New Canaan, Greenwich Lead Fairfield County Charge in State Football Championships
Top-ranked New Canaan and No. 5 Greenwich headline championship weekend as Fairfield County programs battle for state titles in multiple divisions.
The pinnacle of Connecticut high school football arrives this weekend with six CIAC championship games, and Fairfield County programs are positioned prominently across multiple divisions.
Top-ranked New Canaan faces No. 10 Cheshire in the Class L final Saturday, looking to cap an undefeated season with a state championship. The Rams have dominated opponents all year, outscoring the competition by an average of four touchdowns per game.
“This group has worked for this opportunity since they were freshmen,” said New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli. “Now they have a chance to finish what they started.”
Greenwich, ranked fifth in the state, battles Southington in a Class LL semifinal Friday night at 7 PM. The Cardinals have relied on a balanced offense and opportunistic defense to reach the final four.
The weekend showcase features statewide top-10 teams in nearly every championship game, highlighting the depth of Connecticut prep football talent despite ongoing concerns about declining participation rates statewide.
Killingly, ranked third, meets No. 7 Hand in the Class SS final, while other marquee matchups dot the championship weekend schedule. Crowds of several thousand are expected at each venue.
For Fairfield County communities, championship weekend represents the culmination of a fall season that brings together families, alumni, and neighbors. Friday night lights and Saturday afternoon crowds have remained a fixture of suburban life even as other traditions fade.
“There’s nothing quite like it,” said longtime New Canaan booster Michael Corrigan. “The whole town turns out. Win or lose, it’s special.”
The CIAC expanded to six classifications several years ago to better match schools by enrollment, creating more competitive matchups throughout the playoffs. Critics initially worried about diluting championship prestige, but fan interest has remained strong.
Weather forecasts call for seasonable conditions through the weekend, sparing organizers the cold-weather concerns that have complicated previous December championship games.
Full championship weekend results will appear in Monday’s coverage.