p.m. at Jess Dow Field, SCSU, New Haven

-------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS L
#1 Bunnell (12-0) vs. #3 Masuk (10-2)
7:00 p.m. at Ken Strong Stadium, West Haven

-------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS MM
#1 Daniel Hand (11-0) vs. #2 New Canaan (9-2)
2:00 p.m. at McDougall Stadium, Trumbull

-------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS M
#4 Berlin (10-1) vs. #2 Ledyard (10-1)
2:00 p.m. at Arute Field, CCSU, New Britain

-------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS SS
#1 Seymour (10-1) vs. #2 Tolland (9-2)
7:00 p.m. at McDougall Stadium, Trumbull

-------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS S
#1 Ansonia (12-0) vs. #3 New London (11-0)
2:00 p.m. at Ken Strong Stadium, West Haven

Masuk-Bunnell to be Played at a Dump

2007-11-28T11:43:00.001-05:00

The CIAC's favorite venue, Ken Strong Stadium at West Haven High School, will host Round Three of the Masuk-Bunnell series.

The game will be held at the dump.... I mean Ken Strong Stadium... at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Both teams get a chance to play on the worst AstroTurf on the planet, but the game will be televised LIVE on CPTV.

Hello, Round Three...

2007-11-27T22:21:00.000-05:00

Masuk vs. Bunnell, again, this time for the Class L title. Where and when? Who knows. Hopefully the CIAC will be smart enough to play this one at Trumbull, maybe as the day game...

The CIAC will determine sites and times tomorrow, at about 12:30 p.m. on CPTV.com.

Does Anyone Care About Masuk vs. Conard?

2007-11-27T12:19:00.000-05:00

Of course. It's just that down here, that big Staples-Bunnell match-up happened. The Panthers should be happy that little attention is being paid to their game in West Hartford tonight.

What's there to know about Conard? Sean Patrick Bowley today considered them to be Pomperaugish, a team that pounds the ball from the I formation. Its quarterback, Nigel Gaynor, has run for about twice as many yards as it has passed for. Its leading rusher, Matt Markese, gained 310 of his team-high 1,205 yards (on 178 carries) in its win two weeks ago against Hall.

And the Chieftains have been burying opponents of late, having given up just 21 points while scoring 114 in November. They also do not take part in Thanksgiving Day football, so they are well-rested coming off that win over its crosstown rival.

From what I'm gathering though, they haven't faced a passing attack this season. So how Conard reacts to the Masuk spread offense should be interesting to say the least.

By the way, can't get to the game? You can listen live at 6:30 at 1290 AM WCCC in Hartford, either on the radio or via live stream.

Bunnell Should Beat Staples

2007-11-26T19:45:00.000-05:00

Staples loses 37-0 to Greenwich on Thanksgiving, and suddenly the whole Bunnell-Wreckers rematch seems to be tainted. It's no longer a battle of undefeateds, and even more so, it's not for the Class L championship.

But it's still an intriguing battle. If Staples wins, then it gets its revenge on the Bulldogs, and has a shot at bringing back the Class L title to Westport. But if Bunnell wins, it has a shot at a three-peat over SWC arch-rival Masuk on its way to the crown.

The question is, how can Staples bounce back from an awful showing on national television against Greenwich? It won't be easy for the solid Wreckers defense to forget giving up 523 yards against the new-born Cardinals. Especially when they look at film on Bunnell, a team that runs the spread better than anyone else (other than Greenwich) in Fairfield County.

Chris Sloat has thrown the ball for almost 2,400 this season, and has added 520 on the ground. The two-headed running back combo of Mario Guerrero and Oliver Aurelia has picked up 1,000 on the ground, and runs behind a huge and underrated offensive line.

And Bunnell's defense is stifling, too. The Bulldogs have picked off 22 passes, which should have the emerging Wreckers passing attack concerned. Staples quarterbacks have thrown for 11 touchdowns this season, and the only interception came on a halfback option by Colin O'Shea..

If the Staples offense can handle the ball the way it did against New Canaan, it should be able to hold its own against Bunnell. The Wreckers carried the ball 44 times for 222 yards, led by Hampus Hellermark and his 113 yards on 23 carries.

This game is Bunnell's to lose, but I don't see that happening. The Bulldogs have been playing perfect ball this seasons, and seem to be on a mission to repeat as Class L champions.

My prediction:
Bunnell 26, Staples 21

The Day of New London Top 10 State Coaches Football Poll

2007-11-26T19:42:00.000-05:00

First-place votes in parentheses, record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last week’s ranking:

1. Ansonia (8) 11-0 378 1
2. Greenwich (5) 9-1 372 2
3. Hand-Madison 10-0 314 5
4. Bunnell-Stratford 11-0 308 6
5. New London 10-0 270 7
6. Bristol Eastern 10-0 218 8
7. Shelton 9-1 203 9
8. Staples-Westport 8-1 183 4
9. Southington 9-1 171 3
10. Seymour 9-1 156 NR

Dropped out: Bridgeport Central (10)

Also receiving votes: Bridgeport Central (8-1), 148; Weaver-Hartford (9-1), 103; Conard-West Hartford (9-1), 101; Masuk-Monroe (9-2), 92; New Canaan (8-2), 91; Cromwell (10-0), 86; Ledyard (8-1), 38; Berlin (9-1), 32; Stratford (8-2), 17; Woodland-Beacon Falls (8-3), 14; Tie, Fairfield Prep (8-2) and Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (8-2), 10.

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

Just In: Staples-Bunnell Moved to Trumbull

2007-11-25T12:10:00.000-05:00

Tuesday's CIAC Class L playoff game between No. 4 Staples and No. 1 Bunnell has been moved to Trumbull High School, due to poor field conditions at Bunnell, the Connecticut Post reports. The start time is still 6:30 p.m.

Live From the FC: Talking State Playoffs

2007-11-23T19:14:00.000-05:00

That's right, 10 a.m. Saturday, we'll be talking about the CIAC playoffs. Seven Fairfield County teams -- Greenwich, Bridgeport Central, Bunnell, Staples, Masuk, New Canaan, and Bullard-Havens Tech -- will play Tuesday with a trip to a state championship game on the line.

We'll talk about those games with Danbury head coach Rick Davis, New Canaan head coach Lou Marinelli, and Connecticut Post sportswriter Sean Patrick Bowley.

Click the logo to listen live Saturday at 10 a.m., or later to download or listen to the Podcast.

IM your comments and questions LIVE at AIM to livefromthefc

Clip of the Week Contest

2007-11-23T18:25:00.000-05:00

Looked like a beautiful day to shoot some video yesterday, and hopefully you have some great footage for the Clip of the Week contest.

I mean, really, are the folks at Westhill the only people who own video cameras? Doesn't every kid have a camera phone now? Those of you with cameras who I introduced myself to, are you using Beta? I mean, it doesn't look it!

Anyway, here's your chance. E-mail your clip or clips to video@fciacfootballblog.com. Or if you have it posted somewhere other than a Varsity Network site (embedding issues), send us the embed code. All video clips/locations received before 11 p.m. Monday will be eligible for the contest this week... as long as they are shot during games played Week 11.

The owner of the winning clip, as voted on by the public, gets a t-shirt from FCIAC Football Blog and SWC Buzz sponsor Digital Sports Video.

Daily Press Clippings

2007-11-23T14:16:00.000-05:00

A lot of this is probably old news right now, as I'm sure you SWC fans raced out to the newsstand early to pick up today's papers. And maybe I'm wrong, you could just be rolling out of bed after overdosing on mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie... Better safe than sorry, here's clips from the Wednesday games, too:

(Republican-American) Pomperaug seniors exit with a win
(News-Times) Notre Dame leaves Immaculate feeling blue
(Connecticut Post) Bunnell turns back Stratford
(News-Times) Pomperaug ends season with a victory
(The Hour) Hannum powers Weston over Barlow
(News-Times) Hannum, Weston run past Barlow
(News-Times) Rebels pull out victory in overtime shootout
(News-Times) Nighthawks defense stands tall in loss
(News-Times) Brookfield hammers Bethel

All SWC Teams Published

2007-11-23T10:06:00.000-05:00

First Team, Colonial Division

Mike Valenti Bethel
Dillon Ochs Bethel
Steve Moss Brookfield
John D'Alessandro Brookfield
C.J. Grise Brookfield
Mario Guerrero Bunnell
Jeff Farrell Bunnell
Hopeton Quarrie Bunnell
Michael Easley Bunnell
Jonathan Jackson Bunnell
Christopher Sloat Bunnell
Ray Palmer Masuk
Scott Christy Masuk
Angus McGivern Masuk
William Romaniello Masuk
Cody Hoskins Masuk
Cody Wallace New Milford
Frank Dichiaro New Milford
Bob Lapple Newtown
Pat McNulty Newtown
John Aminti Newtown
Matt Walker Pomperaug
Bobby Major Pomperaug
Geoff Rose Pomperaug
Mike Leonetti Pomperaug

Second Team, Colonial Division

A.J. Milan Bethel
Anthony Bonagura Bethel
Scott Benzing Brookfield
Travis Treibt Brookfield
Trevor Treibt Brookfield
Sam Stringfellow Bunnell
James Davis Bunnell
Mark Harrison Bunnell
Zachary Arsenault Bunnell
Oliver Aurelia Bunnell
Andrew Conroy Bunnell
Chris Cosmedy Masuk
Niko Guerrera Masuk
Joseph Haughton Masuk
Victor Ciancetta Masuk
Eric Green Masuk
Garon Scott New Milford
Jon Henion New Milford
Jamie Goodwick Newtown
Jake DeVellis Newtown
Kyle McNamara Newtown
Steve Sheppard Pomperaug
Pat Reagan Pomperaug
Jeff Verlezza Pomperaug
Andrew Mastriani Pomperaug

Honorable Mention, Colonial Division

Dillon Heckmann Brookfield
Kelly McGorty Brookfield
James McMahon Bunnell
Anthony Milone Masuk
Zach Mariconda New Milford
Shane Edmond New Milford
Tyler Tarantino Newtown
Jeremy Yapp Newtown
Dan DeGeorge Pomperaug

First Team, Patriot Division

Anthony Biasetti Immaculate
Andrew Secola Immaculate
Matt Mascolo Immaculate
Rob Fiore Joel Barlow
Dylan Wilson Joel Barlow
Sean Macey New Fairfield
C.J. Costabile New Fairfield
Greg Mclain New Fairfield
David Elser New Fairfield
Patrick Cassidy New Fairfield
Andrew Chapman Nonnewaug
Mike Kenney Nonnewaug
Sly Accettullo Notre Dame
Colin Dempsey Notre Dame
Joe Illoure Notre Dame
Alex Muniz Notre Dame
Tory Mack Stratford
Octavias McKoy Stratford
Justin Shumyhora Stratford
Stenson Jean Baptise Stratford
Jason Vasquez Stratford
Jacob Jean Baptise Stratford
Dylan Hannum Weston
Nick Mello Weston
Sam Crowell Weston

Second Team, Patriot Division

Paul Secola Immaculate
Josh Thomas Immaculate
Dan Mercede Joel Barlow
Dimitrios Matsikas Joel Barlow
Matt Charney New Fairfield
D.J. McCarthy New Fairfield
Matt Casasanta New Fairfield
Anthony Cipriani New Fairfield
James Webb New Fairfield
Mike Bartell Notre Dame
Weethie Dorvil Stratford
Delroy Morris Stratford
Meckenzie Carey Stratford
Joey Valenite Stratford
Greg Knolblock Stratford
Doug Curtis Weston
Tom McGee Weston
Nick Figliola Weston

Honorable Mention, Patriot Division

Jo Goode Immaculate
Chris Fahey Immaculate
Tyler Colby Joel Barlow
Corey Stevens Joel Barlow
Scott Andreozzi New Fairfield
Todd Newall Stratford

Back From the Disabled List, In Time for States

2007-11-22T21:29:00.000-05:00

Sorry for my absence, I've fallen behind trying to keep up with the FCIAC Football Blog, keeping up with the overflow of my day job, making sure a ton of extra work was filed for future newsletters and print issues there, and having my cervical fusion surgery.

Ugh, I'm glad I'm back. Had to even miss calling the SWC championship game for SportingNewsCT.com. Phil Soto-Ortiz gave me the invite to do color, but I didn't even get out of work until 9 that night.

But I got to listen to a classic clash between Masuk and Bunnell. And looking at how the Class L brackets are going to fall, it looks like Round Three could be held on Dec. 1. Now would Tuumbull High School (yuck) be considered the neutral site if it's the Panthers and the Bulldogs for the Class L title?

Let's hope so. Keep the travel easy for everyone.

Anyway, they both have to play games Tuesday first. Bunnell will host Staples in a rematch of last year's Class L championship game. Masuk travels to West Hartford for a date with Conard.

I'll have more about these games, plus some Thanksgiving press clips, before Tuesday.

Ah, the Polls... Who Really Is Number One?

2007-11-15T18:29:00.000-05:00

Sean Patrick Bowley can't catch a break. he chose Greenwich as the top team in his Elite 8, and now people are screaming at him on the Post's High School Sports Blog. I mean, he takes a lot of razzing as it is from fans, coaches, players, etc., but it comes with the territory when you're bold enough to call the shots like you see them.

But when the Drinkers of the Ansonia Kool-Aid get angry (not the players, as far as I can tell, they are a class act) ... hoo-wee! It's like you can hear "Dualing Banjos" in the background when you read some of these people's comments! They mention that Ansonia kicked some FCIAC ass in 1983 (when no one playing on any high school team was even born). They say Greenwich was afraid to play Ansonia and had to travel to Florida for a game when anyone with half a clue knows the Chargers were locked in with a Week 9 opponent.

Anyway, go up top and vote for your number one team in the state. And be honest.

The Day of New London Top 10 State Coaches Poll

2007-11-12T20:59:00.000-05:00

First-place votes in parentheses, record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last week’s ranking:

1. Ansonia (8) 9-0 380 1
2. Greenwich (3) 8-1 346 2
3. Southington (2) 9-0 324 3
4. Staples-Westport 8-0 306 4
5. Hand-Madison 9-0 282 5
6. Bunnell-Stratford 9-0 268 6
7. New London 9-0 232 7
8. Bristol Eastern 9-0 168 8
9. Shelton 8-1 151 10
10. Masuk-Monroe 8-1 144 9

Also receiving votes: Bridgeport Central (7-1), 128; Seymour (8-1), 116; Cromwell (9-0), 79; New Canaan (7-2), 78; Conard-West Hartford (8-1), 62; Tie, Stratford (8-1) and Weaver-Hartford (7-1), 68; Woodland-Beacon Falls (8-1), 42; New Britain (7-2), 41; Ledyard (7-1), 32; Berlin (8-1), 20; Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (7-2), 12; Fairfield Prep (7-2), 10.

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

Clip of the Week: Send Us Your Best Shots

2007-11-10T21:21:00.000-05:00

So, whaddaya got for the Clip of the Week contest?

Granted, if you were at a game Friday, you have a soggy camera. But Thursday and Saturday were great nights.

With this being an odd week - only one game, the SWC championship, will be played - I'm extending the deadline. That's right, get your clips in by 11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, and you'll be entered in the contest for a chance to win a t-shirt from Digital Sports Video.

Just remember the rules: No taping off computer or TV screen. And send us either a digital file or tell us where you've posted it (YouTube, etc.).

Voting for this week's Clip of the Week will run through 11 p.m. Saturday, the 17th.

Bunnell vs. Masuk... Again

2007-11-10T21:04:00.000-05:00

I predicted a repeat for Bunnell at the beginning of the 2007 preseason. And now the Bulldogs are a week away from proving me right.

The two will meet Thursday at Pomperaug for the SWC championship. Bunnell defeated Masuk 16-8 earlier this season. And you know what they say - it's tough to beat the same team twice in one football season.

So I guess Thursday evening, some time around 9:30 p.m., we will have a champion crowned. I'm expecting another low-scoring game, even with the spread offenses in full effect.

Election Day: Vote For the Clip of the Week

2007-11-06T06:50:00.001-05:00

Happy Election Day, everyone! Now be a good citizen and go to OUR polls, the ones that give you the right to vote for the Digital Sports Video Clip of the Week!

What does the winner get? A t-shirt from contest sponsors Digital Sports Video, FCIAC Football Blog, and SWC Buzz!

Your vote counts, so check out the candidates and check your ballot. And don't forget to send us your clip for next week's contest (and your chance to win!). Polls close at noon Friday, Nov. 9:

CLIP 1: Matt White to Sean O'Dea to Matt White for the 38-yard completion

CLIP 2: John Midy forces a fumble, recovers it, and picks up some yardage

Bunnell, Masuk Stay Put

2007-11-05T21:38:00.001-05:00

First-place votes in parentheses, record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last week’s ranking:

1. Ansonia (10) 8-0 382 1

2. Greenwich (2) 8-0 366 2

3. Southington (1) 8-0 316 3

4. Staples-Westport 7-0 288 5

5. Hand-Madison 8-0 282 4

6. Bunnell-Stratford 8-0 278 6

7. New London 7-0 238 7

8. Bristol Eastern 8-0 155 8

9. Masuk-Monroe 7-1 138 9

10. Shelton 7-1 136 10

Also receiving votes: Bridgeport Central (6-1), 127; New Canaan (7-1), 98; Seymour (8-0), 96; Cromwell (8-0), 74; Tie, New Britain (7-1) and Weaver-Hartford (6-1), 68; Woodland-Beacon Falls (7-1), 51; Ledyard (6-1), 38; Conard-West Hartford (7-1), 36; Stratford (7-1), 32; Berlin (7-1), 27; Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (6-2), 12; Middletown (7-1), 9.

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

Clip of the Week: What Do You Got For Us?

2007-11-05T07:21:00.000-05:00

Look, we KNOW you're videotaping the game. Or for that matter, recording video direct to a hard drive of a DVD. So why not send us your best clip for a chance to win a t-shirt from Digital Sports Video, FCIAC Football Blog, and SWC Buzz? You won't be accused of spying, and we won't turn you in!

Deadine for entry is midnight tonight, Nov. 5. But you can rip off a clip from this weekend's games in a snap, I'm sure! e-mail your clip (or tell us where we can find it on YouTube, etc.) to clip@fciacfootballblog.com.

And I'm REALLY sure you can beat this clip of Staples linebacker Josh Kozel picking off Darien quarterback Matt Wheelock:

Craig Bruno, Week 7 Postgame

2007-11-03T22:55:00.000-04:00

Bunnell improved to 8-0 today with a 41-0 win over Immaculate. Just this past Sunday, it was a convincing 35-14 win for the Bulldogs.

I had this video in waiting since then. It's Craig Bruno, postgame against the Nighthawks, talking about his team's performance.

Press Clippings: Nov. 3

2007-11-03T17:50:00.000-04:00

Who would have thought that Brookfield would take down Pomperaug? Especially a week after Pomperaug's fantastic finish against Stratford?

Here's today's clips:

(News-Times) Brookfield stuns Pomperaug
(News-Times) Rebels run past Notre Dame
(The Hour) Weston overwhelmed by Stratford

Clip of the Week Contest for Week 8

2007-10-30T09:57:00.001-04:00

Are you ready to vote for the Clip of the Week? Of course you are!

Week 8 brings us a lot of video from the Westhill-Ridgefield game, which was played Saturday. Maybe it's because there were a lot of enthusiastic shooters there, or maybe because it was the only place where cameras stayed dry?

Just remember, enter, and you can win a t-shirt from our sponsor, Digital Sports Video. All you need to do is submit a clip from an FCIAC or SWC game played over the weekend by midnight Monday. Either send the clip to clip@fciacfootballblog.com, or tell us where it's hosted (YouTube, etc.)

But for now, all you can do is vote. So let's get to it!

Clip1: Adler Floiran's Interception in the end zone to prevent a touchdown

Clip 2: Matt Eydt tips the ball over the defender and into the hands of Ryan Kilbane

Clip 3: TJ Hickey throws to Sean Moynihan for a 34yd TD

Clip 4: Danny Berisha's 83yd run up the middle for a TD

Clip 5: Danny Molina gets the Hammer Award

Which is the Clip of the Week for Week 8?
Clip 1
Clip 2
Clip 3
Clip 4
Clip 5

Free polls from Pollhost.com

The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches football poll

2007-10-29T23:25:00.000-04:00

First-place votes in parentheses, record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last week’s ranking:

1. Ansonia (10) 7-0 382 1
2. Greenwich (2) 7-0 366 2
3. Southington (1) 7-0 298 3
4. Hand-Madison 7-0 290 5
5. Staples-Westport 6-0 289 4
6. Bunnell-Stratford 7-0 267 6
7. New London 7-0 238 7
8. Bristol Eastern 7-0 148 10
9. Masuk-Monroe 6-1 134 NR
10. Shelton 6-1 122 9

Dropped out: Stratford (8).

Also receiving votes: Tie, Bridgeport Central (5-1) and Weaver-Hartford (6-0), 115; New Canaan (6-1), 96; Seymour (7-0), 88; Cromwell (7-0), 70; New Britain (6-1), 63; Woodland-Beacon Falls (6-1), 42; Conard-West Hartford (6-1), 40; Pomperaug-Southbury (6-1), 35; Stratford (6-1), 32; Ledyard (5-1), 25; Fairfield Prep (5-2), 22; Berlin (6-1), 18; Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (5-2), 11; Middletown (6-1), 9.

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

Clip of the Week Contest: Can You Beat This?

2007-10-29T16:44:00.000-04:00

Tough one to beat, only because of how crazy a play this was. Trinity vs. Millsaps in a D-III game played Saturday down in Texas.

But it doesn't mean you can't enter the contest this week. e-mail your best clip from this past weekend's SWC or FCIAC games (or tell up where we can find it on YouTube, etc.) and you can win a t-shirt from our sponsor, Digital Sports Video.

No purchase necessary, but feel free to buy something from our store...

How Do You Stop Bunnell's Offense?

2007-10-29T08:07:00.000-04:00

The simple answer: You don't. You can only hope to slow it down.

Yesterday is the second time I got to see the Bulldogs this season. Third if you count the scrimmage against Trumbull. And to be honest, I think their offense is the toughest in the state to stop right now.

Yes, yesterday Newtown stopped Bunnell on a goal-line stand, and on Bunnell's first possession of the game. But no one is consistently keeping the Bulldogs out of the end zone.

Michael Easley and Mark Harrison are big, physical bookends, and you can't double cover both. If you do, QB Chris Sloat is going to take off and run, or hand the ball to Mario Guerrero or Oliver Aurelia and have them smash the ball up the middle. And of course, if you stack eight in the box to stop the run, you leave Sloat's weapons wide open.

Maybe it won't look as easy when Bunnell plays for the SWC championship, or Stratford, or in the Class L playoffs ...

Lens Envy: Stratford at Pomperaug

2007-10-29T07:47:00.000-04:00

Sean Patrick Bowley at The Post says he doesn't have lens envy. Heck, I do. Just check out the video Ben Talbott's company, Bird's Eye Sports, shot at the Stratford-Pomperaug game on Friday night. I thought I'd be groundbreaking this season with a $300 camera... no dice! All it did was get wet at the FCIAC game I did.

The 3 OT classic puts Pomperaug in a three-way tie for second with Stratford and Masuk. I do not know how Bunnell's opponent in the SWC championship game (face it, they are not losing). But Pomperaug defeated Stratford, and Masuk defeated Pomperaug. So my guess in Masuk gets it? If anyone knows how it works, please leave a comment.

Today on Live From the FC...

2007-10-27T09:21:00.000-04:00

We'll be talking with Nick Angotto, the sideline reporter for WGCH-AM 1490 about all things Greenwich, like the Cardinals' 33-0 win over Wilton last night, what he knows about Spygate, and whether or not it's too early to start talking about the FCIAC Championship game.

Also we'll take it to the SWC and talk with The One And Only Phil Soto-Ortiz, who did the huge Pomperaug-Stratford game last night for SportingNewsCT.com. We'll also get his thoughts on today's Norwalk-Staples game and see what he thinks about tailgating at Wembley.

And if it's not Joe Ryan, it will be Matt Levine (or maybe both) calling in to talk about the game the webcast on MattLevine.net last night, Stamford's 22-16 win over Fairfield Ludlowe. Not only was it the Black Knights' first win of the season, but it was marred by an ugly on-field incident with 15 seconds left to play.

So click the link above and listen live -- the show begins at 10 a.m. -- or if you're getting ready to play a game today, check back later for the replay. If you're listening live, IM your questions (via AOL IM) to livefromthefc.

Newtown-Bunnell Moved to Sunday

2007-10-26T17:43:00.001-04:00

And that will be a 2:30 start. The good news (for me) is that I'll be there, both for The News-Times and for SWC Buzz. So hopefully, soon thereafter, there will be a Nighthawks-Bulldogs photo gallery up, as well as some video and other good stuff.

My guess then: There will be a lot of Bunnell jerseys up at Pomperaug tonight...

Stratford at Pomperaug: Live on Internet Radio

2007-10-26T10:42:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note here: SportingNewsCT.com will be airing tonight's Stratford-Pomperaug game LIVE starting at 6:45. So if you don't want to brave the rain, you can still hear Phil Soto-Ortiz call the play-by-play and Rob Baird on the color in the comfort of your own home. Game starts at 7, and I believe they'll be doing pregame at 6:45.

Also, Phil will be my guest Saturday morning on Live From the FC, coming on at 10:20 to talk about the big game.

So SWC fans, you'll be getting your Phil (pun intended) of football.

Remember The Tigers

2007-10-26T07:59:00.000-04:00

The Connecticut Post today has a feature on one SWC team that broke away from the conference, and has a shot at the CIAC playoffs. And it's not Foran or Law.

It's Bullard-Havens. Yes, THAT Bullard-Havens.

Now don't be so surprised. They're playing in the Constitution State Conference against other tech schools and some magnet schools, against like talent. And at 4-1 and a legit shot to defeat league front runner Cheney Tech, they can reach post-Thanksgiving football.

BTW, anyone have the answer to this trivia question? Bullard-Havens went 1-89 in SWC play. Who did the Tigers beat?

Oh, and hey, The Post did write about the SWC today: Click here for a feature on Stratford quarterback Justin Shumyhora.

Separation Friday, or a Bigger Cluster?

2007-10-25T07:29:00.000-04:00

I'm going to stick to my guns here and say it's going to be Stratford and Bunnell meeting for the SWC Championship. So this week should be Separation Friday.

But looking at the Week 7 matchups, you never really know for sure.

Stratford visits Pomperaug, Newtown travels to Bunnell. Should Pomperaug and Newtown get the wins - and Masuk defeat Weston as it should - there will suddenly be five teams tied at 5-1 with two games left before the playoffs.

Can it happen? It's very possible. Newtown has been on a roll since losing three weeks back 40-21 to Stratford. And yes, Bunnell did put up 64 on Barlow, but trailed 21-7 at one point and had to earn the win.

Pomperaug's offense hasn't been in gear, but it's defense did hold Masuk's high-octane spread to two touchdowns. The question is, do they have the weapons to stop Torrey Mack & Octavias McKoy?

I'll play it safe here and say the two Stratford teams stay undefeated on what should be Separation Friday.

Vote NOW For the Clip of the Week

2007-10-23T08:09:00.001-04:00

Hey, we have some excellent entries here for the Clip of the Week contest, and now it's your turn to vote for one as the Digital Sports Video Clip of the Week!

The clips include a 74-yard touchdown run by Westhill running back Quinnel Gaines, an interception by Ridgefield's Lee Haberlein, and a leaping reception by Ridgefield's Sean O'Dea.

So here we go! Watch the clips and vote below:

Clip 1: Quinnel Gaines goes 74 yards for the score:

Clip 2: Sean O'Dea out-jumps Darien's Brendan Eppley for a reception:

Clip 3: Lee Haberlein gets the tip-drill INT:

Top 10: Stratford Up One

2007-10-22T19:12:00.000-04:00

The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches football poll...

First-place votes in parentheses, record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last week’s ranking:

1. Ansonia (10) 6-0 384 1
2. Greenwich (2) 6-0 364 2
3 Southington (1) 6-0 308 4
4.Staples-Westport 5-0 296 5
5.Hand-Madison 6-0 274 8
6.Bunnell-Stratford 6-0 272 6
7. New London 6-0 220 7
8.Stratford 6-0 165 9
9.Shelton 5-1 135 3
10. Bristol Eastern 6-0 124 NR

Dropped out: Berlin (10).

Also receiving votes: Masuk-Monroe (5-1), 120; Bridgeport Central (5-1), 105; Weaver-Hartford (5-0), 98; New Canaan (5-1), 89; Middletown (6-0), 58; New Britain (5-1), 51; Seymour (6-0), 48; Cromwell (6-0), 42; Woodland-Beacon Falls (5-1), 37; Norwich Free Academy (6-0), 32; Conard-West Hartford (5-1), 28; Berlin (5-1), 17; Maloney-Meriden (5-1), 14; Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (4-2), 11; Tie, Ledyard (4-1) and Wethersfield (5-1).

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

Clip of the Week Contest: Your Turn to Enter

2007-10-21T17:24:00.000-04:00

Hey, come on! You know you were at a game yesterday, and you know you were shooting video. So you should go ahead and enter the Clip of the Week contest! I don't want to see sponsor Digital Sports Video spend its marketing dollar elsewhere next year, and they will if no one enters. And then, or course, the blog goes under because I can't put food on the table... it's a death spiral I'm sure you don't want to see!

This is the only entry so far, and I'm sure your worst shot can beat it. So go ahead - you can win a t-shirt in the process!

Click here for the rules, which have been relaxed to promote participation ...

Recap: SPB talks SWC on Live From the FC

2007-10-21T17:10:00.001-04:00

You wanted some SWC talk on Live From the FC, and you got it... yesterday. Connecticut Post football writer Sean Patrick Bowley was my guest, and he led our discussion on the conference, his thoughts on the to-be-played Pomperaug-Masuk game, and his insights about the league.

The show lasted more than an hour, and Sean came on at around the 30 minute mark, Maybe 32 minutes in to it. So click on the link above and check out the podcast.

Press Clippings for a Sunday Afternoon

2007-10-21T13:56:00.000-04:00

So the playoff picture in the SWC is starting to take a little more shape. Or is that it's remaining cluttered? After upending Pomperaug 16-6, Masuk becomes one of three teams with just one loss. Pomperaug and Newtown are the others, but Stratford and Bunnell are still undefeated.

So we'll start off with that clip:

(Connecticut Post) Masuk comes back to life
(The Hour) Lancers top Trojans
(The News-Times) Barlow loses shootout to undefeated Bunnell
(The News-Times) Brookfield runs past Immaculate
(The News-Times) DeVellis leads Newtown past Bethel

And the Postponements Begin...

2007-10-19T13:02:00.000-04:00

Be sure to check here to see which games have been moved to tomorrow. So far, the Pomperaug-Masuk game has been moved to 7 p.m. Saturday, and I'm sure other schools will follow suit...

Masuk-Pomperaug Talk Featured on Live From the FC

2007-10-18T16:09:00.000-04:00

Okay, I will admit it. I've done a bad job keeping up with the SWC Buzz since coming back from vacation. Boo-hiss on me.

Hopefully I will make up for it on Saturday, when I dedicate part of the Internet radio show "Live From the FC" to coverage of this week's big Pomperaug-Masuk game.

I won't mention any names, but the guest I have coming on knows a little bit about both teams, and is a very entertaining, tell-it-like-it-is guy.

Matter of fact, I may have this mystery guest stay on for a while for his take on the SWC. Up to him, of course.

Weekly Reading For SWC Fans

2007-10-18T15:20:00.000-04:00

Not much out there (I'm not much of a fan of the SWC's weeklies), but here we go:

(Redding Pilot) Falcons fly over Chiefs
(Weston Forum) Rebels strike early and often

Yup... that's it!

The Superbug Is Here, Let's Be Cautious

2007-10-18T11:49:00.000-04:00

Now I've kidded in the past about the people in Westport and their concerns that this new generation of artificial turf is dangerous because of chemicals released into the air. But now that the Superbug (the MRSA virus) has arrived in Fairfield County, I'm a little freaked out at the possibilities. Especially if these artificial turf fields are not being properly maintained.

Now I'm not an expert in infectious diseases. I actually hope to get one on Live From the FC this Saturday morning. But I have studied up on the artificial turf. Bodily fluids do not drain as quickly in artificial turf as it does grass playing fields. And if our schools are not keeping up with regular sanitation schedules (or doing it ASAP), the MRSA virus could potentially hang out there for a while. I'm not talking weeks, but if you have phys ed classes and then a block of practices, it could be an issue.

Meanwhile, players, though it's cool to go all season without washing your gear or changing your practice clothing, you want to do it. Parents, encourage your sons to bring the equipment home. or coaches, enforce this.

Here's all I really know about MRSA, and we all know you can't fully trust Wikipedia. Apparently, maggots can help rid patients of MRSA, too, but I wouldn't go that far.

Last thing we need is for some of these regional outbreaks to intensify.

An Open Letter to All: Thank You!

2007-10-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

On behalf of "Bill Gonillo's Team of the Week," I want to thank everyone who came out to walk, sponsored us, or had the late Bill Gonillo in their thoughts Sunday, as we participated in the American Diabetes Association's walk yesterday in Fairfield.

Together, with the help of some very generous donors and team members who pounded the pavement, we raised more than $5,000 for the ADA in Bill's honor. Not all the amounts have been entered on the team's Web site, but thousands more came in on the morning of the walk.

(EDIT: Wendy Younge of the ADA just e-mailed to inform me that $5,646 came in from Bill Gonillo's team of the Week yesterday!)

As teammate and News 12 personality Paul Piorek and New Haven Register sportswriter Jim Fuller both said yesterday, "Once [I] said it was for Bill,, it was easy to collect."

Bill's parents and several members of his family came out for the walk, too, and were very thankful for what the team had done. And as I let his parents know, setting up a team to honor Bill is nothing no one else wouldn't have done. In fact, a second team that walked and raised funds in his honor brought in at least $1,500.

Even though the walk is over, it's not too late to help make a difference. You can still make a post-race donation in Bill's honor through our team, "Bill Gonillo's Team of the Week."

There are so many people to thank. From the FCIAC football teams and local businessmen who opened their purse strings, to the media and teams who plugged the cause on their Web sites and blogs, to the people we met along the way who had their Bill Gonillo stories and memories to share, you are all heroes.

Thank you all again for your time and support.

Sincerely,

Tim Parry

Clip of the Week: Lone Entry Is an Awesome One

2007-10-16T08:27:00.000-04:00

The good news is we have an awesome entry for the Clip of the Week contest!

The bad news is, it's the ONLY entry!

And I'm sure YouTube user janetrobbensmith is the only person attending FCIAC or SWC games with a video camera, or even a camera phone!

Coaches, you got clips from the games you're scouting? Send them over (we'll keep you anonymous!). Have them of your own player? Great! Let him win the t-shirt!

I'll tell ya what. I'll do a better job plugging the contest, and hopefully those submissions will come in.

Maybe no one thought they could top this one though: Danny Barisha's 97-yard catch-and-run for a Westhill touchdown:

Bunnell,, Stratford Still in Top 10

2007-10-15T20:19:00.000-04:00

The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches football poll

First-place votes in parentheses, record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last week’s ranking:

1. Ansonia (10) 5-0 384 1
2. Greenwich (2) 5-0 358 2
3. Shelton 5-0 316 3
4. Southington (1) 5-0 308 4
5. Staples-Westport 4-0 274 5
6. Bunnell-Stratford 5-0 250 6
7. New London 5-0 221 7
8. Hand-Madison 5-0 179 9
9. Stratford 5-0 154 8
10. Berlin 5-0 129 T10

Dropped out: Conard-West Hartford (T10).

Also receiving votes: Bridgeport Central (4-1), 101; Masuk-Monroe (4-1), 85; Weaver-Hartford (4-0), 84; Newington (5-0), 82; Bristol Eastern (5-0), 67; Windsor (5-0), 60; New Canaan (4-1), 53; Seymour (5-0), 36; Pomperaug-Southbury (5-0), 32; Norwich Free Academy (5-0), 27; Middletown (5-0), 21; Woodland-Beacon Falls (4-1), 18; Notre Dame-West Haven (4-1), 16; Windham (4-1), 14; New Britain (4-1), 11; Cromwell (5-0), 9; Holy Cross-Waterbury (4-1), 8; Conard-West Hartford (4-1), 7.

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

Clip of the Week Contest: Don't Forget to Enter

2007-10-15T17:41:00.000-04:00

So, what are you doing tonight while watching the Red Sox-Indians or Giants-Falcons? (Or Two And a Half Men?)

Maybe, just maybe, you should be looking to enter a video clip into the Clip of the Week contest!

You have until midnight tonight, and I'm sure you want to do it. Just refer to the rules and get us that clip! You may just win a Clip of the Week t-shirt, courtesy of Digital Sports Video, FCIAC Football Blog, and SWC Buzz.

And The Clip of the Week Is...

2007-10-12T10:45:00.000-04:00

...this right here. Matt White hits Jimmy O'Dea for a 46-yard touchdown against Staples:

The video was shot by Chris O'Shea, who wins a Clip of the Week t-shirt from contest sponsors Digital Sports Video, FCIAC Football Blog, and SWC Buzz.

Get your cameras ready for Week 5's football action. And click here to find out how you can enter and win.

Press Clippings: What's Going On...

2007-10-11T17:48:00.000-04:00

Here I go again, scouring the bowels of the Internet so you don't have to.

And it's easier than it looks. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of weekly newspapers in SWC towns that are on top of their Web games. In one way, it's sad. No, in all ways, it's sad. Should the family of, say, a Pomperaug player have to rely just on the News-Times and Republican-American Web sites it they want to find out how their brother, grandson, cousin, or nephew did?

No.

Anyway, here's what's out there right now:

Panthers off to strong start (Monroe Courier)
Homecoming is a happy one (Redding Pilot)
Devils prevail over Newtown (Stratford Star)
Homecoming is lopsided win (Weston Forum)

By the way, am I missing any links to weekly newspapers? Scroll down a bit and let me know. I would love to add whatever is missing.

Week 5, Kinda Blah!

2007-10-09T23:34:00.000-04:00

I'm looking at the Week 5 SWC schedule, and nothing really stands out as a game of the week.

If you had a chance though, which game would you see?

New Fairfield at Weston?

Newtown at Brookfield?

Notre Dame at Pomperaug?

I may his New Fairfield at Weston on Saturday, since I have a class reunion picnic from 12-2 p.m. and it's a 3 p.m. game.

What do you think? Vote below, and leave some comments about YOUR game of the week...

Vote For The Clip Of The Week!

2007-10-09T11:09:00.000-04:00

The Clip of the Week Contest is up and running, and we have three entries. The ballot box is open until 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12.

To review the clips and cast your ballot, click below.

So how do I enter the contest next week? Click here for all the rules ... If your entry wins, you receive a t-shirt from Digital Sports Video, the FCIAC Football Blog, and SWC Buzz.

But for now, happy voting, and enjoy!

CLIP 1: Ridgefield QB Matt White hits Jimmy O'Dea for a 46-yard touchdown.

CLIP 2: McMahon RB Mike Graham breaks free for a touchdown run.

CLIP 3: Immaculate QB Matt Mascolo connects with Anthony Biasetti for a 73-yard touchdown.

VOTE BELOW!

Bunnell Sixth, Stratford Moves Up

2007-10-08T19:57:00.000-04:00

The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches football poll

First-place votes in parentheses, record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last week’s ranking:

1. Ansonia (11) 4-0 386 1
2. Greenwich (2) 4-0 352 2
3. Shelton 4-0 312 3
4. Southington 4-0 298 4
5. Staples-Westport 3-0 295 5
6. Bunnell-Stratford 4-0 241 6
7. New London 4-0 218 7
8. Stratford 4-0 151 10
9. Hand-Madison 4-0 144 8
T10. Berlin 4-0 106 9
T10. Conard-West Hartford 4-0 106 NR

Also receiving votes: Fairfield Prep (3-1), 93; Newington (4-0), 76; Masuk-Monroe (3-1), 72; Bridgeport Central (3-1), 59; Windsor (4-0), 57; St. Joseph-Trumbull (4-0), 53; New Canaan (3-1), 43; Holy Cross-Waterbury (4-0), 34; Woodland-Beacon Falls (3-1), 32; Seymour (4-0), 31; Norwich Free Academy (4-0), 30; Weaver-Hartford (3-0), 27; Tie, Cromwell (4-0) and Rocky Hill (4-0), 22; New Britain (3-1), 20; Notre Dame-West Haven (3-1), 11; Ledyard (2-1), 9; Bristol Eastern (4-0), 8; Windham (3-1), 7

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden

From the Wayback Machine: New Milford-Weston Photos (Finally) Up

2007-10-07T20:14:00.000-04:00

My apologies to everyone who I've left in the dark, as I've tried to catch up after vacation, added physical therapy to my daily routine, and whatnot.

But the good news is: I've finally got photos from the Weston-New Milford game online. I'm sure the freshmen from that game have already graduated college and are working on their MBAs.

Anyway, click here to enter the gallery. The gallery is under High School Football 2007 (so is the Notre Dame-Bethel one). Check 'em out, show your friends, buy a ton of them, and so on...

Vote to Light Kaplanis Field

2007-10-05T11:10:00.000-04:00

Now I'm not a big fan of night football, I love shooting day games, this is a worthwhile cause. My wife forwarded an e-mail to me about Danbury's Kaplanis Memorial Field being part of a contest, in which it could receive free lights.

So if you VOTE HERE, the new field can get a free set of lights, courtesy of NorthEast-Eagle Electrical Distributors. Kaplanis Field is the only field in Connecticut on the list of entries, so there'[s no conflict for anyone.

Voting runs through Nov. 30, so spread the word.

Surgery: YOU Decide When I Do It

2007-10-04T09:02:00.000-04:00

Remember my pain in the neck? It's much worse than I thought. Herniated the discs at C5 and C6. And C6 is so bad that it's pressing against the spinal cord, and there is no spinal fluid between the hernia and the spinal cord.

The neurosurgeon recommended surgery, but said I can try physical therapy to alleviate the pain -- though it won't fix the damaged discs. If anything it will help with my posture and stuff like that.

So I took the six-week physical therapy approach, with plans of getting the surgery done after Thanksgiving... But I forgot -- my wife is a retail manager, so she won't be able to take time off then for recovery. So I figured maybe after January 1.

Then I asked my brother-in-law, who had the surgery two years ago. He said "Get 'er Done" (Hey, he lives in Alabama!), but don't go swinging golf clubs the day before surgery:

"If surgery is inevitable, don't put it off. I did therapy for about two months that produced little relief. While I told you the bad in paragraph one [Don't play golf two days before like I did. I figured that they were going to fix it anyway, might as well swing away. That complicated the surgery in that they had to remove my ligaments.], let me say that the surgery was very successful. I have had stiffness from time to time, but nothing like pre-surgery."

So what should I do? I have physical therapy at 12:30 today, but I'm also thinking maybe next week I should just call the doctor and ask, "time and hospital?"

My concern is we're short-staffed at my day job and I don't want to leave them hanging with just a few week's notice. I'm also slacking on the blogs since coming back from vacation, but know you readers will (hopefully) give me a pass for a few days. And I don't want to interfere with my wife's schedule, though she said I have to do what I have to do.

So what do YOU all out there in the blogosphere think?

Remember the "Clip of the Week" Contest? It's Still Going On...

2007-10-03T13:32:00.000-04:00

... and we would be thrilled to see you enter! We have a box of t-shirts to give away, but no one to give them to. And you wouldn't want to see our sponsor, digital Sports Video, get angry, would you?

We're making it easier for you to participate, too. Though you can refer to the original rules here, the following over-rule everything:

Any video from a 2007-season game that includes an FCIAC or SWC team qualifies. So polish off your Week 1 clips. The weekly deadline still counts though.
No need to send us the clip, just send us the URL. We'll compile all the videos in one post.
Still, you must have made the clip yourself - no taping off-screen.

Thanks, and please keep the sponsor from harassing me! Enter your clips early and often!

Oh, and are you an A/V fan? Want to work with us? Matt Levine is looking for interns to help with The Fifty Yard Line. You can drop him a line at finalscoresportscasting@yahoo.com.

Masuk Drops From Top 10

2007-10-01T22:35:00.000-04:00

The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches football poll

First-place votes in parentheses, record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last week’s ranking:

1. Ansonia (10) 3-0 384 1

2. Greenwich (2) 3-0 356 2

3. Shelton (1) 3-0 324 3

4. Southington 3-0 300 6

5. Staples-Westport 2-0 290 4

6. Bunnell-Stratford 3-0 243 T7

7. New London 3-0 207 T7

8. Hand-Madison 3-0 119 NR

9. Berlin 3-0 115 10

10. Stratford 3-0 110 NR

Dropped out: New Canaan (5), Masuk-Monroe (9).

Also receiving votes: Fairfield Prep (2-1), 93; Tie, Maloney-Meriden (3-0) and Masuk-Monroe (2-1), 77; Newington (3-0), 74; Windham (3-0), 64; Conard-West Hartford (3-0), 56; New Canaan (2-1), 48; Windsor (3-0), 42; Bridgeport Central (2-1), 40; Woodland-Beacon Falls (2-1), 38; Seymour (3-0), 36; Tie, Bloomfield (2-1) and Holy Cross-Waterbury (3-0), 34; Ledyard (2-0), 30; St. Joseph-Trumbull (3-0), 22; Tie, Cromwell (3-0) and Weaver-Hartford (2-0), 18; Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (2-1), 16; Rocky Hill (3-0), 14; Norwich Free Academy (3-0), 11; Ridgefield (2-1), 10; Cheshire (1-2), 9; Tie, Amity-Woodbridge (3-0) and New Britain (2-1), 8.

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

Live From the FC, Bill Gonillo Tribute

2007-09-28T07:18:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow will be a very special Live From the FC. I am going to be on the road, so guest hosts Mike Zito and Jason Intrieri will be there to celebrate the life of Bill Gonillo.

Jason and Mike have worked hard all week to secure a plethora of guests from the coaching and media world to share their thought about Bill, who passed away Sunday at the age of 44.

In addition to the many tributes to Bill linked to this blog, a team will walk in his honor on Oct. 14 at the Step Out to Fight Diabetes event.

Walking in Bill's Memory

2007-09-27T09:53:00.000-04:00

There will be a team participating in Bill Gonillo's honor and memory at the Step Out to Fight Diabetes 3-mile walk on Sunday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m., starting at Penfield Pavilion in Fairfield.

If you would like to make a donation in Bill's memory, or would like to join "Bill Gonillo's Team of the Week," please click here or go to main.diabetes.org/goto/BillGonillo.

More information about the event can he found here (http://stepout.diabetes.org/site/TR/StepOut/StepOut070218010?pg=entry&fr_id=4645).

Tributes to Bill Gonillo

2007-09-27T09:51:00.000-04:00

There are plenty of them out there this week. Thanks to Sean Patrick Bowley of The Post, who has kind of become the Archiver of All Things Bill. It's made it easier for me to try and enjoy my vacation. Which hasn't been easy this week, in what's supposed to be the happiest place in the world.

But Bill just this past Friday told me to have a great time down in Florida, told me he was jealous that I was going to get to see tonight's Yankees-Devil Rays game, and that he couldn't wait to hear about it when I got back. Even though I told him I'd wear a Rays cap and t-shirt at The Trop!

Speaking of shirts, I got a Bill Gonillo story. And I was reminded of it when I saw this article by Chris Elsberry. Or to be precise, the photos by Christian Abraham. In them, Bill is wearing an FCIAC Football Blog t-shirt, a hand-made promo model that I made prior to the 2006 season.

I was handing a few out, and though I wasn't extremely proud of the black ones. The iron-on paper for dark shirts wasn't the greatest, and kind of gave it a look like it was an old patch your mom would use in the 70s or 60s to fix a hole in the knee of your favorate jeans.

I gave it to Bill at Fairfield Warde, when he stopped by the Mustangs' scrimmage with Bunnell and Staples. It was the last 2XL I had on me that day, and I figured he'd just toss it in a drawer.

"You want to give that shirt to me? Are you sure about that?" Bill asked me, all excited.

"Yeah, Bill, of course!" I replied.

"Wow, thanks Tim! I appreciate it! I'll be sure to wear it!" Bill said, like a kid you just got a B.B. gun on Christmas morning.

I'd see Bill around in his old Cowboys t-shirt or something and he'd tell me, "I love that t-shirt you gave me, I wear it all the time."

I'd kid him about what a horrible shirt I gave him, and how he should have burned it. When I showed up at the Central-Greenwich game in a flourescent green model, he was kidding me: "Boy, we're all lucky you didn't give me one of those. I'd look like a big tennis ball!"

So we'd talk about how News 12's Damian Andrew kidded me about how he'd vote in the poll again this season only if he got a t-shirt. I told him I had some to make up for some media members, and he said, "Make him look like a tennis ball!"

I cried again the other day when I saw the photo of Bill in that ugly hand-made t-shirt. To me, it was like going back to elementary school. And Father's Day would approach and you'd make something in class for your dad. And no matter how horrible or hideous it was, it would be worn or displayed with a badge of honor.

So thanks again, Bill, I'm glad you really loved that t-shirt. You wore it proud.

Bunnell-Masuk This Friday

2007-09-27T09:48:00.000-04:00

In lieu of me being around this week to talk about this one, you should check out the message board. A lot of Bunnell and Masuk fans are over there talking about the SWC championship game rematch.

State Coaches Poll

2007-09-25T09:12:00.001-04:00

The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches football poll

First-place votes in parentheses, record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last week’s ranking:

1. Ansonia (11) 2-0 386 1

2. Greenwich (2) 2-0 350 2

3. Shelton 2-0 298 3

4. Staples-Westport 2-0 276 5

5. New Canaan 2-0 275 4

6. Southington 2-0 266 6

T7. Bunnell-Stratford 2-0 174 7

T7. New London 2-0 174 8

9. Masuk-Monroe 2-0 168 9

10. Berlin 2-0 108 NR

Dropped out: Bloomfield (10).

Also receiving votes: Stratford (2-0), 99; Fairfield Prep (2-0), 98; Maloney-Meriden (2-0), 83; Newington (2-0), 66; Hand-Madison (2-0), 64; Holy Cross-Waterbury (2-0), 51; West Haven (1-1), 50; Conard-West Hartford (2-0), 48; Woodland-Beacon Falls (2-0), 47; Windham (2-0), 42; Tie, Bloomfield (1-1) and Ledyard (1-0), 28; Windsor (2-0), 26; Bridgeport Central (1-1), 20; Ridgefield (1-1), 17; Weaver-Hartford (2-0), 16; Tie, Cheshire (1-1) and Seymour (2-0), 14; Rocky Hill (2-0), 12; Norwich Free Academy (2-0), 10; New Britain (1-1), 7.

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

Bill Gonillo Dead at 44

2007-09-24T06:38:00.000-04:00

As I post this, I am trying very hard not to cry.

Bill Gonillo of News 12 was found dead in his Woodbridge home yesterday, according to various news sources. He was 44.

I don't think there is anything I could possibly write to properly honor him.

A lot of people out there may have just known Bill as the face on the television. But for the coaches and the rest of the media, he was a lot more than that.

When you saw Bill at a game, it was a sign of a few things.

One was that you knew it was an important game, because he was present with camera in hand, and would be in your living room a little later.

The other was this. When you saw Bill at a game, any and all stress went away. Bill was, literally, the life of the game. He was like a magnet. A lot of us would drop whatever we were doing to go over and say hi, and find out how he was doing. And most important, he wanted to know how you were doing. And it was genuine.

To be honest, I don't think there was anyone in Fairfield County sports media who didn't like the guy.

On a personal note, every time I saw him one-on-one at the game, he'd tell me, "Anything I can do to help you out, just let me know." I never took advantage. Instead, I gave him calls from games we were both at, which he'd have to leave, to report a final score (or 2).

Most recently, that was this week, when I saw him at the Weston-New Milford and Greenwich-Darien games Thursday, then at the St. Joseph-Ludlowe game on Friday.

He was excited Thursday when I told him about Weston's comeback. I started giving him the details when mid-play at the Greenwich-Darien game, he says, "Here' talk the the camera" and started shooting as I gave him Trojans running back Dylan Hannum's touchdown numbers.

Friday, he and Fairfield Ludlowe athletic director Dave Schultz were talking with him just as he was leaving Trumbull. We were talking about something all sports guys do - hot dogs.

And when he left, he said, "Hey Timmy, can you do me a favor and call me with the score?"

To which I replied, "Oh, I thought you were going to tell me what you wanted on your hot dog!"

As he was walking away, Bill replied, "Maybe next time!"

Bill, it's the first thing I will do when we meet again.

Here is the AP article.

Please leave your comments about Bill Gonillo below.

Video: Weston Hero Dylan Hannum

2007-09-23T07:54:00.001-04:00

Dylan Hannum had a monster game for Weston as it snapped its 23-game winless streak on Thursday. He carried the ball just 17 times, but gained 268 yards and reached the end zone four times. Here's what he had to say about what the win meant for the Trojans program.

Florida Bound

2007-09-21T23:05:00.001-04:00

Just to let you all know, I will be away in Florida through Sept. 30. Consider this the "out of office" reply, though I plan on checking in every morning.

The wife wanted to go away in September, and how could I say no? Yes, I'll be missing a week of high school football, but you guys can fill me in. Heck, I consider it a bye week!

I'll tell the Mouse you said hello. Shamoo, too.

Sunday: Joe Lato on Live From the FC

2007-09-21T21:12:00.000-04:00

Does Matt Levine have timing or what? Not only will he be filling in for me doing Live From the FC, but he told me Thursday morning he booked Weston head coach Joe Lato as a guest.

Lato picked up his first career win on Thursday and the Trojans snapped a 22-game winless streak in the process.

So Sunday morning, 10 a.m., log onto Live From the FC. Can't listen live? Check back in at the same link for the archive.

Press Clippings

2007-09-21T12:02:00.000-04:00

I was about to post a few links for Cyberspace when I went to the Connecticut Post's blog and read about the passing of Robert Szymaszek, the long-time Maloney head football coach who succumbed to brain cancer yesterday. Please click to read Sean Patrick Bowley's thoughts, and the Meridan-Journal's tribute page. May he rest in peace.

I guess there's no great way to segue into last night's games. So here we are:

Stratford 43, Brookfield 13:

(Connecticut Post) Mack, McKoy Power Stratford

Bunnell 42, Notre Dame-Fairfield 15

(Connecticut Post) Bunnell rolls over ND-Fairfield

Newtown 21, New Fairfield 14

(News-Times) Last second heroics

Immaculate 35, Nonnewaug 0

(News-Times) Immaculate gets off to fast start

Pomperaug 28, Barlow 0

(News-Times) Pomperaug runs over Barlow

Weston 34, New Milford 7

(The Hour) Weston breaks through

Clip of the Week: Don't Forget to Enter

2007-09-21T11:16:00.000-04:00

There's nothing I'd love to do more next week in Florida than set up the Clip of the Week contest. It will mean we have entries. I'd love to give away a free t-shirt to the winner. And so would Digital Sports Video, the sponsor of the contest.

So click here for more details about the contest, or click below for MY video from the New Milford-Weston game, which I think came out pretty cool. Then click HERE for details on how to enter the contest.

Coaches, feel free to enter a clip. If you don't want the shirt for yourself, give it to your human highlight. Parents, enter your kid and earn those bragging rights!

Weston's Day in the Sun

2007-09-21T08:53:00.000-04:00

Last season, with the FCIAC Football Blog, I thought I was going to be in the right-place, right-time to witness then end of Bassick's epic state-record losing streak. Alas, Fairfield Ludlowe pulled together in the second half and took home a 14-6 win.

I didn't go to Weston yesterday with any expectations. If anything, it was a 4 p.m. game, and was great for shooting (photos will be up soon). When Nick Figliola returned an interception 68-yards for a touchdown, I started sensing history. When the extra-point snap was bobbled by Figliola, and the team put the ball on the ground twice in the first half, I was thinking it was just another SWC game.

But Dylan Hannum had a career day - one that can turn you from just another player into a legend. Four second-half touchdowns on runs of 37, 70, 77, and 19 yards. And the defense made up for the first half turnovers. Figliola and Bryan Turkel had interceptions, and Josh Bombart, Tom McGee, and Ben O'Brien recovered fumbles.

Congratulations to the Trojans, now listen to what the coach, Joe Lato, had to say after the game. The Hour's Tom Evans and The Weston Forum's Rocco Valluzzo also participate.

Weston: The Streak Is Over

2007-09-20T23:57:00.000-04:00

The highlight of my day: I got to witness history. The Weston Trojans won its first game in 22 tries, and did it in a convincing fashion, 34-7 over New Milford.

Video to come, photos to come, just gimme a little more time.

Press Clippings: News From Today's Papers

2007-09-20T15:07:00.000-04:00

Yes, the Weston-New Milford game (which I am heading to) starts in less than an hour), but here's some pre-game reading material:

(News-Times) Biasetti powers Mustangs ground attack
(Weston Forum) Turnovers plague Weston
(Redding Pilot) Red Devils ground Falcons

Bethel-Notre Dame Photos Are Online

2007-09-19T15:09:00.000-04:00

Photos from the Bethel-Notre dame game are (finally!) available online: Click here to enter my photo store.

Once there, roll over "Gallery" and then "High School Football" and scroll down to Bethel at Notre Dame 9-15-07.

Click on the photo you want to see for a sample. If you're interested in buying, click on "pricing and options" (a pop-up window will come up, so please disable that feature). I accept online payments.

Enjoy!

Don't Forget: Clip of the Week Contest

2007-09-19T00:11:00.000-04:00

Yes, really, there IS a Clip of the Week contest!

So I'm going into the future (notice to post date) to remind you all to enter!

Dust off those video cameras, grab those camera phones, and click here for the contest details. The weekly winner gets bragging rights, and a complimentary t-shirt!

The Clip of the Week contest is sponsored by Digital Sports Video, SWC Buzz, and the FCIAC Football Blog.

State Poll: Bunnell 7th, Masuk No. 9

2007-09-17T22:20:00.000-04:00

I'm just stumbling over a post about the Bunnell-New Fairfield game... still. That's what happens when you're spread too thin here and at work... But for now, here's the latest:

For immediate release

The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches football poll

First-place votes in parentheses, record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last week’s ranking:

1.	Ansonia (10)	1-0	384	1
2.	Greenwich (3)	1-0	362	2
3.	Shelton	1-0	294	5
4.	New Canaan	1-0	272	4
5.	Staples-Westport	1-0	271	3
6.	Southington	1-0	220	6
7.	Bunnell-Stratford	1-0	183	7
8.	New London	1-0	176	9
9.	Masuk-Monroe 1-0	170	10
10.	Bloomfield 1-0	120	NR

Dropped out: West Haven (8).

Also receiving votes: Berlin (1-0), 83; Maloney-Meriden (1-0), 81; Stratford (1-0), 76; Ridgefield (1-0), 74; West Haven (0-1), 60; Fairfield Prep (1-0), 59; Tie, Hand-Madison (1-0) and Holy Cross-Waterbury (1-0), 48; New Britain (1-0), 44; Tie, Newington (1-0) and Woodland-Beacon Falls (1-0), 40; Windham (1-0), 38; Ledyard (0-0), 26; Conard-West Hartford (1-0), 23; Bridgeport Central (0-1), 22; Hillhouse-New Haven (1-0), 17; Cheshire (0-1), 16; Tie, Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (0-1), Seymour (1-0) and Weaver-Hartford (1-0), 14; Rocky Hill (1-0), 12; Norwich Free Academy (1-0), 9; Hamden (1-0), 8.

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

The Buzz on Bethel-Notre Dame

2007-09-16T13:52:00.000-04:00

Photos to come. Video not to come.

Simply put, Notre Dame looked very good, Bethel did not. I think there was a lot of hype about the Wildcats based on its 6-game win streak to end the season, but they have been hit by graduations.

Notre Dame is supposed to be on a downswing because it has a small junior class. The Lancers just aren't listening.

I love this sophomore at quarterback, Mike Bartell. The kid is tough and poised, and you couldn't tell he was starting his first game under center.

What had to help was Alex Muniz's return of the opening kickoff for a touchdown to get the early lead.

Said senior captain Sly Accettullo, "We knew we needed a big play, whether it was a kickoff return, a fade pass for a touchdown, a long interception return, to get us going."

Here's the article I submitted for The News-Times (it's not online):

By Tim Parry

FAIRFIELD – The 2007 football season began on a sour note for Bethel, right from the start, with a 22-0 loss at Notre Dame-Fairfield.

Lancers senior receiver Alex Muniz returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown, and it was all downhill from there.

“Their line just beat us off the ball,” said Bethel head coach Chris DeCarlo. “We are going to need to play better than that if we want to compete this year.”

Playing with an inexperienced offensive line and with tight end Junior Ducatel out with an injury, Bethel managed just 119 yards of total offense.

Alex Amonte led the Wildcats with 29 yards on 16 carries, but 25 of those came on the final possession of the game, when the Lancers had its second team on the field.

Though the Wildcats forced its share of Notre Dame turnovers – fumble recoveries by Brandon Farrell and Anthony Bonagura and an interception by Farrell, the Wildcats could not capitalize.

Even after Dylan Ochs returned a punt 14 yards to the Notre Dame 19 in the fourth quarter, Bethel was not able to take advantage.

On the play following the return, Muniz picked off a pass in the end zone that was intended for the much taller Doug Vorhees.

“Give Notre Dame all the credit in the world,” DeCarlo said. “They came to play.”

Notre Dame iced the game on that drive, but not after some controversy.

Lancers running back Sly Accettullo picked up 12 yards and fumbled after a hit by Farrell.

Bethel defender Christian Naula fell on the ball at the Bethel 35 yard line, but it was ruled that Accettullo’s knee had touched the ground before the ball came out.

The next play, Bartell took a bootleg 37 yards for a touchdown.

Bartell, a sophomore making his first start for the Lancers, ran for 107 yards and threw for 132. He also had an 85 yards punt return for a touchdown called back for holding.

“He didn’t play like a sophomore, but he did make a few mistakes,” Notre Dame head coach Jason Hart said. “He saw a lot of playing time with the varsity basketball team last winter, and that helped him mature fast.”

Bethel has a short week of preparation ahead before it hosts it home opened Thursday against defending Colonial Division champion Masuk.

Bethel 0 0 0 0 – 0

Notre Dame 8 0 7 7 – 22

FIRST QUARTER

ND – Alex Muniz 85 kickoff return (Colin Dempsey pass from Mike Bartell) 11:46

THIRD QUARTER

ND – Bill D’Onofrio 16 pass from Bartell (Joe Dobbins kick) 4:15

FOURTH QUARTER

ND – Bartell 37 run (Dobbins kick) 3:20

Passing

B – Matt Witkofsky 2-5-1-27

ND – Mike Bartell 7-11-1-132

Rushing

B – Alex Almonte 16-39, Brandon Farrell 14-28, Dylan Oachs 3-13, Ryan Fandel 1-3, Anthony Bonagura 1-3

ND – Bartell 7-107, Alex Muniz 2-64, Tom Poirer 8-35, Sly Accettullo 5-26, Colin Dempsey 1-4, Tommy King 2-2

Receiving

B – Doug Vorhees 1-23, Christian Naula 1-4

ND – Dempsey 2-46, Muniz 1-43, Bill D’Onofrio 3-28, Accettullo 1-15

A Daughter's Love: Heart Walk 2007

2007-09-16T12:41:00.000-04:00

My wife puts up with a lot when it comes to my attempts at high school football coverage. The least I can do is help her out with her cause.

Needless to say, I am proud of what Ursula is doing and has done for her father, Bill Gleissner, on his 75th birthday.

In lieu of a gift, she is walking in his honor with her team from Macy's of Trumbull in the Fairfield County Heart Walk, which will take place Oct. 28 at Sherwood Island.

Last Sunday was the big family party up in Brookfield, and Ursula used it to give her father his birthday gift. Or technically, to announce what she is doing for him.

Watch the video below (she's still mad at me for taking it), and if you'd like to contribute to her walk for her father, click here.

Sunday Afternoon Reading Material

2007-09-16T11:04:00.000-04:00

Little bit of a review of Saturday's games. Here's what's out there in Cyberspace...

Immaculate 20, Weston 7

(News-Times) IHS wins opener
(The Hour) Turnovers haunt Weston

Pomperaug 47, New Milford 25

(News-Times) Panthers pound Green Wave

Masuk 36, Brookfield 14

(News-Times) Masuk takes down Brookfield

Saturday: Long Day's Journey Into Night

2007-09-16T10:50:00.000-04:00

Okay, I have some catching up to do! You guys need to know where to find articles, you need my two cents, and I have some photos and video to post as well.

But yesterday was a long journey. It started with Live From the FC, and a walk down Memory Lane with Lou Marinelli. Then there was a cameo appearance on WSTC1400/WNLK1350 AM and Matt Levine's show, The Final Score. And that took place as I was getting ready to cover Bethel vs. Notre Dame-Fairfield for The News-Times.

Of course, I couldn't resist heading over to the second half of the Ridgefield-Harding game before filing my article, and then took a trip to Stratford to watch Bunnell start its SWC and Class L defense run against New Fairfield...

And now I'm starting to collect votes from FCIAC media for The Big 3, and staring at empty mailboxes for the BlueStreak Sports Training Player of the Week nominations, and the Digital Sports Video Clip of the Week contest...

Happy Sunday!

Video: Bunnell Head Coach Craig Bruno

2007-09-16T07:56:00.000-04:00

I've never had a more honest answer come my way during my career. I asked Bunnell head coach Craig Bruno what it's like to defend a state title. I'll let you watch the video for his answer.

And, a little later, I'll give you those answers, along with more commentary from the Bunnell-New Fairfield AND Notre Dame-Bethel games...

Postgame: New Fairfield's C.J. Costabile

2007-09-16T07:39:00.000-04:00

Don't let the Mohawk fool you. C.J. Costabile is a good guy. He's understandably upset after New Fairfield lost its opener 44-16 last night at Bunnell. Even though he made two of the best individual plays I've seen in a while - he took down 6-foot-5, 425 lb. Andrew Conroy down after an interception, and he kept Michael Easley from going wire to wire on an interception return (Easley picked the pass off at the Rebels 3 and Costable got him at the Bunnell 2 - that was trivial to him.

Where in Fairfield County is Tim Parry?

2007-09-15T11:52:00.000-04:00

Well, today I will be at Notre Dame-Fairfield, covering the Bethel-ND game for the News-Times. Tonight, if I make my early deadline there, I'll head over to either Joel Barlow to watch them take on Stratford, or to Bunnell to see them against New Fairfield. Heck, I may even try to hit both places, though that's unlikely... Everyone, enjoy opening day!

Listen To Sean: The Post's SWC Preview

2007-09-14T07:36:00.000-04:00

Growing up, the Bridgeport Post's high school football preview was the biggest thing to me. Even though I played deep in the Stamford Advocate coverage area, I lived in the Post coverage area. So the New Canaan-Greenwich regular season game would get some serious column inches and a byline (which reminds me, you guys spelled my name wrong... twice! Got it right in the police blotter though!).

But the Connecticut Post's preview is still huge to me. Sean Patrick Bowley has to wrestle down, I don't know, 60 coaches to get them to do their prospectuses, juggle eight features -- either writing or assigning them, leaping tall buildings in a single bound, etc.

Then he has to shoot video, do podcasts (dude, he's on iTunes now!), go on radio shows (Hey, Sean, while I'm asking...)

So here, I bring you his SWC Preview, as well as his first podcast of 2007. This year, based on the file name, it looks like the post is doing it right, and will store these things. Last season was kinda frustrating, if you forgot to listen one week, it's like you ignored everything he said.

And while I'm at it, here's his Week 1 matchups.

Lights, Camera, Action... Enter The DSV Sports Video Clip of the Week Contest

2007-09-13T22:58:00.000-04:00

Got a video camera? A camera on your cell phone? Then you have a chance to win the DSV Sports Video Clip of the Week contest.

Submit your clip to the FCIAC Football Blog or SWC Buzz. If your video is voted Clip of the Week, you win a t-shirt and, well, bragging rights for a week!

No purchase or experience shooting video is needed. Just shoot, mail, and tell people to vote.

Here are the rules, and a sample blooper clip that could be considered for submission:

Digital Sports Video Clip of the Week

RULES:

Contestants may submit individual clip files from the prior week’s FCIAC or SWC football games. For example, clips of games played Sept. 14 and 15 may be submitted only during the first contest period, Sept. 21 and 22 during the second contest period, and so on.

Clips must be less than 25 seconds in length.

Submissions must be e-mailed via e-mail to clip@fciacfootballblog.com. The submission must also be a file. We will not download from a website.

The e-mail must include the submitters name, address, e-mail address and telephone number.

Submission must be received by 11 p.m. eastern time Monday of the contest week. Submissions may also be mailed to Joe Bouffard, DSV Headquarters, 111 Marcroft St., Stratford, CT 06614

Copyrighted material may not be submitted without written consent of the copyright owner.

The FCIAC Football Blog and SWC Buzz reserve the right to air submitted material online.

All decisions made by DSV Sports Video, the FCIAC Football Blog, and SWC Buzz are final.

VOTING:

Voting will be conducted online at fciacfootballblog.com and swcbuzz.blogspot.com. The ballot will be housed at pollhost.com.

Voting will begin Tuesday of the contest week, and run through 10 a.m. eastern time Friday of the contest week.

Only one vote per IP address will be permitted.

The submitter of the clip with the highest vote count at the end of the voting period will be declared that week’s winner, and receive a t-shirt courtesy of Digital Sports Video, FCIAC Football Blog, and SWC Buzz.

Pain in the Neck: Part II

2007-09-13T22:25:00.000-04:00

That's me. Or at least that's my neck during Thursday's MRI.

See what looks like train tracks running down the middle, and something that looks like a highway next to it? The train tracks are my discs, and that highway is a nerve.

That track that's bumping into the highway? Yeah, that's not good. In fact, two of the disks may be bumping into the nerve.

So what does that mean? No strenuous activity at least until I see a neurological surgeon on October 1. Which is fine because I will be on vacation in Florida from Sept. 22-30 (Scouting Naples... yeah, that's it!).

It also means I have to heal with pain in my shoulder, my back, my left elbow, my arm... tingling in my left fingers, numbness down the left arm.

Hey, life could be worse, right?

The Hour's Preview of Weston

2007-09-13T21:40:00.000-04:00

Weston is looking to snap a two-season long winless streak, and head coach Joe Lato is hoping it happens soon. Click here to read Matt Doran's preview from today's The Hour.

Green Wave Preview Posted at New Milford Times

2007-09-13T17:49:00.000-04:00

I only got to see New Milford run one drive at the Wilton Jamboree two weeks back. And I liked what I saw. Even though the team will be inexperienced this season, I think they will compete. Click here for Laura McCusker's preview.

Weston Preview Posted at Weston Pilot

2007-09-13T17:43:00.001-04:00

And Rocco Paul Valluzzo is a busy man. The sports editor at both the Redding Pilot and the Weston Forum, he breaks down the 2007 Trojans in the Forum. First goal for Joe Lato's team - break into the win column.

Barlow Preview Posted to Redding Pilot

2007-09-13T17:34:00.000-04:00

The Barlow preview written by Redding Pilot sports editor Rocco Paul Valluzzo is in cyberspace. Valluzzo writes that while the Falcons are supposed to be in a rebuilding year, the team could surprise a few foes along the way.

Are The 127 Voters Right?

2007-09-12T20:17:00.000-04:00

Decide for yourself. Squint to read who the voters chose as its preseason favorite to win the SWC.

Or simply click on the results to make it bigger.

It's "Be Nice To Your Local Sportswriter" Week...

2007-09-12T20:08:00.000-04:00

... and I just made it up.

But really, be nice to your local sports writers and sports editors this week. They've been writing and editing and chasing down dozens of high school coaches to get their previews done.

Right now all sports writers and sports editors are sleep deprived. They may be jacked up on caffeine.

And if your or your kid's name is spelled wrong, or is omitted from a preview, let it slide. He or she did the best possible job.

I'll be ticked off if the high school previews, which should start rolling out tomorrow, aren't online, but it's out of my control. But I won't take it out on these guys.

And neither should you.

Enjoy the season.

Order Up: Former Post Writer Running Family Diner

2007-09-12T12:55:00.000-04:00

I was on the phone last night with Sean Patrick Bowley of the Connecticut Post, talking about The Fifty Yard Line, a show that will be streamed in live video Tuesday evenings starting next week.

I was telling him that Matt Levine, the creator, found out the manager of the restaurant he was working with to be the show's home was no longer there, and I started thinking aloud about alternative sites... just in case.

So Sean says, "[Former Connecticut Post lead high school writer Dave] Agostino and his family own a diner in Stamford. That could be a good place."

And I seriously considered it, until I got to Route 22 Restaurant & Bar and saw that Matt had secured an even better corner of the place to shoot from.

But then I picked up The Advocate today, and what's on Page B-1? A feature on the Bedford Street Diner, the one Agostino and his sisters own. It's a very good story, and a must read. And I think I'm going to have to take in lunch there some time soon.

The Day's State Coach's Poll

2007-09-11T23:39:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Day of New London Top 10 state coaches football poll

First-place votes in parentheses, last year’s record, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis and last year’s final ranking:

1. Ansonia (10) 13-0 384 1

2. Greenwich (3) 12-1 356 2

3. Staples-Westport 10-2 270 8

4. New Canaan 11-2 260 5

5. Shelton 8-3 224 NR

6. Southington 11-1 205 6

7. Bunnell-Stratford 12-1 196 4

8. West Haven 9-2 191 9

9. New London 7-3 133 NR

10. Masuk-Monroe 10-2 127 NR

Dropped out: Holy Cross-Waterbury (3), Hillhouse-New Haven (7) and Windham (10).

Also receiving votes: Bloomfield (10-2), 90; Cheshire (6-4), 81; Stratford (9-3), 80; Maloney-Meriden (10-2), 74; Berlin (8-3), 73; Ridgefield (6-4), 67; Holy Cross-Waterbury (12-1), 64; Fairfield Prep (8-3), 53; Newington (6-3-1), 52; tie, Bridgeport Central (8-2) and Windham (11-1), 45; Ledyard (8-3), 35; Hand-Madison (4-6), 29; Tie, New Britain (7-3) and Woodland-Beacon Falls (6-4), 28; Hillhouse-New Haven (11-1), 22; Northwest Catholic-West Hartford (9-1), 19; tie, Conard-West Hartford (7-3) and Wilbur Cross (5-5), 14; Seymour (7-3), 12; Hartford Public (6-3-1), 11; Weaver-Hartford (5-5), 10; Rocky Hill (5-4-1), 9; tie, North Branford (9-2) and Norwich Free Academy (6-4), 7.

The following coaches voted: Chris Anderson, Woodland-Beacon Falls; Jim Buonocore, Fitch; Dave Cadelina, Bridgeport Central; John DeCaprio, Notre Dame-West Haven; Chuck Drury, Pomperaug-Southbury; Steve Filippone, Hand-Madison; Tanner Grove, Montville; Jude Kelly, St. Paul-Bristol; Tim King, Valley Regional-Deep River; Bill Mella, Southington; John Murphy, Masuk-Monroe; Marce Petroccio, Staples-Westport; Bob Zito, Maloney-Meriden.

So when should I try and get this surgery on my neck done?
	During the season
	After the season
	After the holidays

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The state's number-one team is:
	Ansonia
	Bunnell
	Greenwich
	Masuk
	Staples
	Woodland

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Which do you choose for Clip of the Week?
	CLIP 1: Matt White to Sean O'Dea to Matt White for the 38-yard completion
	CLIP 2: John Midy forces a fumble, recovers it, and picks up some yardage

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Which is the Clip of the Week for Week 8?
	Clip 1
	Clip 2
	Clip 3
	Clip 4
	Clip 5

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Which video is most worthy of Clip of the Week honors?
	Clip 1
	Clip 2
	Clip 3

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Whick Week 5 SWC game will be the most competitive?
	New Fairfield at Weston
	Newtown at Brookfield
	Notre Dame at Pomperaug

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