The Darien High School varsity football team is set to clash with New Canaan High School in a pivotal neutral playoff game today at 3:00 PM in Darien. This showdown is part of the “2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class L” tournament, highlighting one of the most anticipated rivalries in Connecticut high school football.

New Canaan vs. Darien High School Football Details:

• Event: Connecticut High School Football
• Teams: New Canaan vs. Darien
• Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
• Time: 3:00 PM
• Bracket: 2024 CIAC Class L Playoffs
• Live Stream: Watch here

Preview: New Canaan vs. Darien

This postseason battle brings together two of the top programs in the state. Both teams have had standout seasons and will be looking to secure a place in the next round of the Class L playoffs.

Records and Rankings

• New Canaan: Ranked third in Class L, the Rams have an 11-1 record, including a flawless 8-0 league mark. They have scored 419 points this season while conceding only 117.
• Darien: Ranked seventh in Class L, the Blue Wave hold a 10-2 record with a 6-1 league standing. Their high-powered offense has accumulated 456 points, though their defense has allowed 190.

Head-to-Head History

The Rams and Blue Wave last faced off on November 28, when New Canaan delivered a commanding 34-0 victory. New Canaan’s well-rounded performance left Darien searching for answers, a narrative the Blue Wave will aim to rewrite in today’s rematch.

Statistical Matchup

• Scoring Averages: Darien leads slightly with 38.0 points per game, compared to New Canaan’s 34.4.
• Defensive Strength: New Canaan’s defense has been more formidable, allowing just 117 points all season compared to Darien’s 190.
• Offensive Focus:
  • New Canaan: A balanced attack with 150.4 rushing yards and 154.3 passing yards per game.
  • Darien: A potent passing game averaging 194.0 yards, complemented by 143.8 rushing yards.

Key Players to Watch

• New Canaan:
  • Luke Robinson (QB): 150.3 passing yards and 152.3 total yards per game.
  • Henry Stein (RB): 58.9 rushing yards per game.
  • Andrew Esposito (WR): 81.5 receiving yards and 9.8 points per game.
  • Jack Crowell (LB): Anchoring the defense with 7.3 tackles per game.
• Darien:
  • Ben Rolapp (QB): 209.5 passing yards and 252.1 total yards per game.
  • Patrick Gately (RB): 64.1 rushing yards per game.
  • Kevin Roche (WR): 66.7 receiving yards per game.
  • Ryan Gately (LB): Key defensive presence with 5.0 tackles per game.

Against Common Opponents

Both teams have excelled against common foes this season, with New Canaan holding a 6-0 record and Darien a 7-0 record. This parity underscores the evenly matched nature of this contest.

What to Expect

This playoff matchup is expected to be a hard-fought battle between two evenly matched teams. New Canaan’s recent head-to-head win and strong defensive play give them an edge, but Darien’s potent offense and home-field advantage could make the difference. Fans can anticipate a thrilling game with high stakes as these two rivals compete for a spot in the next round of the CIAC Class L tournament.