Josh Smart caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jason Lassiter and Kemuel Lawrence kicked the extra point, and later a 24-yard field goal, to lead Hamden past Wilbur Cross at New Haven.

The Green Dragons (9-1), who are ranked ninth in the Register Top 10 Poll, have, seemingly, unofficially clinched a berth in the Class LL state playoffs.

"I think we're in," Hamden coach Scott Benoit said. "Now we'll see what happens."

Hamden was ranked second in the Class LL field coming into the game. The Green Dragons face rival Notre Dame-West Haven on Thanksgiving in the regular season finals.

James Ward scored on a 76-yard run in the first quarter for Wilbur Cross (6-4).

Senior running back Tristan Roberts rushed 27 times for 180 yards and two touchdowns as No. 7 Ansonia bounced back from its first loss in almost three years with a 33-21 Naugatuck Valley League victory over rival, and No. 4, Seymour.

The Chargers (9-1) captured the NVL Brass Division title and will play either Woodland or Kennedy for the NVL title next Thursday at 6 p.m. at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury. Woodland and Kennedy play for the Copper Division title on Friday.

Roberts also caught a 21-yard touchdown pass and he had an interception and a fumble recovery.

Ansonia quarterback Ron Bilodeau also threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Tyrell Moore, who also scored on a 36-yard run.

Mike Osiecki gained 129 yards on 23 carries and scored all three of Seymour's touchdown. The Wildcats are 9-1.

After Crosby defeated Ansonia 18-14 last week, snapping the Chargers' 35-game winning streak, there is a new No. 1 in the Register Top 10 Poll.

New Canaan (9-0), which was No. 2 last week, moves into the Top Spot. The Rams received 12 first-place votes and 602 points.

The rest of the Top 5
2. New London (12 first-place votes)
3. Hillhouse (5)
4. Seymour (1)
5. Darien (1)

Tell us what you think about the new Top 5.

See the complete poll in Tuesday's Register.