Courant Announces All-State Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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:

1. Greenwich
2. Bunnell
3. Ansonia
   

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

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

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

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...

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

The state's number-one team is:
	Ansonia
	Bunnell
	Greenwich
	Masuk
	Staples
	Woodland
Free polls from Pollhost.com

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

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

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

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

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

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
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Bunnell, Masuk Stay Put

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?

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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...

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

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

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

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?

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

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:

Which video is most worthy of Clip of the Week honors?
	Clip 1
	Clip 2
	Clip 3
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Top 10: Stratford Up One

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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...

...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...

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.