Pivotal Game Tonight vs. Waterford

The Waterford Lancers visit Mignault Field tonight for what may turn out to be a pivotal football game for both programs as they compete for an ECC Medium Division title and playoff bid.

The Colonels can clinch the title tonight with a win. The game will be televised on NBC 30’s Game of the Week, but Colonels coach Jim Buonocore is hoping a big crowd will turn out to support the home team.

“I think Waterford’s an extremely talented team,” Buonocore said. “They have the most balance in the league in terms of top to bottom. They have some tremendous football players and they present some problems on either side of the ball.”

Last year Waterford came to town and surprised the Colonels on homecoming weekend, inflicting a 20-14 loss that ultimately kept Ledyard out of the playoffs.

This year both teams are 5-1. Waterford faces a tough stretch of games, including NFA and Windsor, before meeting East Lyme on Thanksgiving. Ledyard hosts East Lyme next week, then travels to Branford before hosting Fitch on Thanksgiving.

Buonocore said he is not thinking beyond this game.

“This is our opportunity to secure our first goal, which is to win the ECC Medium Division title,” he said. “We control our destiny. We win, we’re the champs, and we’re not concerned with anything else at this point.”

Last week the Colonels blasted Montville, 65-21. It was the second straight week Ledyard did not punt the ball.

“We’re evolving as an offense. Each week we try to improve on the previous week,” Buonocore said. “We’re starting to get more people involved. Obviously it starts up front with our offensive line. They’re doing a great job.”

The coach gave a shout-out to Matt Daggett, Slade Baxley, Cal Williams and Thomas Finney for their outstanding play last week.

“The more people we can get involved, the more difficult it will be for opponents to prepare for us. So we’re happy with where we’re going, and hopefully we can take another step forward this week.”

Asked about last year’s loss to Waterford and any feelings that might linger, Buonocore dismissed the notion. “Last year was last year. That was a totally different team, a different group of kids. We’re in a totally different place at this point in the season.”

A pretty good place, actually.

“Three of our last four games are at home,” Buonocore said. “We just have to go out there and take care of business. I think all the games are going to be extremely competitive, but our focus right now is on Waterford. One game at a time.”

Update: The new bleachers at the high school are ready and available for tonight's game. A Certificate of Occupancy was issued this morning.