Here is the schedule for football games to be broadcast on CPTV.

High School Football (subject to change)

Game	Premiere Date	Repeat Date(s)
Staples at Xavier (LIVE)	Wed., Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m.	Sat., Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. & Tues., Sept. 17 at 9:30 p.m.
Waterford at Platt (LIVE)	Fri., Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m.	Sat., Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. & Thurs., Sept. 19 at 9:30 p.m.
Southington at Glastonbury (Sept. 12 game)	Wed., Sept. 18 at 8 p.m.	Sun., Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. & Tues., Sept. 24 at 9 p.m.
Wolcott at Naugatuck (LIVE)	Fri., Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.	Sat., Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. & Thurs., Sept. 26 at 9:30 p.m.
Montville at Norwich Free Academy (Sept. 21 game)	Wed., Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.	Sun., Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. & Tues., Oct. 1 at 9 p.m.
Northwest Catholic at Bloomfield (LIVE)	Fri., Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.	Sat., Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. & Thurs., Oct. 3 at 9:30 p.m.
Cromwell at Ellington/Somers (Sept. 28 game)	Wed. Oct. 2 at 8 p.m.	Sun., Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. & Tues., Oct. 8 at 9 p.m.

 

Ledyard at New London (LIVE)	Fri., Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m.	Sat., Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. & Thurs., Oct. 10 at 9:30 p.m.
Hyde Leadership at Canton (Oct. 5 game)	Wed., Oct. 9 at 8 p.m.	Sun., Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. & Tues., Oct. 15 at 9 p.m.
Fairfield Prep at Shelton (LIVE)	Fri., Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.	Sat., Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. & Thurs., Oct. 17 at 9:30 p.m.
North Branford at Avon (Oct. 12 game)	Wed., Oct. 16 at 8 p.m.	Sun., Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. & Tues., Oct. 22 at 9 p.m.
Xavier at West Haven (LIVE)	Fri., Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.	Sat., Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. & Thurs., Oct. 24 at 9:30 p.m.
Masuk at Ansonia (Oct. 17 game)	Wed., Oct. 23 at 8 p.m.	Sun., Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. & Tues., Oct. 29 at 9 p.m.
Weston at Newtown (LIVE)	Fri., Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.	Sat., Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. & Thurs., Oct. 31 at 9:30 p.m.
Simsbury at South Windsor (Oct. 26 game)	Wed., Oct. 30 at 8 p.m.	Sun., Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. & Tues., Nov. 5 at 9 p.m.
Oxford at Joel Barlow (LIVE)	Fri., Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.	Sat., Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. &  Thurs., Nov. 7 at 9:30 p.m.
Berlin at Rocky Hill (LIVE)	Fri., Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.	Sat., Nov. 9 at 9 a.m. & Thurs., Nov. 14 at 9:30 p.m.
Naugatuck at Holy Cross (Nov. 7 game)	Wed., Nov. 13 at 8 p.m.	Sun., Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. & Tues., Nov. 19 at 9 p.m.
Derby at Woodland (LIVE)	Fri., Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m.	Sat., Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. & Thurs., Nov. 21 at 9:30 p.m.
Gilbert/NW Regional at Valley Regional/Old Lyme (LIVE)	Fri., Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m.	Sat., Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. & Tues., Nov. 26 at 9 p.m.
Middletown at Windsor (LIVE)	Wed., Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m.	Sun., Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. & Wed., Dec. 4 at 9 p.m.
Capital/Classical at Prince Tech (Nov. 23 game)	Fri., Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.	Sat., Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. & Thurs., Dec. 5 at 9:30 p.m.

(photo posted on University of New Hampshire website)

Sean Goldrich, a former standout at Notre Dame-West Haven, threw two touchdown passes in his collegiate debut. Goldrich's teammate at ND, Rob Bowman, started on the offensive line for New Hampshire. Below, read the article posted on the University of New Hampshire website. 

Worcester,  Mass. - The University of New Hampshire football team scored touchdowns on back-to-back drives of 98 yards and 95 yards in the second half to pull away from Holy Cross for a 38-17 Thursday night victory in the season opener for both schools at Fitton Field.

The Wildcats (1-0, 0-0 CAA) outscored the Crusaders (0-1, 0-0 Patriot League) 19-7 after halftime and amassed 531 yards of offense (279 rushing, 252 passing) to improve to 11-3 all-time in season-opening games under head coach Sean McDonnell.

Sean Goldrich (West Haven, Conn.) shined in his collegiate debut, completing 21 of 31 passes for 193 yards and two TDs. The redshirt freshman added a team-high 71 rushing yards on 10 carries.

By Mike Pucci, Register Staff
mpucci@nhregister.com / Twitter: @MikePucciNHR

EAST HARTFORD — How do you stop Ansonia running back Arkeel Newsome and the rest of the unbeaten Chargers?

Ledyard coach Jim Buonocore has a simple strategy.

“First thing we have to try to do is have someone take out the Ansonia bus on the way to the Rent,” Buonocore laughed. “Or at least make sure Arkeel doesn’t make the bus.”

The Colonels will certainly have their hands full with Newsome, a sophomore who’s rushed for 3,399 yards and 55 touchdowns, during Saturday’s Class M state championship game.

Kickoff between top-seeded Ansonia (13-0) and No. 3 Ledyard (11-1) is set for 10:30 a.m. at Rentschler Field.

Buonocore talked more strategy at the CIAC football luncheon honoring the eight state finalists Tuesday at the Club Room at Rentschler Field.

Read more here.

The eight teams that advanced to the state championship games were honored at a luncheon Tuesday in the Club Room at Rentschler Field.

Among the highlights:

Ledyard coach Jim Buonocore on how to stop Ansonia, which the Colonels will face for the Class M title (Saturday, 10:30 a.m.):

"First thing we have to do is have someone take out the Ansonia bus on the way to the Rent, or at least make sure Arkeel (Newsome) doesn't make the bus."

Ansonia sophomore running back Arkeel Newsome has rushed for 3,399 yards and 55 touchdowns.

New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli on how the Rams were able to defeat Hand, which New Canaan will compete with for the Class L title (Saturday, 2 p.m.), three straight times:

"We were lucky".

Xavier senior WR/DB Ryan Jacobucci and the rest of the Falcons are well-aware there's a target on their backs by being the state's No. 1 team. Xavier (12-0) has won 25 straight games and is the defending Class LL champion. The Falcons will face Staples (11-0) on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

"At Xavier, we're from all over," Jacobucci said. "A lot of the kids have friends back on the schools that we play, and we hear all the time that the teams that we play go so much harder, and they take it much more personally when they play Xavier. Not only do we have to play our 'A' game, but we have to practice so much harder. That keeps us on edge, and that's what keeps the whole team going. We have to keep the train going and keep getting the 'W'."

Class S finalist Cromwell will take on Holy Cross on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Cromwell coach Chris Eckert, in his first year with the Panthers, knew Cromwell had plenty of talent returning, including senior quarterback Anthony Morales and senior receivers Mike Antonio and Brett Director.

"Hearing from other coaches from around the league," Eckert said, "they let me know that we had a great group of seniors coming back and a great group of juniors coming up. The thing we needed to do as a staff was make sure they bought into our style of coaching and bought into our scheme early enough to make sure we were successful on the field. If they didn't buy into it, we had no shot. That was our major focus coming into spring camp and into the fall season."

Sophomore Arkeel Newsome rushed 36 times for 293 yards and five touchdowns to lead Ansonia to a 33-0 victory over Holy Cross in the NVL championship at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury.

Newsome scored on TD runs of 57, 14, 5, 1 and 3 yards.

Newsome scored on the Chargers' first play from scrimmage and then added another touchdown in the first quarter.

The teams played to a scoreless second quarter, and Ansonia led just 14-0 at halftime.

By Mike Pucci, Register Staff
mpucci@nhregister.com / Twitter: @MikePucciNHR

Despite a convincing win over Holy Cross in Week 4, Ansonia football coach Tom Brockett is well-aware how dangerous the Crusaders can be.

Holy Cross scored first in that contest on Oct. 7 before the Chargers settled down and rolled to a 45-13 victory.

The teams meet again Thursday night to decide the Naugatuck Valley League champion. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury.

Like Ansonia (9-0), the Crusaders (8-1) have a plethora of skill players, and both teams thrive running the ball.

Senior Dave DiGiorgi is Holy Cross’ best overall player, while fellow running back Adrian Brown, a junior, and freshman sensation Isaiah Wright are also dangerous in the open field.

“Obviously they’re a very talented football team,” Brockett said. “They have great skill players. Every time you go against that you worry about the speed and how those kids can score on you on one play.”

Read the full story here.

Week 10 Predictions

Foran edged by Stonington

Via NVL football blog.
Team scores:

1. Wolcott: 12,800 lbs.
2. Torrington: 12,465 lbs.
3. Ansonia
4. Woodland
5. Holy Cross

To view the NVL football blog's entry, click here.

Ansonia 31, Holy Cross 0: Montrell Dobbs rushed 30 times for 179 yards to pace the host Chargers to this Naugatuck Valley League interdivision win.

Arkeel Newsome scored on a 33-yard run and caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Elliot Chudwick for Ansonia (33-0).

Chudwick also connected with Andrew Matos on an 18-yard touchdown reception, and Miky Mason returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown for the Chargers.

Chris Ballas rushed 21 times for 124 yards and three rushing touchdowns to lead the Law football teams to a 33-7 Southern Connecticut Conference interdivision win over visiting Fairfield Prep Friday at Milford.

Ballas also caught a touchdown pass from Corey Vieanneau. Nick Boyd scored on a 29-yard fumble recovery for the Lawmen (2-1).


Derby/O’Brien Tech 20, Naugatuck 14 (OT): Ray Kreiger scored on a 1-yard run in overtime to lift the visiting Red Raiders to a Naugatuck Valley League win.

D’Don Conyers scored on a 90-yard run, and Jake Tomczak scored on an 80-yard run for Derby/O’Brien Tech (2-1), which trailed 14-0 after one quarter.

Tyler Conklin and Dashawn Wingate scored rushing touchdowns for the Greyhounds (2-1).


Hyde 49, Valley Regional/Old Lyme 7: Joe Lambert scored on a 68-yard run, a 37-yard fumble recovery and a 78-yard kickoff return to lead the visiting Howling Wolves to a Pequot Conference win at Deep River.


Holy Cross 21, Ansonia 13: Ryan Kalnins returned a fumble 32 yards for a touchdown to seal the deal in the Crusaders’ victory at Municipal Stadium. Holy Cross is 3-0.

Montrell Dobbs scored twice for No. 5 Ansonia (2-1) — on a 73-yard run and a 45-yard interception return.

The debate’s been raging for many, many years now. Is cheerleading a sport? Whether you agree that it is or not, the CIAC, the governing body of high school sports in the state, has awarded state championship plaques and medals to teams and athletes since the 1998-1999 season.

The cheerleading and pom-pom squads are a big part of high school football games. Not only do they perform during halftime, but they decorate the school for pep rallies and make signs and banners that are on display the day of the game. And, of course, their enthusiasm and team spirit is perhaps their most valuable aspect.

I figured I would take a week off from honoring football teams and their players to present a list of the Top 10 Cheer/Dance teams. Championship medals for best hip-hop dance team, in a jazz division and a pom-pom division were handed out for the first time this past spring.

Cheer and Dance teams have their own page on the CIAC website (http://www.casciac.org/) and on the National Federation of State High School Associations site(http://www.nfhs.org/web/2006/08/spirit.aspx).

Ranking are based on titles won, and appearances in the top 3 of teams’ respective divisions, since 1998. From 1998 to the 2003-2004 season, there were just three divisions (L, M, S). In 2004-2005, Class LL was added.


1. Holy Cross
The Crusaders, out of the Naugatuck Valley League, have won eight titles and have made the top 3 10 times. Holy Cross won five straight Class M titles from 2000-2004, and captured the title again in 2006, 2007 and 2009.

The Crusaders were second in 2005 and third in 1999. The only time they did not finish in at least the top 3 was in 2008, when they placed fifth.

2. Wolcott
The Eagles, another NVL school, have a long history of success in the co-ed division.

Wolcott has won the co-ed title seven times. The Eagles dominated that division by winning the championship from 2002-2005. Wolcott also captured the title in 2009, 2000 and 1999. It placed second in 2006 and third in 2008. The Eagles’ all-female team also placed third in Class M in 2001.

3. Danbury
The Hatters, out of the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference, won the Class LL title in 2006 and 2004. Danbury claimed Class L titles in 2003, 2002 and 2000.

The Hatters also placed in the top 3 six other times. Danbury finished third in Class LL in 2009 and 2008, second in Class LL in 2007, second in Class LL in 2005, second in Class L in 2001 and third in Class L in 1999.

4. Sacred Heart
Another NVL school, the Hearts have excelled in Class S. Sacred Heart has won titles in 2006, 2005, 2003 and 2001.

The Hearts placed second in 2004 and 2002, and third in 2007 and 1999.

5. Shelton
The Gaels, from the Southern Connecticut Conference, won two titles (Class LL in 2007 and Class L in 2001).

Shelton finished as the runner-up in Class LL in 2009 and second in Class L in 2003 and 2000. The Gaels finished third in Class LL in 2006 and 2005, and third in Class L in 2004.

6. Nonnewaug
Aside from Holy Cross, Nonnewaug, whose football team plays in the Pequot Conference, has been a dominating presence in Class M.

The Chiefs won the Class M title in 2008 and 2005. Nonnewaug finished second in 2003 and 1999. The team placed third in 2009, 2007, 2006 and 2004.

7. East Harford
This Central Connecticut Conference representative has succeeded in the co-ed division. The Hornets captured the title in 2008, 2007 and 2006. East Hartford also placed second in 2005.

The all-female squad was the Class LL champion in 2009.

8. Ansonia
The Chargers, the fourth NVL school to make the list, won Class S titles in 2007, 2002 and 1999.

Ansonia also placed second in 2003 and 2001, and third in 2004. The Chargers have competed in Class M the past two seasons.

9. Cromwell
Not just the football team, which won Class S for the school’s first football title last season, has reason to celebrate. The cheerleading squad won Class S titles in 2008 and 2004.

The Panthers placed second in 2007, and third in 2006.

10. Waterford
The Lancers captured the Class L title in 2008 and 2005. The team placed third in Class M in 2000.

The co-ed squad placed second in 2009.

Below is our list of the Top 10 must-see scrimmages.
Times and dates are as listed on the CIAC website, and are subject to change.

1. Ansonia at Shelton, Sept. 11, 7 p.m.
This has the intensity of a regular season game, and it’s treated as such.
There may not be a bigger hotbed for high school football in the state than the Valley, so players, coaches and fans highly anticipate this preseason meeting. It’s the perfect way to kickoff the year.

As usual, both teams should field competitive teams. Ansonia, which is a member of the Naugatuck Valley League, lost a bunch to graduation, and junior running back Montrell Dobbs will be called upon to carry most of the offensive load.

Shelton, out of the Southern Connecticut Conference, returns quarterback Ray Pendegast, who saw spot duty last season, running back Joel Youd and Paul Piccirillo, who can play four positions.

2. Bunnell at Staples, Sept. 2, 4 p.m.
Two of the state’s best coaches, Bunnell’s Craig Bruno and Staples’ Marce Petroccio, square off here.

Bunnell, out of the South-West Conference, lost All-State quarterback Chris Sloat to graduation, in addition to several other talented starters from last season, when the Bulldogs went 9-2 but failed to qualify for a third straight playoff berth. It may be a rebuilding year for Bunnell.

Staples, from the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference, also failed to make the postseason. Bunnell defeated Staples for the Class L title in 2006, and again in the Class L semifinals in 2007.

The Wreckers, however, should improve on last season’s 6-5 mark, as the team had a large junior class.

3. Hyde at Hamden, Sept. 11. 6 p.m.
Hyde has only a short ride up Dixwell Ave. for this contest with the Green Dragons, out of the SCC.

The Howling Wolves, from the Pequot Conference, return senior quarterback Kendell Groom and wide receiver/linebacker DeShawn Murphy. Hyde went 9-3, and advanced to the Class S semifinals a year ago.

Hamden also advanced to the state semifinals, before losing to Cheshire in Class LL. The Green Dragons might return the most talent of any team in the state, including quarterback Jason Lassiter and two-way lineman Jo-Von Ladson.

4. Masuk at Darien, Sept. 11, 4:30 p.m.
The biggest off-season transaction was Casey Cochran transferring to Masuk.

Cochran, a sophomore quarterback, led New London to the Class SS state title last season after taking over the starting duties for the injured Jordan Reed at mid-season. Cochran is the son of former New London coach Jack Cochran, who was fired in the spring.

The Panthers are usually contenders in the South-West Conference, but with Casey Cochran’s arrival, Masuk may just repeat as Class L champions.

Darien went to the Class MM final before losing to fellow FCIAC member New Canaan. The Blue Wave suffered heavy graduation losses, but veteran coach Rob Trifone should have Darien in the mix again.

5. Ansonia at West Haven, Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m.
As mentioned above, Ansonia lost most of its skill players to graduation, but the Chargers should contend for the NVL title and a Class S playoff berth.

As with the Shelton scrimmage, this annual preseason tilt is usually just as exciting and competitive as a regular season game.

Fiery West Haven coach Ed McCarthy is an entertaining sideshow. The Westies have some talent returning, and should improve on last season’s 6-4 record.

6. Ridgefield at Ledyard, Sept. 12, 3 p.m.
This is a battle between two of the state’s most consistent programs.

Ledyard went 10-3 and advanced to the Class M state final in coach Jim Buonocore’s first season with the team. The Colonels lost quarterback J.J. Jablonski to graduation, but Ledyard should rebuild nicely.

Ridgefield, an FCIAC member, went 8-3 and just missed a playoff berth in 2008. The Tigers lost plenty of skill players, but coach Kevin Callahan and his staff have put together consistently good seasons recently despite a usually brutal schedule.

7. Cheshire at Windsor, Sept. 11, 7 p.m.
Cheshire must adjust to life without quarterback/defensive back Billy Ragone, the 2008 Register All-Area MVP.

But the Rams do return running back Dan Sweeney and wide receivers Brian Havlicek and Brian Debisschop, who should keep Cheshire’s spread offense chugging along.

The Rob Fleeting era begins at Windsor. Fleeting previously led Weaver to five playoff appearances in 10 seasons. The 1999 edition won the Class M state title.

Quarterback Pierre Narcisse, who threw for over 1,500 yards last year, returns for his senior season for the Warriors.

8. Stamford at Holy Cross, Sept. 5, 10 a.m.
The main reason to attend this scrimmage is to see Stamford linebacker Khairi Fortt in action. The 6-foot-3, 220 pound Fortt is the state’s top recruit on the website Rivals.com, and ranks No. 26 nationwide.

Among the interested schools are Georgia, Penn. State, North Carolina, Tennessee, Michigan and USC.

Stamford, from the FCIAC, is looking to be better than last’s season 6-5 record.

Holy Cross, from the NVL, went 5-6 last year, but first-year coach Mike Giampetruzzi thinks the Crusaders could be one of the top five teams in the league. Senior running back Pat Cronin will lead the offense.

9. Seymour at Branford, Sept. 11, tba
Both teams have new coaches.

Mike Tracy takes over for Gary Gravina at Branford. Gravina led the Hornets to the 2005 Class MM title.

Branford went 7-4 last season, and returns a solid nucleus this year. Senior quarterback Andrew Luzzi is a threat to both run and pass the ball. He threw for 17 touchdowns and ran for 10 last season.

Tom Lennon inherits the Seymour reigns from legendary coach Paul Sponheimer, who retired with four state titles and over 200 victories.

Lennon was left in good hands. Quarterback Connor Shugrue, running back Taylor Searles and two-way lineman Jacob Drozd, who may be the best returning player in the NVL, return. The Wildcats are a legitimate contender for the NVL and Class SS titles.

10. Cromwell at Berlin, Sept. 11, 4 p.m.
Berlin moves from the Nutmeg League to the powerful Central Connecticut Conference. The Red Coats have qualified for the state playoffs in five of the last six years. They lost to Ledyard in the 2007 Class M final.

Berlin returns a solid nucleus from a young team that went 6-4 last year. However, a tough schedule that includes games with Weaver, Bristol Eastern and New Britain, will be challenging.

Cromwell is coming off a 12-1 record, which included winning the Class S state title, the school’s first. The Panthers, however, were a senior-laden team, but still look for Cromwell to compete in the Pequot Conference.


Which scrimmage are you looking forward too? Leave a comment below.