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High School Football Coaches’ Poll: West Haven gains on Greenwich after statement win

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2 years ago

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High School Football Coaches’ Poll: West Haven gains on Greenwich after statement win


Greenwich was the unanimous No. 1 when the Hartford Courant Top 10 state high school football coaches’ poll started four weeks ago.

The Cardinals are still No. 1 but they’ve lost another first-place vote.

Second-ranked West Haven received its first No. 1 vote of the season after it went on the road and beat then-No. 9 Shelton, 31-21, last Friday.

It was the second time this season that the Blue Devils (4-0) have beaten a team that has been ranked in the Top 10. They began the season with a win at Staples, 33-23 (Sept. 8), which made its Top 10 season debut last week.

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West Haven will have more opportunities to sway voters moving forward. It plays at Hamden (3-1) this Friday and hosts defending CIAC Class MM champion North Haven (3-1) on Oct. 20.

North Haven’s only loss was a Week 1 forfeit to Darien after the town’s school district learned of an incident involving student athletes.

The Westies will play two Top 10 teams on the road, too — No. 5 Newtown (Oct. 27), and No. 3 Cheshire (Nov. 11). Both are 4-0.

Greenwich (3-0) received 11 of 13 first-place votes. It was scheduled to play at Danbury last Friday, but the game was moved to Monday night.

Cheshire received the other first place vote.

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Maloney (3-1) holds at No. 4 while Bloomfield (4-0) moved up one spot to sixth, switching places with Staples (3-1) in the process.

Ansonia (4-0) and New Canaan (3-1) are eighth and ninth, respectively.

Wilton (4-0) makes its Top 10 season debut at No. 10. It has outscored opponents, 146-14, including a 34-0, season-opening road win at Class M contender Berlin.

Shelton (2-2) was the only team that dropped out of the Top 10. It’s had the state’s toughest schedule so far as it opened with a win over New Canaan (26-23, Sept. 8) and lost to both Cheshire (21-14, OT, Sept. 14) and West Haven.

Some noteworthy games around the state (all are Friday at 6:30 p.m. except where noted): West Haven (1-0 Southern Connecticut Conference Tier 1) at Hamden (3-1, 0-0), Friday, 6 p.m.; Cromwell/Portland (4-0) at Rockville (2-0); Hall (3-1, 1-0 Central Connecticut Conference Tier 1) at New Britain (3-1, 2-1); North Branford (3-0) at Granby/Canton (3-0); Oxford (4-0) at Woodland (3-1); RHAM (2-1, 1-0 CCC Tier 3) at Platt (2-1, 1-0); Xavier (3-1, 1-1 SCC Tier 2) at Branford (3-1, 2-0), Friday, 7 p.m.; New Canaan (3-1) at St. Joseph (3-1), Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

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Hartford Courant Top 10 State Coaches’ Poll

First place points in parentheses, record through Saturday, points tabulated on a 30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7 basis, last week’s ranking and CIAC classification:

1. Greenwich (11) 3-0, 386, 1, LL

KNOW THIS: The Cardinals were scheduled to play at Danbury last Friday, but the game was instead pushed to Monday night.

NEXT: vs. Darien, Oct. 14, 2 p.m.

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2. West Haven (1) 4-0, 342, 2, LL

KNOW THIS: Armani Reid caught touchdown passes of 18 and 11 yards and added an interception as the Blue Devils took down then-No. 9 Shelton last Friday, 31-21.

NEXT: at Hamden, Friday, 6 p.m.

3. Cheshire (1) 4-0, 314, 3, MM

KNOW THIS: Evan Russo had a sack and forced a fumble (which he recovered) as the Rams shut down Fairfield Prep last Friday, 14-0. Adam Vernon added nine tackles and a fumble recovery for Cheshire, which allowed a meager 38 yards. Yes, 38 yards.

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NEXT: vs. Amity, Friday, 7 p.m.

4. Maloney 3-1, 290, 4, L

KNOW THIS: The Spartans snuffed out Simsbury last Friday, 35-0, with Zakkai Moore running for two touchdowns.

NEXT: at Glastonbury, Friday, 6 p.m.

5. Newtown 4-0, 253, 5, L

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KNOW THIS: Jayden Taylor caught just two passes — for 62 yards and two touchdowns — as the Nighthawks dominated Stratford last Friday, 41-0. There sure were a bunch of shutouts by Top 10 teams, eh?

NEXT: at New Fairfield, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.

6. Bloomfield 4-0, 223, 7, S

KNOW THIS: The Warhawks walloped Plainville last Thursday, 56-13, and will get the next two weeks off (and go 21 days between games.) The rest of Tier 4 of the Central Connecticut Conference is good with it.

NEXT: vs. Northwest Catholic, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.

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7. Staples 3-1, 220, 6, LL

KNOW THIS: Caleb Smith did Caleb Smith things as the Wreckers ruined Westhill on Saturday, 49-0. Smith completed 13 of 23 passes for 221 yards and five touchdowns and ran four times for 28 yards and a score. He may get some votes for state player of the year come December.

NEXT: at Wilton, Oct. 14, 2 p.m.

8. Ansonia 4-0, 196, 8, S

KNOW THIS: Romeo Charles caught touchdown passes of 38 and 21 yards in Saturday’s 42-7 win over Waterbury Career Academy. Charles also recovered two fumbles against Waterbury Career Academy. Waterbury Career Academy doesn’t want to see Charles’s face for a while.

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NEXT: at Wolcott, Friday, 7 p.m.

9. New Canaan 3-1, 186, 10, L

KNOW THIS: The Rams’ Alex Benevento ran for a 71-yard touchdown on the game’s first play and finished with four carries for 125 yards and three scores in a 43-0 rout of Fairfield Ludlowe last Friday. That would come out to 31.25 yards a carry, which is just nutty.

NEXT: at St. Joseph, Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

10. Wilton 4-0, 151, NR, MM

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KNOW THIS: The Warriors have been in stealth mode as they haven’t gotten the same state-wide attention that its fellow Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference peers have received (namely Greenwich, Staples and New Canaan). Wilton caught the eye of voters weeks ago, though, and it gradually moved up the ranks and makes its Top 10 debut this week.

NEXT: vs. Staples, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Dropped out: Shelton (9).

Also receiving votes: North Haven (3-1), 136 points; Naugatuck (4-0), 115; Darien (4-0), 105; Masuk (3-1), 103; Shelton (2-2), 84; Windsor (3-1), 68; St. Joseph (3-1), 38; Hall (3-1), 32; Guilford (3-0), 19; Hand (3-1), 16; Trumbull (2-2), 10; Tie, Berlin (3-1), Hamden (3-1), New Milford (3-1) and Xavier (3-1), 7.

Voters: Tom Brockett; Ansonia; Craig Bruno; Amity; Joe Della Vecchia; St. Joseph; Mike Drury; Southington; Mike Ellis; Fitch; Rob Fleeting; Windsor; Tanner Grove; Montville; Andy Guyon; Xavier; Joe Lato; Woodland; Brian Mazzone; Stafford/East Windsor/Somers; Bryan Muller; Brookfield; Marce Petroccio; Trumbull; Nathan Tyler, Stratford.

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Connecticut

Hikers get outside to enjoy ‘Trails Day' across Connecticut, with more hikes still to go

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13 hours ago

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June 7, 2025

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Hikers get outside to enjoy ‘Trails Day' across Connecticut, with more hikes still to go


It’s “Trails Day” in Connecticut and beyond, a day to celebrate the outdoors by getting outside.

The American Hiking Society started the annual event and the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association keeps it going here in Connecticut.

They’ll tell you a day outside, is a day well spent.

“I thought, here is a chance to try out a new trail,” said Jeff Dickey–Chasins, of Middletown.

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He had been wanting to check out the southern section of Middletown along the Connecticut River, so he took Trails Day as a chance to explore with a group.

The day is dedicated to recreation on the state’s trails.

“Even though there are a few sprinkles we have people ready to go for the hike,” said Gail Hanson, the leader of Dickey-Chasins hike.

She said this is her third year leading hikes, but has been volunteering with the organization for five years. As a former science teacher, for her, it’s a chance to help people appreciate the world they are in.

“I talk to people about the rocks, the birds, the flowers, I point things out, the more you notice, the more fun it could be,” Hanson said.

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The CFPA puts on about 200 hikes and events in 110 towns around the state. The idea is to get more people exposed to the outdoors and enjoying what Connecticut has to offer.

They maintain about 825 miles of our states trail system so this is also a chance to check in on trails at the start of the busy hiking season.

“Really what we want to do is make the outdoors accessible and families especially to experience something new,” said Chuck Toal, leader of Trails Day for the CFPA.

He notes there are activities geared toward everyone, of all experience levels.

“Things like paddles and bike trips, history hikes, yoga hikes, birding events, there are urban events, there are farm walks,” Toal said.

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He said Connecticut’s trails are stellar and more people should be outside using them. This is a chance to do that and celebrate our great state.

“It’s really become a great celebration of all our outdoors here in the state,” he explained.

Despite a few Saturday showers, those participating in the Middletown hike, say a wet day in the woods is still better than a day spent indoors.

“To be outside, what she was saying earlier, its very relaxing, even if it’s raining its relaxing,” explained Dickey-Chasins.

Some Saturday events did get postponed, and there are still Sunday hikes to attend. The CFPA asks you register for the events if you would like to participate.

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Connecticut

Marina Mabrey leads Connecticut Sun to first home win of season in victory over Atlanta Dream – The Boston Globe

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1 day ago

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June 6, 2025

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Marina Mabrey leads Connecticut Sun to first home win of season in victory over Atlanta Dream – The Boston Globe


Marina Mabrey had a season-high 34 points to lead the Connecticut Sun to their first home win of the season in an 84-76 triumph over the Atlanta Dream.Vera Nieuwenhuis/Associated Press

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Marina Mabrey scored a season-high 34 points and Tina Charles had seven of her 19 points in the final six minutes to help the Connecticut Sun beat the Atlanta Dream 84-76 on Friday night for their first home victory this season.

Mabrey shot 13 for 22 from the field, including 3 for 8 on 3-pointers, and 5 for 6 at the free-throw line for her fourth career 30-point game. She was two points shy of tying her career-high 36 set on June 15, 2023 against Indiana.

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Mabrey scored six points during Connecticut’s 12-2 run to open the third quarter for a 48-37 lead.

Connecticut led 58-45 with 2:40 left in the third before Atlanta went on a 16-4 run to get to 62-61 on Rhyne Howard’s 3-pointer just before the buzzer. But the Dream only had one field goal in the opening five minutes of the fourth to trail 71-64.

The Sun starters finished with 75 points.

Bria Hartley scored 11 points and rookie Saniya Rivers had three steals and two blocks for Connecticut (2-6).

Olivia Nelson-Ododa did not play in the second half due to an ankle injury.

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Howard and Brittney Griner led Atlanta (5-3) with 18 points apiece. Naz Hillmon had 14 points and Allisha Gray added 11.

Brionna Jones, who made her first appearance at Mohegan Sun Arena since playing with the Sun for the first eight years of her career, had seven points and six rebounds.

Mabrey sank a floater in the lane with 0.5 seconds left in the first half to give Connecticut a 36-35 lead. Mabrey, averaging 15 points per game, scored 15 in the first half and Charles had 10 points.

Atlanta had its four-game win streak come to an end.





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Opinion: Pride is more than a month. In CT, it’s a mandate

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2 days ago

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June 6, 2025

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Opinion: Pride is more than a month. In CT, it’s a mandate


When I first ran for office, I was one of only two openly gay members of the Connecticut General Assembly. Today, I’m proud to serve as co-chair of a growing LGBTQ+ Caucus, one that’s not only increasing in number but in impact.

That growth matters. Because while we gather this June to mark Pride Month, we do so at a time when LGBTQ+ rights, especially the rights of trans people, are under coordinated attack across the country. Under the current federal administration, we’ve seen efforts to erase LGBTQ+ history from classrooms, target trans youth in healthcare and sports, and target our identities to distract from real issues.

State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan

Connecticut has chosen a different path. We’re showing what it looks like when a state leads with dignity and action, not division.

This year, we passed bipartisan legislation that prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ+ residents in long-term care facilities, ensuring our elders can live openly and receive the care they deserve without hiding who they are. No one should be forced back into the closet just to access basic services.

We also protected funding for the LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network, which provides grants to LGBTQ+ nonprofit, healthcare, and advocacy organizations across the state. The network collaborates with local affinity groups and advocates to inform the legislature on the evolving needs of our community. I’m especially proud of this program, because it was the first bill I introduced and took to the House floor back in 2019.

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But we didn’t stop there. In a year when states are criminalizing gender-affirming care and restricting access to abortion, we passed legislation to shield providers in Connecticut who offer this care. This sends a clear message: if you’re under attack in your home state, Connecticut will stand with you.

And while other states are banning books and threatening librarians, we’re doing the opposite. We advanced legislation to protect public libraries, librarians, and the freedom to access information without intimidation or censorship. We did this because defending free expression and the right to learn is foundational to a healthy democracy and to a truly inclusive society.

For me, Pride is deeply personal. I spent 18 years in the closet, raised by an immigrant father and an Irish Catholic mother. That combination came with its own set of challenges, but today, after many difficult conversations and a lot of growth, they’re two of my biggest supporters. I’m grateful for that, and I know not everyone is so fortunate.

And even within our own community, we don’t always get it right. I’m a gay man, I don’t know what it’s like to be trans or nonbinary, and sometimes I get it wrong. We all do. But we’ve got to give each other the space and grace to keep learning, and to keep showing up.

That’s true for allies, too. Allyship isn’t seasonal. It doesn’t stop at a pin, a post, or a parade. It’s about using your voice when it matters, especially when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about backing up your values with real action, not just words.

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To every LGBTQ+ person across Connecticut and beyond, especially those feeling exhausted, afraid, or unseen right now, I want you to know: you’re not alone. We’re here. We’re fighting for you. And we’re not going anywhere.

We’ve come too far, and the stakes are too high, to go quiet now.

State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan is the Democratic Chief Majority Whip. He represents the 2nd District (Danbury) in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

 

 

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