Here’s a detailed preview of the upcoming high school football matchup between the Crosby Bulldogs and the Waterbury Career Academy Spartans, set for Friday, November 15, at 3:30 p.m. ET. This exciting game pits two competitive Connecticut high school teams against each other as they push for late-season victories. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the game, key players to watch, analysis, and predictions.

Game Details

• Matchup: Crosby Bulldogs vs. Waterbury Career Academy Spartans
• Date: Friday, November 15
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Crosby High School, Waterbury, CT
• Watch: Live on NFHS Network

How to Watch

For fans unable to attend in person, the game will be available to stream live on NFHS Network. Subscribers can enjoy coverage of this game as well as countless other high school sports across the country. The NFHS Network provides an opportunity to catch every moment of the game in real-time, making it easier to support local high school athletes from anywhere.

Game Preview

As Crosby and Waterbury Career Academy (WCA) prepare to face off, each team comes with a unique set of skills, strategies, and standout players. Crosby High School, known for its explosive offensive potential, will take on the defensive resilience of Waterbury Career Academy. The contrast in playing styles and the close rivalry between these schools set the stage for an intense, hard-fought game.

Team Overview

Crosby Bulldogs

• Record: 4-5
• Head Coach: David Jurewicz
• Key Players: QB Carlos Rivera, RB Jamal Evans, LB Antonio Greene
• Strengths: Fast-paced offense, athletic playmakers, home-field advantage
• Challenges: Consistency on defense, turnovers

Waterbury Career Academy Spartans

• Record: 6-3
• Head Coach: Frank Stamilio
• Key Players: QB Marcus Barnes, RB Tyrell Reid, DE/LB Isaiah Collins
• Strengths: Strong defense, well-rounded offense, disciplined play
• Challenges: Slower-paced offense, occasional penalty issues

Team Comparisons

Offense

• Crosby: Known for its aggressive offense, Crosby leans on QB Carlos Rivera’s arm strength and agility to push the ball downfield. Rivera is quick in the pocket and has been effective in evading defenders, making him a dual threat. His connection with running back Jamal Evans is key; Evans’s speed and vision help break through opposing defenses, providing Crosby with a balanced ground and air attack. To be successful against Waterbury’s defense, Crosby will need to execute their passing game efficiently and avoid turnovers.
• Waterbury Career Academy: WCA’s offense is more controlled and methodical, focusing on clock management and incremental yardage. QB Marcus Barnes is a skilled decision-maker who avoids risky plays, and RB Tyrell Reid powers the team’s ground game. Reid has a knack for finding gaps and gaining tough yards, helping to wear down defenses over time. The Spartans’ slower pace can be advantageous in keeping Crosby’s offense off the field, but they’ll need to be careful not to fall behind early.

Defense

• Crosby: The Bulldogs’ defense has been a mixed bag this season. Linebacker Antonio Greene leads the team in tackles and sets the tone with physical play, but overall, Crosby’s defense has struggled against well-coordinated offenses. For them to contain WCA, they’ll need to tighten up against the run and avoid leaving open spaces for Barnes to exploit. The key for Crosby’s defense will be getting early stops and forcing WCA to pass more frequently.
• Waterbury Career Academy: WCA’s defense is the backbone of their success. Defensive end Isaiah Collins has been instrumental, both in pressuring quarterbacks and halting running backs at the line. The Spartans focus on minimizing big plays, a strategy that could serve them well against Crosby’s high-powered offense. They’re also adept at forcing turnovers, which could be pivotal in maintaining momentum and shifting field position in their favor.

Special Teams

• Crosby: Special teams play is an area where Crosby can make a difference, especially with a solid kicker and return game. Crosby’s ability to secure good field position on returns and execute accurate field goals could play a critical role in a tight game.
• Waterbury Career Academy: WCA’s special teams are dependable, focusing on field position and mistake-free play. Their kick coverage is consistent, and their ability to pin opponents back will help keep Crosby’s offense from starting with short fields.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Carlos Rivera (Crosby) vs. WCA’s Secondary
   Rivera’s ability to throw deep and accurately will test Waterbury’s defense. The Spartans’ secondary needs to remain alert and avoid getting burned on long passes, as Crosby’s quick-strike offense will look for these opportunities.
2. Jamal Evans (Crosby) vs. WCA’s Defensive Line
   Evans has been Crosby’s primary ground weapon, capable of breaking big runs. WCA’s front line, led by Isaiah Collins, will need to contain him at the line of scrimmage to limit Crosby’s rushing success.
3. Marcus Barnes (WCA) vs. Crosby’s Pass Rush
   Barnes’ decision-making under pressure will be key, as Crosby’s defense will aim to disrupt his rhythm. If the Bulldogs can pressure Barnes and force hurried throws, they could create turnovers and gain an edge.
4. Special Teams Execution
   Field position and special teams play could prove decisive in this matchup. Both teams will look to capitalize on any field position advantages they can earn from special teams play.

Odds & Prediction

Odds
While official odds are not set for high school football, Waterbury Career Academy enters as a slight favorite due to their defensive strengths and overall consistency this season. However, Crosby’s potent offense and home-field advantage give them a legitimate chance to pull off a victory.

Prediction
Waterbury Career Academy Spartans 24, Crosby Bulldogs 17

Waterbury’s disciplined defense and efficient offense should help them control the tempo and keep Crosby’s high-powered offense in check. Crosby’s offensive threats make them dangerous, but they’ll need to execute flawlessly to overcome WCA’s defensive setup. Expect a close, competitive game with WCA pulling out a win in the fourth quarter.

Key Factors to Watch

1. Turnovers
   Both teams have struggled with turnovers at times, and whoever wins the turnover battle may gain a critical advantage. For Crosby, protecting the ball is crucial, as WCA’s defense thrives on capitalizing on mistakes.
2. Third-Down Conversions
   Waterbury Career Academy’s ability to extend drives and control the clock through third-down conversions will be essential. Crosby will need to step up defensively on third down to limit WCA’s time of possession.
3. Red Zone Efficiency
   Crosby has been explosive on big plays, but their red zone efficiency will be important if they can’t break loose for long gains. Scoring opportunities in the red zone need to end in touchdowns rather than field goals to keep pace with WCA.
4. Penalties
   Avoiding penalties is critical in a matchup where field position and discipline play such large roles. WCA’s focus on disciplined play might give them the edge if Crosby makes unforced errors.

Players to Watch

• Carlos Rivera (Crosby): Rivera’s playmaking abilities will be central to Crosby’s success. His leadership and performance under pressure will determine how well the Bulldogs’ offense functions against a strong defense.
• Jamal Evans (Crosby): Known for his speed and agility, Evans has the ability to turn short runs into long gains. His performance will be key in keeping the Bulldogs’ offense balanced and effective.
• Marcus Barnes (WCA): Barnes is a reliable game manager who makes few mistakes. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions will help WCA control the game’s pace.
• Isaiah Collins (WCA): As a defensive leader, Collins will be instrumental in containing Crosby’s explosive offense. His ability to disrupt the backfield could be a deciding factor.
• Antonio Greene (Crosby): A defensive anchor, Greene will lead the charge in keeping WCA’s run game in check and applying pressure to Barnes.

This mid-November matchup between the Crosby Bulldogs and Waterbury Career Academy Spartans promises a competitive, thrilling game for fans. With high school football playoff positioning on the line, both teams will bring their best as they vie for victory. Crosby’s offensive firepower and home-field advantage are balanced by Waterbury’s defensive discipline and methodical game plan. Expect a game that goes down to the wire, where every drive, tackle, and field goal could tip the scales.

To catch all the action, tune into the NFHS Network on Friday, November 15, at 3:30 p.m. ET, and enjoy this compelling showdown in Connecticut high school football.