In the first practice the year after winning a state championship, a head coach typically says something along the lines of, “Let’s go back-to-back.”
That won’t be possible for Berlin football, at least not in Class M next season.
The Redcoats are among several teams changing divisions as the CIAC has reclassified schools based on enrollment and success, among other factors.
Berlin will actually move down a division to Class SS after going an unbeaten 13-0 and taking the title in Class M. They’ll be joined by Ansonia, a perennial state title contender who won the championship in S two seasons ago and reached the semifinals last year.
Other area teams changing divisions include South Windsor, which will move up to LL after a 6-4 season last year. Northwest Catholic, which lost to Sheehan in the state title game last season, will move up to M. Holy Cross will move up to MM, while Waterbury Career Academy will join Class S.
Fans can find the entire list of high school classifications for next season on the CIAC website.