Pigskin Preview - week two

​Wethersfield v. Middletown Highlight Week 2
Wethersfield returns home after an impressive road win looking to end a drought against Middletown. The Blue Dragons have soundly beaten the Eagles for three straight seasons, winning the three contests by a combined score of 103-17.

Wethersfield was victorious against Rocky Hill (17-7) and Middletown breezed by East Lyme (37-12) in their respective openers. Two of the state’s best quarterbacks will go head-to-head in a matchup of contrasting styles. Wethersfield’s Matt Sanzaro is the conventional pocket passer with a golden right arm and Middletown’s Dario Highsmith is a duel-threat quarterback that can beat you with his arm and dazzle you with his feet.    
The revenge game is Friday night at Wethersfield High School. Kickoff is 7 p.m. 
 
Morgan @ Cromwell
Cromwell and Morgan have developed an intense and competitive rivalry in a variety of sports. However, the Panthers have owned the Huskies on the gridiron, winning all nine games dating back to 2004. The two teams didn’t play last season, but 2012’s 16-10 finish was the closest contest to date.

Morgan’s football program has morphed into a powerhouse since that defeat, finishing last season with a 10-2 mark and a postseason berth. Sensational senior running back Jake Ward is the catalyst behind the team recent rise up the ranks, rushing for an astonishing 2576 yards and 41 touchdowns as a junior. He opened his senior season with 252 yards and three touchdowns in a 46-12 victory over Haddam-Killingworth.

Cromwell will try to keep their dominance over Morgan alive at Pierson Park on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
 
Conard @ Newington
Newington started the Eric Hennessy-era with a bang, thumping Fitch 38-0. The upstart Indians will look to carry the early-season momentum into their home opener against rival Conard.

Both schools are expected to be playoff contenders this season. Conard defeated Newington last season, but the last time Newington hosted the game was two season ago when they easily disposed of the West Hartford-based Chieftains 41-16.

This will be Conard’s first game on the season and they will be have to deal with Newington’s potent passing attack as well as their vaunted defense that is coming off their first shutout since October of 2009. 

The conference collision takes place Friday night at Alumni Field. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m.
 
Tolland @ Rocky Hill
Rocky Hill has defeated Tolland in five straight games, including a 41-7 drubbing last season. The Terriers are hoping to make it six victories in a row against their conference rivals this Friday night.

Rocky Hill is coming off a loss to Wethersfield and Tolland is riding high after starting the season with a 28-13 victory over Killingly. Tolland had lost ten of their last eleven games before the season-opening win. Look for both teams to use the ground game a lot in this contest. Rocky Hill’s Dave Sevigny churned out 80 yards and Tolland’s Austin Hainey ran for 87 yards and a touchdown in their respective openers.

Rocky Hill High School will be rocking this Friday night. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
 
North Haven @ Xavier
North Haven exploded for a 21-point fourth quarter in a come-from-behind victory over Xavier last season. North Haven, who is usually run-oriented, turned to the air in last season’s comeback.  Receiver Zach Kastehuber, who is now a senior, hauled in three passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns. The game’s venue returns to Falcon Field, where the hometown Falcons defeated the Indians 49-12 two years ago.
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Xavier struggled offensively to open the season, but rode the leg of kicker Andree Verre to a 3-0 victory over Staples. The Falcons’ defense was spectacular in the shutout, but will have their hands full with North Haven’s senior tailback Cole Pecora, who ran for 85 yards and a touchdown in a 42-6 victory over Bridgeport Central. Pecora’s touchdown was one of four that the Indians scored on the ground in their opener.
Kickoff is Friday at 7 p.m.