I dropped in on football practices Thursday at Torrington High School and at the Pop Warner Field in Torrington, where Wolcott Tech was working out.
Both teams are trying to figure things out as the season approaches, but there are obviously major differences.

KEVIN D. ROBERTS/Register Citizen

Torrington is coming off of back-to-back 7-3 seasons and returns a large offensive line to complement senior running back Joan Toribio and senior quarterback Phil Bresson. Bresson is a versatile player who can also play tight end while senior Jason Abbott takes over quarterback duties in certain formations.
Defense will be a big key this season for the Raiders. Assistant head coach/line coach Jamie Burns said Torrington needs to add the "pound" to the "ground and pound" description of the Raiders.
Here's video from practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

KEVIN D. ROBERTS/Register Citizen

Wolcott Tech is in its sixth year of existence, fifth as a varsity program. The Wildcats picked up their first on-field win in the season opener at Stamford Academy (the first actual win was a forfeit from Nonnewaug when the Chiefs disbanded their varsity program). From there, it was a struggle. Tech stayed in games against some teams like Prince Tech and Wilcox Tech, but couldn't finish the game because of lack of conditioning, according to head coach Jamie Coty.
Coty said his team may not be the best in the Constitution State Conference, but he will try to make sure his team is the best conditioned. Coty is hoping his team can get to .500 this season.
Wolcott Tech will be running the veer option offense with sophomore Mickey Ross at quarterback. Mike Sullivan is another senior at fullback while junior Asante Maldon will be the running back.
Here's video from Thursday's practice.

Look for more on both teams in full previews in the near future.