One Final Friday

It’s the final Friday of the 2008 high school football season.  Just 9 games are on the schedule as many schools get an off week with the Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Eve games looming next Wednesday & Thursday.  Our own Joe Zone won’t take it easy tonight though.  He’s looking to catch action at 4 different games all in the same night.  From Fermi High School to Enfield High to Tolland High to Stafford High School – It’s Joe’s Excellent (not to mention cold) Adventure.  Find out at 11:15pm just how he makes out.

The Jim Buonocore Era is Officially Underway

Sure it started back in August when Ledyard began life without legendary head coach Bill Mignault but last night it truly started with Buonocore leading the Colonels to a 27-6 win over previously undefeated New London.  I caught the end of the internet radio call from the guys at 104.7 WXLM in New London and they officially pronounced it the start of the Jim Buonocore Era – I agree gentleman.

J.J. Jablonski is a true playmaker on both sides of the ball for Ledyard and he alone gives the Colonels a real chance of repeating as state champs.

What Ned Said (about the playoffs)

If The Day’s Ned Griffen says it about high school football then I tend to take it as gospel.  In an email to yours truly earlier this week Ned indicated that 35 teams still have playoff hopes as of the moment.  21 of those teams control their own destiny and are in with a win.

The most intriguing races are Class LL and Class L.   New Britain and Southington are outside the top 4 right now in Class LL but that all changes with a Southington win over Cheshire (the #4) and a New Britain win over Glastonbury (the #1).    #3 Newtown also faces a stiff test with a Thanksgiving eve home game vs. Masuk – #1 in L.

Masuk and L #2 Simsbury are in great shape to make it to the postseason. L gets interesting with #3 Newington, #4 Windsor and #5 Crosby all alive and rooting against each other. Stay tuned.

What Were You Doing 20 Years Ago?

Some of you weren’t alive, I get that.  I for one was big into Saturday Night Live’s Dennis Miller and I had long hair to match.  “That’s the news and I am outta here” Anyone remember?

20 years ago this Thanksgiving Wallingford’s Bill Gannon was a rising Junior quarterback at Sheehan High School drawing recruiting interest from the likes of Boston College and Arizona State. A couple months later (in January of 1989) Bill was in a serious car accident that forever altered the course of his life.  Nothing has come easy since.  From an amazing comeback that saw him beat the odds to play in 2 games his senior year, to hip fusion surgery right after high school graduation to the sudden death of his young wife Agnes 4 years ago.  Bill Gannon has an unforgettable story  that may soon be a book.  Until then you can learn more in our TV feature about Bill tonight at 11:15pm on FNF.

What’s The Best Turkey Day Tilt?

Not just this year, through the years. What’s the best Connecticut Thanksgiving day rivalry.  NFA – New London?  Ansonia – Naugatuck?  Bristol Central – Bristol Eastern?  Stonington – Westerly, RI?

Sell me  your pick in an email, john.holt@wfsb.com  The best answers get a Property of Friday Night Football T-shirt in time for Christmas.  XL sizes available for those who over induldge at the Turkey Day dinner table.

Games We’ll Be Watching

Avon at Stafford/East Windsor – Friday 6:30pm -  A win and the Falcons are in the playoffs. This also happens to be game 4 in Joe Zone’s Excellent Adventure tonight.  I’m curious to see if he gets there in one piece and leaves in one piece.

Simsbury at Farmington – Friday 7pm – A Trojan win and they go to the postseason.  Hats off to Simsbury fans who keep FNF updated on their team’s progress!  Thank you for the calls and emails.

North Branford at Cromwell – Saturday 1pm-  Pierson Park on a late November Saturday.  Both teams have yet to lose.  Cromwell is a lock for the postseason but should North Branford lose Saturday and then at home 4 days later (Thanksgiving Eve) to Hyde their playoff hopes will come crashing down in one painful 96 hour stretch.

Completely Unrelated Thought of The Week:

Not sure what I’m bothered by more: The fact that young people are wearing less and less belts or wearing less and less watches.

How is a cellphone a suitable substitute for a nice looking wristwatch?

See You Tonight at 11:15pm for FNF!

John