The Darien (CT) varsity football team is set to host Notre Dame (West Haven, CT) in a critical home playoff game today at 12:30 PM in Darien. This matchup is part of the “2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class L” tournament.

Game Information

• What: Connecticut High School Football
• Who: Notre Dame vs. Darien
• When: Sunday, December 8, 2024
• Time: 12:30 p.m.
• Bracket: 2024 CIAC Class L Playoffs
• Live Stream: Watch here

Game Preview

The Darien Blue Wave (9-2) and Notre Dame Green Knights (7-4) are poised for an exciting showdown. Both teams have fought hard to reach this stage, and today’s game will determine who advances closer to a potential state championship.

Season Highlights: Contrasting Paths to the Playoffs

Darien Blue Wave (9-2):
Ranked 9th in the state and 2nd in Class L, Darien has been a powerhouse this season. Their high-octane offense averages 38.8 points per game, driven by quarterback Ben Rolapp’s stellar 212.6 passing yards per contest. Wide receiver Kevin Roche has been a key weapon in the air attack, while linebacker Ryan Gately leads the defense with 5 tackles per game.

Notre Dame Green Knights (7-4):
Ranked 29th in the state and 6th in Class L, the Green Knights have shown grit and determination. Quarterback Joe Capasso is the heartbeat of the offense, contributing 155.5 total yards per game. Running back Luke Miklos adds 63.5 rushing yards per game to balance their attack. On defense, Jumar Vaccianna stands out, averaging 9.1 tackles per game.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Offensive Power:

• Darien: Explosive and balanced, averaging 334.3 total yards per game with 195.5 coming through the air.
• Notre Dame: Ground-focused, averaging 284.8 total yards per game, including 176.1 rushing yards.

Defensive Stats:

• Darien: A stout unit, allowing just 163 points all season.
• Notre Dame: A more vulnerable defense, conceding 199 points.

Scoring Trends:

• Darien starts fast, averaging 22.4 points in the first half.
• Notre Dame spreads scoring throughout the game but averages 22.5 points overall.

Players to Watch

Darien:

• Ben Rolapp (QB): A dynamic playmaker with 212.6 passing yards per game.
• Kevin Roche (WR): A reliable target, averaging 68 receiving yards per game.
• Ryan Gately (LB): Defensive leader with 5 tackles per game.

Notre Dame:

• Joe Capasso (QB): A dual-threat star, averaging 155.5 total yards per game.
• Luke Miklos (RB): Essential to Notre Dame’s ground attack, averaging 63.5 rushing yards per game.
• Jumar Vaccianna (LB): A defensive anchor, averaging 9.1 tackles per game.

Common Opponent Results

Both teams faced Ludlowe and Cheshire, with Darien outperforming Notre Dame in these matchups. Darien decisively defeated both, while Notre Dame split their games, showcasing potential challenges against top-tier opponents.

What’s at Stake

Today’s game is a crucial step in the journey toward the Class L championship. For Darien, it’s an opportunity to assert dominance and extend their playoff run. For Notre Dame, it’s a chance to pull off a significant upset and solidify their standing among Connecticut’s elite teams.

With talent, stakes, and momentum on the line, this playoff battle promises to be a thrilling chapter in the 2024 high school football season.