I couldn't agree more.

I agree that our CT high school football season should start earlier and more games should be played, however, I disagree that these 'game' scrimmages are anything more than great practice currently. Most coaches are subbing in their second and third string players and they aren't showing even half of their offense. Since these aren't considered 'real' games, everybody is NOT "playing for real". Also, I guess you haven't noticed that most teams are now playing 11 games, as of this year...

FBchic2007:

Naturally because it doesn't count, coaches won't coach the game or substitute as they normally would. But, from my view on the field, everybody's competitive and the players lay out one another like a real game. And those were starters on both sides of the ball midway through in the fourth quarter (Tristan Roberts scored one of his TDs midway through the fourth quarter. Shelton's tailbacks and quarterback were still in the game).

So this wasn't a true game, but it certainly was 90 percent of one. The only thing missing was the urgency.

Also: This is an 11 game season only because the calendar allows it. Next season, the schedule will only allow a 10-game season. An 11-game seasons only happen every five or six years. I'm saying they should happen every year.

Thanks for the clarification about the 11 games this year, SPB...

I do have another question for you... Why don't you cover teams outside of the FCIAC, SWC, SCC, NVL and CTC? I realize that the Connecticut Post is based in Bridgeport, but if you're truly covering CT football, shouldn't you include coverage of the other divisions? There are many quality teams in these divisions (especially the CCC) and a few of them usually make the playoffs...

It comes down to remembering who your audience is.

We are the paper of Greater Bridgeport and northeastern Fairfield County (for better or worse). This is our core audience and, given our limited resources (staff, money, etc.) its best not to divert our resources beyond this area.

We're already spread thin. If we go too far, we risk neglecting our immediate coverage area (i.e. our regular consumers) and that's not good business.

Besides, IMHO, the best football is played down here, and there are plenty of great stories to go around.

We try to keep it close, but we pay attention to what's going on statewide as it affects us all.

the best football in this state resides in the CT Post coverage area. no question.

Well, I think it's a little broad to state that the best football in the state is played in the CT Post covered area. Maybe on the average, however, I'm willing to bet that most of you who say that have never even seen any of the better teams in the Central part of the state play. Here are some results from the 2007 season:

Southington (9-1) – made playoffs
Conard (9-1) – made playoffs
Bristol Eastern (10-0) – made playoffs
Weaver (9-1) – made playoffs
Berlin (9-1) – made championship
Tolland (8-2) – made championship
Cromwell (10-0) – made playoffs
Northwest Catholic (8-2) - made playoffs

I'm sure your next argument will be that these teams don't play anyone during their regular season. Not necessarily true. For example, Bristol Eastern crushed Norwalk (who many people on this board seem to respect) last season 45-7. I guess that was just luck... True, none of them won a state championship last year, but they are certainly competitive teams... Also, some impressive division 1 and even NFL players have come out of these schools...

SPB - By the way, I completely understand your primary reasoning behind not covering divisions outside of the CT Post area. My last response was directed only at your comment (and deify's comment) about the best football being down in CT Post coverage area...