Wednesday's Game

New London at Middletown, 6 p.m.

Records: New London 5-3; Middletown 8-0.

Last week: New London beat Stonington, 19-0; Middletown beat Platt, 21-18.

Outlook: This game was moved up a day due to Thursday’s wintery forecast. ... New London is 12th in the CIAC Class L rankings and must win its final two games to have a shot at qualifying for states. It would still need help in the form of teams above it in the rankings to lose. Middletown has unofficially qualified for L. ... The Whalers have played their last three games without quarterback Owen George (arm injury). They could use an effective passing game against the Blue Dragons, who struggled to defend it in their win over Platt. The Panthers’ Lorenzo Sanson completed 13 of 26 passes for 244 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Middletown was also flagged three times for pass interference during Platt’s final two scoring drives. Those issues could make for a favorable matchup for New London receiver Zehki Burgis. ... Whalers running back-linebacker Jacob Commander has taken on a larger offensive role as he’s rushed for 302 yards and two touchdowns and thrown for two more the previous two games. He’ll need to be as good against the Blue Dragons, who have been demons against the run. They’ve allowed just 2.4 yards a carry and four touchdowns. ... Running is the strength of Middletown’s offense as it has averaged 7.8 yards on 240 carries. Bruiser Xzavier Reyes leads the team in rushing (112 carries, 963 yards, 17 TDs).

Thursday’s Game

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

Records: East Lyme 3-5; Branford 5-3.

Last week: East Lyme lost to Fitch, 39-6; Branford lost to Sheehan, 64-27.

Outlook: The Vikings couldn’t get their offense in gear last week as they turned it over four times. Branford had a 27-7 lead late in the second quarter of its game against Sheehan, only to give up 57 unanswered points, including 50 in the second half. ... The teams have one common opponent — Pomperaug. It beat East Lyme in overtime in Week 2 (42-41, Sept. 14). Branford beat the Panthers in Week 5 (35-15, Oct. 12). ... Chris Salemme has thrown for 1,468 yard and nine touchdowns for East Lyme with Blane Hart, Andrew Haase, and Marshall Mason splitting up the carries. ... Linebacking has been a strength for the Vikings with Dalton Franco and Chris Hart. ... The Hornets’ offense revolves around junior QB Sean Kelly. He’s thrown for 1,156 yards and 13 touchdowns while leading the team in rushing attempts (130), yardage (575) and touchdowns (7).

Friday’s Game

Thames River at Cheney Tech, 6 p.m.

Records: Thames 5-3 (5-3 Connecticut Technical Conference); Cheney 7-2 (7-2).

Last week: Thames def. Abbott Tech/Immaculate 40-22; Cheney def. Vinal Tech/Goodwin Tech/Whitney Tech 12-6.

Outlook: This is a very impactful game for the Class M rankings. Cheney is seventh and would qualify with a win. Thames is a longshot at No. 14 and must win out and get help. ... The Crusaders are coming off a huge win over ATI, which was 10th in the M rankings prior to that week. ... Josh Brown ran 25 times for 175 yards and a touchdown in win and Albert Velazquez had six carries for 65 yards and a touchdown and 50 receiving yards and scored. Logan Starr also ran for a touchdown and threw an 84-yard touchdown pass. ... Jaedon Jones has been the Beavers’ offensive catalyst. He’s rushed for 1,206 yards (9.2 yards a carry) and 13 touchdowns.

— Ned Griffen