High school football season kicks off

Southington (WTNH) - Players, coaches and fans are pumped up for the first week of high school football.

News Channel 8 was in Southington on Wednesday night for one of the first games in the state as the Blue Knights took on their new CCC Division I rival,  West Hartford's Hall High School.

"It's a great night, the first game of the season," said Joe Ghamo, who came from West Hartford to see the Warriors.

The stands were packed with parents, students and folks from town.

"This town is crazy about athletics," said Southington's Head Coach, Bill Mella. "I think it brings them a spirit of community pride and it's an event."

And the big game was the talk of the school all day.

"Everyone in my school is just going crazy because the football players are really pumped up for it, " said Southington cheerleader, Chelsea Cyr.

Wayne Brookbanks and his wife came out to see their son in action, Wayne Brookbanks, a runningback for Hall.

"We try and make it to every game we can, come out and support the team," he said.

Brookbanks finished the night with 95 yards and one touchdown.

Phylicia Rhodd and her dad Rudolph arrived early to get good seats.

"My brother is on the team, number 88, Mike Rhodd, a wide receiver. I like coming back to see him and see the squad," said Phylicia Rhodd, who also graduated from Southington High School last year.

Rhodd scored one touchdown to help give Southington a 47-27 victory over Hall. 

Southington will be at Glastonbury next week while Hall plays host to Middletown.

Watch News Channel 8's High School Game of the Week, Ansonia @ Hillhouse, September 19th at 7pm on MyTV9.