Hand Is Looking For A Perfect Thanksgiving [VIDEO]

Thanksgiving has not been a bountiful holiday for the Guilford Football Team.  Hand has dominated the series since its inception.  Hand won 41-7 last year.   Guilford’s last win came in 2006.  There have been some close games though, even when the won-loss records of the two teams are mismatched.  

This year the Tigers are already in the playoffs.  Guilford (4-5) will be trying to get to .500 and avoid a losing season.  If they could manage to do that against Hand, it would make their season that much more satisfying.  Hand needs to win this game in order secure a home game for the first playoff round, next Tuesday night. 

Guilford can create problems for Hand with their offensive option attack.  They seem to have their offense clicking now and have scored a lot of points in the last three weeks: 41, 42 and 54.  However, they have not yet faced a defense as tough as Hand’s.   

In the last two games, Hand’s biggest challenge has been to not run afoul of the CIAC’s “Score Management Policy.”  So a lot of substitutes have gotten playing time, but that doesn’t help the team to get sharp for a playoff run.   

Gametime Weather

The rain is supposed to end by early this afternoon, but if it doesn’t the game will still go on.  Guilford’s Kavanaugh Field is artificial and handles the wet stuff with no problem.  The temps should reach the low 30’s with a strong 14-20 MPH breeze.  Dress warm!

Patch Player of the Week

It’s been a while since we saw this game, but if I remember correctly, it was Senior quarterback, Henry Foye who lit up the first half against Hamden with 177 yards passing and three touchdowns.  

Touchdown for Character in its 10th year

In addition to preparing for games each week, the Hand football players also spend some time with students from Jeffrey Elementary School in the Touchdown for Character Reading Program.

This is the 10th year for the program that was created by Marc Magee, a varsity football player and son of Esther Magee, a third grade teacher.  On Friday afternoons, when there is a home game, varsity players visit the school and read a book based on character traits.  The themes focus on honesty, friendship, respect, responsibility and caring.  After reading the book, players and students discuss the book’s message.    

The program has helped foster character building traits, promoted reading for enjoyment and created a community partnership with Jeffrey and Hand students.  

A highlight of the program is Jeffrey Night at Strong Field.  One student from each class, selected by lottery, holds a flag and participates in the game’s opening ceremonies.  Yesterday the program culminated with a pep rally at Jeffrey School.  The seniors were honored for their participation in the program and the DHHS band and Cheerleaders provided the rousing entertainment.

Around the SCC

The SCC game of the week will be North Haven at Amity on Thanksgiving morning.  North Haven is playing for a playoff berth in Class L.  (Let’s hope it doesn’t end for them with another trip to the Surf Club.  Let them have a chance against someone not in the SCC... right?)  

Playoff Standings

We’re down to the wire and there are some huge games on tap with ramifications in Class L.  Defending Champ Masuk has still not qualified and they are facing 9-1 Newtown who has already clinched a berth in Class LL.  Darien travels to New Canaan and the loser of that one likely goes home.  

Here are the Class L Standings:

1. Windsor
2. Daniel Hand
3. Coventry/Windham Tech
4. Masuk
5. New London
6. New Canaan
7. Notre Dame - WH
8. North Haven

On the cusp:

 9.  Farmington                                                                            10.  Darien

Only Windsor and Hand have clinched.  Coventry/WT, Masuk, New London and New Canaan get in with a win.  Darien, Notre Dame-WH, North Haven and Farmington need to win and they need help with bonus points or losses by someone ranked above them.  

The top four ranked teams will host the first round game on Tuesday night, November 29th.

The semi-final games will be played at neutral sites on Saturday, December 3rd.

The finals will be played at Rentschler Field on Friday, December 9th or Saturday December 10th. 

The most comprehensive rankings list available is published by the CIAC here.  

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