Prediction: Fairfield Prep (Conn.) makes deep playoff run

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 Fairfield College Preparatory Jesuits are taking aim at a CIAC Class LL state championship. With the amount of talent returning to the roster, Fairfield Prep should be right back in the hunt.

Player Spotlight: QB Robert Manning

Not many signal callers in the state of Connecticut had the kind of 2024 season like Robert Manning did. Indeed, the quarterback had a campaign befit his last name. Manning finished last season completing 170-of-282 passes for 2,550 yards, 32 touchdowns and just two interceptions. We think the senior is primed for a huge fall, especially with an experienced offensive unit returning around him.

Others to watch: DE/LB Ryan Murray, WR Jeremiah Langston, LB T’varis Newkirk, S T.J. Cirilli

Season Prediction: 8-2

Though they lose some of their top pass catchers from a year ago, the Jesuits have reloaded. It will also help having a very capable quarterback behind center to lead the passing game. Class LL is Connecticut’s top classification and there will be hurdles along the way as Fairfield Prep takes on some of the best that the state has to offer. We expect a deep playoff run for the Jesuits after a couple of regular season hiccups.

Game-By-Game Predictions

Sep. 12 – at Greenwich (Conn.) Cardinals – L
The season doesn’t start the way the Jesuits wanted as they drop a slugfest to Greenwich in the opener.

Sep. 19 – at Mark T. Sheehan (Conn.) Titans – W
Fairfield Prep bounces back with a 28-point victory against Mark T. Sheehan.

Sep. 26 – New Britain (Conn.) Golden Hurricanes – W
Make that back-to-back victories for the Jesuits as their home opener quick becomes a rout.

Oct. 3 – at Shelton (Conn.) Gaels – W
The Jesuits have hit their stride thanks to their senior-laden offense.

Oct. 10 – at West Haven (Conn.) Blue Devils – L
For the first time since the season opener, Fairfield Prep loses and falls to 3-2 on the season.

Oct. 17 – at Francis T. Maloney (Conn.) Spartans – W
Fairfield Prep returns home and defeats a pesky Spartans’ club by two touchdowns to improve to 4-2.

Oct. 31 – at North Haven (Conn.) Nighthawks – W
It gets a little spooky on Halloween for the Jesuits, but they find a way to come away with victory No. 5.

Nov. 7 – Daniel Hand (Conn.) Tigers – W
As the CIAC postseason draws closer, nothing gets easier for Fairfield Prep as they eke out a four-point victory here.

Nov. 14 – Jonathan Law (Conn.) Lawmen – W
The Jesuits cruise in this blowout victory over the Lawmen.

Nov. 26 – Xavier (Conn.) Falcons – W
Just before Thanksgiving, Fairfield Prep closes out the regular season with a rout of Xavier.