Today's Games

Griswold at New London, 6:30 p.m.

2013 records: Griswold (6-4); New London (9-3)

Outlook: This is a game between two of the three divisional champions in last season's ECC. New coach Gregg Wilcox takes over at Griswold for Glenn LaBossiere, who has become an administrator at Griswold Middle School. ... The Whalers made the Class L playoffs last season and have moved down a division this season. They should contend again. Quarterback Danny Maranda starts his second season for the Whalers, who should have one of the top scoring offenses in the conference.

Windham at Montville, 6:30 p.m.

2013 records: Windham (7-4); Montville (7-4)

Outlook: Perhaps the most competitive game of the night. This was the season opener last season as well, a game Windham's offense dominated with 33 points and nearly 300 yards rushing. ... The Indians have several impressive skill position players returning and should be able to score. But they'll have to contain Windham's Wing-T offense, which is no small chore.

Middletown at East Lyme, 6:30 p.m.

2013 records: Middletown (11-2); East Lyme (6-5)

Outlook: This game provides several challenges for the Vikings, but none greater than harnessing the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year, Middletown senior Dario Highsmith, who moves from quarterback to running back. Whether he has anywhere to run is a good question, given how hard graduation hit the Dragons' offensive line. East Lyme is coming off a winning season under now second-year coach Rudy Bagos. The Vikings lost several quality skill position players, however.

Newington at Fitch, 6:30 p.m.

2013 records: Newington (5-6); Fitch (4-7)

Outlook: Fitch coach Jordan Panucci expects improvements this season, if for no other reason than through lessons learned from 2013. The Falcons' pass defense will get tested here. Jake Hedberg (2,446 yards and 17 TDs) returns for Newington along with senior wide receiver Kyle Armour (65 receptions, 864 yards).

Platt at Waterford, 6:30 p.m.

2013 records: Platt (11-1); Waterford (4-7).

Outlook: Give Waterford coach Mike Ellis some applause for this much: He's not afraid to schedule quality teams out of the ECC (it was perennial power Windsor a few years ago). Platt was a playoff team a year ago and returns its best player, Tyzhan Leatherwood, who ran 1,836 yards and 28 TDs last year. Platt was hit hard by graduation, however. Whether that's enough for the Lancers to keep it close, however, is another question.

Saturday's Games

Valley/Old Lyme at Nonnewaug, noon

2013 records: Valley/Old Lyme (12-1); Nonnewaug (4-7)

Outlook: Justin Cheverier rushed for a team-high 900 yards and TDs last year and headlines the returnees for the defending Pequot champs and a state playoff team in 2013. Chris Jean-Pierre moves from receiver to quarterback and should be one of the league's best. The schedule gets tough late in the year for the Warriors.

Ledyard at RHAM, 1 p.m.

2013 records: RHAM (4-7); Ledyard (9-3)

Outlook: This might be Jim Buonocore's best team since taking over at Ledyard. Most of the offensive line and skill players return on offense and much of the defense is back, too. Quarterback Ty Ebdon is one of the ECC's best, along with running back JoJo Shumaker (1,627 yards, 22 TDs).

Stonington at Woodstock, 1:30 p.m.

2013 records: Stonington (8-3); Woodstock (0-9)

Outlook: A slow start prevented Stonington from making the playoffs last season. That shouldn't be a problem here. Woodstock was winless a season ago and should make Stonington graduations (Harry Calmar, Divante White) less painful.

- Mike DiMauro