The Hand (Madison, CT) varsity football team will host St. Joseph (Trumbull, CT) today at 12:30 PM for a highly anticipated CIAC Class M playoff matchup at Hand High School. With both teams bringing strong records into the game, this promises to be an exciting showdown in the 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets.

Game Info:

• What: CIAC Class M Playoff Football
• Who: St. Joseph vs. Hand
• When: Sunday, December 8, 2024
• Time: 12:30 PM
• Bracket: 2024 CIAC Class M Playoffs
• Live Stream: Watch here

Team Overview:

St. Joseph
St. Joseph comes into the game with an 8-3 record and a 5-2 mark in league play. They have been solid on both sides of the ball, averaging 25.5 points per game. Quarterback Harry “HT” Jones leads the offense, contributing 89.3 passing yards per game, while running back Finn Kilmartin adds 54.1 rushing yards per game. Defensively, St. Joseph has been effective, allowing just 106 points across 11 games. Their ability to balance offense and defense has been key to their success this season.

Hand
Hand enters this matchup with a perfect 11-0 record and an 8-0 mark in league play. They have been dominant, averaging 38.6 points per game. Quarterback Paul Calandrelli has been instrumental in their success, throwing for 141.9 yards per game. Running back Tyler Narracci also plays a pivotal role, rushing for 70.4 yards per game. Hand’s defense has been just as formidable, allowing only 154 points this season. With an average of 49.3 tackles per game, they’ve been solid in stopping opposing offenses.

Head-to-Head:

Although St. Joseph and Hand have not met yet this season, both teams have been strong in their respective campaigns. Hand enters as the favorite, given their undefeated record and potent offense, but St. Joseph will be eager to pull off an upset and advance in the playoffs.

Key Players to Watch:

St. Joseph:

• Harry “HT” Jones (QB): Jones has been the offensive leader for St. Joseph, with an average of 89.3 passing yards per game. His ability to execute key throws will be essential for St. Joseph to challenge Hand.
• Finn Kilmartin (RB): Kilmartin leads the St. Joseph ground game with 54.1 rushing yards per game. His ability to run the ball will be crucial in keeping Hand’s defense on its toes.

Hand:

• Paul Calandrelli (QB): Calandrelli has been outstanding this season, leading Hand’s potent offense with 141.9 passing yards per game. His ability to direct the offense will be critical in breaking down St. Joseph’s defense.
• Tyler Narracci (RB): Narracci has been a force in Hand’s backfield, contributing 70.4 rushing yards per game. His ability to consistently gain yards will keep St. Joseph on edge.
• Conor Casagrande (LB): Casagrande is a key defensive player for Hand, with 5.8 tackles per game. He will need to be at his best to help shut down St. Joseph’s offense.

Team Comparison:

Offensive Stats:

• St. Joseph: 199.7 total yards per game (91.3 rushing, 108.5 passing)
• Hand: 342.7 total yards per game (195.8 rushing, 146.9 passing)

Hand holds a clear advantage in total yardage, averaging over 140 more yards per game than St. Joseph. Their high-powered offense will present a significant challenge for the St. Joseph defense.

Defensive Stats:

• St. Joseph: 48.0 tackles per game, 1.5 sacks per game
• Hand: 49.3 tackles per game, 1.2 sacks per game

Both teams have strong defenses, but Hand’s slightly higher average of tackles per game could give them an edge in limiting St. Joseph’s offensive production.

Record Breakdown:

• St. Joseph: 8-3 overall (5-2 league, 3-2 away, 1-0 playoffs)
• Hand: 11-0 overall (8-0 league, 6-0 home, 1-0 playoffs)

Hand enters this game undefeated, with an impressive home record of 6-0. St. Joseph has a solid away record at 3-2, but they will face a tough challenge at Hand’s home field.

Conclusion:

The CIAC Class M playoff game between St. Joseph and Hand is shaping up to be an exciting matchup. Hand comes in as the favorite with their undefeated record and dynamic offense, but St. Joseph will be looking to pull off an upset and advance to the next round. With standout players on both sides, this game is sure to be packed with excitement, intensity, and playoff drama. Fans can expect a high-stakes battle as both teams fight for a spot in the next round of the 2024 CIAC Class M playoffs.