New Canaan High School will try to bring home its fifth straight state football championship -- and ninth overall -- Saturday. But the path to glory might be the toughest yet as the Rams take on undefeated Masuk, arguably the best team in the state. The Class L championship game will be held at the University of Connecticut's Rentschler Field in Hartford at 3 p.m.
New Canaan is known for its high-flying offense, but the Rams haven't seen anything like Masuk this season. The Panthers have the highest-scoring offense in the state, led by quarterback Casey Cochrane, the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year. Masuk has racked up 588 points in 12 games, an incredible 49 points per contest. The Panthers scored the fewest points of their season in a 41-0 victory over Darien.
The Rams have one of the best quarterback-receiver combos in the state with Matt Milano and Kevin Macari. The Panthers are sure to zero in on Macari, who has caught 22 touchdowns this season. The Rams are not worried about being pegged as a one-sided team. New Canaan proved in the semifinals against Daniel Hand that they can be effective elsewhere, with running backs Joe Costigan and Kevin McDonough stepping up with long runs.
With two supercharged offenses taking the field, both teams' defenses will be tested. New Canaan's front line came up huge in the first two rounds of the state playoffs after being overshadowed for most of the year. Masuk has an equally prolific defense, allowing barely a touchdown a game.
The pieces are in place. The teams are ready. The Class L state final is shaping up to be a classic matchup.
Do you think New Canaan can top Masuk's powerful offense? Start the discussion below!
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