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 Rams vs Darien Blue Wave 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 Rams vs Darien Blue Wave

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.