Ten thoughts on Connecticut high school football at midseason

Connecticut has passed the midway point of its football season. Here are 10 things to watch for as we get closer to December's playoffs:

Can Ansonia Still Go Four It? The Chargers were disappointed when they had their 48-game winning streak snapped by Newtown on Oct. 17, falling just a game short of tying Cheshire's state record for consecutive victories. They'd forget all about that should they win a fourth straight CIAC state title.

Berlin is Back: Perhaps the only thing that happens less than Miley Cyrus not acting out to get attention is the Redcoats having a losing season. So last year's 5-6 finish qualified as anomaly. Berlin has stormed back this fall, and last Saturday it stopped Northwest Catholic, 27-8, in a battle of unbeaten Central Connecticut Conference Division III powers.

Connecticut football statistical leaders for 2014

Ledyard's Offensive: No one has been able to slow down the unbeaten Colonels. They've averaged a state-high 50 points in seven games with a ridiculously efficient offense. JoJo Shumaker has rushed 78 times for 1,121 yards and 22 touchdowns. Ty Ebdon has thrown 104 times for 1,413 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Is this Newtown's Year? The Nighthawks have gone unbeaten the last two regular seasons, only to lose in the first round of the playoffs. Newtown already gained the state's attention when it beat Ansonia in a non-league game, holding Ansonia's power running game to 47 yards. The Nighthawks followed that with a 21-14 win over Brookfield in a battle between the South-West Conference's top teams.

Can An SCC Division I Team Run the Table? There's not a tougher grouping in the state than the Southern Connecticut Conference's top division as its 10 teams spend the regular season beating one another up. Those who get through to the playoffs are generally toughened up enough to make a title run. Cheshire and Xavier both took their first loss last Friday, leaving Shelton (7-0) as the only unbeaten team left.

Shelton No. 1 in state computer rankings

Are New Canaan and Southington the One? Southington (6-0) has been the top-ranked team in the state media poll since the preseason. New Canaan (7-0) began as the No. 1 team in the coaches poll, but the Blue Knights passed New Canaan last weekend after absorbing the first-place votes that previously belonged to Ansonia. New Canaan still has games left against fellow Top 10 teams St. Joseph (Saturday) and unbeaten Darien. Southington plays host to Cheshire on Thanksgiving.

Valley Regional/Old Lyme Wants to Break Through: The Warriors made states three times in the last four years, but lost in the semifinals each time (and twice to the eventual champion). Valley/Old Lyme had seven interceptions as it beat Coginchaug last Saturday, 56-6, in a game between the only remaining unbeaten teams in the Pequot Football Conference.

See all Connecticut football galleries for 2014

There's a Big "D" in Windsor: Windsor figured to be a Class L contender this season as it returned many explosive scorers. The offense has been as good as expected (262 points), but it's defense has been even better. It's produced four straight shutouts and allowed a state-low 24 points. The Warriors are looking to bring home the program's first state title.

Wethersfield Looks to Make Its Mark. The school has had great success in boys' soccer, and the boys' outdoor state track and field team has won four state titles since 2006. The Eagles' football team hasn't enjoyed that kind of tradition yet, and they were routed in their only playoff appearance. These Eagles have a good chance to make history as they're 7-0, including a win over Class L semifinalist Middletown.

Will Connor Field Rush For 300 Yards Again? Field, a Granby junior, has run for over 300 yards in four straight games this season, a state-record according to the Connecticut High School Football Record Book. He has 140 carries for 1,611 yards and 17 touchdowns with four games remaining. Field should crack 2,000 yards and get his name in the Record Book again.

Connecticut football playoff brackets

Ned Griffen has covered high school, college and professional sports in the Northeast since 1992. A 2003 New England Associated Press News Executives award winner, he may be reached at nedgriffen@gmail.com or follow him @MetalNED.