The Day of New London says Staples is gaining increased recognition in its poll of state football coaches.

Staples of Westport (11-0) is making a strong push toward the No. 2 ranking in The Day state coaches poll, and understandably so,Ӕ the newspaper reported today.

The Wreckers, who trail No. 2 Ansonia (10-0) by just two points, picked up a second first-place vote after a convincing 35-0 win over Danbury in the 38th Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference championship game Friday.

ӓThe Hatters (9-2) were No. 9 headed into the FCIAC final, and it was the Wreckers’ second straight shutout in six days as they beat No. 7 Greenwich (9-1) 28-0 on Nov. 15.

Staples tailback Jimmy Hughes rushed 15 times for 188 yards and three touchdowns (1, 15 and 78 yards) against Danbury while safety Scott Damassa added three interceptions ӗ all in the first half.