New Canaan Looks To Rebound Against Farmington In Football Playoff Opener

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – After spending nearly the whole season at the top of the state football polls, New Canaan High School’s football team will look to rebound from its first loss of the season as it heads into Tuesday’s state Class L tournament.

New Canaan quarterback Nick Cascione leads the Rams into Tuesday's playoff game against Farmington.
Photo Credit: *Contributed by Chris Cody*

Tom Renner

12/03/2013 5:00 a.m.

The third-seeded Rams (11-1) host No. 6 Farmington on Tuesday with kickoff at 6:30 p.m.

New Canaan, which won the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference championship, fell to archrival Darien, 28-24, on Thanksgiving Day. The Rams took a 24-21 lead on 34-yard fumble return by Zach Allen early in the fourth quarter. Darien scored the go-ahead touchdown with 58 seconds to play. A last-ditch drive by the Rams fell short deep in Darien territory.

The loss was New Canaan’s only misstep during the season, which began with a 50-21 win over two-time defending Class L champion Hand High School. The Rams have shown a balanced offensive attack led by senior quarterback Nick Cascione (28 touchdown passes, 10 rushing touchdowns). Junior running back Frank Cognetta (958 yards rushing, 12 touchdowns) and receivers Jack Gilio, Alex LaPolice and Cole Turpin are New Canaan's top weapons. The three receivers have combined for 21 touchdown receptions.

Allen (10 sacks) is among the Rams’ top players on defense along with Michael Root, Connor Buck and Cole Harris.

New Canaan has made six straight trips to the state semifinals and lost in the state finals in 2010 and 2011. The Rams last state championship game in 2009.

Farmington lost to Middletown and Manchester this season. Middletown is the No. 4 seed in Class L. The Indians defeated Plainville on Thanksgiving, 34-0, to secure its postseason berth.

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