The Darien (CT) varsity football team will host Notre Dame (West Haven, CT) in a 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.

Notre Dame vs Darien High School Football Game Info:

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

Game Preview: Notre Dame vs Darien

The Darien Blue Wave (9-2) and Notre Dame Green Knights (7-4) are set to clash today in a pivotal CIAC Class L playoff game. With kickoff scheduled for 12:30 PM at Darien High School, both teams are looking to secure their spot in the next round of the Connecticut high school football postseason.

Season Recap: Teams on Different Paths

Darien Blue Wave (9-2):
Ranked 9th in the state and 2nd in Class L, the Blue Wave have had a dominant season. With a high-powered offense averaging 38.8 points per game, Darien combines an explosive passing game with a solid rushing attack. Quarterback Ben Rolapp has been the star of the show, averaging an impressive 212.6 passing yards per game, with standout receiver Kevin Roche making key plays downfield. On defense, Ryan Gately anchors the team, contributing 5 tackles per game.

Notre Dame Green Knights (7-4):
Ranked 29th in the state and 6th in Class L, the Green Knights have been resilient throughout the season. With a balanced attack averaging 284.8 yards per game, Notre Dame leans on quarterback Joe Capasso and running back Luke Miklos. Capasso’s dual-threat ability (105 passing yards and 63.5 rushing yards per game) makes him the driving force behind their offense. However, their defense has faced challenges, allowing 199 points this season.

Key Comparisons

• Offense:
  Darien’s offense is more explosive, averaging 334.3 total yards per game compared to Notre Dame’s 284.8. While Darien excels in the air with 195.5 passing yards per game, Notre Dame relies more on their ground game, averaging 176.1 rushing yards per contest.
• Defense:
  Darien has allowed only 163 points this season, showcasing a well-rounded defensive effort. In contrast, Notre Dame’s defense has given up 199 points, highlighting potential vulnerabilities against Darien’s potent attack.
• Scoring Trends:
  Darien’s offense comes out strong, averaging 22.4 points in the first half alone. Notre Dame tends to spread their scoring more evenly but struggles to match Darien’s consistency, averaging 22.5 points per game overall.

Players to Watch

Darien:

• Ben Rolapp (QB): The centerpiece of Darien’s offense, Rolapp’s 212.6 passing yards per game and leadership on the field will be critical.
• Kevin Roche (WR): Averaging 68 receiving yards per game, Roche provides a reliable target in critical moments.
• Ryan Gately (LB): His 5 tackles per game and knack for reading opposing offenses make him a defensive leader.

Notre Dame:

• Joe Capasso (QB): A versatile playmaker, Capasso leads the Green Knights with 155.5 total yards per game and 7.1 points per contest.
• Luke Miklos (RB): Averages 63.5 rushing yards per game, key for establishing Notre Dame’s ground game.
• Jumar Vaccianna (LB): The defensive anchor with 9.1 tackles per game, Vaccianna will need a standout performance to slow Darien’s offense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Ludlowe and Cheshire this season, with differing results. Darien dominated both teams, while Notre Dame split their matchups, struggling against Ludlowe (48-14 loss) but defeating Cheshire (13-3). These outcomes highlight Darien’s ability to capitalize on opportunities where Notre Dame has faltered.

What’s at Stake

The winner of this game will advance further in the CIAC Class L playoffs, inching closer to a championship title. For Darien, this game is an opportunity to reinforce their dominance and chase postseason glory. For Notre Dame, it’s a chance to upset a top contender and prove their mettle on the biggest stage.

With high stakes and talented players on both sides, today’s showdown promises to deliver the intensity and excitement that Connecticut high school football fans crave.