4 locals look to remain unbeaten

By Jim Bransfield

MIDDLETOWN — No. 10 ranked and unbeaten Middletown is home tonight, Xavier looks to win its second in a row this afternoon, Wesleyan has its home opener Saturday and Vinal/East Hampton/Goodwin Tech looks to get its first win tonight in weekend city football action.

In the area, three unbeaten teams — Cromwell/ Portland, Coginchaug/ Hale-Ray and Valley/Old Lyme — try for three in a row and Haddam-Killingworth looks to bounce back from its late loss to Coginchaug/Hale-Ray.

Hartford Public (0-2) vs. Middletown (2-0)

Rosek-Skubel Stadium at MHS

Tonight at 7

Public is 0-2, but as Middletown coach Sal Morello pointed out, the Owls lost to two good teams, Bristol Central and Maloney.

“They are big and physical and every time we play them, it’s been a physical battle,” said Morello. “On top of that, they have good speed.”

Morello has not been thrilled with one aspect of his team’s play.

“We have to clean up how we play,” he said. “We’ve been sloppy and haven’t taken care of the football. We’ve lost six fumbles in two games and we’re lucky to be 2-0. We’ve talked about it, it’s been a point of emphasis, but now it’s time after two games to see improvement on the offensive side of the ball.”

Morello said that his team has the usual bumps and bruises, but he has some depth, and that’s helpful.