Prediction: Weakened by transfers, Darien (Conn.) falls short of title

The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in less than six weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals will be breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we head to New England where the Darien Blue Wave are serious contenders for the Connecticut Class L state championship this fall.
Player Spotlight: RB Liam Bortel
Someone has to take over the offensive responsibilities and it’s going to be Liam Bortel’s chance to shine out of the backfield for the Darien Blue Wave. Last season among a host of runners, Bortel rushed for 323 yards on 88 carries and scored three touchdowns. Bortel was also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield with four catches for 44 yards.
With so much firepower gone, Bortel is the top offensive returner and will absolutely be featured this season.
Others to watch: DB Ryan O’Malley, WR/DB Jason Dimanche
Season Prediction: 7-3
There were plenty of reasons at the end of last season to think that the Darien Blue Wave would head into 2025 as the favorites in Connecticut’s Class L classification. Then the offseason happened.
Starting quarterback Ben Rolapp, who threw 30 touchdowns last season, ended up transferring to the Brunswick School. One of Rolapp’s favorite targets, Thomas Herget, left for Lone Peak (Utah). Notre Dame commit Charlie Thom transferred to Avon Old Farms.
Needless to say, the departures have hampered the Darien Blue Wave’s ability to make a deep run. We think they will get knocked out of the playoffs earlier than expected this fall.
Game-By-Game Predictions
Sep. 12 – Naugatuck (Conn.) Greyhounds – W
The Blue Wave open the season up right with a 22-point rout of the Greyhounds at home.
Sep. 19 – Brien McMahon (Conn.) Senators – W
Homecoming arrives early in the season for the Darien Blue Wave and the team cruises on its way to a 2-0 start.
Sep. 26 – at Masuk (Conn.) Panthers – W
Up against last year’s CIAC Class MM state champion on the road, Darien comes away with win No. 3.
Oct. 4 – Staples (Conn.) Wreckers – L
The Blue Waves’ first loss of the season is at the hands of arguably the state’s top Class LL team.
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Oct. 11 – at Central (Conn.) Hilltoppers – W
Darien bounces back from its first loss of the season with a big road victory.
Oct. 25 – St. Joseph (Conn.) Cadets – W
Coming off a much needed bye week, the Blue Wave notch their third-straight victory away from home.
Nov. 1 – Trumbull (Conn.) Eagles – W
Darien starts to get on a roll in the second half of the season with a 15-point win over the Eagles.
Nov. 7 – Ridgefield (Conn.) Tigers – W
That’s four in a row as the Blue Wave head into the final two games against state championship-quality programs.
Nov. 14 – at Greenwich (Conn.) Cardinals – L
The four-game winning streak is snapped on the road against the Cardinals, who will be in the running for a Class LL title.
Nov. 27 – at New Canaan (Conn.) Rams – L
The Darien Blue Wave drop their regular season finale and head into the CIAC playoffs having lost back-to-back games for the first time since 2018.