CIAC Football Playoff Scenarios 2025: Points, Clinched Teams Explained

As Connecticut’s high school football regular season wraps up, the CIAC state playoff race has hit peak intensity. After ten weeks of hard-fought games, 26 teams have unofficially punched their postseason tickets.

There are still 22 spots up for grabs across six divisions. Thanksgiving week could flip everything, with final standings hinging on those last games and the bonus points that come from opponents’ wins.

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From Fairfield to New Britain, and Danbury to Killingly, towns all over the state are glued to the action. Everyone’s waiting to see who makes the final cut and who’s left hoping for a miracle.

Class LL: Top Seeds and Historic Returns

In Class LL, Fairfield Prep and New Britain have clinched playoff berths and home quarterfinals. That’s a real advantage in December.

Danbury has made the playoffs for the first time since 2003. That’s a long wait—expect some serious celebration in the city.

Teams Still in the Hunt

Other programs aren’t so comfortable. Their fate depends on Thanksgiving Day results and the bonus points they can snag from earlier opponents’ wins.

It’s a tricky bit of playoff math, and it’s keeping a lot of coaches up at night.

Class L: New Canaan Leads the Charge

New Canaan has locked up the number one seed. They’re in a strong spot heading into the postseason.

Cheshire and Newtown look tough, too. Both teams have momentum at just the right time.

The Battle for Final Spots

Darien and South Windsor are fighting over the last berths. Their next games could change everything.

One win or one bad bounce, and the bracket could look totally different.

Class MM: Wilton and Windsor Dominate

Wilton and Windsor have locked in home field for their quarterfinals. In close games, that edge could be huge.

Competing for the Last Berths

Bunnell, Middletown, and a handful of others are still in the running. They’re hoping for wins and, honestly, a little luck with bonus points.

Class M: Berlin and St. Joseph Take Control

Berlin and St. Joseph will host opening round games. That’s a big deal for both teams.

This division’s got strong challengers like Guilford, Rockville, and Brookfield. Any one of them could make a run.

Mid-Tier Teams Need a Boost

Mid-tier squads need more than just wins—they’re rooting for their old opponents, too. The bonus point system means you never stop scoreboard-watching.

Class SS: High Stakes for Smaller Schools

Killingly, Nonnewaug, and Hand have bagged home playoff games in Class SS. Their steady seasons really paid off.

Fighting for a Chance

Law, Ellington, and Ledyard are right on the edge. They need to step up in these last games to secure a bracket spot.

Class S: Tight Race to the Finish

Woodland and Seymour are battling for top seeding. North Branford and the Cromwell/Portland co-op are in line for home games, too.

Teams on the Bubble

Bloomfield, Ansonia, and Griswold/Wheeler have everything to play for. One clutch win or a little bonus point luck could push them into the playoffs.

The Playoff Math: A Connecticut Tradition

The CIAC gives out points for wins, plus bonus points when your previous opponents win. They also adjust for class differences and non-league games.

This system keeps everything up in the air until the last whistle. No one can really relax until the regular season ends.

Thanksgiving Games as Deciders

Thanksgiving Day brings key matchups, and players and fans across Connecticut towns—from Fairfield to Berlin—know that every score could shake up the playoff picture.

These games aren’t just about old rivalries. They’re chances to either lock in a championship run or watch it slip away.

For the people in these communities, the next week buzzes with anticipation and team spirit. Everyone’s hoping to see their high school heroes keep the season alive.

The cold air settles in, the last leaves drop, and Connecticut’s football faithful lean in to watch every snap. This is where seasons really get defined, isn’t it?

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Here is the source article for this story: Looking at CIAC football playoff possibilities as Connecticut’s 2025 regular season draws to a close

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