New Canaan was able to generate enough firepower through the  air to knock off third-seeded Naugatuck, 21-12, Tuesday in the  quarterfinals of the Class L state playoffs at Veterans Field. 

The sixth-seeded Rams (10-1)  will face No. 2 Hand in the semifinals Saturday at West Haven at 7 p.m.

It was the same story as it's been all year for New Canaan,  which has been winning its games on the arm of junior quarterback Matthew Milano and the hands of senior captain Kevin Macari.

The duo hooked up for all three scores Tuesday, two of which were longer than 45 yards. 

The game started with a quick strike from the Greyhounds (9-2),  when quarterback Erich Broadrick found fellow senior Marquan Williams for a 31-yard screen pass in the right flat for a touchdown.

It took New Canaan until the start of the second quarter to answer when Milano and Macari hooked up for a 12-yard pass in the corner of the end zone, giving the Rams a 7-6 lead. 

It didn't take long for Milano to Macari to be heard over the loudspeakers again, as the two connected on a long 61-yard catch that left New Canaan with a 14-6 halftime advantage.

"Thank God we had Kevin Macari and Matt Milano," Rams head coach Lou Marinelli said. "I think defense really won the game for us tonight. They did an amazing job with six sacks and three or interceptions.

"They certainly did a tremendous job. Whether  you win it on offense or defense, it's a win."

Marinelli was right, as  the dynamic duo hooked up for yet another score, this one a  49-yard strike that made it 21-6 early in the fourth quarter.

Naugatuck was able to answer with a score of its own,  as Broadrick moved the ball down field with a handful of quick passes before capping off the drive with a 1-yard sneak. 

"The defense was coming up with stop after stop, Macari said. "They gave us great field position all game, and Matt was able to make some great throws." 

The game ended after Broadrick was intercepted by Matt Brady at the New Canaan 15-yard line.

A few handoffs,  followed by a kneel in the victory formation locked away the win, pushing the Rams into semifinals.

"Our offense line has doen a great job protecting him [Milano] all year long, Marinelli said. "Again, you have to credit Naugatuck for shutting us down. It was ugly, but we'll take it."