In a dramatic week of high school football action in Connecticut, three teams in the Hartford Courant Top 10 coaches” poll suffered defeats, with two of those teams now holding two losses for the season. Despite the setbacks, all three teams remain in the rankings.
Key matchups highlighted the week, particularly the clash between Wilton and then-No. 3 Greenwich, where Wilton secured a narrow 7-3 victory. With this win, Wilton improved its record to 8-0 and jumped two spots in the rankings, now sitting at third place, trailing only No. 2 Killingly, who also boasts an undefeated record of 8-0.
The defending CIAC Class SS champion, Killingly, maintained its position following an impressive performance against Norwich Free Academy, winning 63-27. Notably, Hayden Allard set state records for the most interception returns for touchdowns in a season and a career during this game.
Meanwhile, the defending Class LL champion, Greenwich, dropped to No. 6 after suffering its second loss to a Top 10 team. The Cardinals had previously fallen to top-ranked New Canaan, a team that continues to dominate with an 8-0 record following a convincing 28-0 win over Staples. This game held additional significance as it was the first absence of head coach Lou Marinelli since 1980 due to health issues.
In another significant Top 10 matchup, Hand edged out Fairfield Prep 20-17. Hand”s victory marked the third consecutive year they have defeated the Jesuits, who currently hold a 6-2 record. Hand improved to 7-1 and climbed to the fourth spot in the rankings.
Adding to the week”s surprises, Southington delivered a major upset by defeating then-unbeaten Windsor 28-7. The loss marked Windsor”s first of the season, dropping them to No. 10 in the rankings.
The current Top 10 rankings reflect the following:
- 1. New Canaan, 8-0, 388 points
- 2. Killingly, 8-0, 350 points
- 3. Wilton, 8-0, 348 points
- 4. Hand, 7-1, 300 points
- 5. St. Joseph, 6-2, 264 points
- 6. Greenwich, 6-2, 262 points
- 7. Fairfield Prep, 6-2, 202 points
- 8. Cheshire, 6-2, 199 points
- 9. New Britain, 7-1, 178 points
- 10. Windsor, 7-1, 174 points
As the season progresses, the competition remains fierce, with several teams vying for a higher position in the rankings. The upcoming matches promise to further shake up the standings as teams battle for playoff positioning.
