Entering the 2007 season, Branford coach Brian Adkins knew this week was going to involve one of the toughest stretches of games in the regular season. A solid showing this week against Southern Connecticut Conference powers Cheshire and Fairfield Prep and southern power New Fairfield and it could provide huge momentum down the home stretch.
"When you look at the teams on our schedule this week, this is certainly hell week for us," Adkins said. "But we've been anticipating the challenge and we'll see how we do. These are the kind of tough matchups you look forward to because they are fun for the fans to watch, fun for the players to play in and fun to coach."
On Tuesday it was a usual wild one between Branford and Cheshire. The Hornets went out to an 11-3 lead but the Rams were able to rally and cut the lead to 11-9. However, Cheshire coach Rich Pulisciano said the Rams dug themselves too deep a hole early on as the Hornets hung on for a 14-10 win to improve to 6-0.
Branford, led by high-scoring attackmen Billy Alessi and Joe O'Keefe, gets a huge test today (Thursday) when it travels to Fairfield Prep (4 p.m. start). The 5-1 Jesuits, one of the deepest and most talented teams in the state front to back, are ranked No. 1 in Connecticut by laxpower.com (www.laxpower.com) and 13th in the nation.
On Saturday, Branford hosts New Fairfield at 3 p.m. New Fairfield is 7-0 and ranked No. 2 in Connecticut and 24th in the nation by laxpower.com.
Branford is ranked No. 5 in Connecticut and 39th in the nation.