St. Joseph at Wolcott
What: Class M quarterfinal.
When: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Monroe Field, Wolcott High.
Records: No. 5 St. Joseph, 8-2; No. 4 Wolcott, 8-2.
Wolcott's playoff history |
||
|---|---|---|
| Semifinals | ||
| Year | Opponent | Result |
| 2014 | lost to Ledyard | 54-7 |
| 2011 | lost to Ledyard | 35-0 |
| Quarterfinals | ||
| Year | Opponent | Result |
| 2012 | lost to Montville | 32-14 |
| 2011 | def. Ellington | 32-26 |
Key duos: St. Joseph — Cory Babineau (Sr., QB), Jared Mallozzi (Sr., WR). Wolcott — Ray Iorio (Sr., RB-LB), Steve Urbanski (Sr., WR-DB).
Worth noting
- The Cadets would have been the No. 1 seed in Class M, but they suffered a 39-7 blowout upset loss against Trumbull on Thanksgiving. St. Joseph had won eight straight entering that game.
- The Eagles are making their fourth postseason appearance in six seasons. They had never made the playoffs before Jason Pace took over as head coach in 2011.
- St. Joseph owns 12 state championships, the second most to Ansonia (19). Wolcott has never appeared in a state final.
- Babineau has completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,035 yards (ninth in the state) and 26 touchdowns (tied for third). Mallozzi has caught 80 passes (third in the state) for 1,100 yards (fourth) and 15 touchdowns (tied for second).
- Wolcott’s Mike Polzella is one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the playoffs, throwing for 1,476 yards and 19 touchdowns while running for 520 yards and 10 more scores. Iorio finished second in the NVL and sixth in the state with 1,642 rushing yards.