HS FB - week seven preview

Fermi @ Wethersfield
 
This is a matchup of two teams heading in opposite directions. Wethersfield has won all six games this season and 13 straight dating back to last season. Fermi is still searching for their first win this season and is currently on a 39-game losing streak.
 
Wethersfield has also been victorious over the Enfield-based Falcons in each of the last four seasons, including a 40-20 outcome last year. The Eagles rushed for four touchdowns in the lopsided victory.
 
On paper, this looks to be an easy home victory for Wethersfield, but they will have to game plan for Fermi’s wide receiver Bailey Raymond. The senior is a 6’7” athletic specimen that has a nose for the end zone.
 
Kickoff is Friday at 7 p.m.
 
Cromwell @ Hyde Leadership
 
This is a pivotal midseason game between conference rivals. Cromwell sits at 3-3 after beating Coventry/Windham Tech/Bolton 49-21 behind Kristian Sapp’s 191 rushing yards and three touchdowns.  Hyde Leadership is also 3-3 after falling to Ellington/Somers 13-10.
 
The conference schools didn’t get a chance to play each other last season, but the Hamden-based Howling Wolves defeated the Panthers 21-10 in 2012.
 
Hyde has a talented general behind center in Dwayne Hunter-Parker, who leads the team in passing yard and rushing yards. He also is the team’s starting free safety and their leading tackler.
 
Saturday’s game will be played at East Haven High School. Kickoff is 12:30 p.m.
 
Rocky Hill @ Plainville
 
Rocky Hill improved to 4-2 with a 44-7 dismantling of the Weaver Beavers. The backfield tandem of Dave Sevigny and Grant Nieves combined for 275 yards and five touchdowns in the victory. The Terriers now take their talents on the road to begin a three-game trip, starting with the Plainville Blue Devils (1-5) this Friday. 
 
Rocky Hill has won the last seven meeting between the two schools, including a 35-6 victory last season. Linebacker Patrick Sullivan tallied 11 tackles and a sack as a sophomore in the 29-point win. He is now a junior and has been a tackling machine through the team’s first six games.
 
The Terriers seek their fifth victory of the season and Plainville looks to snap a four game skid. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
 
Newington @ East Hartford
 
Newington snapped a three game losing skid with a convincing victory over South Windsor. They’ll look to keep the momentum going against the struggling East Hartford Hornets. East Hartford is 1-5 and their defense has allowed 30 or more points in four of their five losses.
 
The Indians have won all three games between the schools over the last three seasons, including a 35-16 result last season. Safety Brendan Zotti registered 15 tackles in the victory and helped the Newington’s defense control the game from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Zotti is now a senior and one of the team leaders on defense.
 
Kickoff is Friday at 7 p.m.
 
Xavier @ Notre Dame
 
Xavier brings their undefeated record on the road to face the West Haven-based Notre Dame Green Knights. Xavier is fresh off a 27-7 victory over West Haven thanks to 25 consecutive points in the second half. Quarterback Michael Scherer threw for and caught a touchdown on a trick play in the victory.  
 
Notre Dame started the season losing two of their first three games, but the team has rebounded to win their last three, including a 40-8 pasting of Amity Regional last week. Electrifying junior Prince Brooks is an explosive running back and a dangerous kick returner. Brooks and his teammates are looking to snap a six game losing streak against Xavier. The Falcons won last season’s game 54-13 behind a devastating ground game that amassed 423 yards and seven touchdowns.  
 
Veterans Stadium in West Haven is the venue for Friday’s game. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
 
Maloney @ Middletown
 
Middletown’s offense has gotten hot since an early-season shutout loss, winning four straight games. The latest victory was a 47-8 thumping of Bristol Central behind 209 rushing yards and three touchdowns from Dario Highsmith. The senior also added two touchdown tosses.
 
Maloney started the season 4-0, but have dropped their last two games, including a 21-20 heartbreaker to Bristol Eastern last week. Middletown has won the last three meetings between the schools, including a 47-16 victory last season when Highsmith combined for 289 yards and four touchdowns in only one-half of action.
 
Highsmith looks to duplicate that feat this Friday under the lights at Middletown High School. Kickoff is 7 p.m.