With three games remaining, Notre Dame (5-2) is currently ranked No. 11 in Class L. The top 8 teams advance to the quarterfinals.

Despite two losses, Notre Dame, if it wins out, can still reach the postseason. The Green Knights have lost to No. 1 Xavier and No. 3 Hand but have defeated North Haven (6-1), Shelton (5-2) and West Haven (5-2).

Notre Dame plays Cheshire (4-3) on Friday (7 p.m. at Veteran's Field in West Haven) in a SCC Division I East contest.

Last year the Green Knights went 7-3 but failed to qualify for the postseason. In 2009, Notre Dame won the Class L state title and was ranked No. 1 in the final Register Top 10 Poll.

"We've been working so hard in the preseason trying to get from Point A to Point B," Notre Dame senior captain Davante Mallard said. "The work ethic has been really strong. We wish we can be better than (5-2), but all we can do is keep going. (The goal) has always been to keep on pushing and keep on moving forward."

The Notre Dame defense is allowing just 15 points per contest this season despite the tough schedule. Still, the Green Knights believe they can play even better.

"I don't think we're ever going to be content," Notre Dame captain Anthony Masucci said. "There's always room for improvement. As far as what (the coaches) expect from us on the defensive side of the ball, I think we're giving our best effort and it shows. Day after day we come out here, work hard, do the same drills over and over, and it's paid off."

After Cheshire, Notre Dame has games remaining with Fairfield Prep and Hamden. The Green Knights will likely have to win their remaining three games, and may even need some help, to reach the postseason.

"From Aug. 17 ( the first day of practice), actually from when we were lifting during the summer," Masucci said, "all we talked about was getting another ring, getting another shot at it. It would be a dream come true if we can get back there (to the playoffs)."