We offer you an extra edition of Friday Night Football this week, tonight at 11:15pm (with 24 games being played statewide) and then again Friday at 11:15pm as The Day’s Ned Griffen joins us to preview the state playoffs which begin next Tuesday with 12 games
The Juiciest Thanksgiving Games (these games need no extra gravy)
Cheshire at Southington – Wednesday 6pm - Southington Coach Bill Mella never stopped believing the Blue Knights could squeak into the Class LL playoffs – even after a 3-0 loss 2 weeks ago to New Britain. The winner of the Apple Valley Classic tonight at least gives itself a chance to make the postseason – they’ll need a loss from New Britain or Newtown to make it a reality. Southington no doubt remembers the disappointment on a Thanksgiving Day defeat to Cheshire a year ago. I personally believe the state playoffs would be more interesting if Cheshire QB Billy Ragone is a part of them. What a game tonight!
Kennedy at Crosby – Thursday 10:30am – Crosby needs a win to keep alive hopes of its’ first ever state playoff appearance in football. Some are telling me they are the most athletic (and maybe most talented) team in the state. Win or lose, Crosby quarterback David Gondek can set the single season state record for touchdown passes with 3 more to get to 37. Kennedy continues to be a program on the rise under tireless coach Chris Sarlo. They were the NVL Copper Division champs this season and want desperately to rule the Brass City on Thursday with a win over their city rival.
East Catholic at Cheney Tech – Wednesday 6pm – These two Manchester schools are so close to each other Mapquest has a tough time telling them apart. Two years ago their co-op team broke up and this is the first time they have played each other since the split. Former teammates against each other and a couple grand expected to be in attendance at Cheney’s brand new turf field facility. Oh, did I mention that East has a chance to end Cheney’s perfect season? Either way, the Beavers will play again next Tuesday night in the Class M playoffs.
Hyde Leadership at North Branford – Wednesday 6:30pm – For everyone (me included) who doubted that North Branford could avoid a 2 game season ending losing streak at the hands of Cromwell and Hyde – last Saturday’s 6-0 win over Cromwell was a shocker! The Thunderbirds have qualified for the Class S playoffs. A win tonight gets them the #1 seed. Hyde has even more to play for. The Howling Wolves need a win to make the playoffs. Should Hyde lose, the door is open for Northwest Catholic who will need to win on Turkey Day vs. Plainville.
Answers To Some Mailbag Questions
John:
Is anyone doing any broadcasts of any of the CIAC football Championship games this year or was that a one & done??
Thanks
Hank L
Hank:
The Connecticut Sports Network (launching in December on cable) will do all 6 games again this year. Unlike last year though, none of them games will be broadcast LIVE.
———
John:
Crosby fan here. What does anyone know about Bloomfield’s chances versus Windsor? What about Wethersfield v. Newington? Do either of these teams have a shot to knock off the favorite?
Crosby Fan:
While anything can happen in emotional Thanksgiving week rivalry games, I’m expecting both Windsor and Newington to win. That means chances are Crosby gets outpointed for the 4th and final playoff spot in Class L. The Bulldogs are a great story and they deserve a spot in the postseason.
———–
John:
John, I watch WFSB’s Thanksgiving Week coverage of high school football every year and I always hear you ask victorious players whether the turkey will taste better since their team won. Is that your postgame strategy again this year?
John:
Thanks for writing…all be it to yourself. The answer is YES! It’s a slam dunk question that never fails to get a good response.
Ansonia Star Has Plenty To Be Thankful For
Join us Friday night at 11:15pm on FNF when I bring you the story of Ansonia Senior running back Tristan Roberts. Last year Roberts missed most of the season after an arrest for marijuana possession. He has earned his way back onto the team and you’ll hear exactly what lessons he is taking to heart on a holiday where he’s thankful to have back what once was lost.
Completely Unrelated Thought of the Week:
Do you think chickens feel especially lonely or especially lucky around Thanksgiving?
See you tonight (and Friday night) at 11:15pm for FNF!
John
