The Avon and Canton High football teams both play inter-divisional games this weekend that won’t have an effect on the race for the Pequot Uncas Division championship. But this weekend’s games against two of the stronger Sassacus Division squads will shine a light on how far Canton and Avon may go this season.
Undefeated Canton (5-0), off to its best start since 1952, hosts Morgan (4-1) Saturday afternoon at the high school. Avon (4-1), which has won four straight since an opening day loss to Ellington/Somers, challenges North Branford (4-1).
Morgan (4-1) at Canton (5-0)
Time: Saturday, 1:30 p.m
Series: Began 2007. Morgan leads, 1-0
Outlook: The excitement of a potentially special season is beginning to build in Canton. The Warriors are ranked No. 1 in the latest Class S CIAC football pairings and have captured their first five contests. Canton faces a Morgan team led by senior running back Jake Ward, who ran for 2,576 yards and 41 TDs a year ago. He is running behind an big, experienced line. Most of last year’s defense returned as well, too. The Huskies were only tested by Hyde in their first four victories. Ward scored two fourth quarter TDs in a 41-21 victory over the Howling Wolves. But Ward didn’t play last week as Coginchaug (5-0) handed the Huskies their first loss by stopping a two-point conversion with two minutes remaining in a 25-24 victory. Canton has one of the bigger offensive and defense lines in the Pequot, too. The team that controls the trenches and line of scrimmage will be likely the winner. Backs Cam Daley, hard-running Dan Delos and Sebby Gumbs will be key for Canton, who will need to play with discipline and passion against whomever plays for Morgan.
Of note: Morgan earned a spot in the Class S playoffs a year ago, falling to Woodland in the quarterfinals. … Delos and Daley have each rushed for over 100 yards in the last two games. Delos had a career-high 209 last week and scored 4 TDs in a win over Windsor Locks.
Avon (4-1) at North Branford (4-1)
Time: Friday, 6:30 p.m
Series: Began 1969. North Branford leads, 7-4
Outlook: After losing to Ellington/Somers, Avon has ripped off four straight wins. Granby is the only team that Avon has beaten this season that is close to a winning record. Teddy Allmendinger (69 carries, 614 yards, 8 TDs) has been the offensive leader for the Falcons with his hard-nosed running. QB Sean Del Gallo has improved weekly and thrown for over 532 yards and 5 TDs. Avon was able to contain Granby back Connor Field, who has rushed for over 300 yards in three consecutive contests. Avon has recovered four fumbles for touchdowns and the Falcons defense may hold the key to competing with North Branford. The Thunderbirds easily beat H-K, Lewis Mills, Cromwell and Nonnewaug but lost by 26 to Valley Regional, 31-7. North Branford had three second half turnovers in the loss. QB Eddie Miller has completed 32-of-58 passes for 552 yards, four interceptions and 11 TDs. He is also the leading rusher with 382 yards on 44 carries and two TDs. Nick Sagnella is the player to watch on defense with a team-leading 13 tackles for losses, 55 tackles and seven sacks.
Of note: A year ago, Avon beat the Thunderbirds, 41-38 with two touchdowns in the final 26 seconds in one of the more thrilling wins in Avon football history. It was their first win over North Branford since 1973. … Avon, which has playing in the state playoffs as one of their end-of-season goals, is currently ranked 10th in Class M.
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