NOTEBOOK: North Branford putting it all together





North Branford coach Mark Basil knew he had the goods entering this season, and the Thunderbirds have certainly lived up to expectations.

With games remaining against Nonnewaug (1-6), Lewis Mills (0-7) and Hyde (8-0), North Branford (7-0) is all but certain to qualify for the Class S state playoffs, where they will be considered one of the favorites in that division.

“Obviously I knew going in what we had,” Basil said. “We were confident. I don’t normally say too much about what I have, but this is the best team, position by position, that I’ve had in a long time.”

Basil’s offense, led by his son, senior quarterback Brandan Basil, senior receiver Joe DeLucia and senior tailback Dale Hausman, has clicked on all cylinders. But the most impressive cog in the machine has been the offensive line.

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HIGHLIGHTS

OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

♦Ansonia junior RB Arkeel Newsome: Newsome carried 33 times for 250 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-12 win over Wolcott on Friday.

♦Hamden Hall junior WR Mike Whalen: Whalen caught seven passes for 136 yards and three touchdowns in a 69-37 win over Kingswood-Oxford on Saturday.

DEFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

♦Guilford junior Ford Linell: Linell scored on a 35-yard fumble recovery in a 48-0 win over Law on Saturday.

♦West Haven senior Kadialy Toure: Toure returned a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown in a 47-12 victory over Wilbur Cross on Saturday.

TEAMS OF THE WEEK

♦Ansonia: Senior Andrew Matos caught two touchdown passes, scored on a rushing touchdown and had an interception in a 41-12 victory over Wolcott on Friday that clinched the Naugatuck Valley League Brass Division title.

♦Fitch: The Falcons rallied from a 20-7 deficit and emerged with a 39-27 victory over New London on Saturday. Fitch improved to 6-1 and stayed alive in the Class L state playoff race.

MORE HIGHLIGHTS