With the schedule allowing an 11th game this season, Hand wanted to go outside its league and play of the state's top programs. The Tigers approached New London, who agreed to the game. Hand wanted to host, and play down at the Surf Club in Madison, which is considered one of the best home-field advantages in the state.

Although New London agreed to traveling down I-95, there was some chatter that the New London coaches wanted to play at a neutral site.

New London addressed that matter after his team emerged with a 20-6 victory on Thursday.

"We'll play anybody anytime," New London coach Jack Cochran said. "Northwest Catholic, we played them in Week 1 (last year). We want to play great programs. We don't want to get stuck with games where we're not competitive. The only thing I wish with this game was that we played on a neutral site. I fought hard for it. I think they did a great job here. But a lot of people had trouble getting in, a lot of trouble parking. If we do it again we should do it at Central Connecticut (or) West Haven (or) Southern Connecticut where we could fit a big, big (crowd). I think that was the only negative thing."

Cochran praised his senior running back/defensive back Richie Vitale. Vitale rushed 26 times for 102 yards and made numerous tackles.

"He's the heart and soul," Cochran said.