Connecticut High School Football Preseason Insights
As the 2024 high school football season approaches, excitement is building in Connecticut. This year brings a mix of new challenges and opportunities for teams and players alike. Fans can expect lots of thrilling matchups and standout performances as teams hit the field.
Looking back at last season, there were zero unbeaten teams in 2023. The last team to go through a whole season without a loss was Ansonia, who achieved a perfect 12-0 record in 2022. Meanwhile, Staples finished as the top team in the GameTimeCT’s final poll, winning its first state title since 2005. However, the Wreckers will need to regroup after losing star quarterback Caleb Smith, the New Haven Register/GameTimeCT All-State Player of the Year.
This season, teams are shaking things up with new classifications. Killingly is moving from Class L to Class SS, a change prompted by updates in the CIAC’s Schools of Choice criteria. With this move, Killingly aims for greater success in the upcoming season.
Three teams are aiming to clinch a state championship for the third consecutive year: New Canaan in Class L, North Haven in Class MM, and Joel Barlow in Class SS. Meanwhile, Bloomfield is looking to extend its run in state finals, after making five consecutive appearances and claiming the Class S crown last year.
On a broader scale, the CIAC high school football schedule will kick off with five games on September 12, including matchups like Bristol Eastern at Avon and E.O. Smith at Farmington. The rest of the Week 1 games will wrap up between September 13 and 14.
Another exciting aspect this year is the number of players with strong ties to Connecticut making their mark in the NFL. There are currently eight former CIAC high school football players engaged in preseason activities, including Zach Allen with the Broncos and Will Levis with the Titans. These players are showcasing their skills after their high school careers in Connecticut.
In terms of coaching, 17 teams will be led by new head coaches this year, with hopes of revitalizing their programs. Among these are teams that made last season’s playoffs, aiming to continue their success.
With all these numbers and narratives unfolding, the 2024 Connecticut high school football season is shaping up to be a captivating one. Fans are eager to watch how every camp, every game, and every player will write the next chapter in this storied tradition.
