Darien takes on Newtown for Class LL crown; St. Joseph faces Hand in Class L final

Class LL at McDougall Stadium, Trumbull HS No. 3 Darien (11-1) vs. No. 1 Newtown (12-0), 3 p.m. Watch: NFHS with subscription Click here for Class LL final capsule from GameTimeCT.com Class L  at Veterans Stadium, New Britain No. 1 St. Joseph (12-0) vs. No. 2 Daniel Hand (12-0), 3 p.m. Watch: NFHS with subscription … Read more

Following his father, Shirden can lift St. Joseph to No. 1

TRUMBULL — When the young running back wasn’t running around the house, imitating his dad or Barry Sanders, the sign went on the door: “Watching film.” He watched the games of his father, or the games his father coached, featuring Torrey Mack, Octavias McKoy, Chuck Hatchett. Jaden Shirden was 8 or 9, his father, Duane, … Read more

‘As good as it gets’: Trifone has special connection with this year’s Darien football team

DARIEN — Nine years ago, a group of third-graders teamed up for the first time and began playing in the Darien Junior Football League under coach Rob Trifone. Those kids are now high school seniors and this weekend, they’ll play together one final time on the state’s biggest stage. The third-seeded Blue Wave (11-1) will … Read more

Eighteen FCIAC players named to All-State football teams

The FCIAC had 18 players selected to several of the Connecticut High School Coaches Association’s all-state football teams which were recently released. The head coaches throughout the state voted on the teams for each of the four all-state class teams designated by the class sizes of the schools – Class LL, Class L, Class M … Read more

DaSilva And Pagliarini Flourish In Anonymity For Cadets

It is a scene that has played out 12 times over the past three months, most recently Monday night after a 42-0 Class L semifinal win over New Canaan. After each victory by the St. Joseph football team, the attention is focused on the numbers on its side of the scoreboard. The Cadets have averaged … Read more

Wilson’s Versatility A Cornerstone To Darien’s Defense

It was one of the highlights of the state football playoffs, a 62-second span that highlighted Sam Wilson’s versatility. First came a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown with 2:59 remaining against Greenwich in a Class LL quarterfinal that broke open a close game and gave Darien a more comfortable 19-9 lead. Click here for … Read more

Graham throws two TD as Darien beats Southington, reaches 4th Class LL final in 5 years

SOUTHINGTON — Darien will get another shot at Newtown, this time in the CIAC Class LL football final. The Blue Wave wore down Southington in the second half, winning 21-12 Monday night in the semifinals at Fontana Field, to reach Saturday’s championship game against the top-seeded Nighthawks. Newtown ended Darien’s three-year run atop Class LL … Read more

Shirden (5 TDs), No. 2 St. Joseph rout Pyne-less New Canaan in L semis; get No. 1 Hand next

STRATFORD — The Class L semifinal game between top-seeded St. Joseph and No. 4 New Canaan was played in a heavy rain which was more befitting Noah than a football game. But the Hogs had no need of an ark. They had Jaden Shirden instead. St. Joseph’s star running back was unstoppable, rushing for 257 … Read more

Darien Again Solves Southington To Reach Fourth Class LL Final In Five Years

SOUTHINGTON – One of the more difficult things the Darien football team had to deal with tonight was not celebrating after Will Kirby’s touchdown that gave the Blue Wave a nine-point lead with 5:04 remaining in the game. It was not just that the run put the Blue Wave two scores ahead of Southington in … Read more

Shirden, Defense Lead St. Joseph To Class L Final After 42-0 Win Over New Canaan

STRATFORD — In a driving rainstorm, Jaden Shirden turned out to be better than all-wheel drive. In the second chapter of what is shaping up as one of the most prolific postseason performances in state history, Shirden rushed for 257 yards and five scores to lead St. Joseph to a 42-0 win over New Canaan … Read more