The Ansonia varsity football team will host Woodland Regional (Beacon Falls, CT) in a highly anticipated playoff game today at 12:30 PM at Ansonia High School. This matchup is part of the 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets for CIAC Class S, and both teams will be eager to secure a spot in the next round.

Game Information:

• What: 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff
• Who: Woodland Regional vs. Ansonia
• When: Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 12:30 PM
• Bracket: 2024 CIAC Class S Playoffs
• Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Woodland Regional vs. Ansonia

Woodland Regional (Beacon Falls, CT) enters this matchup with an 8-3 record and has been a potent force offensively, averaging 42.5 points per game. Quarterback Jack Brunetti leads the offense, passing for 205.1 yards per game, while running back Christian Morales adds 67.6 rushing yards per game. The team has been impressive in both the air and on the ground, with an average of 363.4 total yards per game. Defensively, Woodland averages 48 tackles and 1.3 sacks per game, which has helped them stay competitive throughout the season. They’ll face a tough challenge against Ansonia, who comes in as the favorite.

Ansonia (CT) boasts a 10-1 record and has been dominant, finishing the regular season with a 6-1 league record. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 46.5 points per game, with quarterback Brett Lato playing a pivotal role. Lato’s dual-threat abilities in both the passing and running game have helped lead the team to victories all season long. Defensively, Ansonia has been a brick wall, allowing just 131 points on the season and averaging 57.1 tackles and 1.8 sacks per game. Their defensive prowess has been key to their success, making them one of the toughest teams to break down in the state.

Head-to-Head:

The two teams met earlier this season on November 8, where Ansonia triumphed with a dominant 50-27 victory. The game highlighted Ansonia’s ability to overpower Woodland, both offensively and defensively. However, Woodland Regional will be determined to avenge that loss and has the talent to make it a competitive matchup.

Key Players to Watch:

Woodland Regional:

• Christian Morales (RB): Morales has been a key piece of the offense, and his ability to gain consistent yardage on the ground will be crucial in keeping the Ansonia defense off balance.
• Jack Brunetti (QB): Brunetti will need to make smart plays and distribute the ball effectively to keep Ansonia’s defense honest and maintain a balanced offensive attack.

Ansonia:

• Brett Lato (QB): Lato has been a standout this season, contributing significantly in both the air and on the ground. His ability to read defenses and make plays will be vital for Ansonia’s offense.
• Evan Mastropietro (LB): Mastropietro has been an anchor on defense, with 7.1 tackles per game. He’ll be tasked with stopping Woodland’s offensive attack and making key plays throughout the game.

Team Comparison:

Offensive Stats:

• Woodland Regional: 363.4 total yards per game (149.8 rushing, 213.5 passing)
• Ansonia: 512 total yards per game (breakdown not specified)

Ansonia holds a significant advantage in total yards per game, averaging an impressive 512 yards compared to Woodland’s 363.4. Woodland will need to execute well on offense to keep pace with Ansonia’s high-powered attack.

Defensive Stats:

• Woodland Regional: 48 tackles per game, 1.3 sacks per game
• Ansonia: 57.1 tackles per game, 1.8 sacks per game

Ansonia’s defense has been slightly more effective, posting more tackles and sacks per game. This could prove to be crucial in slowing down Woodland’s offense.

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced several of the same opponents, and while Ansonia has been slightly more dominant in those matchups (including wins over Holy Cross and Wolcott), Woodland Regional has also posted big wins, notably a 60-12 win over Wolcott and a 68-13 victory over Seymour.

Conclusion:

This playoff game between Woodland Regional and Ansonia promises to be an exciting showdown. Ansonia enters as the clear favorite after their dominant win earlier in the season, but Woodland Regional will be looking to bounce back and prove they can challenge one of the state’s top teams. With explosive offenses and strong defenses on both sides, fans can expect a fast-paced and intense game as both teams battle for a chance to advance in the 2024 CIAC Class S playoffs.