ESPN

DANVERS, Mass. – They say if you give a man an inch, he’ll take a mile.

If you give John DiBiaso a bye week, well, that doesn’t bode well for the opposing football team.

Following a lackluster 20-8 loss to Xaverian at home two weekends ago, No. 4 Everett got back to basics in its one-week reprieve. The Crimson Tide’s week spent tidying up their messy performance in the former week showed in Saturday’s matinee duel against another Catholic Conference power in No. 3 St. John’s Prep.

First order of business? Shutting down, or at least, slowing down, the state’s most feared rusher in Johnny Thomas.

Second? Getting in a time machine and going back to the future with a refigured offense, shunning the spread, which found success in recent years, in favor of a vintage Everett staple — the flexbone.

It all was there in the Crimson Tide’s emphatic 35-14 win.

So did their head coach spend the week off pouring over old game plans and film, trying to unearth old gems?

“It wouldn’t say it was homework so much as it was a lot of practice,” DiBiaso said. “We practiced very hard.”

DiBiaso was less than amused with his team’s level of execution following the loss to Xaverian, so one can imagine the vigorous tenor of the Crimson Tide’s practices in the week since we saw them last.

Also, Everett (2-1) received an addition shot in the arm in the form of a new addition – senior running back/linebacker Isaiah Davis.

Davis, who previously suited up for Lynn English, was granted a waiver last week allowing the 5-foot-9, 180-pounder to see his first game action of the season with the Crimson Tide. He had an immediate impact, first scoring on a 15-yard run for a 7-0 first-quarter lead. Then, after Everett recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, Davis ran for his second score from 2 yards out.

“I can’t be more happy for him, he’s been waiting patiently for his opportunity,” DiBiaso said. “He got it and he came up very big. He played fantastic and I think he put himself on the map among the elite players in the state.”

The Crimson Tide amassed a three-score lead by early in the second quarter, after Joe D’Onofrio’s 2-yard touchdown run.

But Prep (2-2) countered, making it a two-possession again before the half was out.

Running their two-minute drill, the Eagles drove 74 yards in two minutes even to set up Mike Geaslen’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Owen Rockett on the final play of the half. The game clock had nearly expired before Prep got the snap off, with Geaslen lofting a fade over the head of the defense on a schoolyard-ball type play.

The Eagles whittled the lead down to a touchdown in the fourth, with backup running back Cody Harwood running for a 4-yard touchdown with 9:32 to play.

Harwood entered the game after Thomas, a preseason All-Stater and early season Mr. Football favorite, left the game to a right knee injury.

But Everett would not be denied. Following Harwood’s score, the Crimson Tide chewed up 64 yards on three plays with quarterback Raheem Wingard selling the option and zooming up the left sideline 25 yards for a 28-14 lead with less than eight minutes remaining.

The Eagles’ final two drives ended in a Crimson Tide fumble recovery and turnover downs, respectively, before D’Onofrio iced it with his second rushing touchdown of the game.

“We just can’t spot them points, I don’t care how good you are – not against them,” Prep head coach Jim O’Leary said. “It was very similar to the [Bridgewater-Raynham] game. The second half, we made mistakes and the ball didn’t bounce our way.

“There was no magic involved. They played well, they had a bye week and they coached them up.”

Greater cause for concern: Thomas, a Maryland commit, left the game after a late third-quarter carry.

While attempting to cut to the sideline, the senior was met by duo of Everett tacklers and driven to the turf. After being attended to by trainers, Thomas walked off the field under his own power, but with staff members flanking him under each arm. He did not return.

Postgame, O’Leary said Thomas was examined by the doctor on hand, but didn’t want to speculate to the injury’s long-term severity, pending an MRI.

“We’re not going to play with 10 guys,” O’Leary added. “We’re going to play with 11 next week and, hopefully, we get him back.”

The concern over Thomas’ injury wasn’t exclusive to Prep’s sideline.

“He’s a great back,” DiBiaso said. “He got a lot of good yards and our prayers are with him. We hope it’s nothing serious.”

Grounding the Eagles: As was after Thomas’ injury, great attention was paid to the Prep back, who accounted for 86 yards on 17 carries in the first half alone, in the lead up to Saturday’s game.

With two weeks to game plan against the Eagles’ ground game, DiBiaso again mixed things up.

Josh Palmer, a 5-foot-9, 205-pound defensive tackle, was moved back to linebacker, joining an already stout corps. The move allowed the Crimson Tide to play a 3-5 base, at times stacking all 11 players in the box, in hopes of neutralizing the state’s top running talent.

“We recognize [Thomas is] the best player in the state and we were going to try to mold our defense to try to force them into doing other things to beat us,” DiBiaso said. “We put Josh [Palmer] back at linebacker with Angel [Duarte], C.J. [Parvelus] and Lubern [Figaro] and Isaiah [Davis] shadowing [Thomas] the whole game.

Of course, a plan is just that. Without players versatile enough to plug into the system, it falls flat.

“He’s just an athlete, he can play anywhere,” Duarte said of Palmer joining the ranks of the LBs. “He’s got the speed, he’s big. We put him out there anywhere and he did a great job for us.”

The Times They Are A-Changin’: After watching his son, Jonathan, break multiple state passing records during his career with the Crimson Tide, Everett’s offensive groupings have steadily morphed in the last two years.

It’s not anything new, but Saturday might have marked an unofficial return to the good ole days. DiBiaso reflected on his new-look, old-feel offense.

“You’re a stupid coach if you do something that your personnel isn’t equipped to execute. We’ve run the spread successfully for about four years, but our personnel is more fit for this.

“We have three good running backs and an option-style quarterback, so shame on me for not doing it earlier.”

With Davis, D’Onofrio and fullback Marquis Holman holding it down in the backfield, the Crimson Tide has tried to strike balance on offense.

Wingard made two big connections to Lukas Denis (2 passes defended on defense, as well), helping to set up two touchdown drives.

“He made two good catches on play-action passes, and if you’re going to run that offense, you have to hit on play-actions,” DiBiaso said of Denis.

Of course, there’s still room for improvement though: “I think we did a decent job. We’ve only been running it for two weeks, so hopefully we’ll get even better as weeks go on.”

ESPNU has updated its player rankings for the Class of 2014 in Massachusetts, and there are a few changes of note.

St. John's Prep running back Johnathan Thomas and St. Sebastian's linebacker Connor Strachan maintain the top two spots. Meanwhile, Doherty athlete Isaac Yiadom (3), Everett defensive back Lubern Figaro (4), Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker (5) and Tabor Academy athlete Miles Wright (6) all move up one spot from the previous update in July.

Roxbury Latin linebacker Kevin Cohee and Leominster safety Jarell Addo both move up two spots to Nos. 7 and 8, respectively. Rounding out the Top 10 are two newcomers, Dexter lineman James Hendren (9) and Catholic Memorial defensive athlete Kevin Bletzer (10).

To see the full list of top prospects in Massachusetts, CLICK HERE.

Below is the Top 10, with college commitment in italics. You can also see the updated Top 10 list on our homepage:

1. Johnathan Thomas, RB, St. John's Prep - Maryland
2. Connor Strachan, LB, St. Sebastian's - Boston College
3. Isaac Yiadom, WR/DB, Doherty - Boston College
4. Lubern Figaro, DB, Everett
5. Jon Baker, OL, Millis/Hopedale - Boston College
6. Miles Wright, ATH, Tabor Academy
7. Kevin Cohee, LB, Roxbury Latin - Boston College
8. Jarell Addo, S, Leominster - UMass
9. James Hendren, OL, Dexter - Boston College
10. Kevin Bletzer, LB, Catholic Memorial - Boston College

It was one of the most dominant three-year runs in MIAA history, going 28-1 with three straight MIAA Eastern Mass. Super Bowl titles. They scored early and they scored often, including a 2010 run in which they outscored opponents by nearly a 30-point margin per game. They had high-profile talent in high-profile places, sending recruits off to places like Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Boston College, UMass, the Ivy League and seemingly everywhere else in between.

And now, it appears Everett High could be in for potentially a rebuilding year -- of course, in Everett that means more than one loss. There are some parallels to that last "rebuilding" team that went 8-3 in 2009. Back then, the Tide were coming off a three-year run that saw them win back-to-back D1 Super Bowls, and fall to eventual champ BC High in a playoff the third year. They graduated a load of talent, including Isaac Johnson, Walter Fallas, J.R. Suozzo and brothers Jim and Rodman Noel. Jonathan DiBiaso, the state's all-time leader in passing touchdowns, was a ripe sophomore.

That team took its lumps early on -- including an unheard-of 48-14 September beatdown at the hands of Dracut (a game which became just as well-known for coach John DiBiaso's post-game remarks, specifically "I just hope they don't take us off their schedule now" -- which they did, as it turns out).

But sooner or later, they figured it out, rolled to their 15th straight Greater Boston League title and a D1 Super Bowl berth, where they were shut out by rival Xaverian amidst the snow at Gillette Stadium. The lumps of that season gave way to the furious three-year run that concluded last December in similar snowy conditions, a 20-19 thriller over state No. 1 Barnstable to avenge an early-season loss and conclude a third straight Super Bowl title.

This year, the Tide must find replacements in the trenches, which graduated four starters from one of the nation's heaviest offensive lines and featured one of the East Coast's top recruits in John Montelus (Notre Dame). They must find new speed on the perimeter, where versatile threats Jakarrie Washington (Wisconsin) and Jalen Felix (Eastern Arizona JC) stressed defenses in so many different ways.

But does anybody truly, seriously doubt that these guys won't figure it out?

After all this was a team that last year was wholly unsettled at quarterback before the season even started, down to their fourth-stringer by their season-opener against Leominster. Raheem Wingard took over the reigns midway through the season, and the Tide never looked back.

The 5-foot-7 Wingard is back under center this season, and he has looked confident thus far in the preseason, putting better zip on the ball from a higher arm slot. Wingard developed a reputation last season as a running quarterback; working in the zone read out of the pistol, one of the new staples of Everett's offense this year, Wingard has shown the ability to make the right read on defensive ends.

He also maintains a chip on his shoulder, wanting to show the state last year's three-peat run was not the sole doings of last year's class.

"I feel like I'm one of the quarterbacks that gets overlooked a lot because I'm smaller, but that just gives me a little more motivation," said Wingard following a recent scrimmage. "And it makes me push my team that much farther, that much harder."

There are questions abound, particularly on the offensive line, where Zach Pierre is the lone starter. They aren't one of the nation's heaviest like last year, when they averaged 324 across, but this is still big by Bay State standards, averaging nearly 285. Keep an eye on junior Guerschwon Jean-Louis (6-5, 350) and sophomore J.J. Collimon (6-3, 245) as potential prospects down line, and don't forget about juniors Eric Trickett (6-1, 260) and Muhammad Raouie (6-0, 290) either.

Questions lie at the receiver positions as well, though it's apparent there is some talent with this group. Lukas Denis will be a focal point at wide receiver, alongside Lubern Figaro, but one name to keep an eye on is Joe D'Onofrio. After earning Catholic Central Small honors (and some high praise from his former coach), D'Onofrio returns to Everett and should make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball.

Where there won't be questions, as usual, is in the secondary. Figaro, who laid the wood from both slot corner and strong safety last year, was one of the most sought-after recruits in the offseason. He currently holds a dozen Division 1 FBS offers, and has chosen a final five of Boston College, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Michigan State and Wisconsin; after initially saying he would decide before the start of the season, Figaro has pushed his selection date back to at least October, possibly later.

EVERETT AT A GLANCE
Coach: John DiBiaso (22nd season at Everett, 263-64-1 overall)
Last Season: 11-1, won Div. 1A Eastern Mass. Super Bowl
Returning Starters: Eight (three offense, five defense)
Key Returnees: Sr. DB Lubern Figaro, Sr. LB C.J. Parvelus, Sr. QB Raheem Wingard, Sr. LB Angel Duarte, Sr. C Zach Pierre, Jr. ATH Lukas Denis
Strengths: Secondary, linebackers, passing game.
Weaknesses: Inexperience at offensive and defensive lines.
Outlook: This might be the youngest, greenest team Everett has rolled out since 2009, when they got off to a rusty start before marching to the D1 EMass Super Bowl. Like that 2009 team, it might take a bit for everything to come along, but does anybody seriously doubt the Tide won't figure it out? Last year's offensive line, led by Notre Dame freshman John Montelus, was one of the nation's heaviest at nearly 324 pounds across. This year's line is lighter, but still heavy by Massachusetts high school standards, and with a few intriguing young prospects who still have some growing to do, mentally and physically. Expect senior Joe D'Onofrio, a transfer from cross-town Pope John XXIII, to be a focal point of the passing game; he's already made an immediate impact during the preseason, able to stretch defenses vertically with high-4.5 speed. Wingard has shown improvement at passing, and that he's ready to take leadership reigns, and when coupled with Figaro, Denis and newbie Miguel Lopes, there's faith that the Tide will figure it out. The Tide should have one of the state's best secondaries once again, led by Figaro, who holds a dozen scholarship offers and is deciding between Boston College, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Michigan State and Wisconsin.

EVERETT, Mass. -- This morning at Everett Memorial Stadium, the No. 2 Everett Crimson Tide hosted Lynn English in their annual first-weekend preseason scrimmage. In two series of varsity on varsity, Everett's offense scored four times, while the Bulldogs failed to reach the end zone.

This was our first look in the 2013 preseason at Everett, which is undergoing some wholesale changes in personnel after going 28-1 with three Super Bowl championships the last three seasons, as well as a good measure on several promising stars for English. Below are some notes and observations:

Radio Raheem: If there was any dash of speculation before about who was going to be taking snaps under center, incumbent senior Raheem Wingard made it clear who was in charge. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Wingard is built low to the ground and gets overlooked for his height, but he has a better arm than given credit for, and is excellent at making the proper read on backside defensive ends.

After graduating one of the program's most talented classes ever, led by the likes of Jakarrie Washington (Wisconsin), John Montelus (Notre Dame) and Jalen Felix (Eastern Arizona JC), Wingard takes the reigns with a chip on his shoulder. Everett was down to its fourth-string quarterback by opening night of the 2012 campaign, but Wingard moved over from running back to QB full-time midway through the year, and gave the Tide another running threat out of the backfield.

"He's stepping it up," Tide coach John DiBiaso said. "I think Raheem wants to prove it wasn't just Jakarrie [Washington], Jalen Felix, Kenny Calaj, Gilly De Souza, you know, that he had a hand in it a little bit. A lot of these kids have been the same way."

Said Wingard, "I feel like I'm one of the quarterbacks that gets overlooked a lot because I'm smaller, but that just gives me a little more motivation, and it makes me push my team that much farther, that much harder."

Everett primarily operated out of two-by-two double slot formations, pairing Lukas Denis and Lubern Figaro on one side opposite newcomers Mike Lopes and Joe D'Onofrio. That opened up the field for a series of slippery zone read plays up the middle, which Wingard usually orchestrated correctly.

D'Onofrio off and running: The prettiest play of the afternoon belonged to D'Onofrio, who connected with Wingard for a 55-yard touchdown pass towards the end of the Tide's first of two offensive series. Split wide just outside the numbers, D'Onofrio gained a step on his defender cutting diagonally on a post route, slipped behind the safety coming over the top, and let the ball softly drop over his shoulder into his outstretch hands, sprinting the final 20 yards to paydirt.

The 5-foot-11, 182-pound D'Onofrio was the Catholic Central Small MVP last year at cross-town Pope John XXIII after rushing for 1,356 yards and 16 touchdowns, his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season. But school has since gotten rid of its football program, leading D'Onofrio back to Everett, where he dabbled as a freshman.

If this morning is any indication, D'Onofrio is making a seamless fit into the Everett passing game. His slender frame blended with top-end speed and crisp routes draws comparisons to former Everett great Matt Costello, the 2010 ESPN Boston Mr. Football now playing for Princeton University, with the ability to stretch a defense vertically and take the top off. They're slightly different players, though -- D'Onofrio is a bit more physical, what with playing outside linebacker on defense.

"He's a real good player," DiBiaso said. "I've known him since he was five years old, he grew up in [Everett's] Pop Warner and everything. He did the couple years at Pope John, and now he's back with us. We're happy to have him, he's a good addition to the program. He's a good athlete."

Green in the trenches: Last season, the Tide had one of the nation's heaviest lines, averaging 324 pounds across, led by the 6-foot-5, 330-pound Montelus. This year's line is smaller, but still pretty impressive by high school standards at nearly 286 pounds across. Senior center Zach Pierre (5-11, 284) is the lone returning starter, and the Tide are breaking in new guards in juniors Eric Trickett (6-1, 260) and Muhammad Raouie (6-0, 290).

Two of the most intriguing newbies may be at the bookends. Junior Guerschwon Jean-Louis is in his first year of ever playing organized football, but at 6-foot-5 and nearly 350 pounds he held his own at the left tackle position. Sophomore right tackle J.J. Collimon is almost athletic enough to be a tight end, and may project the highest at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds.

Today was a good matchup for the young but promising Everett line, which had to deal with ESPN Boston Preseason All-State selection Chris Tinkham on the interior. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound senior has attracted Division 1 interest and is an impressive bull-rusher on the interior, but everywhere else the Tide were able to take control.

Offensively, the Tide moved the ball consistenly downfield, with linemen consistently getting into the second level. In one of the more impressive plays of the varsity action, Raouie charged up the left sideline on a screen and sealed off an English defender 15 yards downfield.

Defensively, Tinkham high-walled ends from the left tackle spot, but from the right side the Tide registered two sacks in the second English offensive series, including a nice speed rush from three-technique tackle Sidney Brimas, while 180-pound tackle Josh Palmer caused disruption shooting the inside gaps.

Harris-Javier battle heats up: One of the more intriguing camp battles is at English, where Lucas Harris is the incumbent but has been getting a good run from junior transfer Jordan Javier. At Haverhill High last year as a sophomore, the 6-foot-4 Javier excelled at wide receiver, but over the summer he has gotten plenty of reps at quarterback -- a move that's merited, as he makes difficult throws look effortless.

Javier, laboring through a tweaked meniscus from earlier in the week, took most of his snaps at quarterback, and took a few lumps early in the first series. On one play, he scrambled down the right sideline only to be stopped cold by Everett's C.J. Parvelus 10 yards down field. Two plays later, Javier threaded a laser deep down the left slot, only to watch highly-touted safety Lubern Figaro stip the ball from Harris' grip at the last second.

Both Harris and Javier made some great plays on the run, hitting receivers with tight balls just steps from the sidelines on deep comeback routes. And when Javier did line up at receiver for a few plays, he made the most of it, including an impressive catch from Harris on a square-in route from the left.

So far, Javier has shown promise, but Harris has done nothing to suggest he shouldn't be the quarterback. Receiver appears to be Javier's more natural position, based on history, so perhaps there is a compromise.

It will be worth monitoring Javier's left knee, which he re-aggravated late in the varsity series, having to be carried off by teammates and barely putting weight on his left leg. It's considered nothing serious, another tweak of the meniscus, according to English coaches.

Miscellaneous: One name to keep an eye on down the line: Jordan McAfee. The 6-foot-3 freshman is the Tide's third-string quarterback behind Wingard and Pat Long, but demonstrates remarkable maturity for a 14-year-old kid and made two terrific throws on comeback routes in the morning's final series. ... When the Tide got inside the red zone, they went to their familiar "Double Wing" package, experimenting with Raouie at fullback. Twice they scored on five-yard power sweeps, one in each of the two varsity series, from Denis and D'Onofrio. ... The linebacking corps appears to be set for now, with Angel Duarte at middle linebacker and Parvelus and D'Onofrio playing outside. ... In the secondary, keep an eye on junior Richard Jean, who made a good break on a deep pass late in the second series, deflecting a would-be touchdown at the sideline from about 10 yards out. ... DiBiaso on the roles expected of Figaro and Denis: "They've got to be leaders. We don't have that many experienced [players], so they've got to be leaders on the team. Lubern and [Lukas], those are the two bigger names out there."

Brendan Hall
ESPN Boston High Schools editor

Best QB: Cody Williams, Springfield Central
Best RB: Johnathan Thomas, St. John's Prep
Best WR: Brian Dunlap, Natick
Best TE: Brendan Hill, Mansfield
Best OL: Jon Baker, Millis/Hopedale
Best DL: Jon Baker, Millis/Hopedale
Best LB: C.J. Parvelus, Everett
Best DB: Lubern Figaro, Everett
Best passing offense: Natick
Best rushing offense: St. John's Prep
Best offensive line: St. John's Prep
Best defensive line: Reading
Best linebackers: Reading
Best secondary: Everett

THREE TEAMS THAT WILL SURPRISE

Medway
Coach Dave McSweeney's affinity for power football isn't a secret, and this season he'll have two road-graders to run behind in Kevin Sheehan (6-4, 285) and Cam Smith (6-5, 290, Lafayette commit). If there's any exhibit for why we needed to change the postseason format, the most glaring sample might be the Mustangs, who went 19-3 from 2009-10 with no playoff berth. In this new playoff system, a gameplan like the Mustangs' is built for the long haul.

Lynn English
Perhaps this isn't a surprise pick so much as an affirmation. In a Division 2 North that is perceived to be wide open after heavy favorite Reading, the Bulldogs have enough talent to make a deep run. There has always been elite talent at the skill positions, but Preseason All-State selection Chris Tinkham gives them a presence in the trenches they've lacked the last few years, a rare "war daddy" type who overpowers the interior gaps. The biggest question will be where the Bulldogs put junior Jordan Javier, a 6-foot-4 transfer from Haverhill who is a matchup problem at his natural split end position but also throws one of the prettiest balls you'll see on the North Shore.

Quabbin
The Panthers struggled to a 4-7 tune last season in a weak league, but there is some promise. Quarterback Dylan Kierman is an underappreciated talent, who should get a boost from the return of slippery receiver Nick Thyden. The Panthers run a unique "Air Raid" scheme, and another year of experience with it could surprised teams in Division 4 Central.

THREE BREAKOUT ATHLETES TO WATCH

Lukas Denis, Jr. ATH, Everett
After an injury-shortened 2012 season in which he was the assumed successor to record-setting quarterback Jonathan DiBiaso, but barely saw the field, Denis is moving to the perimeter, where he will take a role similar to the hybrid slot-back role that Manny Asprilla made legendary in 2010. Defensively, he should serve as a terrific compliment in the secondary to highly-touted safety/cornerback Lubern Figaro, and has already begun to pick up some Division 1 FBS interest.

Alfred Adarkwah, Sr. WR, Doherty
Standing a long 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, Adarkwah has an unusually large catching radius for a high school receiver. This summer in passing leagues, the Highlanders toyed with Adarkwah and Boston College-bound receiver Isaac Yiadom on the same side of 2x2 formations. Head coach Sean Mulcahy has to be excited with the possibilities that opens up -- just imagine sending those two on a post-wheel combo route. Or better yet, imagine running them on a bubble screen, taking advantage of both Yiadom's elite speed and Adarkwah's great downfield blocking skills.

Taj-Amir Torres, Jr. ATH, Amherst
Already a household name in track and field, where he was named the state's Gatorade Player of the Year last spring as a sophomore after winning New Englands in the 100-meter dash, he's about to get a whole lot more attention. Boston College, UConn and UMass have already offered Torres, who made just 24 catches last season but made some incredible feats of athleticism. Hurricanes head coach David Thompson told us earlier this month "[We're] trying to get the ball in his hands every opportunity we get", so expect bigger numbers in 2013.

WAY TOO EARLY STATE CHAMPION PICKS

Div. 1 - Everett
Div. 2 - Springfield Central
Div. 3 - Walpole
Div. 4 - Doherty
Div. 5 - Auburn
Div. 6 - Millis/Hopedale

***

Scott Barboza
ESPN Boston High Schools Editor

Best QB - Drew Belcher - Sr. Reading
Best RB - Johnny Thomas - Sr. St. John’s Prep
Best WR - Brian Dunlap - Jr. Natick
Best TE - Rory Donovan - Sr. Cardinal Spellman
Best OL - Jon Baker – Sr., Millis/Hopedale
Best DL – Joe Gaziano – Jr., Xaverian
Best LB – Eddie Motavu – Sr., Tewksbury
Best DB - Lubern Figaro - Sr. Everett
Best passing offense - Natick
Best rushing offense - St. John's Prep
Best offensive line – Bridgewater-Raynham
Best defensive line - Reading
Best linebackers - Leominster
Best secondary - Everett

THREE SURPRISE TEAMS

St. Mary’s (Lynn)
OK, so a team coming off an 11-2 season and a Super Bowl appearance might not exactly be a surprise, but with a couple of other Catholic Central teams garnering the buzz in the preseason, let's not forget the Spartans have another season with Jordan Collier (1,495 yards, 18 TD).

Hingham

We've heard them knocking, but can they come in? The Harbormen have whittled the gap in recent years, particularly against Patriot League nemesis Duxbury, but they're still waiting to break through. They could have an in-road in Division 3 Southwest. An early non-leaguer against Oliver Ames should be a bellweather for things to come, but the real proof will come Oct. 5, against those aforementioned Dragons.

Wakefield
The Warriors fell short of their goal of winning the Middlesex League's Freedom division last year, but should be in the mix in a wide open Division 3 Northwest race. We'll have a better impression after a visit from Lynn English in Week 2.

THREE BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETES

Joe Johnston, Sr. RB/S, King Philip
Anybody who saw Johnston's hard-nosed 157-yard, 2-touchdown performance against North Attleborough last year knows Johnston's style. He's a burden for would-be tacklers inside the box, and once he kicks it outside, he's also very hard to catch.

Grant Kramer, Sr. OT, Duxbury
The younger brother of Boston College tackle Aaron Kramer, Grant is now ready to assume the role as the next great lineman on the Dragons' line (and there have been some very good ones in recent memory). He currently holds offers from Coastal Carolina and Villanova but has also expressed interest in attending West Point.

Connor Moriarty, Sr. RB, Walpole
When Rebels starter Mike Rando went out with an ankle injury near the midway point of the regular season last year, it was Moriarty who carried the load down the stretch. Expect even bigger numbers this year.

WAY TOO EARLY CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTIONS:

D1 – St. John’s Prep
D2 – Springfield Central
D3 – Walpole
D4 – Doherty
D5 – Auburn
D6 – Millis/Hopedale

***

Josh Perry
ESPN Boston correspondent

Best QB - Drew Belcher, Reading
Best RB - Jonathan Thomas, St. John’s Prep
Best WR – Brian Dunlap, Natick
Best TE – Brendan Hill, Mansfield
Best OL – Jon Baker, Millis-Hopedale
Best DL – Andrew Bourque, Reading
Best LB – Kevin Bletzer, Catholic Memorial
Best DB – Lubern Figaro, Everett
Best passing offense - Natick
Best rushing offense – St. John’s Prep
Best offensive line – St. John’s Prep
Best defensive line - Reading
Best linebackers – Catholic Memorial
Best secondary - Everett

THREE TEAMS THAT WILL SURPRISE:

Attleboro
A new coaching staff, the energy of a new field complex, and a strong crop of returning seniors could make the Bombardiers the surprise team of the Hockomock League. Attleboro has always been a sleeping giant and the program continues to find solid athletes, it’s now up to the new staff to build a system that fits the talent on the roster. With a couple of league rivals dealing with injuries and suspensions, Attleboro could sneak up on people.

Barnstable
Everyone assumes that there will be a significant drop off for the Red Raiders due to a big graduating class, but there is still potential to be a solid team in D2 and in the OCL. This may not be a another season with Barnstable holding the top spot in the poll, but it shouldn’t be written off either.

Stoughton
The Knights are expected to finish behind Oliver Ames in the Davenport, but don’t be surprised if they pull an upset or two and give the Tigers a run at the title. Watch out for running back Malachi Baugh, who will be getting the majority of the carries this season and is a beast to try and bring down.

THREE BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETES TO WATCH

Luke Morrison, Sr. TE/DE, Attleboro
Attleboro’s giant tight end/defensive end is a monster match-up on both sides of the ball and could be a real threat as Tim Walsh’s favorite target in the Bombardiers passing attack.

Ryan Charter, Sr. QB, Needham
Mike Panepinto has deservedly drawn praise as the star man on the Needham offense, but the senior quarterback, who has been under center for 1-1/2 seasons already, will have high expectations as the Rockets try to get back on top in the Bay State.

Kyle Wisnieski, Sr. QB, Mansfield
With the graduation of running backs Robbie Rapoza and Kevin Makie and the continued injury problems for wide receiver Michael Hershman the key cog for the Hornets offense will be its senior quarterback. Wisnieski’s ability to spread the ball around and pick the right options out of a still talented receiving corps that includes Brendan Hill is going to be the key for Mansfield’s run at a Hockomock title.

WAY TOO EARLY STATE CHAMPION PICKS:

Div. 1 – St. John’s Prep
Div. 2 - Nashoba
Div. 3 – Bishop Feehan
Div. 4 - Doherty
Div. 5 - Auburn
Div. 6 – Millis-Hopedale

***

Ryan Kilian
Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Massachusetts Prep Stars

Best QB - Drew Belcher, Reading
Best RB - Johnathan Thomas, St. John's Prep
Best WR - Brian Dunlap, Natick
Best TE - Rory Donovan, Cardinal Spellman
Best OL - Jon Baker, Millis/Hopedale
Best DL - Alex Quintero, Lowell
Best LB - C.J. Parvelus, Defense
Best DB - Lubern Figaro, Everett
Best passing offense - St. John's (Shrewsbury)
Best rushing offense - St. John's Prep
Best offensive line - St. John's Prep
Best defensive line - Reading
Best linebackers - Duxbury
Best secondary - Everett

THREE TEAMS THAT WILL SURPRISE

Bedford
While Wayland and Concord-Casrlisle have earned the DCL Small Championship the past few years do not sleep on Bedford in 2013. The Bucs play one of the toughest schedules in Division 4 and the return All-DCL running back Olan Abner.

Chelmsford
While Lowell, Central and Andover are getting most of the early press in the MVC Large, the Chelmsford Lions return one of the State's top running backs in Jeff D'Auria, a seasoned young quarterback in Jack Campsmith and a nice nucleus of tough experienced defenders.

Archbishop Williams
If Archies can find early offensive balance to take some of the work load off the shoulders of star senior back Kylan Philbert-Richardson, they could make some noise in the D5 playoff hunt.

THREE BREAKOUT ATHLETES TO WATCH

Ian Kessel, Soph. RB, Haverhill
The St. John's Prep transfer saw late game carries last season as a freshman for Prep's Super Bowl Champion squad. The speedy halfback is now back home in the MVC Small, and with the graduation of work horse, All-State RB Chance Brady (Tufts), there should be plenty carries to go around.

Devin Lekan, Sr. DE/TE, Chelmsford
D'Auria and Campsmith return to lead the offense for Chelmsford's but it is the Lion defense could be the story if they stay healthy. The Lions feature the 2nd team all-MVC performer was the most impressive player in the games I saw last season.

Nick Orekoya, Jr. DB/RB Billerica
Orekoya saw a lot of playing time as a two-way starter for Billerica last season. With another year under his belt Orekoya should thrive in coach Rich McKenna's high octane offense.

WAY TOO EARLY STATE CHAMPION PICKS

Div. 1 - Everett
Div. 2 - Reading
Div. 3 - Tewksbury
Div. 4 - Dennis-Yarmouth
Div. 5 - Auburn
Div. 6 - Boston Cathedral

***

John Botelho
Editor-in-Chief, South Shore Sports Journal

Best QB - Troy Flutie, Natick
Best RB - Dylan Oxsen, Plymouth South
Best WR - Brian Dunlap, Natick
Best TE - Rory Donovan, Cardinal Spellman
Best OL - Jon Baker, Millis/Hopedale
Best DL - Steve Manning, Abington
Best LB - Kervin Jean-Claude, Brockton
Best DB - Lubern Figaro, Everett
Best passing offense - Natick
Best rushing offense - St. John's Prep
Best offensive line - St. John's Prep
Best defensive line - Auburn
Best linebackers - Brockton
Best secondary - Everett

THREE TEAMS THAT WILL SURPRISE

Brockton
They're ranked pretty high in any poll you look at because people have just come to accept the fact that Brockton generally reloads. They graduated 18 starters from last season's Super Bowl team, including quarterback Austin Roberts, who was one of the best in school history. Roberts, Micah Morel and Joe Previte are all playing ball at prep schools this year, and Anthony Davis has moved on to Div. 1 Central Connecticut. Still, the Boxers will very solid again. They have a number of athletes and playmakers, including returning do-it-all Aaron Leclair. Transfer Jamal Williams is going to compliment him well, and sophomore Kerry Raymond is physically imposing at 6-foot-1 and 205. Aaron Monteiro's 6-foot-5, 295-pound frame gives Brockton an anchor on the offensive line. They have plenty of guys ready to step forward on the other side of the ball as well, led by Kervin Jean-Claude, Justin Ahanon and Leclair.

Abington
The Green Wave went unbeaten in their march toward a Super Bowl crown last year, but saw a slew of stars graduate. QB Brandon Cawley, TE/DE Pat Dwyer, FB Jack Malafronte, RB Babila Fonkem, DB Mike Walsh, OL Tyler Perakslis and OL Matt Diver are just some of the elite players Abington graduated. These guys won't miss a beat though, as they have a ton of talent back. Matt Kilmain broke out for more than 400 yards on 27 carries in two postseason wins last year, and he might not even be the best player back this season. Abington returns its top three tacklers from a year ago and has most of their front seven back on defense. Jim Kelliher has one of the best coaching staffs going at this point, and these guys look like they're headed back to the playoffs. (For bold prediction purposes, I'm also going to go ahead and say I think they beat Duxbury on opening night, because that's how good I think this team can be).

Stoughton
The Black Knights missed the playoffs last year because of the wrong day for a let down game, taking a tough defeat to eventual Super Bowl champ Sharon. The Knights lost some very good players, but leading running back Malachi Baugh is back in the fold and they return four starting offensive lineman, so there's no reason to think the offense won't be up to par again. The Hockomock League has proven in recent years to be one of the toughest to win, but a second guaranteed playoff berth can only help a team like Stoughton.

THREE BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETES TO WATCH

Aaron Monteiro, Jr. OL, Brockton
Monteiro has something that can't be learned, or even worked toward. His 6-foot-5, 295-pound frame is one that will draw the interest of coaches at the next level. Coach Peter Colombo is very excited about plugging the junior into his offensive line, and it's not just because of the size. Monteiro worked during the off-season to get himself stronger and is primed to be one of the best lineman in the state. He plays basketball in the winter, something that has helped him develop quick and agile feet for a guy his size.

Sam Malafronte, Jr. LB, Abington
Started at linebacker a year ago as a sophomore for the Div. 4 Super Bowl champs, and finished second on the team in tackles. A very good athlete who is a work-out warrior, Malafronte will team with Matt Whelan to lead a solid corps in the middle of the field for the Green Wave.

James Shea, Sr. WR, East Bridgewater
The Vikings have benefited from having tremendous athletes in the backfield the last few years (think Casey DeAndrade, Tim O'Brien, Andrew Benson and Kevin Lynch), but in 2013 their most dangerous player will be splitting out wide. Shea can run with just about anyone -- he finished sixth in the 100-meter dash in the South Shore League last spring -- and is going to wreak havoc pulling in passes all year.

WAY TOO EARLY STATE CHAMPION PICKS

Div. 1 - Everett
Div. 2 - Natick
Div. 3 - Plymouth South
Div. 4 - Doherty
Div. 5 - Abington
Div. 6 - Millis/Hopedale

The MIAA football season officially kicks off today with the first sanctioned team practices. Below is our fourth annual ESPN Boston Preseason MIAA All-State Football Team, as well as our expansive "Watch List".

*Indicates returning All-State

OFFENSE

QB – Drew Belcher, Sr., Reading*
QB – Troy Flutie, Sr., Natick*
QB – Andrew Smiley, Sr., St. John’s (Shrewsbury)*
QB – Cody Williams, Sr., Springfield Central
RB – Johnathan Thomas, Sr., St. John’s Prep*
RB – Dylan Oxsen, Sr., Plymouth South*
RB – Mike Panepinto, Sr., Needham
RB – Brandon Gallagher, Jr., Bridgewater-Raynham
WR – Brian Dunlap, Jr., Natick*
WR – Isaac Yiadom, Sr., Doherty
WR – Jack Galvin, Sr., Lowell
WR – Ju’uan Williams, Sr., Springfield Central
TE – Rory Donovan, Sr., Cardinal Spellman
TE – Brendan Hill, Jr., Mansfield
OL – Jon Baker, Sr., Millis/Hopedale*
OL – Kent Blaeser, Sr., St. John’s Prep
OL – Shawn Whitaker, Sr., Bridgewater-Raynham
OL – Cam Smith, Sr., Medway
OL – Sean Lee, Sr., Springfield Central
ATH – Dave Harrison, Sr., Weymouth
ATH – Neil O’Connor, Sr., Leominster

DEFENSE

DL – Andrew Bourque, Sr., Reading
DL – Will Greelish, Sr., Auburn
DL – Alex Quintero, Sr., Lowell
DL – Chris Tinkham, Sr., Lynn English
LB – C.J. Parvelus, Sr., Everett
LB – Sean Smerczynski, Sr., St. John’s Prep*
LB – Brett McEvoy, Sr., King Philip
LB – Liam Kenneally, Sr., Reading
LB – Shayne Kaminski, Sr., Xaverian
LB – Tom Rodrick, Sr., Leicester
DB – Lubern Figaro, Sr., Everett
DB – Davon Jones, Jr., St. John’s (Shrewsbury)
DB – D’Andre Drummond-Mayrie, Sr., Central Catholic
DB – Jarell Addo, Sr., Leominster
D-ATH – Kevin Bletzer, Sr., Catholic Memorial

***

WATCH LIST

Olan Abner, Sr. RB, Bedford
Mike Abruzzese, Sr. DB, Natick
Justin Ahanon, Sr. ATH, Brockton
Shaquille Anderson, Sr. RB, Cambridge
Nick Andreas, Jr. QB, Danvers
Charlie Aylward, Sr. LB, Catholic Memorial
Jordan Balarinho, Sr. QB, Billerica
Michael Balsamo, Jr. DB, Central Catholic
Malachi Baugh, Sr. RB, Stoughton
Joe Bellomo, Jr. RB, Holliston
Aidan Beresford, Sr. OL, Marshfield
Will Blumenberg, Jr. QB, Concord-Carlisle
Will Bolster, Sr. QB, Walpole
Ommel Bonilla, Jr. DL, Andover
Ryan Boucher, Sr. OL, North Reading
Andrew Boynton, Sr. WR, Natick
Luke Brennan, Sr. QB, Doherty
Joe Brown, Sr. OL, Central Catholic
Jake Burt, Jr. TE, St. John’s Prep
Ryan Charter, Sr. QB, Needham
Max Chipouras, Sr. RB, Longmeadow
Jordan Collier, Sr. RB, St. Mary’s (Lynn)
Nick Cordopatri, Sr. OL, Walpole
Nicolau Coury, Jr. LB, Lowell
Shyheim Cullen, Jr. LB, Lowell
Jeff D’Auria, Sr. RB, Chelmsford
Kyle Dance, Sr. QB, Latin Academy
Lukas Denis, Jr. DB, Everett
Joe DeNucci, Sr. ATH, Newton North
Kevin DiBona, Sr. LB, Duxbury
Steve DiCienzo, Sr. LB, BC High
Rob DiLoreto, Sr. WR, Reading
Brian Dolan, Sr. QB, Lowell
John Donnellan, Sr. DL, Reading
Isaiah Douglas, Sr. DB, Bishop Feehan
Angel Duarte, Sr. LB, Everett
Michael Dunn, Jr. ATH, Dennis-Yarmouth
Markus Edmonds, Jr. LB, Central Catholic
Derek Estes, Sr. DB, Barnstable
Michael Fawhemini, Sr. DB, St. John’s Prep
Joey Fitton, Sr. OL/DL, Holy Name
Connor Gatto, Sr. OL, Northbridge
Joe Gaziano, Jr. DL, Xaverian
Micah Gregory, Sr. DB, Barnstable
T.J. Hairston, Jr. WR, Watertown
Jack Herlihy, Sr. OL, Duxbury
Michael Hershman, Sr. WR, Mansfield
Kejonte Hickman, Jr. QB, Boston Cathedral
Alex Hilger, Sr. WR, Natick
Sean Hoey, Sr. OL, St. John’s Prep
Jon Holdgate, Sr. LB, Nantucket
Jeff Holland, Sr. ATH, Holy Name
Dom Hooven, Sr. OL, St. John’s Prep
Jack Hubley, Sr. LB, Lincoln-Sudbury
Phoenix Huerta, Sr. QB, Somerville
Jordan Javier, Jr. ATH, Lynn English
Kervin Jean-Claude, Sr. LB, Brockton
Domingo Jenkins, Sr. RB, Taunton
Austin Jones, Sr. OL, Shepherd Hill
Anderson Jupiter, Sr. RB, Somerville
Brandon Kahari, Soph. DB, St. John’s Prep
Devon Kellner, Sr. LB, Taunton
Rory Keohane, Sr. DL, BC High
Chris Kennedy, Sr. LB, Barnstable
Dylan Kierman, Sr. QB, Quabbin
A.J. King, Sr. ATH, Xaverian
Jimmy King, Sr. DL, Reading
Grant Kramer, Sr. OL, Duxbury
Fodee Kromah, Sr. DB, Holy Name
Noah Kung, Sr. OL, Walpole
Michael Kwegyir-Attah, Sr. LB, Haverhill
Jaleel Kyles, Sr. DB, Springfield Putnam
Mitch Laferriere, Sr. LB, BC High
Keagan Latta, Sr. WR, Lowell
Aaron LeClair, Sr. RB, Brockton
Matt Long, Soph. RB, Weymouth
Wayne Lowery, Sr. DB, Springfield Putnam
Steve Manning, Sr. DL, Abington
Kenneth Marshall, Sr. LB, Springfield Central
Ryan Martin, Sr. WR, Bridgewater-Raynham
Ngaiiva Mason, Sr. RB, Lowell
Liam Matheson, Sr. RB, Dennis-Yarmouth
Eddie Matovu, Sr. LB, Tewksbury
Sean McCarthy, Sr. QB, Duxbury
Eric Mercer, Sr. LB, Melrose
Kens Morantus, Sr. LB, Waltham
Connor Moriarty, Sr. ATH, Walpole
Luke Morrison, Sr. TE, Attleboro
Hayden Murphy, Sr. ATH, Barnstable
Kevin Nunes, Sr. WR, New Bedford
Nick Orekoya, Jr. DB, Billerica
Luis Ortiz, Sr. TE/LB, Springfield Central
Derek Pacheco, Sr. DL, Barnstable
Connor Peck, Sr. OL, Catholic Memorial
Khai Perry, Sr. RB, Duxbury
Kylan Philbert-Richardson, Sr. RB, Archbishop Williams
Wes Quinzani, Sr. DB, Duxbury
Aaron Rabb, Sr. DL, Whitman-Hanson
Deion Raper, Sr. DB, Brockton
Kerry Raymond, Soph. RB, Brockton
Eddie Rivera, Jr. RB, Leominster
Justin Robinson, Sr. WR, Natick
Owen Rocket, Jr. WR, St. John’s Prep
Sergio Rodriguez, Sr. OL, Somerville
Rufus Rushins, Jr. RB/LB, Bishop Fenwick
D’Vante Sewell, Sr. DB, Springfield Commerce
Ben Sheehan, Jr. RB, Minnechaug
Tim Smith, Sr. RB, Dartmouth
Joel Sodeinde, Sr. OL, Dartmouth
Jimmy Sullivan, Sr. QB, Nauset
Jack Sylvester, Sr. RB, Andover
Thomas Tabur, Sr. OL, Northbridge
Tyrone Thornton, Sr. DB, Newton South
Nick Thyden, Sr. WR, Quabbin
Griffin Tighe, Sr. DL, Franklin
Coby Tippett, Soph. ATH, Xaverian
Taj-Amir Torres, Jr. WR/DB, Amherst
Spencer Tyler, Sr. QB, Dennis-Yarmouth
Luc Valenza, Sr. LB, Foxborough
Jason Valera, Sr. LB, Leominster
Alex Valles, Sr. DB, Danvers
Kahlil Walker, Sr. DL, Springfield Central
Casey Walsh, Sr. QB, North Andover
Isaiah White, Sr. RB, Beverly
Jamal Williams, Sr. RB, Brockton
Mayson Williams, Sr. ATH, Leominster
Raheem Wingard, Sr. QB, Everett
Kyle Wisnieski, Sr. QB, Mansfield

This is the second in our "Impact Player" series, taking a closer look at some of the state's top returning players as we draw closer to the MIAA football season. To see all of our Impact Players, CLICK HERE.

After an unprecedented three-year run for Everett in which the Crimson Tide went 36-1 with three straight MIAA Super Bowl titles, made three straight finishes at No. 1 in ESPN Boston's statewide poll, and produced nearly a dozen Division 1 scholarship athletes, the question bears asking: Are we headed for a down year in Crimsonland?

There is no question the Tide will be thinner on the offensive line, which graduated four starters -- including ESPN Boston Lineman of the Year John Montelus, who is at Notre Dame. And there is no doubt there is serious skill talent to replace, between Jakarrie Washington, Jalen Felix, Kenny Calaj and jack-of-all-trades Gilly De Souza.

An uncharacteristically young Tide squad will hit the turf at Everett Memorial Stadium this fall, but there is exceptional talent at the top of this thin senior class. And it starts with defensive back Lubern Figaro, who is expected to be the heart of the secondary this fall as they aim for a four-peat in the first year of a true state championship.

Player: Lubern Figaro
School: Everett
Hometown: Everett, Mass.
Listed Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 180 pounds
Scouts Inc. Rank: 5 - Mass.; 146 - Region; 93 - Position
College: Undecided
Considering: Boston College, Syracuse, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Vanderbilt
Key 2012 stat: Alternating between strong safety and nickelback, Figaro registered five sacks.
Workout stat: Times in the 4.5 range in the 40-yard dash.

Highlight Film:
Opposing Coaches: "That kid is pretty good. He was like their nickel back, I think he’s good and I think he has bigger upside than the other guys because he has better length. ... I think he'll be more of a free safety at the next level maybe, I don’t know if with his frame if he has the thickness to get down in the box -- but don't get me wrong, I think he's very good. I hope he plays corner against us, so we can work against everyone else, because if they put him at free safety he can run sideline to sideline and cover a lot of ground. He's faster than I remember, he's that much better of a player, I think he’s legit. ... He seems to have really good field awareness, reading receivers from two to one and the running back to his side out of the backfield. He never seems to be in a bad position."

Scouts Inc.: "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."

Bottom Line: Figaro was largely overshadowed last fall, riding side-saddle to the likes of Jakarrie Washington (Wisconsin), Jalen Felix (Eastern Arizona JC) and Gilly De Souza (UMass-Lowell soccer) in one of the state's best secondaries as the Crimson Tide earned an MIAA Super Bowl three-peat. But clearly the college scouts believe there is high potential with Figaro, who fielded a dozen scholarship offers before cutting it down to five last month. A physical downhill player, Figaro will be a tough defender to gameplan for due to his versatility. And while there are holes to fill seemingly everywhere on the defensive side of the ball, Figaro's ability from both the slot and centerfield instantly makes Everett one of the state's most feared pass defenses once again.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first installment of our "Summer Snapshot" series, checking in with some of Massachusetts' top teams leading into the MIAA football preseason.

When we last checked in with Everett, the Crimson Tide had snuck by Barnstable in one of the most epic finishes ever at Gillette Stadium, for a third consecutive Eastern Mass. Super Bowl title. This afternoon, we caught up with the Crimson Tide as part of our annual summer photo tour, and they once again figure to come into the season as one of the state's top squads.

But boy, are there some holes to be filled, after graduating one of their most talented classes ever. We caught up with the Tide in a photo shoot this afternoon at Everett Memorial Stadium.

(L to R: Lukas Denis, C.J. Parvelus, Raheem Wingard, Lubern Figaro, Angel Duarte)

Fun shoot today at Everett High with @Thorpe_Says. Look for full gallery of top teams during preseason pic.twitter.com/11gXSziWRx

— Brendan Hall (@BHallESPN) August 1, 2013

Photo shoot day at Everett fieldhouse. Note C.J. Parvelus lounging. I think he thought that he was still on camera. pic.twitter.com/8NFXW3jq1L

— Scott Barboza (@ESPNScottB) August 1, 2013

EVERETT AT A GLANCE
Coach: John DiBiaso (22nd season at Everett, 263-64-1 overall)
Last Season: 11-1, won Div. 1A Eastern Mass. Super Bowl
Final 2012 ESPN Boston Rank: 1
Returning Starters: Eight (three offense, five defense)
Key Losses: OT John Montelus, WR/DB Jakarrie Washington, WR/DB Jalen Felix, ATH Gilly De Souza, DE Jeff Soulouque, DE Omar Graciano, RB/LB Kenny Calaj, OL Marc Fils-Aime, OL Mike Ottersburg, OL Pat Sullivan
Key Returnees: Sr. DB Lubern Figaro, Sr. LB C.J. Parvelus, Sr. ATH Raheem Wingard, Sr. LB Angel Duarte, Sr. C Zach Pierre, Jr. ATH Lukas Denis
Overview: Do the Tide have enough in the tank for a four-peat? They certainly figure to be one of the favorites in thew newly-aligned Division 1 North, and they are a heavy favorite to roll to an unprecedented 20th straight Greater Boston League title, but the question will be if there is enough experienced depth. ... As always, the secondary will be the state's best, led by Figaro and complemented with Wingard and Denis. Figaro, a hang-tough tackler with keen ball instincts, has 12 Division 1 FBS offers and has cut his list down to Boston College, Syracuse, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Vanderbilt. After expressing plans earlier this summer to make a college decision before the start of the season, Figaro told ESPNBoston.com today that he will put his decision off until at least October. After an injury-shortened 2012 campaign last fall, Denis is bound for a breakout season this fall, and has started to built FBS interest. ... Once again, there is an interesting situation brewing at quarterback. Last year, the Tide were down to their fourth-stringer -- De Souza -- before Week 1, and a number of athletes saw time under center. Wingard assumed the role midway through the season, and figures to be the incumbent heading into training camp. Expect a similar offensive philosophy -- that is, one which seemed to change on a weekly basis, prioritizing perimeter speed -- to permeate once again. ... The linebacking corps, led by FCS recruit Parvelus, should be among the state's best. The backers came at Barnstable with a potpurri of blitzes in the D1A Super Bowl, creating difficulty up the middle. ... Last season's line, led by Notre Dame recruit John Montelus, was one of the nation's heaviest, averaging 324 pounds across. With four starters graduating, expect a youth movement in the trenches.

Earlier this afternoon, Everett High senior defensive back Lubern Figaro told ESPN's Jared Shanker he has narrowed it down to five schools for his college choice -- Boston College, Michigan State, Syracuse, Wisconsin and Vanderbilt.

"There's no order to those," Figaro told Shanker in a blog posted now on RecruitingNation (Insider only).

To date the 6-foot, 180-pound Figaro has offers from Boston College, UMass, Michigan State, Wisconsin, UConn, Syracuse and North Texas. Temple, Maryland and Miami (Fla.) have also shown varying degrees of interest, while FCS upstart Old Dominion has also extended an offer.

Figaro started all 13 games this past season for the Crimson Tide, alternating between strong safety and slot cornerback, as they captured their third straight Eastern Mass. Super Bowl title. Alongside seniors Jakarrie Washington (Wisconsin), Jalen Felix (Eastern Arizona JC) and Gilly De Souza (UMass-Lowell - soccer), Everett's secondary was considered the state's most feared. Figaro registered 37 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions for the season.

Interestingly enough, Washington -- who surprised many last winter with his commitment to Wisconsin out of nowhere, two weeks before signing day -- has been trying to recruit Figaro to the Badgers.

"They won the Big Ten and they have an amazing program over there,” Figaro told Shanker. “[Washington] said to join him up there and put Massachusetts on the map.”

Michigan State will be Figaro's first visit, on July 26. He also plans to visit the other schools before making a decision before the beginning of the season, which starts August 19 with the first day of MIAA-sanctioned practices.

Figaro is ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in Massachusetts, and a three-star recruit, by ESPN. His evaluation by RecruitingNation praises his hard-nosed demeanor, saying, "Figaro's athleticism and toughness should prove beneficial as a special teams player. Some time and most likely a redshirt year will be necessary to develop coverage skills prior to challenging for playing time at the BCS level of competition."

Everett High Class of 2014 defensive back Lubern Figaro picked up his seventh Division 1 FBS offer today, from Vanderbilt University, he announced on his Twitter account this morning.

"Just picked up a offer to Vanderbilt #anchordown," he wrote in a tweet.

The Commodores join a wide cornucopia of FBS programs that have been rolling in this spring with interest. To date the 6-foot, 180-pound Figaro has offers from Boston College, UMass, Michigan State, UConn, Syracuse and North Texas. Temple, Maryland and Miami (Fla.) have also shown varying degrees of interest, while FCS upstart Old Dominion has also extended an offer.

Figaro started all 13 games this past season for the Crimson Tide, alternating between strong safety and slot cornerback, as they captured their third straight Eastern Mass. Super Bowl title. Alongside seniors Jakarrie Washington (Wisconsin), Jalen Felix (Eastern Arizona JC) and Gilly De Souza (UMass-Lowell - soccer), Everett's secondary was considered the state's most feared. Figaro registered 37 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions for the season.

Vandy's offer is the latest in an unusually voluminous offseason of recruiting for Bay State prospects. Earlier this month, St. John's Prep four-star running back Jonathan Thomas committed to Maryland over Arkansas and BC. Last Friday the state's other four-star 2014 recruit, St. Sebastian's linebacker Connor Strachan, became the fourth in-state pledge to BC, joining Millis' Jon Baker, Roxbury Latin's Kevin Cohee and Doherty's Isaac Yiadom.

Everett High Class of 2014 defensive back Lubern Figaro received his first Big Ten scholarship offer, from Michigan State, he confirmed to ESPNBoston.com this afternoon.

The Spartans become the third Division 1 FBS program to offer the 6-foot, 180-pound Figaro, joining Boston College and UMass. Temple has also expressed interest.

"It feels incredible, to have the chance to possibly go to the Big Ten one day," Figaro said. "I'm surprised to get an offer from the Big Ten, they don't really recruit people from Boston."

Figaro started all 13 games this past season for the Crimson Tide, alternating between strong safety and slot cornerback, as they captured their third straight Eastern Mass. Super Bowl title. Alongside seniors Jalen Felix, Gilly De Souza and Wisconsin signee Jakarrie Washington, Everett's secondary was considered the state's most feared. Figaro registered 37 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions for the season.

This marks the second time in as many months that Michigan State has dipped into the Bay State to extend an offer to a Class of 2014 prospect. Last month, the Spartans offered Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker, who himself also holds offers from Rutgers, Temple, Ohio, Boston College, UMass and UConn.

Everett High Class of 2014 defensive back Lubern Figaro received an offer today from UMass, a source told ESPNBoston.com.

The Minutemen become the second Division 1 FBS school to offer the 6-foot, 180-pound Figaro, joining Boston College. Temple has also expressed interest in Figaro.

Figaro started all 13 games this past season for the Crimson Tide, alternating between strong safety and slot cornerback, as they captured their third straight Eastern Mass. Super Bowl title. Alongside seniors Jalen Felix, Gilly De Souza and Wisconsin signee Jakarrie Washington, Everett's secondary was considered the state's most feared.

Everett High Class of 2014 defensive back Lubern Figaro confirmed to ESPNBoston.com that he received an offer this morning from Boston College.

The 6-foot, 180-pound Figaro started all 13 games this past season for the Crimson Tide, alternating between strong safety and nickelback, as they captured their third straight Eastern Mass. Super Bowl title. Alongside seniors Jalen Felix, Gilly De Souza and Wisconsin signee Jakarrie Washington, Everett's secondary was considered the state's most feared.

Figaro also has Division 1 FBS interest from UMass and Temple.

EVERETT, Mass. -- The Tide settled just in time against visiting neighbor Malden High last night.

Ahead for the final 25 minutes, Everett boys' basketball looked to be cruising to its first Greater Boston League victory of the season as it lead by as much as 20 points in the final half. A frenzy of fourth-quarter steals slipped the Golden Tornadoes within a single score late, but the Crimson Tide (4-3, 1-1) steadied in the final minute to best Malden (5-2, 1-1), 61-52.

“We got off to a nice start (at) 2-0 and lost three tough ones by a total of three points to real good teams,” said Everett coach John DiBiaso. “We were a little down on ourselves so it was important to bounce back.”

Leading by its smallest margin since the first quarter, 55-52, guard Tyree Gregory whipped a sideline pass into the paint to set up sophomore Gary Clark for two points off free throws and a 57-52 lead at 1:05 in the final quarter. After Malden sophomore Anthony Gilardi just missed a fade-away, Everett junior Marquis Holman grappled the rebound and whipped the ball across the court for a 59-52 layin by junior Lubern Figaro with 45 seconds left.

A foul shot from senior Gilly DeSouza and junior Timmance McKinney sealed the win at 61-52 in the final seconds.

“We went inside a couple of times with some set plays,” said DiBiaso. “That kind of calmed us down. (We) go some layups and free throws and that got us over the hump.”

Clark, a forward, battled his way through the flu to lead the Tide with 19 points and seven rebounds. Gregory netted 16 points, while forward Jahlil Price buried 13 points and grappled five rebounds (both Everett senior captains).

“All coach said was play defense and attack the basket,” said Clark. “We do a lot of rebound drills for me and close out drills for the zone. Coach wants me to attack the basket really hard”

In The Zone: A patient 2-3 zone and a strong paint presence from six-foot-four center Gilardi helped force turnovers and battle Malden back from a 49-29 deficit at 4:29 in the third quarter.

A 13-2 fourth quarter run by the Golden Tornadoes, including seven steals, finished with senior guard Rodney Morton stripping the ball at mid court and forcing two points from foul shots to gain a slim 55-52 deficit with 1:20 left.

“(Gilardi) has really good court vision and he is able to stay where the ball is,” said Malden coach Don Nally. “When you press the ball and take vision away it makes it a little easier to do it. We did a 2-3 and we pressed off of it.”

Back-to-back three-point-plays by Gilardi and junior Ray Sainstril off steals had previously finished an eight point streak for Malden with the Golden Tornadoes down 53-48 with 2:42 remaining.

Diamond Defense: The Crimson Tide used its standard 1-2-1-1 full-court press (or as coach DiBiaso referred to it, a "Diamond Trap") the entire game. The press was extremely effective early as Everett scored eight of its first nine points off steals rather than set plays.

Gregory, who tallied 13 points in the first half, caught the defense trying to lob over him and countered to both finish a layup and draw an intentional foul for his eighth straight point to put the Tide ahead 9-5 at 5:16 in the first quarter.

“That is our go to defense,” said DiBiaso. “You have to get back if they break it and you have to be aggressive and attack if they make a steal. (Gregory) can stop on a dime, he took the ball too the basket, and he has great body control (to) finish.”

A run of nine points between the first and second quarters pushed Everett farther ahead from a slim 17-16 lead in the final three seconds of the first. With all nine points coming from layups or free throws, McKinney battled under the rim to force a 26-16 foul shot at 6:08 in the second quarter.

“We tried to get the ball in the middle of the floor and not on the sidelines, because that is when we get stuck” said Nally. “You can not go down by 18. It is such a hard battle to come back from.”

A one and a half minute span that included all but one Everett basket coming off a counter attack lead to the Tide outscoring Malden 8-2 for a 49-29 lead at 4:29 in the third quarter.