FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: Platt Tech off to 3-0 start for first time

With a talented and experienced group returning this season, Platt Tech expected to be competitive.

The Panthers did last year, too, but the team fell short of their goals and finished at 4-6.

“Last year, on paper, we had some talent and expected to win six to eight games,” Platt Tech coach Vin Camera said. “But we had some injuries, and kids who didn’t come out that we were expecting to, and we won just four games.”

This year the Panthers took a different approach in managing expectations.

RUSH HOUR

North Haven senior Jalon White has certainly made the case that he is perhaps the state’s best running back.

The numbers speak for themselves.

Despite losing to top-ranked Xavier 49-12 on Sept. 21, White rushed 23 times for 235 yards. He scored on runs of 51 and 78 yards in the fourth quarter while the Falcons’ starters were still in the game.

This past week, the Indians earned an impressive 34-20 victory over previously unbeaten New London. White carried 36 times for 354 yards and all five touchdowns.

“It was a huge night for him,” North Haven coach Anthony Sagnella said. “He’s at a different speed right now. He was certainly a good player the first two years, but he’s also in a different role now. He’s taking on the role where he’s the guy now, and that’s great.”


HAND-XAVIER POLL

Who do you think will win Friday night’s contest between No. 3 Hand and No. 1 Xavier?

You can cast your vote right now at www.nhregister.com/sports/high_school. The poll will be open until just before game time.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Palmer Field in Middletown. Both teams are 4-0.


XAVIER, STAPLES, HAND lead Top 10 POLL 

WEEK 4 HIGHLIGHTS

OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

♦Hamden Hall Jr. WR Mike Breuler: Made seven catches for 197 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-20 win over Fieldston (N.Y.) on Saturday.

♦Haddam-Killingworth Sr. RB Nate Cruz: Rushed 26 times for 205 yards and four touchdowns in a ♦Hopkins Jr. RB Jim Martino: Rushed 16 times for 229 yards and six touchdowns in a 40-8 win over Rye (N.Y.) on Friday.

DEFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

♦Cheshire So. DB Jack Cunningham: Had five tackles, two interceptions and blocked an extra-point attempt in a 48-13 win over Notre Dame-West Haven on Friday. Cunningham also rushed six times for 69 yards.

♦Hillhouse Sr. DB Andre Anderson: Made eight tackles and an interception in a 47-0 win over Law on Friday. Anderson also ran for 153 yards and three touchdowns.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

♦Amity Jr. Lyle Luth: Kicked two field goals and seven extra points in a 61-43 win over Guilford on Friday.  

♦Coginchaug Jr. Jack Granger: Returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown in a 40-0 win over Lewis Mills on Saturday. Granger also scored on a 15-yard run.

ON THE AIR

♦Seymour at Ansonia, Thursday, 6:30 p.m.: 960-WELI, 960WELI.com, iheart radio

♦Hand at Xavier, Friday, 7 p.m.: 960-WELI, 960WELI.com, iheart radio


MORE HIGHLIGHTS