Championship Game Notes

Here are just some random thoughts and facts on each of the championship games.

Class S - Hyde vs. Northwest Catholic. After a combined record of 4-16 their first two years of play in 1998-1999 Hyde has gone 100-13 this decade including a 3-0 record in championship games. Their last title came in 2005. NWC is making a first ever appearance in the title game after it's shutout over Ansonia. Interesting fact, NWC is one of two CCC teams still alive (four lost in the semi-finals) with the other being Berlin. Both, along with St. Paul, were members of the Nutmeg Conference a year ago.

Class M - Bethel vs. Berlin The previously mentioned Berlin is making its sixth championship game appearance and is looking for the first state title in school history. The Redcoats mark of 0-5 in title games is a state record for futility. Bethel advanced to the title game by shocking the east half of the state with its win over New London. Bethel is also looking for a first state title, the only previous appearance in a title game for the school coming in 1988.

Class MM - East Lyme vs. New Canaan New Canaan is looking to lay claim to the team of the decade, trying for a fourth straight state title and sixth since 2001. The Rams are 7-2 in state championship games and are tied for fourth with the most titles. East Lyme is 1-3 in title games, winning the championship in 2003.

Class L - Pomperaug vs. Notre Dame Notre Dame is making its sixth championship game appearance with a record of 2-3 in title games. Their last title and appearance came in 2001. Pomperaug is making just its second appearance in a title game, winning the championship in 2004.

The two games that we will be covering:

Class SS - Montville vs. St. Joseph Montville will be playing in their fourth state championship game and are looking for their first title. The Indians last trip to the finals was in 2002. St. Joseph is looking to tie Hand of Madison for second in state history with nine titles. Of teams with at least five championship game appearances, St. Joseph owns a state best record of 8-2 in championship games winning all eight of those titles between 1980 and 1990 and have won nine consecutive state playoff games including their 56-7 win over Holy Cross in the semis.

Class LL - Staples vs. Cheshire Staples is 3-3 in state championship games. They appeared five straight years from 2002 thru 2006 winning three times, the last in 2005. The Wreckers have 100 wins this decade to tie Greenwich and Hyde in that category, four behind Ansonia at 104. Cheshire was the team of the 1990's, winning six consecutive championships (a state record) from 1992 to 1997. They are 6-2 all time in title games, losing a year ago to Glastonbury.