The Darien High School varsity football team will face New Canaan High School in a neutral playoff game today at 3:00 PM in Darien. This game is part of the “2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class L” tournament.
New Canaan vs Darien High School Football Game Info:
What: Connecticut High School Football
Who: New Canaan vs Darien
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class L
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: New Canaan vs Darien
The Darien High School varsity football team is set to face off against New Canaan High School in a much-anticipated neutral playoff game today at 3:00 PM in Darien. This clash is part of the “2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class L” tournament and marks the renewal of one of the state’s most storied rivalries.
Team Records and Rankings
New Canaan enters the game ranked third in Class L, boasting an 11-1 overall record with an undefeated 8-0 record in league play. The Rams have been dominant throughout the season, outscoring opponents 419-117. Darien, ranked seventh, comes into the matchup with a strong 10-2 overall record and a 6-1 record in league competition. The Blue Wave have shown their offensive firepower this season, scoring 456 points while allowing 190.
Previous Meeting
These two teams last met on November 28, when New Canaan handed Darien a decisive 34-0 defeat in a conference game. The Rams’ balanced attack and stingy defense proved too much for the Blue Wave, who will look to avenge the shutout in today’s playoff showdown.
Offensive and Defensive Comparisons
Darien has been slightly more productive offensively, averaging 38.0 points per game compared to New Canaan’s 34.4. However, New Canaan’s defense has been more consistent, allowing only 117 points all season compared to Darien’s 190. The Blue Wave’s ability to score late in games could play a key role, as they average 7.7 points in the fourth quarter alone.
On offense, New Canaan’s balanced approach features 150.4 rushing yards and 154.3 passing yards per game, while Darien leans on their passing attack, averaging 194.0 passing yards and 143.8 rushing yards per game. Defensively, New Canaan also holds an edge, averaging 62.5 tackles and 2.3 sacks per game compared to Darien’s 20.3 tackles and 1.0 sacks.
Key Players to Watch
For New Canaan, quarterback Luke Robinson leads the offense with 150.3 passing yards and 152.3 total yards per game. Running back Henry Stein contributes 58.9 rushing yards per game, while wide receiver Andrew Esposito averages 81.5 receiving yards and 9.8 points per game. On defense, Jack Crowell anchors the Rams with 7.3 tackles per game.
Darien’s offensive leader is quarterback Ben Rolapp, who averages 209.5 passing yards and 252.1 total yards per game. Running back Patrick Gately adds 64.1 rushing yards per game, and Kevin Roche contributes 66.7 receiving yards. Defensively, Ryan Gately is a standout with 5.0 tackles per game.
Performance Against Common Opponents
Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with New Canaan holding a 6-0 record and Darien a 7-0 record against those teams. Each side has dominated their competition, setting the stage for an evenly matched playoff clash.
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.