Friday's Games

Griswold at Waterford, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Griswold 0-1; Waterford 0-1

Last week: Griswold lost to Capital Prep/AF 40-26; Waterford lost to New London 38-14

Outlook: Waterford coach John Strecker was — obviously — not happy with the season-opening loss at New London. But he did believe the mistakes were correctable. A home game and a week of experience should help the Lancers. Bright spot last week: Senior Max Mazzella, who caught two touchdown passes from Peter Turello and had another 29-yard reception.

Stonington at Killingly, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Stonington 0-0; Killingly 1-0

Last week: Stonington was idle; Killingly defeated East Lyme 47-28

Outlook: The Bears open their season in the deep end. Killingly, a playoff team the last two years, looked like one again last week, riding Spencer Lockwood’s 287 rushing yards to the win over East Lyme. Stonington went 6-4 a year ago, but three of those losses were to state playoff teams (Killingly, NFA and New London).

Morgan at Valley/Old Lyme, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Morgan 0-1; Valley/OL 1-0

Last week: Morgan lost to Stafford/East Windsor/Somers 36-0; Valley/OL defeated Ellington 33-7

Outlook: It was quite the auspicious opener for Valley/Old Lyme, which handed Ellington its first home loss in three years. Mike Cullina threw for a pair of touchdown passes and Josh Donahue ran for two more for the Warriors, who made the state semifinals in Class M last year.

Notre Dame (West Haven) at Fitch, 6:30 p.m.

Records: Notre Dame 0-1; Fitch 1-0

Last week: Notre Dame lost to Fairfield Prep 29-12; Fitch defeated Westerly 20-14 (OT)

Outlook: The Notre Dame defense was likely on alert this week, after allowing 211 rushing yards last week to Fairfield Prep’s Doug Harrison. The Green Knights, who eliminated New London in last year’s Class L quarterfinals, get the Falcons in their home opener. Fitch’s win last week came thanks in part to Zach Letellier’s blocked field goal in overtime.

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

Records: Stratford 0-1; East Lyme 0-1

Last week: Stratford lost to New Milford 37-7; East Lyme lost to Killingly 47-28

Outlook: The bad news for the Vikings last week: They gave up 47 points. But at least they scored 28. Isaac Tomblin scored a pair of touchdowns for the Vikings while Chris Salemme threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Spencer Duthrie. They should help in tonight’s home opener. Stratford competes in the South-West Conference.

Cheshire at NFA, 7 p.m.

Records: Cheshire 1-0; NFA 1-0

Last week: Cheshire defeated Shelton 28-10; NFA defeated Xavier 40-37

Outlook: NFA earned one of the most talked-about wins of the week last week thanks to Shea McManaway’s late touchdown pass. He threw for 251 yards, helping NFA overcome a 23-7 deficit. Now they get the state’s No. 4 team, which blanked Shelton in the second half last week. Michael Jeffery caught a pair of touchdown passes and kicker Ethan Bronson made a 37-yard field goal. 

Ledyard at Creed/Career/Whitney Tech, 7 p.m.

Records: Ledyard 1-0; Creed/Career/Whitney Tech 0-1

Last week: Ledyard defeated Windham 49-37; Creed/Career lost to Lyman Hall 7-0

Outlook: Ledyard and quarterback Max Ebdon have an excellent chance at starting 2-0. Creed/Career/Whitney, a cooperative from the Constitution State Conference, didn’t score at home last week. Ebdon and the Colonels were impressive last week at Windham.

New London at Masuk, 7 p.m.

Records: New London 1-0; Masuk 1-0

Last week: New London defeated Waterford 38-14; Masuk defeated Bunnell 42-13

Outlook: The Whalers will have a better idea how good they are at about 9:30 Friday night. Masuk quarterback Matt Hersch threw for 287 yards and four scores last week, leading a team many observers have picked to win the South-West Conference. New London quarterback Owen George threw for just short of 200, hitting Gio Lopez for seven completions and two scores.

Saturday’s Games

Montville at Woodstock, 1 p.m.

Records: Montville 1-0; Woodstock 1-0

Last week: Montville defeated Bacon Academy 14-0; Woodstock defeated Platt Tech 46-22

Outlook: Montville used Gennaro Davis’ 83-yard punt return for a big score last week. The Indians take to the road to face the improved Centaurs. Running back Kameron Janice rushed for 332 yards and four touchdowns to lead Woodstock past Platt Tech last week.

Thames River at ATI, 1 p.m.

Records: Thames River 0-1; ATI 0-1

Last week: Thames River lost to Cheney Tech 20-8; ATI lost to O’Brien Tech 34-12

Outlook: Coach Darin Jones’ debut last week didn’t go so well at Cheney Tech. Perhaps the experience will help the Crusaders, who lost 17 seniors from last year’s team.