The Bristol Central (Bristol, CT) varsity football team will host Bunnell (Stratford, CT) today at 6:30 p.m. at Bristol Central High School in a playoff showdown. This game is part of the 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class MM tournament.

Bunnell vs Bristol Central High School Football Game Info:

What: Connecticut High School Football
Who: Bunnell vs BCHS
When: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: 6:30pm.
Bracket: 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class MM
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Bunnell vs Bristol Central

The Bunnell Bulldogs (8-2) are set to take on the Bristol Central Rams (9-1) in an exciting playoff matchup today at 6:30 p.m. at Bristol Central High School. This game is part of the 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class MM tournament.

Team Records and Scoring

Bunnell enters the game with an 8-2 overall record, finishing 5-2 in the league. The Bulldogs have been strong both at home (5-0) and away (3-2), showcasing a solid offensive unit that averages 35.4 points per game. Bunnell’s offense is led by standout players such as KK Smalls, who rushes for 104.1 yards per game, and Steven Mendoza, who throws for 167.0 passing yards per game. The Bulldogs’ well-rounded offense has powered them to an impressive season, with key wins over Middletown (55-13) and New Milford (49-0).

On the other hand, Bristol Central boasts an equally impressive 9-1 overall record, with a dominant 6-1 league record. The Rams have been nearly unbeatable on the road, going 5-0 away. Bristol Central is also a high-scoring team, averaging 34.0 points per game. Donnie Rodriguez has been the star player for the Rams, rushing for 109.0 yards per game and contributing to their potent offense. In addition, Rodriguez has led the team to victory in impressive games against Middletown (48-23) and New Milford (32-21).

Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense

Both teams possess explosive offenses, but the Rams have a slight edge in total yards per game, averaging 295.2 total yards compared to Bunnell’s 397.2 yards. While Bunnell’s offense focuses on both the ground and air game, Bristol Central’s attack is more run-heavy, which could be a key factor in this matchup.

Defensively, both teams have proven themselves with solid tackling and effective pass rushes. Bunnell averages 83.0 tackles per game, while Bristol Central has a slightly lower average of 49.9 tackles per game, but the Rams make up for it with a stingy defense that has allowed just 137 total points this season. Bristol Central will need to contain Bunnell’s rushing attack, which has been a major strength.

Leaders to Watch

• Bunnell:
  • KK Smalls – 104.1 rushing yards per game
  • Steven Mendoza – 167.0 passing yards per game
  • Jordan Pierce – 74.0 receiving yards per game
  • Marios Charitopoulos – 12.4 tackles per game
• Bristol Central:
  • Donnie Rodriguez – 109.0 rushing yards per game
  • Quincy Lawson – 36.6 receiving yards per game
  • Jack Hartley – 7.9 tackles per game
  • Lincoln Archibald – 0.3 sacks per game

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season and come away with victories. They each defeated Middletown and New Milford, proving their strength against tough competition.

Playoff Implications

As the No. 6 seed, Bristol Central enters this game as the higher-ranked team, but Bunnell is no stranger to playoff pressure. With both teams coming off dominant regular seasons, this game is sure to be an intense battle for a spot in the next round of the Class MM tournament.

Both teams have the talent and momentum to advance further, but only one will leave with a chance to continue their championship pursuit. The stage is set for a thrilling postseason contest at Bristol Central today at 6:30 p.m.