The 2026 CIAC football season is less than two months away, and the Connecticut High School Football Alliance is gearing up for a packed slate of games that will feature every public school conference in the state. Fans can expect a frenzy of activity as teams jockey for position early in the campaign.
Week 1 already looks loaded with intrigue. Killingly, the recent Class SS runner‑up, will open against Sheehan, the Class S champion, while Berlin, the Class M titleholder, meets Wilton, a Class MM semifinalist. North Haven and Masuk, both eyeing deep playoff runs, are also slated to clash in their season debut.
Opening‑Week Highlights
Beyond those marquee pairings, the opening weekend includes a host of other compelling contests. Ridgefield will test its mettle against Maloney, Southington will host Newtown, and New Canaan will take on perennial power Fairfield Prep. Smaller‑division programs such as Northwest Catholic and Law will also see action, as will St. Joseph, now competing in Class MM against defending champion Windsor.
Week 2 adds further layers of storylines. Sheehan will travel to face Cromwell/Portland, while Weaver/Hartford Public/Classical will host Ansonia. Holy Cross and Brookfield, both Class M contenders a year ago, meet again, and Ridgefield‑Maloney rematch promises another high‑scoring affair. Southington’s rematch with Newtown, New Canaan’s showdown with Fairfield Prep, and the clash between St. Joseph and Windsor will all shape early playoff projections.
Later in the schedule, Norwalk and Notre Dame‑West Haven will flip divisions in Week 4, and Cheshire will meet Staples in another traditional rivalry. Ludlowe, known for its offensive firepower, will square off against West Haven, while Newtown makes the trek to Greenwich, the Class LL champion, for a finale that could determine final seeding.