The road to a CIAC Class LL football title is taking a mid-week turn, with all quarterfinal games now bumped to Wednesday night. From New Britain to Greenwich, and Danbury to Southington, some of Connecticut’s most storied programs—and a few rising contenders—are gearing up for a postseason that already feels dramatic.
CIAC Class LL Quarterfinals Shifted to Wednesday Night
The CIAC has postponed all Class LL quarterfinal football games to Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. Each matchup stays on the home field of the higher seed, so that home-field edge sticks around.
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Class LL semifinals will now go down on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m., also hosted by the higher seed. The championship date and time? Still up in the air, as officials juggle field availability, weather, and broadcast needs from Hartford to New Haven.
What the Schedule Change Means for Teams and Fans
This shift squeezes prep time between rounds, but teams get a little more recovery before the quarterfinals. Coaches in Bridgeport, Stamford, and Bristol have to balance practice, film, and keeping their players healthy—no easy task this late in the year.
For fans, Wednesday night now brings a marquee slate of playoff football across Connecticut. Stadiums in New Britain, Danbury, Greenwich, and Southington should be buzzing with student sections, bands, and whole communities rallying around their teams.
New Britain’s Top Seed and Ground Game Power
New Britain sits at the top of the bracket as the No. 1 seed at 8-1, hosting Norwich Free Academy (6-4) at Veterans Stadium. The Golden Hurricanes have leaned on a bruising, explosive ground attack all season.
Jayden Allen’s Dominant Season
Running back Jayden Allen leads the charge with an eye-popping 1,423 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. His mix of power and breakaway speed has made New Britain’s offense one of the most feared from Hartford County to the shoreline.
NFA brings quarterback Aaron Driscoll, a playmaker who can stretch the field and keep defenses honest. If Norwich Free Academy wants to pull off an upset, Driscoll’s choices and poise against New Britain’s pressure will matter a lot.
Danbury Ends 22-Year Drought, Faces Fairfield Prep
One of the most compelling storylines is coming out of Danbury, where the Hatters have earned their first playoff spot in 22 years. They’re heading to Rafferty Stadium to face an 8-2 Fairfield Prep squad hungry to get back among the state’s best.
Fairfield Prep Chasing First Title Since 1988
Fairfield Prep hasn’t hoisted a CIAC football championship trophy since 1988, and there’s a sense in town that maybe, just maybe, this is the year. Quarterback Robbie Manning has kept the Jesuits’ offense humming, spreading the ball around and managing games with a veteran’s touch.
Danbury, meanwhile, comes in with nothing to lose and everything to gain. For a program that’s waited more than two decades to get back to this stage, just making the bracket is huge. But the Hatters aren’t just happy to be here—they believe they can hang with anyone from Fairfield County to Newington.
Defending Champ Greenwich Hosts Staples in Renewed Rivalry
Down in lower Fairfield County, Greenwich (8-2), last year’s Class LL champ, hosts Staples (5-5) at Cardinal Stadium. These two squared off twice last season and split, fueling a rivalry that only gets more intense with each postseason meeting.
Greenwich’s Defense Led by Star Linebacker Trio
Greenwich’s defense leans on linebackers Jack Kelly, Justin Carroll, and Santi Parra. That group sets the tone physically, flying to the ball and shutting down run games from Westport to Norwalk.
Staples, even at 5-5, is dangerous—battle-tested after a brutal FCIAC schedule. If the Wreckers get a couple of early breaks, Cardinal Stadium could get pretty tense for the home crowd.
Glastonbury and Southington Set for Rematch at Fontana Field
In central Connecticut, Glastonbury (7-3) and Southington (7-3) are set for a rematch at Fontana Field. They already played one classic this year—an overtime thriller that showed just how even these teams are.
Southington’s Late-Season Surge
Southington rolls into the playoffs on a five-game winning streak, playing its best football at the perfect time. Sophomore running back Ben Beaulieu has broken out, giving the Blue Knights both balance and big-play threat on offense.
On defense, linebacker Danny Corrado has set the tone, helping a resurgent unit tighten up late in the season. Glastonbury, disciplined and well-coached, will try to flip the script in the rematch by executing and limiting mistakes.
With fans coming in from Manchester, Wethersfield, and beyond, this one could easily go down to the wire again.
Intensity, History, and a Clear Path to the Title
Across the Class LL bracket, coaches and players know exactly what’s at stake. Every snap from Wednesday forward could keep a season alive—or end it in a flash.
Programs with deep roots, like New Britain, Greenwich, and Fairfield, face off against determined challengers from Danbury, Southington, and Glastonbury. Each team is chasing a shot at championship weekend, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to be there?
The schedule’s set. Connecticut high school football is heading for a wild December.
Under the lights, packed stands buzzing, and communities watching, Class LL teams aren’t just fighting for wins. They’re out there chasing legacy, hoping to leave a mark that lasts.
Here is the source article for this story: A guide to the 2025 CIAC Class LL High School Football Playoff Quarterfinals
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