5 of 6 defending champions crack the top 10 of the preseason football poll

CONNECTICUT – With a full schedule of games scheduled this weekend, Connecticut’s high school football season kicks off with the release of the state’s preseason top-10 sports media poll.

Despite receiving fewer first-place votes than its closest two competitors, defending Class L champion New Canaan earned enough points to top the season-opening standings. Darien finished second and 2023 Class LL champion Staples took third.

Among last year's other champions, North Haven, Daniel Hand and Bloomfield all made the top 10. The only one who didn't make the cut was defending SS class champion Joel Barlow, who received enough points to finish in the top 20.

Here are the top 10, with first place votes in parentheses, as well as any other programs receiving support.

1. New Canaan (3)
2. Darien (8)
3. Staples (10)
4. West Haven
5. Greenwich- (1)
6. North Harbour
7. Maloney (1)
8. Windsor
9. Daniel Hand
10. Bloomfield

Also receiving votes: Newtown, Masuk, Fairfield Prep, Cheshire, Southington, Wilton, Xavier, Ansonia, Joel Barlow, Shelton, Nasugatuck, Notre Dame-West Haven, Killingly, Rockville, Stamford, St. Joseph, New London, Cromwell/Portland, Berlin, Fitch , Trumbull, Manchester.

Voters: Will Aldam, GameTimeCT; Serenity Bishop, Bristol Press; Sean Patrick Bowley, GameTimeCT; Bryant Carpenter, GameTimeCT; Gerry deSimas Jr., Collinsville Press; Justin DeVellis, News 12 Connecticut; Mike DiMauro, The Day of New London; Erik Dobratz, WTNH-8; Scott Ericson, GameTimeCT; Michael Fornabaio, GameTimeCT; Rob Gullo, New Britain Herald; Mark Jaffee, Republican-American of Waterbury; Tim Jensen, Patch Media Corp.; Jonah Karp, Fox61; Gabby Lucivero, NBC CT; Mike Madera, Walter Camp Football Foundation; Joe Morelli, GameTimeCT; Pete Paguaga, GameTimeCT; Dave Phillips, GameTimeCT correspondent; Lori Riley, Hartford Courant; Dave Ruden, The Ruden Report; Dave Stewart, GameTimeCT; Jimmy Zanor, Norwich Bulletin.
Compiled by Michael Fornabaio