Here are the Norwich area's "must see" high school football games for 2023
The high school football season kicks off on Friday, September 8, but it’s never too early to take a peek at your favorite team’s schedule.
We’ve selected 10 “must-see” games for the 2023 season, which culminates on Saturday, Dec. 9, with six state championship games (Classes LL, L, MM, M, SS, and S).
Our games feature clashes between bitter rivals, including the oldest high school football rivalry in the nation, intriguing non-league battles, including a rematch of last year's epic Class MM state semifinal between Killingly and Masuk, and games with playoff implications that will be closely watched throughout the state.
Norwich Free Academy (Class LL) finished strong last season and should take another step forward under second-year coach Erik Larka.
Killingly (Class L) will look to continue its amazing run of seven straight trips to the state semifinals.
Griswold/Wheeler (Class S) features a number of returning lettermen who could help the Wolverines make a push for a state playoff spot.
Plainfield (Class S) continues its rebuilding project by playing an independent schedule for the second straight season.
Thames River (Class MM) and Quinebaug Valley (Class MM), two local cooperative programs, will look to make noise again in the Connecticut Technical Conference.
Here are the 10 games to mark on your fall calendars:
East Catholic at Griswold/Wheeler, Friday, Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m. - The Wolverines christen their new turf field with an intriguing non-league battle against the Eagles, who are coming off a Class S playoff berth a year ago. This should be a fun, festive night as Griswold kicks off a season with high expectations.
Masuk at Killingly, Friday, Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m. - The fireworks smoke from Killingly’s epic 54-51 victory over Masuk in last year’s Class MM semifinal has barely worn off. Should be another barnburner.
Hamden at Norwich Free Academy, Thursday, Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m. - An SCC versus ECC Challenge. The Wildcats' home opener is part of the Connecticut Football Alliance schedule that features some of the most competitive non-league games throughout the state.
Killingly at Notre Dame-West Haven, Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. - Another Connecticut Football Alliance contest. All eyes will be on this one as Killingly travels to Veterans Memorial Park for a clash against the defending Class M state champions.
North Branford at Plainfield, Thursday, Sept. 21, 6 p.m. - A Pequot Conference Throwback game. One for nostalgia buffs who remember those Panthers and Thunderbird battles before Plainfield left the Pequot for the ECC.
Norwich Free Academy at Killingly, Friday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m. - The Wildcats will be out to avenge last season’s 56-6 drubbing.
Killingly at East Lyme, Friday, Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m. - The Kevin Marcoux Bowl. Marcoux, the former Killingly athletic director, begins his new tenure at East Lyme High School this fall. Killingly fans might recognize some of the bells and whistles that made home games in the Quiet Corner truly special nights.
Thames River at Quinebaug Valley, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 5 p.m. - The CTC rivals square off at Putnam High School in a game that has had Class MM playoff implications the past few seasons.
New London at Norwich Free Academy, Thursday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. - This will be the 161st edition of the oldest high school football rivalry in America. The Wildcats, who topped the Whalers 27-8 a year ago, lead the series 81-68-11.
Plainfield at Griswold/Wheeler, Thursday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. - This spirited Thanksgiving rivalry began in 1966 but the Panthers and Wolverines have been playing in this “clash along county lines” since 1937. The Wolverines, who won last year’s contest 34-0, lead the series 47-35-5.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: The Top 10 "must see" Norwich area high school football games in 2023
