Recap: No. 23 Attleboro 37, Franklin 20
September, 27, 2013
Sep 27
10:40
PM ET
By Josh Perry | ESPNBoston.com
ATTLEBORO, Mass. -- The 2013 Attleboro Bombardiers have a new field, a new coaching staff, and a new direction on both sides of the ball. They also have a pair of blowout wins to start the season, but on Friday night at Tozier-Cassidy Field, Attleboro still felt as though it had something to prove. It still had to show that it could make a mark in the Hockomock League.
Thanks to a pair of touchdown tosses from quarterback Tim Walsh, three interceptions from senior Tom Burns, and strong running game, Attleboro (3-0) earned its first league win of the season 37-20 over the visiting Franklin Panthers.
“This is a great start to the Hockomock League,” said Walsh afterwards. “There’s a bunch of great teams in here so it’s great to get rolling.”
Head coach Mike Strachan remarked, “We’re improving. That’s a very good football team, very well coached, so that’s a good start to the season.”
Attleboro jumped out to a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter on a pair of touchdown passes by Tim Walsh, one to big tight end Luke Morrison and the other to running back Brandon Clark. Franklin looked to get momentum back on a six-yard touchdown run by Chris Roche, only to have Patrick Dunn snag a low snap on the extra point attempt and race 85 yards for two points for the Bombardiers.
Strachan called it a critical turning point for his team.
“That’s a four-point touchdown,” he explained. “That was a critical moment for us, I think. We tell our kids to finish every play and it shows. When you look at what that meant early in the game, it was a very big play.”
Attleboro got possession back leading 16-6 and proceeded to march 64 yards in nine plays for another score. Senior captain Dave Duquette punched it in from six yards to extend the lead before halftime.
Franklin came out of halftime intent on getting back into the game. The Panthers took the opening possession all the way for a score. It was an impressive 13-play, 63-yard drive that cut the lead to just 10 points. But, once again, the momentum lasted only a couple of minutes. Attleboro responded with a 13-play, 80-yard drive of its own, finished by a 12-yard touchdown run by Burns.
Strachan mused, “We thought it was very important to come back and answer it and our kids did. They made some big plays on that drive.”
The Panthers came back again with a touchdown on the opening play of the fourth quarter on a one-yard sneak by quarterback Nick Zucco (11-27, 103 yards and 16 carries, 53 yards), his second of the night. After and Attleboro three and out, Franklin had a chance to make the game interesting, but Burns stepped up with his second pick of the night.
Franklin head coach Brad Sidwell was disappointed in the turnovers, but believed it was on the other side of the ball that the game was lost.
He remarked, “We did some good things and obviously we turned the ball over a little too much, but we were going to have to be perfect the way that our defense was playing, which was not very good.”
Sidwell added succinctly, “Attleboro did a good job and they’re a good team. They played better than us tonight.”
Junior running back Damon Belin would finish off the Panthers with a 43-yard touchdown run (his first for the varsity). Belin had six carries for 82 yards, all in the second half. After throwing 15 times in the opening two quarters in Attleboro’s fast-paced spread offense, Walsh (14-20, 187 yards, 2 TD) only threw five times in the second half as the Bombardiers showed off the running game to burn the clock.
Walsh was enthusiastic about the team’s ability to mix things up on offense. He explained, “When we’re throwing the ball, we’re gaining yards, they’re not expecting the run. When we get the run going –- a two-way attack you just can’t stop it.”
Tom Burns earned praise from both his coach and quarterback for his performance on both sides of the ball against the Panthers. Although only listed at 5-foot-7 and 155 pounds, Burns was regularly taking on bigger receivers and tacklers. It was his interception with just fewer than three minutes remaining that iced it for Attleboro.
“He’s a great leader for us,” said Strachan. “Huge plays, I mean, those picks were at critical moments for in the game and the touchdown… he broke three tackles to get in. It was a very good run; [he’s a] very good player.”
Walsh agreed, “He brings a ton of energy. He’s a real tough kid and no matter what he’s going to be out there. It’s just great having a real tough kid on your team giving 100 percent.”
The Attleboro coaching staff was pleased with the performance.
“I think it was really a great team effort,” said Strachan. “Granted, we’re still looking to make improvements, but that was a good win for us.”
Thanks to a pair of touchdown tosses from quarterback Tim Walsh, three interceptions from senior Tom Burns, and strong running game, Attleboro (3-0) earned its first league win of the season 37-20 over the visiting Franklin Panthers.
“This is a great start to the Hockomock League,” said Walsh afterwards. “There’s a bunch of great teams in here so it’s great to get rolling.”
Head coach Mike Strachan remarked, “We’re improving. That’s a very good football team, very well coached, so that’s a good start to the season.”
Attleboro jumped out to a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter on a pair of touchdown passes by Tim Walsh, one to big tight end Luke Morrison and the other to running back Brandon Clark. Franklin looked to get momentum back on a six-yard touchdown run by Chris Roche, only to have Patrick Dunn snag a low snap on the extra point attempt and race 85 yards for two points for the Bombardiers.
Strachan called it a critical turning point for his team.
“That’s a four-point touchdown,” he explained. “That was a critical moment for us, I think. We tell our kids to finish every play and it shows. When you look at what that meant early in the game, it was a very big play.”
Attleboro got possession back leading 16-6 and proceeded to march 64 yards in nine plays for another score. Senior captain Dave Duquette punched it in from six yards to extend the lead before halftime.
Franklin came out of halftime intent on getting back into the game. The Panthers took the opening possession all the way for a score. It was an impressive 13-play, 63-yard drive that cut the lead to just 10 points. But, once again, the momentum lasted only a couple of minutes. Attleboro responded with a 13-play, 80-yard drive of its own, finished by a 12-yard touchdown run by Burns.
Strachan mused, “We thought it was very important to come back and answer it and our kids did. They made some big plays on that drive.”
The Panthers came back again with a touchdown on the opening play of the fourth quarter on a one-yard sneak by quarterback Nick Zucco (11-27, 103 yards and 16 carries, 53 yards), his second of the night. After and Attleboro three and out, Franklin had a chance to make the game interesting, but Burns stepped up with his second pick of the night.
Franklin head coach Brad Sidwell was disappointed in the turnovers, but believed it was on the other side of the ball that the game was lost.
He remarked, “We did some good things and obviously we turned the ball over a little too much, but we were going to have to be perfect the way that our defense was playing, which was not very good.”
Sidwell added succinctly, “Attleboro did a good job and they’re a good team. They played better than us tonight.”
Junior running back Damon Belin would finish off the Panthers with a 43-yard touchdown run (his first for the varsity). Belin had six carries for 82 yards, all in the second half. After throwing 15 times in the opening two quarters in Attleboro’s fast-paced spread offense, Walsh (14-20, 187 yards, 2 TD) only threw five times in the second half as the Bombardiers showed off the running game to burn the clock.
Walsh was enthusiastic about the team’s ability to mix things up on offense. He explained, “When we’re throwing the ball, we’re gaining yards, they’re not expecting the run. When we get the run going –- a two-way attack you just can’t stop it.”
Tom Burns earned praise from both his coach and quarterback for his performance on both sides of the ball against the Panthers. Although only listed at 5-foot-7 and 155 pounds, Burns was regularly taking on bigger receivers and tacklers. It was his interception with just fewer than three minutes remaining that iced it for Attleboro.
“He’s a great leader for us,” said Strachan. “Huge plays, I mean, those picks were at critical moments for in the game and the touchdown… he broke three tackles to get in. It was a very good run; [he’s a] very good player.”
Walsh agreed, “He brings a ton of energy. He’s a real tough kid and no matter what he’s going to be out there. It’s just great having a real tough kid on your team giving 100 percent.”
The Attleboro coaching staff was pleased with the performance.
“I think it was really a great team effort,” said Strachan. “Granted, we’re still looking to make improvements, but that was a good win for us.”
Top 25
Barnstable 15, No. 1 Xaverian 14 | Video: Storming the field
No. 2 Mansfield 35, North Attleborough 14
No. 5 Springfield Central 49, Holyoke 0
No. 6 Leominster 41, Shepherd Hill 14
No. 7 Brockton 26, Catholic Memorial 12
No. 8 Natick 35, Wellesley 21
Arlington 17, No. 10 Reading 14
No. 13 Plymouth South 21, Plymouth North 14
No. 14 Central Catholic 26, Andover 7
No. 15 Westfield 35, Springfield Putnam 22
No. 16 Lowell 32, Billerica 6
No. 17 Tewksbury 34, North Andover 13
No. 18 Doherty 33, Tantasqua 7
No. 19 King Philip 41, Taunton 6
No. 20 Westwood 35, Medfield 7
No. 21 Cardinal Spellman 21, Archbishop Williams 7
No. 22 Needham 41, Newton North 12
No. 23 Attleboro 37, Franklin 20
No. 24 Nashoba 14, Wachusett 0
No. 25 Walpole 48, Dedham 20
Acton-Boxborough 48, Westford Academy 24
Assabet 38, Nashoba Tech 6
Athol 22, Ludlow 6
Bishop Feehan 9, Martha’s Vineyard 6 (3 OT)
Bishop Fenwick 46, Arlington Catholic 14
Bishop Stang 8, Durfee 0
Bourne 30, Case 14
Burlington 41, Wilmington 7
Cambridge 28, Somerville 26
Concord-Carlisle 8, Bedford 7
Danvers 20, Peabody 14
Dartmouth 26, Apponequet 21
Dighton-Rehoboth 51, Wareham 6
Dover-Sherborn 35, Bellingham 19
Gardner 29, Quabbin 27
Gloucester 18, Beverly 14
Haverhill 26, Lawrence 12
Holliston 35, Hopkinton 26
Holy Name 47, Worcester South 20
Hudson 28, Westboro 27
Latin Academy 36, Boston English 16
Leicester 15, Bartlett 0
Lincoln-Sudbury 32, Newton South 7
Littleton 52, Murdock 6
Lynn Classical 41, Salem 14
Madison Park 22, East Boston 0
Malden 27, Malden Catholic 6
Manchester Essex 28, Georgetown 12
Marlborough 40, Groton-Dunstable 14
Marshfield 44, Falmouth 6
Masconomet 35, Saugus 14
Mashpee 14, Carver 8
McCann 42, Smith Voke 0
Medway 28, Norton 13
Millis-Hopedale 31, Ashland 6
Mohawk 44, Palmer 0
Monty Tech 22, Bay Path 21
Nauset 21, Dennis-Yarmouth 20
Newburyport 35, North Reading 7
North Middlesex 33, Algonquin 20
Norwell 34, Monomoy 8
Oakmont 28, Clinton 25
O’Bryant 32, Burke 16
Pioneer Valley 40, Dean Tech 14
Quaboag 31, Keefe Tech 6
Quincy 33, Whitman-Hanson 21
Seekonk 49, Fairhaven 14
Southbridge 24, Oxford 19
Springfield Cathedral 44, Mahar 26
Springfield Commerce 34, Amherst 20
Stoughton 41, Milford 20
Turners Falls 31, Frontier 8
Wahconah 24, Lee 0
Wakefield 17, Melrose 14 (OT)
Watertown 16, Stoneham 14
Wayland 33, Weston 13
West Boylston 20, Lunenburg 13
West Springfield 28, Minnechaug 14
Weymouth 39, Framingham 6
Woburn 27, Winchester 21
Barnstable 15, No. 1 Xaverian 14 | Video: Storming the field
No. 2 Mansfield 35, North Attleborough 14
No. 5 Springfield Central 49, Holyoke 0
No. 6 Leominster 41, Shepherd Hill 14
No. 7 Brockton 26, Catholic Memorial 12
No. 8 Natick 35, Wellesley 21
Arlington 17, No. 10 Reading 14
No. 13 Plymouth South 21, Plymouth North 14
No. 14 Central Catholic 26, Andover 7
No. 15 Westfield 35, Springfield Putnam 22
No. 16 Lowell 32, Billerica 6
No. 17 Tewksbury 34, North Andover 13
No. 18 Doherty 33, Tantasqua 7
No. 19 King Philip 41, Taunton 6
No. 20 Westwood 35, Medfield 7
No. 21 Cardinal Spellman 21, Archbishop Williams 7
No. 22 Needham 41, Newton North 12
No. 23 Attleboro 37, Franklin 20
No. 24 Nashoba 14, Wachusett 0
No. 25 Walpole 48, Dedham 20
Acton-Boxborough 48, Westford Academy 24
Assabet 38, Nashoba Tech 6
Athol 22, Ludlow 6
Bishop Feehan 9, Martha’s Vineyard 6 (3 OT)
Bishop Fenwick 46, Arlington Catholic 14
Bishop Stang 8, Durfee 0
Bourne 30, Case 14
Burlington 41, Wilmington 7
Cambridge 28, Somerville 26
Concord-Carlisle 8, Bedford 7
Danvers 20, Peabody 14
Dartmouth 26, Apponequet 21
Dighton-Rehoboth 51, Wareham 6
Dover-Sherborn 35, Bellingham 19
Gardner 29, Quabbin 27
Gloucester 18, Beverly 14
Haverhill 26, Lawrence 12
Holliston 35, Hopkinton 26
Holy Name 47, Worcester South 20
Hudson 28, Westboro 27
Latin Academy 36, Boston English 16
Leicester 15, Bartlett 0
Lincoln-Sudbury 32, Newton South 7
Littleton 52, Murdock 6
Lynn Classical 41, Salem 14
Madison Park 22, East Boston 0
Malden 27, Malden Catholic 6
Manchester Essex 28, Georgetown 12
Marlborough 40, Groton-Dunstable 14
Marshfield 44, Falmouth 6
Masconomet 35, Saugus 14
Mashpee 14, Carver 8
McCann 42, Smith Voke 0
Medway 28, Norton 13
Millis-Hopedale 31, Ashland 6
Mohawk 44, Palmer 0
Monty Tech 22, Bay Path 21
Nauset 21, Dennis-Yarmouth 20
Newburyport 35, North Reading 7
North Middlesex 33, Algonquin 20
Norwell 34, Monomoy 8
Oakmont 28, Clinton 25
O’Bryant 32, Burke 16
Pioneer Valley 40, Dean Tech 14
Quaboag 31, Keefe Tech 6
Quincy 33, Whitman-Hanson 21
Seekonk 49, Fairhaven 14
Southbridge 24, Oxford 19
Springfield Cathedral 44, Mahar 26
Springfield Commerce 34, Amherst 20
Stoughton 41, Milford 20
Turners Falls 31, Frontier 8
Wahconah 24, Lee 0
Wakefield 17, Melrose 14 (OT)
Watertown 16, Stoneham 14
Wayland 33, Weston 13
West Boylston 20, Lunenburg 13
West Springfield 28, Minnechaug 14
Weymouth 39, Framingham 6
Woburn 27, Winchester 21
Week 4 of the high school football season has arrived. We’ll have reporters at the biggest games on the slate and will update scores from these and other contests from around the state tonight in the live blog below. To have your say, tweet using the #RoadToGillette hashtag and your updates/reactions will be included in the chat.
New Hampshire Week 4 football preview
September, 27, 2013
Sep 27
11:47
AM ET
By Roger Brown | ESPNBoston.com
It's usually a big deal when the Plymouth Regional and Trinity football teams meet on the field, and Saturday night's contest will be no exception.
Two of the last four meetings between Trinity and Plymouth came in the Division IV championship game. The two others were regular-season games that ended up determining the No. 1 seed (and home-field advantage) for the playoffs.
Each team is now in Division II, and each will enter Saturday's matchup at Manchester's Gill Stadium (4:30 p.m.) with a 3-0 record. Monadnock (3-0) and St. Thomas (3-0) are the only other unbeaten teams in Division II.
“They're outstanding on offense and defense,” Plymouth coach Chuck Lenahan said when asked about Trinity. “A lot of people have stepped up for us. We're getting a little better (defensively) every game. I think turnovers could be a big, big factor in this one.”
Plymouth beat Trinity, 7-0, in last year's championship game. Trinity defeated Plymouth, 30-14, in the 2011 championship game.
“They're a well-coached team with a ton of good athletes,” Trinity coach Steve Burns said. “They're very, very good, and very, very big. They're solid on both sides of the ball, and their skill kids are fantastic. We have our work cut out for us.”
Trinity has outscored it opponents 130-63 this season. Plymouth has surrendered seven points in its last two games and has outscored its three opponents 131-36.
“I think they were bigger and more physical last year,” Lenahan said. “They have more speed and a lot more finesse this year. After Saturday we won't have to wonder how good we are.”
DIVISION I
Saturday night's game between Exeter (3-0) and Bishop Guertin (2-1) at Nashua's Stellos Stadium is this weekend's marquee matchup in Division I.
These two programs were the class of Division II until Exeter moved to Division I following the 2009 season. The Blue Hawks and Cardinals met in the Division II championship game seven times from 1997 to 2008. BG won four of those seven meetings.
BG, which is in its first season at the Division I level, has won two in a row since opening the season with a one-point loss to Winnacunnet. Exeter received a scare from Winnacunnet last weekend, but prevailed, 35-34, when Winnacunnet missed a point-after attempt in overtime.
The rivalry game between Londonderry (2-1) and Pinkerton Academy (2-1) is another noteworthy Division I contest this weekend. The game is part of Mack Placque weekend, the athletic rivalry between the two schools that is contested each fall.
The teams will meet Saturday night (6:45 p.m.) in Derry.
DIVISION III
When the NHIAA chose to reduce the number of football divisions in the state from six to three earlier this year, it also altered the playoff format in each division. There are four conferences in each division, and two teams from each conference will qualify for postseason play.
Some have been critical of the playoff format since it may not allow deserving teams to make the playoffs. If the three best teams in a division happen to come from the same conference, one of those teams will not be in the eight-team playoff field.
That scenario could play out in Division III South, which is clearly the strongest conference in that division. Pelham (3-0) and Campbell (2-0) – the only unbeaten teams in that division – both compete in Division III South, which also includes Bow (2-1) and Somersworth (1-2). Although Somersworth is off to a slow start, there are coaches who insist the Toppers are capable of beating anyone in the division.
Somersworth can prove it is playoff material when it faces Campbell on Saturday in Somersworth.
UNION LEADER/WGIR/WMUR POWER POLL
1. Exeter (3-0)
2. Concord (3-0)
3. Bedford (3-0)
4. Nashua South (3-0)
5. Pinkerton (2-1)
6. Winnacunnet (2-1)
7. Trinity (3-0)
8. Bishop Guertin (2-1)
9. Plymouth (3-0)
10 (tie). Londonderry (2-1)
10 (tie). Portsmouth (2-1)
10 (tie). Spaulding (2-1)
Two of the last four meetings between Trinity and Plymouth came in the Division IV championship game. The two others were regular-season games that ended up determining the No. 1 seed (and home-field advantage) for the playoffs.
Each team is now in Division II, and each will enter Saturday's matchup at Manchester's Gill Stadium (4:30 p.m.) with a 3-0 record. Monadnock (3-0) and St. Thomas (3-0) are the only other unbeaten teams in Division II.
“They're outstanding on offense and defense,” Plymouth coach Chuck Lenahan said when asked about Trinity. “A lot of people have stepped up for us. We're getting a little better (defensively) every game. I think turnovers could be a big, big factor in this one.”
Plymouth beat Trinity, 7-0, in last year's championship game. Trinity defeated Plymouth, 30-14, in the 2011 championship game.
“They're a well-coached team with a ton of good athletes,” Trinity coach Steve Burns said. “They're very, very good, and very, very big. They're solid on both sides of the ball, and their skill kids are fantastic. We have our work cut out for us.”
Trinity has outscored it opponents 130-63 this season. Plymouth has surrendered seven points in its last two games and has outscored its three opponents 131-36.
“I think they were bigger and more physical last year,” Lenahan said. “They have more speed and a lot more finesse this year. After Saturday we won't have to wonder how good we are.”
DIVISION I
Saturday night's game between Exeter (3-0) and Bishop Guertin (2-1) at Nashua's Stellos Stadium is this weekend's marquee matchup in Division I.
These two programs were the class of Division II until Exeter moved to Division I following the 2009 season. The Blue Hawks and Cardinals met in the Division II championship game seven times from 1997 to 2008. BG won four of those seven meetings.
BG, which is in its first season at the Division I level, has won two in a row since opening the season with a one-point loss to Winnacunnet. Exeter received a scare from Winnacunnet last weekend, but prevailed, 35-34, when Winnacunnet missed a point-after attempt in overtime.
The rivalry game between Londonderry (2-1) and Pinkerton Academy (2-1) is another noteworthy Division I contest this weekend. The game is part of Mack Placque weekend, the athletic rivalry between the two schools that is contested each fall.
The teams will meet Saturday night (6:45 p.m.) in Derry.
DIVISION III
When the NHIAA chose to reduce the number of football divisions in the state from six to three earlier this year, it also altered the playoff format in each division. There are four conferences in each division, and two teams from each conference will qualify for postseason play.
Some have been critical of the playoff format since it may not allow deserving teams to make the playoffs. If the three best teams in a division happen to come from the same conference, one of those teams will not be in the eight-team playoff field.
That scenario could play out in Division III South, which is clearly the strongest conference in that division. Pelham (3-0) and Campbell (2-0) – the only unbeaten teams in that division – both compete in Division III South, which also includes Bow (2-1) and Somersworth (1-2). Although Somersworth is off to a slow start, there are coaches who insist the Toppers are capable of beating anyone in the division.
Somersworth can prove it is playoff material when it faces Campbell on Saturday in Somersworth.
UNION LEADER/WGIR/WMUR POWER POLL
1. Exeter (3-0)
2. Concord (3-0)
3. Bedford (3-0)
4. Nashua South (3-0)
5. Pinkerton (2-1)
6. Winnacunnet (2-1)
7. Trinity (3-0)
8. Bishop Guertin (2-1)
9. Plymouth (3-0)
10 (tie). Londonderry (2-1)
10 (tie). Portsmouth (2-1)
10 (tie). Spaulding (2-1)
No. 19 KING PHILIP (2-0) at TAUNTON (2-0), Friday 4 p.m.
Scott Barboza: I’ve gone on record saying I believe the Tigers will knock off one of the Kelley-Rex’s big three this season; I just don’t think it will happen this week against a stout, disciplined stable of Warriors linebackers. KP, 28-27.
Brendan Hall: It’s tough to prepare for such a unique offense as Taunton’s in six days, but this is a matchup I feel favors the KP linebacking corps, which is among the best in Division 2 between Joe Johnston and Brett McEvoy. KP, 24-14.
No. 13 PLYMOUTH SOUTH (2-0) at PLYMOUTH NORTH (2-1), Friday 4 p.m.
Barboza: When you have a Thanksgiving rivalry, or a late-September rivalry as this might be, you can throw records out the window. But nobody stops Dylan Oxsen; you can only hope to contain him. Plymouth South, 16-14.
Hall: Much like the Atlantic Coast League as a whole, I’m not sure what direction this game will go. But this much is certain: Dylan Oxsen is going to give the fans their money’s worth. Plymouth South, 17-10.
No. 1 XAVERIAN (2-0) at BARNSTABLE (1-1), Friday 6 p.m.
Barboza: Ding-dong the curse is dead. Xaverian, 30-20.
Hall: Barnstable coach Chris Whidden dialed up a pretty crafty game plan to take down BC High a week ago. Let’s see what else he has up his sleeve against a similar but more talented Xaverian squad. Xaverian, 21-12.
No. 14 CENTRAL CATHOLIC (2-1) at ANDOVER (1-1), Friday 7 p.m.
Barboza: Bucking conventional MVC wisdom, I think this actually will become a stingy defensive struggle. Central, 14-13.
Hall: This one has potential to be high scoring, if the first three weeks are any indication, but I like Central’s defense to close the fourth quarter strong and keep its archrival’s offense in first gear. Central Catholic, 30-20.
FRANKLIN (1-1) at No. 23 ATTLEBORO (2-0), Friday 7 p.m.
Barboza: With the clip at which the Blue Bombardiers have been scoring and with the Panthers’ spread attack coming to town, expect some offensive fireworks. Attleboro, 35-28.
Hall: The Blue Bombardiers have looked flammable thus far, averaging 38 points per game and allowing just three points per game defensively behind a massive, immobilizing front four. If they win out here, time to start taking them seriously. Attleboro, 31-19.
SPRINGFIELD PUTNAM (1-1) at No. 15 WESTFIELD (2-0), Friday 7 p.m.
Barboza: This Bombers ground game isn’t about to be stopped any time soon. Westfield, 42-34.
Hall: Nice start to the season for Putnam, but a hiccup against Minnechaug plus this week’s monster test from Westfield’s vaunted triple option will bring the Beavers back to earth. We’ve labeled Springfield Central the favorite in D2 West, but I’m wondering whether this is going to be a two-horse race. Westfield, 35-20.
No. 6 LEOMINSTER (2-0) at SHEPHERD HILL (2-0), Friday 7 p.m.
Barboza: The Blue Devils’ results aren’t always pretty, but they are almost always effective. Leominster, 28-21.
Hall: Leominster brilliantly countered Lowell’s “blur” offense with a newly installed double wing, sustaining long drives and eating up a ton of clock to keep the Raiders’ offense off the field. Shepherd Hill has found much success the past few years with its own double wing. I doubt we’ll see Leominster go with the same strategy, but there are a lot of chess pieces to be moved in this game. Leominster, 21-12.
AUBURN (2-1) at NORTHBRIDGE (1-1), Saturday 1:30 p.m.
Barboza: Kind of a hit-or-miss battle here, with both teams pulling a little bit of Jekyll and Hyde in the early going. Northbridge, 27-23.
Hall: Contrasting styles battling here, and while Mark Wright has filled the tailback void nicely in Auburn, I think Northbridge can win the all-important battle at the point of attack. Northbridge, 26-16.
No. 4 EVERETT (1-1) at No. 3 ST. JOHN’S PREP (2-1), Saturday
Barboza: This smells like a ball-control, whichever-team-has-the-rock-last kind of affair. Prep, 27-20.
Hall: For all the good it has done in the ground game behind Johnny “Tecmo Bowl” Thomas, Prep has yet to face a matchup as unique as Josh Palmer, Everett’s one-man submarine at defensive tackle. Do they double him? Chip him? Or do they let him release off the line unblocked, then read him? Interesting equation to solve here. Everett, 25-20.
ST. SEBASTIAN’S (0-1) at ROXBURY LATIN (1-0), Saturday 2 p.m.
Barboza: Game 1 in the post-Mack Lowrie era was successful, but I just like the Arrows’ defense a little more. St. Seb’s, 24-21.
Hall: Boston College fans have to love this potential matchup between future Eagles Connor Strachan and Kevin Cohee. Wondering whether Strachan will spy Cohee at tight end and Cohee on Strachan at running back. Lots of unique athletes on display in this one. Roxbury Latin, 23-20.
POPE JOHN PAUL II (3-0) at BOSTON CATHEDRAL (3-0), Saturday 8 p.m. (at Madison Park)
Barboza: It might be a different result if this one were played a couple of weeks from now, but there’s a canonizing going on in the Catholic Central. PJP, 31-21.
Hall: Ryan Barabe is one of the more underrated quarterbacks across Eastern Mass., but Cathedral’s ground game will win out in what could be a high-scoring affair. Cathedral, 42-38.
GAME OF THE WEEK – NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH (2-0) at No. 2 MANSFIELD (2-0), Friday 7 p.m.
Barboza: The prospect of Kyle Hurley returning could be an X factor for the Hornets this week and beyond. Mansfield, 30-21.
Hall: It’s always been “next man up” at North Attleborough, so I think it will be able to overcome the serious ankle injury to Matt D’Attilio. But boy will this be a tall task to handle, trying to neutralize Mansfield’s unique offensive weapons. Mansfield, 27-21.
Last Week’s Picks:
Barboza: 8-4 (23-12 overall)
Hall: 8-4 (22-13 overall)
Scott Barboza: I’ve gone on record saying I believe the Tigers will knock off one of the Kelley-Rex’s big three this season; I just don’t think it will happen this week against a stout, disciplined stable of Warriors linebackers. KP, 28-27.
Brendan Hall: It’s tough to prepare for such a unique offense as Taunton’s in six days, but this is a matchup I feel favors the KP linebacking corps, which is among the best in Division 2 between Joe Johnston and Brett McEvoy. KP, 24-14.
No. 13 PLYMOUTH SOUTH (2-0) at PLYMOUTH NORTH (2-1), Friday 4 p.m.
Barboza: When you have a Thanksgiving rivalry, or a late-September rivalry as this might be, you can throw records out the window. But nobody stops Dylan Oxsen; you can only hope to contain him. Plymouth South, 16-14.
Hall: Much like the Atlantic Coast League as a whole, I’m not sure what direction this game will go. But this much is certain: Dylan Oxsen is going to give the fans their money’s worth. Plymouth South, 17-10.
No. 1 XAVERIAN (2-0) at BARNSTABLE (1-1), Friday 6 p.m.
Barboza: Ding-dong the curse is dead. Xaverian, 30-20.
Hall: Barnstable coach Chris Whidden dialed up a pretty crafty game plan to take down BC High a week ago. Let’s see what else he has up his sleeve against a similar but more talented Xaverian squad. Xaverian, 21-12.
No. 14 CENTRAL CATHOLIC (2-1) at ANDOVER (1-1), Friday 7 p.m.
Barboza: Bucking conventional MVC wisdom, I think this actually will become a stingy defensive struggle. Central, 14-13.
Hall: This one has potential to be high scoring, if the first three weeks are any indication, but I like Central’s defense to close the fourth quarter strong and keep its archrival’s offense in first gear. Central Catholic, 30-20.
FRANKLIN (1-1) at No. 23 ATTLEBORO (2-0), Friday 7 p.m.
Barboza: With the clip at which the Blue Bombardiers have been scoring and with the Panthers’ spread attack coming to town, expect some offensive fireworks. Attleboro, 35-28.
Hall: The Blue Bombardiers have looked flammable thus far, averaging 38 points per game and allowing just three points per game defensively behind a massive, immobilizing front four. If they win out here, time to start taking them seriously. Attleboro, 31-19.
SPRINGFIELD PUTNAM (1-1) at No. 15 WESTFIELD (2-0), Friday 7 p.m.
Barboza: This Bombers ground game isn’t about to be stopped any time soon. Westfield, 42-34.
Hall: Nice start to the season for Putnam, but a hiccup against Minnechaug plus this week’s monster test from Westfield’s vaunted triple option will bring the Beavers back to earth. We’ve labeled Springfield Central the favorite in D2 West, but I’m wondering whether this is going to be a two-horse race. Westfield, 35-20.
No. 6 LEOMINSTER (2-0) at SHEPHERD HILL (2-0), Friday 7 p.m.
Barboza: The Blue Devils’ results aren’t always pretty, but they are almost always effective. Leominster, 28-21.
Hall: Leominster brilliantly countered Lowell’s “blur” offense with a newly installed double wing, sustaining long drives and eating up a ton of clock to keep the Raiders’ offense off the field. Shepherd Hill has found much success the past few years with its own double wing. I doubt we’ll see Leominster go with the same strategy, but there are a lot of chess pieces to be moved in this game. Leominster, 21-12.
AUBURN (2-1) at NORTHBRIDGE (1-1), Saturday 1:30 p.m.
Barboza: Kind of a hit-or-miss battle here, with both teams pulling a little bit of Jekyll and Hyde in the early going. Northbridge, 27-23.
Hall: Contrasting styles battling here, and while Mark Wright has filled the tailback void nicely in Auburn, I think Northbridge can win the all-important battle at the point of attack. Northbridge, 26-16.
No. 4 EVERETT (1-1) at No. 3 ST. JOHN’S PREP (2-1), Saturday
Barboza: This smells like a ball-control, whichever-team-has-the-rock-last kind of affair. Prep, 27-20.
Hall: For all the good it has done in the ground game behind Johnny “Tecmo Bowl” Thomas, Prep has yet to face a matchup as unique as Josh Palmer, Everett’s one-man submarine at defensive tackle. Do they double him? Chip him? Or do they let him release off the line unblocked, then read him? Interesting equation to solve here. Everett, 25-20.
ST. SEBASTIAN’S (0-1) at ROXBURY LATIN (1-0), Saturday 2 p.m.
Barboza: Game 1 in the post-Mack Lowrie era was successful, but I just like the Arrows’ defense a little more. St. Seb’s, 24-21.
Hall: Boston College fans have to love this potential matchup between future Eagles Connor Strachan and Kevin Cohee. Wondering whether Strachan will spy Cohee at tight end and Cohee on Strachan at running back. Lots of unique athletes on display in this one. Roxbury Latin, 23-20.
POPE JOHN PAUL II (3-0) at BOSTON CATHEDRAL (3-0), Saturday 8 p.m. (at Madison Park)
Barboza: It might be a different result if this one were played a couple of weeks from now, but there’s a canonizing going on in the Catholic Central. PJP, 31-21.
Hall: Ryan Barabe is one of the more underrated quarterbacks across Eastern Mass., but Cathedral’s ground game will win out in what could be a high-scoring affair. Cathedral, 42-38.
GAME OF THE WEEK – NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH (2-0) at No. 2 MANSFIELD (2-0), Friday 7 p.m.
Barboza: The prospect of Kyle Hurley returning could be an X factor for the Hornets this week and beyond. Mansfield, 30-21.
Hall: It’s always been “next man up” at North Attleborough, so I think it will be able to overcome the serious ankle injury to Matt D’Attilio. But boy will this be a tall task to handle, trying to neutralize Mansfield’s unique offensive weapons. Mansfield, 27-21.
Last Week’s Picks:
Barboza: 8-4 (23-12 overall)
Hall: 8-4 (22-13 overall)
Frozen Fenway MIAA, ISL hockey dates announced
September, 26, 2013
Sep 26
4:32
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
On Thursday, we found out which MIAA and ISL hockey teams will be playing during this winter's Frozen Fenway event.
The Fenway Sports Group unveiled a MIAA tripleheader for New Year's Eve that will kick off with Boston Latin boys' hockey playing DCL/MVC rival Lincoln-Sudbury at 10:15 a.m. South Shore girls' hockey rivals Duxbury and Hingham will square off at 12:15 p.m.
That all leads to the premiere matchup in which three-time defending Super 8 champion Malden Catholic will tangle with Catholic Conference rival St. John's Prep at 2:30 p.m.
On Jan. 8, the focus shifts to ISL hockey with a full slate of four games.
St. Paul's and Governor's Academy girls will skate at 1:30 p.m. followed by three boys' games.
Brooks School and BB&N face off at 3:15 p.m., followed by Groton School and St. Mark's at 5:30 before Belmont Hill and St. Sebastian's close out the night at 7:45.
The Fenway Sports Group unveiled a MIAA tripleheader for New Year's Eve that will kick off with Boston Latin boys' hockey playing DCL/MVC rival Lincoln-Sudbury at 10:15 a.m. South Shore girls' hockey rivals Duxbury and Hingham will square off at 12:15 p.m.
That all leads to the premiere matchup in which three-time defending Super 8 champion Malden Catholic will tangle with Catholic Conference rival St. John's Prep at 2:30 p.m.
On Jan. 8, the focus shifts to ISL hockey with a full slate of four games.
St. Paul's and Governor's Academy girls will skate at 1:30 p.m. followed by three boys' games.
Brooks School and BB&N face off at 3:15 p.m., followed by Groton School and St. Mark's at 5:30 before Belmont Hill and St. Sebastian's close out the night at 7:45.
Roundtable: Bigger things to come for Xaverian?
September, 26, 2013
Sep 26
1:59
PM ET
By ESPNBoston.com
1. SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYED A MAJOR FACTOR IN XAVERIAN'S 49-13 DRUBBING OF BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM, RETURNING TWO BLOCKED PUNTS FOR TOUCHDOWNSW, BUT A.J. KING (2 TDs) DIDN'T HAVE A BAD DAY EITHER. IS THIS XAVERIAN SQUAD CAPABLE OF ROUTINELY PUTTING UP BIG NUMBERS?
Brendan Hall, ESPN Boston High Schools Editor: If this were 2012, or any other recent year for that matter, I would lean towards labeling that game an anomaly. Xaverian squads typically aren't known for blowing up the scoreboard, instead moving the chains rather steadily behind a conservative multiple offense and relying on change-of-pace backs to grind out the tough yardage. I've been in this for 10 years, and this year's Xaverian team feels like one of the more unpredictable squads that I can recall. And when I say that, I mean you just don't know that they're going to throw at you. Certainly, Jake Farrell brings about an escapeability intangible they typically haven't had with quarterbacks, and there is some promising sophomore talent.
By the way, whoever the special teams coach is at Xaverian, give that man a raise. If you think the B-R game was an aberration, ask the BB&N coaches how their scrimmage with the Hawks went.
Scott Barboza, ESPN Boston High Schools editor: I know we all thought the Hawks’ defense would be ahead of the offense entering the season, but this looks like a much-improved group thus far. I like the one-two punch Shayne Kaminski and Noah Sorrento provide in the backfield. They have some legit targets in the passing game with King and D.J. Sperzel and Jake Farrell has looked great at quarterback. If the offensive line keeps creating holes and pass protecting the way they have in the first two weeks, I don’t foresee a slowdown.
John McGuirk, ESPN Boston correspondent: With the talent Xaverian has they should continue to put up decent numbers. They have four 'big' games left on the schedule in Barnstable, Brockton, BC High and St. John's Prep. All four of those programs are outstanding but all have issues on defense as well which should work in the Hawks' favor.
2. NASHOBA OWNS THE STATE'S LONGEST ACTIVE WIN STREAK (28 GAMES), BUT TWO TOUGH OPPONENTS LAY AHEAD IN WACHUSETT AND ST. JOHN'S OF SHREWSBURY. DO YOU SEE THE CHIEFTAINS MAKING IT TO 30 STRAIGHT?
Hall: Wachusett matches up evenly on paper with Nashoba, but watch out for St. John's. Andrew Smiley is heating up (380 passing yards the last six quarters), and the running game seems to be hitting a groove with St. Louis transplant Shane Combs taking over the feature role. The "blur" offense is a whirlwind to handle when all is going right, and you always have to watch where Davon Jones lines up. I see the Pioneers stopping Nashoba's streak at 29.
Barboza: I think it’ll end at No. 29. The Chieftains will get by Wachusett, but I think the Pioneers’ athletes, particularly on the perimeter, will prove too much to handle.
McGuirk: I see Nashoba reaching 30 straight wins. Wachusett is going through a down year, having already lost to St. Peter-Marian and Fitchburg. And what has been noted many times, St. John's biggest weakness the last couple of seasons has been its porous defense and inability to make tackles consistently. If you look past those next two games, the Chieftains will face a pair of unbeatens (Marlborough and Leominster). That is where the streak could possibly come to a close.
3. BETWEEN THE SUPERB STARTS FROM BROCKTON, TAUNTON, TEWKSBURY AND WESTFIELD, THE TRIPLE OPTION IS MAKING A COMEBACK. WHICH TEAM RUNS IT BEST?
Hall: It's tough to argue against Westfield's ridiculous numbers -- there are running backs that will go a whole season not putting up as many rushing yards as the Bombers have their first two games of the season. But it's hard to argue against Brockton's talent. Aaron LeClair and Jamal Williams get to the perimeter quick, and the Boxers can steamroll you inside with counters and dives. All four of these teams have a dynamic playmaker in the backfield -- LeClair, Tewksbury's Eddie Matovu, Westfield's Ben Geschwind and Taunton's Domingo Jenkins -- but I will give Brockton the edge here because of what they have in the trenches. Aaron Monteiro, the Boxers' prized prospect at 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, is a road grader at left guard with a pretty high ceiling.
Barboza: As of right now, I don’t see how you can argue with Westfield. The Bombers are running roughshod over opponents behind senior fullback Ben Geschwind. After running for 348 yards and six touchdowns as a team during last week's 49-20 win over West Springfield, Westfield has scored 109 points in two games, with Geschwind averaging more than 150 yards per game.
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com: I can’t say whether or not Taunton runs it better than other teams in the state, but I can say that the Tigers do make it look fun. With Gerald Cortijo and Steven Harrison giving star back Domingo Jenkins some help in the backfield, the Tigers have speedy and shifty runners. It’s almost enough to make you forget just how good the ground game would have been without Jamal Williams’ move to Brockton. Taunton’s ability to run the triple option will of course get a much tougher test this week against King Philip and its strong defense, but the Tigers are unique among the other Hockomock teams and it can be fun to watch.
McGuirk: The way Westfield is dominating the competition (109 points in two games), I would say the the triple option is working best for them. They have the right personnel to execute it and coach Bill Moore is very good at putting the right players in place to keep it rolling effectively, especially his tandem of Ben Geschwind and Jake Toomey, who are both averaging over 10 yards-per-carry.
4. TWO OF THE MERRIMACK VALLEY CONFERENCE'S BEST SQUADS, CENTRAL CATHOLIC AND LOWELL, SURRENDERED A COMBINED 73 POINTS AGAINST NON-LEAGUE TOP 10 OPPONENTS LAST WEEKEND. ARE WE HEADED FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF HIGH SCORES IN THE MVC?
Hall: Tough to tell, because Tewksbury has more than pulled its weight in the defensive end so far. If there's one team that can avoid track meets, it's the Redmen. Everyone else, good luck. We anointed the MVC "Death By 1,000 Shallow Crosses" a year ago, and with the amount of spread offense and no-huddle tempo deployed in this league, we could very well be in for another season of Wild West scores.
Barboza: I'd take my chances with the defensive units of Andover, Central Catholic, Lowell and Tewksbury against just about any offense in the state, but what comes into play in the MVC is the teams' offensive style of play. With so many teams in its ranks adopting the spread offense, the big numbers put up seemingly on a weekly basis are more a function of the pace of the game, with shortened drives as opposed to rushing-oriented, ball-control styles of play. But as long as MVC teams continue to live and die by the sword (or the spread), I think we'll continue to see some lopsided numbers.
Mike Abelson, ESPN Boston correspondent: Yes and no. Central and Lowell, when the blur is working as advertised, can drop basketball scores on lesser teams because of the athletic talent. That being said, through three weeks there are only two MVC teams averaging 30 or more points. Central is one, and the other, North Andover, hasn't won a game. The only two remaining undefeated teams, Tewksbury and Methuen, are averaging 27 and 18 points a game, respectively, and winning games without all the flash and dash of putting up buckets of points. Yes, the MVC will have it's share of high-scoring contests (I'll put the over/under for Central-Chelmsford at 90.5), but it won't consistently translate to W's.
5. AFTER A ROUGH FIRST WEEK, HAS BARNSTABLE FIGURED IT OUT? CAN THEY KNOCK OFF NO. 1 XAVERIAN?
Hall: I feel like this is a sneaky good matchup. Let's not forget Barnstable was our preseason No. 12 before getting shell-shocked by Dennis-Yarmouth in the opening weekend. There is talent, between versatile athlete Hayden Murphy, shutdown corner Derek Estes and elusive scatback Justus Chafee.
Defensively, Barnstable typically likes to stretch vertically and keep everything in front of them, which can be a bad matchup against spread teams like Dennis-Yarmouth. Last week against BC High, they looked like they cleaned up a lot of their mistakes. Xaverian's offense, while a bit more creative, has some similarities to BC High's. Going the other way, the Red Raiders use some funky misdirection in the run game to prevent linebackers from filling gaps. On their first touchdown against BC, for instance, a receiver backpedaled off the line of scrimmage, feigning a bubble screen, putting several defenders on their heels as Chafee came up the gut on a zone read.
That kind of stuff can keep even the best defenses on their toes. Expect some fireworks, and some dynamic playcalling, in this one.
Barboza: This is a yes-and-no proposition to me. I think the Raiders righted ship after an embarrassing loss to Cape rival Dennis-Yarmouth in Week 1, going on the road to beat another Catholic Conference foe in BC High. But I think Barnstable would need to play a near perfect game, while forcing the Hawks into some turnovers in order to make it four straight defeats of an ESPN Boston No. 1 squad. I'm not saying it will not be a close game, I just like Xaverian a little bit more.
Perry: In a preseason roundtable, I said that Barnstable was a team that was getting overlooked because of the players that it lost from last year. I’ll stick by that and say that the Raiders give Xaverian a run for their money. The No. 1 ranking has been more of an albatross than an honor this year, so I’ll say that Barnstable has a good chance of causing the Hawks problems.
McGuirk: Barnstable is good but Xaverian is playing with a lot of confidence, especially following the huge win over B-R last week. The Hawks should take care of the Red Raiders who gave up 37 points to D-Y in Week One but did bounce back nicely last week against BC High.
Abelson: In Hayden Murphy I trust. In the ESPN Boston poll curse I believe. Barnstable, 27-21.
6. THE HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE'S KELLY-REX DIVISION MIGHT BE THE STATE'S MOST UNPREDICTABLE RACE THIS FALL. AS LEAGUE PLAY OPENS UP THIS WEEK, PROJECT YOUR CHAMPION AND DARK HORSE.
Hall: Mansfield was the prohibitive favorite in most minds heading into the season, and so far they've done little to suggest otherwise. Consider that nearly three weeks out from their shocking upset of Dunbar (Md.), the Hornets are still without five starters. They're already a dynamic offense, between quarterback Kyle Wisnieski, 6-foot-5 flex tight end Brendan Hill, and space-carving tailback Miguel Villar-Perez. Hard to go against that.
For dark horses, I like Attleboro. I think it's understated how big their line is, particularly at defensive tackle, and there are plenty of weapons on offense between quarterback Tim Walsh, tight end Luke Morrison and receiver Brendan Massey. This program has long been a sleeping giant, and new coach Mike Strachan has re-awakened those sentiments.
Barboza: All along, I've penciled in Mansfield as the team to beat in the Kelley-Rex. I believe they had the most complete group of talent on either side of the ball, and also had the most upside. The scary part is that, due to injury, the Hornets might not have yet hit their apogee and will continue to strengthen as the season progresses.
Now, for the sleeper, I know we've talked up Attleboro up a lot in the early going -- to the point that I really think they're a threat in Division 1 South. Seeing that the Blue Bombardiers are for real in the first two weeks of the season, I'm going to go with Taunton. I don't think Chris Greding has gotten enough credit for the job he's done turning around the Tigers program in short order. Of course, an infusion of talent led by Domingo Jenkins helps, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if Taunton knocks off one of the Hock's "Big Three" -- King Philip, Mansfield, North Attleborough -- at some point this season.
Perry: The favorite heading into the Hockomock League season is defending champions Mansfield and its new spread attack that takes advantage of its great weapons like senior quarterback Kyle Wisnieski and junior tight end Brendan Hill. Attleboro has gotten a lot of hype from media, me included, in the preseason as a sleeper in the Hock. A new coaching staff, a new field, and new schemes on both sides of the ball have made the Bombardiers a much more confident crew and better utilize the weapons that it has. The Bombardiers were only a few mental mistakes from beating Mansfield last season and Tim Walsh is on fire running the spread formation – watch out for Attleboro. Of course, watch out for KP, Franklin, and North Attleborough, too. It really is up for grabs
McGuirk: The Kelly-Rex Division is solid with four teams still unbeaten (Mansfield, Attleboro, North Attleboro and Taunton). When it is all said and done. I believe it will come down to Mansfield and North Attleborough for the title because of their high-octane offenses. Attleboro has to be considered the darkhorse here because of its stingy defense which could carry them through. It will be interesting to watch all four of these team beat up one another during the season and see who survives.
Brendan Hall, ESPN Boston High Schools Editor: If this were 2012, or any other recent year for that matter, I would lean towards labeling that game an anomaly. Xaverian squads typically aren't known for blowing up the scoreboard, instead moving the chains rather steadily behind a conservative multiple offense and relying on change-of-pace backs to grind out the tough yardage. I've been in this for 10 years, and this year's Xaverian team feels like one of the more unpredictable squads that I can recall. And when I say that, I mean you just don't know that they're going to throw at you. Certainly, Jake Farrell brings about an escapeability intangible they typically haven't had with quarterbacks, and there is some promising sophomore talent.
By the way, whoever the special teams coach is at Xaverian, give that man a raise. If you think the B-R game was an aberration, ask the BB&N coaches how their scrimmage with the Hawks went.
Scott Barboza, ESPN Boston High Schools editor: I know we all thought the Hawks’ defense would be ahead of the offense entering the season, but this looks like a much-improved group thus far. I like the one-two punch Shayne Kaminski and Noah Sorrento provide in the backfield. They have some legit targets in the passing game with King and D.J. Sperzel and Jake Farrell has looked great at quarterback. If the offensive line keeps creating holes and pass protecting the way they have in the first two weeks, I don’t foresee a slowdown.
John McGuirk, ESPN Boston correspondent: With the talent Xaverian has they should continue to put up decent numbers. They have four 'big' games left on the schedule in Barnstable, Brockton, BC High and St. John's Prep. All four of those programs are outstanding but all have issues on defense as well which should work in the Hawks' favor.
2. NASHOBA OWNS THE STATE'S LONGEST ACTIVE WIN STREAK (28 GAMES), BUT TWO TOUGH OPPONENTS LAY AHEAD IN WACHUSETT AND ST. JOHN'S OF SHREWSBURY. DO YOU SEE THE CHIEFTAINS MAKING IT TO 30 STRAIGHT?
Hall: Wachusett matches up evenly on paper with Nashoba, but watch out for St. John's. Andrew Smiley is heating up (380 passing yards the last six quarters), and the running game seems to be hitting a groove with St. Louis transplant Shane Combs taking over the feature role. The "blur" offense is a whirlwind to handle when all is going right, and you always have to watch where Davon Jones lines up. I see the Pioneers stopping Nashoba's streak at 29.
Barboza: I think it’ll end at No. 29. The Chieftains will get by Wachusett, but I think the Pioneers’ athletes, particularly on the perimeter, will prove too much to handle.
McGuirk: I see Nashoba reaching 30 straight wins. Wachusett is going through a down year, having already lost to St. Peter-Marian and Fitchburg. And what has been noted many times, St. John's biggest weakness the last couple of seasons has been its porous defense and inability to make tackles consistently. If you look past those next two games, the Chieftains will face a pair of unbeatens (Marlborough and Leominster). That is where the streak could possibly come to a close.
3. BETWEEN THE SUPERB STARTS FROM BROCKTON, TAUNTON, TEWKSBURY AND WESTFIELD, THE TRIPLE OPTION IS MAKING A COMEBACK. WHICH TEAM RUNS IT BEST?
Hall: It's tough to argue against Westfield's ridiculous numbers -- there are running backs that will go a whole season not putting up as many rushing yards as the Bombers have their first two games of the season. But it's hard to argue against Brockton's talent. Aaron LeClair and Jamal Williams get to the perimeter quick, and the Boxers can steamroll you inside with counters and dives. All four of these teams have a dynamic playmaker in the backfield -- LeClair, Tewksbury's Eddie Matovu, Westfield's Ben Geschwind and Taunton's Domingo Jenkins -- but I will give Brockton the edge here because of what they have in the trenches. Aaron Monteiro, the Boxers' prized prospect at 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, is a road grader at left guard with a pretty high ceiling.
Barboza: As of right now, I don’t see how you can argue with Westfield. The Bombers are running roughshod over opponents behind senior fullback Ben Geschwind. After running for 348 yards and six touchdowns as a team during last week's 49-20 win over West Springfield, Westfield has scored 109 points in two games, with Geschwind averaging more than 150 yards per game.
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com: I can’t say whether or not Taunton runs it better than other teams in the state, but I can say that the Tigers do make it look fun. With Gerald Cortijo and Steven Harrison giving star back Domingo Jenkins some help in the backfield, the Tigers have speedy and shifty runners. It’s almost enough to make you forget just how good the ground game would have been without Jamal Williams’ move to Brockton. Taunton’s ability to run the triple option will of course get a much tougher test this week against King Philip and its strong defense, but the Tigers are unique among the other Hockomock teams and it can be fun to watch.
McGuirk: The way Westfield is dominating the competition (109 points in two games), I would say the the triple option is working best for them. They have the right personnel to execute it and coach Bill Moore is very good at putting the right players in place to keep it rolling effectively, especially his tandem of Ben Geschwind and Jake Toomey, who are both averaging over 10 yards-per-carry.
4. TWO OF THE MERRIMACK VALLEY CONFERENCE'S BEST SQUADS, CENTRAL CATHOLIC AND LOWELL, SURRENDERED A COMBINED 73 POINTS AGAINST NON-LEAGUE TOP 10 OPPONENTS LAST WEEKEND. ARE WE HEADED FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF HIGH SCORES IN THE MVC?
Hall: Tough to tell, because Tewksbury has more than pulled its weight in the defensive end so far. If there's one team that can avoid track meets, it's the Redmen. Everyone else, good luck. We anointed the MVC "Death By 1,000 Shallow Crosses" a year ago, and with the amount of spread offense and no-huddle tempo deployed in this league, we could very well be in for another season of Wild West scores.
Barboza: I'd take my chances with the defensive units of Andover, Central Catholic, Lowell and Tewksbury against just about any offense in the state, but what comes into play in the MVC is the teams' offensive style of play. With so many teams in its ranks adopting the spread offense, the big numbers put up seemingly on a weekly basis are more a function of the pace of the game, with shortened drives as opposed to rushing-oriented, ball-control styles of play. But as long as MVC teams continue to live and die by the sword (or the spread), I think we'll continue to see some lopsided numbers.
Mike Abelson, ESPN Boston correspondent: Yes and no. Central and Lowell, when the blur is working as advertised, can drop basketball scores on lesser teams because of the athletic talent. That being said, through three weeks there are only two MVC teams averaging 30 or more points. Central is one, and the other, North Andover, hasn't won a game. The only two remaining undefeated teams, Tewksbury and Methuen, are averaging 27 and 18 points a game, respectively, and winning games without all the flash and dash of putting up buckets of points. Yes, the MVC will have it's share of high-scoring contests (I'll put the over/under for Central-Chelmsford at 90.5), but it won't consistently translate to W's.
5. AFTER A ROUGH FIRST WEEK, HAS BARNSTABLE FIGURED IT OUT? CAN THEY KNOCK OFF NO. 1 XAVERIAN?
Hall: I feel like this is a sneaky good matchup. Let's not forget Barnstable was our preseason No. 12 before getting shell-shocked by Dennis-Yarmouth in the opening weekend. There is talent, between versatile athlete Hayden Murphy, shutdown corner Derek Estes and elusive scatback Justus Chafee.
Defensively, Barnstable typically likes to stretch vertically and keep everything in front of them, which can be a bad matchup against spread teams like Dennis-Yarmouth. Last week against BC High, they looked like they cleaned up a lot of their mistakes. Xaverian's offense, while a bit more creative, has some similarities to BC High's. Going the other way, the Red Raiders use some funky misdirection in the run game to prevent linebackers from filling gaps. On their first touchdown against BC, for instance, a receiver backpedaled off the line of scrimmage, feigning a bubble screen, putting several defenders on their heels as Chafee came up the gut on a zone read.
That kind of stuff can keep even the best defenses on their toes. Expect some fireworks, and some dynamic playcalling, in this one.
Barboza: This is a yes-and-no proposition to me. I think the Raiders righted ship after an embarrassing loss to Cape rival Dennis-Yarmouth in Week 1, going on the road to beat another Catholic Conference foe in BC High. But I think Barnstable would need to play a near perfect game, while forcing the Hawks into some turnovers in order to make it four straight defeats of an ESPN Boston No. 1 squad. I'm not saying it will not be a close game, I just like Xaverian a little bit more.
Perry: In a preseason roundtable, I said that Barnstable was a team that was getting overlooked because of the players that it lost from last year. I’ll stick by that and say that the Raiders give Xaverian a run for their money. The No. 1 ranking has been more of an albatross than an honor this year, so I’ll say that Barnstable has a good chance of causing the Hawks problems.
McGuirk: Barnstable is good but Xaverian is playing with a lot of confidence, especially following the huge win over B-R last week. The Hawks should take care of the Red Raiders who gave up 37 points to D-Y in Week One but did bounce back nicely last week against BC High.
Abelson: In Hayden Murphy I trust. In the ESPN Boston poll curse I believe. Barnstable, 27-21.
6. THE HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE'S KELLY-REX DIVISION MIGHT BE THE STATE'S MOST UNPREDICTABLE RACE THIS FALL. AS LEAGUE PLAY OPENS UP THIS WEEK, PROJECT YOUR CHAMPION AND DARK HORSE.
Hall: Mansfield was the prohibitive favorite in most minds heading into the season, and so far they've done little to suggest otherwise. Consider that nearly three weeks out from their shocking upset of Dunbar (Md.), the Hornets are still without five starters. They're already a dynamic offense, between quarterback Kyle Wisnieski, 6-foot-5 flex tight end Brendan Hill, and space-carving tailback Miguel Villar-Perez. Hard to go against that.
For dark horses, I like Attleboro. I think it's understated how big their line is, particularly at defensive tackle, and there are plenty of weapons on offense between quarterback Tim Walsh, tight end Luke Morrison and receiver Brendan Massey. This program has long been a sleeping giant, and new coach Mike Strachan has re-awakened those sentiments.
Barboza: All along, I've penciled in Mansfield as the team to beat in the Kelley-Rex. I believe they had the most complete group of talent on either side of the ball, and also had the most upside. The scary part is that, due to injury, the Hornets might not have yet hit their apogee and will continue to strengthen as the season progresses.
Now, for the sleeper, I know we've talked up Attleboro up a lot in the early going -- to the point that I really think they're a threat in Division 1 South. Seeing that the Blue Bombardiers are for real in the first two weeks of the season, I'm going to go with Taunton. I don't think Chris Greding has gotten enough credit for the job he's done turning around the Tigers program in short order. Of course, an infusion of talent led by Domingo Jenkins helps, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if Taunton knocks off one of the Hock's "Big Three" -- King Philip, Mansfield, North Attleborough -- at some point this season.
Perry: The favorite heading into the Hockomock League season is defending champions Mansfield and its new spread attack that takes advantage of its great weapons like senior quarterback Kyle Wisnieski and junior tight end Brendan Hill. Attleboro has gotten a lot of hype from media, me included, in the preseason as a sleeper in the Hock. A new coaching staff, a new field, and new schemes on both sides of the ball have made the Bombardiers a much more confident crew and better utilize the weapons that it has. The Bombardiers were only a few mental mistakes from beating Mansfield last season and Tim Walsh is on fire running the spread formation – watch out for Attleboro. Of course, watch out for KP, Franklin, and North Attleborough, too. It really is up for grabs
McGuirk: The Kelly-Rex Division is solid with four teams still unbeaten (Mansfield, Attleboro, North Attleboro and Taunton). When it is all said and done. I believe it will come down to Mansfield and North Attleborough for the title because of their high-octane offenses. Attleboro has to be considered the darkhorse here because of its stingy defense which could carry them through. It will be interesting to watch all four of these team beat up one another during the season and see who survives.
Nearing the halfway point of MIAA football's regular season, we take time to take a closer look at some of the statewide playoff races in the latest edition of the ESPN Boston High Schools podcast.
Editors Scott Barboza and Brendan Hall take a look at the latest power rankings and some of the more intriguing front-runners, as well as their picks for Week 4.
Listen HERE.
Editors Scott Barboza and Brendan Hall take a look at the latest power rankings and some of the more intriguing front-runners, as well as their picks for Week 4.
Listen HERE.
Game of the Week: North Attleborough at Mansfield
September, 26, 2013
Sep 26
12:16
PM ET
By ESPNBoston.com
MANSFIELD, Mass. -- ESPN Boston High Schools editors Brendan Hall and Scott Barboza check in from Mansfield, site of this week's ESPN Boston Game of the Week, sponsored by Sports Authority and the Bay State Games. No. 2 Mansfield hosts fierce rival North Attleborough tomorrow night at 7 p.m.
(Video by Greg Story)
(Video by Greg Story)
Everett DB Lubern Figaro commits to Wisconsin
September, 25, 2013
Sep 25
11:49
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
Everett High senior defensive back Lubern Figaro tweeted tonight that he has committed to the University of Wisconsin for the 2014 season.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Figaro chose the Badgers over Michigan State and Syracuse. In all, he had more than a dozen Division 1 FBS offers, and last summer had named a final five of the aforementioned three plus Boston College and Vanderbilt.
"The coaches, the way I felt around them, I felt back at home," Figaro told ESPNBoston.com tonight. "The atmosphere there, the players, they treat me well. The coaches there provide everything for me to succeed in life.
"If you can't go to the NFL, you've got a good degree at Wisconsin. I'm probably going to do sports management."
Alluding to his high school team's nickname (Crimson Tide) and colors (red), Figaro added, "They're a Top 25 team in the country, they're aggressive, and I bleed red. I bleed the color red."
Figaro is the No. 4 overall prospect in Massachusetts according to ESPNU. He most likely projects as a safety for the Badgers, though there is a chance he could fit at nickel or cornerback. Figaro runs a 40-yard dash in the 4.5 range and has a reputation as one of the state's most feared hitters from the secondary.
Through two games this season, Figaro has 15 tackles, four passes deflected and a sack. Last season, alternating between safety and slot corner, he started all 12 games for the Tide as they won their third straight MIAA Eastern Mass. Super Bowl, registering 37 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions.
Wisconsin scooped up one of Figaro's former teammates, Jakarrie Washington, two weeks before National Letter of Intent Signing Day last February. Figaro said Washington -- who is currently seeing time at cornerback as a true freshman -- was a heavy influence in recruiting him to Madison.
"He's a good friend of mine. He was recruiting me pretty hard to join him over there," Figaro said.
Scouts Inc. has this to say about Figaro in his current evaluation, which you can find in full HERE (Insider only).
Below are Figaro's junior year highlights:
Verbally committed to the University of Wisconsin #Badgers #blessed #D1Bound
— Lubern Figaro (@Lubern5) September 26, 2013
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Figaro chose the Badgers over Michigan State and Syracuse. In all, he had more than a dozen Division 1 FBS offers, and last summer had named a final five of the aforementioned three plus Boston College and Vanderbilt.
"The coaches, the way I felt around them, I felt back at home," Figaro told ESPNBoston.com tonight. "The atmosphere there, the players, they treat me well. The coaches there provide everything for me to succeed in life.
"If you can't go to the NFL, you've got a good degree at Wisconsin. I'm probably going to do sports management."
Alluding to his high school team's nickname (Crimson Tide) and colors (red), Figaro added, "They're a Top 25 team in the country, they're aggressive, and I bleed red. I bleed the color red."
Figaro is the No. 4 overall prospect in Massachusetts according to ESPNU. He most likely projects as a safety for the Badgers, though there is a chance he could fit at nickel or cornerback. Figaro runs a 40-yard dash in the 4.5 range and has a reputation as one of the state's most feared hitters from the secondary.
Through two games this season, Figaro has 15 tackles, four passes deflected and a sack. Last season, alternating between safety and slot corner, he started all 12 games for the Tide as they won their third straight MIAA Eastern Mass. Super Bowl, registering 37 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions.
Wisconsin scooped up one of Figaro's former teammates, Jakarrie Washington, two weeks before National Letter of Intent Signing Day last February. Figaro said Washington -- who is currently seeing time at cornerback as a true freshman -- was a heavy influence in recruiting him to Madison.
"He's a good friend of mine. He was recruiting me pretty hard to join him over there," Figaro said.
Scouts Inc. has this to say about Figaro in his current evaluation, which you can find in full HERE (Insider only).
"Figaro plays both the strong safety/in the box and outside linebacker positions and has the size, strength and playing speed for the defensive safety spot at the BCS level. His high cut frame appears capable of adding bulk over time provided athleticism and speed continue to improve. This guy is a tough customer who demonstrates strong wrap tackling ability. ... From a variety of alignments this prospect demonstrates quick key and diagnosis reaction skills when defending against the run and pass and is quick off the mark, showing good inside run blitz timing. He doesn't get out of position and takes proper angles to the football. Isn't the type who sits back waiting for plays to come his way. Instead, he attacks the football aggressively. ... This prospect is a downhill run defender with the quickness needed to avoid blockers and make plays in tight spaces and from on and off alignments. His ability to move through traffic, avoid trash and play to the sideline is impressive. He displays the strong wrap tackling skills which don't allow leaky yards after contact."
Below are Figaro's junior year highlights:
Bracketology: North playoff picture, Week 3
September, 25, 2013
Sep 25
10:35
PM ET
By Chris Bradley | ESPNBoston.com
ESPNBoston.com presents the latest in our weekly Bracketology series, where we map out what the MIAA playoff picture would look like if playoffs started tomorrow. A reminder before reading: the Bracketology segment DOES NOT include teams who are currently in the playoff chase, as the top eight teams in the North region will qualify for the playoffs.
For a reminder about point-system calculations, here is how the totals are added up for teams in North/South:
After adding up your team’s point total, divide the total number by the number of games your team has played.
All comments and corrections can be sent to Chris Bradley at Christian.Bradley@gordon.edu, or on Twitter: @_ChrisBradley
For a refresher on how the playoff system will work, check out our three-part "Taking the Field" series from the preseason HERE.
Division 1 North
1. Methuen (3-0), 11.33 points
2. St. John’s Prep (2-1), 10.33 points
3. Central Catholic (2-1), 7.67 points
4. Everett (1-1), 7.5 points
5. Acton-Boxboro (1-1), 6.5 points
T-6. Lowell (2-1), 6 points
T-6. Chelmsford (2-1), 6 points
8. Malden (1-1), 5.5 points
Analysis: St. John’s Prep moves up to No. 2 following its 40-21 victory over Central Catholic last Friday night, but Methuen still sits on top after a 21-18 win over Cambridge on Saturday. The Rangers need to be on upset alert this weekend when they host Dracut, as the Middies nearly knocked off a very good Reading team last weekend. Lowell, following its loss to Leominster, dropped from the fourth spot last week to the No. 6 seed this week; the Red Raiders will be in action against Billerica on Friday night.
Division 2 North
1. Newton South (2-0), 13 points
2. Lynn English (1-1), 8.5 points
3. Reading (1-0), 8 points
T-4. Waltham (1-1), 6.5 points
T-4. Haverhill (1-1), 6.5 points
T-6. Cambridge (1-2), 5 points
T-6. Lincoln-Sudbury (1-1), 5 points
8. Lynn Classical (0-2), 2.5 points
Analysis: As the only 2-0 squad in Division 2 North, Newton South takes the top spot this week following two wins in six days over Brookline and Boston Latin. They’ll have a chance to extend their lead this weekend against Lincoln-Sudbury. Lynn English will have a bye week this weekend before facing Swampscott on Oct. 4, hoping to recover from a crushing 33-8 loss at the hands of Wakefield. Keep an eye on Reading over the next few weeks -- they have one game under their belt, and will have the potential to increase their point total as they play more games.
Division 3 Northeast
1. Tewksbury (2-0), 16.5 points
2. Marblehead (3-0), 11.67 points
3. Masconomet (1-1), 9 points
4. Danvers (1-1), 8 points
5. Gloucester (2-1), 7.67 points
6. Wilmington (1-1), 6 points
7. Beverly (1-2), 4.67 points
8. Salem (0-2), 2.5 points
Analysis: The extra points added on to Tewksbury’s point total have helped a lot, giving the Redmen a significant lead over the rest of the pack in Division 3 Northeast. They’ll head to North Andover this Friday, looking to stay undefeated against the winless Knights. If North Andover can pull the upset, though, look for Marblehead to make up some progress if it can pick up a league victory over Swampscott this weekend.
Division 3 Northwest
T-1. Wakefield (2-0), 13.5 points
T-1. Concord-Carlisle (2-0), 13.5 points
T-3. Melrose (2-0), 13 points
T-3. Arlington (2-0), 13 points
5. Woburn (2-0), 12.5 points
6. Boston Latin (2-1), 9 points
7. Medford (2-1), 8.33 points
8. Winchester (1-1), 7.5 points
Analysis: The blowout victory for Wakefield last weekend really helped them keep up with the tight race in Division 3 Northwest -- they have a game with Melrose this weekend that could be very significant in the points race. Concord-Carlisle has been impressive so far, and if they can beat Bedford this weekend, along with a Wakefield loss, then they can help separate themselves in a region that is very close at the top.
Division 4 North
T-1. Lynnfield (2-0), 11.5 points
T-1. Triton (2-0), 11.5 points
T-1. Bedford (2-0), 11.5 points
4. Watertown (2-0), 10.5 points
T-5. North Reading (2-0), 10 points
T-5. Pentucket (1-0), 10 points
7. Weston (2-1), 6.67 points
8. Stoneham (1-1), 6.5 points
Analysis: Another close race in the north, Lynnfield and Triton will both have Saturday games this weekend, with the potential of taking over first place if one wins and the other loses. The biggest impact game of the weekend in Division 4 North though is Bedford vs. Concord-Carlisle. With a win, Bedford would add at least 12 points to its total, plus three points for each of Concord-Carlisle’s wins.
Division 5 North
T-1. Brighton (2-0), 13 points
T-1. Austin Prep (2-0), 13 points
3. St. Mary’s (2-0), 12.5 points
4. Northeast (3-0), 11.67 points
5. Bishop Fenwick (2-0), 11.5 points
6. Whittier (2-1), 8.33 points
7. Manchester-Essex (1-1), 8 points
8. Lowell Catholic (1-1), 6 points
Analysis: The real surprise following week 3 has to be Brighton, who now has a share of first place in Division 5 North. The Bengals' high-octane offense has put up 104 points in their first two wins over Martha’s Vineyard (60-41) and East Boston (44-22). While Brighton will take on Charlestown on Saturday afternoon, Austin Prep will travel to St. Mary’s Saturday night following its bye week.
Divison 6 North
1. Latin Academy (3-0), 13.67 points
2. O’Bryant (2-0), 13 points
3. Cathedral (3-0), 11.67
4. Minuteman (2-0), 10 points
T-5. Dorchester (1-1), 7.5 points
T-5. West Roxbury (1-1), 7.5 points
T-5. Lynn Tech (1-1), 7.5 points
T-8. Chelsea (1-1), 6.5 points
T-8. Marian (1-1), 6.5 points
T-8. St. Clement (1-1), 6.5 points
Analysis: Latin Academy has gone relatively unchallenged so far this season, giving up just 10 points in three games to start off the year. O’Bryant is hot on their trail, though, as they’re in second place right now in Boston City League South. Given that Latin Academy and O’Bryant don’t play each other until Oct. 25, two days before the points deadline, keep a close eye on both as they try to roll though the city league. Cathedral has been rolling so far this year, outscoring their opponents 122-14. Duane Sigsbury’s squad will get its best challenge yet on Saturday night, when rising Catholic Central Small power Pope John Paul II pays a visit.
For a reminder about point-system calculations, here is how the totals are added up for teams in North/South:
- 12 Points for a win over a team in a higher division
- 10 Points for a win over a team in the same division, or a win over a team from outside the North or South (including out-of-state opponents)
- 8 Points for a win over a team in a lower division
- 3 Points for every win an opponent that you have beaten has
- 1 Point for every win an opponent that you lost to has
After adding up your team’s point total, divide the total number by the number of games your team has played.
All comments and corrections can be sent to Chris Bradley at Christian.Bradley@gordon.edu, or on Twitter: @_ChrisBradley
For a refresher on how the playoff system will work, check out our three-part "Taking the Field" series from the preseason HERE.
Division 1 North
1. Methuen (3-0), 11.33 points
2. St. John’s Prep (2-1), 10.33 points
3. Central Catholic (2-1), 7.67 points
4. Everett (1-1), 7.5 points
5. Acton-Boxboro (1-1), 6.5 points
T-6. Lowell (2-1), 6 points
T-6. Chelmsford (2-1), 6 points
8. Malden (1-1), 5.5 points
Analysis: St. John’s Prep moves up to No. 2 following its 40-21 victory over Central Catholic last Friday night, but Methuen still sits on top after a 21-18 win over Cambridge on Saturday. The Rangers need to be on upset alert this weekend when they host Dracut, as the Middies nearly knocked off a very good Reading team last weekend. Lowell, following its loss to Leominster, dropped from the fourth spot last week to the No. 6 seed this week; the Red Raiders will be in action against Billerica on Friday night.
Division 2 North
1. Newton South (2-0), 13 points
2. Lynn English (1-1), 8.5 points
3. Reading (1-0), 8 points
T-4. Waltham (1-1), 6.5 points
T-4. Haverhill (1-1), 6.5 points
T-6. Cambridge (1-2), 5 points
T-6. Lincoln-Sudbury (1-1), 5 points
8. Lynn Classical (0-2), 2.5 points
Analysis: As the only 2-0 squad in Division 2 North, Newton South takes the top spot this week following two wins in six days over Brookline and Boston Latin. They’ll have a chance to extend their lead this weekend against Lincoln-Sudbury. Lynn English will have a bye week this weekend before facing Swampscott on Oct. 4, hoping to recover from a crushing 33-8 loss at the hands of Wakefield. Keep an eye on Reading over the next few weeks -- they have one game under their belt, and will have the potential to increase their point total as they play more games.
Division 3 Northeast
1. Tewksbury (2-0), 16.5 points
2. Marblehead (3-0), 11.67 points
3. Masconomet (1-1), 9 points
4. Danvers (1-1), 8 points
5. Gloucester (2-1), 7.67 points
6. Wilmington (1-1), 6 points
7. Beverly (1-2), 4.67 points
8. Salem (0-2), 2.5 points
Analysis: The extra points added on to Tewksbury’s point total have helped a lot, giving the Redmen a significant lead over the rest of the pack in Division 3 Northeast. They’ll head to North Andover this Friday, looking to stay undefeated against the winless Knights. If North Andover can pull the upset, though, look for Marblehead to make up some progress if it can pick up a league victory over Swampscott this weekend.
Division 3 Northwest
T-1. Wakefield (2-0), 13.5 points
T-1. Concord-Carlisle (2-0), 13.5 points
T-3. Melrose (2-0), 13 points
T-3. Arlington (2-0), 13 points
5. Woburn (2-0), 12.5 points
6. Boston Latin (2-1), 9 points
7. Medford (2-1), 8.33 points
8. Winchester (1-1), 7.5 points
Analysis: The blowout victory for Wakefield last weekend really helped them keep up with the tight race in Division 3 Northwest -- they have a game with Melrose this weekend that could be very significant in the points race. Concord-Carlisle has been impressive so far, and if they can beat Bedford this weekend, along with a Wakefield loss, then they can help separate themselves in a region that is very close at the top.
Division 4 North
T-1. Lynnfield (2-0), 11.5 points
T-1. Triton (2-0), 11.5 points
T-1. Bedford (2-0), 11.5 points
4. Watertown (2-0), 10.5 points
T-5. North Reading (2-0), 10 points
T-5. Pentucket (1-0), 10 points
7. Weston (2-1), 6.67 points
8. Stoneham (1-1), 6.5 points
Analysis: Another close race in the north, Lynnfield and Triton will both have Saturday games this weekend, with the potential of taking over first place if one wins and the other loses. The biggest impact game of the weekend in Division 4 North though is Bedford vs. Concord-Carlisle. With a win, Bedford would add at least 12 points to its total, plus three points for each of Concord-Carlisle’s wins.
Division 5 North
T-1. Brighton (2-0), 13 points
T-1. Austin Prep (2-0), 13 points
3. St. Mary’s (2-0), 12.5 points
4. Northeast (3-0), 11.67 points
5. Bishop Fenwick (2-0), 11.5 points
6. Whittier (2-1), 8.33 points
7. Manchester-Essex (1-1), 8 points
8. Lowell Catholic (1-1), 6 points
Analysis: The real surprise following week 3 has to be Brighton, who now has a share of first place in Division 5 North. The Bengals' high-octane offense has put up 104 points in their first two wins over Martha’s Vineyard (60-41) and East Boston (44-22). While Brighton will take on Charlestown on Saturday afternoon, Austin Prep will travel to St. Mary’s Saturday night following its bye week.
Divison 6 North
1. Latin Academy (3-0), 13.67 points
2. O’Bryant (2-0), 13 points
3. Cathedral (3-0), 11.67
4. Minuteman (2-0), 10 points
T-5. Dorchester (1-1), 7.5 points
T-5. West Roxbury (1-1), 7.5 points
T-5. Lynn Tech (1-1), 7.5 points
T-8. Chelsea (1-1), 6.5 points
T-8. Marian (1-1), 6.5 points
T-8. St. Clement (1-1), 6.5 points
Analysis: Latin Academy has gone relatively unchallenged so far this season, giving up just 10 points in three games to start off the year. O’Bryant is hot on their trail, though, as they’re in second place right now in Boston City League South. Given that Latin Academy and O’Bryant don’t play each other until Oct. 25, two days before the points deadline, keep a close eye on both as they try to roll though the city league. Cathedral has been rolling so far this year, outscoring their opponents 122-14. Duane Sigsbury’s squad will get its best challenge yet on Saturday night, when rising Catholic Central Small power Pope John Paul II pays a visit.
Concord-Carlisle enters girls' soccer Top 20
September, 25, 2013
Sep 25
10:33
PM ET
By ESPNBoston.com
There was little movement atop our statewide girls' soccer Top 20 poll this week, with Central Catholic maintaining the top spot for a second straight week.
However, Lincoln-Sudbury and Franklin were on the move, each moving up a spot in the Top 10 after Duxbury slipped up.
There was also a new team welcomed in, with Concord-Carlisle making its debut at No. 16.
For the full poll, click HERE.
In This Week: No. 16 Concord-Carlisle (5-0-0).
Out This Week: No. 20 Algonquin (2-1-1).
However, Lincoln-Sudbury and Franklin were on the move, each moving up a spot in the Top 10 after Duxbury slipped up.
There was also a new team welcomed in, with Concord-Carlisle making its debut at No. 16.
For the full poll, click HERE.
In This Week: No. 16 Concord-Carlisle (5-0-0).
Out This Week: No. 20 Algonquin (2-1-1).
Bracketology: South Playoff Picture, Week 3
September, 25, 2013
Sep 25
10:16
PM ET
By Chris Bradley | ESPNBoston.com
ESPNBoston.com presents the latest in our weekly Bracketology series, where we map out what the MIAA playoff picture would look like if playoffs started tomorrow. A reminder before reading: the Bracketology segment DOES NOT include teams who are currently in the playoff chase, as the top EIGHT teams in North/South will qualify for the playoffs.
For a reminder about point-system calculations, here is how the totals are added up for teams in North/South:
After adding up your team’s point total, divide the total number by the number of games your team has played.
All comments and corrections can be sent to Chris Bradley at Christian.Bradley@gordon.edu, or on Twitter: @_ChrisBradley
For a refresher on how the playoff system will work, check out our three-part "Taking the Field" series from the preseason HERE.
Division 1 South
1. Xaverian (2-0), 14.5 points
2. Bridgewater-Raynham (2-1), 9.67 points
3. Attleboro (2-0), 9.5 points
4. Catholic Memorial (1-1), 8.5 points
5. New Bedford (1-1), 7.5 points
T-6. Newton North (1-1), 6 points
T-6. Brockton (1-1), 6 points
8. Franklin (1-1), 5.5 points
Analysis: Another week, another number-one team in our top 25 poll. Xaverian didn’t just beat Bridgewater-Raynham last Saturday -- they annihilated them. Their 49-13 victory over the Trojans inserted Xaverian into the top spot in Division 1 south with a score of 14.5 points. Attleboro, 2-0 through three weeks, will start league play in a loaded Hockomock Kelley-Rex this weekend when they host Franklin on Friday night.
Division 2 South
1. Natick (2-0), 13.5 points
2. Taunton (2-0), 12.5 points
3. Mansfield (2-0), 12 points
4. King Philip (2-0), 11 points
5. Braintree (1-1), 9 points
6. Wellesley (1-1), 8.5 points
T-7. Barnstable (1-1), 8 points
T-7. Marshfield (1-1), 8 points
Analysis: Division 2 South may very well be the closest division in the state, and one should expect it to remain that way once the majority of the teams above start league play this weekend. There are several good head-to-head matchups Friday night that will shake up the point standings going into next week: top-seeded Natick hosts Wellesley, Taunton will play King Philip at home, and Mansfield will play host to North Attleboro.
Division 3 Southeast
1. Plymouth South (2-0), 12.5 points
2. Nauset (2-0), 11.5 points
3. Plymouth North (2-1), 7.33 points
4. Dighton-Rehoboth (2-1), 7 points
T-5. Silver Lake (1-1), 6.5 points
T-5. Dartmouth (1-1), 6.5 points
T-5. Falmouth (1-1), 6.5 points
T-8. Sharon (0-2), 2 points
T-8. Pembroke (0-2), 2 points
T-8, Sandwich (0-2), 2 points
Analysis: Plymouth North and Nauset will be watching each other closely up until their showdown on Oct. 11, as they currently hold the top two seeds in the Division 3 Southeast. Plymouth South will have a short trip to third-seeded Plymouth North this weekend, meanwhile Nauset will play host to Dennis-Yarmouth. Look for somebody from the bottom of the standings to move up a couple spots this weekend, Falmouth-Marshfield could end up being one of the better games of the weekend.
Division 3 Southwest
1. Oliver Ames (2-0), 13 points
2. North Attleboro (2-0), 12.5 points
3. Hopkinton (2-0), 11.5 points
4. Stoughton (2-0), 10 points
5. Hingham (2-1), 9 points
6. Medfield (2-0), 8 points
7. Walpole (1-1), 6 points
8. North Quincy (1-2), 4 points
Analysis: Hopkinton’s running attack rolled all over Nipmuc last weekend, enabling them to move up a few spots to number three in the standings. They still trail Oliver Ames and North Attleboro, though. NA will have a huge opportunity to make a statement against a Mansfield team who is considered to be one of the state’s best squads. Meanwhile, Oliver Ames will take on Hockomock Davenport rival Foxboro on Friday. Be on the lookout for another dominant defensive performance from Stoughton this Friday, they’ll travel to Milford for their first league game of the season.
Division 4 South
1. Norton (2-0), 14.5 points
2. Apponequet (3-0), 11.33 points
3. Holliston (3-0), 10.67 points
4. Scituate (2-1), 8.67 points
T-5. Westwood (1-1), 8.5 points
T-5. Dennis-Yarmouth (1-1), 8.5 points
7. Medway (1-1), 7.5 points
8. Foxboro (1-1), 6.5 points
Analysis: Norton still sits atop the standings in Division 4 South, and the Lancers will look to keep their undefeated streak going this Friday night against TVL Large opponent Medway. Apponequet’s defense has been outstanding thus far this season, allowing just 14 points in three games played; they’ll take their talents to Dartmouth this weekend, hoping to pick up a 12-point addition in the standings if they can pick up the victory.
Division 5 South
T-1. East Bridgewater (2-0), 14.5 points
T-1. Dover-Sherborn (2-0), 14.5 points
3. Old Rochester (3-0), 12 points
4. Cardinal Spellman (2-0), 11 points
5. Greater New Bedford (2-1), 9.33 points
6. Ashland (2-0), 9 points
7. Rockland (1-1), 8.5 points
8. Seekonk (2-1), 8 points
Analysis: Both with wins over teams in higher divisions, East Bridgewater and Dover-Sherborn are knotted for first place atop the Division 5 South standings. D-S will host winless Bellingham on Friday night and East Bridgewater will travel to seventh-seeded Rockland in a game that could potentially shake up the standings a little bit going into next week. Keep a close eye on the Archbishop Williams/Cardinal Spellman game this weekend. With an upset, Archies can insert themselves into the playoff picture going forward.
Division 6 South
1. Cohasset (2-0), 15 points
2. Bishop Connolly (2-0), 12.5 points
3. Millis-Hopedale (2-1), 11.67 points
T-4. Diman (2-0), 11.5 points
T-4. Blue Hills (2-0), 11.5 points
T-6. Pope John (3-0), 11 points
T-6. Bristol-Plymouth Tech (2-0), 11 points
8. Monomoy (2-0), 10 points
Analysis: Traveling to 1-1 Hull this weekend, Cohasset will be looking to keep their spot atop the Division 6 South standings. Right behind them though is Bishop Connolly, who may have the toughest game of the weekend in D6 when they play host to Blue Hills on Saturday afternoon. Millis-Hopedale will be hoping for a Connolly loss, because with a win over Ashland on Friday they would take over the second seed.
For a reminder about point-system calculations, here is how the totals are added up for teams in North/South:
- 12 Points for a win over a team in a higher division
- 10 Points for a win over a team in the same division, or a win over a team from outside the North or South (including out-of-state opponents*)
- 8 Points for a win over a team in a lower division
- 3 Points for every win an opponent that you have beaten has
- 1 Point for every win an opponent that you lost to has
After adding up your team’s point total, divide the total number by the number of games your team has played.
All comments and corrections can be sent to Chris Bradley at Christian.Bradley@gordon.edu, or on Twitter: @_ChrisBradley
For a refresher on how the playoff system will work, check out our three-part "Taking the Field" series from the preseason HERE.
Division 1 South
1. Xaverian (2-0), 14.5 points
2. Bridgewater-Raynham (2-1), 9.67 points
3. Attleboro (2-0), 9.5 points
4. Catholic Memorial (1-1), 8.5 points
5. New Bedford (1-1), 7.5 points
T-6. Newton North (1-1), 6 points
T-6. Brockton (1-1), 6 points
8. Franklin (1-1), 5.5 points
Analysis: Another week, another number-one team in our top 25 poll. Xaverian didn’t just beat Bridgewater-Raynham last Saturday -- they annihilated them. Their 49-13 victory over the Trojans inserted Xaverian into the top spot in Division 1 south with a score of 14.5 points. Attleboro, 2-0 through three weeks, will start league play in a loaded Hockomock Kelley-Rex this weekend when they host Franklin on Friday night.
Division 2 South
1. Natick (2-0), 13.5 points
2. Taunton (2-0), 12.5 points
3. Mansfield (2-0), 12 points
4. King Philip (2-0), 11 points
5. Braintree (1-1), 9 points
6. Wellesley (1-1), 8.5 points
T-7. Barnstable (1-1), 8 points
T-7. Marshfield (1-1), 8 points
Analysis: Division 2 South may very well be the closest division in the state, and one should expect it to remain that way once the majority of the teams above start league play this weekend. There are several good head-to-head matchups Friday night that will shake up the point standings going into next week: top-seeded Natick hosts Wellesley, Taunton will play King Philip at home, and Mansfield will play host to North Attleboro.
Division 3 Southeast
1. Plymouth South (2-0), 12.5 points
2. Nauset (2-0), 11.5 points
3. Plymouth North (2-1), 7.33 points
4. Dighton-Rehoboth (2-1), 7 points
T-5. Silver Lake (1-1), 6.5 points
T-5. Dartmouth (1-1), 6.5 points
T-5. Falmouth (1-1), 6.5 points
T-8. Sharon (0-2), 2 points
T-8. Pembroke (0-2), 2 points
T-8, Sandwich (0-2), 2 points
Analysis: Plymouth North and Nauset will be watching each other closely up until their showdown on Oct. 11, as they currently hold the top two seeds in the Division 3 Southeast. Plymouth South will have a short trip to third-seeded Plymouth North this weekend, meanwhile Nauset will play host to Dennis-Yarmouth. Look for somebody from the bottom of the standings to move up a couple spots this weekend, Falmouth-Marshfield could end up being one of the better games of the weekend.
Division 3 Southwest
1. Oliver Ames (2-0), 13 points
2. North Attleboro (2-0), 12.5 points
3. Hopkinton (2-0), 11.5 points
4. Stoughton (2-0), 10 points
5. Hingham (2-1), 9 points
6. Medfield (2-0), 8 points
7. Walpole (1-1), 6 points
8. North Quincy (1-2), 4 points
Analysis: Hopkinton’s running attack rolled all over Nipmuc last weekend, enabling them to move up a few spots to number three in the standings. They still trail Oliver Ames and North Attleboro, though. NA will have a huge opportunity to make a statement against a Mansfield team who is considered to be one of the state’s best squads. Meanwhile, Oliver Ames will take on Hockomock Davenport rival Foxboro on Friday. Be on the lookout for another dominant defensive performance from Stoughton this Friday, they’ll travel to Milford for their first league game of the season.
Division 4 South
1. Norton (2-0), 14.5 points
2. Apponequet (3-0), 11.33 points
3. Holliston (3-0), 10.67 points
4. Scituate (2-1), 8.67 points
T-5. Westwood (1-1), 8.5 points
T-5. Dennis-Yarmouth (1-1), 8.5 points
7. Medway (1-1), 7.5 points
8. Foxboro (1-1), 6.5 points
Analysis: Norton still sits atop the standings in Division 4 South, and the Lancers will look to keep their undefeated streak going this Friday night against TVL Large opponent Medway. Apponequet’s defense has been outstanding thus far this season, allowing just 14 points in three games played; they’ll take their talents to Dartmouth this weekend, hoping to pick up a 12-point addition in the standings if they can pick up the victory.
Division 5 South
T-1. East Bridgewater (2-0), 14.5 points
T-1. Dover-Sherborn (2-0), 14.5 points
3. Old Rochester (3-0), 12 points
4. Cardinal Spellman (2-0), 11 points
5. Greater New Bedford (2-1), 9.33 points
6. Ashland (2-0), 9 points
7. Rockland (1-1), 8.5 points
8. Seekonk (2-1), 8 points
Analysis: Both with wins over teams in higher divisions, East Bridgewater and Dover-Sherborn are knotted for first place atop the Division 5 South standings. D-S will host winless Bellingham on Friday night and East Bridgewater will travel to seventh-seeded Rockland in a game that could potentially shake up the standings a little bit going into next week. Keep a close eye on the Archbishop Williams/Cardinal Spellman game this weekend. With an upset, Archies can insert themselves into the playoff picture going forward.
Division 6 South
1. Cohasset (2-0), 15 points
2. Bishop Connolly (2-0), 12.5 points
3. Millis-Hopedale (2-1), 11.67 points
T-4. Diman (2-0), 11.5 points
T-4. Blue Hills (2-0), 11.5 points
T-6. Pope John (3-0), 11 points
T-6. Bristol-Plymouth Tech (2-0), 11 points
8. Monomoy (2-0), 10 points
Analysis: Traveling to 1-1 Hull this weekend, Cohasset will be looking to keep their spot atop the Division 6 South standings. Right behind them though is Bishop Connolly, who may have the toughest game of the weekend in D6 when they play host to Blue Hills on Saturday afternoon. Millis-Hopedale will be hoping for a Connolly loss, because with a win over Ashland on Friday they would take over the second seed.
Boys Soccer: No. 3 Somerville 2, No. 4 Masco 1
September, 25, 2013
Sep 25
10:15
PM ET
By Josh Perry | ESPNBoston.com
SOMERVILLE, Mass. – Somerville head coach George Scarpelli could only shake his head as he talked about the turmoil that his team has faced this season. Scarpelli was speaking before his squad faced fellow top five team Masconomet Wednesday at Dilboy Stadium.
From the start of training, the well-publicized allegations against several Highlanders’ J.V. players have placed a cloud over the program. Yet, the team has succeeded on the field. But coming into Wednesday’s game, Somerville was preparing to play against one of the top teams in the state without seven of its starters, who were missing from both injury and internal discipline.
By the end of the game, Scarpelli was shaking his head again after his inexperienced crew held off a formidable challenge from Masco. A strong performance by senior keeper Luis Guerra and a second-half goal by senior Luis Salguero pushed the Highlanders to a 2-1 victory in an entertaining, end-to-end contest.
“It’s been tough…mentally, physically…I’ve said to people that we haven’t even put together two practices as a whole team to actually physically train together as team,” reflected Scarpelli after his team held on for the victory. “One thing that I was nervous about on this team was depth, but the good thing is that we saw some pieces that can now fill in.”
Masco started the game strongly, as Somerville’s inexperience showed in the opening minutes. The Highlanders were forced to scramble away a corner in the opening minute and Masco senior midfielder Adam Grammer forced Guerra into a good save with his legs. After that save, Somerville started to gain control through senior captain Francisco Neto.
In the 15th minute, Neto earned a free kick from 25 yards out that the midfielder then curled towards the top corner. Masco keeper Willie Stewart got across to palm it away for a Highlanders corner. Neto played the ensuing corner into the box where Jonathan Figueroa hit the bouncing ball on the volley to open the scoring.
The Chieftains came right back, but Guerra saved at the feet of Edison Forbes. Guerra was forced into several great saves in the first half as Masco pressed forward and he was quickly off his line to keep Max Craig from getting to a through ball. In the 30th minute, Jeff Panella played in Grammer, who beat the offside trap, and on a two-man breakaway he unselfishly fed Craig, but the senior slid the ball wide of the open net.
It was a moment that could have turned the game and Scarpelli was proud of the way that his team recovered and even created another chance before halftime. Daniel Raphael forced into a sliding block to prevent Salguero doubling the advantage.
“We stuck in there, we hung in there, we didn’t quit, we didn’t lay down and I was nervous after that one play that they missed that we would turtle-up and hang back I give a lot of credit because they pushed forward and kept going,” said Scarpelli.
The second half continued the pattern. Masco would push forward and create chances, but the Chieftains were denied by solid goalkeeping and inability to finish. Stephen Pease missed over the bar from inside the six-yard-box, Grammer had a shot from a corner cleared off the line by Neto and Guerra, and then the captain also had a header saved on a free kick.
Masco head coach David Mitchell rued his team’s missed chances.
“The difference in the game was that they finished their opportunities and we didn’t,” he remarked. “They didn’t get too many looks, I actually think we had more, but we just didn’t have enough composure in the box.”
Scarpelli credited his senior keeper. He noted, “They had the better chances, but Luis came up big with a few huge saves on breakaways and crosses. You can see how he stands out above just about every keeper in the state. He’s so good; it’s impressive. That’s why I’m going to enjoy this last year.”
Somerville continued to look for the second goal that could put the game away, but Salguero again could not keep his shot down off a Neto cross. From the goal kick, Masco had another chance, but again Grammer was unable to finish a breakaway as Jose Ayala slid in to clear the ball off the line. Two minutes later, the lead was doubled.
Salguero took a feed from Neto and this time planted an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner to make it 2-0. Instead of sending Somerville to an easy win, however, the Highlanders backed off for a second and Grammer’s flick eluded Elliot Rippe straight into the path of Craig, who finally was able to finish a breakaway and get Masco back within one.
In the end, Masco pressed but could not find the equalizer. Mitchell was pleased with the performance of his team in a state tournament atmosphere, despite the defeat, “Adam created some good stuff, Max Craig played well up top just distributing balls, and Jeff Panella – I don’t think he missed a ball in the air all day. We’re a good team on the attack; I’m just disappointed that we didn’t finish the chances that we created.”
There was relief from the Somerville players with one player commenting that he could not believe that they had won. It was another positive sign for Scarpelli that his team is capable of going all the way.
“We had three J.V. players starting that game and you wouldn’t know where there were, so I’m proud of them,” he remarked. “These are the games we have to see…that prepare you for the state tournament.”
From the start of training, the well-publicized allegations against several Highlanders’ J.V. players have placed a cloud over the program. Yet, the team has succeeded on the field. But coming into Wednesday’s game, Somerville was preparing to play against one of the top teams in the state without seven of its starters, who were missing from both injury and internal discipline.
By the end of the game, Scarpelli was shaking his head again after his inexperienced crew held off a formidable challenge from Masco. A strong performance by senior keeper Luis Guerra and a second-half goal by senior Luis Salguero pushed the Highlanders to a 2-1 victory in an entertaining, end-to-end contest.
[+] Enlarge
Josh Perry for ESPNLuis Salguero's winner in the second half kept Somerville ahead of a late Masconomet charge.
Masco started the game strongly, as Somerville’s inexperience showed in the opening minutes. The Highlanders were forced to scramble away a corner in the opening minute and Masco senior midfielder Adam Grammer forced Guerra into a good save with his legs. After that save, Somerville started to gain control through senior captain Francisco Neto.
In the 15th minute, Neto earned a free kick from 25 yards out that the midfielder then curled towards the top corner. Masco keeper Willie Stewart got across to palm it away for a Highlanders corner. Neto played the ensuing corner into the box where Jonathan Figueroa hit the bouncing ball on the volley to open the scoring.
The Chieftains came right back, but Guerra saved at the feet of Edison Forbes. Guerra was forced into several great saves in the first half as Masco pressed forward and he was quickly off his line to keep Max Craig from getting to a through ball. In the 30th minute, Jeff Panella played in Grammer, who beat the offside trap, and on a two-man breakaway he unselfishly fed Craig, but the senior slid the ball wide of the open net.
It was a moment that could have turned the game and Scarpelli was proud of the way that his team recovered and even created another chance before halftime. Daniel Raphael forced into a sliding block to prevent Salguero doubling the advantage.
“We stuck in there, we hung in there, we didn’t quit, we didn’t lay down and I was nervous after that one play that they missed that we would turtle-up and hang back I give a lot of credit because they pushed forward and kept going,” said Scarpelli.
The second half continued the pattern. Masco would push forward and create chances, but the Chieftains were denied by solid goalkeeping and inability to finish. Stephen Pease missed over the bar from inside the six-yard-box, Grammer had a shot from a corner cleared off the line by Neto and Guerra, and then the captain also had a header saved on a free kick.
Masco head coach David Mitchell rued his team’s missed chances.
“The difference in the game was that they finished their opportunities and we didn’t,” he remarked. “They didn’t get too many looks, I actually think we had more, but we just didn’t have enough composure in the box.”
Scarpelli credited his senior keeper. He noted, “They had the better chances, but Luis came up big with a few huge saves on breakaways and crosses. You can see how he stands out above just about every keeper in the state. He’s so good; it’s impressive. That’s why I’m going to enjoy this last year.”
Somerville continued to look for the second goal that could put the game away, but Salguero again could not keep his shot down off a Neto cross. From the goal kick, Masco had another chance, but again Grammer was unable to finish a breakaway as Jose Ayala slid in to clear the ball off the line. Two minutes later, the lead was doubled.
Salguero took a feed from Neto and this time planted an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner to make it 2-0. Instead of sending Somerville to an easy win, however, the Highlanders backed off for a second and Grammer’s flick eluded Elliot Rippe straight into the path of Craig, who finally was able to finish a breakaway and get Masco back within one.
In the end, Masco pressed but could not find the equalizer. Mitchell was pleased with the performance of his team in a state tournament atmosphere, despite the defeat, “Adam created some good stuff, Max Craig played well up top just distributing balls, and Jeff Panella – I don’t think he missed a ball in the air all day. We’re a good team on the attack; I’m just disappointed that we didn’t finish the chances that we created.”
There was relief from the Somerville players with one player commenting that he could not believe that they had won. It was another positive sign for Scarpelli that his team is capable of going all the way.
“We had three J.V. players starting that game and you wouldn’t know where there were, so I’m proud of them,” he remarked. “These are the games we have to see…that prepare you for the state tournament.”
Rob Quaine, Pilgrim on the rise in Rhody
September, 25, 2013
Sep 25
6:36
PM ET
By Mike Scandura | ESPNBoston.com
By no stretch of the imagination is Pilgrim High considered a contender for a Division II playoff berth. But after enduring a drought of near-epic proportions, the Patriots already have shown that they have improved over the teams the school fielded each of the past two seasons.
After all, when you’ve lost 15 consecutive games -- as the saying goes -- there’s no place to go but up.
Pilgrim took one step in that direction on Sept. 13, when it belted Smithfield, 36-6, in a non-league game.
Ironically, the Patriots’ last victory was over Smithfield – 26-12 on Oct. 28, 2011.
Granted, Pilgrim dropped its first Division II-B game, 28-0, to Shea on Sept. 20, but coach Tom O’Connor at least has something to build on and that “something” includes junior quarterback Rob Quaine.
As an inexperienced sophomore, Quaine was under center last season when Pilgrim went 0-12. But in that non-league victory over Smithfield, he completed 6 of 8 passes for 178 yards and scored a touchdown on a one-yard run.
The loss to Shea notwithstanding, Quaine has shown improvement in his passing which can be attributed to his play last summer in the Rhode Island High School Passing League.
For example:
* In nine passing league games, Quaine only threw one interception.
* In two passing league tournament games, Quaine had exactly zero turnovers (i.e. no fumbles or interceptions).
“At first, it was slow to catch my attention,” O’Connor said. “I failed to realize he wasn’t throwing the interceptions that he threw last season.
“I watched Rob and saw that he would eat the ball. After four seconds elapsed, he ate it rather than force a pass. That was a big issue when he was a sophomore. To me, it was a sign that he’s taken his maturity up a level which I was hoping for going into this season. Quite frankly, he did so earlier than I expected.”
O’Connor then gave an example of what he meant and it didn’t have anything to do with something his quarterback did on the field.
In a Rhode Island Injury Fund game (i.e. these games only consist of two quarters) against three-time Division I champion Hendricken (the Hawks prevailed, 28-8), Pilgrim fumbled away the opening kickoff.
Yet instead of stomping up and down the sidelines or yelling at the teammate who fumbled, Quaine was the first Patriot to offer encouragement to the kick return team when it came off the field.
Quaine also gave indications of what was to come against Smithfield.
On Pilgrim’s first possession, he guided a drive that stalled inside Hendricken’s 10-yard-line due in large part to a pair of long passes he completed.
Later in the game, Quaine audibled twice en route to a scoring drive and then threw a two-point conversion pass.
“I feel more confident this season because I trust all of my teammates,” Quaine said. “We came together as a family during double sessions.
“Obviously, when you play Hendricken, you can’t be intimidated. That being said, I didn’t feel we backed down from the beginning to the end.”
Yet Quaine was quick to admit that butterflies were churning in his stomach.
“It was a little nerve-wracking,” he said. “But it’s not a shock (being the starting quarterback) like it was last season.”
That was evident to O’Connor during Pilgrim’s victory over Smithfield.
“Rob did a lot of ‘hot reads’ on his own,” said the coach. “He threw the ball more than we wanted to throw it. But they blitzed a lot and he picked up the wide-open receiver.
“Despite the loss [to Shea], he’s progressed a lot from last season. Playing in the passing league and against Hendricken showed me he can lead our team. He’s a completely different young man – one who’s very confident and let’s things go that would bother him last year.”
After all, when you’ve lost 15 consecutive games -- as the saying goes -- there’s no place to go but up.
Pilgrim took one step in that direction on Sept. 13, when it belted Smithfield, 36-6, in a non-league game.
Ironically, the Patriots’ last victory was over Smithfield – 26-12 on Oct. 28, 2011.
Granted, Pilgrim dropped its first Division II-B game, 28-0, to Shea on Sept. 20, but coach Tom O’Connor at least has something to build on and that “something” includes junior quarterback Rob Quaine.
As an inexperienced sophomore, Quaine was under center last season when Pilgrim went 0-12. But in that non-league victory over Smithfield, he completed 6 of 8 passes for 178 yards and scored a touchdown on a one-yard run.
The loss to Shea notwithstanding, Quaine has shown improvement in his passing which can be attributed to his play last summer in the Rhode Island High School Passing League.
For example:
* In nine passing league games, Quaine only threw one interception.
* In two passing league tournament games, Quaine had exactly zero turnovers (i.e. no fumbles or interceptions).
[+] Enlarge
Courtesy of Pilgrim Athletics Pilgrim (R.I.) junior QB Rob Quaine lifted the Patriots to their first victory in nearly two calendar years earlier this month.
“I watched Rob and saw that he would eat the ball. After four seconds elapsed, he ate it rather than force a pass. That was a big issue when he was a sophomore. To me, it was a sign that he’s taken his maturity up a level which I was hoping for going into this season. Quite frankly, he did so earlier than I expected.”
O’Connor then gave an example of what he meant and it didn’t have anything to do with something his quarterback did on the field.
In a Rhode Island Injury Fund game (i.e. these games only consist of two quarters) against three-time Division I champion Hendricken (the Hawks prevailed, 28-8), Pilgrim fumbled away the opening kickoff.
Yet instead of stomping up and down the sidelines or yelling at the teammate who fumbled, Quaine was the first Patriot to offer encouragement to the kick return team when it came off the field.
Quaine also gave indications of what was to come against Smithfield.
On Pilgrim’s first possession, he guided a drive that stalled inside Hendricken’s 10-yard-line due in large part to a pair of long passes he completed.
Later in the game, Quaine audibled twice en route to a scoring drive and then threw a two-point conversion pass.
“I feel more confident this season because I trust all of my teammates,” Quaine said. “We came together as a family during double sessions.
“Obviously, when you play Hendricken, you can’t be intimidated. That being said, I didn’t feel we backed down from the beginning to the end.”
Yet Quaine was quick to admit that butterflies were churning in his stomach.
“It was a little nerve-wracking,” he said. “But it’s not a shock (being the starting quarterback) like it was last season.”
That was evident to O’Connor during Pilgrim’s victory over Smithfield.
“Rob did a lot of ‘hot reads’ on his own,” said the coach. “He threw the ball more than we wanted to throw it. But they blitzed a lot and he picked up the wide-open receiver.
“Despite the loss [to Shea], he’s progressed a lot from last season. Playing in the passing league and against Hendricken showed me he can lead our team. He’s a completely different young man – one who’s very confident and let’s things go that would bother him last year.”
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Scott Barboza
Scott Barboza joined ESPNBoston.com as a high schools editor/reporter in May 2010. He spent the previous three seasons working in the New England Patriots media relations department after a stint at the Taunton Daily Gazette, where he covered everything from Little League baseball to the Boston Red Sox. The Fall River native is a graduate of Emerson College. He can be reached at sbarboza@espnboston.com.
Brendan Hall
Brendan Hall joined ESPNBoston.com as a high schools reporter/editor in May 2010, after four years covering high schools for The Boston Globe. The Westminster, Mass. native also served on the Globe's Bruins beat last season. Hall is a graduate of UMass Amherst. He can be reached at bhall@espnboston.com.
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