Wednesday kicks off the greatest Connecticut high school football schedule ever devised.

And much of its greatness can be derived mostly from Week 1.

That's because Week 1 will involve a countywide fight between two leagues that have dominated the state for almost 20 year, two leagues who endlessly debate over which is the biggest, toughest, baddest strongest group of high school football teams in the state.

On one side of the Housatonic River, hugging the glitz and glamor of New York City, is the Fairfield Interscholastic Athletic Conference: the fancy old school Fairfield County league which began in 1961 whose claim to fame is its popular league championship game and alumni like Steve Young, Bobby Valentine, Pete Demmerle and John Sullivan.

On the other side of the Housatonic (plus Shelton), is the Southern Connecticut Conference: a confederation of football powers formed in 1994 from the merger of the Housatonic League, the District League, the Coastal Conference and the All-Connecticut Conference.

It's well off in spots (Amity, Cheshire, Fairfield Prep, Guilford, Madison), but mostly considered the blue-collared, lunch pail league thanks to towns like Wallingford, West Haven, New Haven, East Haven and Milford. It's notable alumni include Dan Orlovsky, Rob Jackson, Amarie Spievey and Antaj Hawthorne.

Since the SCC  formed, its members and fans have refuted the FCIAC's longstanding claim as the best league in Connecticut. The two powers have battled in the state playoffs and fought for state championships. Typically, the league with the most medals gets bragging rights for the year. In the mid-to-late 2000s, the FCIAC could puff out its chest.

In the early 2010s, it's been all SCC. The SCC won three of the four state titles last year.

But until this year, these battles have only been confined to the state playoffs.

Until this year, the fights on the field have been reserved only for the top programs.

That's all about to change.

With the addition of an 11th week, leaders from both sides came together and agreed to stage a league-wide 

showdown. After settling hassles over matchups and the non-participation of a few schools, we finally got a schedule.

A year later, we're finally getting our matchups.

Buckle up. Batten down the hatches. Hold on to your hats.

It's time for the SCC-FCIAC challenge.

Ladies and gentlemen, your matchups:

Here's a look at each individual game, including history (if any) and the game's top story line. Amity and Branford will not participate. Neither will Westhill and Norwalk.

Due to bye weeks, the league will also be crossing over throughout the season. They're not officially part of the 'SCC-FCIAC Challenge,' but make no mistake, we will be keeping score and they will be counted.

Since the SCC's schools hold a 23-16 overall record against the FCIAC since 1994, including a 16-12 edge in the postseason.

(All town figures taken from the 2010 U.S. Census).

Here we go:

Wednesday

Law at Harding

When -- 7 p.m.

Where -- Kennedy Stadium, Bridgeport (Central High School).

League -- Law (SCC); Harding (FCIAC)

Class/School type -- Law: M (Public); Harding: M (Public)

Towns -- Law: Milford (Population: 52,859; Median Household Income: $57,655); Harding: Bridgeport (Pop: 144,229; Median household income: $41,047).

Player to watch -- Law: QB Tim Maher; Harding: Sr. RB Reggie David.

The Storyline -- Eight-time state championship coach Jack Cochran kicks off his inaugural game at the long-dormant Bridgeport program. Harding has gone 8-81 over the last nine seasons. Law hasn't had a winning season since 2007. This used to be a regular series. Harding leads Law 5-4-1 in 10 meetings from 1962 to 1971.

SPB's Pick -- Law

Fairfield Warde at Foran

When -- 7 p.m.

Where -- Vito DeVito Sports Complex, Milford

League -- Warde: FCIAC; Foran: SCC

Class/School Type: -- Warde: L (Public); Foran: M (Public)

Towns -- Warde: Fairfield (Pop: 59,404; Median household income: $113,248); Foran: Milford (Pop: 52,859; Median household income: $57,655)

Player to watch -- Warde: Jr. QB Brandon Bisack; Foran: Jr. QB Jake Kasuba

The Storyline -- These two schools have shared assistant coaches over the years. Former Foran head coach Ken Walker, who died earlier this year, assisted coach at Warde. Warde defensive coordinator Cliff Bugyi was, until recently, a Milford administrator.

SPB's Pick -- Foran

Staples at No. 1 Xavier

When -- 7 p.m.

Where -- Palmer Field, Middletown

League -- Staples: FCIAC; Xavier: SCC

Class/School type: -- Staples: LL (public); Xavier: LL (Private-Xavierian Brothers; Tuition $11,450)

Town -- Staples: Westport (Pop: 26,391; Median household income: $150,000) ; Xavier: Middletown.

Player to watch -- Staples: Sr. QB Jack Massie; Xavier: Sr. QB Joe Carbone.

The Storyline -- Xavier is the three-time Class LL champion. Staples has been trying to win its first state title since 2005. Xavier hammered the Wreckers in the 2011 LL final and the teams seem destined to meet in last year's final before the Wreckers were upset by NFA. Both teams were gutted by graduation in the offseason, so this matchup might be a year late. Still, it should have huge ramifications in the 2013 Class LL picture. Xavier is still loaded with plenty of stars primed to make a run at a fourth-straight title. Staples' top RB Pat Lesch won't be available due to a lingering shoulder injury.

SPB's Pick -- Xavier

No. 10 Hand at No. 3 New Canaan

When -- 6:30 p.m.

Where -- Dunning Field, New Canaan

League -- Hand: SCC; New Canaan: FCIAC

Class/School type: -- Hand: L (Public); New Canaan: L (Public)

Towns -- Hand: Madison (Pop: 18,269; Median household income: $108,175); New Canaan: New Canaan (Pop: 19,738; Median household income: $141,788).

Player to watch -- Hand: Sr. RB/LB Dan Rodgers; New Canaan: Sr. LB Cole Harris.

The Storyline -- The coaches aren't just two of the best in Connecticut, they're also good friends. New Canaan's Lou Marinelli has beaten Hand's Steve Filippone three out of four times. Filippone finally got his first victory in the 2011 Class L championship. Originally scheduled for the Surf Club, the game was moved to New Canaan when Madison couldn't complete its field in time. Hand is the two-time defending Class L champion. New Canaan has been to six state championships in the previous seven years, winning four straight from 2006-2009. New Canaan will be wearing commemorative, 9/11 anniversary helmets for the game.

SPB's Pick -- New Canaan.

Thursday, September 12

Hillhouse at Darien

When -- 4 p.m.

Where -- Darien High School

League -- Hillhouse: SCC; Darien: FCIAC

Class/School type -- Hillhouse: M (Public); Darien: L (Public)

Towns -- Hillhouse: New Haven (Pop: 129,779; Median household income: $38,963); Darien: Darien (Pop: 20,732; Median household income: $160,274)

Player to watch -- Hillhouse: Sr. RB/DB Harold Cooper; Darien: Sr. FB/LB Nick Lombardo

The storyline -- These programs famously met in the 2008 Class MM semifinals, with Darien winning a shootout 35-32. Both teams suffered massive graduation from last season, but both return their top backs. This is the inaugural game for new Hillhouse coach Reggie Lytle.

SPB's Pick -- Darien.

Bassick at East Haven

When -- 6 p.m.

Where -- Crisafi Field, East Haven

League -- Bassick: FCIAC; East Haven: SCC

Class/School type -- Bassick: L (Public); East Haven: M (Public)

Towns -- Bassick: Bridgeport (Pop: 144,229; Median household income: $41,047); East Haven: East Haven (Pop: 29,257; Median household income: $59,918)

Player to watch -- Bassick: Sr. QB Vochan Fowler; East Haven: Sr. RB Dom Dellacamera.

The story lines -- Both programs had the dubious distinction of holding the state's longest losing streak at one time over the past 10 years. Bassick is coached by West Haven alum and Southern Connecticut State all-American Derrick Lewis. East Haven is coached by Anthony Lucibello, who is in his first year after spending two decades as an assistant at a variety of programs.

SPB's Pick -- Bassick

Cheshire at Ridgefield

When -- 6 p.m.

Where -- Lancaster Field at Tiger Hollow, Ridgefield

League -- Cheshire: SCC; Ridgefield: FCIAC

Class/School type -- Cheshire: LL (Public); Ridgefield: LL (Public)

Towns -- Cheshire: Cheshire (Pop: 29,261; Median household income: $107,936); Ridgefield: (Pop: 24,638; Median household income: $132,907)

Player to watch -- Cheshire: Jr. WR/DB Jack Cunningham; Ridgefield: Jr. QB Ryan Dunn.

The story lines -- Two similar towns face off in a game that will have Class LL playoff ramifications. Just how much remains to be seen. Ridgefield has been to the state playoffs more recently, in 2011. Cheshire is trying to get back to its first since 2009 when it won the state LL title.

SPB's Pick -- Ridgefield

Fairfield Ludlowe at Lyman Hall

When -- 6 p.m.

Where -- Fitzgerald Field, Wallingford

League -- Ludlowe: FCIAC; Lyman Hall: SCC

Class -- Ludlowe: LL (Public); Lyman Hall: M (Public)

Towns -- Ludlowe: Fairfield (Pop: 59,404; Median household income: $113,248); Lyman Hall: Wallingford (Pop: 45,135; Median household income: $71,317).

Player to watch -- Ludlowe: Sr. TE Stephan Zadravec; Lyman Hall: Jr. QB Kyle Smith

The story lines -- Neither coach has won a game at the school yet. Ludlowe's Vincent Camera was hired this summer. Lyman Hall's Rob Marone was hired a year ago. He was 0-10 in his first season. The two teams are relatively young, but each have promising QBs.
SPB's Pick -- Fairfield Ludlowe.

North Haven at Bridgeport Central

When -- 6 p.m.

Where -- Kennedy Stadium, Bridgeport

League -- North Haven: SCC; Central: FCIAC

Class/School type -- North Haven: L (Public); Central: LL (Public)

Towns -- North Haven (Pop: 24,093; Median household income: $83,588); Central: Bridgeport (Pop: 144,229; Median household income: $41,047).

Player to watch -- North Haven: Sr. FB Ethan Suraci; Central: Jr. QB Mykel Morris.

The story lines -- North Haven and its vaunted single-wing offense kicks off a new era without Jalon White, its star tailback from the previous three seasons. Central kicks off a new regime with coach Brian Gordon, who's taken the Hilltoppers from a Wing-T "Jet" offense to the spread. These teams met in 2011, with North Haven hammering Central 53-28 en route to the Class L playoffs.

SPB's Pick -- North Haven.

No. 5 West Haven at Greenwich

When -- 6 p.m.

Where -- Cardinal Stadium, Greenwich

League -- West Haven: SCC; Greenwich: FCIAC

Class/School type -- West Haven: LL (Public); Greenwich: LL (Public)

Towns -- West Haven: (Pop: 55,564; Median household income: $51,854); Greenwich: 61,171;  Median household income: $124,958)

Player to watch -- West Haven: Sr. RB/DB Ervin Philips; Greenwich: Sr. DL Jack Wynne

The storylines -- When last these teams met, West Haven celebrated its last-minute 20-13 Class LL championship victory over John Sullivan and the Cardinals at Kennedy Stadium in 2002. Greenwich screamed over multiple calls and then-assistant Donny Panapada (now the head coach at Trinity Catholic) drop-kicked the runner-up trophy. Greenwich went on to win two titles in 2006 and 2007. West Haven is still looking for one final title for longtime coach Ed McCarthy, who's six wins from becoming the state's all-time coaching leader. This game could be one of the series' best, with future Division I athletes in West Haven's Philips (Syracuse), and Greenwich's Wynne (UMass). Also: Be on the lookout for Greenwich sophomore Scooter Harrington, the brother of talented DE Jack Harrington. Boston College has already offered young Scooter a scholarship.

SPB's PICK -- West Haven

Danbury at Hamden

When -- 7 p.m.

Where -- Hamden Field

League -- Danbury: FCIAC; Hamden: SCC

Class/School type -- Danbury: LL (Public); Hamden: LL (Public)

Towns -- Danbury (Pop: 80,893; Median household income: $65,275); Hamden: (Pop: 60,960; Median household income: $79,943).

Player to watch -- Danbury: Sr. QB Anfernee Ith; Hamden: Sr. LB/TE Aaron Green

The story lines -- These teams actually met a year ago and Hamden had the advantage late before a safety led to a Hatters 15-14 victory. Both programs are two of the state's largest, but haven't had much success to show for it recently. They were both 2-8 a season ago. 

Update: A wrinkle was added when Hamden  announced that coach Tony Martone had stepped down in favor of assistant Todd Dowty. Though the school confirmed the change just a day before the season opener, it appears as if the change had been in the works for weeks, if not months. Weird.

SPB's Pick -- Danbury

Fairfield Prep at Stamford

When -- 7 p.m. 6 p.m.

Where -- Robustelli Field at Boyle Stadium, Stamford

League -- Fairfield Prep: SCC; Stamford: FCIAC

Class/School type -- Fairfield Prep: LL (Private-Jesuit; Tuition $17,500); Stamford: LL (public)

Towns -- Fairfield Prep: Fairfield (draws primarily from both NH and Fairfield County); Stamford: (Pop: 125,109; Median household income: $72,315)

Player to watch -- Fairfield Prep: Jr. OL/DL Anthony Palozzo; Stamford: Sr. RB Cameron Webb

The story lines -- After a late-collapse in 2012, Fairfield Prep is rallying behind a motto: "Start fast, finish strong." They have a starting cast of several massive college-bound linemen, particularly Nick Crowle (Yale), Tony Fox (Forham) and Palazzo, a beast who already has the attention of a handful of colleges. Conversely, Stamford's undersized and hopes its speed can carry it in new coach Jamar Greene's first game. These old schools used to meet regularly from 1942-1977. Stamford leads the series 16-14-3.

SPB's Pick -- Fairfield Prep

Trinity Catholic at Sheehan

When -- 7 p.m.

Where  -- Riccitelli Field, Wallingford

League -- Trinity Catholic: FCIAC; Sheehan: SCC

Class/School type -- Trinity Catholic: Private-Catholic (Tuition: $11,500): S; Sheehan: M (Public)

Towns -- Trinity: Stamford (draws from Stamford, Fairfield County); Sheehan: Wallingford (Pop: 45,135; Median household income: $71,317)

Player to watch -- Trinity Catholic: Sr. DB Nino Merritt; Sheehan: Sr. ATH Jeremy Gannon.

The story lines -- Trinity is coming off its first state playoff appearance in 20 years, but has a new coach in Donny Panapada and almost a brand-new starting lineup. Sheehan would love to break a hex that dates back to 1995. Though few are picking it to improve much on last year's 4-6 campaign, the team at least has some stars to rally behind.

SPB's Pick -- Trinity Catholic

Trumbull at Shelton

When -- 7 p.m.

Where -- Finn Stadium, Shelton

League -- Trumbull: FCIAC; Shelton: SCC

Class/School type -- Trumbull: LL (public); Shelton: LL (public)

Towns -- Trumbull: (Pop: 36,018; Median household income: $102,059); Shelton: (Pop: 39,559; Median household income: $80,656).

Player to watch -- Trumbull: Sr. QB Nick Roberts; Shelton: Sr. LB/RB Jason Thompson

The story lines -- Behold the twain of the SCC-FCIAC rivalry. These two towns share history across a long border in Fairfield County, but rarely play each other. The last time was the 1995 state championship which pitted Shelton coach Joe Benanto vs. Trumbull's Jerry McDougall. Benanto and Shelton prevailed 14-7. Both McDougall's and Benanto's proteges will be on opposite sidelines: Shelton's Jeff Roy and Trumbull's Bob Maffei. "I think this will be one of the most competitive games on the schedule," Maffei said.

SPB's Pick -- Shelton.

Wilbur Cross at McMahon

When -- 7 p.m.

Where -- Casagrande Field, Norwalk

League -- Cross: SCC; McMahon: FCIAC

Class/School type -- Cross: L (Public); McMahon: LL (Public)

Towns -- Cross: New Haven (Pop: 129,779; Median household income: $38,963); McMahon: Norwalk (Pop: 85,603; Median household income: $76,161)

Player to watch -- Cross: Sr. RB/LB Jaylin Fuller; McMahon: Sr. RB Trevon Forney.

The story lines -- History lesson: Both schools are named after prominent Connecticut politicians and Yale graduates (McMahon from Yale Law) whose careers crossed paths in the mid 20th Century. Wilbur Cross served as Governor in the 1930s and appointed a young McMahon as a Norwalk city judge. That kicked off McMahon's career which ultimately led to the U.S. Senate. McMahon was a force behind the creation of the Atomic Energy Commission He called the detonation of the first atomic bomb, "the most important thing in history since the birth of Jesus Christ," but campaigned for a peaceful application. ...Yeah, so anyway, Wilbur Cross and Brien McMahon are now playing football. There will be no peaceful applications of the game. These programs are desperate to have winning seasons.

SPB's Pick -- McMahon

Wilton at Guilford

When -- 7 p.m.

Where -- Kavanaugh Field, Guilford

League -- Wilton: FCIAC; Guilford: SCC

Class/School Type: Wilton: L (public); Guilford: L (public)

Towns -- Wilton (Pop: 18,062; Median household income: $153,770); Guilford: (Pop: 10,389; Median household income: $98,411)

Player to watch -- Wilton: Sr. QB Brett Phillips; Guilford: Sr. QB Joey Nault.

The story lines -- With Nault at the controls and a strong backfield, Guilford is a favorite in SCC Division II, Wilton is just trying to move up the FCIAC ladder. At QB, Wilton features Brett Phillips, who is the son of former Mets GM Steve Phillips) and Wilton usually has big linemen to help the team gain chunks of yardage. This could be one of the better games on the SCC-FCIAC slate. It's certainly key for Guilford's Class L playoff hopes.

SPB's Pick -- Guilford.

Saturday

Notre Dame-West Haven at St. Joseph

When -- 1:30 p.m.

Where -- Dalling Sports Complex, Trumbull

League -- Notre Dame: SCC; St. Joseph: FCIAC

Class/School type: Notre Dame: L (Private-Catholic; Tuition: $10,200); St. Joseph: M (Private-Catholic; Tuition $13,300)

Towns -- Notre Dame: West Haven (draws from NH County); St. Joseph: Trumbull (draws from Fairfield, NH Counties)

Player to watch -- Notre Dame: Sr. RB Cameran Tucker; St. Joseph: Sr. QB Jordan Vazzano

The story lines -- The two Catholic programs met nine times from 1985 to 1993 and were members of the short-lived All Catholic Conference. They haven't played since ND joined the newly-formed SCC and St. Joseph the FCIAC in 1994. St. Joseph is supposed to be a state championship contender in Class M. Notre Dame last won a state title in 2009.

SPB's Pick -- St. Joseph

---

Awright, who do you got? List who you think will win in the comments.

With renovations still not complete at the Surf Club in Madison, Hand, the defending Class L champion, will now travel to New Canaan for its season opener on Sept. 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The game was originally scheduled for Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Surf Club. The home-away series between Hand and New Canaan as part of the SCC-FCIAC challenge will continue next season, but with the game at the Surf Club in 2014.

"The field (Surf Club) is not ready," Hand athletic director Craig Semple said. "We thought it would be a well-attended game, so we wanted to have the best situation for the safety and security of the players and fans."

After visiting New Canaan, the Tigers visit Hillhouse on Sept. 20. Semple said the Surf Club will be ready for Hand's home opener against Wilbur Cross on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. 

Semple added that bleachers on the home side still need to be installed, which will "take a week to assemble". The new bleachers will accommodate 2,000 fans. 

Other renovations at the Surf Club include an artificial turf playing surface. 

 

Updated SCC-FCIAC Challenge Schedule

Wednesday, Sept. 11

Law at Harding – 6 p.m.

Staples at Xavier – 6:30 p.m.

Hand at New Canaan – 6:30 p.m.

Warde at Foran – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 12

Hillhouse at Darien – 4 p.m.

Bassick at East Haven – 6 p.m.

Cheshire at Ridgefield – 6 p.m.

Ludlowe at Lyman Hall – 6 p.m.

North Haven at Bridgeport Central – 6 p.m.

West Haven at Greenwich – 6 p.m.

Danbury at Hamden – 7 p.m.

Fairfield Prep at Stamford – 7 p.m.

Trumbull at Shelton – 7 p.m.

Wilbur Cross at McMahon – 7 p.m.

Wilton at Guilford – 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 13

Trinity Catholic at Sheehan – 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14

Notre Dame at St. Joseph – 1:30 p.m.

Last year, with fall practice in full swing, the Westhill football community received stunning and sad news: former quarterback Peter Cernansky died from injuries suffered in a skateboarding accident during his first week at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont on Aug. 30, 2012. Cernansky was just 18.

After his death, Cernansky's parents, Charles J. Cernansky and Sharon L. Burley, wanted to give back to the Westhill community to honor their only child.

The inaugural Peter Cernansky Memorial Golf Tournament was held on July 1 at the Rockrimmon Country Club in North Stamford. The event raised more than $35,000.

"(His parents) came to me at the end of (2012) and wanted to make a donation," Westhill football coach Frank Marcucio said.

Marcucio said he suggested having a golf outing. "I just didn't envision it would be this big," the coach said. "They wanted about 30 percent spent on player development, like camps and clinics, and 70 percent on academic counseling. I saw where we were and thought of the perfect program to use the money."

The donation will be used to implement an Athlife Program, formerly Play-It-Smart, at Westhill, which becomes the 20th school in the country, and the only one currently in the state, to be a member of the program. New Haven was a member of Play-It-Smart before the city dropped the program.

"It is a great thing that the Cernansky's are helping us with," Marcucio said. "I said to others that they have turned the tragic death of Pete into a legacy that will continue for a very long time because of his love for football and Westhill."

The Westhill football and boys and girls basketball teams, and possibly soccer, will benefit from the program. The student-athletes will now be able to take advantage of SAT Prep Courses through the program.

Joe DeVellis, who is an assistant varsity football, girls basketball, and baseball coach and a Special Ed teacher at Westhill, will be the academic coach who will oversee the program under Marcucio's direction. Athletic Director Mike King and Principal Camille Figluizzi are also intimately involved, as is basketball coach Howard White.

"We never had anything as intense as this," Marcucio said. "It's a huge advantage when you're trying to get D-I and D-2 scholarships. There are a lot of things that we can now accomplish with this program. My goal is to get these kids into college."




From the AthLife Website: 

The Athlife Foundation is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose aim is to ensure that in our nations most challenged communities, deserving student-athletes can achieve academically, garner the skills to succeed in post-secondary pursuits, and be prepared to compete in their future careers.

The Athlife Foundation assists schools in creating the right kind of sport experiences for student-athletes through a platform that develops professional academic-athletic support positions in secondary education.

A national network of resources, organizations, and schools help the creation and long term maintenance of these key professional staff positions. Schools develop their programs based on identified resources and needs of the athletic teams targeted for support.

In addition to the intrinsic benefit to students, the schools can realize improved academic achievement, increased graduation and attendance rates, improved post-secondary planning, and true community impact through service learning.

NEW CANAAN

James Dunning Jr. Field (at Hawes Plaza), New Canaan

Coach: Lou Marinelli (33rd year, 283-96-7 overall)
Conference: FCIAC
2012 Record: 9-3 (Class L semifinalists)
2013 Kickoff: at Hand, Sept. 12, 6 p.m.
Top players: Nick Cascione, 6-0, 185, Sr., QB; Teddy Bossidy, 5-8, 175, Sr., QB; Michael Donnelly, 6-5, 277, Sr., OL; Jack Gilio, 5-9, 175, Sr., WR; Beau Santero, 6-3, 240, Sr., OL; Michael Root, 6-4, 220, Sr., LB; Cole Harris, 6-2, 210, Sr., LB; Connor Buck, 6-4, 245, Sr., DL; Mike DiCosmo, 5-9, 160, Sr., DB; Zach Allen, 6-6, 240, Jr., LB.
Key losses: Johnny Rhudy LB, Grady Lynch WR/DB, Casey Ouellette DB, Louis Hagopian RB, Dylan Karnedy OL, Bobby Erickson OL.
Outlook: Marinelli says the Rams are young at important spots, but 11 starters return from last season. Cascione and Bossidy will likely split time under center again. Cascione passed for 1,133 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Bossidy threw for 748 yards and nine touchdowns in 2012. Cascione also led the team in rushing yards. Defensively, New Canaan just may be the most talented team in the state, led by Root, Harris and Buck. Harris (pictured above) was a Register All-State selection, Buck has been offered by UMass and Root more than 100 tackles last season. New Canaan will attempt to reach the state semifinals for the ninth straight season. The schedule is tough, though, with league games against Greenwich, Staples and Darien , and a season-opening non-league clash with Hand.

Previous entries in the Inside The Huddle series:



Guilford
Morgan
North Branford
Pomperaug
Sheehan  
Xavier 

Via e-mail from Ludlowe AD Dave Schulz

Athletic Director Dave Schulz has announced the hiring of Vinnie Camera as its new varsity football coach. 

Vinnie started the football program at Platt Tech in 2007 and has been its head coach ever since. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Fairfield Prep prior to moving on to Platt Tech.  A graduate of East Haven HS, he was a three year letter winner playing football for Fairfield University where he earned his degree in 2001.

 “Vinnie was the standout candidate in the interview process and we are looking forward to him joining our staff at Fairfield Ludlowe," Schulz said.

Masuk's John Murphy and Trinity Catholic's Pete Stokes stepped down as head coach from their respective schools on Tuesday.


Murphy was coach for 15 years, winning 159 games, six SWC championships and three state championships.

Read more on Murphy from the CT POST



Stokes led the Crusaders to an 8-3 record and a berth in the Class S quarterfinals this season.


Read more on Stokes from the STAMFORD ADVOCATE

Darryn Horner made two interceptions, including one he returned 97 yards for a touchdown, to lead fourth-seeded Hillhouse to a 34-14 victory over No. 5 St. Joseph in a Class M quarterfinal contest held Tuesday at East Haven High.

Horner's interception return gave the Academics (9-2) a 28-6 lead just before halftime. Horner also intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter that sealed the victory.

Hillhouse will face either No. 1 Wolcott or No. 8 Montville in Sunday's semifinals. That game was postponed and will be held on Wednesday.

Andre Anderson rushed 15 times for 141 yards and two touchdowns for the Academics. Facinete Haderia and Je'Vaughn Moore also had rushing touchdowns in the win. Moore also picked off a pass.

Jason Pelletier scored on a 92-yard kickoff return, and Jordan Vazzano rushed for a 13-yard touchdown for the Cadets (8-3).

The SCC and FCIAC have reached an agreement for league teams to play in 2013 and 2014.

Check out the schedule here.


Only four CIAC quarterfinal games are still on Tuesday's menu. The others were postponed until Wednesday due to the inclement weather.

Click here for the latest Playoff Schedule


Follow Tuesday's action on our SCOREBOARD.

I will be covering the Class M contest between No. 5 St. Joseph and No. 4 Hillhouse, which is being played at 6:30 p.m. at East Haven High.
'
In other news:

Bridgeport Central coach Dave Cadelina has stepped down. Read the article from the CT POST here. 

It was also reported on Twitter that New Milford coach Chuck Lynch has stepped down.

The two-year agreement between the Southern Connecticut Conference and the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference has been finalized, according to SCC commissioner Al Carbone:


Here are the Week 1 matchups for both the 2013 and 2014 seasons:
Staples vs. Xavier
New Canaan vs. Hand
Darien vs. Hillhouse
Ridgefield vs. Cheshire
Greenwich vs. West Haven
St. Joseph vs. Notre Dame-West Haven
Bridgeport Central vs. North Haven
Trumbull vs. Shelton
Stamford vs. Fairfield Prep
Danbury vs. Hamden
Wilton vs. Guilford
Fairfield Warde vs. Foran
Trinity Catholic vs. Sheehan
McMahon vs. Wilbur Cross
Fairfield Ludlowe vs. Lyman Hall
Bassick vs. East Haven
Harding vs. Law

Westhill vs. Norwalk

There are also additional bye weeks that were filled with SCC-FCIAC matchups over the next two seasons:
Week 2: St. Joseph vs. Fairfield Prep
Week 3: Wilton vs. Branford
Week 4: Ridgefield vs. Notre Dame-West Haven
Week 5: Trinity Catholic vs. Foran
Week 8: Fairfield Warde vs. Sheehan
Week 9: Fairfield Ludlowe vs. East Haven
Week 10: Darien vs. North Haven

check back at here and at www.nhregister.com later this evening for more on this challenge and updates on all of the CIAC state quarterfinals.

Westhill had to forfeit four wins Tuesday for using an ineligible player.

Read the article posted by the Stamford Advocate's Dave Ruden:

The Westhill High School football team, reveling in its best season in 25 years under first-year coach Frank Marcucio, was jolted Tuesday morning when it was forced to forfeit four of its five victories for using an ineligible player.

School officials learned of the violation, involving a defensive starter who is a fifth-year senior, on Monday, and Westhill athletic director Mike King reported the incident to the CIAC, the state’s governing body for high school sports, later that day.

CIAC executive director Karissa Niehoff said on Tuesday morning that it had yet to receive the official report but that the organization was taking actions as if the violation were verified.

“If I had an idea the kid was ineligible he wouldn’t have played,” Marcucio said on Tuesday.

HOW IT AFFECTS THE STATE PLAYOFFS

The situation also impacted the state playoffs, most notably in Class LL.
If West Haven wins against Fairfield Prep, West Haven will earn the eighth, and final, spot in that division. However, if West Haven loses, it opens the door for Ridgefield to qualify.

Ruden writes:

Teams that went to bed Monday night with dire hopes woke up Tuesday morning to renewed optimism because of a shifting of bonus points in the CIAC’s scoring system. Perhaps the team that benefited the most was Ridgefield, which now can qualify for a berth in the Class LL field with a win against Danbury and a victory by Fairfield Prep over West Haven.

The situation also had an impact on another of Westhill’s intra-city rivals. Trinity Catholic would have automatically qualified for the Class S Tournament with a win on Thursday at Wilton. The Crusaders are still in a strong position, but they will now need a little bit of outside help.

Law, Westhill snap losing skids

Despite falling short in a Week 1 loss to Sheehan, Law had reason to be optimistic.

The Lawmen’s attitude was different than in past seasons. More importantly, maybe, the players were buying into what Mark Robinson and his coaching staff was teaching despite being mired in a 12-game losing streak.

So it wasn’t really surprising that Law emerged victorious this past week. It seemed like it was bound to happen sooner or later.

The Lawmen earned a 28-12 victory over Wilbur Cross at home for Law’s first win since defeating Prince Tech on Nov. 18, 2010. The Lawmen lost a seesaw battle to Sheehan, 45-42, in Week 1.

Read more of Tuesday's NOTEBOOK

XAVIER remains No. 1 in Top 10 POLL

WEEK 2 HIGHLIGHTS

OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

♦Avon Sr. RB Colin Moore: Carried 25 times for 293 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-15 win over Coventry/Windham Tech/Bolton on Saturday.

♦Brookfield Jr. QB Brad Westmark: Completed 25-of-35 passes for 391 yards and two touchdowns in a 33-18 win over Bunnell on Friday.

DEFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

♦Hyde Sr. DL William Burroughs: Made eight tackles and two sacks in a 41-10 win over Morgan on Saturday.

♦Valley Regional/Old Lyme So. DB Dan Figuenick: Returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown in a 49-0 win over Nonnewaug on Friday.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

♦Glastonbury Sr. Ben Berey: Set a school record with a 99-yard kickoff return in a 63-28 victory over Newington on Friday. Berey also had a touchdown reception and an interception.

♦Hartford Public Sr. Kwame Kitson: Kicked field goals of 32 and 36 yards and three extra points in a 39-6 win over RHAM on Saturday.

TEAMS OF THE WEEK
♦Bulkeley: Joshua Hudson had two sacks, blocked a punt and forced a fumble in a 22-6 win over Fermi on Friday.


 MORE HIGHLIGHTS

We've added more capsules on-line today.

We present:

Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC)

Eastern Connecticut Conference (ECC)

You can view the other conference capsules we added previously here.


Note: Only teams in which information was made available were featured.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Staples chases another championship season

By Mary Albl, Register Staff
malbl@journalregister.com / Twitter: @MaryAlbl

WESTPORT — More than two weeks before the first game of the season and it was hard for head coach Marce Petroccio and quarterback Jack Massie not to shed a grin when talking Staples football.

The Wreckers enter this season coming off an 11-1 record. The one blemish was a 42-7 defeat in the Class LL state title game against Xavier.


The team returns a veteran core on both sides of the ball and tout an experienced quarterback. The list could go on.

So expectations are high.

“We just try and focus one game at a time and not think about what people are saying about us or anything like that,” Massie said. “Just try to play the best we can.”


 “We just try and focus one game at a time and not think about what people are saying about us or anything like that,” Massie said. “Just try to play the best we can.”

As hard as they may try, there is no denying the excitement and anxiety swirling around the upcoming fall season. The program, which has won six Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference titles, including last season, and three state titles under Petroccio, is synonymous with winning. The team has mastered the art of deferring. The perfunctory answers about what the 2012 could be, and maybe should be, are given.

“We’re always looking to improve and we realize that we need to improve in certain areas and were just trying to get better every day,” Petroccio said.

But the question remains: How good can this Wreckers squad be?

By Joe Morelli, Register Schools Sports Editor
jmorelli@nhregister.com / Twitter: @nhrJoeMorelli

An anonymous source told the Register that the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference football coaches unanimously voted down a proposal to play the Southern Connecticut Conference in Week 6 in 2013 and 2014.

The matchup between two of the premier football conferences in Connecticut was originally supposed to be in the opening week each of the next two seasons, but Amity had already scheduled a non-conference, home-and-home series with Seymour to open both seasons.

The source also said that Tuesday’s vote does not kill the two-year deal. If the games were moved back to the season opener, the coaches would approve the games. And even still, the FCIAC board of directors and athletic directors can override their vote and have the games played in the sixth week.

Wilton athletic director Christy Hayes, who is also on the league board of directors, said his FCIAC school is still for the proposal no matter what week it is.

“This does not mean it’s dead or we are not doing it,” Hayes said. “I’m kind of surprised (by the unanimous vote). Whether it is Week 1 or Week 6, I don’t think it really should be an issue.”

Amity athletic director Paul Mengold said he and Seymour AD Ed Rostowsky agreed to the two-year series three years ago. Seymour’s only open date in 2013 is in the season opener, so the game cannot be moved.

In response to @BigPat31 on Twitter, below are some games around the state that might be worth checking out in 2012.

You can follow me on Twitter @MikePucciNHR.

Dates, sites and times are subject to change.

CCC

New Britain at Glastonbury, Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Southington at New Britain, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Rocky Hill at Berlin, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Bloomfield at Northwest Catholic, Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m.
Windsor at Hartford Public, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m.
Berlin at Northwest Catholic, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.
Windsor at Middletown, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Rocky Hill at Bloomfield, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Glastonbury at Southington, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Berlin at Bloomfield, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Berlin at New Britain, Nov. 21, 6 p.m.
Northwest Catholic at Rocky Hill, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.

ECC

Fitch at Norwich Free Academy, Sept. 29, 1 p.m.
Norwich Free Academy at Ledyard, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m.
Fitch at New London, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m.
New London at Ledyard, Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m.
Norwich Free Academy at New London, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.

FCIAC

Greenwich at Ridgefield, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
St. Joseph at Staples, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
St. Joseph at Darien, Sept. 29, 1:30 p.m.
New Canaan at St. Joseph, Oct. 20, 2:30 p.m.
Staples at Darien, Oct. 27, 1:30 p.m.
St. Joseph at Trumbull, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.
New Canaan at Darien, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.
Staples at Greenwich, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.

NVL

Torrington at Wolcott, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Woodland at Ansonia, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Derby at Ansonia, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.
Holy Cross at Torrington, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.
Ansonia at Holy Cross, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Woodland at Torrington, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Wolcott at Ansonia, Nov. 2, 7 p.m.
Holy Cross at Woodland, Nov. 2, 7 p.m.
Woodland at Wolcott, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Wolcott at Holy Cross, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.
Naugatuck at Ansonia, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.

PEQUOT

Cromwell at Hyde, Oct. 6, 2 p.m.
Gilbert/NW Regional at Avon, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m.
North Branford at Cromwell, Oct. 27, 1 p.m.
Hyde at North Branford, Nov. 21, 6 p.m.
Haddam-Killingworth at Valley Regional/Old Lyme, Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m.

SCC

Hand at Hillhouse (Bowen), Sept. 21, 4 p.m.
North Haven at Xavier, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Sheehan at Amity, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
West Haven at Notre Dame-West Haven, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.
Fairfield Prep at Xavier, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.
Shelton at Fairfield Prep, Oct. 5, 6 p.m.
Hand at Xavier, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
Hillhouse at North Haven, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
West Haven at Hand, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
North Haven at Sheehan, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Xavier at Hillhouse, Oct. 26, 3 p.m.
Xavier at Shelton, Nov. 2, 7 p.m.
Shelton at Hand, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
West Haven at Xavier, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Foran at Guilford, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.
Amity at North Haven, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.
Fairfield Prep at West Haven, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.

SWC

Bethel at Bunnell, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
Pomperaug at Masuk, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
Bunnell at Brookfield, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Pomperaug at Newtown, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Brookfield at Newtown, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Masuk at Bunnell, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Masuk at Brookfield, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
Brookfield at Pomperaug, Oct. 26, 7 p.m.
Bunnell at Newtown, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Masuk at Newtown, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.
Bethel at Brookfield, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.

Non-league

North Haven at New London, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m.
Stamford at Norwich Free Academy, Oct. 20, 1 p.m.
Middletown at Xavier, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.
Cheshire at Southington, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.

NEW CANAAN

Coach: Lou Marinelli (32 years at New Canaan, career record of 274-93-7)
League: FCIAC
Last season: 11-2 (FCIAC East Champions, Class L finalists
Top offensive players: Duke Repko, 6-0, 160, Sr., WR; Grady Lynch, 6-0, 175, Sr., WR
Top defensive players: Michael Root, 6-2, 200, Jr., LB; Cole Harris, 5-11, 185, Jr., LB
Key losses: Matt Milano, QB; Patrick Newton, WR; Kevin McDonough, RB/LB; Bobby Distler, RB/LB
Inside the huddle: Young but talented. Need to replace Milano, who passed for 2,981 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2011. Repko caught 20 passes and three touchdowns last season. Lynch also made 20 receptions.
Fast fact: There is a quarterback competition brewing between junior Teddy Bossidy and junior Nick Cascione. Bossidy completed 23-of-43 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown last season, while Cascione completed 4-of-8 for 29 yards. The two combined to rush for 525 yards and five scores.

This week's Top 10 rates the state's best divisions. The bigger debate has always been which is the state's best conference. However, this state doesn't have 10 conferences, so the next best thing is to rate the divisions. State championships weren't the only barometer, but winning state titles, and reaching the postseason, is a good way to measure consistency.

Feel free to leave your choice below.

1. SCC Division I East
Of the Southern Connecticut Conference’s four divisions, this one is, arguably, the best.
The SCC was formed in 1994. The football divisions realigned into four divisions starting with the 2004 season after Milford schools Law and Foran joined the league.

By using 1994 as a reference point, since that’s when the SCC was founded, this division has won the most state titles of any other division in the state.

Four of the five division members have won at least one state title, while both Cheshire and Hand have won four championships since 1994.

Cheshire won four straight, from 1994-1997. The Rams’ returned to a state final (Class LL) last season before losing to Glastonbury.

Hand is 4-2 in state finals. The Tigers won Class L in 1997 and Class MM from 2003-2005, defeating teams from four different divisions. Hand lost in the Class M final, to SCC member Foran, in 1994, and in the 2007 Class MM final to New Canaan.

Notre Dame-West Haven defeated Fitch in the 2001 Class L final, while West Haven edged Greenwich in the 2002 Class LL title game. West Haven also appeared in the 2003 Class LL final.

2. FCIAC East
Starting last season, the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference expanded from two to three divisions.

While all three current divisions are equally as challenging, the East Division teams have won the most state titles since 1994.

New Canaan has won five in that span, the most of any team in the FCIAC. The Rams are the three-time defending Class MM champion, and also won Class M titles in 2001 and 2002. New Canaan has won seven championships overall since the inception of the CIAC playoffs in 1976.

Darien claimed the Class S title in 1996. The Blue Devils have been to four other finals since then, including losing to New Canaan in the Class MM final last season.

Wilton lost to Brookfield in the Class M final in 1995. Trinity Catholic hasn’t been to a final since it won Class S in 1993. St. Joseph owns eight state championships, but hasn’t been to a final since winning Class M in 1990.

3. SCC Division I West
The SCC makes another appearance in the Top 10.

Only two of the five teams in this division have won state titles since 1994. But this division is still one of the most competitive in the state.

Shelton leads the division with three titles since 1994. The Gaels won Class LL in 1995 (over FCIAC member Trumbull) and 2000 (over FCIAC member Greenwich) and Class L in 2003 with a victory over Staples, from the FCIAC. Shelton lost to Greenwich in the 2007 Class LL final.

Xavier defeated Southington, from the Central Connecticut Conference, for the 2005 Class LL title, in the Falcons’ only championship game appearance since 1994.

Hamden lost to Cheshire in the 1996 Class LL final, and again lost to the Rams in last year’s Class LL semifinals.

Neither Amity or Fairfield Prep has made a state final since 1994.
Amity made the Class LL semifinals in 1997 and 2002, while Fairfield Prep made the Class LL semifinals in 1999 and 2006.

4. FCIAC West
Only one of this divisions six teams have won a state title since 1994, but, up and down the division, its teams are as competitive of any division.

Greenwich has claimed three titles in seven trips since 1994. The Cardinals defeated Southington, from the CCC, in the Class LL final in 1999, Southington again in the 2006 Class LL title game and SCC member Shelton in the 2007 Class LL championship.

Trumbull lost to SCC schools Cheshire (in 1997) and Shelton (in 1995) in the Class LL championship game.

Bridgeport Central advanced to the Class LL semifinals in both 2004 and 2007.
Danbury, Norwalk and Westhill haven’t made a final since 1994.

5. CCC Division I
The CCC will continue to have four divisions this season, but gone are the geographical references, such as East or West, that designated each division in years past.

There are now 32 schools in the CCC, which makes it the state’s largest conference, after the league accepted seven schools from the Northwest Conference and Nutmeg Conference and Tolland from the North Central Connecticut Conference.

Glastonbury is the defending Class LL champion, the Tomahawks’ only title since 1994.
Newington advanced to the Class L final last season, before losing to Masuk.

Windsor went to the Class L semifinals last year, and lost to Ridgefield in the 2002 final in that class.

New Britain has won three titles since 1994. It defeated Greenwich in 2001 and 2004, and West Haven in 2003, all in Class LL.

Southington defeated Norwich Free Academy for the Class LL title in 1998, and lost in four other trips to the finals since 1994.

Hall and Middletown, the divisions two other teams, have not made a state final since 1994.

6. FCIAC Central
A third FCIAC division makes the list.

Staples has been to six finals since 1994. It defeated Seymour, from the Naugatuck Valley League, for the 2002 Class MM title, then defeated East Lyme in the 2004 Class L final, and Masuk in the 2005 Class L championship.

Ridgefield won the Class L title over Windsor in 2002, while McMahon won its only title on 1994 after defeating Killingly in Class MM.

7. SWC Colonial Division
Two of this division’s teams won state championships last season.

Masuk captured Class L, for its second title in six appearances since 1994. It also won Class L in 1998, when the Panthers defeated Fitch.

Brookfield edged Ledyard for the Class M title in 2008. It was the Bobcats’ second title in five trips since 1994. Brookfield defeated Wilton, out of the FCIAC, for the Class M title in 1995.

Bunnell won back-to-back Class L titles in 2006 and 2007, while Pomperaug defeated SCC member for the Class MM crown in 2004.

Another division member, Newtown, lost in the Class LL semifinals last season.

8. NVL Brass
This division has been dominated by two teams in its short existence. This division begins its third year of play this fall, after the NVL changed from a large and small division format in 2006.

Ansonia has won six titles in nine appearances since 1994. The Chargers have appeared in three straight Class S championship games. Ansonia has won a state-best 16 titles overall.

Seymour captured the Class SS crown in 2007 and won the Class M title in 1998 with a victory over Darien. The Wildcats also appeared in three other finals.

Crosby, Watertown, Wolcott and Wilby have not reached a final since 1994. Derby/O’Brien Tech joins the league this year.

9. ECC Large
The biggest of the Eastern Connecticut Conference’s three divisions is, arguably, the best.
The five member schools have won four titles since 1994.

Fitch won back-to-back Class L crowns in 1999-2000. It made four straight trips to the final, losing in both 1998 and 2001.

Ledyard won Class M in 2007, and went to the final last season before losing to Brookfield.

East Lyme captured the Class MM title in 2003, and went to the Class L final in 2004, and the Class MM championship game in 2005.

NFA lost in the 1998 Class LL final, while Windham was defeated in the 2006 final by Hillhouse.

10. Pequot Sassacus
This may be a division comprised of smaller schools, but two of its teams have been successful in reaching the postseason.

Three teams from this division made the playoffs last year.

Cromwell won its first title in school history when it defeated Ansonia for the Class S crown last season. It was the Panthers’ third trip to a final since 2003.

Hyde has been victorious in all three of its trips to a state final. It won Class S titles in 2000, 2004 and 2005. It lost to Cromwell in last season’s semifinals.

Haddam-Killingworth lost to Putnam in the 1994 Class S final, while North Branford lost to Bloomfield in the 2001 Class S final. The Thunderbirds were also a Class S semifinalist last season.