H.S. FOOTBALL / WEEK 8 PREVIEW CAPSULES
TODAY'S GAMES
Fitch at NFA, 6:30 p.m.
Records: Fitch (4-2, 0-1 ECC Div. I); NFA (3-3, 1-0)
Last week: Fitch defeated Bacon Academy 35-0; NFA lost to Windsor 28-21
Outlook: This game has divisional and state playoff implications. NFA's three losses have all but ended the Wildcats' state playoff hopes. But they can still win the ECC Div. I title, buoyed by a victory here. NFA would win the title outright with a win here and over New London on Thanksgiving. Fitch, meanwhile, has a glimmer of hope in Class L, but must win its remaining games. The Falcons could also play their way into the divisional race by winning here.
New London at East Lyme, 6:30 p.m.
Records: New London (3-2, 1-0 ECC Div. I); East Lyme (2-4, 0-1)
Last week: New London was idle; East Lyme defeated Ledyard 42-12
Outlook: The Whalers haven't played since a loss to Hillhouse two weeks ago. They, like Fitch, harbor slim state playoff hopes and must win their remaining games. A win here, however, would keep them unbeaten in ECC Div. I, perhaps making Thanksgiving a division title game with NFA, if the Wildcats defeat Fitch. It is unclear whether quarterback Owen George, who hurt his arm in the Hillhouse game, will play. East Lyme played significantly better last week. Its passing game will pose a threat to New London's defense.
Ledyard at Killingly, 6:30 p.m.
Records: Ledyard (2-4, 1-1 ECC Div. II); Killingly (5-1, 3-0)
Last week: Ledyard lost to East Lyme 42-12; Killingly defeated Waterford 76-27
Outlook: Killingly took a big step toward playoff qualification last week, moving from No. 8 to No. 5 in Class M. The Redmen can hang another banner during their run of recent success with a win over Ledyard. It would secure the ECC Div. II title for the defending state Class M champs. Ledyard has lost two straight since an overtime win over Montville.
Waterford at Stonington, 6:30 p.m.
Records: Waterford (2-4, 1-2 ECC Div. II); Stonington (0-6, 0-2) Last week: Waterford lost to Killingly 76-27; Stonington lost to Windham 32-7
Outlook: Two teams coming off disappointing weeks. Waterford allowed 76 points to Killingly, whole Stonington remained winless. The Waterford defense has allowed 192 points, most in the ECC. Can Stonington's offense, which has scored 42 all season, capitalize?
Montville at Plainfield, 6:30 p.m.
Records: Montville (2-4, 0-1 ECC Div. III); Plainfield (5-1, 0-0)
Last week: Montville lost to Fairfield Ludlowe 47-12; Plainfield defeated Central Falls (R.I.), 34-27
Outlook: Plainfield has yet to play a division game until now. There is the potential that the annual Plainfield-Griswold game on Thanksgiving could be for the ECC Div. III title (Griswold is already 2-0 in the division). Plainfield is 5-1 in its nonleague portion. Montville played a quality nonconference opponent last week in Ludlowe.
Cromwell/Portland at Valley Regional/Old Lyme, 6:30 p.m.
Records: Cromwell/Portland (5-1, 4-1 Pequot Sassacus); Valley/OL (5-0, 4-0) Last week: Cromwell/Portland lost to Old Saybrook/Westbrook 35-20; Valley/OL defeated North Branford 27-6
Outlook: Cromwell/Portland's loss to Old Saybrook/Westbrook opened the door for Valley/Old Lyme and the potential of a Pequot Sassacus title. The Warriors are the lone unbeaten team in the division. Valley/Old Lyme also remains in the middle of the Class S playoff race. A win here would be huge toward perhaps giving the Warriors a shot at a home game in the playoffs. This game will be streamed live on theday.com
SATURDAY'S GAME
Bullard Havens at Thames River, 1 p.m.
Records: Bullard-Havens (6-0, 6-0 CTC); Thames River (4-1, 4-1)
Last week: Bullard Havens defeated Platt Tech 49-14; Thames River accepted a forfeit win over Prince Tech
Outlook: Thames River will play its toughest opponent to date. Bullard-Havens leads the Connecticut Technical Conference. However, a win would not only vault the Crusaders into a first-place tie, but move them into the top eight in the Class M playoff race.