The Staples (Westport, CT) varsity football team will host Manchester (CT) today at 6:30 PM in a home playoff game at Staples. This matchup is part of the 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class LL tournament.
Manchester vs Staples High School Football Game Info:
What: Connecticut High School Football
Who: Manchester vs Staples
When: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: 6:30pm.
Bracket: 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class LL
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Manchester vs Staples
Westport, CT – The Staples High School football team will take on Manchester High School in a home playoff game today at 6:30 PM at Staples Stadium. This highly anticipated matchup is part of the 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class LL tournament.
Team Overview
The Staples team enters this game with an impressive 9-1 record, securing a dominant performance in the regular season. Their record includes a 7-1 league finish, with a perfect 5-0 record at home. Staples has been strong both offensively and defensively, scoring an average of 30.3 points per game while allowing just 75 points across their season. The team has been led by standout players such as Nick Weil, who has thrown for 181.6 yards per game, and Anthony Armentano, who has rushed for 75.6 yards per game.
On the other hand, Manchester heads into the playoffs with a 6-4 overall record and a 2-3 mark in league play. While they have struggled a bit in league competition, they have been competitive, with an average of 22.8 points per game and solid offensive production led by Emanuel Sampel, who passes for 252.3 yards per game, and Joe Mugovero, who averages 127.1 receiving yards.
Key Matchup
Staples’ strong defense, which allows just 7.5 points per game, will face a challenging offense in Manchester, which has scored 22.8 points per game. Staples’ secondary will be put to the test by Sampel’s passing game, while the Staples offense, led by Weil and Armentano, will aim to break through Manchester’s defense and maintain their high-scoring form.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Manchester | Staples |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 68.8 | 140.5 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 227.1 | 182.1 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 295.9 | 322.6 |
| Points Per Game | 22.8 | 30.3 |
| Tackles Per Game | 55.7 | 56.5 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.6 | 1.7 |
Staples enters the game with a strong edge in total yards per game, averaging 322.6 yards compared to Manchester’s 295.9 yards. Both teams have capable quarterbacks and a mix of rushing and passing threats, making this an exciting matchup of well-balanced squads.
Recent Performance
Both teams come into this playoff game with solid momentum. Staples had a remarkable regular-season finish, including an important victory against Maloney (28-21) and a dominant win over Danbury (41-7). Meanwhile, Manchester earned a 28-22 win over Danbury, but fell short against Maloney, losing 35-12.
Playoff Implications
The winner of this game will advance in the Class LL playoff bracket, and for Staples, a win would extend their season and maintain their bid for a state championship. Manchester has the talent to pull off an upset, but it will take a solid team effort to overcome Staples’ robust defense and potent offense.
Kickoff is at 6:30 PM, and fans can expect an exciting game as both teams compete for a spot in the next round of the 2024 CIAC Football Playoffs.
