By Lenny Megliola, Globe Correspondent

Troy Flutie is following in the footsteps steps of his father, Darren, his Heisman Trophy-winning uncle, Doug, and his first cousin, Billy, to play football at Boston College.

On Wednesday, the Natick High junior quarterback verbally committed to attend BC with the Class of 2014, accepting an offer from first-year coach Steve Addazio after an on-campus visit. He had made quite an impression on the coaching staff in a workout at The Heights on Sunday.

“It’s an athlete-slash-wide receiver scholarship,” said Flutie, who also plays baseball and basketball at Natick High.

“The second half of the workout they put him at receiver,” said Darren Flutie, who snared 134 catches in four seasons (1984-87) for Jack Bicknell's Eagles before starring with three franchises (BC Lions, Edmonton Eskimos, Hamilton Tiger-Cats) in the Canadian Football League, where he ranks third all-time in receptions.

It’s too early to say if Flutie will get a chance to play quarterback at BC. His uncle, Doug, went to BC in similar fashion. He was thought to be undersized and was given no promises that he’d play quarterback. But he rose on the depth chart and went on to win the Heisman Trophy in 1984.

“The recruiting similarities between Doug and Troy are unbelievable,” said Darren Flutie.

A terrific two-way threat, Flutie utilized his nimble feet (167 rushes, 1,075 yards, 14 TDs) and accurate right arm (3,153 yards, 35 TDs, 8 interceptions) to direct the Red Hawks to the EMass. Division 2A Super Bowl last fall.

As with Doug, there have been concerns with Troy’s size. “He’s just under 6-feet and 178 pounds,” said Darren, about the same size Darren was when he played for the Eagles.

Darren said there were doubters whether Troy had “the size and arm strength to play Division 1.”

Addazio may use the versatile Flutie in creative ways on offense. “He was very honest with me,” said Troy.

For the past three months, he has worked with former BC quarterback Mark Hartsell at East Bridgewater High and St Sebastian’s in Needham. “He helped me most with technique and getting more power in my throwing,” said Flutie.

He also worked out for the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “I thought that went well, but I threw the ball better at BC," he said.

If BC hadn’t come through, Flutie said “I had no clue where I’d go. Maybe Rhode Island, UNH, Maine.”

That’s reminiscent of Doug Flutie’s recruitment days also.

He is the sixth in-state recruit to commit to BC for 2014, a group that includes Millis-Hopedale lineman Jon Baker and Connor Strachan, a linebacker from St. Sebastian's in Needham.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

After a stellar season for St. John's Prep's football team, a year in which the Eagles won the Division 1 Super Bowl, one of the team's offensive catalysts has his sights set on the next level.

Eagles running back/defensive back Johnathan Thomas has told his high school he is verbally committing to play for the University of Maryland.

Thomas rushed for 1,794 yards and 15 touchdowns on 220 carries to help the Eagles capture the Super Bowl. The junior back also caught nine passes for 153 yards and three TDs and has amassed 2,900 rushing yards in his career.

Thomas scored two touchdowns for St. John's Prep on Super Saturday, helping the Eagles to a 48-28 win over Brockton. He was named a Globe All-Scholastic after the season.

By Phil Perry, Globe Correspondent

On Saturday, Jon Baker visited the Boston College campus and listened to a 15-minute pitch from four members of the school's football coaching staff who explained why he would be a great fit for their program.

When it was over, the Millis High junior gave his brief response.

"I'm in," he told them.

With that, the Eagles staff members erupted. They had a verbal commitment from their ideal offensive lineman, a dominating 6-foot-3, 300-pound athlete from Massachusetts with a 4.0 grade point average.

"I think BC has their poster child to be honest with you," said Millis-Hopedale coach Dale Olmsted, who traveled to the Chestnut Hill campus with Baker and his parents on Saturday.

"A kid from Massachusetts with that kind of athleticism and those types of grades, any program would be happy to have him."

Baker had been offered scholarships by University of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rutgers, Michigan State, Old Dominion and Temple. Both Harvard and Yale, which don't offer athletic scholarships, pursued him. And other Division 1 programs -- Stanford, UCLA, Wisconsin, Duke and Vanderbilt -- which had not yet officially offered a scholarship, had shown significant interest.

But in the end, according to Olmsted, Baker's discussions about potential landing spots always came back to Boston College, which offered the opportunity to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference while remaining close to home. The Eagles also have a long history of sending linemen to the NFL, which is Baker's ultimate dream.

Saturday morning Baker called Olmsted and explained that he wanted to commit. Olmsted knew Baker was hoping to make a college decision before his senior season at Millis-Hopedale, but the coach was still somewhat surprised by the timing.

"He felt that now was the right time," Olmsted said. "I think he thought 'Let's just do it. There's no sense in waiting.' "

Baker is ranked by the recruiting website Rivals.com as the country's No. 18 guard in the country among those in the class of 2014. He bench presses 400 pounds, squats 600 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash at a Boston College camp last summer in 5.1 seconds.

After leading Millis-Hopedale to a second consecutive Tri-Valley League Small title as an offensive guard and defensive tackle, he was named the league's Lineman of the Year for the second time.

"They might have to re-name that the Baker Award," Olmsted joked.

There is the possibility Baker could choose to graduate high school early, sometime after his senior season, and enroll at Boston College in the winter of 2014 to get a head start on preparations for his freshman season later that fall.

Whenever he chooses to make his way to the Heights, Baker is expected to play either guard or center, and he plans to take pre-med courses.

Baker wasn't the only good news at the Heights. Roxbury Latin tight end/linebacker Kevin Cohee also gave a verbal commitment to play football at BC. Roxbury Latin athletic director Tony Teixeira said Cohee met with head coach Steve Addazio Saturday and gave him the news.

"Kevin is very excited for the opportunity to play for his hometown Eagles," said Teixeira of Cohee, a resident of Chestnut Hill.

The 6-3, 240-pound junior also received offers from UConn and UMass-Amherst.

By Craig Larson, Globe Staff

As an offensive mind, Jack Martinelli said John "Duffy" Doherty was ahead of his time as head football coach at Norwood High.

"He was almost a spread (offense) type of coach back then, he really opened things up, especially for Norwood, and other (teams) in the area, throwing the football, and spreading people out," recalled Martinelli, defensive coordinator for all of Doherty's 11 seasons on the sideline at Norwood (1971-81).

Doherty, who directed Norwood to a pair of Super Bowl titles and later guided the Curry College football program for 10 seasons, died Monday at 79 after a long illness.

A member of both the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame (1992) and the Curry Athletic Hall of Fame (2000), Doherty led Norwood to Division 1 Super Bowl victories in 1977 (14-8, over Arlington) and 1980 (20-14, over Brockton).

But it was his personality, humble, and firm but fair, that won over his colleagues and players.

"He was the best guy you could work with, from a kids' point of view, it was a great opportunity to play, and he was of the philosophy, he allowed coaches to coach and he kids to play," said Martinelli, who, thanks in part to his time alongside Doherty, has carved out a Hall of Fame coaching career of his own at Foxborough High the last 31 seasons.

"He was very unselfish person, and I believe, the lessons and the knowledge he imparted to anyone that surrounded him was his greatest gift, a lot of kids and coaches took with them the rest of their lives."

His first team at Curry, in 1983, was winless, but the Colonels went 7-2 the following year, the program's first winning season since 1978. His 1986 and 1987 squads were a combined 15-2.

Doherty later returned to Norwood as an offensive assistant under Joe Smith and served as the running backs coach at Curry for three seasons (1998-2000) under Steve Nelson. He leaves four children, including Gary, the athletic director and football coach at Framingham High, and Kevin, former defensive coordinator at Harvard.

"He was really a gifted family man, and great with kids, his home was always open to us," said Martinelli. "And on game day, his five to six coaches, he always let them have a say. He was very good about that."

Funeral services will be held 9 a.m. Saturday at Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street, Norwood, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Catherine of Siena Church on Washington Street. Visiting hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Gillooly Funeral Home.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

Football coaches looking to get an early start on next season can head to Boston College's Yawkey Athletic Center Saturday for the annual coaches clinic, hosted by New Balance and the Jack Grinold Eastern Mass. chapter of the National Football Foundation.

The free clinic begins with registration at 8:15 a.m. followed by a welcome from new BC football coach Steve Addazio at 8:45. There will be three sessions for coaches split into offense and defense.

Offensive sessions include BC's run scheme and offensive line techniques led by Eagles offensive line coach Justin Frye, the Holy Cross passing attack led by HC receivers coach Cazzie Kosciolek, and Harvard's play-action passing game with Crimson offensive coordinator Joel Lamb.

Defensive sessions include BC's defensive line schemes and techniques, led by line coach Ben Albert, the UNH Fire Zone with New Hampshire linebackers coach Art Link, and Rushing the Passer, led by Harvard line coach Mike Horan.

Lunch will be served at noon. Call 617-552-3010 if you wish to attend.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

FRANKLIN — Since the organization’s creation in 1978, the bottom line for the MIAA has always been about two things: matchups and weather. At yesterday’s meeting of the Football Committee each was blamed for a sizeable financial hit to end the fall season.

With snow on both the Tuesday semifinals and Super Bowl Saturday, attendance overall was down from 59,968 in 2011 to 49,939 in 2012. The numbers led to another bleak figure, a net loss of $100,000 compared to the previous year for the MIAA.

“We got unlucky with the weather,” said assistant director Peter Smith. “We see each year that weather and matchups drive our finances.”

EMass tournament director Jim O’Connor put it another way: “We took kind of a beating as far as attendance goes.”

Attendance at Gillette was especially bad with just 13,289 in Foxborough for the six games, down approximately 5,000 from 2011. Part of the reason was the weather and partly because of the matchups, which did not include the Division 1 game between Brockton and St. John’s Prep, which was held at Bentley University.

The meeting started with Wilmington’s coach, athletic director, and principal protesting the school’s move from Division 3 Northwest to Northeast by the Football Committee. It was the second time Wilmington had changed sectionals during the appeals process. Last month, Wilmington asked to be moved. This second move was a surprise.

“When we won the appeal the first time I thought we were done,” said athletic director Ed Harrison.

The committee took no action and Wilmington will remain in Division 3 Northeast for the next two years.

By Lorenzo Recupero, Globe Correspondent

Cathedral lineman Mohammed Braimah wiill play football this fall at Assumption College in Worcester.

The 6-3, 228-pound Braimah was the Catholic Central Small MVP and he finished his career as Cathedral's all-time sack leader with 35. This past season he led Cathedral to the Division 4A Super Bowl title. He had 19.5 sacks and 94 tackles, including 22 for a loss.

Cathedral beat Madison Park, 22-20, in the Super Bowl. Assumption finished 3-7 overall in the Northeast 10.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

Attleboro High School announced Thursday it has named Michael Strachan its new head football coach.

Strachan is a 1986 graduate of North Attleboro High School. He played college football at Stonehill and was named All-Conference in 1989. His other football experience includes being head coach of the Swedish National team, an internship with the New England Patriots and as head coach at Framingham State.

"Coach Strachan brings the principles that our Blue Pride community is buit upon," said principal Bill Runey. "He espouses our philosophy that our student-athletes are personally responsible for their success as integral members of the city of Attleboro."

Attleboro finished 4-7 last fall, 0-5 in the Hockomock Kelly-Rex Division.

By Lorenzo Recupero, Globe Correspondent

Less than two weeks after relieving head football coach John Rafferty of his position, the North Andover High School administration decided to reinstate him today for another run on the gridiron.

In 12 seasons as head coach, Rafferty led the Knights to a potent record of 81-49, but sources indicated he had a falling out with administration because of his handling of a couple of off-field incidents this past season, which ultimately led to his dismissal.

In a phone interview with the Globe, North Andover Principal Carla Scuzzarella said the school was making the right decision rehiring Rafferty.

"Some of the issues is that people don't know what the reasons were [for Rafferty's release], but any concerns there are, we all believe we can move forward from," Scuzzarella said. " this is about my students," said Scuzzarella, who noted the positive impact coach Rafferty had on players both present and past.

"Over the past two weeks, I have had many conversations with students at the school and graduates, and they all felt very respectful of their coach. It compelled me to spend more time considering the position," Scuzzarella said.

"We believe it's what best for our student athletes, and the rest is secondary. ... Having coach Rafferty stay on as football coach is a solid, positive choice."

By Lorenzo Recupero, Globe Correspondent

The Peabody High school Athletic department announced today the hiring of Mark Bettencourt as the school's new head football coach, replacing former head coach Scott Wlasuk.

In a press release issued by Peabody High School's athletic department, a joint committee responsible for the hiring felt Bettencourt's "passion, discipline, organizational skills, and knowledge of both the game and our community uniquely qualifies him as we move forward."

Bettencourt, who has also been Peabody's head boys' baseball coach since 2005, will be taking over the football program in the wake of one of the schools' toughest years in recent memory. Peabody went 0-10 last season and lost each game by an average of 34 points, including their Thanksgiving Day rivalry with Saugus, 43-0.

The team was 5-15 under coach Wlasuk the past two seasons.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

On the National college signing day, more local stars announced their college choices.

BB&N continued its run of impressive college commitments by announcing three of its players are headed to Division 1 programs next fall.

Brendan O'Neil, a tight end from Burlington, will attend Wake Forest. Coach John Papas also announced that defensive back/receiver Willie Peoples will attend Columbia and defensive tackle Matt Rega will attend Bryant.

Also in the ISL, Belmont Hill linebacker Mattt Gustafson will attend Amherst College. Thayer Academy defensive lineman Ikenna Nwokeji will attend Elon (NC), joining Andover quarterback CJ Scarpa.

Catholic Memorial captain Peter Ngobidi signed with UMass-Amherst, joining former teammate and current UMass quarterback A.J. Doyle. The 6-3, 220-pound defensive end said that UMass was, "a better fit for me."

Westford wide receiver and defensive back Justin Mount will attend Merrimack. Mount finished his career with 44 touchdowns and more than 3,500 total offense.

Mashpee running back Malik Lee will attend Worcester Academy and hopes to continue at Maine, and teammate and running back Jared Taylor will attend Dean College. After a year of prep school, lineman Nathan Chrzanowski will attend Southern Connecticut State. And fullback John Benard is deciding between Farleigh Dickinson and a year of prep school.

St. George's senior Tyshon Henderson, right, will play college football at UMass next year. He's pictured with St. George's athletic director John Mackay. (Photo by Jeremy Moreau, courtesy of St. George's School)

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

St. George's offensive lineman Tyshon Henderson has committed to play for UMass football next season.

Henderson will sign his national letter of intent Feb. 6 on signing day.

At 6-7 and 320 pounds, Henderson projects to be an offensive tackle with the Minutemen. He was all-ISL for St. George's.

Football Alignments for 2013 season.

NORTH SECTIONALS

Division 1 (12 schools) – Lawrence, Lowell, St. John’s Prep, Acton-Boxboro, Malden, Everett, Lexington, Methuen, Peabody, Andover, Chelmsford, and Central Catholic.
Division 2 (12 schools) – Haverhill, Cambridge, Newton South, Westford, Lincoln-Sudbury, Lynn English, Billerica, Waltham, Lynn Classical, North Andover, Malden Catholic, and Reading.
Division 3 Northeast (11 schools) – Revere, Somerville, Wilmington, Salem, Masconomet, Beverly, Dracut, Gloucester, Danvers, Marblehead, and Tewksbury.
Division 3 Northwest (11 schools) – Medford, Woburn, Arlington, Concord-Carlisle, Winchester, Burlington, Boston Latin, Melrose, Wakefield, Wayland, and Belmont.
Division 4 (16 schools) – Arlington Catholic, Bedford, Triton, Pentucket, Watertown, Weston, Saugus, Newburyport, Swampscott, North Reading, Stoneham, Amesbury, Ipswich, Hamilton-Wenham, Lynnfield, and Winthrop.
Division 5 (14 schools) – Greater Lowell, Shawsheen, East Boston, Madison Park, Northeast, Whittier, Brighton, Greater Lawrence, St. Mary’s, Manchester Essex, Lowell Catholic, Bishop Fenwick, Georgetown, and Austin Prep.
Division 6 (20 schools) – Matignon, Pope John, Chelsea, Charlestown, Latin Academy, Minuteman, O’Bryant, Boston English, Lynn Tech, West Roxbury, Burke, North Shore, Dorchester, Marian, New Mission, St. Joseph’s Prep, Cathedral, Mystic Valley, St. Clement, and South Boston.

SOUTH SECTIONALS
Division 1 (12 schools) – Brockton, BC High, New Bedford, Framingham, Weymouth, Newton North, Attleboro, Xaverian, Brookline, Bridgewater-Raynham, Franklin, and Catholic Memorial.
Division 2 (12 schools) – Durfee, Taunton, Needham, Quincy, Barnstable, Braintree, Mansfield, Marshfield, Natick, Wellesley, King Philip, and Duxbury.
Division 3 Southeast (12 schools) – Plymouth South, Silver Lake, Dartmouth, Whitman-Hanson, Plymouth North, Pembroke, Dighton-Rehoboth, Nauset, Sandwich, Somerset-Berkley, Falmouth, and Sharon.
Division 3 Southwest (12 schools) – North Quincy, North Attleboro, Oliver Ames, Hingham, Milford, Stoughton, Norwood, Walpole, Hopkinton, Milton, Medfield, and Bishop Feehan.
Division 4 (16 schools) – Dennis-Yarmouth, Westwood, Canton, Middleboro, Randolph, Foxboro, Apponequet, Holliston, Scituate, Medway, Dedham, Wareham, Norton, Hanover, Bishop Stang, and Coyle-Cassidy.
Division 5 (16 schools) – Greater New Bedford, Old Rochester, Martha’s Vineyard, Ashland, Bellingham, Seekonk, Norwell, Dover-Sherborn, Fairhaven, Case, Bourne, Rockland, Cardinal Spellman, East Bridgewater, Abington, and Archbishop Williams.
Division 6 (20 schools) – Mashpee, Diman, Southeastern, Bristol-Plymouth, Tri-County, Blue Hills, Cape Cod Tech, South Shore, Upper Cape, Old Colony, Carver, Nantucket, Millis, West Bridgewater, Cohasset, Hull, Monomoy, Holbrook, Bishop Connolly, and Pope John Paul.

By Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondent

Andover quarterback CJ Scarpa made his way into the school's record book this season, and in the process garnered the attention of Elon College.

Scarpa, who committed earlier this season, plans to sign a letter of intent by next Wednesday, Feb. 6, which is when players can begin to sign their letters.

According to Andover coach EJ Perry, Elon coach Jason Swepson met with Scarpa last week and said he will compete for a starting job next season.

Scarpa finished this season with 2,622 yards, 32 TD passes and 7 interceptions as he led Andover to a 10-2 record and the Merrimack Valley conference title, and his career totals stand at 4,313 yards, 53 TDs and 12 interceptions, along with 11 rushing touchdowns. His passing totals set both season and career records for touchdowns and yards.

On Monday, one of Scarpa's favorite targets, teammate Will Heikkinen committed to Brown. Heikkinen caught 67 passes for 1,126 yards this season for nine touchdowns, and finished his career with 121 catches and 1,881 yards – both school records – and 22 touchdowns.

"Brown's excellent football reputation, combined with its academic prowess convinced Will," Perry said.

According to Perry, the Andover-Brown connection played a huge role in Heikkinen's decision.

Heikkinen will join former teammate Andrew Coke, who rushed for 2,998 yards at Andover.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

St. John's Prep senior Alex Moore, the Globe's Division 1 Player of the Year, has committed to the University of Pennsylvania.

"Their tradition of excellence academically and on the football field, you can't get a better combination than that,'' said Moore, who was the state's Gatorade Player of the Year.

Moore chose Penn over Dartmouth and Brown. Football, as well as the Wharton School of Business, were the deciding factors.

A running back and safety, Moore led St. John's to the Division 1 Super Bowl title. He ran for 857 yards and 14 touchdowns, caught 20 passes for 455 yards and 5 TDs and had four interception on defense. He's lifting this winter, preparing for the baseball season and foootball at Penn in the fall.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

It didn’t take long for supporters of John Rafferty to rally in his support.

After finishing 4-6 in his first season in the Merrimack Valley Conference, Rafferty is out as head football coach at North Andover High School. According to the Lawrence Eagle-Tribune, Rafferty learned of his dismissal Friday morning at a meeting with principal Carla Scuzzarella and athletic director Jon Longley.

The news led supporters of Rafferty to start a Facebook page, and comments range from support of the 12-year coach to disappointment and anger directed at North Andover administrators.

Rafferty had a career mark of 81-49. He graduated from Wakefield High School and Syracuse University and was a former assistant coach in the Middlesex League.

By Liz Torres, Globe Correspondent

Westford Academy has named Haverhill High School graduate Adam Gagne as its new head football coach. Gagne was the Salem (N.H.) football coach last fall but has close ties with Westford Academy's athletic program as the offensive coordinator three years prior under head coach Rich McKenna.

"We are thrilled to have such a high quality coach, teacher and person right here at Westford Academy. Adam is an excellent teacher of the game and is on the cutting edge of football in terms of his knowledge and techniques," said Athletic Director Dan Twomey in a release.

After graduating from Haverhill, Gagne went to Bentley where he was a three-year starter for the Falcons. He also spent five years as an assistant coach at Merrimack College. Gagne is the freshman basketball coach and is in his fourth year as a business teacher at Westford Academy.

"I am honored to become the head football coach at Westford Academy," said Gagne. "While I thoroughly enjoyed my time coaching at Salem, the opportunity to teach and coach at Westford Academy was something I had to take advantage of. I am very greatful for this great opportunity and I'm excited to get started."

Gagne is the 11th head football coach in the 67-year history of the program.

Brian Vaughan was hired as Boston English's new football coach on Tuesday. He spent the last four seasons coaching Pope John in Everett. (Pavel Dzemianok / For the Boston Globe)

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

One of Brian Vaughan’s first orders of business as the new head football coach at Boston English High will be to print up T-shirts that read “Beat Latin.”

“I think small things like that just build pride in kids,” Vaughan said of the T-shirts, a reference to English's Thanksgiving rival.

The coach at Pope John in Everett for the last four years, who was hired at Boston English on Tuesday, was speaking shortly after meeting with his new players for the first time.

“When kids think they are going to achieve some sort of goal they take more pride in it,” he added.

Named the Boston Globe’s Division 3 Player of the Year in 1990, the former Lynn English running back went on to play for Northeastern University. One of his assistant coaches at Northeastern was Tom Lamb, the legendary coach of Doug Flutie at Natick High who has been an assistant at Boston English for the last two seasons.

Lamb headed up the search for English’s new coach after the school’s former coach Chris Boswell was released from the position last month. Lamb said 35 coaches applied for the position and about eight or 9 were interviewed for the job.

“He’s a great kid, very special kid, very determined,” Lamb said of Vaughan. “He was also a very good player, but very special kid. So when he was interested in the job we talked to Pope John and talked to some different people and they all had glowing things to say about him. He’s a great person and also a great coach. And he runs an exciting offense and defense too so that’s another plus that the kids are excited about. We’re all excited.”

The 39-year-old, who served seven seasons as an assistant coach at Lynn English from 2000 to 2008, said his relationship with Lamb will help ease his transition into the new job.

“That’s huge, coach lamb gave me an opportunity to play college football,” he said. “If you look at me, I’m not that big of a guy, so a lot of college recruiters, even though I was successful in high school, with my height, people backed off a little bit. I’m 5-5, what can I say. Coach Lamb and Coach Barry Gallup at Northeastern gave me the opportunity to play college football and I’ll always owe him for that.

“Having him on the staff is excellent because everybody knows Coach Lamb is a legend. He’s going to make me a better coach, make my coaching staff a better coaching staff. He’s definitely going to make the kids better football players, actually better student athletes. I think it’s huge because he’s already given me information on kids he’s build relationships with. That’s a huge attribute and that gives me one leg up in that area.”
Vaughan, who teaches history and physical education at Pope John, is also familiar with Boston English because he worked in the schools special education department about three years ago. He said it’s been his dream to coach in a Boston public school.

“I did four years there, I loved Pope John, I loved the community there, I loved the staff there,” he said. “It was just one of those things, watching a lot of high school football, I always said I would love the opportunity to coach in Boston public. I just think there’s so much talent here and if you could try to do the things that you wanted to do and implement them in one of the schools, I think you could do something.

“I know it’s going to be challenging. I know it’s going to be hard but it’s worth it. I think it’s worth it if you can come here and some type of success, even if that success is changing the attitude of the kids.”

English finished this past season 3-7 but the team did record its first non-forfeit victory since 2009, a 14-6 win against New Mission.

After starting the season with 24 players, the injury plague squad only had 17 players on Thanksgiving Day against Latin, a game English lost 44-15.

About 16 students attended Friday afternoon’s meeting with Vaughan, who said a few more kids told him they couldn’t make it.

“He’s a good coach, I can tell he’s a good coach and he’s going to help to make us better,” junior wide receiver Gabriel Pacheco said after the meeting. “I can’t wait to start practicing with him.”

Pacheco was particularly close with Boswell and often helped the old coach scout games.

“For me it’s hard, I have to move on, life is never fair,” Pacheco said of Boswell, who coached three seasons at English. “It was hard for me when I heard the news.”
While 16 players might seem like a small amount of players to attend a first meeting with a new coach, Vaughan said only six players showed up for his first meeting at Pope John four years ago.

That team ended up winning 9 games but had to forfeit three or four of those games because they used an ineligible player.

The next two seasons they went 8-3 and made the playoffs. Last season Pope John finished 5-6.

Despite having success at Pope John with his no-huddle spread offense, Vaughan ultimately couldn’t pass up the opportunity to coach the first public high school in the United States. He’s also looking forward to coaching against the first public school in the country in the nation’s longest consecutive high school football rivalry.

But beating Latin on Thanksgiving Day will take more than just printing up a bunch of T-shirts. English has only beat Latin once since 1981 and has lost the last 14 meetings between the two schools.

“It’s going to be tough,” he said. “I’ll tell you right now it’s going to be an uphill battle. They do a good job over there. We got our hands full. That’s the challenge of coaching. I don’t want an easy coaching job. I want to be in a place where it’s going to be challenging. It will make you a better coach.”

Justin A. Rice covers Boston Public school athletics. He can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJustinRice or @BPSspts.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

Nashoba football coach Ken Tucker announced his retirement Sunday following the second of his back-to-back undefeated Super Bowl winning seasons.

"We have often told you as players, "once a Chieftain, always a Chieftain," said Tucker at the awards brunch. "I too will feel I am a Chieftain, but next year I will not be doing it as the head football coach."

Nashoba went 13-0 last fall and won the Division 2 Super Bowl, beating Holy Name, 21-0. Tucker said he has been involved with Nashoba football for close to 40 years and has coached close to 400 games.

"When you love what you do and work with great players, coaches, and people, this kind of decision is never easy. But, I felt it was time for me, personally,'' said Tucker.

Football Alignments for 2013 season
(pending final appeals on Jan. 22)

NORTH SECTIONALS

Division 1 (12 schools) – Lawrence, Lowell, St. John’s Prep, Acton-Boxboro, Malden, Everett, Lexington, Methuen, Peabody, Andover, Chelmsford, and Central Catholic.
Division 2 (12 schools) – Haverhill, Cambridge, Newton South, Westford, Lincoln-Sudbury, Lynn English, Billerica, Waltham, Lynn Classical, North Andover, Malden Catholic, and Reading.
Division 3 Northeast (11 schools) – Revere, Somerville, Boston Latin, Salem, Masconomet, Beverly, Dracut, Gloucester, Danovers, Marblehead, and Tewksbury.
Division 3 Northwest (11 schools) – Medford, Woburn, Arlington, Concord-Carlisle, Winchester, Burlington, Wilmington, Melrose, Wakefield, Wayland, and Arlington Catholic.
Division 4 (16 schools) – Belmont, Bedford, Triton, Pentucket, Watertown, Weston, Saugus, Newburyport, Swampscott, North Reading, Stoneham, Amesbury, Ipswich, Hamilton-Wenham, Lynnfield, and Winthrop.
Division 5 (16 schools) – Greater Lowell, Shawsheen, East Boston, Madison Park, Northeast, Whittier, Brighton, Greater Lawrence, St. Mary’s, Manchester Essex, Lowell Catholic, Bishop Fenwick, Georgetown, Austin Prep, Matignon, and Pope John.
Division 6 (18 schools) – Chelsea, Charlestown, Latin Academy, Minuteman, O’Bryant, Boston English, Lynn Tech, West Roxbury, Burke, North Shore, Dorchester, Marian, New Mission, St. Joseph’s Prep, Cathedral, Mystic Valley, St. Clement, and South Boston.

SOUTH SECTIONALS
Division 1 (12 schools) – Brockton, BC High, New Bedford, Framingham, Weymouth, Newton North, Attleboro, Xaverian, Brookline, Bridgewater-Raynham, Franklin, and Catholic Memorial.
Division 2 (12 schools) – Durfee, Taunton, Needham, Quincy, Barnstable, Braintree, Mansfield, Marshfield, Natick, Wellesley, King Philip, and Duxbury.
Division 3 Southeast (12 schools) – Plymouth South, Silver Lake, Dartmouth, Whitman-Hanson, Plymouth North, Pembroke, Dighton-Rehoboth, Nauset, Sandwich, Somerset-Berkley, Falmouth, and Sharon.
Division 3 Southwest (12 schools) – North Quincy, North Attleboro, Oliver Ames, Hingham, Milford, Stoughton, Norwood, Walpole, Hopkinton, Milton, Medfield, and Bishop Feehan.
Division 4 (16 schools) – Dennis-Yarmouth, Westwood, Canton, Middleboro, Randolph, Foxboro, Apponequet, Holliston, Scituate, Medway, Dedham, Wareham, Norton, Hanover, Bishop Stang, and Coyle-Cassidy.
Division 5 (18 schools) – Greater New Bedford, Diman, Old Rochester, Martha’s Vineyard, Ashland, Bellingham, Seekonk, Norwell, Dover-Sherborn, Fairhaven, Case, Bourne, Rockland, Cardinal Spellman, East Bridgewater, Abington, Archbishop Williams, and Mashpee.
Division 6 (18 schools) – Southeastern, Bristol-Plymouth, Tri-County, Blue Hills, Cape Cod Tech, South Shore, Upper Cape, Old Colony, Carver, Nantucket, Millis, West Bridgewater, Cohasset, Hull, Monomoy, Holbrook, Bishop Connolly, and Pope John Paul.

After coaching three seasons at Boston English High, Chris Boswell will not return for a fourth in the fall. Boston English is currently searching for a new coach. (Pavel Dzemianok / For the Boston Globe)

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

Boston English is searching for just its third head football coach in 38 years after Chris Boswell was released from the position last month.

Hall of Fame and former Natick High coach Tom Lamb, who has served as English’s assistant the past few seasons, is leading the search for the new coach. He also said he is trying to keep the current players in the weight room and in study hall until a new coach is hired.

“I’m hoping to stay a part of the program,” Lamb said during a recent telephone interview. “I’m trying to be that consistent piece right now to hold them into football, keep them involved. … I wish I was younger because I have the spirit but I’m in a situation where I enjoy helping a lot but we’re looking for a younger coach for the future.

“Bos did a nice job and the kids loved him. We made some progress but it didn’t work out.”

After taking the program over three seasons ago from long-time head coach Keith Parker, who took over the program in 1974, Boswell (4-27) said he was released from his duties on Dec. 17.

“It is what it is, I’m not vengeful or upset,” Boswell said. “It was a great opportunity and a lot of fun. I wanted to stay.”

English finished this past season 3-7 after a 44-15 loss to rival Boston Latin on
Thanksgiving Day at Harvard Stadium.

But the program seemed to be on the mend earlier in the year when Boswell recorded his first non-forfeit victory. The 14-6 victory came against New Mission, a first year program. The following week English shut out South Boston 14-0 before a spirited 22-14 overtime loss to O’Bryant the next week. English bounced back to beat Charlestown 38-8 before losing to Madison Park — a team that lost in the Super Bowl — by a count of 6-0.

Boswell, who has taught physical education the last four years at the Edison K-8 School, served as a long-time assistant coach at Thayer Academy before taking his first head coaching job at English. He said he might land in an assistant coaching job in the fall or take a season off from coaching.

Lamb said anyone interested in applying for the Boston English job should email a cover letter and resume to himself at Lamb621@yahoo.com and to the school’s athletic coordinator Barry Robinson at blr263@gmail.com.

“We made a small step [last season] and we’ll see if we can make another major step,” Lamb said. “So we’re trying not to be too specific. We’re looking for a real good coach to take us to the next level. You don’t want to get too specific in details because good coaches come from all kinds of backgrounds.”

Robinson said he's looking for a coach who can improve the program's lackluster headcount over the last few seasons.

"I would like to see whoever comes in to be honest with you show me 30 to 40 boys," Robinson said. "Can it happen? Sure it can happen but it's going to take a tremendous amount of work. "We need someone who is energetic and can beat the bush, roll up their sleeves and recruit within the building.

We have to have someone who can build the program. someone who is innovative and just willing to get down in the trenches and build a program. It doesn't matter if they have city experience, suburban experience or country experience. A football coach is a football coach."

Justin A. Rice covers Boston Public school athletics. He can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJustinRice or @BPSspts.

By Nicole Iodice, Globe Correspondent

Every year in San Antonio, Texas, the nation's top 90 high school football players go against each other in an East vs. West showdown in the U.S Army All-American Bowl.

This year, Everett High offensive lineman John Montelus, who committed to play at Notre Dame, is in the All-American Bowl. The game is at 1 p.m. on Saturday and will be televised on NBC.

For the past 12 years, the All-American Bowl has been the nation's premier high school football game and has seen 175 players go on to play in the NFL, including Jets quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez.

The All-American Bowl also includes the nation's top 125 high school marching band musicians, who will perform during halftime.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

In our last episode of the season, Bob Holmes and I discuss the football selections for the Globe's All-Scholastics section.

See the full list of football All-Scholastics here. (See all the All-Scholastics here.)

Thanks for watching The Huddle this year. We'll see you again in 2013!

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

Cathedral coach Duane Sigsbury, right, was named the New England Patriots coach of the week by Andre Tippett. (Photo courtesy of the New England Patriots)

By Lorenzo Recupero, Globe Correspondent

Just three days after his players helped pick up the Division 4A state title with a 22-20 double-overtime win over Madison Park at Gillette Stadium, Cathedral coach Duane Sigsbury was being honored again for his achievement.

Patriots Hall of Fame player Andre Tippett, the team's executive director of community affairs, named Sigsbury the Patriots Coach of the Week Tuesday at Cathedral High School.

"The Cathedral players and coaches have shown tremendous focus, determination and work ethic in making it to back-to-back Super Bowls," Tippett said. "These traits paid off on Saturday as they battled the weather and a strong opponent on their way to a thrilling double-overtime victory. I enjoyed visiting with the Panthers as they continue to celebrate their milestone accomplishment. The Patriots are pleased to reward coach Sigsbury and Boston Cathedral with a donation to the football program and we congratulate them on their Super Bowl championship."

Along with the plaque presented, Sigsbury and Cathedral was also awarded a $1,000 check by the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation to go toward the school's football program. Sigsbury says that money will go directly towards buying the players their Super Bowl rings and jackets.

The honor, bestowed to one coach every week throughout the high school football season on behalf of the Patriots organization, was coach Sigsbury's first ever.

"For the Patriots and the Kraft family to do this for us is unbelievable, and surreal for me," said Sigsbury. "I don't like personal awards, I'm here for the kids, but to get that from Andre Tippett and the New England Patriots is quite an honor. And the $1,000 will really go to a good use."

And even though the honor was all Sigsbury's, the humble coach could not take all the credit for the spectacular season and success the Panthers had during their banner year, finishing 11-2.

"This is a surreal honor, but I'm glad I got to share this with my great coaching staff," he said. "It's easy to be a head coach and dictate orders, but these guys took everything that I asked them to do and did it. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are today."

Sigsbury was very confident his team would win the Division 4A Super Bowl, even as the game went down to the wire.

"I always knew [we'd win the game]," Sigsbury said. "I felt comfortable during the game, because of how we were moving the ball and having success at it. I just had this feeling inside that I knew these kids were destined for this."

The Patriots, with the high school football season over, will name one high school coach the New England Patriots High School Coach of the Year who will receive an additional $2,000 contribution toward the school’s football program.

By Jason Mastrodonato and Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondents

This wasn't easy.

Pushing Barnstable down to No. 4 in our final Boston Globe Top 20 this season was difficult and even painful for some. We had folks in the newsroom nearly break into tears. But ultimately, high school editor Bob Holmes is from Reading and we still want our jobs.

We're kidding. He had nothing to do with this. Reading deserves its new ranking.

Here’s why, with a quick breakdown on our top five spots:

1. Everett (11-1) -- Easy choice, although we have heard arguments for St. John’s Prep. If only the Eagles were playing this well earlier in the season…

2. St. John’s Prep (11-1) -- The Eagles ran the table in Division 1.

3. Reading (13-0) -- Here’s how we did this: We went around in a circle giving our best predictions of what would happen if Reading played Barnstable. Ultimately, it came down to defense. If Everett could give Nick Peabody so much trouble in the Super Bowl, what could the Rockets’ defense (allowing 5 points per game) have done?

4. Barnstable (11-1) -- Great season. Inches away from winning the Bob Walsh trophy. Instead, the Red Raiders will settle for fourth.

5. Beverly (13-0) -- If we had the technology, we’d simulate Beverly against the top-four, just to see how many defenders from each team Brendan Flaherty could carry on his back for an additional 10 yards.

The rest of the final Globe top 20 and Boston.com top 100:

1. Everett
2. St. John's Prep
3. Reading
4. Barnstable
5. Beverly
6. Natick
7. Andover
8. Burlington
9. Duxbury
10. Brockton
11. Walpole
12. King Philip
13. Central Catholic
14. Lincoln-Sudbury
15. Lowell
16. Mansfield
17. Abington
18. Plymouth South
19. Weymouth
20. Sharon
21. St. Mary's
22. Masco
23. Needham
24. Xaverian
25. Wayland
26. Westwood
27. Haverhill
28. Melrose
29. Waltham
30. Acton-Boxboro
31. Wakefield
32. Tewksbury
33. North Attleboro
34. Westford
35. Stoughton
36. Stoneham
37. Bishop Feehan
38. Somerset-Berkley
39. Bridgewater-Raynham
40. Nauset
41. Lynnfield
42. Franklin
43. Bedford
44. North Reading
45. Dighton-Rehoboth
46. Millis
47. Holliston
48. New Bedford
49. Foxboro
50. Marblehead
51. Hopkinton
52. BC High
53. Wareham
54. Hingham
55. Amesbury
56. Quincy
57. Lynn Classical
58. Revere
59. Upper Cape
60. Lynn English
61. Hamilton Wenham
62. Bishop Fenwick
63. Shawsheen
64. Whitman Hansen
65. Cambridge
66. North Shore
67. Cathedral
68. Wellesley
69. Blue Hills
70. North Andover
71. Archbishop Williams
72. Framingham
73. Dennis-Yarmouth
74. Catholic Memorial
75. Dorchester
76. Madison Park
77. Newburyport
78. Lowell Catholic
79. Greater Lawrence
80. Pope John
81. Scituate
82. Pentucket
83. Whittier
84. Concord-Carlisle
85. Winthrop
86. Pembroke
87. Northeast
88. Saugus
89. East Bridgewater
90. Mashpee
91. Attleboro
92. Martha’s Vineyard
93. Canton
94. Watertown
95. Oliver Ames
96. Cohasset
97. Swampscott
98. Fairhaven
99. Apponequet
100. Cardinal Spellman

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

In a special edition of the Huddle, I go over the EMass Super Bowls at Gillette. Check it out for highlights and a look at the top games and players.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

Video by Colleen Casey for Boston.com

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Watch highlights of Beverly's 28-21 win over Natick in the Division 2A Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

See highlights from Everett's 20-19 win over Barnstable in the Division 1A Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium Saturday.

Video by Marie Torto for Boston.com

See highlights from Cathedral's 22-20 win over Madison Park in double overtime in the Division 4A Super Bowl Saturday.

FOXBOROUGH – Barnstable players thought the miracle had happened.

With less than a minute left and the Red Raiders behind Everett, 20-19, in the Division 1A Super Bowl, Crimson Tide running back Kenny Calaj dropped the football and Barnstable’s Kevin Hardy fell on it.

As the Red Raiders were preparing to send their offense to the field for one last drive from the Everett 35-yard line, officials ruled Calaj’s elbow had been down before the ball came loose. Everett then sat on the ball and claimed the title.

Replays indicated that Hardy’s hit sent Calaj diving forward, but his left elbow hit the Gillette Stadium turf before the ball popped out.

“I knew I was doing down and I felt my elbow hit the ground,” Calaj said. “I knew I was down. I said, ‘Look at that replay.’ I was not going to let that happen.”

Some other leftover thoughts from Everett’s reclaiming of the top spot in Eastern Massachusetts:

- John Montelus, who, until the playoffs, hadn’t allowed a sack in his three-year high school career, allowed a sack in this game. But he was cut by a Barnstable defensive back on a screen play and quarterback Raheem Wingard couldn’t get the pass of in time. With that said, Montelus, who has been widely regarded as a premium pass-blocker, was a crucial part of the Crimson Tide’s running game.

By the second half, Everett would hand off to Kenny Calaj or Jalen Felix, who would simply line up behind Montelus and follow his lead through a line of Barnstable defenders. Everett rushed for 225 yards on the day.

- Everett junior quarterback Raheem Wingard was 6 for 8 with an interception and 88 passing yards, but, aside for a pair of turnovers, he played a solid game under center. He extended a third-and-13 play late in the first half by escaping the pocket and rushing outside for 16 yards and a first down.

He was knocked out of the game in the third quarter and temporarily replaced by Gilly DeSouza, but Wingard returned on the next possession.

“I didn’t like [being on the bench] man,” he said. “It’s the worst feeling ever. They dog-piled me right on the center of my back. But it’s the last game of the season – you have to stick it out.”

- Barnstable quarterback Nick Peabody was 8 for 28 with two interceptions and three touchdowns, but he only made a couple bad passes all game – and Everett was bringing the pressure while letting its secondary play man-coverage.

Peabody had a few balls go off the fingers of his receiving corps, with the snow surely playing a factor in the passing game. And he was just inches away from connecting with Tedaro France on a pair of deep routes that could have changed the game.

His big mistake came when he tried to make something out of nothing on a third-and-10 play with less than two minutes left in the game. He was rushed by Everett’s defensive line and forced a pass on an out-route that Kenny Calaj easily jumped for an interception.

“We had a rollout, I got some pressure off the edge and I just tried to make something happen,” he said. “I just threw it too late.”

Jakarrie Washington might have been inconsistent at times this year, but his speed is the definition of “game-changing.”

He broke loose on a misdirection play in the second quarter and made a devastating cut on the outside to finish a 53-yard run with a touchdown. He scored again later in the game on a 6-yard run to the outside.

Washington, who also worked as a cornerback on defense, finished with 124 yards on 9 carries.

- In a pair of games between these teams, there were 59 total points scored. And these are two explosive offenses. The defenses came out to play.

Montelus said Barnstable was one of the best defensive lines he’s had block against this year, with Andrew Ellis and company closing gaps on the outside of the field and, aside from Washington’s long run, limited Everett from the big play.

But it was Everett’s defense that impressed even more, forcing Peabody and the Red Raiders to go 1 for 12 on third-down conversions.

“The same thing happened last time when we were in overtime,” Wingard said. “Our defense was much more experienced this game.

“It was two great defenses and you just have to take what the defense gives you. Eventually we got it done. Defense wins championships.”

By Jason Mastrodonato and Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondents

Don’t look at the weather forecast for Saturday. Not if you’re an Everett fan.

The last time No. 1 Barnstable took on the No. 2 Crimson Tide, there was pouring rain in near-freezing temperatures. It took two overtimes to settle a 13-7 win for Barnstable.

Brace yourselves for, The Precipitation Bowl: Round Two.

Maybe it makes Nick Peabody’s job a little more difficult. Maybe it restricts the Everett rockets, Jalen Felix and Jakarrie Washington, from breaking long runs and using the outside of the field.

But both teams have to play in it. The Bob Walsh Trophy and the Globe’s No. 1-spot will be on the line. A Super Bowl title is on the line. And, of course, glory.

Good luck to all. But most importantly, have fun out there. It might be the last football game you ever play.

Tuesday’s playoff results: Mastro 14-2, Anthony 10-6.
Season: Mastro 81-35, Anthony 73-43.

Division 1
St. John’s Prep (10-1) vs. Brockton (9-3) at Bentley University, 6 p.m.:
Mastro: Here’s a chance for the St. John’s Prep defense to prove it’s the best in Eastern Massachusetts. Two straight shutouts against two strong passing offenses in Xaverian and Andover – the Eagles are unbreakable right now.* In a game like this, Stephen Camarro’s boot could make the difference.
St. John’s Prep 17, Brockton 14.

Anthony: The last time these two faced off in September, Brockton was still finding its offensive identity and lost 27-12 to the Eagles. Quarterback Austin Roberts broke three vertebrae and missed the next two games, but since he returned, the Boxers hit their stride and won six straight. The Eagles, on the other hand, have nearly been pedal-to-the-metal all season, their only loss coming to Everett in Week 3. It’s going to be an interesting game with two run-heavy offenses, and a pair of hard-hitting defenses. But give me Johnathan Thomas and Alex Moore. (Brockton’s defense might be unbreakable too, but I only can pick one. Sorry Boxers.)
St. John’s Prep 21, Brockton 12.

Division 1A

Barnstable (11-0) vs. Everett (10-1) at Gillette Stadiums, 1:30:
Mastro: Two things I know to be true: One, Everett is playing unbelievably good right now. The Crimson Tide are healthy, big, strong, fast, and dynamic. Two, Chris Whidden is one heck of a football coach. He scouted Everett so well the first time around, nothing John DiBiaso could call seemed to make a difference. Close game incoming. A lot of scoring. Coaching and big-time players making big-time plays will make the difference.
Everett 28, Barnstable 21.

Anthony: It’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 and it doesn’t get much better than this. Since Barnstable unseated Everett as the top team back in September, the Crimson Tide has won seven straight and Barnstable has been just about flawless. In a super-charged rematch, I think Everett evens the score.
Everett 31, Barnstable 28.

Division 2

Reading (12-0) vs. Mansfield (8-4) at Bentley, 2:
Mastro: Yes, Mansfield surprised a lot of people with an upset of Duxbury last week. And I know hindsight is always 20-20, but maybe it wasn’t as surprising as we thought. The Hornets have beaten other teams with solid passing attacks (King Philip, Dracut, Franklin). They’ve struggled against tough defenses with good running games (North Attleboro, Stoughton, Needham). And now, they face Reading and its Drew Belcher-enforced passing attack.
Mansfield 23, Reading 19.

Anthony: Mansfield achieved a great feat last week, knocking off Duxbury and snapping the Dragons 37-game winning streak to get to the title game. That said, quarterback Drew Belcher and Reading come rolling into the game. Likewise, their defense allows just 4.8 points per game.
Reading 28, Mansfield 7.

Division 2A

Beverly (12-0) vs. Natick (11-1) at Gillette Stadium, 3:30 p.m.:
Mastro: Listen, I grew up in Western New York. I cried when Rob Johnson started that Buffalo Bills playoff game over Doug Flutie, who had gotten them to the playoffs to begin with (Wade Phillips is my mortal enemy). I’ve got boxes of Flutie Flakes stashed in my Rochester, N.Y. bedroom. So forgive me for falling for the Flutie magic. I’m a believer.
Natick 36, Beverly 34.

Anthony: Beverly has been on a mission all season, trying to assert its greatness since missing out on last season’s playoffs after winning the Super Bowl in 2010. Behind running back Brendan Flaherty and Kenny Pierce, the Panthers have dominated all season. That said, there’s no question Troy Flutie and Brian Dunlap keep Natick in this contest, which is certain to go down to the wire.
Beverly 27, Natick 21.

Division 3

Wayland (9-3) vs. Sharon (9-3), Bentley, 10 a.m.:
Mastro: My heart is torn between rooting for the underdog story and trying to analytically understand this matchup. For Sharon to win, you would think it has to be one of those low-scoring, 13-7 games. But Wayland has scored at least 28 points in four of its last five. Then you look at the quiet games the Warriors have played, and they can win those too (10-6 win over Lincoln-Sudbury). My heart says Sharon. My calculator says Wayland.
Wayland 14, Sharon 13.

Anthony: Wayland impressed in last week’s 36-14 win against Westwood and the Warriors have won five straight contests. In those games, they haven’t scored less than 28 points, or given up more than 14.
Wayland 27, Sharon 15.

Division 3A

Lynnfield (9-2) vs. Bishop Feehan (9-2), Gillette Stadium, 8 p.m.:
Anthony: Kyle McGah is an extremely talented back, and he proved it when he rushed for 165 yards and four touchdowns to lead Lynnfield past Amesbury in the playoffs last week. If McGah can get his wheels spinning against Feehan, the Shamrocks will have a hard time playing catch-up, especially against the Pioneers defense, which allows just 9.8 points per game.
Lynnfield 21, Bishop Feehan 14.

Mastro: The Shamrocks haven’t played a close game since September. Average score since then: 36-5.
Bishop Feehan 27, Lynnfield 7.

Division 4

St. Mary’s (11-1) vs. Abington (12-0), Curry College, 10 a.m.:
Anthony: If not for a failed 2-point conversion against Marblehead in Week 2, we’d have two undefeated teams heading into the Super Bowl contest. Since losing to Marblehead 21-20, St. Mary’s has put together a nice 10-game winning streak. On the other hand, Abington hasn’t lost in over a year. But I like the Spartan’s defense, and I think the running duo of Jordan Collier and Jordan Manthorne help St. Mary’s end the Green Wave’s perfect season.
St. Mary’s 21, Abington 18.

Mastro: The Green Wave is coming. Hold your breath. Abington 22, St. Mary’s 14.

Division 4A

Cathedral (10-2) vs. Madison Park (8-4) at Gillette Stadium, 9 a.m.:
Anthony: Last season, none other than Blue Hills and running back Vincent Burton dashed Cathedral’s hopes for a Division 4A title. But this year, with Blue Hills out, there will be room for a new champion and the Panthers will step forward.
Cathedral 21, Madison Park 12.

Mastro: After Saturday’s win, they’ll be making movies about this Madison Park season.
Madison Park 20, Cathedral 14.

Division 5

Upper Cape (9-1) vs. Dorchester (10-0), at Curry, 1 p.m.:
Anthony: These two teams that take the field are empty shells of last season’s product. Dorchester, after finishing 4-5, strung together an impressive 2012 campaign to go undefeated. The same can be said for Upper Cape, who improved from 2-8 just a year ago. Dorchester allows just 5.8 points per game, but Upper Cape’s Jon Dumont is always a threat to crack the opponent’s front seven.
Upper Cape 20, Dorchester 15.

Mastro: Have you seen Jon Dumont run? Me neither. But I hear he’s pretty electric.
Upper Cape 21, Dorchester 6.

Reading's Matt Comerford has done a critical job of opening up holes for the Rockets. (Jim Davis / Globe Staff)

Editor's note: Globe correspondent Andy Deossa identifies seven players who have been coming up big for their teams, without nearly enough recognition, heading into Saturday's Super Bowls across Eastern Mass.

By Andy Deossa, Globe Correspondent

JOEY WHITE, Everett
Notre-Dame bound offensive lineman John Montelus helps anchor a line that has contributed to the Crimson Tide averaging 33.7 points per game. But behind Jakarrie Washington and Kenny Calaj’s 24 combined touchdowns is another senior running back that has had a great impact for Everett. White’s tough running between the tackles gives Everett a strong inside presence that helps open up the outside for the other running backs. He is the Crimson Tide’s third biggest weapon on offense (with seven touchdowns) and displayed that by scoring twice, including a 42-yard punt return, in Everett’s 42-14 semifinal win over Masconomet.

MIKE DUNLAP, Natick
You’ve heard the last name before but it’s usually his younger brother, Brian. All the hype is typically around Natick’s offense, but not enough is written about its defense. Dunlap, a senior captain, is the heart of the Redhawks defensive unit that is allowing an average of 15.4 points per game. Although brother Brian comes up clutch on offense, Mike is all over the field on defense, making crucial stops and assisting in many tackles throughout the game. Coach Mark Mortarelli referred to Mike as an all-league linebacker who the coach simply expects to make plays.

ROBINSON CYPRIEN, Dorchester
Cyprien’s six touchdowns have led the Dorchester Bears to an undefeated season. His breakthrough game was a 36-24 win over Latin Academy, in which he rushed for 279 yards and two touchdowns. Cyprien is also a defensive back, a key figure on Dorchester’s stingy defense that allows an average of just 5.8 points per game.

HAYDEN MURPHY, Barnstable
The 6-foot-2-inch, 200-pound junior running back carried 27 times for over 150 yards and three touchdowns as he led the Red Raiders over Lincoln-Sudbury in a Division 1A semifinal Tuesday night. Murphy also scored three times in a 46-33 win over Billerica this season. The Red Raiders passing game is usually
the overpowering factor of their offense, but Murphy will make opposing defenses remember that Barnstable is certainly not a one-dimensional team.

MATT COMERFORD, Reading
In the spring he’s on the lacrosse field, protecting the net. In the fall he’s on the football field, protecting Rockets quarterback Drew Belcher. The 6-4, 280-pound all-star offensive lineman has not only done a great job blocking, but his size allows him to open up gaps for Belcher to navigate through, as well. Look for Comerford to give Reading the extra push it needs Saturday against Mansfield — literally.

BRENDAN HILL, Mansfield
Mansfield’s two senior running backs, Kevin Makie and Robbie Rapoza, garner most of the limelight, but Brendan Hill’s nine touchdowns have played a significant role in the Hornets offense this season. The 6-5 sophomore receiver is a threat for any opposing secondary. Hill caught a 74-yard touchdown pass against Duxbury in the fourth quarter to help the Hornets advance to the Division 2 Super Bowl.

MIKE DOOLING, Beverly
Much of Beverly’s success this season has come from its dominant running game. And if you’re looking for a reason, besides the fact that Brendan Flaherty is a beast, look no further than Mike Dooling. The 5-11, 220-pound tackle has paved the way for the first Panthers team in school history to win 11 games in a season. On defense, he’s just as good. Dooling, this year’s CAL/NEC 2 co-defensive player of the year, recorded 40 tackles, 2 sacks, and also has a fumble recovery, leading a defense that has allowed only 95 points this year. Look out, Natick.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

The six high school football title games at Gillette Stadium Saturday will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet and WSBK-TV (Channel 38) -- the first three on Comcast and the final three on WSBK.

All six games also will be on radio, on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Andy Gresh and Gary Tanguay will handle the call on Comcast before Dan Roche and Jermaine Wiggins take over for WSBK.

Here's the schedule:

9 a.m. -- Cathedral vs. Madison Park, Comcast SportsNet, 98.5 The Sports Hub
11 a.m. -- Nashoba vs. Shepherd Hill, Comcast SportsNet, 98.5 The Sports Hub
1:30 p.m. -- Everett vs. Barnstable, Comcast SportsNet, 98.5 The Sports Hub
3:30 p.m. -- Beverly vs. Natick, WSBK, 98.5 The Sports Hub
6 p.m. -- South Hadley vs. Wahconah, WSBK, 98.5 The Sports Hub
8 p.m. -- Lynnfield vs. Bishop Feehan, WSBK, 98.5 The Sports Hub

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

St. John's Prep running back Johnathan Thomas exploded for 173 yards rushing and three touchdowns in the second half to help the Eagles beat Andover in the Div. 1 playoffs. See the highlights above.

Updated: This story has been updated to reflect the times for games at Bentley University and Curry College.

Six high school football Super Bowls will be played Saturday at Gillette Stadium, including four Eastern Massachusetts title games. The remaining Eastern Mass. Super Bowls will be held at Bentley University and Curry College.

The schedules are as follows:

Gillette Stadium
9 a.m., Eastern Mass. Division 4A: Cathedral vs. Madison Park
11 a.m., Central Mass Division 2: Nashoba vs. Shepherd Hill
1:30 p.m., Eastern Mass. Division 1A: Barnstable vs. Everett
3:30 p.m. Eastern Mass. Division 2A: Beverly vs. Natick
6 p.m., Western Mass. Division 2: South Hadley vs. Wahconah
8 p.m., Eastern Mass Division 3A: Lynnfield vs. Bishop Feehan

Bentley University
10 a.m., Eastern Mass. Division 3: Sharon vs. Wayland
2 p.m., Eastern Mass. Division 2: Mansfield vs. Reading
6 p.m. Eastern Mass. Division 1: St. John's Prep vs. Brockton

Curry College
10 a.m. Eastern Mass. Division 4: St. Mary's vs. Abington
1 p.m. Eastern Mass. Division 5: Dorchester vs. Upper Cape

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Bob Holmes and I take a look at some of the top games in the EMass high school football playoffs in our latest episode of The Huddle.

We've also got a look at every single game in our EMass playoffs preview.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By School Sports Staff

Following are the stars of Thanksgiving, the last of the 2012 regular season.

Division 1

CJ Scarpa, Andover: Scarpa was 15 for 30 for 235 yards passing, while throwing two touchdowns and rushing for another to lead Andover to a 22-19 win against Central Catholic. With the victory, the Warriors win the Merrimack Valley (Division 1) and will play St. John's Prep in the playoffs.

Mike Panepinto, Needham: The junior back put forward a crushing performance, rushing for 280 yards and five touchdowns to lead Needham to a 39-21 win against Wellesley.

Jack Campsmith, Chelmsford: The Lions quarterback delivered a strong performance against Billerica, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 81 yards in a 43-27 win.

Division 1A

Isaiah Davis, Lynn English: The bulldozer for the Bulldogs, Davis only seemed to get better with each game in his junior season, finishing with a four-touchdown effort against Lynn Classical.

Hunter Arnold, Acton-Boxboro: The junior quarterback led the Colonials wild 35-34 win over Westford by going 10-for-16 with 208 yards and three touchdowns.

Division 2

Sean McCarthy, Duxbury: The Green Dragons' quarterback threw three touchdown passes and ran for another in their 35-14 win over Marshfield on Thursday. Third-ranked Duxbury (11-0) is averaging 30.2 points per game.

Ryan Perron, North Attleboro: Despite missing the playoffs this year, North Attleboro ended its season on a bright note by defeating Attleboro in its 93rd Thanksgiving Day rivalry match. Perron had a magnificent day, completing 12 of his 14 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a four-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter.

Drew Belcher, Reading: Fifth-ranked Reading stayed on the undefeated bus with a 41-14 win over Stoneham. Belcher threw four touchdowns, including a 48-yarder to Chris Godwin, and also ran for one. Hat-tip to Reading's defense, too, which is allowing an average of 4.7 points per game.

Division 2A

Michael Dunn, Dennis-Yarmouth: Dunn scored three of the Dolphins four touchdowns in their 28-7 win over Nauset. He broke a 72-yard scamper in the first quarter and added a 74-yarder in the fourth. He finished with 170 rushing yards on just nine carries. Dunn also caught a 22-yard touchdown pass.

Troy Flutie, Natick: Flutie led the Redhawks to a playoff date against Plymouth South, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns in No. 6 Natick's 26-14 win over Framingham. The versatile quarterback leads Division 2A with 29 touchdown passes this season. But he didn't only have an impact on offense. Flutie has been playing defense for just two games and he has an interception in both of those contests. Wondering if he knows how to kick field goals?

Dylan Oxsen, Plymouth South: It wasn't a hook-and-ladder this week, it was just a display of pure talent as Oxsen shredded Plymouth North's defense with five touchdowns. He scored three times in the second quarter, including 69 and 61-yard touchdown runs. Oxsen's 35 touchdowns this season is a new school record.

Division 3

Kiivone Howard, Foxboro: The senior running back rushed for 183 yards and touchdowns of 71, 9, and 65 yards as the Warriors beat Mansfield 27-21. Howard finished the season with 25 touchdowns, the most in Division 3.

Shawn Stearns, Hanover: In the Indians' 26-6 win over Norwell, Stearns had four interceptions to lead the defense.

Hank Rudden, Hopkinton: The senior quarterback tossed four touchdowns as the Hillers beat Ashland, 41-12. Rudden finished the season with 18 TD passes which sets a single-season record for Hopkinton.

Elias Camacho, Canton: In a stunning win over Stoughton, the senior halfback had 140 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns. He also had six tackles, two for a loss and one sack.

Division 3A

Matt Allen, Bishop Feehan: The senior back ran 12 times for 152 yards and scored on runs of 6 and 29 yards for the Shamrocks in their 32-0 win over Bishop Stang. Allen also booted a 29-yard field goal and connected on both his PAT attempts.

Somerset Berkley offensive line: The big guys up front paved the way for the Blue Raiders to dominate Case on the ground. The team ran for 407 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns in a 34-14 win. The Cardinals rushed for only 47 yards in the loss.

Darien Fernandez, Wareham: The senior back finished his Viking career in record fashion. Fernandez scored four rushing touchdowns in Wareham's 52-12 win over Bourne, tying the school, record for TD's in a season with 22 and setting a new school record for career TD's with 35.

Division 4

Andrew Benson, East Bridgewater: In a 34-6 victory over Rockland the Viking quarterback did it both through the air and on the ground. Benson rushed for 95 yards while scoring three touchdowns and threw for 143 yards and a touchdown.

Cristian Rivera, Greater Lawrence: The Reggie running back took 15 carries and ran for 208 yards in a 42-12 win over Whittier. Rivera, a senior, ran for five touchdowns on the day.

Jordan Manthorne, St. Mary's: In a 44-12 victory over Lynn Tech Manthorne led the Spartans by running for two touchdowns, two successfully punching in two conversions. Manthorne's 148 rushing yards was good enough to break the 1,000 yard mark as he now sits at 1,009.

The Michael O'Hearn, Devonn Pratt connection, Shawsheen: The quarterback, receiver duo connected on three different occasions for touchdowns as the Rams defeated Greater Lowell, 37-18. O'Hearn threw for five touchdowns on the day, collected 205 passing yards.

Division 4A

Alberto Lopez, St. Clement: In a 27-88 win over St. Joseph's Prep, Lopez ran for a score, caught a touchdown pass, made seven tackles and forced a fumble.
Kyle Dance, Latin Academy: Dance threw four touchdown passes and ran for another in a 46-0 win over Charlestown.

Division 5

Aaron Pearson, West Bridgewater: The Wildcats spoiled a perfectly good coin toss by beating Holbrook, 27-20, and Pearson scored two touchhdowns in the win.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Our coverage was pretty expansive on Thanksgiving and we have tons of links for you. We've got game stories, pictures, video, and other info.

First and foremost, if you want to just view scores, check out our scoreboard. It contains every single game score and more than 100 box scores.

Otherwise, here we go.

- Pictures -- A gallery of Globe staff and correspondent photos from Thanksgiving.

- More pictures -- View and submit your own photos from Thanksgiving Day football.

- Video -- Sights and sounds from Thanksgiving.

- Video -- Malden crushes Medford, 32-6

- Notebook: A holiday feast of high school football

Stories

- St. John's Prep beats Xaverian

- Andover defeats Central Catholic

FULL ENTRY

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

The MIAA has announced the times and location for each of its Eastern Massachusetts high school football playoff games.

Here they are, listed below by division:

(Matchup, location, time)

DIVISION I
St. John’s Prep vs. Andover, Lowell (Cawley Stadium), 7:45 p.m.
Weymouth vs. Brockton, Weymouth, 7:45 p.m.

DIVISION 1A
Masconomet vs. Everett, Lynn (Manning Field), 7:45 p.m.
Lincoln-Sudbury vs. Barnstable, Taunton, 5:15 p.m.

DIVISION 2
Reading vs. Tewksbury, Reading, 7:45 p.m.
Duxbury vs. Mansfield, Bridgewater-Raynham, 7:45 p.m.

DIVISION 2A
Burlington vs. Beverly, Burlington, 7:45 p.m.
Plymouth South vs. Natick, Braintree, 7:45 p.m.

DIVISION 3
Westwood vs. Wayland, Reading, 5:15 p.m.
Pembroke vs. Sharon, Braintree, 5:15 p.m.

DIVISION 3A
Lynnfield vs. Amesbury, Lowell (Cawley Stadium), 5:15 p.m.
Dighton-Rehoboth vs. Bishop Feehan, Taunton, 7:45 p.m.

DIVISION 4
Shawsheen vs. St. Mary's (Lynn), Lynn (Manning Field), 5:15 p.m.
Abington vs. Millis-Hopedale, Bridgewater-Raynham, 5:15 p.m.

DIVISION 4A
North Shore vs. Cathedral (Boston), Burlington, 5:15 p.m.
Bristol-Plymouth vs. Madison Park, Weymouth, 5:15 p.m.

DIVISION 5
Dorchester vs. Upper Cape, TBA, TBA

All games are on Tuesday Nov. 27.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

The lineup for the State Vocational Bowls at Manning Field in Lyynn was announced Friday. Both games are Thursday, Nov. 29.

The Large Division game is a rematch from last fall with Greater New Bedford (5-6) facing Greater Lawrence (8-3). Game time is 7 p.m.

The Small Division game has Blue Hills (9-2) taking on Minuteman (5-5). Kickoff is 4:30 p.m.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Here's a snapshot of the high school games on Thanksgiving Day in Eastern Mass. I hope you all enjoyed your holiday.

Cheers.

We have a number of ways for you to follow all the high school football action on Thanksgiving and through the playoffs and Super Bowls.

Online at Boston.com
Boston.com will feature a live blog, photos, and a scores ticker, as well as a page to submit a photo or video.

Boston.com mobile app
Download our mobile news app for your iPhone or Android. There will be a special section for Thanksgiving football.

Boston.com's mobile site
Go to m.boston.com on your phone's browser for scores and updates.

On ScribbleLive
Our live blog will be hosted by ScribbleLive. You'll be able to see the latest updates and comment on the game here. Go here for traditional web, or here for the mobile version.

Follow @GlobeSchools on Twitter
We'll be tweeting updates and links to our coverage all day. If you want to contribute to the coverage, just add the hashtag #massfootball.

By Eric Russo, Globe Correspondent

EVERETT -- For the first time in 31 years, John DiBiaso won’t be on the sidelines coaching a football game Thanksgiving morning.

The Crimson Tide will be one of a handful of teams in the state not putting on the pads Thursday, after Cambridge decided to end the Thanksgiving Day matchup with Everett after last season.

DiBiaso said he’s not sure what it will feel like on Thursday, to wake up and not have to prepare for a game.

“I don’t know [what it’s like],” said DiBiaso. “I’ll see when I wake up in the morning. It’s something that since [I was] a little kid ... I’ve gone to the Everett games, went to the Chelsea games when my father coached there.”

The last time DiBiaso did not coach on Thanksgiving morning was in 1981.

“I was coaching at Tufts and they didn’t play on Thanksgiving. I actually think I went and saw my brother play,” he said.

DiBiaso won’t be totally free of football on Thursday, however. He’s headed to scout his team’s first round playoff opponent, Masconomet, when they take on North Andover.

“I’m going scouting,” said DiBiaso. “But it’s not the same.”

The Tide will take the field again next Tuesday night, when they face off against the Chieftains (8-2, 4-0), who won the CAL/NEC (Division 1) title.

It will be the first time that Everett faces Masco, meaning there is a lot of unfamiliarity.

“[Our] first time playing Masco,” said DiBiaso. “I know little to nothing about them. But I do know they’re well-coached and disciplined. They’re not in our league. I’m definitely going to scout them. But I think they’re in the same boat as us. They don’t know much about us. We don’t know much about them.”

.....

The Tide will have something to play for this week, as they look to win their second straight Turkey Toss competition early on Wednesday morning.

The event, put on by Kiss 108, features 10 pairs of high school football players -- and a pair of girls from Ursuline Academy -- from across the state, trying to see who can toss, and catch, a 15-20 pound turkey the furthest distance.

Tide center Reardan Sweeney has the all-important job of catching the bird and says he’s been practicing for the last couple of weeks, with the help of Everett High boys’ hockey coach, Alex Naumann.

“I am catching at the Turkey Toss,” he said. “We’ve been going down to the Meadow Glen Mall parking lot, practicing for about two weeks now, throwing some turkeys and catching some turkeys. This is my Thanksgiving championship right here.”

......

Everett has not played since Nov. 10, which has left the Tide with a lot of down time leading into the playoffs. But DiBiaso says he thinks he has found a “happy medium” by not practicing too much or too little.

“We have not overpracticed, but we haven’t underpracticed,” he said. “We’ve given them some time to heal up. We’ve practiced enough to stay sharp, but not too much that we burn ourselves out.”

Sweeney said that while the team may not have practiced as much on the field the last couple of the weeks, everyone has been working hard off the field to stay in shape and make sure there is no rust on Tuesday night.

“We haven’t really had a bunch of time off,” he said. “We’re in the weight room every day, in the aerobics room, doing some bikes. We’re keeping in shape. I’m sure we’ll be ready to play on Tuesday.”

.....

While many of Everett’s key players have developed in the Tide’s system for years, there has been one surprise addition to this year’s squad.

Senior Matt Pothier had not played football since his days on the Everett Eagles Pop Warner team. A knee injury forced him to stop playing a few years ago and focus on his No. 1 sport of baseball.

But at the request of Coach DiBiaso, Pothier decided to return for his senior season and has emerged as a starting free safety.

“Coach Dib asked me if I wanted to play,” said Pothier. “He said they needed some cornerbacks, safeties, linebackers, those positions and said ‘we’re gonna try you out and see how you do.’”

Pothier was a fullback in Pop Warner and never played defense until this year.

“When I came out here, I wasn’t even sure how to backpedal right,” he said. “[Defensive backs coach Ryan Taylor] helped me a lot with that. He and [defensive coordinator Joe McLaughlin] have just guided me step by step, getting ready each week.”

Taylor praised Pothier for being able to step in and play multiple positions after having not played football for such a long period of time.

“He’s been a really great addition to our team,” said Taylor. “He came out a couple games into the season, we really didn’t know where to put him, he hadn’t played football in a couple years. We knew he was a great athlete, a great kid and he wanted to try it out.

“He’s just been a huge bonus for us. He’s played everywhere, he’s been so versatile for us. He’s played corner, he’s played safety, he’s played linebacker, he’s come off the edge. He’s done a little bit of something every week, he’s risen to the challenge.

“It would be tough for a kid who’s played, never mind a kid who hasn’t played in two or three years.”

Pothier’s rapid improvement led him to a starting spot on the defense, something he never expected when he decided to return.

“I had no idea,” said Pothier. “I just thought they needed someone for here and there and I would just come in and help out, but I never thought I’d be starting.”

Taylor pointed to Pothier’s willingness to take coaching as the main reason for his rise up the depth chart.

“A lot of it was just getting him back to basic stuff, proper footwork, technique,” said Taylor. “He’s been really open to coaching. It’s a credit to him that he’s listened to everything I’ve told him to do. Week in and week out he just soaked in everything we’ve told him.

“He’s one of the toughest kids we’ve got, he’s a classic Everett kid, right there. Really tough, not scared of everything, just goes right at it. He’s pretty fearless.”
.....

Jackarrie Washington, the Tide’s dynamic wide receiver/running back/defensive back, is the leading scorer in DIvision 1A - by far. The 5-foot-9-inch, 170-pound senior has scored 20 touchdowns (11 rushing, 8 receiving, 1 fumble return), good for 120 points. The next closest is Acton Boxborough’s William Tejada with 104.

As a result of his stellar season, Washington was named the MVP of the Greater Boston League.

“He’s done a great job for us on both sides of the ball,” said DiBiaso. “But he’d be the first one to credit the offensive line and tell you that he couldn’t have done it without them.”

Washington, along with fellow senior John Montelus, was also honored with the Bouvier Jewelers’ Football Award Nov. 8 at the 41st annual “E” Club dinner.

The event’s featured speaker was sports broadcaster Chris Collins, formerly of Comcast SportsNet New England and NECN. Collins is now the director of the Everett High television studio and is the brother-in-law of Everett football legend Omar Easy.

The “E” Club provides scholarships and other awards to student athletes at Everett High.

.....

Every week we’ll have a captain or senior make a Patriots prediction for the upcoming game.

THIS WEEK’S PICK - PATRIOTS at JETS

Senior DB Matt Pothier has the Patriots beating the Jets, 28-21, on Thanksgiving night.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

In the latest episode of The Huddle, Bob Holmes and I go over all the games on Thanksgiving with playoff implications as well as some historic matchups in our turkey day preview. Also, we have a feature on Westwood's Alex and Bo Berluti. Check it out above.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondent

  Aside from turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and everything else served on Thanksgiving, football is the next best thing on the fall holiday. Well, maybe not for everyone.

Nonetheless, there’s a slate of games ranging from 125-year-old rivalries to playoff-clinching contests – each unique in its own way.

Here’s a look at some of this year’s best turkey day showdowns, along with our predictions. 

Week 10 Results: Anthony 9-1, Mastro 8-2
Season: Mastro 63-27, Anthony 59-31.
 
No. 14 Central Catholic (9-1) at No. 11 Andover (9-1), 10:30 a.m.:

Anthony: Aside from last week’s 20-3 win against Lynn English, Central Catholic has been tied up in some shootouts, like their 42-34 victory against Lowell in Week 8, or its 42-23 win against Billerica the following week. But against Andover, I don’t think that’s the type of game the Raiders want to get into. Andover’s electric offense, led by quarterback CJ Scarpa, has plenty of weapons like receivers Will Heikkinen and Cam Farnham. Central Catholic will advance to the playoffs with a win, and Andover will force a three-way tie with Lowell, in which the Golden Warriors should advance based on the MVC’s wild point system.
Andover 30, Central Catholic 24.

Mastro: First off, poor Lowell. Next year. That said, folks better get to this game early and bring binoculars. At face value, this is a very good Andover offense against a very good Central Catholic defense. What I’m looking at is Andover’s game against Xaverien, perhaps the only true defensive test the Golden Warriors were put to, and they mustered just 15 points. Meanwhile, Central’s defense has held North Andover (31 points per game) to 16 points and Tewksbury (29 points per game) to 7 points. Give me the defense.
Central Catholic 21, Andover 14.
 
No. 4 St. John’s Prep (8-1) at Xaverian (4-6), 10:15 a.m.:

Anthony: The only record that matters here is that both teams are 3-0 in the Catholic Conference, and the winner will move onto the playoffs while the other goes home. It can’t get any more black and white than that. And now, I make my case for Xaverian. A string of heartbreaking losses to Brockton (22-14), Andover (15-13) and Duxbury (20-16) left the Hawks 1-4 before losing to Everett and then Bridgewater-Raynham, before ending with three consecutive wins. So many times, Xaverian has been on the doorstep of a victory before falling short. I don’t need to make a case for St. John’s Prep. It’s clear what they’re capable of doing with backs like Johnathan Thomas and Alex Moore, and they’ve proved themselves one of the best teams in the state. But on Thanksgiving, I think they’re tested by the Hawks front of Ray Gobbi and Maurice Hurst, and hard-hitting linebacker Hunter Taute. It’s the scoring that might be an issue. But if Xaverian can find the end zone, they might not have to often. Eagle for dinner?
Xaverian 17, St. John’s Prep 14.  

Mastro: Hawk sounds tastier. While the 10-minute quarters are a legitimate concern in this game, with a Prep team that loves to pound the run, it goes both ways. The Eagles’ defense has been so good when it matters this year, with Lucas Bavaro and company shutting down run-heavy teams like Bridgewater-Raynham and Central Catholic. There are coaches out there who wait their entire careers for a game-changing running back. Jim O’Leary has two.
St. John’s Prep 28, Xaverian 13.
 
North Reading (8-1) at Lynnfield (7-2), 10:30 a.m.:

Anthony: On paper, these teams are incredibly close. North Reading 25.2 points per game are just ahead of Lynnfield’s 24.3, while Lynnfield allows just 9.7 points per game, slightly better than North’s 10.8. But I think the advantage lies with North Reading and running back Carl Lipani, who’s rushed for 21 yards and 1,538 yards this season. Likewise, coach Jeff Wall pegs a lot of the team’s success to offensive coordinator Ed Melanson, who’s in his second year with the Hornets. Lipani, behind senior lineman John Fortes and his four horsemen, will lead the Hornets to the Cape Ann/Northeastern (Div. 4) title.
North Reading 27, Lynnfield 20.

Mastro: How about a round of applause for Wall’s crew here, making the Hornets relevant again. They’re playing a very meaningful football game on Thursday, with a chance to go to the playoffs, and they’re actually considered favorites.
North Reading 28, Lynnfield 13.
 
No. 6 Natick (8-1) at Framingham (5-4), 10 a.m.:

Anthony: After last weeks’ 21-14 win over Walpole, Natick carved its path for the Bay State (Herget) title. Now, all they have to do is beat Framingham and I don’t see the Red Hawks having any trouble here. Troy Flutie and Brian Dunlap are obvious threats on offense, and I think Natick got a bit better now that the two see some time on defense as well. Last week, they both played a pivotal role in Natick’s last-second defensive efforts, swatting passes and breaking up plays to prevent Will Bolster and Walpole from tying the game.
Natick 30, Framingham 14. 

Mastro: I walk into the office on Monday and Anthony says this to me: “How crazy would it be if Framingham beat Natick on a last-second Hail Mary pass?” There you go Flutie family. If it happens, Anthony is to blame.
Natick 35, Framingham 20.
 
Newburyport (6-4) at Amesbury (8-2), 10 a.m.:

Anthony: What’s not to like about Matt Talbot and Amesbury? Talbot, the senior quarterback, has 15 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing scores for the Indians. Last week, he led a 4-play, 52-yard drive with 32 seconds remaining, connecting with Ben Cullen on a 12-yard touchdown, and Mac Short’s PAT lifted Amesbury to a 21-20 win against Pentucket. Is there any better way to head into a conference-clinching game? No doubt Amesbury is riding high after that win, and I think it continues Thursday as they wrap up the Cape Ann/Northeastern (Div. 3) title.
Amesbury 24, Newburyport 12. 

Mastro: I’m hearing Tyler Cusack is one heck of a running back for the Clippers, and that defense hasn’t allowed more than 23 points all season. I think points are tough to come by and the Newburyport defense stands tall. 
Newburyport 14, Amesbury 7.
 
Walpole (9-1) at Weymouth (8-2), 10 a.m.:

Mastro: You know the drill: Walpole needs a win and a Natick loss to avoid that dreaded title of “Best team not to make the playoffs,” which will have a whole new meaning next year. Wellesley’s triumphant victory over Natick two weeks ago will at least give the Rebels hope. And while Weymouth already has a ticket stamped to the postseason, I’m wondering how long into the fourth quarter the starters stay in the game.
Walpole 28, Weymouth 21.

Anthony: For these two teams, the common opponent is Needham. Weymouth beat the Rockets 32-27 in dramatic, last-minute fashion, while Walpole handed them a 31-0 thrashing. So Walpole is clearly the better team, right? In reality, it’s not that simple, but I do have to agree with you here Jason. It’s questionable how long Weymouth’s guys will stay in. I don’t think the starters will miss a substantial amount of time, but coach Kevin Mackin will need all his Wildcats healthy against Brockton, and the Rebels will get the best of them in this one.
Walpole 30, Weymouth 22.
 
Holliston (7-3) at Westwood (7-3), 10 a.m.:

Mastro: It took two weeks for Holliston’s prolific running game to get into gear, and ever since it’s been just about unstoppable. The Panthers haven’t scored less than 20 points in the last eight games. If you haven’t seen Max Athy spin his wheels, you’re missing out.
Holliston 28, Westwood 14.

Anthony: Five times Holliston has put up 40-plus points and three of those times, they posted 49 points. Likewise, Westwood has allowed 16.1 points per game. The question here is obviously whether or not Westwood can slow Holliston down, but Max Athy only operates in one gear.
Holliston 27, Westwood 20.
 
Blue Hills (9-1) at Bristol-Plymouth (4-6), 10 a.m:

Mastro: Vincent Burton. Blue Hills 30, Bristol-Plymouth 13.
Anthony: See above. Blue Hills, 35, Bristol Plymouth 15.
 
Holbrook (6-1) at West Bridgewater (3-6), 10 a.m.:

Mastro: Attention to anyone going to this game: Bring an extra quarter. Should Holbrook win, there will be an immediate flipping of coins on the field to decide the fate of the Mayflower Small, which would have three teams – Holbrook, South Shore Voc, and Upper Cape – all at 4-1 in the league. Seriously, bring quarters.
Holbrook 34, West Bridgewater 7.

Anthony: Whoever doesn’t want to see a postgame coin-flip is out of their mind. If Holbrook wins and then wins the coin toss, the postgame Thanksgiving dinner will never have tasted so good. And for South Shore Tech and Upper Cape, Thanksgiving dinner might taste like gnawing on a piece of copper. Give me Holbrook, give me the coin flip!
Holbrook 28, West Bridgewater 10.
 
Medford (0-9) at Malden (2-8), 10 a.m.:

Mastro: It’s the 125th meeting of the two schools, and regardless of what’s happened over the past three months, this is their Super Bowl. Medford is winless, but the Mustangs have been fighting under head coach Jason Nascimento, who took over midway through the season. I like Malden in this one. Quarterback Jake Martino is a crafty player who can extend plays, and he has a few weapons downfield if the offensive line can give him time.
Malden 20, Medford 13.

Anthony: Nobody likes to go 0-9. All of Malden’s frustrations mount together in this one and they should come out a bit more charged and ready to go. Game 125 is going to be a special one, and I’m pulling for Nascimento and the Mustangs in this one.
Medford 21, Malden 14.

Boston.com is looking for your help in covering high school football on Thanksgiving.

Fill out a brief survey to be considered for inclusion on our list of citizen reporters who will provide scores, updates, photos, or videos from games for our live blog.

Your answers will be reviewed and you may be contacted by a Boston.com sports staff member to participate.

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

Finally, some new names.

With the Boston.com top 100 taking a brief hiatus before we release a special Thanksgiving edition next Monday, the Globe Top 20 is back with four teams making a fresh appearance.

Mansfield, Masconomet, Sharon and Abington round out Nos. 17 through 20 this week.

Mansfield (7-3) made a dazzling comeback to knock out Franklin, 28-21, and claim the Hockomock Kelley Rex title. Masco (8-2) used its gritty run game and relentless defense to roll over Revere, 42-0, and take the Cape Ann/Northeastern Division 1 crown. Sharon (8-2) squeaked by Foxboro, 14-7, to win the Hockomock Davenport, the first league championship in school history. And Abington (10-0) took down East Bridgewater, 22-16, to reclaim the South Shore League after winning it five straight times from 2005 to 2009.

In the upper half of the rankings, No. 6 Natick (9-1) made a hefty jump after its thrilling 21-14 win over No. 9 Walpole (9-1).

Here’s this week’s Globe Top 20:

1. Barnstable
2. Everett
3. Duxbury
4. St. John’s Prep
5. Reading
6. Natick
7. Beverly
8. Burlington
9. Walpole
10. King Philip
11. Andover
12. Brockton
13. Weymouth
14. Central Catholic
15. Lincoln-Sudbury
16. Lowell
17. Mansfield
18. Masconomet
19. Sharon
20. Abington

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Brockton is back from the dead, Natick owns its own destiny, and the Merrimack Valley (Division 1) is going down to the wire. In our latest episode of The Huddle, Bob Holmes and I discuss the high school football playoff picture, go over highlights from Week 10, and we take a closer look at Wayland's tough defense.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By School Sports Staff

The last weekend of the regular season produced its share of playoff-clinching heroes.

Division 1

Austin Roberts, Brockton: The senior quarterback rushed for 258 yards on 17 carries, and scored three touchdowns to lead the Boxers to a 35-12 win against New Bedford. With the victory, Brockton clinches the Big Three title.

Dave Harrison, Weymouth: The junior rushed for three touchdowns, and threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Keison Cunningham, as the Wildcats beat Framingham, 25-15, and clinched the Bay State (Carey) title.

Will Heikkinen, Andover: The 6-1, 205-pound receiver brought his season total to 67 receptions, catching 5 passes, two for touchdowns, for 118 yards in a win over Billerica. He also had three interceptions on defense.

Division 1A

Lunique Sainvil Jr., Waltham: The senior had an interception and forced fumble as the Hawks defense held Westford’s high-powered offense in check in a 21-20 victory.

Brad Scuzzarella, Lynn Classical: Scuzarrella scored four touchdowns in the first 14 minutes (one kickoff return, two rushes and one catch) to lead the Rams to a 40-7 win over Peabody.

Division 2

Kevin Mackie, Mansfield: The 5-foot-11, 175-pound running back scored three touchdowns – two in the fourth quarter – to lead the Hornets to a 28-21 win over Franklin. More importantly, the victory clinched the Hockomock (Kelly-Rex) title for Mansfield.

Nelson Valerio, Lawrence: The Lancers edged out the Rangers in a close Merrimack Valley matchup on Friday night. Valerio scored three rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner, to give Lawrence the 38-36 victory. He also passed for 353 yards and three more touchdowns, connecting with George Urena for a 96-yarder in the third quarter.

Domingo Jenkins, Taunton: It might have only been the Tigers third win of the season, but Jenkins deserves an honorable mention this week after rushing for five touchdowns, including a 51-yarder to win the game in the fourth quarter.

Derek Roschlein, King Philip: Warriors freshman kicker hit a 22-yard field goal with 11 seconds to give the Warriors a 16-14 win over North Attleboro. What's even more impressive is that he was just called up to the varsity squad this week. Bravo!

Division 2A

Spencer Tyler, Dennis-Yarmouth: Tyler recorded 181 yards and three touchdowns in the Dolphins 26-19 win over Sandwich, including a 78-yard scamper in the third quarter.

Brendan Flaherty, Beverly: The Panthers captain was an unstoppable force on Saturday, leading No. 7 Beverly to a playoff-clinching win over Marblehead. He rushed for 191 yards, breaking a 44-yard touchdown run. He also had a 52-yard kick return to start the third quarter which put Beverly in great scoring position and started a stretch of 21 unanswered points for the Panthers

Dylan Oxsen, Plymouth South: Trailing with under 20 seconds left on the clock, Oxsen scored on a 62-yard hook-and-ladder play which gave Plymouth South its first Atlantic Coast tile.

Nick Lee, Natick: The running back was back on the field Friday night for the Redhawks after sitting out the loss at Wellesley because of an ankle injury. While Lee didn't rack up any fancy stats or score a touchdown, his presence on the field definitely made a difference. Coach Mark Mortarelli spoke about it after his team's 21-14 win over Walpole. “I've said it all year, Nick Lee is our heart and soul. He runs hard between the tackles, he's great at blitz pick up, and he's an emotional, inspirational leader. He came back, our guys were fired up; he was running on one leg. He's just a tough kid.”

Mike Miller, Wakefield: In a 35-34 win over Watertown, Miler threw for four touchdowns and 242 yards and ran for 126 yards on 13 carries.

Division 3

Marcus Middleton, Stoughton: Middleton rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on nine carries and returned a kickoff 90 yards for a score to boost the Black Knights over No. 14 Bridgewater-Raynham.

Dawyne Kirton, Scituate: Kirton rushed for 215 yards and a score as the Sailors beat Middleboro.

Max Athy, Holliston: Athy scored three touchdowns, giving him 16 on the season, and rushed for 125 yards on 12 carries to lead the Panthers over Norton.

Division 3A

Kobie Edwards, Fairhaven: The senior played a big role on offense and defense in the Blue Devils' 43-32 win over host Case Friday. Edwards carried eight times for 134 yards and two touchdowns on offense, while on defense he recovered a fumble on a 2-point conversion and returned it 95 yards for two points, and also picked off a pass and took it back 70 yards for another score.

C.J. Randolph, Saugus: The senior signal caller got it done on the ground and through the air for the Sachems, carrying 22 times for 124 yards and three scores, while completing 2 of 3 passes for 49 yards and a 29-yard TD as Saugus downed Triton 35-27 Friday night.

Cody Rothwell, Pentucket: The senior back put forth a valiant effort for the Sachems in their 21-20 loss to visiting Amesbury on Saturday. Rothwell carried 25 times for 201 yards, scored two rushing touchdowns, and hauled in a 59-yard score through the air as well.

Division 4

Fran Hannon, Bishop Fenwick: Hannon propelled the Fenwick offense with 116 yards on the ground and 206 in the air in a 24-13 victory over Arlington Catholic. Hannon, a quarterback, also threw for a pair of touchdowns.

Jordan Collier, St. Mary's: The junior running back ran for 161 yards and accounted for two touchdowns as the Spartans defeated Archbishop Williams 32-6 to claim the Catholic Central (Large) crown.

Jack Malafronte, Abington: In a South Shore clinching win over East Bridgewater, Malafronte ran for 182 yards and three touchdowns.

Division 4A

Kejonte Hickman & Kadeem Edge, Cathedral: Both Hickman and Edge were instrumental in helping Cathedral topple Pope John for the league championship Saturday. Hickman rushed for 119 yards and the game winner in double overtime and Edge hauled in Hickman’s only two completions - both for touchdowns.

Madison Park Cardinals: A run oriented squad that likes to wear teams down in short bursts, the Cardinals proved they can also be explosive in the 62-20 win over Eastie Friday night. In clinching the Boston North crown, they threw for a touchdown, rushed for six more and even scored on an 80-yard fumble recovery. Not to mention the seven different players that scored touchdowns.

Division 5

Leon Sealy, Dorchester: Sealy, playing at middle linebacker, is as much a field general for the Bears as Ray Lewis has always been for the Ravens. As the voice of a stout Dorchester defense, he racked up 15 tackles in the win over English helping the bears extend their win streak to nine games.

ISL
Mackay Lowrie, Roxbury Latin: The senior quarterback ended his career with four touchdown passes, giving hima final tally of 35 for the year.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

There were tons of teams that clinched on Saturday. Here's an updated look at which teams have secured playoff spots division by division.

Division 1

Merrimack Valley Division 1 vs. Catholic Conference

Brockton vs. Weymouth

Division 1A

Everett vs. Masconomet

Lincoln-Sudbury vs. Barnstable

Division 2

Tewksbury at Reading

Duxbury vs. Mansfield

Division 2A

Beverly at Burlington

Natick/Walpole vs. Plymouth South

Division 3

Wayland vs. Tri-Valley Large

Sharon vs. Pembroke

Division 3A

CAL/NEC Division 3 vs. CAL/NEC Division 4

Bishop Feehan vs. Dighton-Rehoboth

Division 4

St. Mary’s vs. Shawsheen

Millis/Hopedale vs. Abington

Division 4A

Cathedral vs. North Shore

Madison Park vs. Mayflower Large

Division 5 - (teams automatically advance to Division 5 Super Bowl)

Dorchester vs. Mayflower Small

All MIAA semifinal games are Tuesday, Nov. 27. Sites and times will be announced Friday, Nov. 23, by the MIAA. Super Bowls for Divisions 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A will be at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Natick beat Walpole 21-14 Friday night, with quarterback Troy Flutie throwing two touchdown passes and running for another. But it wasn't just Flutie's offense that helped the Redhawks beat the Rebels. Instead, Natick made a number of key defensive plays to help the Redhawks eke out the win. See the highlights above.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Here's a look at all of the teams that have clinched a spot in the playoffs.

Division 1

Merrimack Valley Division 1 vs. Catholic Conference

Big Three vs. Weymouth

Division 1A

Everett vs. Masconomet

Lincoln-Sudbury vs. Barnstable

Division 2

Tewksbury at Reading

Duxbury vs. Hockomock Kelley-Rex

Division 2A

CAL/NEC Division 2 at Burlington

Natick/Walpole vs. Plymouth South

Division 3

Wayland vs. Tri-Valley Large

Hockomock Davenport vs. Pembroke

Division 3A

CAL/NEC Division 3 vs. CAL/NEC Division 4

EAC winner vs. Dighton-Rehoboth

Division 4

Catholic Central Large vs. Shawsheen

Millis/Hopedale vs. Abington

Division 4A

Catholic Central Small vs. North Shore

Madison Park vs. Mayflower Large

Division 5 - (teams automatically advance to Division 5 Super Bowl)

Dorchester vs. Mayflower Small

All MIAA semifinal games are Tuesday, Nov. 27. Sites and times will be announced Friday, Nov. 23, by the MIAA. Super Bowls for Divisions 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A will be at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

By Eric Russo, Globe Correspondent

The Greater Boston League football coaches and athletic directors met on Thursday morning to discuss how they would determine the league's two playoff teams under the new format that starts next season.

According to Everett coach and AD John DiBiaso, the top two teams in the league, based on record, will qualify for the postseason. Here's how things will work:

League games will be played during weeks 4 through 7.

Each team will play four league games, but only three will count toward their league record. The league's two Thanksgiving games (Malden vs. Medford and Somerville vs. Cambridge) will be discounted. Everett, who no longer plays on Thanksgiving, will have one of their games during weeks 4-7 discounted. This will be done on a rotating, alphabetical basis. In 2013, Everett's game vs. Cambridge will not count toward Everett's league record, but will count for the Falcons. In 2014, their game vs. Malden will be discounted, in 2015, Medford, in 2016, Somerville.

If there is a tie for the second playoff spot, head-to-head record will be used.

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

  Last weekend, 11 teams clinched playoff berths and more will be punching their postseason tickets this weekend.

  With more than 20 league titles still up for grabs in EMass, there’s plenty of can’t miss games Friday and Saturday. 

  Here’s a look at this week’s games to watch with our predictions. 

Week 9 Results: Anthony 8-2, Mastro 6-4 

Season: Mastro 55-25, Anthony 50-30.

  No. 7 Beverly (9-0) at Marblehead (8-1), Saturday, 1:
Anthony: Behind the thrashing attack of running backs Brendan Flaherty (17 touchdowns) and Kenny Pierce (9 touchdowns), Beverly has cruised to 9-0 (3-0 Cape Ann/Northeastern Div. 2). A win against Marblehead Saturday will lock up the conference for Beverly. The Panthers' offense is explosive. They haven’t scored fewer than 30 points in a game all season, and have eclipsed the 40-point plateau on four occasions. Marblehead’s work is cut out for them. They need to slow the Panthers down if they want to even sniff a shot at winning. But in the last two weeks, Marblehead’s defense gave up 35 points in a last-minute loss to Salem, and then gave up 25 as it beat Danvers by three on a last-second score. It’s worth noting Marblehead coach Jim Rudloff served as an assistant for four years under Beverly coach Dan Bauer before taking the head position at Marblehead. On Saturday, I think Bauer and the Panthers get the best of Marblehead. Beverly 31, Marblehead 23. 
Mastro: Marblehead is the underdog, no doubt. And I think we can learn something from the way each of these teams played Danvers – a potent offense with a questionable defense. Beverly kept the game in hand the entire time, allowing nothing but a quick 79-yard rushing touchdown early on and a fourth-quarter score when the game was about over. On the other hand, Marblehead was fighting the whole time, needing a last-second drive that gave meaning to their nickname, the Magicians. If Beverly is the team we think it is, this game isn’t too close. Beverly 28, Marblehead 13.

  New Bedford (4-4) at No. 12 Brockton (6-3), Saturday, 1:
Anthony: It’s a no-brainer: Brockton deserves to represent the conference. But in the Big Three, they still have to earn it and they’ll have a chance at clinching this weekend. The Boxers struggled a bit early in the season, and were lucky quarterback Austin Roberts missed just two games. Two of Brockton’s three losses came to No. 4 St. John’s Prep (7-1) and No. 5 Reading (9-0). Since starting the season 3-3, the Boxers have rolled to three straight victories, outscoring opponents 105-12. On Friday, Brockton should roll to a fourth straight win, clinching the Big Three. Brockton 28, New Bedford 10. 
Mastro: I would think this won’t be too close, but New Bedford’s 19-14 loss to Barnstable is really standing out to me. If that defense is capable of containing Nick Peabody and company to just 19 points, I wonder what it could do if it plays its best game against Brockton. The bad news for New Bedford is that Brockton has been rolling, winning its last three games by a combined score of 105-12. So…. Brockton 34, New Bedford 13.

  No. 6 Walpole (9-0) vs. No. 10 Natick (8-1), Friday, 7:
Anthony: Wellesley shocked the high school football world with a 40-34 win over Natick Friday. Wellesley, up 34-20 entering the third quarter, held on to win as quarterback Troy Flutie and Natick’s comeback efforts fell short. It’s going to be interesting to see how the Redhawks bounce back. Extra motivation for Friday night isn’t necessary. When these two titans clash, one will exit with the Bay State Herget crown. The key here is going to be Walpole’s defense. The Rebels have had no trouble scoring points this year, nor keeping opponents off the scoreboard. They allow just 4.1 points per game, and impressed with a 31-0 shutout against Needham three weeks ago, bottling up the Rockets' electric back, Mike Panepinto. This weekend, their pass defense will be tested against Flutie and wide receiver Brian Dunlap. But I think the Redhawks will have trouble defending Walpole’s 6-foot-4, 260-pound tight end Dan Collins. Walpole 21, Natick 17. 
Mastro: Game of the week right here – and a real test for Flutie. But let’s be honest, when the offense puts up 34 points and loses the game, it’s tough to blame the quarterback. I watched some film from that game and let me just say – wow. Whatever the Wellesley offense was throwing at the Redhawks, they didn’t have an answer. Poor tackling, poor line play, poor coverage, poor everything. I’d like to think Natick can bounce back and make this a really competitive game, but Walpole has shut out six teams in a row, just a silly number for this time of year. Walpole 35, Natick 14.

  No. 18 Nauset (9-0) at Plymouth South (6-3), Friday, 7:
Anthony: Both teams enter the contest 4-0 in Atlantic Coast league play, and the winner is on an inside track to the conference title. If Plymouth South wins, they move to 5-0 and will clinch the conference. If Nauset wins, and if Dennis-Yarmouth beats Sandwich Friday, Nauset and D-Y will fight for the title on Thanksgiving. Week after week, Nauset and quarterback Jimmy Sullivan (10 rushing touchdowns, 3 passing) have been rattling by opponents. After winning a 7-6 slugfest against Marshfield, Nauset outscored Sandwich and Falmouth 68-20. But under the Friday lights, they’ll be tested by South running back Dylan Oxsen. Since losing three straight games after a Week 1 victory, the Panthers have won five in a row. Oxsen, a junior back, has rushed for 28 touchdowns, just two behind Blue Hills back Vincent Burton, who leads all of Eastern Mass. with 30 scores. Oxsen has the ability to blow a game open, and I think he carries Plymouth South in this one as they upset Nauset. Plymouth South 26, Nauset 24. 
Mastro: I hate to say it, but Nauset’s schedule really doesn’t impress. That said, let’s give credit where credit is due: The Warriors are taking care of business and winning the close games (four wins have come by 10 points or less). I just like Plymouth South in this one. It’s a battle-tested team that played Abington and Hingham to close games and its defense has proved to be sturdy. Unless Nauset has the answer for Oxsen, this is South’s division to win. Plymouth South 20, Nauset 14.  

  Bedford (7-2) at Wayland (6-3), Friday, 7:
Anthony: There’s no doubt Wayland knows how to grind out a win. The Warriors defeated the Dual County large champion, Lincoln-Sudbury (8-1), 10-6 on Oct. 12. Just last week, Wayland led Concord-Carlisle 14-7 in overtime before allowing the Patriots to score a touchdown. But Wayland’s defense buckled down and stonewalled Concord-Carlisle’s two-point attempt to seal the victory. The offense, led by Matt Goddard, is extremely balanced by the rushing attack of Robert Williams and Mark Bonner. In late season games, it’s hard to side against the better-tested team. Without question, Wayland has earned its stripes this season. Wayland 20, Bedford 12. 
Mastro: This should be a really tight game between two teams that have made significant improvements from a year ago. Without having seen either of these teams in action, Wayland’s wins over Lincoln-Sudbury and Millis/Hopedale are impressive. Goddard is having one heck of a year after missing most of last season with a broken collarbone and I think Bedford may be stuck in second place yet again (for the fourth time in five years). Next year that’ll work just fine. Wayland 26, Bedford 14.

  Revere (5-3) at Masconomet (7-2), Friday, 7:
Mastro: I picked this one just for you Anthony. It’s a sucker's bet, you have to take your hometown team. Now hopefully Masco can get me a win and push my lead over you back to where it was a few weeks ago. I’ll tell you what, the way Dylan Mann has been playing, it’s going to be hard to stop the Chieftains. According to Jim Pugh, Mann was laying out huge hits all over the field last weekend against Lynn English, making nine tackles and intercepting a pass on his own 10-yard line. He also rushed for an 8-yard score. Masco 28, Revere 21.
Anthony: Nope, won’t do it. I’m leaving the bait on the table, and I’m going to hear about it back home. Mann and running back Mackenzie Cashin have spearheaded the Chieftains' attack, which has scored 30-plus points in their last three games. Quarterback Chris Schleer is a threat to score with his legs as well, and his balanced attack will keep the Patriots searching for answers. While Revere certainly has the athleticism and speed to keep it close, I think Masco pulls away. Masconomet 30, Revere 22.

Archbishop Williams (5-2) at St. Mary’s (8-1), Saturday, 4:
Mastro: This would usually be a game we wouldn’t even bother discussing, but let’s give some credit to the Archies for putting together a pretty nice season. They have some big guys up front and have made teams pay at times this year when their defense can play a full 48 minutes. And Kylan Philbert-Richardson can play. The junior has 15 touchdowns this year, including this dazzling run last weekend against Arlington Catholic. I have to make at least one bold pick this week, right? Archbishop Williams 28, St. Mary’s 27.
Anthony: Give Archbishop Williams the credit where it's due. But I’m going with St. Mary’s in this one. It has proved an ability to grind out tight games, specifically with their 14-12 win over Bishop Fenwick three weeks ago. Running backs Jordan Collier and Jordan Manthorne have combined for 25 touchdowns this season, and I think they will give the Archies trouble Saturday. Also, don’t underestimate St. Mary’s defense. In Week 1, they beat Cambridge 34-6, and held the Falcons' prolific passer, David Maaghul, to just one touchdown score. St. Mary’s 24, Archbishop Williams 16.

BC High (3-5) at No. 4 St. John’s Prep (7-1), Saturday, 1:
Mastro: Oh how the mighty have fallen. I remember looking through schedules in August and circling this one as a game that could really affect the Catholic Conference. It no longer has meaning, but the maroon and gold Eagles are still playing for pride. And really, if it wasn’t for a kickoff return for a touchdown last weekend, they outscored Xaverian. Prep probably takes this one, but I don’t think it’ll be easy. St. John’s Prep 27, BC High 14.
Anthony: Jason, my thoughts exactly. Although the meaning has escaped this contest, the intensity will not. Catholic Conference games are always extremely competitive, and Saturday shouldn’t be any different. But I think St. John’s Prep and its run-heavy offense will give BC High trouble. (See: Johnathan Thomas and Alex Moore). St. John’s Prep 30, BC High 18.

No. 16 Lincoln-Sudbury (8-1) at Concord-Carlisle (4-5), Friday, 6:
Mastro: I know, I know, this looks like a mismatch. And it probably is. C-C is still adjusting with a new sophomore quarterback and trying to find some rhythm. But these are two schools that are always full of athletic kids, and I don’t care what their records are. If L-S doesn’t come out ready to play, C-C could very well make this interesting. Last weekend, the Patriots were an extra point away from beating Wayland – a team that beat L-S just three weeks earlier. No, I’m not crazy enough to pick Concord-Carlisle. But it might be close. Lincoln-Sudbury 21, Concord-Carlisle 7.
Anthony: On paper, it’s a perfect trap game. L-S has the Dual County (large) wrapped up already, and Thanksgiving is around the corner. But I don’t think the Warriors' focus will waver in this game, because head coach Tom Lopez won’t allow it. Lincoln-Sudbury 24, Concord-Carlisle 12.

Foxboro (7-2) at Sharon (7-2), Saturday, 1:
Mastro: This Sharon team is impossible to predict, isn’t it? They get blown out by King Philip, then beat Stoughton, then lose to Franklin two weeks later.  I give up. I’m taking Foxboro. Good riddance. Foxboro 21, Sharon 20.
Anthony: It’s a coin flip. You take Foxboro, I’ll take Sharon. Sharon 25, Foxboro 18.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

In response to the new state playoff system, the Catholic Conference athletic directors voted Wednesday to let a power-rating system determine their playoff participants.

The vote means the conference championship will be decided on Thanksgiving and that teams will not play their Thanksgiving opponent a second time earlier in the season. The seven-week regular season will be filled with Catholic Conference teams other than the Thanksgiving opponent as well as non-league games. The Catholic Conference is comprised of Xaverian, St. John's Prep, BC High, Catholic Memorial, and Malden Catholic.

By doing this, the athletic directors have addressed one of the concerns of the new system and maintained the importance of Thanksgiving to conference teams.

The MIAA Football Committee finalized the sites for the 2012 semifinals and Super Bowls.

The North semifinals will be held at Lowell, Reading, Manning Field in Lynn, and Burlington.

The South sites are Weymouth, Bridgewater-Raynham, Taunton, and Braintree.

Super Bowls in EMass will be held at Gillette Stadium (4), Bentley (3), and Curry (2).

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

In our latest episode of the Huddle, Bob Holmes and I discuss the 11 teams that have clinched playoff spots. We also have a feature on Xaverian's Maurice Hurst and highlights from Week 9.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

Senior quarterback Chris Sarni was just too much to handle.

Rushing for three touchdowns and throwing three more, Sarni put Wellesley in position to pull off an unprecedented victory against Bay State (Herget) powerhouse Natick.

The Red Hawks comeback fell short late in the fourth-quarter, and Wellesley came away with a 40-34 win, jumping up to No. 54 in this week’s Boston.com Top 100.

Lowell, who sat just outside the Top 20 at No. 30 last week, put forward an explosive performance against Andover, out-muscling the Golden Warriors in a 42-35 victory.

The Red Raiders were led by a stunning performance from receiver Jack Galvin, who hauled in 15 catches for 163 yards and four touchdowns.

Also moving up was Dighton-Rehoboth, who landed at No. 41 after knocking off Wareham 21-8 behind a pair of first-half touchdown passes from Nathan Kowalski.

With the win, Dighton-Rehoboth (7-1, 6-0) moved into sole possession of first place in the South Coast conference.

Last weekend, 11 teams clinched playoff berths. Who will punch their playoff ticket next?

Here’s our Week 9 Boston.com Top 100:

1. Barnstable
2. Everett
3. Duxbury
4. St. John's Prep
5. Reading
6. Walpole
7. Beverly
8. Burlington
9. King Philip
10. Natick
11. Andover
12. Brockton
13. Weymouth
14. Bridgewater-Raynham
15. Central Catholic
16. Lincoln-Sudbury
17. Westford
18. Nauset
19. Somerset Berkley
20. Lowell
21. Haverhill
22. Wakefield
23. Needham
24. Franklin
25. Abington
26. Sharon
27. Marblehead
28. Masconomet
29. Mansfield
30. Millis/Hopedale
31. Stoughton
32. Holliston
33. Hopkinton
34. Stoneham
35. Xaverian
36. North Reading
37. Tewksbury
38. St. Mary’s
39. Foxboro
40. Lynn Classical
41. Dighton-Rehoboth
42. Wareham
43. Bedford
44. Revere
45. Lynn English
46. BC High
47. New Bedford
48. Wayland
49. Shawsheen
50. North Shore
51. Quincy
52. Hingham
53. Plymouth South
54. Wellesley
55. Framingham
56. Amesbury
57. Lynnfield
58. Blue Hills
59. Newburyport
60. North Andover
61. Whitman-Hanson
62. Melrose
63. Cambridge
64. Archbishop Williams
65. Bishop Fenwick
66. Waltham
67. Greater Lawrence
68. Cathedral
69. Lowell Catholic
70. Catholic Memorial
71. Pope John
72. Dorchester
73. Whittier
74. Pembroke
75. Scituate
76. Northeast
77. Pentucket
78. East Bridgewater
79. Mashpee
80. Concord-Carlisle
81. Swampscott
82. Attleboro
83. Malden Catholic
84. Swampscott
85. Cohasset
86. Apponequet
87. Danvers
88. Salem
89. Newton North
90. Cardinal Spellman
91. Watertown
92. Middleboro
93. Austin Prep
94. Latin Academy
95. Plymouth North
96. Milton
97. Winthrop
98. Saugus
99. Fairhaven
100. Pope John Paul II

By School Sports Staff

Division 1

Jack Galvin, Lowell: The junior wide receiver reeled in 15 catches for 163 and four touchdowns, leading Lowell (7-2, 2-1 MVC large) to a 42-35 win over Andover (8-1, 1-1) Friday.

David Harrison, Weymouth: Harrison turned in a prolific night on the ground, rushing for 184 yards and three touchdowns to lead Weymouth to a 23-13 win against Brookline Friday.

Cam Latta, Lowell: Galvin had a great game, and someone had to get the ball to him. Latta finished with 179 yards passing, while rushing for another 160 yards on 28 carries.

Brockton defense: The Boxers forced six turnovers Friday, as Brockton powered past Catholic Memorial, 41-6 win. Running back Aaron LeClair scored three times in the win.

Division 1A

Dylan Mann, Masconomet: The senior running back ran for 110 yards and a touchdown in a 39-7 win over Lynn English, caught a touchdown pass, made 9 tackles on defense and intercepted a pass on his own 10-yard line.

David Maaghul, Cambridge: The junior quarterback threw two more touchdowns in a 46-0 win over Medford to set a school record with 27 passing touchdowns on the season.

Division 2

Christian Flaherty, King Philip: The Warriors running back led them to their seventh win of the season. Flaherty recorded 132 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries. He scored a 63-yarder in the third quarter and then added a 59-yard touchdown run in the fourth.

Alex Valente, Reading: Valente helped the Rockets (9-0) remain undefeated with his 120 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Nick Oswald, North Andover: In a 56-28 win over Dracut, the senior back became the 10th runner in state history to eclipse 400 yards rushing, gaining 402 on 17 carries with six touchdowns.

Division 2A

Dylan Oxsen, Plymouth South: The Panthers remained undefeated in the Atlantic Coast behind Oxsen's four touchdowns, including a 63-yard run in the second quarter and a 49-yarder in the third.

Chris Sarni, Wellesley: Sarni's six touchdowns led the Raiders to an emotional 40-34 win over rival Natick on Saturday afternoon. He completed 18 passes for 280 yards and threw three touchdowns. Sarni also carried the ball 16 times for 140 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Marcus O'Diah, Anthony Cruz, Burlington: The dynamic duo led Burlington to a 48-28 playoff-clinching win over Stoneham on Friday. They combined for more than 300 rushing yards and six touchdowns, including a 70-yard sprint by Cruz in the second quarter.

Division 3

Max Athy, Holliston: Five of Holliston's seven touchdowns on Friday against Medway were scored by Athy, who also rushed for 179 yards in the win.

Cory Brandon, Pembroke: The junior quarterback was 8 for 11 for 209 yards passing, including an impressive 48-yard pass in which Brandon escaped pressure and found Colin Claflin for the score, as Pembroke clinched the Patriot League Fisher Division for the second straight year.

Division 3A

Carl Lipani, North Reading: The senior back was a workhorse for the Hornets, toting the rock 38 times for 247 yards and scoring six touchdowns as host North Reading disposed Hamilton-Wenham 47-27 Friday night.

Matt Talbot, Amesbury: The senior signal caller had a big game through the air and on the ground for the Indians, rushing eight times for 116 yards and two scores, while completing 7 of 13 passes for 104 yards in his team's 29-19 victory over host Saugus Saturday.

Division 4

Paul DePlacido, Shawsheen: DePlacido helped the Rams (7-1, 3-0) clinch a playoff spot in a 37-12 victory over Whittier after rushing for 313 yards on 28 carries. The senior tail back found the end zone five times and also intercepted a pass on defense.

Fran Hannon, Bishop Fenwick: It was quite the game through the air for Fenwick (6-3, 1-2) quarterback Fran Hannon. Hannon finished 14 for 20, collected 303 passing yards. Hannon also threw for three touchdowns in the 44-28 victory over Cardinal Spelman.

Mashpee and Cohasset offenses: Mashpee (6-3, 5-1) prevailed in a game with Cohasset (4-5, 2-3) that wasn't short of offense, 49-41. The Falcons and Skippers combined for over 700 yards of offense, 13 touchdowns, no turnovers, and each team punted once. Mashpe's Malik Lee, Jared Taylor and John Benard combined for 389 yards on 39 carries and five touchdowns. The Skippers carried a balance attack but went through the air as brother combination of quarterback Chris Haggerty and wide receiver Shane Haggerty connected six times, including a 10 yard touchdown.

Division 4A
Vincent Burton, Blue Hills: Burton's four touchowns this week makes him just the third player in state history to score 600 points.

Kejonte Hickman, Cathedral: He willed the Panthers as they knocked Lowell Catholic off the Bus, rushing for 141 yards and all three of Cathedral's touchdowns.

Ross Murphy, North Shore: Murphy rushed for five touchdowns as the Bulldogs secured their first league title since 2004.

Division 5

Ben Riordan, Holbrook: He rushed for three touchdowns, including the winner in fourth quarter against Nantucket.

Preps

Eli Morrissey, Governor's Academy: In the Gov's seventh win of the year, Morrissey ran for 200 yards and scored five touchdowns.
Nick Antenucci, Pingree: In a 41-20 win over Vermont Academy, Antenucci broke it open with two second-quarter touchdowns, one on a 7-yard pass reception, the second on a 4-yard run.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

With all of the playoff clinching games Friday night, we're going to start keeping track of who is in and who isn't right here on the High School Sports blog as well as in the pages of the Boston Globe.

Here's where things stand now:

Division 1
Merrimack Valley Division 1 vs. Catholic Conference
Big Three vs. Bay State Carey

Division 1A
Greater Boston vs. CAL/NEC Division 1
Lincoln-Sudbury vs. Barnstable

Division 2
Tewksbury vs. Reading
Duxbury vs. Hockomock Kelley-Rex

Division 2A
CAL/NEC Division 2 vs. Burlington
Bay State Herget vs. Atlantic Coast

Division 3
Dual County Small vs. Tri-Valley Large
Hockomock Davenport vs. Pembroke

Division 3A
CAL/NEC Division 3 vs. CAL/NEC Division 4
Eastern Athletic vs. South Coast

Division 4
Catholic Central Large vs. Commonwealth Large
Millis/Hopedale vs. South Shore

Division 4A
Catholic Central Small vs. Commonwealth Small
Boston North vs. Mayflower Large

Division 5 - (teams automatically advance to Division 5 Super Bowl)
Dorchester vs. Mayflower Small

All MIAA semifinal playoff games are Tuesday, Nov. 27. Sites and times will be announced Friday, Nov. 23 by the MIAA. Super Bowls for Divisions 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A will be at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Barnstable, the Globe's No. 1 team, held off a late rally by Bridgewater-Raynham for a 27-25 win Friday. See the video highlights above.

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

Get out the red ribbon and obnoxiously large pair of scissors because this could be a historic weekend in Eastern Massachusetts.

For the last time until at least 2015, those who fall in crucial league matchups and are pushed out of contention for a league title will be forced to play out the rest of their schedule knowing playoff hopes are dead. Under the new format next year, these games will be played earlier in the season (league schedules must be completed by Week 7) and may not mean quite as much, with first- and second-place teams in a five-team division guaranteed at least a shot in the postseason.

As we enter Week 9, one game can keep many teams from making a run at the Super Bowl. To highlight a few:

- Burlington can clinch the Middlesex (Freedom) with a win over Stoneham
- The winner of the Barnstable and Bridgewater-Raynham matchup can clinch the Old Colony
- Lincoln-Sudbury can clinch the Dual County (large) with a win over Acton-Boxboro

Here are this week's games to watch with our predictions:

Week 8 Results: Anthony 4-1, Mastro 3-2
Season: Mastro 49-21, Anthony 42-28.

No. 1 Barnstable (7-0, 1-0) at No. 12 Bridgewater-Raynham (5-3, 1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Mastro: The case for Bridgewater-Raynham: Fresh off two straight victories over Xaverian and Dartmouth, Dan Buron’s Trojans should have the confidence to at least hang with the state’s best quarterback and his elite set of wide receivers. B-R always has a tough offensive line, Brandon Gallagher really surprised with his explosiveness at running back this year, and the B-R passing attack is probably underrated. In a perfect storm, the Trojans are certainly capable of pulling off the upset. That said, until I fall down a flight of stairs I won't be picking against Nick Peabody and the Rockets. Barnstable 28, Bridgewater-Raynham 13.

Anthony: I think this game is going to be close, particularly because of Bridgewater- Raynham's track record. They've played a tough schedule with opponents like Duxbury, St. John's Prep and Xaverian, so I don't think they’ll be surprised when Peabody and the Rockets take the field. That said, Barnstable's win against Everett proved itself as the top team in Eastern Mass, and I think they reassure that tonight. Barnstable 30, Bridgewater-Raynham 15.

Sharon (7-1, 2-0) at Franklin (6-1, 2-1), Friday, 7:

Mastro: As close as this game should be, we might see the third consecutive week where Franklin's fate is held in the feet of kicker Mike Carden. Carden drilled a 41-yard field goal with time winding down to push the Panthers over Attleboro two weeks ago and nearly pulled off the miracle again last weekend (his 48-yard attempt fell just a few yards short as Taunton held on for a 28-27 victory). Two weeks in a row, though, Franklin has allowed at least 28 points against, and if the Panthers can't buckle down on defense – in a game where points will be at a premium – Sharon's magical season should be able to continue. Sharon 21, Franklin 7.

Anthony: You nailed this one, Jason. As the season gets deeper, it's critical to keep opposing teams off the scoreboard. The games get closer, grittier and tougher, and giving up at least 28 points isn’t going to get it done. Sharon attacks the field from all directions, whether it's the passing attack of Sean O'Neil, or the running duo of Sean Asnes and Brad Kaufman. Sharon 28, Franklin 14.

Dighton-Rehoboth (6-1, 5-0) at Wareham (7-1, 4-0) Friday, 7:

Mastro: You know Wareham's Darien Fernandez is going to get his. A power runner with speed and quick feet, he’s tough to stop. Then you have Anthony Abbott, an experienced quarterback who can run over linebackers himself. The Vikings have gone over 35 points in four of seven games this season and that’s no fluke. It's going to take another special game from Falcons quarterback Nathan Kowalski (he passed for four touchdowns in a three-overtime victory over Old Rochester) to give D-R the edge. Expect another tight one. Wareham 34, Dighton-Rehoboth 28.

Anthony: Wareham has a ton of firepower on offense, and their defense is just as dominant. In the last four games, the Vikings have allowed just 20 points, and they haven't allowed more than 14 in a game all season. It's going to be a tougher test keeping Kowalski and the Falcons contained, but I think the Vikings can do it this week and Fernandez takes over. Wareham 30, Dighton-Rehoboth 27.

Masconomet (6-2, 2-0) at Lynn English (5-2, 1-1), Friday, 7:

Mastro: Isaiah Davis is a legitimate running back for Lynn English. It’s scary to think how good he might be next year in his senior season, especially if the Bulldogs offensive line continues to improve. I haven't seen Masco play this year, but I hear only great things about Dylan Mann and the rest of that running game as well. These are two very evenly matched teams playing in a game that will have a major impact on the CAL/NEC Division 1 this year, but I'll have to go with Davis putting up 100-plus yards and a pair of scores as the Bulldogs win. Lynn English 20, Masconomet 14.

Anthony: What impresses me about Masconomet was its 34-24 win over Lynn Classical last week. Classical was 5-1 coming into the game, until Mann and the Chieftains roughed up the Rams. Tonight's game is pivotal to the CAL/NEC playoff picture. If Masco wins, they'll be in position to wrap up the conference title next week against Revere. But before I get too far ahead of myself, it's clear coach Jim Pugh and Masconomet are focusing only on tonight. Mann and running back Mackenzie Cashin are two versatile backs that can give English trouble. It's clear Davis is one of the premier talents in the conference, and he'll help English keep this game air-tight, but I like the Chieftains in this one. Masconomet 21, Lynn English 15.

Pembroke (4-3, 2-0) at Scituate (5-3, 2-0), Friday, 7:

Mastro: Pembroke might have been the best team (other than maybe Cambridge) to be left out of our Boston.com 100 until last week. The Titans' three losses have come against three top-class teams in Duxbury, Stoughton and Oliver Ames. While their offense has done David Blain's disappearing act sometimes this season, their defense has continued to keep them in contention until the final quarter. In a game that features a pair of electric quarterbacks, I'll take the one (Corey Brandon) who threw for 250 yards and three touchdowns last week. Pembroke 34, Scituate 23.

Anthony: This late in the season, it's tough to pick against better-tested teams. Perhaps I'm reading too far into it, but Pembroke played Duxbury close, losing 14-6, and battled with Oliver Ames and Stoughton earlier this season as well. Just look at Tewksbury and what they're doing against MVC (small) teams. They've played the top teams from the large conference like Central Catholic and Andover, and it has boosted them to conference wins. I see the same pattern taking shape for Pembroke, starting with a strong performance from Brandon against Scituate. Pembroke 30, Scituate 20.

Stoneham (7-1, 2-1) at No. 10 Burlington (7-1, 3-0), Friday, 7:

Anthony: Burlington crushed Wakefield two weeks ago, and then Wakefield outmuscled Stoneham with a 42-28 win last week. So that means Burlington should beat Stoneham, right? Sure, but it's not that simple. The Spartans bring a balanced attack on offense, led by quarterback Andrew Cann, who loves throwing to Eric Mooney downfield. But Burlington can't focus too heavily on the pass because backs like Darius McPherson and Aaron Luis can shred opposing defenses. That said, Burlington is ready to match Stoneham's offensive attack with the duo of Marcus Odiah and Anthony Cruz. The Devils have been tested this year (played Reading close in a 22-15 loss), and I think they lock up the Middlesex (Freedom) with a win Friday. Burlington 31, Stoneham 20.

Mastro: Stoneham has been a nice story (a rebuilt youth program always pays dividends, as Anthony highlighted in Thursday's Globe North) and has a chance to be more than that with a win this weekend. It’s still amazing to think that a year ago the Spartans went 0-5 against Middlesex Small opponents. The key will be slowing down the Devils' potent run game, but there will be points to be had in this one, with Burlington allowing almost 20 per game. And Cann is capable of leading Stoneham to an upset. Stoneham 28, Burlington 21.

Acton-Boxboro (6-2, 0-1) at Lincoln-Sudbury (7-1, 2-0), Friday, 7:

Anthony: I think this game is going to be exceptionally close, but I also think Lincoln-Sudbury is going to pull this one out and secure the top spot in the Dual County (large). L-S has a superb defense, which has allowed just 7.3 points per game. The Warriors can grind out the tight games, like they did in a 14-7 win over a strong Westford team last week, or like the 15-12 win they picked up against Tewksbury in Week 1. Behind running back Chris Giorgio and quarterback Henry Guild, the Warriors proved they can score, too. Lincoln-Sudbury 28, Acton-Boxboro, 22.

Mastro: Two weeks ago, I might have picked the Colonials, but after getting ran over by Waltham last week while playing a lifeless second half, I have my doubts. And after watching L-S hold Westford's high-powered offense to just seven points in an overtime game, I'm ready to go all-in on these Warriors. The concern with L-S was a lack of experience to start the season. Well, now we're in Week 9 -- there is no such thing as inexperience. Lincoln-Sudbury 27, Acton-Boxboro 13.

Wayland (5-3, 1-0) at Concord-Carlisle (4-4, 2-0), Friday, 7:

Anthony: I think Wayland is going to shake up the DCL Small with a win over Concord-Carlisle, who jumped out to a quick 2-0 conference record with wins over Weston and Boston Latin. Like Lincoln-Sudbury, Wayland averages just less than 25 points per game but possesses a stout defense that can keep the game in check. Not to mention, Wayland pulled out a nice 10-6 win over Lincoln-Sudbury two weeks ago. Wayland 20, Concord-Carlisle 12.

Mastro: I think the DCL Small is going to be a dogfight these last few weeks here, and if the best defense prevails, Wayland gets the league title. The Warriors have allowed about 10 points per game this season, even with a schedule that has included Nauset, Acton-Boxborough, Lincoln-Sudbury and Westford. Matt Goddard has been an impact quarterback and there's no telling how far the this team can go. Wayland 28, Concord-Carlisle 6.

BC High (3-4, 1-0) at Xaverian (2-6, 1-0), Saturday, 2:15:

Anthony: I said it last week and I'll say it again, I think the Catholic Conference title is decided Thanksgiving morning when St. John's Prep and Xaverian square off. In order for that to hold true, the Hawks have to win the rest of the way. So let's start with a win against BC High. After losing to Everett, Xaverian impressed in a 32-27 loss to Bridgewater-Raynham, and then beat St. John's (Shrewsbury) 33-31 with a 31-yard field goal from kicker Kyle Darrow. However, expect BC to challenge Xaverian, as the Eagles are riding in to the Hawk Bowl fresh off a 44-0 thrashing of Malden Catholic. Xaverian 26, BC High 18.

Mastro: I'm standing on the sidelines at St. John's Prep last weekend when Jim O'Leary asks the guy to his left what the score of the Xaverian vs. St. John's (Shrewsbury) game was. The Prep coach is told that Xaverian won, 33-31. He looks at me and says, 'See, Xaverian beat St. John’s.' I said, 'Yeah, barely. You guys crushed St. John's 49-8. Thanksgiving won’t be close.' That was a mistake. O’Leary spent the next few minutes explaining to me how the Eagles match up better against their Shrewsbury opponents, with a defense that has no problem shutting down spread offenses. It probably took a lot more effort, game-planning and execution for the Hawks to earn the same result. The point of this story: You're right, Anthony. Thanksgiving could be a showdown. But first, Xaverian takes care of business against BC High at home. Xaverian 28, BC High 14.

Tewksbury (4-4, 3-0) at Methuen (2-6, 0-2), Friday, 7:

Anthony: Throughout the entire season, Tewksbury has been challenged with a difficult schedule, playing out of conference against teams like Central Catholic, Andover and Lincoln-Sudbury, who are all ranked in the Globe Top 20. The Redmen lost to Lincoln-Sudbury, 15-12, Central Catholic, 16-7, and Andover, 51-42, in shootouts that featured more than 1,000 yards of offense. What does this all mean? When it comes time for Tewksbury to play in their division, they find ways to win. A win against Methuen will clinch the Merrimack Valley (Div. 2). It won't be easy – the conference is super competitive and Tewksbury coach Brian Aylward knows he can't take the Rangers lightly. Led by junior running back Ed Matovu and quarterback Johnny Aylward, I think Tewksbury takes this one. Tewksbury 27, Methuen 20.

Mastro: Tewksbury has played like such an underdog this year that I completely forgot the Redmen played for a Division 2 Super Bowl last fall. And when they beat Haverhill in Week 2 and some were wildly surprised by the result, I realized that this was a team getting very little respect. But that might have been just what coach Brian Aylward wanted. Tewskbury has lined up across some of the best teams north of Boston and competed with each one. Of their four losses this year, the Redman have yet to be demolished (they've lost four games by a combined 29 points). Maybe after this win over Methuen they'll start to be taken seriously. Tewksbury 35, Methuen 14.

By Eric Russo, Globe Correspondent

EVERETT -- Besides some leftover rain showers and a couple of blown down banners, you would have never known a hurricane blew through Everett Memorial Stadium on Monday. A day later, it was business as usual for second-ranked Crimson Tide (7-1, 2-0 in the GBL), who were preparing for a matchup against Somerville (0-7, 0-1).

The game was supposed to be played Friday night, but will now be played Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. to give both squads an extra day of preparation. Both Everett and Somerville Public Schools had Monday and Tuesday off because of Hurricane Sandy.

"I was just chilling, watching TV [during the storm]," said offensive lineman John Montelus. "I stayed inside, just laid back, got to recover from a couple injuries."

Tuesday afternoon, the Tide was back from their surprise day off, and was looking forward to shoring up some things for the stretch run.

"We don't want to downgrade," said senior Gilly DeSouza. "We [want to] just keep improving instead of going back downhill, and make sure everyone stays healthy. All we're looking for is to get to Gillette and get that third ring."

DeSouza said the Tide has to be ready for the Highlanders who "like to throw the ball" with quarterback Phoenix Huertas. His coach agreed.

"[Huertas] is a lot like the kid from Cambridge [David Maaghul]," said coach John DiBiaso. "He can throw the ball, but he's more of a runner, so he presents some threats. We have to control the ball and keep it out of his hands and put some pressure on him, create some turnovers. They've been scoring a lot of points, so their offense does present a challenge."

DiBiaso said he's excited for the last two games, knowing that if his team can win both contests against Somerville and Malden, they'll be headed back to the playoffs.

"This is the fun time of year," he said. "We're playing league games against opponents that are the towns next to us, that are natural rivalries. Everybody knows each other, generally we get big crowds for these games. We got two home games, we've been on the road for four weeks.

"Hopefully we take care of business these two games and then we got the playoffs. It's a great time of year for high school football."

With only two games to go, that means that for the seniors, their time on the high school football field is dwindling.

"I'm feeling it," said running back Joey White. "It's coming to an end too quick. It's almost over."

Montelus agreed: "I remember two years ago, my sophomore year, I just started playing and I was like, this is gonna be really long until senior year, but it just flew by.

"It’s gonna be really tough after playing Malden, just knowing that it's our last home game. I'm gonna get kinda emotional, but that's life."

DeSouza also talked about the final two games having special meaning, knowing it will be the last time he plays on his home field.

"Once we get to Malden [next week], it's definitely gonna hit me," he said. "That's the last time we're ever gonna play at Everett Stadium. We played here since we were with E-team in Pop Warner.

"The other day, my mom was talking about it, she was like, 'these are the last games you are playing with some of your childhood friends that you grew up with.'"

There are many perks of being a senior in high school, however, especially on Halloween. Everett High will be holding its annual Senior Dress Up Day on Wednesday and De Souza is ready.

"Of course," said De Souza on whether he's dressing up. "I'm gonna be a grandma, should be a good one."

His fellow seniors, White and Montelus, won't be taking part in the fun, though, saying they were not going to dress up. Montelus did say some of his lineman friends had some big costume plans, but could not divulge what they were.

...

Last Friday at Assabet Regional, principals and athletic directors from 292 schools from around the state voted, 161-131, in favor of a new football playoff system.

The state will now have six state champions, one in each division, instead of the 19 it has now. A five-team league like the GBL will have two playoff representatives when the new format kicks in next year.

"How much it really affects Everett I'm not sure of," said DiBiaso. "If they didn't pass it, we would have dealt with it. They did pass it, so we'll deal with it this way. It's gonna be a whole new thing next year."

Last week, before the vote, DiBiaso was concerned about how the league would determine its two playoff participants. It is possible that a power ratings system could be used, in which teams would get points for victories. The better the opponent, the more points a team would receive. DiBiaso believes the league should just use a traditional format, where the two teams with the best records make it.

"We're having a [GBL] meeting Thursday," he said. "I think the league champion should go and the league's second place team should go. That's the fairest way. It's decided on the field. Will it go through? I hope."

The nine-time Super Bowl champion coach is not happy about the timing of the vote, which he believes has become a major distraction.

"Honestly, I don't wanna look forward to next year," he said. "If we start looking forward to next year and thinking about next year, then you lose focus and you end up losing the game.

"It's bad timing. It's a distraction now, it's a key time of year where you try to keep everybody focused, everybody on the same page. I'm the basketball coach too, I don't wanna talk about basketball now. People ask me questions about things, I say no not yet, we gotta focus on what we gotta do [with football]."

...

Every week we'll have a captain or senior make a Patriots prediction for the upcoming game.

THIS WEEK'S PICK -- The Patriots are off, so there is no pick.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

In our latest episode of The Huddle, Bob Holmes and I discuss the new high school football playoff system with interviews from athletic directors, a feature on Framingham's Joe Igoe, and highlights from Week 8.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By Jason Mastrodonato and Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondents

With two more touchdown passes as Cambridge beat Revere, 34-6, junior David Maaghul kept himself on top of the Division 1A passing leaders and propelled his team into the top 100 for the first time this season.

Maaghul has thrown 25 touchdowns this year, establishing quite the connection with receiver Elijah Scott, who has been on the other end of nine of them.

Just a junior, Maaghul’s standout season has impressed many, from his coach John Shea to college recruiters who have started to take notice. The University of Massachusetts and North Carolina State have shown interest.

With Cambridge (4-4), which comes in at No. 69 in this week’s poll, already having lost to Everett this year, it’ll take a special upset in the Greater Boston League to shake up the standings and give any other team hope of making the playoffs. But Maaghul is just a junior, and with the new playoff format to begin next year, the 6-foot-3 quarterback will have another chance at making a run (and improving his college stock simultaneously).

Also sneaking its way up the poll is No. 19 Nauset, which makes its debut in the top-20 with an 8-0 record.

Here’s this week’s Boston.com Top 100.

1. Barnstable
2. Everett
3. Duxbury
4. St. John's Prep
5. Reading
6. Walpole
7. Natick
8. Andover
9. Beverly
10. Burlington
11. King Philip
12. Bridgewater-Raynham
13. Brockton
14. Weymouth
15. Central Catholic
16. Lincoln-Sudbury
17. Westford
18. Wakefield
19. Nauset
20. Somerset-Berkley
21. Stoneham
22. Hingham
23. Sharon
24. Stoughton
25. Needham
26. Abington
27. Masconomet
28. Mansfield
28. Haverhill
29. Millis/Hopedale
30. Lowell
31. Wareham
32. Marblehead
33. Acton-Boxboro
34. Franklin
35. Holliston
36. Hopkinton
37. Xaverian
38. Wayland
39. St. Mary’s
40. North Attleboro
41. Foxboro
42. Chelmsford
43. Framingham
44. North Reading
45. Lynn English
46. Revere
47. Bedford
48. BC High
49. Plymouth South
50. Lynn Classical
51. New Bedford
52. Tewksbury
53. Shawsheen
54. North Shore
55. North Andover
56. Attleboro
57. Blue Hills
58. Quincy
59. Oliver Ames
60. Lynnfield
61. Scituate
62. Salem
63. Whitman-Hanson
64. Amesbury
65. Waltham
66. Melrose
67. Lowell Catholic
68. Pentucket
69. Cambridge
70. Hamilton-Wenham
71. Whittier
72. Bishop Fenwick
73. Dighton-Rehoboth
74. Concord-Carlisle
75. Newburyport
76. Catholic Memorial
77. Archbishop Williams
78. Watertown
79. Greater Lawrence
80. Dorchester
81. Upper Cape
82. East Bridgewater
83. Wellesley
84. Northeast
85. Saugus
86. Newton North
87. Malden Catholic
88. Cathedral
89. Swampscott
90. Danvers
91. Bishop Feehan
92. Westwood
93. Pembroke
94. Billerica
95. Mashpee
96. Middleboro
97. Cohasset
98. Cardinal Spellman
99. Fairhaven
100. Apponequet

By Globe School Sports Staff

Week 8 is in the books as we head into November. Reading became the first team to clinch a playoff berth. More teams to follow soon.

Division 1

Kyle Darrow, Xaverian: The senior kicker nailed a 31-yard field goal with just 31 seconds left, boosting the Hawks to a 33-31 win over St. John's Shrewsbury.

Matt Long, Weymouth: The freshman running back looked like a seasoned veteran Friday, rushing for 117 yards and three touchdowns as the Wildcats (5-2) beat Braintree, 41-10.

CJ Scarpa, Andover: The senior quarterback passed for 139 yards and three touchdowns Friday, leading the Golden Warriors to a 42-22 win over Chelmsford. Scarpa's 24 touchdown passes are best in Division 1, 10 more than Billerica's Jordan Bolarinho, who's tied for second with Framingham's Christopher Bloomingdale. Scarpa also rushed for a touchdown, his sixth of the season.

Division 1A

Henry Guild, Lincoln-Sudbury: Guild ran in a score in the first quarter
and then completed a 52-yard touchdown to Marquis Simmons with 26 seconds remaining to give the Warriors (7-1) a 14-7 win over Westford.

Shaquille Anderson, Cambridge: The junior rushed for 208 yards and two scores on 28 carries to lead Cambridge to a 34-6 win over Revere.

Jake Martino/Franklin Huynh, Malden: Martino was 11 for 17 for 312 passing yards and four touchdowns, three which went to Huynh, who nabbed six catches for 282 yards.

Division 2

Ryan Perron, North Attleboro: Perron led the Red Rocketeers to an important 36-21 Hockomock (Kelly-Rex) win over Mansfield. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior quarterback completed went 8 for 14, throwing two touchdowns. He also had 15 carries for 90 yards and a couple of rushing touchdowns. North Attleboro is now 2-1 in league play.

Chance Brady, Haverhill: Brady continues to lead Division-2 in overall scoring as he ran for 273 yards and five touchdowns this Friday against Methuen.

Drew Belcher, Reading: No. 5 Reading was the first team to clinch a playoff-berth with its 18-7 win over Woburn on Saturday. Belcher scored two rushing touchdowns, including a 44-yarder in the second quarter.

Division 2A

Cam Hanley, Walpole: Hanley led the sixth-ranked Rebels to a 47-0 shutout over Newton North to remain undefeated. The senior rushed for 91 yards and four touchdowns.

Dylan Oxsen, Plymouth South: The junior running back scored all six touchdowns in the Panthers 39-12 win over Dennis-Yarmouth. He recorded a total of 171 yards on just those six runs. Plymouth South is now 3-0 in the Atlantic Coast League.

Jack Turner, Natick: It was just another day for Troy Flutie, who totaled 331 yards and five touchdowns in No. 7 Natick's 32-14 win over Needham. However, the big story for the Redhawks this weekend was senior Jack Turner who set a school record with five interceptions.

Division 3

Alex & Bo Berluti, Westwood: The Berluti brothers continue to fuel the Wolverine offense as Alex had more than 250 yards passing yards with four TDs and a rushing score and Bo had better than 200 receiving yards and three touchdown catches. Alex leads Division 3 with 19 touchdown passes while Bo is first with 11 TD catches.

Kiivone Howard, Foxboro: Howard rushed for 204 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 23 scores on the season, the most in Division 3, as the Warriors beat Canton, 28-22.

Cory Brandon & Tom Johnson, Pembroke: Brandon was a perfect 7 for 7 for 243 yards passing with three touchdown passes and Johnson had three receptions (2 TD's) for 186 yards and an interception to power the Titans over Middleboro, 39-19.

Division 3A

Tommy Connors, Amesbury: The senior receiver snatched seven passes for 80 yards and a 16-yard TD, and also had a team-high 11 tackles in the Indians' 35-7 win over Winthrop.

Carl Lipani, North Reading: The 5-9, 185-pound senior back rushed 22 times for 219 yards and four scores on the ground in the Hornets 60-7 pummeling of Manchester Essex Friday night. Lipani also recorded a 37-yard interception for a score on defense.

Charlie McKeenum, Bishop Stang: The senior captain singlehandedly delivered the Spartans their first win of the season. McKeenum, who rushed for 192 yards, scored rushing TD's of 61 and 80 yards and returned an interception 63 yards for another score in Bishop Stang's 18-0 shutout of Coyle & Cassidy Friday night.

Division 4

Cristian Rivera, Greater Lawrence: The Reggies put 54 points on the board against Greater Lawrence and Rivera led the way with 228 yards and three touchdowns.

Chris Haggerty, Cohasset: Haggerty threw for 235 yards in a 31-0 victory over Sandwich. The Skippers' (4-4) junior quarterback also connected for three touchdowns which included a 12-yard pass and catch with his brother Shane.

Division 4A

Alex Medeiros, Bishop Connolly: With the win over Tri-County, Bishop Connolly (5-4) recorded its first ever Mayflower (Large) League win and eclipsed the school's highest win total with their fifth of the season. Medeiros rushed for 99 yards on 9 carries and scored three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing) from three different positions, including one from quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.

Hector Villar, Madison Park: Villar, a true runner who filled in at quarterback against South Boston for the injured Traequon Duncan, tossed two touchdown passes in the 18-0 win. It was the first time all season the running Cardinals had two touchdown passes in a game

Kejonte Hickman, Cathedral: The Panthers needed the league win over St. Clement, and Hickman delivered. The sophomore tossed three TD passes, two to Kadeem Edge, and rushed for two more scores, including a big 80-yard TD rush.

Raul Flores, Chelsea: Flores must have had enough with losing, powering Chelsea to their first win of the year behind his best performance of the season. In the 36-8 win over Mystic Valley, he rushed for 170 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries.

Division 5:

Demetrius Leary & Leon Sealy, Dorchester: Leary’s scramble out the pocket turned into a 36-yard rush and the winning points in a crucial Boston South meeting with O’Bryant. Sealy led the defense’s in the 6-0 shutout, tallying two sacks and a fumble recovery.

Jon Dumont, Upper Cape: Jon Dumont ran for 151 yards, bringing his season total to 1,038 for the undefeated Rams (7-0).

Preps

Frank Williams, BB&N: In a 49-21 win over Roxbury Latin, Williams ran for 216 yards and two scores. He also had eight tackles and an interception.

Jack Becker, Thayer: In a 30-28 OT win over Middlesex, Becker ran for 193 yards and a touchdown.

Justin Vogel, Rivers: Vogel was 30-for-49 passing for 330 yards and five touchdowns in a win over St. Mark's.

By Eric Russo, Globe Correspondent

EVERETT -- Second-ranked Everett looks to be rounding into form with just three games remaining in their season. The Tide, now 6-1, has allowed just 14 points over their last two games, and gave up just 132 yards of offense in their 28-7 win over BC High last Saturday.

The defense is allowing 12.1 points per game and had six sacks against the Eagles. Everett is still perfecting its offense, but add weapons like senior running back/receiver Jakarrie Washington and Jalen Felix to a defense that is on fire and the Tide could be tough to beat heading into the playoffs.

This Friday, Everett plays at Medford (0-6) in its first of three Greater Boston League games to close out the season.

"We’re happy to get into the GBL,” said coach John DiBiaso. “We’re happy that we can take care of league stuff, hopefully get on a little bit of a roll, keep the defense playing as well as they are. The offense is starting to catch up a little bit, they caught up in the second half [against BC High].”

DiBiaso talked about being ready to play early and the familiarity between the two coaching staffs, with former Tide defensive back Jason Nascimento taking over as head coach for the Mustangs earlier this season. Nascimento replaced Ricco DelloIacono, who coached under DiBiaso in Everett before heading to Medford.

“They’re familiar with us,” said DiBiaso. “The big thing is come out early, establish ourself. We don’t want anybody hanging around. The longer that it’s close, the more they have a chance. We want to take everybody serious. We don’t want to get any more injuries. We’re gonna play hard and try to take care of business.”

.............................

After allowing 30 points against Cambridge on Oct. 5th, the Tide defense has picked it up the last two weeks against Xaverian and BC High. Defensive coordinator Joe McLaughlin said that injuries hurt the defense “big time” early in the season and you can chalk up the recent success to finally having everyone healthy and starting to gel.

“I think getting everyone back, getting on the same page [helped],” said McLaughlin. “We’re getting to the point where everyone’s on the same page, everyone’s playing hard. You hear the guys saying the same thing, play hard, do your job, swarm to the football, stuff like that. Everyone’s starting to understand their roles and buying into the system. That’s a big thing.”

McLaughlin was pleased with the way his unit played against BC High on Saturday, saying they had a plan going in and were able to carry it out to perfection.

“I thought we had a good package coming in,” he said. “They gave us some looks that we thought we could take advantage of and we were able to. That’s what the kid’s want to do, they want to get after some people. We have some athletes out there.”

Senior defensive end Jeff Soulouque was a huge part of that game plan, getting to Eagles quarterback Brandon Craven multiple times on Saturday afternoon. Soulouque hopes the momentum the defense has built continues to grow.

“The defense just came out to play,” he said. “Everyone hit their assignments. They did their jobs and we were just able to get big plays out of it. A lot of guys were injured and now they’re back so we’re using that momentum and hopefully bring it into the playoffs.”
.............................

On Friday at Assabet Valley Regional, the vote on the state's new football playoff proposal will be held.

Under the proposal, put forth by the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association, there will be one state champion in each division. The new format would also mean that all of the state championship games would be held at Gillette Stadium.

There would no longer be playoff games on the Tuesday night after Thanksgiving and in five-team leagues like the GBL, two teams would make the playoffs.

As reported in the Globe on Sunday, GBL rival Malden will not vote in favor of the proposal, in part over concern with their longtime Thanksgiving game with Medford. Under the new proposal, league games would need to be finished by Week 7.

As Everett High's athletic director, DiBiaso will have a say in the vote. As of Tuesday, he said Everett was leaning toward voting with the GBL, against the proposal.

“I haven’t talked it over with [Superintendent Frederick] Foresteire or the principal [Louis Baldi],” he said. “But the majority of the league is against it. What we did last time was we voted for it, but we decided beforehand that it was going to be unanimous. I got a feeling that we’re going to decide again to be unanimous. They asked last time to stand united and we all voted for it. So, I think we’re gonna do the same thing.”

However, DiBiaso, who has some concerns with the proposal, says he will wait until Friday’s meeting to hear both sides of the argument.

“It’s a little vague for me right now,” said DiBiaso. “I wanna hear the whole plan. I’m sure they’re going to discuss it on Friday before they vote. So, for me, I want to hear the whole thing out and I want to hear both sides before I make my decision. It’s going to be hard for us to vote against something that’s not in the best interest of the league, because right away people are going to say you only care about yourself. The last thing I want to do is alienate the other four teams.”

DiBiaso is particularly concerned about the way the two playoff teams from each league will be decided.

“I like certain portions of it,” he said. “Other parts I’m not comfortable with. How do you determine a champion? That’s something that I don’t understand how we’re going to do. That is a big thing to me, what are we just going to vote on who makes the playoffs? We’re not going vote who’s in first place?

“It’s up to the league to select who their representative is. That gets a little hairy with me. Somebody might say, well, Everett’s gone enough, we’ll send somebody else this time.”

Other things that are of concern to DiBiaso, include the three games between Week 7 and Thanksgiving that are determined by seeding.

“The three games that they decide for you, if you don’t make the playoffs, a lot of people are uncomfortable with that in our league. The consolation games if you lose the first playoff game, that is a problem with teams in the league.”

.............................

On the topic of voting, DiBiaso was asked if he was able to follow the Presidential race with the craziness of the season taking up most of his time, and he turned from head football coach into political analyst.

“I watch all the debates,” he said. “I think it’s going to be very close. And I don’t think you’re going to know until after midnight [November 6th]. I think it’s gonna be that close.”

DiBiaso would not say who he would vote for, but said he thought President Obama would win the election.

“The President’s going to eke it out,” he said. “But it’s not going to be like it was last time [2008]. You could see someone win the popular vote and not win the electoral college. I think it’s going to be that close, I really do.”

..............................

Every week we’ll have a captain or senior make a Patriots prediction for the upcoming game.

THIS WEEK’S PICK - PATRIOTS at RAMS

Senior DE Jeff Soulouque has the Patriots winning a close one in London, 21-17.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

In the latest episode of the Huddle, Bob Holmes and I discuss the upcoming playoff proposal that will be put to a vote in Massachusetts on Friday, Oct. 26. The Globe has reported extensively on the subject and we've also received a letter from Jim Pugh, Masconomet's football coach and president of the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association, that was sent out to all of the principals and athletic directors in the state regarding the proposal. Here is the letter in its entirety:

Dear Massachusetts High School Principals and Athletic Directors,

I am writing this letter to ask for your support in approving the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association’s “Playoff Proposal” which will be presented and voted on for approval at the upcoming MIAA meeting on October 26 at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School.

The Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association is comprised of head coaches who represent the leagues throughout the state. Our association has given great consideration in bringing forward a comprehensive proposal which we feel meets the needs of the players, coaches, Principals, AD’s, leagues, communities, and our fans.

Our current proposal has been approved by the MIAA Football Committee, the Tournament Management Committee and was endorsed by the Sports Medicine Committee. The MIAA Finance Committee reported that they do not believe this proposal will have an adverse effect on the association.

Highlights and Advantages of the proposal

- There will be one true State Champion in each division which is consistent with a majority of the MIAA tournaments. (This year we will crown 19 champions in football)
- Leagues and Thanksgiving games will remain intact!
- Proposal will increase post-season opportunities for our student athletes.
- All championship games will be played at Gillette Stadium. Currently, only 6 of the 19 games are played at Gillette (4 Eastern Mass games, 1 Central game, 1 West game)
- It is safer tournament than current set up. Playoff teams no longer required to play 3 games in 10 days.
- It is educationally sound. This proposal eliminates Tuesday night playoff games. Some of those games were ending after 10:00 pm.
- It is less intrusive to winter sports. Last year 74 schools played after Thanksgiving. In this proposal, only 12 schools will play after Thanksgiving.
- Tradition. League champions will still be crowned. Only 3 of your 11 games will change.
- Two year pilot. After two years adjustments can and will be made.

We understand that this proposal is not perfect and that questions still remain on how this will play out. We also understand that change is not an easy process. However, we do feel this is the best proposal that has come forward in many years and that it is in the best interest of our student athletes. We feel it is much improved over than the current format and that it is consistent with the MIAA philosophy of educational athletics.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me regarding this proposal. Thanks for taking the time to consider this proposal and please remember to register on line your school’s voting delegate with the MIAA.

Sincerely,

Jim Pugh
President, MHSFCA

In addition, the Huddle has highlights from the week and a feature on Natick's Nick Lee. Check it out.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

Holliston made a gargantuan jump in the polls, landing at No. 35 after entering at No. 75 a week prior.

But that’s because the Panthers (5-2) rocked No. 36 Hopkinton (6-1) 49-14 Friday, handing the then-No. 23 Hillers their first loss of the season.

It was a week of wild games, as King Philip (6-1), who dismantled Sharon (6-1) 43-0 in Week 6, was beat by Mansfield (5-2) 46-33.

With the loss, King Philip fell to No. 11, while Mansfield lands just outside the Top 20 at No. 21.

Another big shakeup was Sharon (6-1) knocking Stoughton (6-1) out of the Top 20, scoring in the final 10-seconds to take a 16-14 win and control of the Hockomock Davenport division.

Sharon comes in at No. 24, while Stoughton fell from No. 18 to 25

But the team that impressed most this weekend was Walpole (7-0), who moved from No. 7 to No. 6 after hammering Needham (5-2) 31-0, knocking the Rockets from No. 11 to 15.

It can be argued that Walpole can stand toe-to-toe with any of the teams in the top five, especially behind its defense, which allows just 5.3 points per game.

Also making a big jump was Burlington (6-1), who moved from No. 15 to No. 10 after beating Wakefield (6-1) 33-6, who fell from No. 16 to No. 23.

Here is the boston.com Top 100:

1. Barnstable
2. Everett
3. Duxbury
4. St. John's Prep
5. Reading
6. Walpole
7. Natick
8. Andover
9. Beverly
10. Burlington
11. King Philip
12. Bridgewater-Raynham
13. Brockton
14. Weymouth
15. Needham
16. Central Catholic
17. Lincoln-Sudbury
18. Acton-Boxboro
19. Westford
20. Stoneham
21. Mansfield
22. Somerset-Berkley
23. Wakefield
24. Sharon
25. Stoughton
26. Hingham
27. Franklin
28. Haverhill
29. Marblehead
30. Masconomet
31. Nauset
32. Lowell
33. Chelmsford
34. Abington
35. Holliston
36. Hopkinton
37. Foxboro
38. Wareham
39. Lynn Classical
40. Bedford
41. Revere
42. Attleboro
43. Framingham
44. Wayland
45. Xaverian
46. North Attleboro
47. North Reading
48. St. Mary’s
49. Oliver Ames
50. Lynn English
51. Scituate
52. New Bedford
53. BC High
54. Plymouth South
55. Bishop Fenwick
56. Shawsheen
57. Blue Hills
58. Whittier
59. Whitman-Hanson
60. Hamilton-Wenham
61. North Andover
62. Amesbury
63. Dighton-Rehoboth
64. Catholic Memorial
65. Concord-Carlisle
66. Melrose
67. Lynnfield
68. Pentucket
69. Newburyport
70. Watertown
71. Lowell Catholic
72. Martha’s Vineyard
73. Northeast
74. Tewksbury
75. North Shore
76. Swampscott
77. Dorchester
78. Greater Lawrence
79. Upper Cape
80. Millis/Hopedale
81. East Bridgewater
82. Saugus
83. Wellesley
84. Newton North
85. Malden Catholic
86. Cathedral
87. Salem
88. Danvers
89. Dennis-Yarmouth
90. Bishop Feehan
91. Archbishop Williams
92. Cardinal Spellman
93. Old Rochester
94. Billerica
95. St. Clement
96. Middleboro
97. Pope John Paul II
98. Westwood
99. Apponequet
100. Bishop Connolly

By School Sports Staff

A look around the state and New England for the top players in week seven.

Division 1

Kevin Bletzer, Catholic Memorial: Bletzer broke loose for two touchdowns Friday night, including the 67-yard game winner as CM inched by Malden Catholic with a 21-20 victory.

Will Heikkinen, Andover: The senior wide receiver hauled in two touchdown passes from CJ Scarpa, one which was a 55-yard score.

Austin Roberts, Brockton: The Boxers senior quarterback rushed for three touchdowns as his team cruised to a 50-0 win over Durfee Friday.

Division 1A

Jeff Simbert, Revere: It’s not often a kicker makes it on this list, but Simbert made all four extra-point attempts and then booted a 25-yard field goal in the final minute to give the Patriots a key Cape Ann/Northeastern League win over Lynn English, 31-29.

Jacob Duffrene, Waltham: The senior back rushed in four touchdowns as the Hawks surged over Newton South, 32-7.

Jordan Cohen/Ryan Murphy, Bridgewater-Raynham: Cohen was 13 for 19 for 201 yards and three touchdown passes, all to Murphy, who hauled in eight total catches for 150 yards.

Division 2

Mansfield offense: The Hornets handed King Philip its first loss of the season in a great Hockomock (Kelly-Rex) League matchup. Kyle Wisnieski threw three touchdown passes, two of which were caught by Brendan Hill. Robert Rapoza also added a couple of touchdowns and ran for 208 yards.

Jon Hurvitz, Sean McCarthy, Duxbury: The Dragons extended their winning-streak to 33 games with a 37-28 victory over Quincy on Friday. Hurvitz and McCarthy carried the ball a combined 32 times for 266 yards and three rushing touchdowns. McCarthy also threw for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

Nick Oswald, North Andover: The 5-foot-9, 190-pound running back scored all five of the Scarlet Knights' touchdowns in their 35-0 blowout over Methuen. He carried the ball 25 times for 213 yards, including two 32-yard touchdown runs.

Malique Clark, Attleboro: In a wild 44-41 loss to Franklin, Clark ran for 279 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 29 yards and had two kick-off returns for 60 yards.

Division 2A

Ian Maag, Marblehead: The senior quarterback led the Magicians to their seventh win of the season as he completed 10 of 18 passes for 243 yards and five touchdowns in Marblehead's 39-12 win over Gloucester. With his impressive performance on Friday night, Maag has now thrown over 1,000 yards this season.

Dean Anderson, Melrose: Anderson scored three touchdowns in Melrose's 35-19 win over Watertown (their first league play victory) including an 85-yard kickoff return. The senior running back now has 10 touchdowns this season for the Red Raiders (4-3).

Norwood offense: The Mustangs picked up their second win of the season with a huge 28-7 upset over Weymouth. Norwood's offense came out of the gate strong, putting up 21 points in the first quarter. Quarterback John Nardelli threw for 102 yards and two touchdowns to help lead them, while Jason Matovu and Jake Ryan combined for 228 rushing yards.

Division 3

Max Athy & Joe Bellomo, Holliston: The pair combined for 270 rushing yards and four touchdowns to pace the Panthers rushing attack on Friday against Hopkinton. Athy rushed for 180 yards and two scores on 13 carries while Bellomo added 90 yards on 16 carries and a pair of TD's.

Alex Berluti, Westwood: The senior quarterback collected 300 all-purpose yards and threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score as the Wolverines beat Medway 36-33 on Friday.

Kiivone Howard, Foxboro: Howard continues to lead the Warrior offense as he added three more touchdown runs Saturday against Oliver Ames, giving him 17 scores this season to lead Division 3. He finished the day rushing for 137 yards.

Division 3A

Trevor Lyons, Hamilton-Wenham: The 5-10, 180-pound QB had a big day on the ground and through the air for the Generals. Lyons carried 14 times for 169 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns, while also completing 5 of 9 passes for 59 yards and a 17-yard TD in his team's 43-13 win over Manchester Essex Saturday.

Nathan Kowalski, Dighton-Rehoboth: The 5-10, 160-pound sophomore signal caller engineered the Falcons to a thrilling 36-34 triple overtime win over host Old Rochester on Saturday. The QB accounted for all five D-R touchdowns (four passing, one rushing), including the game-winning TD and two-point conversion in the third extra session.

Nolan Bergeron, Old Rochester: The junior signal caller had standout numbers in a losing effort on Saturday. Bergeron toted the rock 14 times for 174 yards and scored 4 TD's, and also completed 2 of 5 passes for 48 yards in a 36-34 triple overtime loss to Dighton-Rehoboth. Bergeron also recorded 8 tackles on defense.

Division 4

Andrew Benson, East Bridgewater: Benson led the Vikings (5-2) To a 42-7 victory over Carver after taking part in 5 touchdowns. Benson finished with seven carries for 88 yards and three touchdowns, while passing for 98 yards and two scores.

Brandon Cawley, Abington: Cawley threw four touchdown passes in a 34-7 Green Wave (7-0) victory over Mashpee. Receiver's Joe Buckley and Tim Ferguson each caught a pair of touchdowns.

Jesus Sanchez, Whittier: Sachez ran for two touchdowns and 161 yards for the Wildcats in a 41-14 victory over Chelsea.

Paul DePlacido, Devonn Pratt Shawsheen: The senior tailback took 18 carries for 132 yards for the Rams (6-1). DePlacido also ran for three touchdowns in a 35-20 victory over Greater Lawrence. Pratt caught for 92 yards and two touchdowns while hauling down two interceptions.

Division 4A

Demetrius Fontes-Semedo, Southeastern: In a win over Tri-County, the senior captain ran for 210 yards and 4 touchdowns. Fontes-Semedo has 996 yards after seven games.

Vincent Burton & Blue Hills offensive line: Burton’s career game (341 yards, five touchdowns) would not have been possible without the team's lineman, including Kevin O’Callaghan, William Kiernan, Mike Niles, Jeff Sanchez, David Neil, Jason Fernandes, and Richard and Michael Kelly.

LeRoy McPherson & Matt Robinson, East Boston: It was only a matter of time before a pair of Jets joined our player of the week ranks. Mcpherson scored the 61-yard touchdown rush and Robinson put in the winning conversion in the 16-15 win over Latin Academy.

Sean Hunter, South Boston: Hunter led the Knights to their first win of the season with 130 rushing and a score in the 14-8 win over Burke.

Joey D’Onofrio, Pope John: His 239 rushing yards and two touchdowns powered the Tigers to their third consecutive shutout.

Division 5

Andy Beckwith, South Shore: Thanks to Beckwith's three touchdowns and 141 yards on the ground, South Shore won its first game of the year.

NEPSAC

Tim Doherty, St. George's: In a 35-15 loss, the junior back did his part, rushing 46 times for 254 yards and a TD, and threw for 74 more yards (11-of-20 passing, for a TD and a conversion pass). He also made 5 tackles on defense, and was the long snapper on punts and extra points.

Ryan Vultaggio, Nobles: In handing Roxbury Latin its first loss of the year, Vultaggio threw for three touchhdowns and ran for another.

Conor Strachan, Brendan Daly, St. Sebastian's: The Arrows' dynamic duo ran wild in a win over Middlesex. Strachan rushed for four touchdowns and 112 yards on seven carries, while Daly ran for 254 yards.

Luke Cuneo, Dexter: In a 40-22 win over Holderness, Cuneo ran for one touchdown and threw five touchdown passes. Four of the scoring passes were to C.J. Okafor.

Burlington beat Wakefield 33-6 Friday night, with running backs Marcus O'Dia and Anthony Cruz scoring two touchdowns apiece. See the highlights above.

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

We're down to just 20 undefeated teams in Eastern Massachusetts with Lincoln-Sudbury, Weymouth, Sharon and Bishop Fenwick taking losses last week.

As the weather gets cooler, the games are heating up. And with rain in the forecast this weekend, anything can happen.

Week 6 Results: Mastro 7-3, Anthony 6-4.
Season: Mastro 39-16, Anthony 32-23.

Here are our games to watch for Week 7, along with our predictions:

No. 11 Needham (5-1) at No. 7 Walpole (6-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: Here, I think we dive into the best game of the weekend. Both teams have great seasons under their belts so far, with Needham's only loss coming to No. 10 Weymouth, 32-27. Generally I like the better-tested team in close matchups. And while that's Needham, I like Walpole in this one. The Rebels' offense has been convincing, averaging 41.5 points per game while giving up just 6.2. In the last two games, Walpole shut out Wellesley and Norwood while posting a total of 93 points. Senior captains and running backs Cam Hanley (12 touchdowns) and Mike Rando (10 touchdowns) lead the Rebels attack. That said, Needham does have back Mike Panepinto, who leads Div. 1 with 16 touchdowns, and he has the ability to make the game close all on his own. Quarterback Ryan Charter is no slouch either, but I think the Rebels edge this one out. Walpole 28, Needham 24.

Mastro: I went back and watched some tape on Panepinto and I can confirm that yes, he can fly. But if the offensive line could score touchdowns, they'd be leading the Bay State League. Not only have they created gaping holes for Panepinto to run through, but they're giving quarterback Ryan Charter enough time to toast a bagel back there. This is a game between two high-scoring teams, and these games come down to offensive/defensive lines and playmakers. I know Walpole has some playmakers, but I'm going with Panepinto and his big front five. Needham 21, Walpole 13.
 
No. 16 Wakefield (6-0) at No. 15 Burlington (5-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: Follow this closely. The Middlesex (Freedom Division) is incredibly tight, with Stoneham and Wakefield both at 6-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Burlington is 5-1 (1-0). Both Burlington and Wakefield have to play Stoneham, so in theory, the winner of this game will be in a position to knock Stoneham off the top of the conference, assuming Stoneham remains undefeated. Wakefield beat Burlington, 14-6, last season and won the division. This year, I think it might be Burlington's turn. School-rushing leader Marcus Odiah (12 TDs) and Anthony Cruz (11 TDS) are an enormous threat, while Wakefield has cruised to a 6-0 record behind a stellar defense, which hasn't given up a point in two games. But the X-factor here is the performance of Burlington backup quarterback Jimmy Goober, who's been filling in for junior starter Shane Farley, who broke his left (non-throwing) wrist in Week 2. Since then, Goober has led Burlington to a 3-1 record, and nearly an upset over No. 5 Reading (22-15 loss). If he can stand strong Friday, I think Burlington wins.
Burlington 21, Wakefield 15.
 
Mastro: If you're the backup quarterback taking over a talented team like Burlington, you want to show some guts. And Goober did just that in a comeback win over Woburn two weeks ago. He converted a third-and-15 and a fourth-and-13 during the final few minutes of the game before throwing a 62-yard beauty to Harrison Smoske for the go-ahead touchdown. Now Wakefield has to respect the pass, too, giving Odiah more of an opportunity to break one loose. I think Burlington sails. Burlington 28, Wakefield 14.
 
No. 2 Everett (5-1) at BC High (2-3), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: Certainly, BC High is in a better position than it was at the beginning of the season. Without fullback/linebacker Luke Catarius and quarterback Brendan Craven, the Eagles struggled. Craven is back, throwing two touchdowns to Lincoln Collins in a 28-12 win last week, but Catarius is still out. On the other hand, Everett is banged up too without running back Kenny Calaj, but the Tide have proven their ability to win. Coach John DiBiaso will be the first to admit Everett's offense is still finding its identity, but it'd be foolish to discount their ability to score. Wide receiver Jakarrie Washington has eight touchdowns in the last two games, seven coming on the ground. After looking shaky against Cambridge two weeks, the Tide's defense looked strong against Xaverian, giving up just seven points. Everett 28, BC High 10. 

Mastro: I think with Craven back under center, the Eagles can make this an interesting game, especially considering they shouldn't have any problem getting up for this one (under the lights, at home, against the state's second-ranked team). But Everett is going to be too much for BC High. Even without Calaj providing an up-the-gut runner, and even without a true passing game, the Tide keep finding a way to score points. And it might be their defense that's been most impressive lately. I think this could be a close game, but the Eagles will have a hard time getting into a rhythm. Everett 21, BC High 6.
 
No. 6 King Philip (6-0) at Mansfield (4-2), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: Like Walpole, King Philip is crushing opponents, and boasts an offense that's scoring 31.2 points per game, while the defense is allowing just six. King Philip's running back Joe Johnston -- not to be confused with the man who directed Jumanji and Captain America -- is the heart of the Warriors offense, and he runs behind the crushing blows of fullback Ryan Dunn. I do think that Mansfield will test KP a little bit behind running back Robert Rapoza and quarterback Kyle Wisnieski, but I also thought Sharon was going to put up a fight. Instead, King Philip delivered a crushing 43-0 victory to the then-undefeated Eagles. Either way, KP comes out of Mansfield with a W. King Philip 35, Mansfield 18. 

Mastro: Yeah, I think Sharon wasn't prepared for what King Philip was about to bring. And with all the happiness in the world for Sharon and its first 5-0 start since the '90s, there are a few games in there against mediocre opponents that could've gone either way. I think with Mansfield, there's been an inability to be consistent. The Hornets have taken Needham down to the wire but could barely close out a game against Attleboro. But the talent is there. Rapoza is a dangerous back and Wisnieski has produced quite the junior season. In the mucky conditions, and at home, Mansfield could pull the upset. Mansfield 21, King Philip 14.
 
St. Mary’s (5-1) at Bishop Fenwick (5-1), Saturday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: Here we have a great conference showdown between the two top teams in the Catholic Central (large), and St. Mary’s technically has the top spot with a 1-0 conference record, with a 35-7 win over Arlington Catholic (0-6). Both teams have played similar schedules, but I think St. Mary’s has the upper edge with the backfield duo of Jordan Collier (11 TDs) and Jordan Manthorne (7 TDs). It’s worth noting that Bishop Fenwick running back Rufus Rushins (9 TDs) has the greatest football name in state history. St. Mary’s 26, Bishop Fenwick 22. 

Mastro: No way, that award belongs to Old Colony quarterback Jake Pringle. Classic name for a QB. Listen, St. Mary's might have the better team. But I think Rufus Rushins is the real deal. He ran for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman last year and can be seen flipping a tractor tire eight times in 27 seconds on YouTube. Hamilton-Wenham found the answer last week, but Rushins won't be denied again. Bishop Fenwick 29, St. Mary’s 22.
 
Hopkinton (6-0) at Hollison (4-2), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Mastro: Another battle between two divisional foes with a pair of electric running backs. On one hand, you have Hopkinton's Nolan Cornu, the quick, Wes Welker-type runner who can move the chains behind a strong offensive line. On the other hand, you have Joe Bellomo (his older brother Matt plays at Holy Cross), who forms his own offensive line. Just a sophomore, Bellomo’s future is bright. With a 6-foot, 200-pound frame, Bellomo doesn't shy away from contact. He’s a strong runner and a force at middle linebacker. Hopkinton could force its way into the Top 20 with a win this week and cement itself at the top of the Tri-Valley League. But Holliston won't let the Hillers do that. Not on home turf. Holliston 22, Hopkinton 15.

Anthony: For Hopkinton, it’s been an impressive start to the season, especially with having just two home games. The back of their schedule is home-heavy, so Hopkinton is used to going into opposing crowds and coming away with a win. Cornu is spearheading the Hillers attack, but I particularly like the battery of quarterback Hank Rudden and Shaun Palmer, who have connected for seven of Rudden’s 12 scoring passes. While Bellomo can certainly keep this game close, I think Rudden and the Hillers fly past Holliston. Hopkinton 24, Holliston 12.
 
Mashpee (4-2) at Abington (6-0), Saturday, 6 p.m.:

Mastro: Abington is off to an electric start after missing the playoffs for two straight years (they won five straight South Shore League titles from 2005 to 2009). And while rumors have swirled around coach Jim Kelliher calling it a career after this season, his team has played possessed, scoring at least 20 points in every game but one (a 13-7 win over Plymouth South). After Mashpee handed it to them last year, the Green Wave get some revenge behind an experienced team and senior running back Babila Fonkem. Abington 28, Mashpee 14.

Anthony: Hard to disagree here. Even when Abington put up just 13 points, they were able to rely on their defense to help them scrape out a tight win against Plymouth South. And when opposing teams find a way to score, Abington just scores more. Twice, the Green Wave have hung 40-plus points on opponents that have been able to score 20. Babila Fonkem is a great threat out of the backfield, while quarterback Brendan Crawley has a masterful handle on the offense. Abington 30, Mashpee 18.
 
Xaverian (1-5) at No. 14 Bridgewater-Raynham (3-3), Saturday, 1 p.m.:

Mastro: La Salle (R.I.) gave the Trojans a good, old-fashioned beatdown in Providence last weekend and pushed B-R back to .500. Meanwhile, Xaverian lost its fifth straight game, falling to Everett, 24-7. But the Hawks have to be the best 1-5 team around, with Charlie Stevenson's nightmare-schedule getting the best of them this year. Both of these two teams lost against Duxbury, though Xaverian put up the better fight, holding the lead until late in the third quarter. The Hawks have to rebound sometime, right? Xaverian 20, Bridgewater-Raynham 14.

Anthony: In the last two weeks, Xaverian has fallen hard to its own mistakes. Against Everett, the Hawks had two bad snaps on punts and a fumble that gave the Tide the ball inside the 30-yard line – all of which turned into points. Against Duxbury a week prior, DJ Pagliuca caught a 10-yard pass from Austin DeCarr to take the lead, but it was called back because of an illegal shift penalty. While I think the Hawks will come out more disciplined, coach Charlie Stevenson said last week Pagliuca (shoulder) and running back Mike Brennan (knee), who were both hurt in the fourth quarter against Everett, will be out against the Trojans. If that’s the case, I think B-R pulls this one out. Bridgewater-Raynham 21, Xaverian 12.
 
Shawsheen (5-1) at Greater Lawrence (5-1), Saturday, 10:30 a.m.:

Mastro: Devonn Pratt is known for his wrestling abilities, but he’s putting together quite the season at Shawsheen. With 15 touchdowns, two field goals and 24 extra points, he leads every player in Eastern Massachusetts except Vincent Burton (Blue Hills) in scoring. North Shore used double-coverage to try to slow down Pratt last weekend, but it was the Shawsheen defense that stepped up in an overtime win. If Pratt can find a way to get open, Shawsheen takes this key Commonwealth League matchup. Shawsheen 34, Greater Lawrence 26.

Anthony: When it comes to offensive production, these teams are nearly dead even. Greater Lawrence averages 35.5 points per game, while Shawsheen averages 35.3. Pratt has indeed impressed this season, but so have Greater Lawrence running backs Cristian Rivera (12 touchdowns) and Jake Barchard (six touchdowns). With a slight upper hand on the defensive side of the ball, I think Greater Lawrence edges this one out. Greater Lawrence 28, Shawsheen 25.
 
Attleboro (4-2) at Franklin (5-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Mastro: Aside from Barnstable’s Nick Peabody, I haven’t been more impressed by a quarterback this year than I was by Franklin junior Nick Zucco. Zucco isn't your typical gunslinger – he’s only 5 feet 9 inches and certainly isn’t busting out of any T-shirts – but he’s shown terrific command of the offense and the ability to drive the Panthers into the red zone late in the game. He's also established quite the connection with fellow junior Robert Dellorco at wide receiver. Franklin has won three in a row while Attleboro has dropped the last two, and I think the Panthers keep rolling here. Franklin 21, Attleboro 20.

Anthony: Sure Attleboro has lost two in a row, but last week's loss to Foxboro came on a fourth-quarter touchdown, and the week before, they nearly pulled off a comeback victory against Mansfield but fell short and lost 21-19. I think the Bombardiers learn from the pair of losses and come back with strong win behind running back Malique Clark. His 11 touchdowns are third best in Division 2, and he’s also a receiving threat once he gets into the open space. Attleboro 22, Franklin 18.

Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@globe.com and Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jasonmastrodonato@yahoo.com. Follow them on Twitter @gulizia_a and @JMastrodonato.

By Eric Russo, Globe correspondent

EVERETT - Coming into Week 7, the Crimson Tide (5-1) is gearing up for its last nonleague game of the season. No. 2 Everett will face off against BC High (No. 36 in the Boston.com Top 100) on Friday night, before closing out the season with three Greater Boston League showdowns.

Junior linebacker CJ Parvelus said that the Tide has to build off its strong defensive effort against Xaverian and sustain momentum heading into the GBL schedule.

"We have to deliver hits, shut [BC High] down, and have another big week," said Parvelus. "Go into the GBL [schedule] and be focused, just like last week. We know they're gonna run the ball a lot, so we know we're gonna have to be tougher than them. If anything, we gotta be better than last week, because they can run the ball and they will run the ball."

There may not be another earthquake on Friday night, but coach John DiBiaso is prepared for the BC High crowd to be rocking. He said his team could learn a lesson from the Patriots' loss to Seattle at raucous CenturyLink Field Sunday.

"This is a big game for us," said DiBiaso. "It's our last nonleague game and we'd like to come out and get into the GBL and be flying. It's over there. I know it's gonna be a packed house and we gotta come out early. It's very important that we come out Friday night, take a lesson from the Patriots, don't let their crowd get into the game, like they let Seattle get into the game.

"And we don't [want to] turn the ball over, like the Patriots turned the ball over. They found out the hard way and they're pros. Those are important lessons that we can learn from."

.............................

After struggling against Cambridge two weeks ago, the Tide's defense got back on track last Saturday, allowing Xaverian to score just 7 points. Parvelus had three sacks of Hawks quarterback Austin DeCarr and said he, along with the rest of the defense, wanted to redeem themselves.

"I just wanted to bounce back from the week before," he said. "I had a bad week. I just wanted to make up for it. I came into the game very focused and just wanted to do my assignment, do my job and execute.

"We came into the game very focused, that we were gonna have a better week. We kinda took it lightly against Cambridge. We didn't want that to happen two times in a row. We knew that they were very disciplined and we had to be disciplined ourselves."

DiBiaso was pleased with the way the defense bounced back but still isn't satisfied, saying he is still looking for a complete effort on both sides of the ball.

"[We're] looking better," he said. "We got a little spring to our step. I thought our defense played very well [last week]. We gotta be consistent, though. I'd like to have two good games on defense in a row. We concentrated very hard in practice on defense.

"We gotta get sharper. We can't turn the ball over, got to cut those out. I think we're a good team. But to be a great team, you can't turn the ball over."

.............................

A week after scoring five touchdowns in the Tide's win over Cambridge, Jakarrie Washington continued his stellar season, scoring three more TDs against Xaverian. Washington now has 12 touchdowns (9 rushing, 3 receiving) on the season, good for third in Division 1A scoring (72 points).

Washington, who also plays defensive back, had an interception for the second straight week, as well.

"I just do whatever it takes to win the game," said Washington. "Just play to my hardest level and make everyone work for it."

The senior said being a receiver allows him to know better what is coming his way when he's on defense.

"I play wide receiver, so it's like covering myself," he said. "I just gotta recognize what I do on offense and put it to the defense for my advantage."

.............................

For the first time in recent memory, the Crimson Tide will not be playing on Thanksgiving Day. Cambridge, Everett's former opponent, decided to end the holiday matchup after last season. The Falcons will now play Somerville, while Everett sits without a game. Matignon, which was matched up with the Highlanders, will now play Chelsea.

"There's nothing," said DiBiaso, who is also the school's athletics director. "There's no one in the state of Massachusetts that's open. There's an odd number of teams and we're the odd man out."

DiBiaso even went as far away as New Jersey to try to find an opponent, but nothing panned out and he doesn't see anything changing in the near future.

"We tried everywhere," he said. "New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, we tried everywhere. I don't know what's gonna happen. I'm hoping some team drops somebody, I don't know. I'm hoping that something happens. Chelsea is the team that was matched up with us for 80 years, we lost them and we haven't been able to get anyone that stayed with us."

Everett and Cambridge faced off every Thanksgiving morning, starting in 1995. The Tide's only loss in those games came in 2001.

Without a game on Thanksgiving, the Tide's last game will be Nov. 10. If Everett makes the postseason, it will have three weeks off before the first playoff game.

"It's gonna be a double-edged sword," said DiBiaso. "It's gonna give us a chance to get healthy, give us a chance to prepare. It's also a possibility that we're gonna be rusty. I'm gonna look at it on the plus side, that we're gonna get healthy and we're gonna have time to prepare.

"There's nothing else I can do. I wish I could come up with a game, but there's nobody. It stinks. It absolutely stinks. We anticipated this last year, but there's nothing we could do. It stinks for the kids. It stinks for the city."

.............................

Every week we'll have a captain or senior make a Patriots prediction for the upcoming game.

THIS WEEK'S PICK - JETS at PATRIOTS

Senior WR/HB/DB Jakarrie Washington is the first member of the Tide to pick against the Patriots this season: "I'm going for the Jets, 30-24."

By Jason Mastrodonato and Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondents

On 4th-and-10, with less than two minutes remaining on Friday, North Attleboro quarterback Ryan Perron dropped back to pass and saw nothing but a cluster of white Stoughton uniforms.

Perron looked up, trying to find an open receiver, but there were none. And just a few seconds later he was sacked in the backfield without even a chance at throwing up a prayer.

The Black Knights had been stingy on defense all evening, and with a 12-7 lead and the game on the line, this play was no different.

Their 5.5-points-allowed average this season has been impressive. And while there is concern after Adam Leonard left Friday's game with a lower body injury, Stoughton has proved to be one of the toughest defenses in Eastern Massachusetts this fall.

This week, the Black Knights are up to No. 18, jumping over No. 19 Lincoln-Sudbury after the Warriors took a 10-6 loss to Wayland.

No. 12 Beverly also moved up after piling up 30 points against Masconomet, courtesy of 234 yards and a pair scores from running back Brendan Flaherty. The Panthers have averaged almost 40 points per game this season.

No. 20 Acton-Boxborough cracks the top-20 by moving to 5-1 with a win over Boston Latin, leaving No. 21 Westford (5-1, five straight wins) just outside.

Four teams made debuts in the top-100 this week: No. 75 Holliston (4-2), Plymouth South (3-3), Cardinal Spellman (3-2) and Austin Prep (3-3).

Here's the Boston.com 100:

1. Barnstable
2. Everett
3. Duxbury
4. St. John's Prep
5. Reading
6. King Philip
7. Walpole
8. Natick
9. Andover
10. Weymouth
11. Needham
12. Beverly
13. Bridgewater-Raynham
14. Brockton
15. Burlington
16. Wakefield
17. Central Catholic
18. Stoughton
19. Lincoln Sudbury
20. Acton-Boxboro
21. Westford
22. Somerset-Berkley
23. Hopkinton
24. Hingham
25. Mansfield
26. Masconomet
27. Chelmsford
28. Franklin
29. Haverhill
30. Xaverian
31. Marblehead
32. Nauset
33. Attleboro
34. Lowell
35. Stoneham
36. BC High
37. Framingham
38. Abington
39. Lynn Classical
40. Wayland
41. Sandwich
42. Wareham
43. North Attleboro
44. Sharon
45. Tewksbury
46. Bedford
47. New Bedford
48. Whitman-Hanson
49. North Reading
50. Revere
51. Lynn English
52. Oliver Ames
53. Bishop Fenwick
54. Watertown
55. Saugus
56. Salem
57. Newton North
58. Foxboro
59. North Andover
60. Weston
61. St. Mary
62. Concord-Carlisle
63. Dracut
64. Catholic Memorial
65. Whittier
66. Shawsheen
67. Melrose
68. Billerica
69. Malden Catholic
70. Blue Hills
71. Marthas Vineyard
72. Pentucket
73. Bishop Connolly
74. Northeast
75. Holliston
76. Dighton-Rehoboth
77. Scituate
78. Greater Lawrence
79. Dorchester
80. Millis/Hopedale
81. Lowell Catholic
82. North Shore
83. Old Rochester
84. Dennis-Yarmouth
85. Danvers
86. Swampscott
87. Amesbury
88. Newburyport
89. Upper Cape
90. Holbrook/Avon
91. Plymouth South
92. Mashpee
93. St. Clement
94. Cardinal Spellman
95. East Bridgewater
96. Middleboro
97. Quincy
98. Austin Prep
99. Pope John Paul II
100. Wilmington

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Bob Holmes and I take a look at the sixth week of the high school football season. Also, a profile on Lincoln-Sudbury's Paul Sorbo and a look at the games of the week for Week 7.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By Globe School Sports Staff

Six weeks down, five to go. Here are the stars of Oct.12-13.

Division 1

Jordan Bolarinho, Billerica: The junior quarterback hooked up with Matt Clifford for a pair of touchdowns, and he also rushed for two more scores to lead the Indians in a 35-33 upset over No. 18 Haverhill.

Christopher Bloomingdale, Framingham: The senior quarterback carried the Flyers, rushing for two scores and tossing the game-winner – a 5-yard pass to Mike Stearns to lift his team to a 21-14 victory over Brookline.

Johnathan Thomas, St. John's Prep: Thomas continued his stellar junior campaign, rushing for 233 yards and three touchdowns in the Eagles 49-8 thrashing of St. John's (Shrewsbury).

Jakarrie Washington, Everett: Washington helped Everett capitalize on four turnovers, rushing for three touchdowns to give the Tide a 24-7 win over Xaverian.

Division 1A

Bobby Rose, Revere: Rose was all over the field in a 42-24 win over Peabody, carrying seven times for 120 yards and a touchdown, returning a kickoff 70 yards for another score, and making eight tackles on defense.

Nick Peabody, Barnstable: The senior completed 14 of 29 passes for 241 yards and two scores and added another touchdown on the ground in a 35-6 win over Dartmouth.

Isaiah Davis, Lynn English: The tailback ran for 225 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs over Salem 23-12.

Division 2

King Phillip offense: A salute to the Warriors offense which scored 43 points and shut out Sharon Friday night to improve to 6-0. Ryan Dunn scored on a 4-yard run and also made all four of his extra points. Joe Johnston also scored a pair of rushing touchdowns.

Kyle Wisnieski, Mansfield: The Hornets quarterback threw three touchdown passes (two to Brendan Hill) in Mansfield's 34-14 win over Canton. The victory was coach Mike Redding's 200th career win.

Brian Coutts, Belmont: Coutts scored two touchdowns in the second half and also caught the two-point conversion to give the Marauders their first win of the season. Also notable, Belmont's defense forced seven turnovers against Winchester on Saturday.

Division 2A

Spencer Tyler, Dennis-Yarmouth: Spencer Tyler helped the Dolphins win their third game of the season as he threw for 152 yards and a touchdown. He also carried the ball 24 times, recording 143 and two rushing touchdowns, too.

Troy Flutie, Natick: Flutemania continues to take over Division 2A as the Redhawks quarterback has a league-high 15 touchdown passes this season. Flutie threw a couple of touchdowns to Justin Robinson against Weymouth, and he also ran for a pair, including a 75-yard scamper in the second quarter.

Brendan Flaherty, Beverly: Flaherty helped keep his team undefeated as he ran for 234 yards and two touchdowns in the Panthers win over Masconomet.

Division 3

Max Athy, Holliston: He rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries and caught a touchdown pass as the Panthers beat Ashland 49-7.

Hank Rudden, Hopkinton: Rudden was 11 for 16 passing for 148 yards and three touchdowns as the Hillers beat Norton, 28-9.

Division 3A

Ruben Powell, Winthrop: The 5-foot-7 senior singlehandedly led Winthrop past Saugus Friday night thanks to two big special teams plays. Powell returned a punt 70 yards for a score in the first quarter, then ran back a blocked field goal 99 yards in overtime for a 13-7 Vikings win.

Matt Allen, Bishop Feehan: The 5-11 senior gashed the Coyle & Cassidy defense for 177 yards rushing on 11 carries and scored on a 35-yard gallop in the Shamrocks' 35-0 win on Saturday. Allen was also a perfect 5 for 5 on PAT's.

Division 4

Babila Fonkem, Abington: In a 40-21 win over Carver, Fonkem had 143 all-purpose yards, scored two touchdowns, and had two interceptions on defense.

Jesus Sanchez, Whittier: Sanchez helped the Wildcats improve to 5-1 after running for 142 yards and two touchdowns, one from 63 yards out, in a 28-7 victory over Mystic Valley.

Kylan Philbert-Richardson, Archbishop Willians: Philbert-Richardson broke a 73-yard rushing touchdown on his way to 257 yards. Philbert-Richardson tacked on another rushing touchdown touchdowns in the Bishops' win.

Division 4A

Vincent Burton, Blue Hills: Burton has earned frequent player of the week honors since the Warriors began handing the ball to him three years ago, and recently it seems every week he’s reaching a new career milestone. Last week he joined an elite group in state history as he rushed for his 4,000th career yard (he now has 4,439), and in the 30-22 win Friday over league rival Southeastern he rushed for 251 yards and four touchdowns (plus three 2-point conversions) in the win, including carrying the ball an incredible 50 times (a career-high). His 30 points scored make him the fifth all-time leading scorer in state history with 528 points.

Michael Obianigwe, West Roxbury: The big 250-pounder powered the Raiders attack on both sides of the ball in the teams 20-8 win over Burke. He rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns, and was a ball hawk on defense with 15 tackles.

Adam Wentzel, Lowell Catholic: The Crusaders, the last undefeated team in Division 4A, continued their season of dominance with a 49-0 thrashing of Marian. Wentzel spearheaded the rout with a four touchdowns (three rushing, one passing) effort.

Division 5

John Dumont, Dylan Derby Upper Cape: The speedy Dumont piled up 184 yards and three rushing touchdowns, including a 54-yard TD rush in the 22-14 triumph over South Shore Saturday. Derby sealed the close game with a fourth-quarter interception to help the Rams remain undefeated.

Preps

Mark Upton, St. Mark's: In a 53-14 win at St. george's, the senior RB/LB rushed 25 times for 211 yards and six touchdowns, while he also had 14 tackles (5 for a loss) and caused a fumble on defense.

Willie Peoples, BB&N: In a 36-34 OT win over Milton Academy, Peoples had 244 yards of total offense including a touchdown pass. And on defense he had 12 tackles and an interception.

Chris Pipe, Tilton: In Tilton's first win of the year, the Marblehead resident had 6 catches for 138 yards, including two touchdowns of 46 and 35 yards to lead the Rams.

Mackay Lowrie, Roxbury Latin: The BC-bound quarterback threw for 497 yards and six TD passes along with a rushing score in a win over St. Paul's.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

High school football, soccer, volleyball and field hockey teams in Massachusetts are helping raise awareness for breast cancer with more than 30 "Pink" games slated around the state as a part of "Coaches vs. Cancer" charitable drive.

October is breast cancer awareness month and the telltale signs of high school teams acknowledging, as well as fund-raising, for the cause is represented in the flair. Players have been sporting pink cleats, gloves, and streaking patches during this month's games.

It's the second year New England teams have participated in the program, which is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and has partnerships with the NFL and NBA. The region raised $400,000 toward breast cancer research and treatment last year with Massachusetts accounting for more than $100,000 of that total, according to the program's regional coordinator Janice Portlock.

"They made us a priority this year," Portlock said. "This time last year, you had six [pink] games here. Now it's up to 35."

The New England Patriots kicked off pink October with their "Crucial Catch" game last week.

For more information on the American Cancer Society, visit cancer.org. For more information on "Coaches vs. Cancer" in Massachusetts, contact Janice Portlock at janice.portlock@cancer.org.

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

Overall, solid performances from both Anthony and Jason this week. Both finished well above the .500 mark, as Anthony chipped away at Jason's sizable lead. The difference-maker? North Reading's 17-14 win over Pentucket, in which Anthony correctly pegged the Hornets to win.

Week 5 Results: Anthony 8-2; Jason 7-3.
Season: Mastro 32-13; Anthony 26-19.

Here are our games to watch for Week 6, along with our predictions.

No. 8 Natick (5-0) at No. 9 Weymouth (5-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Anthony: Natick quarterback Troy Flutie and wide receiver Brian Dunlap are electric. Flutie leads Division 2A with 13 TD passes (8 to Dunlap), and has also rushed for five scores. But I love Weymouth in this matchup, especially at home. Quarterback Jack Lehan is a great pocket-passer, and ranks third in Division 1 with 10 touchdown passes.  Wide receiver Dave Harrison has also flashed his skills under center, throwing for seven scores -- including four in a 32-27 win over Needham last week in which he tossed the game-winning score with 20 seconds left. Not to mention, Harrison and teammate Tyler O'Brien are tied at the top of the Div. 1 receiving leader board with seven scores each. Wait. I forgot Ozzy Colarusso, who also has seven touchdowns and has the ability to rip off a big run at any moment. The point here is Weymouth is loaded with weapons – too many for Natick to defend. Weymouth 28, Natick 18.
Mastro: Natick hasn't played anyone too intimidating yet. You can look at the schedules of each of these two teams and they both cruised easily over Milton and Newton North. In the other three games, Natick has played three teams with a combined record of 2-13. Weymouth has played three teams with a combined record of 7-8. I know there's some Flutie magic to be accounted for in this one, but give me the team that's been tested. Weymouth 28, Natick 13.

No. 2 Everett (4-1) at Xaverian (1-4), Saturday, 1:30:
Anthony: How do you bounce back from four straight losses? An invigorating win over Everett would certainly help. Let's not forget Xaverian's losses came against three Top 20 teams (Brockton, Andover and Duxbury), and the No. 1 team in New Jersey, St. Joseph's Prep. The Hawks need to bounce back before it's too late, and Everett is hurting. I think the Tide's chances increase if renaissance man Gilly DeSouza and Jalen Felix are active against the Hawks, but Kenny Calaj also remains out. Last week, Xaverian was one dropped touchdown pass away from a victory over Duxbury (and a touchdown was also called back because of an illegal formation), and I don't think Charlie Stevenson's crew will make the same mistakes again. Xaverian 21, Everett 16.
Mastro: Oh man, are we in for a good one here. I've heard all different sorts of things about how this is the worst Everett team in 15 years and it's lacking leadership, etc., etc., etc. But the bottom line is John DiBiaso always has talented players and he knows how to coach with whatever he has. And I still go back to that Barnstable game, where the Crimson Tide played a really inconsistent game in a lot of different ways but were still in it the whole time. I think the real battle will be between Everett's big man up front, Notre Dame-bound John Montelus (6 feet 5 inches, 330 pounds) vs. Xaverian's defensive tackle, Michigan-bound Maurice Hurst Jr. (6-2, 295 pounds). That may be worth the price of admission alone. But if Montelus can neutralize Hurst and maybe Jakarrie Washington can break one loose, Everett can squeak out a win.Everett 21, Xaverian 14.

Watertown (4-1) at Stoneham (5-0), Friday, 7:
Anthony: Here we have one of three conference games being played in this Middlesex (Freedom) matchup, and it's sure to be a good one. Stoneham has impressed on defense, allowing just 14 points all season while posting two shutouts. That said, Watertown hasn't scored fewer than 24 points in a game this year and will be difficult to contain. Stoneham receiver Eric Mooney has emerged as Andrew Cann's favorite target, hauling in seven of his quarterback's 11 scoring passes, and if the Spartans defense can make stops, then the two will be on the field often. I'll say Mooney hauls in two more scores. Stoneham 24, Watertown 15.
Mastro: I think Stoneham is the real rock of the Middlesex Freedom, having cruised over each bump in the road, so it's hard to pick against this team. It's the first time since 1992 that the Spartans are still undefeated by Week 5. And their defense speaks for itself. Stoneham 27, Watertown 7.
 
No. 14 Beverly (5-0) at Masconomet (4-1), Friday, 7:
Anthony: Beverly is rolling, having outscored opponents 206-28. The Panthers haven't given up more than one touchdown in a game, while making sure to score plenty. Running backs Brendan Flaherty (12 TDs) and Kenny Pierce (8 TDs) have shouldered the load for Beverly, and attack opponents from all angles. Masconomet has showed resilience this year, winning four straight since losing Week 1, including a 20-13 win over Catholic Memorial two week ago. However, I don't think Flaherty and Pierce can be stopped. Beverly 36, Masconomet 15.
Mastro: Flaherty has to be in the conversation for most important player to a team, doesn't he? There are certainly a handful of running backs Beverly can throw at you, but Flaherty has proven to be the best, with his 47 career touchdowns and 292 career points ranking first all-time in school history. Masco is good, Beverly might be great. Beverly 28, Masconomet 13.

Tewksbury (2-3) at No. 19 Central Catholic (4-1), Friday, 7:
Anthony: I'm going to start by saying I think Central wins this one. But Tewksbury has a special way of pulling off impressive wins, like its 21-0 shutout over Lowell, or a 30-22 win over Haverhill. Tewksbury also matched Andover punch for punch in a 51-42 loss last week. Can the Redmen upset Central Catholic? It's possible, but I think the Raiders have a quality defense (14.6 points per game), and an efficient running game in D'Andre Drummond-Mayrie and Santino Brancato. Not only are the two backs extremely talented, but they're also running behind 6-foot-4-inch, 260-pound lineman Ryan Barry. He doesn't waste any time clearing space here. Central Catholic 30, Tewksbury 22.
Mastro: Whenever I see Tewksbury on this list, I still think of you laughing at me when I took it over Haverhill earlier this year. Not only was it a stunning upset, but look how tough the Hillies have proven to be. They haven't lost since, with a big win over Chelmsford last week. I think it's time we give the Redmen the respect they deserve. Tewksbury 28, Central Catholic 21.

Middleboro (2-2) at North Quincy (2-2), Friday, 7:
Mastro: Both teams are off to matching 2-2 starts and this could be a telling game in the way the Patriot League's Fisher division shapes out. I like the way Middleboro has been able to run the ball this year, with Lucas Poteau, Casey Tucker and Taylor Frazier. If the Sachems can control the field position game and pound the ball, they should take this one. Middleboro 13, North Quincy 6.
Anthony: I see your three-headed rushing attack at Middleboro, and I’ll raise you my two chips in North Quincy's running back Antoine Allen and fullback Eddie Guinto, who have combined for 11 touchdowns this season. The two backs complement each other nicely -- picking up the slack when the other is having an off night. Allen, who has scored two touchdowns in three of four games this season, failed to score in a Week 2 loss to Oliver Ames, but Guinto answered with two scores. Both are a threat to score, and Middleboro will have a hard time figuring whom to key in on. North Quincy 18, Middleboro 12. 

North Andover (1-3) at Chelmsford (4-1), Friday, 7:
Mastro: North Andover is just having one of those seasons. I can't imagine that feeling in the bottom of John Rafferty's stomach as he's had to walk away from the field in three different losses knowing his team was so close to turning the "L" into a "W." That said, Rafferty knew he had a young team coming in and those tight games are something he can build off. And with Chelmsford still missing Bobby Sullivan at quarterback, this may be the perfect game for the Scarlet Knights to start rebuilding some momentum. North Andover 26, Chelmsford 20.
Anthony: It's hard to disagree with you here, Jason. After playing a close game against a solid Central Catholic team two weeks ago and losing by three, the Knights suffered a two-point loss to Lynn Classical and I think they're ready to bounce back. Bobby Sullivan is out, but Chelmsford still put up 23 points last week, and is capable of more behind running back Jeff d'Auria. But I'm going to go with Casey Walsh and the Knights here. North Andover 22, Chelmsford 18.

Sharon (5-0) at No. 6 King Philip (5-0), Friday, 7:
Mastro: Someone is falling off the undefeated bus, and you know neither team will have trouble getting up for this one. Ever since the young Dave Morse took over the Sharon program, there's been some added energy coming out of the Eagles' locker room. They're 9-4 over their last 13 games dating back to last year and it looks like they may have their first winning season in almost 25 years. But King Philip quarterback J.J. Dillon has excelled with his electric wideouts Sam McDonald and Joey Cochrane. And because of the emotion that will be riding on the outcome, I think I'll give the edge to the home team. King Philip 20, Sharon 14.
Anthony: Sharon got exactly what it needed before this edgy contest with King Philip, and that was an electrifying 21-14 overtime win against Canton. The Eagles will be flying high into Friday's contest, but King Philip has been pounding opponents 144-36 in its first five games. I like King Philips's passing game, but I love what running back Joe Johnston is doing this year -- cruising behind fullback Ryan Dunn to score 10 touchdowns. King Philip 28, Sharon 15.

Concord-Carlisle (3-2) at Westford (4-1), Friday, 7:
Mastro: You knew the Patriots were going to need time to click, especially with a new sophomore quarterback, Will Blumenberg, taking over. But you also knew they would have a tremendous pool of athletes to choose from and Evan Boynton can provide a spark in the running game. Unfortunately, with Troy Faretra and Justin Mount tearing apart opposing defenses, I can't pick against Westford right now. But I'll leave you with this: In back-to-back weeks, Newton South has lost to C-C, 34-10, and Westford, 42-7. Westford 35, Concord-Carlisle 21.
Anthony: Ever since Troy Faretra came back from last year's season-ending injury three games ago, he and Justin Mount have clicked with incredible success. Westford can now successfully run the spread offense with its No. 1 guy back under center. The Grey Ghosts can spread the field, and helping them do so is running back Ben Rodman, better known to his teammates as "the Worm." Hear that Dennis?! Westford has scored 40-plus points in back-to-back games, while giving up just one score in each game. The Ghosts mean business. Jason nailed this score. Westford 35. Concord-Carlisle 20.

No. 11 Bridgewater-Raynham (3-2) at La Salle Academy, R.I. (4-1), Friday, 7:
Mastro: OK, so there probably won't be a ton of local folks driving down for this one, but it's worth noting that La Salle is the top-ranked team in Rhode Island and its only loss this season came at the hands of North Attleboro. So this could be a good and telling matchup. And I still don't think we've seen Bridgewater-Raynham click against a strong squad yet, losing to Duxbury and St. John's Prep by matching 20-7 scores. There's a lot of talent there. And when Brandon Gallagher gets hot, look out. Bridgewater-Raynham 33, La Salle, 27.
Anthony: Brandon Gallagher is a tremendous talent for Bridgewater-Raynham and has scored seven touchdowns. But I also like what I've seen from quarterback Jordan Cohen. There's no question teams are going to key in on Gallagher, and I believe Cohen can keep the offense moving. Against Durfee earlier this year, Cohen was a precise 6 for 10 passing, with 124 yards and two touchdowns. Can you guess who provided two touchdowns in that game as well? That's right, Brandon Gallagher. When clicking, the two help the offense run smoothly for B-R. Bridgewater-Raynham 27, La Salle 22.  

Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@globe.com and Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jasonmastrodonato@yahoo.com. Follow them on Twitter @gulizia_a and @JMastrodonato.

By Eric Russo, Globe Correspondent

EVERETT -- The second-ranked Crimson Tide (4-1) won, 51-30, over GBL rival Cambridge Friday night. But Everett struggled on defense all game and led just 36-30, midway through the fourth quarter. It took a 70-yard interception return from Brendan LaRosa to stop the Falcons, who were driving to tie the game or take the lead.

This week, the Tide must improve on defense if they want to stop Xaverian (1-4), which after opening the season with a 35-7 win over Malden Catholic, has lost four straight games and fallen out of the Globe Top 20 and to No. 25 in the Boston.com 100.

The Hawks' record is deceiving, though. They lost to St. Joseph's, New Jersey's No. 1-ranked team and the seventh ranked team in the country, 62-0, in Week 2. They then lost their next three games (against No. 12 Brockton, No. 11 Andover, and No. 3 Duxbury) by a combined 14 points.

How does Everett look past the Hawks' record?

Coach John DiBiaso referenced the time they spent on the field Tuesday, when responding to that question.

"What time is it?" DiBiaso said, looking at his cellphone. Normally, the Tide's practice ends before 6:30. Tuesday night, it ended closer to 7.

"We're not overlooking them," he said, simply. "We're not overlooking."

DiBiaso wants the Tide to shore things up on both sides of the ball and play a complete game, something they haven't been able to do the last two weeks.

"We can't turn the ball over," he said. "We had four turnovers [against Cambridge]. Can't give up 30 points. Can't give up big plays. I'd like to see a total game. We played great defense against Barnstable. We need to be more consistent. The injuries are the injuries, you gotta deal with them. Still gotta come and be consistent."

Those injuries DiBiaso referenced continue for the Tide. This week, kicker./safety/wide receiver Gilly DeSouza was added to the walking wounded. DeSouza, who started the season as the quarterback, was injured against Cambridge. Junior Raheem Wingard took over at quarterback prior to Friday night's game.

"We got more guys injured this week," DiBiaso said. "Gilly's injured now. We're still banged up."

Receiver and defensive back Kenny Calaj and defensive end Jeff Soulouque remain out. Half back and defensive back Jalen Felix could return.

.............................

The injuries on the Tide defense showed against Cambridge. Everett allowed Falcons' quarterback David Maaghul to throw for almost 250 yards and four touchdowns. The defense also allowed Cambridge back in the game after the Everett offense had built a 29-6 lead.

"[Cambridge] had some good wide receivers, some of the better skill guys we played all year," defensive backs coach Ryan Taylor said. "We played a lot of young guys, especially in the secondary."

Taylor pointed to three players in the secondary starting the first games of their careers.

"[We had] two sophomores starting in the secondary, first time ever starting," he said. "Matt Pothier, senior, but first time he's ever started a game. This week, hopefully we get Jalen Felix back and mix things up with Xaverian."

Taylor said he wants to get the Hawks' offense off balance, by showing them multiple defenses.

"They give a lot of different looks, so basically, we really just wanna give them a couple different looks on defense, so they don't know what's coming. Throw the quarterback a little off his game."

.............................

LaRosa, who made the play of the game on Friday night, wasn't even supposed to be in on the field at that moment. Jakarrie Washington, named a Globe player of the week after scoring five touchdowns, had to come out two plays earlier, because of a cramp, and LaRosa took advantage of the opportunity.

"[The coaches] always tell you to just be ready to play," said LaRosa, who is the starting slot receiver. "They just threw me in there. I was kind of tight because I wasn't really playing a lot. I was playing on offense, but on defense I wasn't out there for a while. They threw me in and I just reacted to the ball.

"I just had to read the quarterback, because you need to keep everything in front of you. I just dropped back and made a play on the ball."

Coach Taylor had a lot of praise for LaRosa, calling him an example all of Everett's players should follow.

"One thing we realized with Brendan, a little more this year, is he wants it," Taylor said. "He really wants it. He's worked really hard. He's been there every day. It's a perfect example to our kids to always be ready. Always be ready, your number can always be called.

"All year I said Brendan, 'just be ready.' Brendan has probably taken a total of 15 defensive back reps the entire year, but I give him reps everyday [at practice]. You never know, Jakarrie goes out, anyone goes down, you gotta be ready."

.............................

There is one BIG matchup on tap for Saturday afternoon.

It's Everett's offensive lineman and Notre Dame recruit, John Montelus (6 feet 5 inches, 330 pounds) vs. Xaverian's defensive tackle and Michigan commit, Maurice Hurst (6-2, 295 pounds).

The two will be battling one another and Montelus says it will be a difficult matchup, but the ultimate goal of the whole offensive line is to make it easy on the backs to move the ball.

"[We want] to just pound the ball," Montelus said. "It's gonna be a tough one. But, hopefully [we] get low and just be more aggressive this week."

Montelus will have bragging rights, because on Thursday, the 2013 US Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour will be in Everett to announce that Montelus will be one of 90 players from across the country to participate in the US Army All-American Bowl.

The lineman will be honored by Everett High, in front of teammates, classmates, and family during a ceremony at Everett Memorial Stadium.

"It's really good for me," Montelus said. "I guess I'm the second guy from Massachusetts to ever make it. So, I'm honored to be in that game. I want to represent Massachusetts because I'm the only guy [from the state going]."

The US Army All-American Bowl is January 5 at noon at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and will be televised on NBC. NFL stars Andrew Luck, Tim Tebow, Mark Sanchez, and Ndamukong Suh have participated in the game in recent years.
.............................

Every week we'll have a captain or senior make a Patriots prediction for the upcoming game.

THIS WEEK'S PICK -- PATRIOTS AT SEATTLE

Sr. WR/DB Brendan LaRosa is going with the Patriots to win their third straight, 35-21.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

We are through five weeks of the high school football season and the Globe finally has its famous bus page out. For those who do not know, the Globe's bus page tracks the undefeated teams in Eastern Massachusetts. It's been a Globe tradition since 1934. Bob Holmes and I discuss it in the latest episode of the Huddle. We also have highlights from Week 5 and a profile on Wellesley quarterback Chris Sarni.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

It was a pretty stagnant week for most of the front half of the Globe Top 20, as the top eight teams remained unchanged. Barnstable stayed at the top spot but was almost upset by New Bedford, yet the Red Raiders hung on for a 19-14 win.

Everett ran away with a 50-31 win over Cambridge, but the Falcons crept close to the Tide, and at one point trailed just 36-30.

Duxbury held off Xaverian with a 20-16 victory, while St. John’s Prep trounced Bridgewater-Raynham 20-7. Rounding out the top five is Reading, who withstood Burlington’s attack for a 22-15 victory, thanks to a late touchdown run from Drew Belcher.

King Philip, Walpole and Natick stayed put, while Weymouth jumped into the No. 9 spot, previously occupied by Bridgewater-Raynham, with a 49-7 win over Newton North.

Andover came in at No. 10, while B-R ended up at No. 11.

Breaking into the Top 20 was Haverhill at No. 18, who beat Chelmsford 30-23, as Tommy Morgan delivered the game-winning score with seven seconds left.

Also breaking into the Top 20 was Stoughton at the No. 20 spot after a 20-0 shutout of Foxboro. Stoughton also beat Mansfield last week, crushing the Hornets 20-6.

There’s plenty of great matchups slated for Week 6, so keep an eye for some changes in next week’s poll.

1. Barnstable
2. Everett
3. Duxbury 
4. St. John's Prep
5. Reading
6. King Philip
7. Walpole
8. Natick
9. Weymouth
10. Andover
11. Bridgewater-Raynham
12. Brockton
13. Needham
14. Beverly
15. Lincoln Sudbury 
16. Burlington
17. Wakefield
18. Haverhill
19. Central Catholic
20. Stoughton 
21. Chelmsford
22. Acton-Boxboro
23. Westford
24. Masconomet
25. Xaverian
26. Somerset-Berkley
27. Franklin
28. Mansfield
29. Attleboro
30. Hopkinton
31. Hingham
32. Marblehead
33. North Attleboro
34. Sharon
35. BC High
36. Lowell
37. Sandwich
38. Nauset
39. Bedford
40. Framingham
41. Tewksbury
42. New Bedford
43. Stoneham
44. Whitman-Hanson
45. Lynn Classical
46. North Reading
47. Wayland
48. Watertown
49. Abington
50. Bishop Fenwick
51. Wareham
52. Revere
53. Concord-Carlisle
54. Weston
55. Saugus
56. Salem
57. Lynn English
58. Oliver Ames
59. Catholic Memorial
60. St. Mary’s
61. Melrose
62. Newton North
63. Dracut
64. Foxboro
65. Pentucket
66. Whittier
67. Shawsheen
68. Malden Catholic
69. North Andover
70. Martha’s Vineyard
71. Blue Hills
72. Bishop Connolly
73. Billerica
74. Northeast
75. Old Rochester
76. Dighton-Rehoboth
77. Scituate
78. Greater Lawrence
79. North Shore
80. Millis/Hopedale
81. Lowell Catholic
82. Dorchester
83 St. Clement
84. Dennis-Yarmouth
85. Danvers
86. Swampscott
87. Amesbury
88. Newburyport
89. Upper Cape
90. Holbrook/Avon
91. Pope John Paul II
92. Wilmington
93. North Quincy
94. Mashpee
95. East Bridgewater
96. Ashland
97. Middleboro
98. Quincy
99. Bourne
100. Norton

By Globe School Sports Staff

The first October Players of the Week as the season hits the mid-way mark.

Division 1

Cam Latta, Lowell: The senior quarterback connected with wide receiver Anthony Consolo for three touchdowns, and also rushed for a score to lead the Red Raiders to a 42-21 win over Lawrence.

Alex Moore, St. John's Prep: The senior back ripped off three touchdowns, helping the No. 4 Eagles beat No. 9 Bridgewater-Raynham 20-7.

Andrew Deloury, Andover: The senior receiver and defensive back did it all in a 51-42 victory over Tewksbury Saturday. He had 7 receptions for 226 yards and two touchdowns, made 7 tackles, had a 58-yard punt, and recovered an onside kick.

Division 1A

Dylan Mann, Masconomet: In a win over Gloucester, Mann had an 80-yard punt return, a 35-yard touchdown reception, and 8 unassisted tackles.

Jakarrie Washington, Everett: The senior scored five times (three rushing, two receiving) as the Tide battled to a 51-30 win over Cambridge.

Isaiah Davis, Lynn English: The junior tailback led the Bulldogs offense in a 35-12 win over Malden, rushing for 110 yards and two touchdowns.

Division 2

Reading defense: John Fiore has made it clear that it's all about group effort in Reading. So instead of picking an individual, we'll give credit to the whole defensive unit. Although they gave up their first touchdown of the year Friday night, the Rockets defense held explosive running back Marcus O'Diah to under 100 yards for the first time this season. Bravo!

Nick Zucco, Franklin: Zucco helped the Panthers beat North Attleboro, 20-13, this weekend in their first league game. The junior quarterback completed 17 of his 26 passes for 188 yards, a touchdown and interception. He also ran for a touchdown, gaining 110 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Robby Dellorco, Franklin: Two from Franklin? You bet. The junior receiver had 10 receptions for 103 yards, including a 23-yard TD with 38 seconds left to beat North Attleboro. He also returned an interception 63 yards for TD on last play of game to seal victory

Division 2A

Spencer Tyler, Dennis-Yarmouth: The junior quarterback was 8-for-10 passing for 175 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran the ball 13 times for 109 yards to help lead the Dolphins to a 49-34 win over Plymouth North.

Liam Collins, Milton: Collins threw three touchdowns Friday, but his 53-yard connection with Tyler Green in the fourth quarter was the difference in Milton's 34-28 win over Wellesley.

Division 3

Shane McClosky, Concord-Carlisle: McClosky ran for 150 yards and three touchdowns as the Patriots (3-2) beat Boston Latin, 30-16.

Zac Elkinson, Holliston: He had touchdown catches of 31, 30, and 60 yards as the Panthers (3-2) beat Bellingham 41-13.

Marcus Middleton, Stoughton: The senior running back/wide receiver had some huge plays in the Black Knights' win over Foxboro. He rushed four times for 98 yards and a TD including a 40 yard score on the fourth play of the game and caught a 67 yard TD pass as Stoughton improved to 5-0.

Division 3A

Nick Benoit, Saugus: The senior back stepped into the starting tailback role for an injured teammate and delivered big, carrying 15 times for 217 yards and three scores to lead the Sachems past visiting Georgetown 35-14 Friday night.

Nolan Bergeron, Old Rochester: The junior QB executed the Bulldogs option attack to the tune of 117 yards on nine carries and scored on rushes of 8 and 62 yards to lead ORR past Case, 21-8, on Friday night. Bergeron was also a perfect 3-of-3 passing for 15 yards and a 2-point conversion toss.

Division 4

Andrew Benson, East Bridgewater: In a 39-26 vicotry over Hull Benson found the endzone 5 times while racking up 296 yards on the ground on 17 carries.

Devonn Pratt, Shawsheen: The Rams receiver caught 8 passes for 198 yards in a 41-7 victory over Chelsea. Pratt also caught three of quarterback Michael O'Hearn's six touchdowns passes.

Connor Bradley, Whittier: The sophomore quarterback threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Northeast Regional.

Division 4A

Vincent Burton, Blue Hills: For the past three seasons Burton has been the anchor of a tough Warrior team at Blue Hills, helping them to big wins week after week, including last year’s Division 4A Super Bowl. And his career numbers will prove it. With his 200 rushing yards and four touchdowns scored in the 36-12 win over Southie on Friday, Burton moved into some elite company. The senior’s now 38th all-time in state history with 4,188 career rushing yards.

Kalvin Jones, Madison Park: The Cardinals (3-1) continued there torrid start with a big 34-0 league win over Brighton Friday, upping their win streak to three games – all shutouts. Senior defensive end Kalvin Jones spurred the defense with two defensive touchdowns in the first half (23-yard fumble return, 30 interception return). The two scores were the first of his career.

Ryan Baraby, Pope John Paul II: Baraby helped snap league rival St. Clements (3-1) three-game win streak behind a beastly performance under center (10-for-21, 201 yards, four touchdowns). His two-point conversion pass to Billy Satkavich capped a 32-31 overtime win.

Joey D’Onofrio, Pope John (Everett): D’Onofrio led the Tigers to their first win of the season in the 48-0 rout of Marian, touching the ball only 9 times to do so. The speedy back carried the ball eight times for 65 yards and four touchdowns and caught a 70-yard TD pass from Mike Sullivan – all in the first half.

Division 5

Dylan Derby, Upper Cape: The Rams (5-0) find themselves undefeated halfway through the regular season and Derby has had plenty to do with it. In the 34-18 win over Tri-County the sophomore rushed for 152 yards and three touchdowns, including a 65-yard kickoff return.

ISL

Jack Becker, Thayer: In a 34-28 win over St. Paul's, Becker threw for 184 yards and three touchdowns, two to Bryan Vieira.

Brendan Daly, St. Sebastian's: In a win over Milton Academy that lifts the Arrows to 3-0, Daly scored four touchdowns.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Reading quarterback Drew Belcher threw one touchdown and ran for another, spurring the Rockets to a 22-15 win over Burlington Friday night. Here are highlights from the game.

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

Rain washed across the high school football scene last weekend, making for an interesting week of results and predictions.

Anthony pegged Barnstable to end Everett's 28-game win streak, while Jason rolled with Weymouth, which pulled out a victory on the wings of David Harrison's game-winning touchdown pass with just 20 seconds to play.

The difference maker? Lincoln-Sudbury's thrashing of Framingham, and Jason rolled with the Warriors.  

Results:
Week 4: Mastro, 3-2; Anthony, 2-3.
Season: Mastro, 25-10; Anthony 18-7.  

Here are our games to watch for Week 5, along with our predictions.   

No. 15 Burlington (4-0) at No. 5 Reading (4-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Anthony: Both teams have impressed early and have rolled to 4-0 starts. Reading has impressed with its stellar defense, which hasn't allowed a point. That said, Burlington and running back Marcus Odiah have torn through opposing defenses and will make for a good matchup. While I think Reading's D finally concedes a touchdown, I believe junior quarterback Drew Belcher leads the Rockets past Burlington to stay undefeated. Reading 28, Burlington 14. 
Mastro: Two very good teams here, and I think Odiah is an extremely talented back who has incredible speed, but also the ability to find holes and run behind his linemen. But I think Reading is the better overall squad. The biggest game on either of these teams' schedules was the 12-0 shutout the Rockets handed Brockton in Week 2, and that's what impressed me most. There are dozens of teams that could shut out Melrose or Arlington on a Saturday afternoon, but keeping Austin Roberts and the Boxers offense out of the end zone had to be a huge confidence boost for that new 4-3 defense in Reading. You nailed the score in this one.

Reading 28, Burlington 13.   Xaverian (1-3) at No. 4 Duxbury (4-0), Saturday, 3 p.m.:
Anthony: When it rains, it pours, and September was a gloomy month for the Xaverian Hawks. After pummeling Malden Catholic in Week 1, the Hawks have lost three straight -- most recently losing to Andover 15-13 last weekend. The schedule doesn't get brighter, as Charlie Stevenson's squad faces the Dragons, No. 9 Bridgewater-Raynham and No. 2 Everett. Duxbury back Jon Hurvitz has wreaked havoc on opponents, scoring eight touchdowns in the first four games. Xaverian's defensive line, anchored by Maurice Hurst, is aggressive, but I think Hurvitz and the Dragons find their way past the Hawks in this one. Duxbury 21, Xaverian 17.
Mastro: I wish I could pick against you here Anthony, but I can't. Bottom line is that Xaverian's 1-3 start isn't encouraging. We know it plays one of the toughest schedules out there, but it's hard to build momentum on offense and build any fluidity on defense when you're on a three-game losing streak and have scored just four touchdowns in the last three weeks. Hurst and Hunter Taute are a couple of big men who can do some damage, so you can't count Xaverian out here, but I like the overall speed and athleticism of this Duxbury team. Duxbury 29, Xaverian 7.  

No. 4 St. John's Prep (3-1) at No. 9 Bridgewater-Raynham (3-1), Saturday, 3 p.m.:
Anthony: This just might be the best matchup of the weekend, and it's only one of two contests that have two Top 20 teams against each other. After a Week 1 loss to Duxbury, B-R has outscored opponents 103-21 behind running back Brandon Gallagher (seven touchdowns). There's no question Eagles running back Johnathan Thomas can match or beat Gallagher's output Friday. In the last three games, Thomas has eclipsed 100 yards. St. John's stout defense was tested two weeks ago against one of the state's best offenses in Everett, and should be able to slow down the Trojans. St. John's Prep 21, Bridgewater-Raynham 12.
Mastro: This may sound ridiculous -- but I'm not totally convinced that Everett is one of the state's best offenses, at least after watching Barnstable shut it down last weekend. The way the Red Raiders forced Everett's speedy receivers inside and contained their speed, it almost took away any downfield threat the Tide had. But had Barnstable's coaching staff not been scouting when Everett played St. John's Prep, who knows what would have happened? And if the Eagles played the Tide again this season, I think I speak for many when I say that game could go either way. Prep's well-constructed offensive line and dynamic rushing duo have me still believing this is a premier team in Eastern Massachusetts. St. John?s Prep 21, Bridgewater-Raynham 7.

Whittier (3-1) at Northeast (3-1), Saturday, 10:30 a.m.:
Anthony: This Saturday morning matchup features two teams that have charged back from opening-week losses. After losing to Stoneham, Whittier has strung together three straight wins, while Northeast did the same after falling to Bishop Fenwick. Northeast quarterback Troy Tartarini sparked the Knights offense in last week's 36-0 win over Greater Lowell, but he'll certainly be matched by Whittier's Connor Bradley. Both have the ability to control the game, but I think Northeast wins this shootout. Northeast 35, Whittier 27. 
Mastro: Whittier's offense has averaged 36 points over the last three weeks, but it has done it against three defenses that have averaged 27 points against this year. Meanwhile, Tartarini has looked like a stud. Northeast rolls. Northeast 34, Whittier 20.  

Foxboro (3-1) at Stoughton (4-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Anthony: Both teams roll into this matchup riding the momentum of huge wins last week. Foxboro shut out then-No. 7 North Attleboro, while Stoughton derailed Mansfield with a 25-6 win. Foxboro's Kiivone Harris (12 touchdowns) and Stoughton's Frank Morris (9 touchdowns) are the top two scorers in Division 3, and the fireworks will be on display Friday night. Through four games, Stoughton has allowed just 26 points, and defense often wins a matchup featuring two great running backs. Stoughton 25, Foxboro 15. 
Mastro: This game is about one thing: David Wade, the 17-year-old Stoughton senior who was shot dead by his older brother last weekend. You see this a lot, particularly in high school sports, where a team that goes through major adversity comes through better and stronger. When Justin Bailey died suddenly last winter, the Natick hockey team went on a roll. When Meghan McCarthy died, Danielle DePierro wore her jersey and led the Tewksbury basketball team on a run. There's a football game to be played in Stoughton on Friday night, but in a close game, give the edge to the team that's playing for more than a "W." Stoughton 28, Foxboro 20.  

Whitman-Hanson (3-1) at Hanover (1-2), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Mastro: Don't overlook this as a Division 2 team that's going to roll over a Division 3 team. Hanover is no bunch of scrubs, and quarterback Ryan Bennett is one year bigger and stronger after starting all of last fall as a junior. If the offensive line can continue to build cohesiveness and give Bennett more time, he could start to have his way with opposing defenses. The Panthers, meanwhile, were haunted by turnovers in last week's 19-3 loss to Pembroke when first-year quarterback Tom Sapienza was picked off three times. I think this is capable of going either way, but on a warm, sunny Friday in Hanover, this could be Bennett's day to shine. Hanover 22, Whitman-Hanson 13.
Anthony: The weather was brutal last weekend, so Sapienza gets a pass in my book. The first-year quarterback has looked good in the first three games of the season, throwing a touchdown in every contest. Wide receiver Dondre James has appeared to be Sapienza's favorite target, hauling in four of his seven touchdowns. While Bennett has shown progress, I think Hanover comes up short in this one. Whitman-Hanson 21, Hanover 15. 

Nauset (4-0) at Scituate (3-1), Saturday, 3 p.m.: Mastro: A lot depends on whether or not Scituate quarterback Mike Stewart (knee) remains sidelined. But regardless, the running game behind 6-foot-5, 265-pound senior John Foster has been good enough for the Sailors. Foster even contributed five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in last week's 14-12 win over Triton and might be one of the better two-way linemen in the area. But Nauset keeps finding a way to win games, whether it's with defense or offense. I think this comes down to the wire, with the experience on the Warriors' side providing the difference. Nauset 20, Scituate 14. Anthony: In two of Nauset's four wins this season, the Warriors have let the opposition score first, and Scituate loves piling the points on early. Like Jason pointed out, a lot depends on Sullivan's health, but I think the Sailors' three-headed rushing attack of Chris Bearce, Noma Okundaye and Dawayne Kirton can still provide enough offensive explosiveness. Nauset has pulled out some close wins, but if this one comes down to the last possession, I think Scituate takes it. Scituate 26, Nauset 20.

Pentucket (3-1) at North Reading (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Mastro: Cody Rothwell is having quite the season for Pentucket. After leading Pentucket to a pair of high-scoring wins over Hamilton-Wenham and Danvers, he again was the best player on the field in a 14-0 win last weekend over an Ipswich team that plays tough defense. He finished with both touchdowns, including a 70-yard run, and two interceptions. The Hornets won't make it easy, but Rothwell is a game-changer. Pentucket 21, North Reading 14.
Anthony: Mastro, I see your Cody Rothwell and I raise you Carl Lipani. In Week 1, the senior back rushed for four touchdowns and in the last two games, he's ripped off 459 yards and four touchdowns. These two are going to steal the spotlight Friday night, and I like Lipani and North Reading in this one. North Reading 22, Pentucket 16.
 
Acton Boxborough (3-1) at Wayland (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Mastro: As A-B's season goes on and it starts to get back some players who went down with injuries in the preseason, it will get better. And A-B's three-headed running attack with William Tejeda, Thomas Saponaro, and Billy Jackman has been quite effective in racking up yardage while keeping each fresh enough to make an impact on defense. Wayland has been putting up big numbers on offense this year and won't make it easy, but the Colonials take this one. Acton-Boxborough 27, Wayland 14.
Anthony: Since taking a tough loss to Chelmsford Week 2, the A-B has rolled through opponents, outscoring them 89-30 for a pair of energizing wins. Wayland has also had its way with opponents, outscoring teams 89-12 in the last two weeks. That said, I think Acton-Boxboro brings a much tougher challenge than Boston Latin and South Boston did to Wayland. I'm with you on this one, and I think the Colonials come back home with a win. Acton-Boxboro, 28, Wayland 12.
 
New Bedford (2-2) at No. 1 Barnstable, Friday, 6 p.m.:
Mastro: I figured we could each use an easy win, and Barnstable at least deserved to have its name in here after last week's upset over Everett. But predicting the score in this game could be as hard as picking the outcome of any game on this list. I'm going to say Nick Peabody connects with Dylan Morris four times. In the first half. Then the subs come in. Have to give New Bedford credit though -- that's one difficult schedule. Barnstable 49, New Bedford 7.
Anthony: New Bedford has hit a tough stretch, losing back-to-back games 42-14 against two great teams in Duxbury and Bridgewater-Raynham. On Friday, it's not going to get any easier for the Whalers. After Barnstable's slugfest with Everett, I think Peabody's going to have some fun in front of the home crowd. But just imagine if Barnstable was so drawn from last week's contest that they came out flat-footed and New Bedford shocked the No. 1? Nah, not this week. Barnstable 36, New Bedford 14.

Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@globe.com and Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jasonmastrodonato@yahoo.com. Follow them on Twitter @gulizia_a and @JMastrodonato.

By Mike Giesta, Globe Correspondent

The 2013 US Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour will visit Everett High School on Thursday to select offensive lineman John Montelus to the US Army All-American Bowl.

The 6-foot-5, 300-pound senior has verbally committed to join Notre Dame next fall.

Everett High will honor Montelus before his teammates, classmates, fans and family during a ceremony at its home field.

For the past 12 years, the US Army All-American Bowl has been the nation’s premier high school football game, showcasing many future college and NFL stars. The game will be played Jan. 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and televised live on NBC.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

The Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association is starting a new weekly award called "Unsung Heroes."

The association has chosen Stoneham's Steve Toussaint and Masconomet's John Tivinis for their Week 4 performances to start.

Coaches can nominate a player -- a starter, backup or scout team player -- on the association's website at http://www.mhsfca.net.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Barnstable upset Everett in a 13-7 win in overtime Friday, leading the way for the Red Raiders to take the top spot in the Boston.com 100. Bob Holmes and I discuss the game as well as what's the top game to watch next week in the Huddle. Also, a closer look at Needham linebacker and defensive end Tim McCarthy.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondent

It was a sloppy, muddy contest at Everett Veteran’s Memorial Stadium as the No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide finally lost. Barnstable snapped Everett’s 28-game winning streak with a 13-7 overtime victory, and the Red Raiders took over the No. 1 spot poll.

Everett lost its first game since Xaverian beat the Tide, 29-0, in the Division 1 Super Bowl Dec. 5, 2009, and promptly moved down to the No. 2 spot.

Duxbury, St. John’s Prep, and Reading remained unchanged to round out the top five, while King Philip stayed at No. 6.

Because of Brockton’s 27-12 loss to St. John’s Prep, Walpole, Natick, and Bridgewater-Raynham all moved up.Weymouth caps off the top 10 after defeating Needham, 32-27, Saturday.

Weymouth stole the victory from the Rockets as Dave Harrison threw his fourth touchdown of the night to receiver Tyler O’Brien with just 20 seconds remaining.

Andover jumped from 15 to No. 11 with a 15-13 win over Xaverian, which fell out of the Top 20 (to No. 21) for the first time all season.

Brockton and Needham landed at Nos. 12 and 13, respectively, while Beverly, Burlington, and Chelmsford each moved up three spots to No. 14, 15, and 16.

North Attleboro suffered a 21-0 thrashing from Foxboro, and fell from No. 7 to No. 17.

Lincoln-Sudbury did the same to Framingham, 40-14, to crack the Top 20 at No. 18.

Central Catholic and Wakefield, who have bounced in and out of the rankings this season, rounded out the Top 20 at Nos. 19 and 20, respectively.

Here is the Week 5 Boston.com Top 100.

The teams were selected by the Globe/Boston.com high school sports staff.

1. Barnstable
2. Everett
3. Duxbury
4. St. John's Prep
5. Reading
6. King Philip
7. Walpole
8. Natick
9. Bridgewater-Raynham
10. Weymouth
11. Andover
12. Brockton
13. Needham
14. Beverly
15. Burlington
16. Chelmsford
17. North Attleboro
18. Lincoln-Sudbury
19. Central Catholic
20. Wakefield
21. Xaverian
22. Haverhill
23. Acton-Boxboro
24. Westford
25. Masconomet
26. Attleboro
27. Somerset-Berkley
28. Franklin
29. Hopkinton
30. Hingham
31. Marblehead
32. Mansfield
33. BC High
34. Framingham
35. New Bedford
36. Tewksbury
37. Lowell
38. Nauset
39. Bedford
40. Lynn English
41. Wayland
42. Stoneham
43. Watertown
44. North Reading
45. Newburyport
46. Pentucket
47. Weston
48. Whitman-Hanson
49. Lynn Classical
50. Newton North
51. Salem
52. Revere
53. North Andover
54. Hamilton-Wenham
55. Billerica
56. Catholic Memorial
57. Sandwich
58. Bishop Fenwick
59. Lynn Classical
60. North Andover
61. Stoughton
62. Foxboro
63. Sharon
64. Saugus
65. Pembroke
66. Oliver Ames
67. Melrose
68. Dennis-Yarmouth
69. Blue Hills
70. Cardinal Spellman
71. Malden Catholic
72. Cathedral
73. Concord-Carlisle
74. Abington
75. Scituate
76. Danvers
77. Sandwich
78. St. Mary’s
79. Scituate
80. Millis/Hopedale
81. Greater Lawrence
82. Shawsheen
83. Wareham
84. Pope John Paul II
85. St. Clement
86. Winchester
87. Dighton-Rehoboth
88. Old Rochester
89. Ashland
90. Northeast
91. Whittier
92. North Shore
93. Coyle & Cassidy
94. Martha’s Vineyard
95. Dorchester
96. Upper Cape
97. Quincy
98. Middleboro
99. Newton South
100. Waltham

By School Sports Staff

A look around EMass as September comes to an end.

Division 1

Dave Harrison, Weymouth: The junior wide receiver got the nod at quarterback against Needham's versatile defense, and he turned in a star performance, throwing the game-winning touchdown to Tyler O'Brien with just 20 seconds left for a 32-27 victory. Harrison finished with 259 yards and four touchdowns, three of which were thrown to O'Brien.

Johnathan Thomas, St. John's Prep: Thomas rushed for 178 yards and scored three touchdowns, lifting the Eagles to a 27-12 victory over Brockton.

Jeff D'Auria, Chelmsford: The senior running back scored four touchdowns and piled up 290 yards on the ground en route to a 35-27 win over Dracut.

CJ Scarpa, Andover: The talented quarterback was 12 for 24 for 207 yards and 2 TDs leading Andover to a 15-13 win over Xaverianl. He opened the game with a 73-yard TD strike to Cam Farnham and followed that with a 23-yard TD strike to Andrew Deloury, giving Andover a 15-0 lead.

Division 1A

Barnstable defensive line: Making one goal line stand against Everett’s big front-five would have been impressive enough, but the Red Raiders did it twice during Friday night’s 13-7 win over the Crimson Tide.

David Maaghul, Cambridge: Maaghul threw four touchdown passes to lift the Falcons over Arlington Catholic. They've scored more than 32 points per game this year, most in the Greater Boston League.

Henry Guild, Lincoln-Sudbury: The senior quarterback went 5 of 8 for 162 yards and two touchdowns while leading the Flyers to a big win over Framingham.

Division 2

Joe Johnston, King Philip: The explosive running back keeps shining for the Warriors week-after-week. On Friday, he carried the ball 22 times for a 178 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Drew Belcher, Reading: The Rockets quarterback threw two touchdown passes and ran for another, to give Reading the 26-0 win over Melrose and remain undefeated.

Division 2A

Aaron Louis, Stoneham: Louis led the Spartans to their fourth win of the season, rushing for 123 yards and scoring three touchdowns in Saturday's 35-7 win over Winchester.

Jimmy Sullivan, Nauset: In a win over Cardinal Spellman, Sullivan ran for 162 yards and had the game-clinching interception in the fourth quarter.

Division 3

Frank Morris, Stoughton: In a big win over Mansfield, the senior fullback ran for 187 yards on 24 carries with four touchdowns.

Nolan Cornu, Hopkinton: He rushed for 262 yards on 34 carries with 4 touchdowns as the Hillers crushed Weston 41-6.

Kiivone Howard, Foxboro: He scored all three touchdowns for Warriors as they shut out North Attleboro, 21-0.

Division 3A

Matt Talbot, Amesbury: The senior quarterback was efficient for the Indians in their 37-24 win over visiting Hamilton-Wenham Saturday. The signal caller completed 7 of 10 passes for 114 yards and two scores while running 14 times for 117 yards and a touchdown.

Joshua Cobb, Coyle & Cassidy: The junior back worked overtime -- 6 to be exact -- to help the Warriors defeat Bristol-Plymouth Friday night. Cobb carried 41 times for 233 yards and scored 5 touchdowns as C&C outlasted the Craftsmen, 38-32, in a contest that lasted six extra sessions.

Division 4

Cristian Rivera, Greater Lawrence: Rivera carried the Reggies over Brighton, 41-12, as he took 17 carries for 247 yards. Rivera also ran for three touchdowns highlighted by a 25 yard rush that opened the games scoring.

Rufus Rushins, Bishop Fenwick: Rushins led the Crusaders' second-half comeback against Georgetown, 32-20, by running for 197 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.

Troy Tartarini, Northeast: In a shutout of Greater Lowell, 36-0, Tartarini carried the load for the Golden Knights, throwing for three touchdowns and 200 yards on 5-for-9 passing. Tartarini also rushed for a touchdown as he tallied 110 yards on the ground.

Babila Forkem, Abington: The senior back ran for 124 yards and a touchdown against Cohasset, and on defense, knocked down two passes and was in on five tackles.

Division 4A

Brandon Gordon, Blue Hills: After their first loss of the season to North Shore last week, Gordon helped the Warriors (3-1) right the ship in their 40-16 win over South Shore. Summoning that same magic that turned heads Week 1 in his first-ever varsity appearance (134 yards, two touchdowns), Gordon kept up his pace rushing 13 times for 176 yards and three TD’s (45, 56, and 75 yard rushes) in the victory.

Devon Pratt, Shawsheen: The Rams (3-1) have posted 98 points in the past two games (both wins), and Pratt has had a lot of stake in those scores. With three TD catches in the 43-13 win over Lynn Tech this weekend, Pratt, who by all means has been the best receiver in Division 4A this season, upped his two-game total to eight touchdown grabs.

Brandon Gomes & Alex Medeiros, Bishop Connolly: Medeiros, a true runner only filling in at quarterback this year due to injury, has done well so far in Bishop Connolly’s (3-1) option offense. Brandon Gomes, the team’s starting running back, has done the same. The duo packs a potent punch offensively, as they showed in the 36-0 win over Marian. They combined for 258 yards on 28 carries, including five touchdowns in the win.

Division 5

Robinson Cyprien, Dorchester: The Bears (4-0) are in some pretty uncharted territory as of late with all the wins the team is piling up. And if Cyprien continues to rumble as he did in the 36-24 win against Latin Academy, there’s plenty more where that came from. Cyprien, who had a career day against LA, rushed for a career-high 279 yards and two touchdowns in the game.

Jon Durmont, Upper Cape: The Rams (3-0) already eclipsed last year’s win total with a slim, 14-13, win over Diman. Jon Durmont, the junior receiver who can run a 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds, secured two touchdowns, a two-point conversion, and had 141 yards rushing to give the Rams their third straight victory.

ISL

Michael Leary, Belmont Hill: In a 35-14 win over St. Paul's, Leary had an 80-yard punt return for a score, and caught two touchdown passes.

Sean and Mackay Lowrie, Roxbury Latin: The bother combination combined on 4 touchdown passes in a 34-33 win over Thayer.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Weymouth quarterback Dave Harrison threw four touchdowns Friday night against Needham, but none more pivotal than his 21-yard strike to Tyler O'Brien with 20 seconds remaining. See all the highlights of Friday's electric game here.

By Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondent

Barnstable 13, Everett 7.

It’s still strange to look at. After 28 straight wins and a pair of Super Bowl titles, John DiBiaso’s team has lost.

Here are some leftover thoughts after an electric, overtime thriller left Eastern Massachusetts with a new No. 1 team on Friday night:

• This game would have been much different on a sunny day. And that doesn’t mean Barnstable still wouldn’t have won. It seemed like the pouring rain would have given the advantage to Everett, which boasts 300-pound linemen across the front five and relies much more on the running game. The weather forced Barnstable quarterback Nick Peabody into throwing some difficult passes, and his receivers from finding open space. But it also meant that Everett’s explosive backs in Jalen Felix and Jakarrie Washington couldn’t be utilized. So the rain hurt both teams.


• Everett didn’t play very well. DiBiaso was the first to admit it. The Tide outmatched the Red Raiders with size, but the Red Raiders outmatched the Tide with might. There were a few times that blown blocks on the outside forced Felix or Washington into falling just short of breaking a long run. And twice Everett was stopped on the goal line. That should never happen to a team with that much skill on the offensive line.


• Barnstable's Nick Peabody has a very good arm. Even in the rain, that was evident. He can spot open receivers and reads coverage well. Again, had the weather been different, he surely would have done better than 5 for 18 with 116 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception.


• For a third-string quarterback, Everett’s Gilly DeSouza is very much getting the job done. It’s apparent that he doesn’t have the experience under center, at times throwing lob passes when he needed to throw darts, but he looks incredibly comfortable running the offense. He also adds the bonus dynamic of being the kicker and punter, which forces the opposition to take the fake seriously each time Everett lines up to boot it. And he’s quite the defensive player.


• The Red Raiders really believed they were going to win this game. They thought they were the best. Senior linebacker Andrew Ellis said he could sense the fear on the Everett side, which was especially strange considering he’s the one who felt that fear in last year’s matchup. After what Barnstable did on Friday, there’s no question they’re the No. 1 team in the state. But that’s not to say Everett couldn’t beat them in a possible rematch later this year.

Final stats:
Passing:
Barnstable: Nick Peabody, 5 for 18, 116 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT.
Everett: Gilly DeSouza, 4 for 8, 29 yards, 1 INT.

Rushing:
Barnstable: Hayden Murphy, 13 rushes, 54 yards; Peabody, 4 rushes, 16 yards; Tedaro France, 2 rushes, 14 yards.
Everett: Washington, 11 rushes, 99 yards; Kenny Calaj, 15 rushes, 57 yards; Felix, 12 rushes, 24 yards, 1 TD; DeSouza, 8 rushes, 19 yards; Joey Owuor, 4 rushes, 7 yards; Marquis Holman, 3 rushes, 7 yards; Joey White, 2 rushes, 4 yards.
Total: Barnstable, 19 rushes, 84 yards (4.4 yards per carry); Everett, 55 rushes, 217 yards (4 yards per carry).

Receiving:
Barnstable: Dylan Morris, 3 receptions, 56 yards, 2 TD; James Burke, 1 reception, 36 yards; France, 1 reception, 24 yards.
Everett: Felix, 2 receptions, 18 yards; Washington, 2 receptions, 12 yards.

Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jasonmastrodonato@yahoo.com or follow along on Twitter @JMastrodonato.

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

After an exciting Week 3, Jason turned in another 8-2 performance. Likewise, Anthony followed with an identical 5-5 finish, as he did in Week 2. A model of consistency, right?

Results:
Week 3: Mastro, 8-2; Anthony 5-5
Season: Mastro 22-8; Anthony 16-14

Here are our games to watch for Week 4, along with our predictions.

No. 2 Barnstable (3-0) at No. 1 Everett (3-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: I thought Everett was going to lose last week against St. John’s Prep, and I was wrong. But again, there’s reason to believe Barnstable can beat Everett. Everett held the Prep to just seven points, but the Eagles struggled to convert plenty of opportunities – including a scoring chance from Everett’s 1-yard line right before the half that would have given St. John’s a two-possession lead. Barnstable has outscored opponents 145-34, led by senior Nick Peabody’s Division 1A-leading 13 touchdowns. Don’t expect him to leave the chances on the table. Those at last week’s game saw Everett lock down the Eagles’ running game, so the downfield threat might be the only way past the Tide, but it will be tough with athletic defensive backs like Jakarrie Washington. Everett pack’s a powerful punch on offense, led by kicker-turned-safety-turned-quarterback Gilly DeSouza at the helm. Did I mention he still does all three effectively? Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
Barnstable 26, Everett 21.

Mastro: Nick Peabody is quite the quarterback. But Everett is quite the team. Yes, the Tide could have very well lost that game against St. John’s Prep, but the more important thing is that they played that game. They also played against Leominster and Springfield Central. Everett served the only loss to all three of those teams. Barnstable played a good Sandwich team, but running over Dennis-Yarmouth and Durfee can’t compare to a game against Everett. I’m going with the battle-tested, Gilly DeSouza-run Crimson Tide.
Everett 31, Barnstable 21.

No. 12 Needham (3-0) at No. 14 Weymouth (3-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: Both teams have rolled out to a 3-0 lead, and it’s likely this game decides the Bay State conference title. Needham running back Mike Panepinto is off to a hot start, and his eight touchdowns lead Division 1. Who falls in at No. 2? Weymouth’s junior wide receiver David Harrison, with seven. Go figure. There’s a lot to like here in both teams, and it’s sure to be a slugfest. But I think Needham has been better-tested thus far, and a big 21-14 win over Mansfield in Week 2 proved the Rockets mean business. Panepinto rose to the occasion and ripped off all three touchdowns, so don’t expect him to back down from the Wildcats.
Needham 28, Weymouth 21.

Mastro: I’m not sure either of these teams has really been battle-tested, with a combined record of their opponents standing firm at 4-14. But it’s still early in the season. The schedules are often lighter to start, and we’ll see what each is made of as we get into some league play. For now, give me Ozzy Colarusso.
Weymouth 28, Needham 21.

Lincoln-Sudbury (3-0) at Framingham (2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: Lincoln-Sudbury lost 27 seniors last season, but that hasn’t stopped Tom Lopez’s team from jumping out to a 3-0 start. The Warriors have surrendered just 19 points all season, but they will face a tough test against Framingham. The Flyers played No. 8 Walpole extraordinarily tight in Week 2, losing 27-21, only to come back in Week 3 and trounce Newton North 47-20. Flyers quarterback Chris Bloomingdale’s eight touchdowns are just three behind Division 1 leader CJ Scarpa (Andover), and he loves connecting with Matthew Cronin (4 TDs).
Framingham 31, Lincoln-Sudbury 20.

Mastro: I love the way Bloomingdale is playing. I think there’s more to be said for the way that those summer 7-on-7 leagues can really help a maturing quarterback. But in my three-plus years covering high school sports, I don’t think I’ve seen better overall athletes than those from L-S and Concord-Carlisle. Regardless of graduation, new kids keep stepping up. The Warriors are still very good. And Chris Giorgio is one heck of a player.
Lincoln-Sudbury 29, Framingham 22.

Melrose (2-1) at No. 5 Reading (3-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: Reading’s defense is yet to give up a touchdown, only giving up two points all season, which came in a 46-2 win over Lawrence when a failed extra-point was returned. It’ll be interesting to see how long the dominant streak can continue, and this game is one to watch. While the Rockets touchdown streak might be in jeopardy, their win-loss record won’t be. Drew Belcher is a duo-threat, punishing opponents this season with both his arm and legs so far. He leads Division 2 with eight touchdown passes, and while he only has just one rushing touchdown, he picked up 120 yards on the ground against a stout, Brockton defense.
Reading 35, Melrose 14.

Mastro: I doubt this one will be very close. I think Drew Belcher is really growing into himself as an overall player and the Reading defense may very well pick up another shut-out here against a Melrose team that lost a lot to graduation.
Reading 28, Melrose 0.

Wareham (3-0) at Somerset-Berkley (3-0), Saturday, 1 p.m.:

Anthony: If you’re down on the South Shore Saturday afternoon, this game is one to get to. Both teams boast prolific offensive attacks. Wareham has outscored opponents 106-27, while Somerset-Berkley has ran a margin of 112-15 on opponents. Wareham running back Darien Fernandez has emerged as one of the area’s top backs, if not the best, with seven touchdowns. Six of them came in Week 1, but Fernandez runs hard and is threat on a weekly basis. Most run games come between the tackles or outside the guards, but Fernandez has a got 6-foot-7-inch center in Quintin Silveira to block for him. Somerset running back Garret Carlos is no slouch either, rushing for four touchdowns in his first two games, but I think Wareham escapes this one with the win.
Wareham 20, Somerset-Berkley 17.

Mastro: Until I see someone stop Fernandez and quarterback Anthony Abbott in the same game, I won’t be picking against Wareham unless the opponents are wearing Batman capes. And actually, Wareham has a couple quick, strong running backs that can pile up the yardage when Fernandez needs a breather. It’s just a solid offense, all around.
Wareham 28, Somerset-Berkley 14.

Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@globe.com and Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jasonmastrodonato@yahoo.com. Follow them on Twitter @gulizia_a and @JMastrodonato.

By Eric Russo, Globe Correspondent

EVERETT -- With its victory over St. John’s Prep on Saturday afternoon, Everett extended its winning streak to 28 games. This week, the Tide (3-0) faces Barnstable (3-0), which beat Sandwich Friday night, 35-14.

The Red Raiders' win, coupled with the Prep’s loss at Everett, moves Barnstable to No. 2 in the state and sets up a 1 vs. 2 matchup for the second straight week.

“We got a big challenge this week,” coach John DiBiaso said. “A very good offense, a lot different, they throw the ball around, they spread it out. It’s gonna be a big challenge. This is their big 1-2 matchup. We can’t think we’ve already had ours. We’ve got to come ready to play and be serious from the beginning.”

Led by senior quarterback Nick Peabody, Barnstable has scored 55, 55, and 35 points in its first three games.

“We’ve got to play good defense,” DiBiaso said. “We can’t give up the big play because they’re a big-play team. They've got a couple real good receivers. (Peabody) is gonna be a challenge.

“He brings something different to the table. He’s more like the Springfield kid (Cody Williams), where he can throw the ball.”

The Tide was shorthanded for Tuesday’s practice, after a JV game on Monday night.

“(We got) a couple guys banged up,” DiBiaso said. “We had a JV game last night, so we gave some of them a day off.”

.............................

The Crimson Tide held St. John’s Prep to less than 50 yards of offense in the second half Saturday, and a big reason for the great effort was senior defensive end Omar Graciano.

Early in the fourth quarter, with Everett ahead, 12-7, the Prep intercepted Tide quarterback Gilly DeSouza and returned the ball to the Everett 25. But the Prep struggled to capitalize, and on fourth down Graciano got to quarterback Jack Sharrio and brought him down for a sack, forcing the Eagles to turn the ball over on downs.

“I mean, it was a great play,” Graciano said. “We were sending pressure from the outside and our outside linebacker got blocked and I was untouched and went in there and saw an opportunity. When you see the quarterback’s backside, your eyes get big and you gotta make the play.”

Graciano said the Tide made some tweaks at halftime that limited Sharrio in the second half.

“We made adjustments in the second half,” he said. “(Coach DiBiaso) told me to spy him on the option and I just went in there, did my job, made a couple big plays down the stretch, and came up with the win.

“Originally, (the game plan was) stop the run,” he said. “And then he was beating us outside on the option a lot so coach moved me over. He switched me and Jeff (Soluque) over to different sides. I usually play weak side, he plays strong side. He put me on the quarterback.”

This week against Barnstable, Graciano said he hopes to pick up where he left off against the Prep.

“They pass a lot," he said. "(I want) to get sack after sack, hopefully.”

.............................

DeSouza is the Crimson Tide’s residence renaissance man. He does it all: quarterback, kicker, punter, and safety.

Is it ever hard to focus on all of those positions?

“That’s just trying to stay focused during practice,” DeSouza said. “My coaches help me out a lot during practice. The players help me out, just staying focused. I try to keep my composure and just execute everything we have to do, one thing at a time. Whether I’m playing quarterback, kicking, or safety.”

The senior also said that while it is difficult to stay fresh at every spot, he will do whatever the team needs.

“At the end of the day, you just gotta suck it up for your team and play," he said. "So even if you get an interception runback, you just have to concentrate on the kick; points are important at the end of the game.”

DeSouza reiterated that he and his teammates need to step it up on defense once again on Friday.

“This week, our defense has to be on,” he said. “(Barnstable) throws a lot, (Peabody) threw over 50 passes last game. I know our D-ends, Omar, Jeff, the D-line, our linebackers, will be all set. We’ve got a lot of experience back there. I’m confident.”

.............................

Over the past two weeks, the Patriots have lost on a last-second field goal. At the end of the game against Arizona in Week 2, Stephen Gostkowski missed a potential game-winning field goal, and Sunday night the Ravens’ Justin Tucker squeezed one just inside the right upright to lead his team past New England.

Who better to ask about kicking last-second field goals than DeSouza.

“You never know (what’s going to happen),” he said. “One little thing, (Gostkowski) picking up his head a little too quick, or his plant foot is wrong, and you can just completely miss the kick.

“But he’s a good kicker, he’ll be all set if it comes down to it again.”

DeSouza didn’t see the kick that ended Sunday night’s game because he was busy watching soccer, “I didn’t watch (the game), Sunday is Brazilian day, I watch all my soccer on Sunday.”

He did, however, say he has experience in last-second situations; one in Pop Warner and one his freshman year against Malden to send the game to overtime. DeSouza said that there is no difference between the mentality of a regular kick and one at the end of a game.

“You look at it like every other kick," he said. "Take your steps, keep your head down and your hips and you should just get it right through the upright.”

.............................

The Tide also chimed in on the biggest story in football right now: NFL replacement officials.

“I saw the Patriots game and the Seahawks game (Monday night),” Graciano said. “(The officiating) wasn’t up to par, I would say. Really poor. I could have made calls like that.”

DeSouza said he was shocked when he saw the highlights of the Seahawks-Packers final play Monday night.

“Everyone’s thinking it’s a joke,” he said. “I don’t even know what to say anymore. That play was a joke. My mouth dropped.”

.............................

Every week we’ll have a captain or senior make a prediction for the upcoming Patriots game.

THIS WEEK’S PICK - PATRIOTS at BILLS

Sr. Gilly DeSouza, QB/K/DB: “(Patriots) are gonna come back fierce, especially the offense, they should be all set, easy win this week, 24-13.”

By Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondent

Jason Nascimento has been named the interim head coach of the Medford High football program for the remainder of the season after Rico Dello Iacono was relieved of his duties Monday, according to Athletic Director Bob Maloney.

Nascimento, the Mustangs' defensive coordinator, will coach the next eight games, and the situation will be re-evaluated at season’s end, Maloney said Tuesday morning.

“It was a difficult day in Medford yesterday,” the athletic director said. “But it just wasn’t working out and the administration felt it was time to turn it over to Jason.

“It’s difficult to let someone go, and even more difficult when they are a good person, and Rico is a good person.”

Dello Iacono, who served as the defensive coordinator at Greater Boston League rival Everett High prior to his hiring at Medford in 2008, turned in a 5-5 record in his first season. But the Mustangs dipped to 1-9 and 0-10 the last two seasons. Medford (0-3) has been outscored 90-7 this season.

“We don’t want to come across as putting an emphasis on wins and losses,” Maloney said. “It’s about being competitive, and we want to produce a competitive product.”

Nascimento, who played defensive back at Tufts from 2004-07, was the special teams coach at Everett while Dello Iacono was defensive coordinator, Maloney said.

“We had a meeting yesterday at 3 p.m. with Rico and the staff, and it was a unanimous decision that Jason would take over as head coach,” Maloney said.

Nascimento, an Everett native, is also a math teacher at Medford High.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Week 3 of the high school football season saw the first games for prep teams in the state, but it was also a chance to see No. 1 Everett take on No. 2 St. John's Prep. We have those highlights and more. We also have a feature on St. John's Prep running back Jonathan Thomas.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By Anthony Gulizia and Andy Deossa, Globe Correspondents

It was a good week for the Top 20, as 18 of 20 teams picked up a win in Week 3.

Everett picked up a 19-7 win over St. John’s Prep, retaining the No. 1 spot while the Eagles fell to No. 4.

Barnstable and Duxbury moved up a spot to Nos. 2 and 3, while Reading, King Philip North Attleboro and Walpole all moved up one spot as well.

Brockton, which was previously ranked at No. 12, beat Xaverian 22-14 to move up to the No. 9 spot, and the Hawks fell to No. 13.

With Brockton moving up, Needham jumped to No. 12.

Other than the aforementioned moves, everyone stayed where they were in Week 3.

However, this week is sure to cause some movement in the poll as eight of the Top 20 teams will square off against each other.

We’ll see another matchup between the top two teams, this time with Everett facing Barnstable. No. 4 St. John’s Prep will face No. 9 Brockton, No. 12 Needham will face No. 14 Weymouth and No. 13 Xaverian will face No. 15 Andover.

Boston.com 100
1. Everett
2. Barnstable
3. Duxbury
4. St. John's Prep
5. Reading
6. King Philip 
7. North Attleboro
8. Walpole
9. Brockton
10. Natick
11. Bridgewater-Raynham
12. Needham
13. Xaverian
14. Weymouth
15. Andover
16. Mansfield
17. Beverly
18. Burlington
19. Chelmsford
20. BC High 
21. Central Catholic
22. Lowell
23. Wakefield
24. Lincoln-Sudbury
25. Haverhill
26. Acton-Boxboro
27. Westford
28. North Andover
29. Masconomet
30. Framingham
31. New Bedford
32. Attleboro
33. Lynn English
34. Hopkinton
35. Hingham
36. Marblehead
37. Nauset
38. Whitman-Hanson
39. Weston
40. Newton North
41. Bedford
42. Billerica
43. Catholic Memorial
44. Tewksbury
45. Wayland
46. Dennis-Yarmouth
47. Pentucket
48. North Reading
49. Hamilton-Wenham
50. Melrose
51. Watertown
52. Revere
53. Newburyport
54. Salem
55. Bishop Fenwick
56. Arlington
57. Cardinal Spellman
58. Lynn Classical
59. Cathedral
60. Oliver Ames
61. Stoughton
62. Sharon
63. Foxboro
64. Stoneham
65. Blue Hills
66. Dracut
67. Concord-Carlisle
68. Mashpee
69. Pembroke
70. Lowell Catholic
71. Danvers
72. Swampscott
73. Sandwich
74. Saugus
75. Winchester
76. St. Clement
77. St. Mary’s
78. Somerset Berkley
79. Scituate
80. Middleboro
81. Greater Lawrence
82. Abington
83. Pope John Paul II
84. East Bridgewater
85. Wareham
86. Bourne
87. Dighton-Rehoboth
88. Newton South
89. Shawsheen
90. Northeast
91. North Shore
92. Old Rochester
93. Ashland
94. Norwell
95. Coyle & Cassidy
96. Martha’s Vineyard
97. Dorchester
98. Latin Academy
99. Upper Cape
100. Taunton

By Globe School Sports Staff

Division 1

Christopher Bloomingdale, Framingham: Bloomingdale turned in a stellar performance for the Flyers, throwing for five touchdowns and 253 yards to give his team a 47-20 win over Newton North. The senior quarterback also rushed for a touchdown.

Jordan Bolarinho, Billerica: The junior quarterback was 17 for 20 for 275 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Indians to a 34-26 win over Tewksbury.

Alex Kasirye, Lowell: Kasirye hauled in three touchdown passes from Cam Latta, including one for 68 yards in his team's 31-20 win over Franklin Friday. He also returned an interception for 25 yards.

Division 1A

Nick Peabody, Barnstable: Another electric week for one of the state's best quarterbacks, as the senior tossed five touchdowns, going 27 for 39 with 402 yards in a 35-14 win over Sandwich.

Nick Heras, Newton South: No wins last year for the Lions, but suddenly they're 2-1 behind the sophomore quarterback, who ran and passed for more than 100 yards, combining for four touchdowns.

Everett defense: St. John's Prep had scored 80 points in two weeks before being held to just 7 by the Tide, who forced an interception in the red zone and contained the Eagles' dynamic running duo.

Division 2

Rob Rapoza, Mansfield: The senior captain had 20 carries for 248 yds and three touchdowns in a 31-16 win over Dracut. He also had two receptions for 20 yds and atouchdown.

Marcus Odiah, RB, Burlington: The speedy running back already holds a school record for career rushing yards, but he just keeps adding to it every week. He rushed for 243 yards and four touchdowns in Friday's 48-28 win over Belmont. Odiah now has rushed for 705 yards and has scored 10 touchdowns in three games this season.

Division 2A

Jimmy Sullivan, RB, Nauset: Sullivan carried the ball 16 times for 143 yards and three touchdowns, leading Nauset to a 34-14 win over Mashpee to keep the Warriors undefeated.

Division 3A

Alec Tattersall, Martha's Vineyard: The 6-foot-1 senior QB led the Vineyarders back from a 22-8 halftime deficit, completing 7 of 14 passes for 113 yards and 4 touchdowns through the air, as well as the game-winning 1-yard run with 1:56 remaining to defeat host Brighton 45-38 on Friday.

Carl Lipani, North Reading: The 5-10 senior back carried 33 times for 239 yards and scored on rushes of 45 and 20 yards to give the Hornets a 21-7 win over visiting Amesbury Friday.

Division 4

Mike O’Hearn, Shawsheen: In an epic shootout against Cambridge O'Hearn was 22 for 33 passing for 358 yards and six touchdowns. The Rams defeated Cambridge 55-45.

Jordan Manthorne, St. Mary's: In a 36-6 victory over East Boston Manthorne carried the ball nine times for 186 yards and three touchdowns.

Division 4A

Kenny Bartolo, Northeast: The Knight’s (2-1) won their second straight with a strong offensive showing, racking up a total of 520 yards of offense in the 44-24 win over Pope John Saturday. The offensive eruption was spearheaded by Bartolo, who rushed for 215 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries.

Mike Ferreira, Diman: Diman scored its first touchdowns of the year and held on to win its first game of the season, 21-19, over West Bridgewater Saturday. Ferreira had 243 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries.

Division 5

Keylin McCray, Boston English: With the 14-6 win over New Mission, the Blue & Blue (1-1) finally earned their first on-field win since coach Chris Boswell took over in 2010 and McCray had a lot to do with it. He rushed for the team’s first touchdown of the season and later in the first half ripped off New Mission receiver Isshiah Coleman in the end zone for a game-changing interception before intermission.

Matt Cook, Monomoy: In the school’s first-ever football game, Monomoy held their own. Behind a big game from Matt Cook (three rushing touchdowns), they were able to topple St. Jospeh’s Prep, 26-14.

NEPSAC

Jonathan DiBiaso, Phillips Exeter: The former Everett star threw for 127 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-13 win over Worcester Academy.

Steven Dwight, Hyde (Maine): In a 28-16 win over Tilton, Dwight ran for 108 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Tate Jozokos, Governor's Academy: In a wild 49-43 win over Thayer, the defending ISL MVP ran for 163 yards and four touchdowns.

Jack Becker and Bryan Vieira, Thayer: Though on the losing end of the game with Thayer, there were offensive stars. Becker was 15-of-26 passing for 294 yards and four touchdowns and Bryan Vieira caught six of those passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns.

Jerome Cappadona, Pingree: In a 26-13 win over Portsmouth Abbey, Cappadona passed for 301 yards and a touchdown and ran for 110 and another score.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Brockton's Austin Roberts threw two touchdown passes to Micah Morel and ran for another as the Boxers beat the Xaverian Hawks 22-14 Friday night at Rocky Marciano Stadium. Here are highlights from the game, including interviews with Roberts and Brockton coach Peter Colombo.

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

Anthony is trending closer to that .500 mark on the year with a 5-5 Week 2 performance. That said, Jason breezed through the picks, courtesy of Tewksbury’s surprise 30-22 win over Haverhill, Hingham’s win over Cohasset and Needham’s win over Mansfield.

Results so far:

Week 2: Mastro 8-2; Anthony 5-5
Season: Mastro 14-6; Anthony 11-9

Here are our 10 games to watch for Week 3, along with our predictions.

No. 2 St. John’s Prep (2-0) at No. 1 Everett (2-0), Saturday, 2:30 p.m.:

Anthony: Everything about picking against Everett just feels wrong, so how can picking St. John’s Prep feel right? Two words – Jonathan Thomas. But I’ll let Jason discuss that (see below). Quarterback Jack Shario has shown he is capable of making the right plays at the right time. After throwing just three TDs his junior year, he’s already thrown four in the first two games of the season (wins against Dracut and Central Catholic). The Eagles have slightly moved away from the option offense, showing a more balanced attack that looks strong enough to give Everett trouble. However, the Tide can never be underestimated, especially with their gargantuan offensive line and talented wide receivers. Gilly De Souza has proved he is more than capable at bridging Everett’s gap under center, and the Prep’s top-notch defense will certainly be tested. If Dick Vitale were here, he’d say “This game’s gonna be awesome baby, with a capital A!”
St. John’s Prep 30, Everett 27. 

Mastro: Having Thomas on both sides of the ball this year has proved to be quite the weapon for St. John’s Prep. He’s one of the better overall athletes I’ve seen, no question about it. And his counterpart on the rushing attack, Alex Moore, is no scrub either. But my concern for the Prep is that these guys will be tested defensively for the first time this season. They’ve been able to take it relatively easy the first two weeks – with no slight to Dracut or Central Catholic, but compared to the wide receivers they’ll have to defend on Saturday, it will have seemed like a cakewalk. I think this is going to be a battle till the end. And I know I said I wouldn’t pick against the Eagles until they lost, but I’ve got a feeling Everett survives another week thanks to a strong fourth-quarter push.
Everett 28, St. John’s Prep 21.

Lynn English (1-1) at No. 17 Beverly (2-0), Saturday, 1 p.m.:

Anthony: Another great game on Saturday afternoon, as the Bulldogs try to get back on track against Beverly. But it won’t be easy, as the Panthers have steamrolled to two wins, outscoring opponents 66-14. Last year, Beverly won a wild 36-35 decision by scoring a touchdown in the final minute and Kenny Pierce rushed for five touchdowns. Unfortunately, for the Bulldogs, Pierce is back for this year’s installment of the matchup, alongside running back Brendan Flaherty.
Beverly 28, English 17.

Mastro: The Panthers have looked impressive on paper this season, no doubt. What I thought would be a pair of close games against Concord-Carlisle and Lynn Classical instead ended in embarrassment for the road teams. Lynn English does have some talented players, with the speedy Josh Batista making it tough for opponents to beat the Bulldogs through the air, but I think Beverly will be too much for them to handle.
Beverly 35, English 20.
 
No. 4 Xaverian (1-1) at No. 12 Brockton (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: The larger-than-life, 20-foot statue of Rocky Marciano will be unveiled at Brockton High School Sunday afternoon, and the Boxers will certainly have a heavyweight fight on their hands Friday night. Xaverian is fresh off a 62-0 loss to St. Joseph’s (N.J.), while Brockton is coming off a 12-0 loss to Reading, and both are going to be chomping at the bit. I think Xaverian’s defensive line, anchored by Maurice Hurst, will give the Boxers trouble as they try to work out the kinks in their triple option attack.
Xaverian 20, Brockton 12.

Mastro: Really not sure which Brockton team is going to show up, because if it’s the one that never came off the bus in Reading last weekend, this could get ugly. But there’s something about getting your face smashed in by 62 points that makes me wonder how the Hawks will bounce back. They started the year 4-0 last year, and once they lost their first game, they ended up losing four of the next five. If the Boxers can come ready to play the way they did in Week 1, I think they can pull this one out.
Brockton 22, Xaverian 20.
 
Revere (2-0) at Swampscott (1-1), Saturday, 12 p.m.:

Anthony: A classic North Shore matchup in which Swampscott got the better of Revere last season with a 28-0 victory. I don’t expect the same this year, as Revere comes out with its third win of the season. That’s no bias, is it? (RHS ’09)
Revere 24, Swampscott 20.

Mastro: You homer! Just kidding, if you picked against your own school, they wouldn’t let you back in those hallways again. I actually have to agree with you. I think the way Revere has spread the ball around between quarterback Joel Ritchie, tailback Tommy Portait and wideout Kyle Gotham has shown that it’s a team capable of putting up points in multiple ways. And considering Swampscott doesn’t have a single starter back from last year’s team, this one should be all Revere.
Revere  29, Swampscott 14.
 
Wareham (2-0) at Apponequet (1-1), Friday, 4 p.m.:

Anthony: Darien Fernandez rushed for six touchdowns in Wareham’s 51-14 demolition of Falmouth in Week 1, and Anthony Abbott threw two TDs and rushed for two more in last week’s 35-6 win over Case. Which will star in Friday’s game at Apponequet? If I say Fernandez, Abbott is sure to shine. If I say Abbott, Fernandez will have a game. So let’s call it a day and say they share the load on offense and each score twice.
Wareham 28, Apponequet 8.

Mastro: Unless the referees are deducting points for every ankle Fernandez breaks with his Fred-Flintstone-like twinkle toes, they Vikings will put up more than 28 points.  I like Wareham a lot. I think Fernandez only gets better as the year goes on and his body builds up more endurance, allowing his small, but incredibly strong frame to keep churning into the fourth quarter. And Abbott is a poised senior quarterback that can lead this team a long way.
Wareham 35, Apponequet 15
 
Pembroke (1-0) at Stoughton (2-0) Friday, 7 p.m.:

Mastro: Here’s the interesting part about this one: Pembroke has an experienced and powerful offensive line, but inexperience under center. Stoughton has a new group up front, but brings back some speedy players in the backfield and a three-headed running game between Aaron Mack, Marcus Middleton, and Frankie Morris. I know having a strong line is important, but in high school football, I’ll always take the experienced rushing game, and Morris and Mack have already combined for five touchdowns on the ground this year.
Stoughton 22, Pembroke 13.

Anthony: It’s hard to pick against Stoughton here, especially after breezing through Holliston and Taunton in Weeks 1 and 2. However, I see this as a classic trap game for Stoughton, with a big matchup against Mansfield looming in Week 4. Morris and Mack look good, but I like Pembroke back Colin Clafin and the Titans front five.
Pembroke 18, Stoughton 12.
 
Mashpee (1-1) at Nauset (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Mastro: Nauset keeps getting better under third year coach Keith Kenyon, and the 2-0 start has to be encouraging. But after Mashpee’s 22-0 shutout performance over Falmouth, it might safe to call its opening-week loss to Austin Prep somewhat of a fluke. If Mashpee is awake in this one, Jared Taylor should run wild.
Mashpee 29, Nauset 7.

Anthony: After Mashpee’s Week 1 debacle, I proceed cautiously in siding with the Falcons here. But after last week’s shutout, Mashpee is looking more like the team that ran wild at Gillette last December. I’ll take Taylor and the Falcons in this one, as a strong Nauset team takes their first loss of the season.
Mashpee 27, Nauset 12.
 
Newton North (2-0) at Framingham (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m:

Mastro: I’m happy for Newton North coach Peter Capodilupo, who was able to watch his team rally twice in two weeks to begin the season 2-0. But Framingham is looking really strong this year, and last week’s battle with Walpole proved it. The Flyers could have very easily come out on top in that one, instead turning the ball over twice in the red zone and ending the game by coming up short on fourth and 1. Chris Bloomingdale has been a big part of their pass-first offense and he should lead Framingham to a win on Friday.
Framingham 28, Newton North 14.

Anthony: Last year Nate Menninger ruined Framingham’s day, as he booted a 24-yard field goal in the last two minutes to give Newton North a 23-21 win. Newton North can only hope the game can be as close this year, as Framingham looks charged up after a close 27-21 loss to Walpole last week. Bloomingdale showed his ability to guide Framingham’s offense in Week 1, and look for more of the same tonight.
Framingham 28, Newton North 7.
 
Danvers (2-0) at Pentucket (1-1), Saturday, 1 p.m.:

Mastro: The Falcons set a school record last weekend putting up 61 points and scoring on all eight possessions in a defamation of Peabody. Last year, Peabody beat Danvers, 21-7. I know it’s early, and I know Sean Rogers wouldn’t want us saying this, but the Falcons may be ready to make a run at Beverly and the rest of the favorites in the CAL/NEC Division 2. Pentucket is no pushover, but Danvers will be shoving.
Danvers 35, Pentucket 14.

Anthony: I’m not sure if Danvers can look any better than they did last week against Peabody. Records were set, and it’s likely they won’t be touched for a while. The emotions should be running high for the Falcons, as I’d imagine an insurmountable amount of energy will be carried into this game from the win.
Danvers 28, Pentucket 8.
 
Winchester (2-0) at Wakefield (2-0), Saturday, 1:30 p.m.:

Mastro: Winchester is 2-0, and there’s a lot to be excited about for the Sachems. They beat Melrose, who put up a strong season last fall, and Greater Lowell. But Wakefield is a whole different animal. Last year, the Warriors won this battle so easily that the freshmen could finish the game. Junior quarterback Mike Miller should continue his impressive start to the season with a few more touchdowns.
Wakefield 28, Winchester 7.

Anthony:  I’m projecting a great finish for the Middlesex (Freedom) division, one in which Wakefield and Burlington battle for the league title. That’s ways away and I’m getting ahead of myself, but I do think the Warriors stay on path this week with a win over Winchester. Wakefield was tested early against a strong Lynn English team last week and pulled away with the win, and Miller has a masterful control of the Warriors offense.
Wakefield 27, Winchester 15.
 
Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@globe.com and Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jasonmastrodonato@yahoo.com. Follow them on Twitter @gulizia_a and @JMastrodonato.

By Eric Russo, Globe Correspondent

EVERETT - The Crimson Tide won their 27th straight game Friday night, a 33-14 victory over Springfield Central. They will be trying to extend that streak this weekend, but it won’t be easy.

In what is most certainly the game of the week in Eastern Massachusetts, and what may be the game of the year, the No. 1-ranked Tide (2-0) will face-off against No. 2-ranked St. John’s Prep (2-0). The Eagles come into this week off of a 31-7 win over Central Catholic and Everett coach John DiBiaso knows they’ll be ready to go against his team, come Saturday afternoon.

“They’re going to come in, they want this very badly,” DiBiaso said. “We have to match their intensity, match their desire. We can’t come out flat. They’re a great team, number two in the state. They’ve been waiting all year to get this game.

“This is going to be our biggest challenge by far. They can run the ball. They got some big backs, some talented kids. They got a good defense, I think they return something like nine starters on defense. They’re ready. We have to be ready.”

To make sure his team is ready, DiBiaso said the Tide can’t have any mental lapses this week and wants to make sure everyone is on the same page come Saturday.

“(Our) focus all week is to stay focused,” he said. “That’s what we’re emphasizing all week is stay focused. It’s a big game, we’ve got to be mentally prepared. We have to come in like it means just as much to us.”

The Tide is expected to be at full force for the first time all season, with the exception of quarterback Pat Long, who is out with a separated shoulder. Wide receiver Kenny Calaj returned to practice Tuesday and is expected to play Saturday.

“I think we’re back at 100 percent,” DiBiaso said. “(We’ve) got guys with bumps and bruises. But the third week of the season, you’re gonna have guys with bruises. In that regard, I think we’ll be ok.”
...............................

Not only is this Saturday a huge game for the Tide, but it is also, perhaps, the biggest day of the year in Everett: Homecoming Day. But, DiBiaso is not buying into the hype and neither are his players.

“I ignore (the hype),” DiBiaso said. “It’s just distractions to me. We don’t even recognize it’s homecoming, don’t even think about it.”

DiBiaso says the only difference between being at home and on the road is the bus rides.

“We won’t have to get on a bus and sit for three hours, so that’ll help. But I don’t think it makes that much of a difference, home or away. You don’t get 70,000 people screaming.”

The Tide’s new star quarterback, Gilly DeSouza agreed with his head coach.

“I just look at it as another game,” DeSouza said. “But you know, one and two matchup is always gonna be hype. I just (have to) do my best, do what’s best for the team. We’ll be all set.”

Center Reardan Sweeney also played down the excitement, “There’s hype every week. We’re the number one team in the state, so we always got someone trying to beat us. We just have to keep focused and I’m sure we’ll do well.”

More than 50 bands and other groups from across the country are expected to participate in the Homecoming Parade, including fellow Everett High sports teams, the EHS marching band, football cheerleaders, and color guard.

The parade will begin at noon and start from Glendale Park, then it will head up Broadway, through Everett Square and down Chelsea Street to Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, in time for kickoff against the Prep at 2:30 p.m.

Saturday morning, the annual Homecoming Hustle will take place with all of the proceeds benefiting “Friends Fighting Breast Cancer.” The event is a 5K road race around the city and is run in honor of former Everett Public Schools employees, Janet Connolly O’Neil, Anthony M. Malione, and Peter J. Dolan.

During and following the race, a Homecoming breakfast will be served in the Everett High cafeteria.
.............................

DeSouza filled in at quarterback for the injured Long and Lukas Denis once again and, once again, he delivered. The senior completed six passes, four of them touchdowns, and threw for 137 yards.

“We went in prepared,” DeSouza said. “We threw more last week. I felt more confidence with myself and then coach (DiBiaso) and (quarterbacks coach Joe Lento) helped me out with the defense they were looking at. They said, ‘if anything just look over to the sideline and we’ll help you out if you have any questions.’ And we’ve just been rolling from there.”

The senior said he wasn’t caught off guard when he was thrust into action prior to the season opener, two weeks ago.

“When Pat went down, Lento said be ready for anything,” DeSouza said.” I always had it in the back of my mind. Even (former Everett quarterback) Jonathan (DiBiaso) always talked about it and said be ready. I mean they gave me the go and I just had the confidence with it.”

DeSouza, who DiBiaso called a “very, very pleasant surprise,” simply responded with a “no” when asked if he ever thought he’d be as successful as he’s been in his new role.

“With the wideouts and stuff like that that we have on the field, it makes things a lot easier.”

The Tide’s new star will get the start again this week and said the team simply has to follow the game plan.

“This week, we just have to have our game plan,” DeSouza said. “Everybody has to go in with confidence. Just do your job, do your assignments and we just gotta play our hearts out. It’s homecoming, it’s gonna be packed.”
.............................

The Tide has struggled defending the pass in their first two games, allowing Springfield Central quarterback Cody Williams to throw for 227 yards on 20 of 31 passing. And in the Tide’s season-opening victory against Leominster, the Blue Devils’ Garrett DelleChiaie threw for over 190 yards.

But coach DiBiaso didn’t seem too concerned, saying he doesn’t pay attention to the stats.

“I’d say 130 (yards) was against the second defense at the end of the game,” he said. “(Springfield Central) didn’t get that against the first team. The last three drives were against the second team, that played half the third quarter and the whole fourth quarter.

“They only gave up one score, but they did give up some yardage. You know, statistics, I don’t really worry about those. I know how (the defense) played.”
..............................

The forecast of wind and rain Tuesday afternoon forced the Tide indoors to the Everett High School gym. DiBiaso talked about their being some positives and some negatives to having to practice inside.

“With the rain we moved inside to a hot, sweaty gym,” he said. “On the plus side it let us look at some film. On the negative side, you can’t really practice your passing that much because your stuck in here and there’s not much room. But we’re working hard, I thought we did the best with the situation. We got a lot of stuff in. We got a lot of good work in.”

.............................

Every week we’ll have a captain or senior make a Patriots prediction for the upcoming game.

THIS WEEK’S PICK: PATRIOTS at RAVENS

Senior center Reardan Sweeney has the Patriots winning big on Sunday night, 34-20.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

After Week 2 of the high school football season, a lot of teams probably have a better sense of how good they really are, especially after getting trounced in some high-profile matchups in and out of state. Bob Holmes and I cover it all in the Huddle, with highlights as usual. We've also got a very new feature we're adding to the show thanks to our friends at Element Productions and MetroWest Subaru. Check it out above.

You can find the Huddle on the high schools blog and on Boston.com/schools every week. Thanks for watching.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By Anthony Gulizia and Andy Deossa, Globe Correspondents

While Week 1 was mostly static, there were some shakeups in Week 2.

Everett impressed with a 33-14 win over Springfield Central to remain the No. 1 team in Eastern Mass., while St. John’s Prep moved into the No. 2 spot with a 31-7 win over Central Catholic.

If there’s one game to watch in Week 3, it’s this one. Head to Everett’s Veterans Memorial Stadium to see the top two teams square off 2:30 p.m. Saturday in a battle for state supremacy.

Xaverian suffered a 62-0 loss to St. Joseph’s (N.J.) Saturday, but didn’t fall far in the rankings, landing at No. 4 behind Barnstable. Let’s not forget St. Joseph’s is a perennial powerhouse, having won 15 state championships in Jersey, and is often nationally ranked.

Duxbury stayed put at No. 5, while Reading made a jump into the top ten at No. 6. Previously ranked at No. 13, the Rockets impressed with a 12-0 win over then No. 6 Brockton.

Reading’s defense looked solid against Brockton’s offense and has yet to give up a touchdown in its first two games of the season.

King Philip follows at No. 7, while North Attleboro made a jump into the top ten as well at No. 8 with a 27-7 win over BC High.

Sure, BC High is banged up, but the Rockets offense dominated the Eagles, scoring four straight times after BC jumped to a 7-0 lead.

Walpole drops to No. 9 from the eighth spot after having to fend off Framingham in a 27-21 win, while Natick dropped from nine to No. 10.

Why the drop one spot from the previous week for Natick? “Flutie Magic” saved the Red Hawks from an upset, as Troy Flutie hit sophomore Brian Dunlap with a 5-yard pass for a 14-10 win over Norwood with les than ten seconds left.

Bridgewater-Raynham moves up a spot to No. 12 after an impressive 34-7 win over Durfee, while Needham moves up a spot to No. 13 after a 21-14 win over Mansfield, who remained at No. 16.

Weymouth and Andover fall in front of Mansfield at No. 14 and 15, respectively, while Beverly and Burlington moved up to No. 17 and 18.

Chelmsford broke into the Top 20 this week with 35-14 win over Acton-Boxboro, while BC High took a deep fall to No. 20.

The Eagles have yet to score a touchdown this year on offense, with their only points coming from an interception return. Until their offense gets going, things are looking grim for the defending Division 1 champions.

The Boston.com Top 100
1. Everett
2. St. John’s Prep
3. Barnstable
4. Xaverian
5. Duxbury
6. Reading
7. King Philip
8. North Attleboro
9. Walpole
10. Natick
11. Bridgewater-Raynham
12. Brockton
13. Needham
14. Weymouth
15. Andover
16. Mansfield
17. Beverly
18. Burlington
19. Chelmsford
20. BC High
21. Central Catholic
22. Lowell
23. Wakefield
24. Lincoln-Sudbury
25. North Andover
26. Lynn English
27. Haverhill
28. New Bedford
29. Acton-Boxboro
30. Westford
31. Catholic Memorial
32. Tewksbury
33. Dennis-Yarmouth
34. Franklin
35. Masconomet
36. Framingham
37. Attleboro
38. Dartmouth
39. Hopkinton
40. Bedford
41. Newton North
42. Billerica
43. Arlington
44. Malden Catholic
45. Marblehead
46. Nauset
47. Whitman-Hanson
48. Newburyport
49. Weston
50. Hingham
51. Pembroke
52. Pentucket
53. Blue Hills
54. Hamilton-Wenham
55. Concord-Carlisle
56. Swampscott
57. Melrose
58. Watertown
59. Salem
60. Dracut
61. Bishop Fenwick
62. Danvers
63. Cardinal Spellman
64. Revere
65. Sandwich
66. Lowell Catholic
67. Cathedral
68. Austin Prep
69. Lynn Classical
70. Braintree
71. Mashpee
72. Oliver Ames
73. Foxboro
74. Winchester
75. Stoneham
76. Stoughton
77. Latin Academy
78. St. Clement
79. St. Mary’s
80. Scituate
81. Somerset Berkley
82. Wareham
83. Georgetown
84. Marshfield
85. Greater Lawrence
86. Pope John Paul II
87. Abington
88. East Bridgewater
89. North Reading
90. Dighton-Rehoboth
91. Bourne
92. Shawsheen
93. North Quincy
94. Plymouth South
95. Newton South
96. Cambridge
97. Malden
98. Cohasset
99. Hull
100. Old Rochester

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

The stars were out for Week 2 of the high school football season.

Division 1

Will Heikkinen, Andover: The senior wide receiver hauled in 11 catches for 204 yards, highlighted by a 76-yard score in Andover's 43-7 win over Gloucester.

Johnathan Thomas, St. John's Prep: Thomas rushed for 160 yards on 25 carries, including a 46-yard run in the third quarter to lead the Eagles past Central Catholic 31-7.

Bobby Sullivan, Chelmsford: The senior quarterback carried the Lions, needing just 80 yards to throw three touchdowns to lead Chelmsford to a 35-14 victory over Acton-Boxboro.

David Harrison, Weymouth: Harrison made five catches for 110 yards, scoring two touchdowns in the Wildcats 31-20 win over Wellesley. Harrison also threw a 41-yard touchdown pass, and made four tackles and an interception on defense.

Division 1A

Nick Heras and Ethan Ryan, Newton South: Heras ran for 117 yards and a touchdown and threw for 45 yards and a score while Ryan piled up 101 rushing yards, including a 65-yard touchdown, as the Lions picked up their first win in two years.

Brandon Gallagher, Bridgewater-Rayham: The speedy sophomore ran for 175 yards on 14 carries and a pair of touchdowns as the Trojans surged past Durfee, 34-7.

Nick Peabody, Barnstable: The senior threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns, adding 65 yards on the ground as the Raiders crushed Dennis-Yarmouth, 55-14.

Gilly DeSouza, Everett: The third-string quarterback turned in another solid performance, completing six passes for 137 yards and four touchdowns as he led the Crimson Tide to a 33-14 win over Springfield Central.

Division 2

Joe Jonhston, RB, King Philip: Johnston scored four touchdowns, all of at least 20 yards, in the Warriors 40-8 win over Medfield. He now has a total of seven touchdowns this year.

Troy Flutie, QB, Natick: The stats or final score may not have been impressive, but Flutie is making sure all the hype around him is well worth it. The versatile quarterback connected with Brian Dunlap with under 10 seconds to play, giving the Red Hawks their second victory of the season as they beat Norwood, 14-10.

Robert Schkliew, North Andover: Schkliew scored three touchdowns in the second quarter and had a 77-yard kick return for a touchdown in the third to give the Scarlet Knights a 33-12 victory over Lawrence.

Division 3

Alex Berluti, Westwood: The senior quarterback accounted for five TD's in the Wolverines 42-2 win over Dedham. He went 7 for 9 for 171 yards passing with four touchdown throws including a pair to his brother Bo, while rushing for 84 yards and a score on four carries.

Kiivone Howard, Foxboro: Howard ran for 172 yards on 10 carries and scored three first half TD's as the Warriors beat East Providence (R.I.) 40-6.

Dexter Green, Canton: In a win over Quincy, Green ran for 140 yards and three touchdowns, added a two-point conversion, and had five solo tackles and a sack on defense.

Evan Boynton, Concord-Carlisle: In a 19-16 win over Lexington, the senior captain ran for 176 yards and finished with three touchdowns. He also kicked an extra point and anchored the defense at LB, recording 9 tackles.

Division 3A

Chad Marsh, Bourne: The junior back gouged Greater New Bedford for 153 yards on 15 carries and four touchdowns in the Canalmen's 30-13 win Friday night.

Kyle McGah, Lynnfield: The 5-foot-7 junior rushed for 146 yards on 16 carries and scored four TD's -- including the final three of the game -- to help the Pioneers overcome a 21-0 deficit and defeat host Amesbury 31-27 on Friday night. McGah also had a key interception in the end zone on defense.

Garrett Carlos, Somerset Berkley: The Raider back toted the rock 21 times for 240 yards and four touchdowns as Somerset Berkley downed visiting Seekonk 39-9 on Saturday.

Division 4

Kevin Lynch, East Bridgewater: Lynch led the Vikings by scoring in all three facets of the game. Lynch returned an interception for a touchdown, rushed one in from 5 yards out and kicked a 20 yard field goal on special teams. The Vikings defeated Hanover 34-14.

Sonny Hill, Hull: Hill rushed for a pair of touchdowns in a 41-18 victory over South Shore Voc-Tech. Hill also caught a 24 yard touchdown from Mack Murphy. Over 7 carries Hill rushed for 143 yards.

Division 4A

Vincent Burton, Blue Hills: For those keeping count, Burton scored his 400th career point in last weekend’s season opener against East Boston. He added another 24 points (three touchdowns, three two-point conversions) Friday in the 32-14 win over defending Division 5 champ Nantucket. He also rushed for 246 yards on 36 carries in the game, upping his season total to 404 yards. He’s currently at 3,738 yards.

Brandon Gomes, Bishop Connolly: The Cougars have never been above .500 in program history. Gomes helped changed that culture in leading the Cougars to their first ever 2-0 start, rushing for 164 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns in the 26-0 rout of Cape Cod Tech. He’s rushed for three scores and 250 yards on the year.

Division 5

Alex Guerrer, Latin Academy: After missing the season opener due to an ailing knee, Guerrer showed just how eager he was to get on the field in Friday’s wild 22-20 win over Madison Park. The 200-pound senior receiver had a career game, relentlessly snagging slant passes down the center of the field to the tune of nine catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. He also hauled in the game-tying TD toss from Kyle Dance, who then ran in the winning conversion.

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

OK, so maybe not the best results for us in the first week of our predictions.
Week one picks: Mastro: 6-4; Anthony: 6-4

Season: Mastro: 6-4; Anthony: 6-4

That said, for two guys from Northeastern – a university without a football program – not too shabby.

Here are our 10 games to watch for Week 2, along with our predictions.
 
Week 2
No. 6 Brockton (1-0) at No. 12 Reading (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: I’ll go out and say this is undoubtedly the best game of the week. Brockton, fresh off a 21-0 upset of BC High, is looking to stay hot while Reading tries to make a push at climbing the Top 20. I think this one is close, but Brockton quarterback Austin Roberts lifts the Boxers to victory with a fourth-quarter surge. Brockton 27, Reading 22.

Mastro: George Costanza said it so well last week, I think I’ll have to refer to him again on this one: The Boxers are back babay! Granted it was against a BC High team that’s been struck with the injury bug, but a good team nonetheless (here’s to a speedy recovery for Brendan Craven). My heart also lies with any team using an undersized QB, and Roberts can’t be more than 5 feet 8 inches, though his highlight video on YouTube says he can bench 205. That’s impressive. And boy can he run. But this one comes down to defense, and we’ll find out just what the Boxers are made of. Brockton 28, Reading 15.
 
No. 14 Needham (1-0) at No. 16 Mansfield (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:

Anthony: Mansfield impressed in its 49-15 win over Westfield last Saturday, as five different players reached the end zone. Can Needham handle the Hornets attack? Not this week, as quarterback Ryan Charter and the Rockets fall short. Mansfield 21, Needham 15.

Mastro: How about that coming-out party for Mikey Panepinto last week? Panepinto is a new synonym for athlete. Both he and his brother Nico are also tremendous lacrosse players, but Mike seems rejuvenated after sitting out most of the spring with a broken collarbone. He averaged 19.8 yards per carry last week against Norwood, piling up 179 yards on the ground. I think Needham takes this one. Needham 28, Mansfield 14.
 
No. 18 Central Catholic (1-0) at No. 3 St. John’s Prep (1-0), Saturday, 1:30 p.m.:
Anthony: St. John’s Prep entered the season as one of the strongest teams on paper, returning 18 starters from last season, and they proved it with a 49-6 win over Dracut. Expect the Prep to be more challenged this week by a talented Central Catholic team, but chalk up another win for the Eagles. Running backs Johnathan Thomas and Alex Moore will trouble Central Catholic’s defense. St. John’s Prep 35, Central Catholic 17.

Mastro: Until someone figures out how to stop that Prep running duo and dominant offensive line, you won’t find me picking against the Eagles. And having Thomas on both sides of the ball this year appears to be working – he had two picks last week and they were both exceptional. Interested to see what Central is made of, but Prep should take this one.  St John’s Prep 28, Central Catholic 13.
 
Hingham (1-0) at Cohasset (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Anthony: Border wars at its finest. Better ocean, better beaches, better seafood? This week, all the trash talk on the South Shore is about who has the best football program. Last year Cohasset came up short in a 14-10 loss to its neighbors, but on Friday the tides turn. Cohasset 21, Hingham 12.

Mastro: Junior Sam Benger ran all over Medway last weekend, rushing for 220 yards and four touchdowns, including a whopper of a finale – a 90-yard blast in the fourth quarter. I’m looking for more of the same this week as the Harbormen expose Cohasset’s inexperience. Hingham 18, Cohasset 13.
 
Tewksbury (0-1) at Haverhill (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Anthony: The season is still early and conference matchups are few and far between. This week, however, some Merrimack Valley competition is on tap. Running back Chance Brady was dominant in Week 1, racking up 226 yards and four touchdowns. While his numbers may decrease slightly this week, Haverhill continues its quest for the league title with an easy win over Tewksbury. Haverhill 28, Tewksbury 7.

Mastro: OK, maybe it’s the fourth cup of coffee talking, but I’m going with my gut in this one, and my gut says Lincoln-Sudbury isn’t as bad as coach Tom Lopez wanted us to believe in the preseason. That said, Tewksbury’s 15-12 loss to the 1A Super Bowl runner-ups from a year ago is a pretty strong showing. There are a lot of young guys on that team, but if the defense can contain Brady, I think Tewksbury could pull one out on the road here. Barista, fill me up. Tewksbury 21, Haverhill 14.

Dennis-Yarmouth (0-0) at No. 4 Barnstable (1-0), Friday, 6 p.m.:
Mastro: This probably won’t be a close game, but the rivalry on the Cape is at least something we have to discuss. The ghost of Matt Montalto haunted the Dolphins in their season-opener, or at least it looked that way. D-Y jumped out to a 12-0 start over Canton before the Bulldogs took over the lead and lightning overwhelmed the area, forcing a postponement just before halftime. Bottom line, it wasn’t encouraging for a D-Y team that graduated 20 seniors. Nick Peabody might have his way with the Dolphins in this one, and Barnstable is sure to be rocking. Barnstable 35, D-Y 14.

Anthony: During the preseason, many predicted that Peabody will be one of the top quarterbacks in the area and he didn’t disappoint in Week 1. He demolished Durfee’s defense, throwing four touchdowns and running for two more in a 55-6 win. Expect some opening jitters from D-Y, who has yet to play a complete game, and another electric performance from Peabody. Barnstable 28, D-Y 7.
 
Newburyport (1-0) at North Reading (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Mastro: I’m sure Ed Gaudiano wishes he had his All-League quarterback Connor Wile healthy for this one, but what an inspiring defensive performance by junior corner Trevor Bradbury last week. Bradbury recovered two fumbles, hauled in two interceptions and made eight tackles for the Clippers in a 7-6 win over Lynnfield, which couldn’t convert a third quarter PAT to even the score. North Reading returns a lot off last year’s team though, and I think the Hornets squeak this one out, but I could see it going either way. North Reading 21, Newburyport 14.

Anthony: Running back Carl Lipani made easy work carving up Saugus’s defense last Friday and reached the end zone four times. Can Lipani shoulder the offensive load without Wile? I think so, and I think Newburyport goes home with a tight loss. North Reading 21, Newburyport 20.
 
Lynn Classical (1-0) at No. 19 Beverly (1-0), Saturday, 1 p.m.:
Mastro: There was nothing overwhelming about Classical’s 35-16 win over Methuen last week, but it was just an overall strong showing with three players rushing for at least 90 yards. Beverly pounded Concord-Carlisle in their opener, but the Patriots aren’t as strong as you’d expect this year. I like Brendan Flaherty and the Panthers in this one, but another tough one to call. Beverly 20, Classical 13.

Anthony: Flaherty carried the Panthers to victory last week, and now it’s time for the Kenny Pierce show. Last season, on Sept. 23, Pierce exploded for five scores against English in one of his two five TD performances of his junior year. Can Pierce shred another Lynn defense? Maybe not for five scores, but I’ll settle at three. Beverly 28, Classical 15.
 
Framingham (1-0) at No. 8 Walpole (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Mastro: Chris Bloomingdale is looking mighty good at quarterback for the Flyers, but I don’t see them stopping the Rebels’ explosive offense that includes junior quarterback Will Bolster and senior Mike Rando, a home threat whenever he touches the ball. Thinking this might be a shootout. Walpole 34, Framingham 26.

Anthony: Framingham and Walpole both flashed their offensive prowess in opening week wins, each eclipsing the 40-point mark. That said, Walpole has a bit more firepower in this battle. Three paces and draw! I think the Rebels take this shootout with ease. Walpole 31, Framingham 12 .
 
Acton-Boxborough (1-0) at Chelmsford (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:
Mastro: What impressed me most about Chelmsford’s win over Westford last week was that the running game was working just fine without Eddie Sheridan, who led Eastern Mass. with 24 touchdowns last season. Jeff d’Auria exploded for more than 100 yards and four scores while Westford was held to 26 points (which against that offense isn’t easy). I think the Lions can take advantage of a beat-up A-B squad under the home lights. Chelmsford 26, A-B 15.

Anthony: It’s extremely hard to pick against Chelmsford this week, especially after such a convincing road win in Week 1 over Westford. D’Auria ran hard in all four quarters, and look for him to leave no doubt that he can fill the big shoes of Eddie Sheridan. He had four touchdowns last week, and unfortunately for the Rebels, I think he tacks on three more. Chelmsford 28, A-B 12.

Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@globe.com and Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jasonmastrodonato@yahoo.com. Follow them on Twitter @gulizia_a and @JMastrodonato.

By Eric Russo, Globe Correspondent

EVERETT - In the inaugural "Tuesdays with Everett," the No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide come into Week 2 off of a 29-7 victory over Leominster. The victory was their 26th straight and this Friday, they head even farther west to play Springfield Central.

Last week, the Tide was without senior receiver Kenny Calaj and quarterbacks Pat Long (junior) and Lukas Denis (sophomore). And according to coach John DiBiaso, all is the same this week, “Everybody is still out. No progress on anything.”

So, Everett will once again go with senior kicker and defensive back Gilly DeSouza at quarterback.

On Tuesday afternoon, the team focused on getting familiar with their opponents' formations and making sure they pick up the pace on offense.

“On defense, we wanted to get recognition of their formations and things like that,” DiBiaso said. ”On offense, we were trying to work tempo. You saw us going up and down the field trying to speed everything up. Everything we try to do is fast on offense.”

DiBiaso said his team will have to watch out for Central's size and athleticism.

“They’re very athletic,” he said. “They’re big. Bigger than Leominster, so its going to be more of a physical challenge. They’ve got some good athletes, some good backs. It’s their home opener, so I’m sure they’ll have a big crowd there.”

The Tide was also working on improving on some things from Week 1.

“The big area we want to improve in is we had quite a few penalties, motion penalties,” DiBiaso said. “(We had) bad snaps. We didn’t have any turnovers, so we want to keep that the same but we don’t want to have the penalties. The ones we had in the first half kind of stymied a couple of drives.”

DiBiaso praised DeSouza for stepping up against Leominster and called him the “unsung hero” of the game. He also talked about the team continuing to lean heavily on receivers Jakarrie Washington and Jalen Felix.

*The Tide’s practice was cut just a bit short because the boys' soccer team needed the field.

.............................

The Crimson Tide has had a long history of producing players who go on to star in the college ranks. Omar Easy (Penn State), Diamond Ferri (Syracuse), Isaac Johnson (Boston College and Cincinnati), just to name a few. And this past Saturday, some Everett alums currently playing at the college level put on quite a show.

Defensive backs Manny Asprilla and Jim Noel, older brother of Nerlens (Kentucky basketball) and Rodman (N.C. State football), each had an interception in Boston College’s 34-3 win over Maine. For Asprilla, a sophomore at BC and former star receiver for the Tide, it was his first career interception. For the senior Noel, also a defensive back at EHS, the interception was the sixth of his career.

Coach DiBiaso was excited for his two former players, saying he watches them any chance he gets. This past week, however, he only heard the game on the radio.

“Yeah, they had two picks,” he said. “That was real good. I didn’t get a chance (to watch) this Saturday because we were playing JV’s down (at the stadium). It was really great. I was listening to it on the radio but I was texting with Manny after.

“Not everybody’s gonna play at the next level, but the guys that have the ability, it's great to see them play.”

.............................

One of the Globe’s players of the week for Week One was Washington. The senior wide receiver caught a 32-yard touchdown reception and ran for a 52-yard touchdown in the Tide’s victory.

On Tuesday, he talked about his big game and what he is looking to improve on the rest of the season.

“It felt great (to have a game like that),” Washington said. “It felt great scoring the touchdowns, getting great blocks from my lineman, getting great blocks from everyone.”

Washington said it was different with DeSouza at quarterback but that he and the rest offense caught on pretty quickly.

“It's different (with Gilly) back there, but everyone has to adjust and I adjusted to it, so it fit good. (We want) to just keep winning, keep scoring, doing whatever I have to do to make this team better, keep doing what I always do and help my team win.
.............................

According to the Tide’s roster, senior offensive lineman John Montelus, weighs in at 6-5 and 330 pounds. As a highly-recruited prospect and one of the best lineman in the state, one would think there wouldn’t be much to improve on. But, Montelus, who has committed to play at Notre Dame next year, thinks otherwise.

“Basically I want to win another championship and improve on my blocking, on my pass blocking. I just want to keep getting better and come out with a “W” this week against Springfield,” Montelus said.

The lineman also talked about his trip to South Bend this past spring, in which he watched the Notre Dame spring football game, and how he came to making his decision to choose the Irish.

“(The trip) was great,” he said. “The atmosphere was really great. There was a lot of people, it was pretty crazy. Before I went to Notre Dame, I went to Florida. Those were my two options and I compared both of them and Notre Dame was absolutely the best school ever.”

However, while the final decision came down to Notre Dame or Florida, there was one other school that Montelus had had his eye on for quite some time. That school was Penn State. But, when the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal came to light late last year, Montelus quickly changed his mind.

“I was more of a Penn State guy when I was little,” Montelus said. “I told myself after I finish my junior football season, I’m going to take a visit and hopefully going to commit there (Penn St.). I don’t know, I might have committed there, but after that whole situation, after the allegations and they fired (Joe) Paterno, I moved on. I was like, I’m gonna move and look at a couple schools and Notre Dame was the one. It was the right choice for me.”

.............................

Every week we’ll have a captain or senior make a Patriots prediction for the upcoming game.

THIS WEEK’S PICK - CARDINALS at PATRIOTS

Sr. John Montelus, OL: “I’m a Steelers fan, but I’ll go with the Patriots, 35-7”

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

It's been two years since the Everett Crimson Tide lost a football game and the win streak is at 26. Starting this week and running for the entire football season, Globe correspondent and Everett grad Eric Russo will spend Tuesdays with Everett, watching practice and reporting on our top-ranked high school football team. How do they do it? What makes Everett so good?

It will be serious. It will be fun. And maybe a little off-the-wall. And we promise not to give away any of those top-secret double reverse, statue-of-liberty type plays. Well, maybe.

By Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondent

Even without quarterbacks Pat Long (shoulder) and Lukas Denis (elbow), Everett, led by Gilly DeSouza, powered past Leominster 29-7 to remain the top team in Eastern Mass.

However, things got rocky near the top as BC High was stunned by Brockton 21-0 and fell from No. 2 to No. 10. Brockton bounced from No. 12 up to No. 6.

Why such a big jump for the Boxers? Not only did they beat BC high, but they looked good doing it. Quarterback Austin Roberts anchored a punishing ground attack, and Brockton’s defense was up to speed. Coach Peter Colombo rolled out the triple option, and although the offense struggled early, the Boxers ran the system fluidly in the second half.

Because of the BC High loss, Xaverian, St. John’s Prep, Barnstable and all moved up one spot.

Duxbury jumped two spots to No. 5 with a big win over Bridgewater-Raynham, which fell from No. 6 to 12.

Although Needham and Andover both were victorious, Needham leapfrogged the Golden Warriors with a dominant 27-0 win over Norwood.

Jumping into the Top 20 is North Attleboro at No. 17, which sat just outside at No. 21 in last week’s poll. North Attleboro impressed in a 47-27 win over LaSalle (RI).

Closing out the Top 20 is Burlington, which throttled Billerica 49-28. Running back Marcus Odiah topped 300 yards and scored three touchdowns, propelling Burlington up from No. 27.

The Boston.com Top 100:
1. Everett
2. Xaverian
3. St. John’s Prep
4. Barnstable
5. Duxbury
6. Brockton
7. King Philip
8. Walpole
9. Natick
10. BC High
11. Weymouth
12. Bridgewater-Raynham
13. Reading
14. Needham
15. Andover
16. Mansfield
17. North Attleboro
18. Central Catholic
19. Beverly
20. Burlington
21. Catholic Memorial
22. Chelmsford
23. Haverhill
24. Lowell
25. Lynn English
26. Dennis-Yarmouth
27. Lincoln-Sudbury
28. Wakefield
29. Framingham
30. Acton-Boxboro
31. North Andover
32. New Bedford
33. Dartmouth
34. Billerica
35. Franklin
36. Westford
37. Masconomet
38. Lawrence
39. Tewksbury
40. Malden Catholic
41. Arlington
42. Hamilton-Wenham
43. Hopkinton
44. Bedford
45. Concord-Carlisle
46. Marshfield
47. Swampscott
48. Marblehead
49. Nauset
50. Whitman-Hanson
51. Dracut
52. Newburyport
53. Salem
54. Pembroke
55. Hingham
56. Cardinal Spellman
57. Durfee
58. Blue Hills
59. Melrose
60. Cathedral
61. Austin Prep
62. Lynn Classical
63. Mashpee
64. Braintree
65. Attleboro
66. St. Mary’s
67. Pope John Paul II
68. Greater Lawrence
69. Nantucket
70. Latin Academy
71. Newton North
72. Waltham
73. Pope John
74. Revere
75. Peabody
76. Taunton
77. Oliver Ames
78. Belmont
79. Scituate
80. Stoneham
81. Sandwich
82. Plymouth South
83. East Bridgewater
84. Somerset
85. North Reading
86. Stoughton
87. Wareham
88. Dighton-Rehoboth
89. Medford
90. Bourne
91. North Quincy
92. Cohasset
93. Quincy
94. Malden
95. Holliston
96. Gloucester
97. Abington
98. Shawsheen
99. Watertown
100. Georgetown

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Highlights from Week 1 of the high school football season, along with an eye on players of the week, and what's the game of the week for Week 2.

Catch new episodes of the Huddle posted every Tuesday right here in the High Schools blog and on Boston.com/schools.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff<\p>

It didn't take long for some of the best football players in EMass to shine. Here's a look at the Globe's first Players of the Week.

Division 1

Austin Roberts, Brockton: The senior quarterback spurred the Boxers offense, rushing for 148 yards and two touchdowns as Brockton upset No. 2 BC High 21-0.

Mike Panepinto, Needham: Panepinto tore through Norwood’s defense Friday night, rushing for 175 yards (nine carries) and a touchdown in a 27-0 win for the Rockets.

Jeff d’Auria, Chelmsford: d’Auria carried the Lions, rushing for 114 yards and four touchdowns to help his team roll to a 40-26 over No. 19 Westford.

CJ Scarpa, Andover: The senior quarterback threw for five touchdowns, carrying the Golden Warriors to a 50-35 win over cross-town rival North Andover.

David Harrison, Weymouth: The junior wide receiver stunned Milton, catching four of Weymouth’s five touchdowns in a 35-7 blowout win.

Division 1A

Nick Peabody, Barnstable: The senior quarterback paced the Red Raiders in a romp over Durfee with 196 passing yards and four touchdowns, adding a pair of scores on the ground.

Jakarrie Washington, Everett: The senior receiver was responsible for the Tide's two biggest offensive plays in Everett's 29-7 win over Leominster Friday night, adding a 57-yard touchdown run and a 32-yard touchdown reception.

Division 2

Sam Benger, Hingham - The junior running back scored four of Hingham's five touchdowns on Friday, including a 90-yard run in the fourth quarter. His 260 rushing yards led the team to a 33-7 victory over Medway.

Malique Clark, Attleboro - Clark carried the ball 18 times in the Bombardiers' 19-7 win over Bishop Feehan. The senior running back finished with 198 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Alex Jette, North Attleboro - Jette had seven carries for 264 yards, two rushing TDs, two receptions for 88 yards and another TD. In the first half, he had 235 yards on four carries and two touchdown runs of 85 and 91 yards. His total all-purpose yards for the game: 376.

Division 2A

Andrew Cann, Stoneham: In a 34-6 win over Whittier, the Spartan quarterback threw four touchdown passes.

Brendan Flaherty, Beverly: Flaherty simply did it all for the Panthers on Saturday. He scored two rushing touchdowns, a receiving touchdown, and even threw a touchdown too. He recorded 183 all-purpose yards in Beverly's 34-7 win over Concord-Carlisle.

Division 3

Brett Rowe, Weston: The junior quarterback went 15 for 18 passing for 203 yards and three touchdown passes in the Wildcats 31-14 win over Randolph. He also ran for 102 yards on 15 attempts.

Brian Murtagh, Wayland: Murtagh anchored the Warriors defense in their 21-7 win over Millis/Hopedale. The senior linebacker had 10 tackles, including three for a loss and an interception in the win.

Division 3A

Darien Fernandez, Wareham: The senior back had a nose for the end zone, scoring six times and racking up 247 yards rushing in the Vikings' 51-14 victory over visiting Falmouth Friday night.

Dylan Green, Coyle & Cassidy: The senior signal caller amassed 100 yards rushing on 11 carries and reached the end zone four times as the Warriors trounced host Southeastern 42-22 Friday night.

Division 4

Devon Pratt, Shawsheen: In a 20-7 win over Arlington Catholic, Pratt caught two touchdown passes, kicked two field goals, and added both extra points to account for all the points.

Jordan Collier, St. Mary’s: The newest Collier to lead the Spartans, Jordan (brother of Todd), scored four touchdowns and had an interception against Cambridge.

Rufus Rushins, Bishop Fenwick: In a 22-14 win over Northeast Regional, Rushins ran for 125 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

Division 4A-5

Kadeem Edge, Cathedral: The senior receiver had 8 receptions for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Blue Hills' trio – The Warriors picked up right where they left off last season, with a statement win behind a powerful rushing attack. Vincent Burton spearheads a potent rushing game, featuring first-year starters Brandon Gordon and Daryon Calhoun. The tandem rushed for 377 yards in a 26-4 romp over Eastie in last year’s playoff rematch Friday.

Kyle Dance, Latin Academy – The Dragon quarterback didn't wait long to come up big in crunch time. The talented quarterback scored the winning TD on a 10-yard run in the, 26-20, OT win against South Boston. Dance tallied 56 rushing yards and 82 passing yards and two touchdowns (one rushing, one passing) for the game.

Troy Flutie had a masterful opening game, rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns and passing for 138 yards and two more touchdowns, to power Natick over Brookline.

A busy first Friday of football and we're spread out across eight different games.

Dorchester 36, New Mission 0 - The Bears looked good in their opener, having little trouble with New Mission which was playing its first ever varsity football game.

Latin Academy 26, South Boston 20 (OT) - LA ran out to a 20-0 lead before host Southie scored 20 straight points to send the game to overtime. The Dragons won in overtime.

Blue Hills 24 East Boston 6 - Host Blue Hills took a commanding lead. Vincent Burton had one touchdown and ran for more than 100 yards.

Hingham 33, Medway 7 - The visiting Harbormen turned a 7-0 halftime lead into a second-half route.

By Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondents

Here's the first of our weekly blog posts highlighting 10 games to watch in Eastern Mass., along with predictions.

Week 1
No. 1 Everett at Leominster, Friday, 7 p.m.:
Anthony: Replacing Jonathan DiBiaso won’t be easy, but the Division 1A Super Bowl champs will open the season the same way they did last year – with a win over Leominster. Everett 35, Leominster 14
Mastro: I’m expecting big things out of second-year quarterback Garrett DelleChiaie and his favorite target, Neil O’Connor. That kid can really fly. But John Montelus and the Everett line will make craters out of Leominster’s defense. I hate agreeing with you to start off the new segment, but this one is all Everett. Everett 38, Leominster 12

No. 13 Mashpee at Austin Prep, Saturday, 11 a.m.:
Anthony: Like many, I’m eager to see Mashpee running back Jared Taylor, who had a 300-yard performance at Gillette Stadium in last year’s Division 4 Super Bowl win. Likewise, expect Mashpee to roll over Austin Prep. Mashpee 40, Austin Prep 20
Mastro: Easy math: Cardinal Spellman crushed Austin Prep, 41-14 last season. Taylor ran for a record 308 yards and Mashpee rolled over Spellman in the Super Bowl. This one is going to be ugly. Mashpee 44, Austin Prep 14

North Andover at No. 15 Andover, Friday, 7 p.m.:
Anthony: Town bragging rights are at stake in this early-season matchup, and the Golden Warriors high-powered offense will be too much for North Andover. Andover 35, North Andover 16
Mastro: North Andover has a great core of linebackers. So CJ Scarpa will pick apart the Scarlet Knights’ secondary instead. A rough welcome to the MVC is in store here. Andover 33, North Andover 15

Lawrence at No. 14 Reading, Friday, 7:
Anthony: Reading quarterback Drew Belcher enters the season lauded as one of the best QBs in the area. His 2012 campaign begins with a win over Lawrence. Reading 28, Lawrence 15
Mastro: Reading's Matt Comeford might be a game-changer on the offensive line. He’s 6-foot-4, 280 pounds, and he can actually move pretty quickly, as those who watched him play goalie on the lacrosse field remember. I think Lawrence is in this game till the end, but the Rockets get some revenge after last year’s opening day debacle. Reading 30, Lawrence 20

No. 24 Lynn English at Gloucester, Friday, 7:
Anthony: Is there any shore better than the North Shore? My money is on English raining a perfect storm on the Fishermen to start the season with a victory. Lynn English 28, Gloucester 10
Mastro: Every football coach needs at least one year. I give Tony Zerilli a free pass for last season’s 2-9 effort and fully believe the Fishermen will be competitive this year. But there might not be anyone in Eastern Mass. who can run with English receiver Josh Batista.  Lynn English 32, Gloucester 13

Concord-Carlisle at No. 20 Beverly, Saturday, 2:30:
Mastro: OK, I’m picking against the 2011 freshman of the year, Concord-Carlisle's Will Blumenberg, and I don’t feel good about it. This kid is an athlete. But taking over at quarterback on a team that will need to rely on its passing game without George Craan is not an easy thing to do. Beverly returns 10 seniors and they won’t want to go down in front of their home crowd on opening day. Beverly 28, C-C 14
Anthony: Beverly has exactly what Concord-Carlisle doesn’t and that’s a strong running game. Last season, C-C rolled over Beverly 26-7 in the opener as Crann and Tim Badgley rushed for nearly 300 yards and four touchdowns. Come Friday night, Beverley’s duo of Brendan Flaherty and Kenny Pierce will exact revenge. Beverly 31, C-C 17

No. 7 Duxbury at No. 6 Bridgewater-Raynham, Saturday, 4:                                                
Mastro: I’m not a fan of streaks, Anthony. You know that about me. And 26 games just seems like a good number for Duxbury to end on. Yes, B-R needs to replace its entire backfield, but for once it actually has some size on the offensive line, and a healthy Ryan Murphy at tight end could go a long way. Bridgewater-Raynham 22, Duxbury 15
Anthony: Twenty-six? I like 27 better. Duxbury keeps the streak going with a win over Bridgewater-Raynham and running backs John Hurvitz and Khai Perry will carry the Dragons. Bridgewater-Raynham tight end and linebacker Dan Noviello will try his best to disrupt Duxbury’s ground game, but his team comes up short in this ax-grinding battle. Duxbury 21, Bridgewater-Raynham 18.

No. 2 BC High at No. 12 Brockton, Friday, 7:
Mastro: Do you believe in the Boxer Resurrection? In the words of George Costanza, they’re back baby! Rocky Marciano Stadium is renovated and ready to go for opening day and Micah Morel leads an incredibly tough defense that will give rookie BC High quarterback Brendan Craven and his rookie head coach Joe Gaff nightmares. Brockton 14, BC High 7
Anthony: Don’t let Brendan Craven hear you call him a rookie. It wasn’t often, but when Bartley Regan wasn’t under center last season, Craven kept the BC High offense running like a well-oiled machine. He’s learned from Regan the last three years and is primed to command the Eagles spread offense. His mechanics are on point, and he’ll have fun airing it out to his 6-4 wide receiver Lincoln Collins to spoil the Boxers housewarming. BC High 27, Brockton 14

Chelmsford at No. 19 Westford, Friday, 7:
Mastro: Westford's Justin Mount. That’s really all that needs to be said. A 6-2, 205-pound quarterback who can fly is someone I want on my team. Chelmsford will be missing linebacker Tim Joy (Boston College). Westford 35, Chelmsford 14
Anthony: Chelmsford graduated key players from last season in Joy, quarterback Colby Emanouil and running back Eddie Sheridan, and it will show in Week 1. Hard to go against Justin Mount, who racked up 1,200 rushing yards and 12 scores in only seven games last season. Westford 24, Chelmsford 12

Nantucket at Pope John Paul II, Saturday, 1:
Mastro: If you’re down on the Cape hoping for one final weekend of sun, check this one out. I think Bill Manchester is on the right track with Nantucket and I loved the way he had his team playing at the end of last year. Losing Taylor Hughes hurts, but Bryan Depass appears to be ready to take over at QB. Nantucket 32, Pope John Paul II 23
Anthony: Manchester returns at the helm for his second season with the island club fresh off a Division 5 Super Bowl victory. Nantucket is reloading after losing 13 seniors from last year’s 10-2 squad, and plenty of talent remains in Depass and tight end Terrell Corella. Also, is there any better last name for a quarterback than Depass? Nantucket 28, Pope John Pal II 16

Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@globe.com and Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jasonmastrodonato@yahoo.com. Follow them on Twitter @gulizia_a and @JMastrodonato.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com

The Globe high school staff and correspondents have combed through all the football schedules this season and have come up with a number of tilts fans should consider when making their rounds. These are the must-watch games of 2012.

Every week, we'll deliver right here on the high schools blog our games to watch with predictions from correspondents Anthony Gulizia and Jason Mastrodonato.

Without further ado, make sure you get these games in your calendar:

Everett at Leominister, Friday: The Crimson Tide enter this campaign with a 25-game winning streak. That, however, might be in jeopardy during the first week of the season as they travel to face the Division 1 Central Super Bowl Champions. Everett was one of the few teams to beat Leominister last season during their title run.

Brockton at Reading, Sept. 14: All four of Brockton's first games will be something to keep a close eye on. In three out of their first four games they face BC High, Xaverian and St. John's Prep. This game against Reading will be a good indication on how Brockton's year will go because they matchup well against the Division 2 Rockets.

Natick at Weymouth, Oct.12: With Troy Flutie and company on one side and Ozzy Colarusso on the other side, all signs point to this being a great, high-scoring game. Colarusso on defense against Natick's tall wide receivers will be a must-see matchup.

Everett at Xaverian, Oct. 13: The battle on the line between Everett's John Montelus (Notre Dame commit) and Xaverian's Maurice Hurst Jr. (Michigan), the two best players in the state, will be, by itself, worth the price of admission.

Hopkinton at Holliston, Oct. 19: Last year this game decided the Tri-Valley Large as Holliston won, 20-0, to give Hopkinton its only loss of the season. Look for Ryan Bohlin to have an impact in making sure his team doesn't get blanked again.

North Attleborough at Masnfield, Oct. 26: With both teams battling in the Hockomock, and coaches Don Johnson and Mike Redding being former teammates, this is always slated to be a good game. Despite winning the Hockomock title last year, North Attleborough was the one team in the league that beat Mansfield.

Barnstable at Bridgewater-Raynham, Nov. 2: With one of the best quarterbacks around, Barnstable's Nick Peabody, combined with a result that should shape the playoff race, this Old Colony League matchup is a can't-miss.

Cathedral at Pope John (Everett), Nov. 10: This is an epic rematch of a crucial game last season which decided the winner of the Central Catholic League. Cathedral beat Pope John, 16-12, and went on to play Blue Hills in Division 4A Super Bowl.

By Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondent

For the second-straight season, the Everett Crimson Tide open as the preseason No. 1 team in Eastern Mass, and rightfully so.

Last year, the Tide captured the Division 1A Super Bowl with a victory over Lincoln-Sudbury (No. 31 this season) and return most of their explosive roster, albeit without the most prolific passer in state history, Jonathan DiBiaso.

Everett's offensive line is led by Notre Dame-bound John Montelus – who is regarded by most as the best lineman in the state – and their thrilling receiving core of Jalen Felix, Jakarrie Washington and Kenny Calaj make them a dangerous threat on offense.

Last year's Division 1 Super Bowl champion, BC High, follows at No. 2, and will be led this season by new head coach and former defensive coordinator Joe Gaff in place of Jon Bartlett. The Eagles are without star-running back Preston Cooper for the first time in four seasons, but Villanova commit and wide receiver Lincoln Collins will deliver plenty of big plays.

Xaverian comes in at No. 3 led by outstanding nose tackle and Michigan-bound Maurice Hurst, and St. John's Prep makes a big leap to No.4, despite finishing last year with a 4-6 record.

The Eagles return 18 lettermen from last season, highlighted by junior running back Johnathan Thomas (13 touchdowns in 2011.)

Like St. John's Prep, Brockton makes a big leap to No. 12 after finishing with a 5-6 record, leaving the Boxers outside of the Globe's 2011 final Top 20 poll.

But the Boxers are experienced as well, and have one of the state's best defensive backs in Micah Morel.

Also, last season the Boxers did not play a home game until Oct. 3, as Rocky Marciano stadium was being renovated. This season, Brockton will play seven games at home.

Reading will debut as the No. 14 team in Eastern Mass., led by highly-touted quarterback Drew Belcher, who looks to lead the Rockets to a second-straight Middlesex (large) title.

The Merrimack Valley Conference – which typically features some of the top teams in the state – will be slightly down this year, with Andover and Central Catholic ranked at Nos. 15 and 18, respectively. Lowell and Billerica fall just outside the Top 20 at Nos. 22 and 25, while Chelmsford sits at 29.

That said, expect all five teams to battle each other tooth-and-nail for a shot at the conference title.

Rounding out the Top 20 is Beverly, who returns this season as a favorite in the CAL/NEC conference. Although in the Division 2 tier of the conference, the Panthers are poised to emerge as the best in the entire group, led by running backs Brendan Flaherty (14 TDs) and Kenny Pierce (13 TDs).

The 2012 season is just a few days away, and is sure to provoke plenty of movement throughout the rankings as the year progresses. Be sure to check Boston.com for weekly updates on the Globe Top 20 and Boston.com 100.

FULL ENTRY

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

It's that time again. We're only four days away from the start of the high school football season and Bob and I are diving right into the action with our first episode of the Huddle, the Boston Globe's weekly high school football show covering Eastern Massachusetts. We're talking the Globe Top 20, what to expect in our preview section on Wednesday, and the MIAA playoff proposal.

Catch new episodes of the Huddle posted every Tuesday right here in the High Schools blog and on Boston.com/schools.

For past episodes of The Huddle, go to boston.com/huddle. Subscribe to The Huddle in iTunes (video). (Also available in audio only.)

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

The following are 20 of the top linemen in EMass high school football, listed in alphabetical order.

1. Jon Baker, Millis-Hopedale -- Baker was named the TVL Small lineman of the year despite being just a sophomore.

2. Ryan Barry, Central Catholic -- The 6-5, 250-pound Barry earned MVC All-Conference honors as a junior.

3. Eric Beckwith, North Attleboro -- The 6-2, 280-pound tackle was a Hockomock League All-Star last fall for the 9-1 Red Rocketeers. He was also New England champion in the shot put.

4. Mohammed Braimah, Cathedral -- The Catholic Central Small Defensive Lineman of the Year returns to lead a strong Panther defense.

5. Dan Burrows, Haverhill -- A Merrimack Valley Conference Small All-Conference selection as a junior, the 6-5, 280-pound senior will clear holes for running back Chance Brady.

6. Matthew Comerford, Reading -- The 6-4, 260-pound senior lineman and returning Middlesex League All-Star will keep defenders away from star quarterback Drew Belcher.

7. Terrel Correia, Nantucket -- The 6-5, 275-pound senior has already committed to play at UMass-Amherst.

8. John Foster, Scituate -- A Patriot Fisher All-Star as a junior, Foster will power the Sailors running game.

9. Ray Gobbi, Xaverian -- At 6-2, 300 pounds, Gobbi joins with Maurice Hurst to give the Hawks a powerful line.

10. Mitch Hildreth, Needham -- The senior offensive tackle isn’t the biggest of linemen (6-4, 255 pounds) but he’ll be a big key to the Rockets’ return to the Division 1 playoffs.

11. Maurice Hurst Jr. -- The Michigan-bound senior has a first step that’s as quick as it comes. He’s 285 pounds but look for him to show off his athleticism at running back as well.

12. Rob Kosharek, Duxbury -- A Patriot Keenan All-Star last fall, the 6-6, 260-pound lineman will help the Green Dragons continue their winning ways.

13. Jack McDonald, BC High -- The Virginia-bound 6-5, 275-pound senior was a Catholic Conference All-Star last fall.

14. John Montelus, Everett -- At 6-5, 290, the Notre Dame-bound senior will anchor an Everett line that could be the best in the state.

15. Peter Ngobidi, Catholic Memorial -- The Catholic Conference All-Star has already committed to UMass-Amherst and can play linebacker or on the line.

16. Chuddy Nwachukwu, Dighton-Rehoboth -- At 6-7 and about 310 pounds, Nwachukwu will be hard to overlook this fall. He’s the younger brother of former Globe basketball All-Scholastic Mary Nwachukwu.

17. Joe Previte, Brockton -- If the Boxers want a return to the Division 1 postseason, they’ll run behind Previte, a Big Three All-Star last fall.

18. Chris Tinkham, Lynn English -- The only sophomore last fall to be honored as an NEC Defensive All-Star, Tinkham will be counted on to open holes for Josh Batista.

19. Derek Welcome, Cathedral -- The Panthers went all the way to the Division 4A Super Bowl thanks to a great running game, led by the Catholic Central Small All-Star lineman.

20. Nate Tashjy, Westford Academy -- A senior, Tashjy was a DCL Large All-Star last fall as well as being one of the top wrestlers in the state.

Billy Owens / For the Boston Globe

Brighton linebacker Torry Johnson runs through drills on the first day of football practice on Monday in Cleveland Circle.

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

Football is back in Boston.

And Monday's opening day of training camp marked major new beginnings at several city league programs.

Besides being the first day of practice for new coaches at Brighton High, Charlestown High and West Roxbury High, Monday was the first ever football practice for New Mission High.

New Mission secured a football program after it was announced last school year that the school would move from Mission Hill to the former Hyde Park Education Complex.

About 13 New Mission students participated in practice at Ross Field on Monday.

“This is surreal,” said New Mission coach Michael Pittman Forman, who used to coach at Cathedral High in the South End. ”I’ve been in Boston for a while and I’ve wanted to get into the city [league] and coach. It feels surreal and I’m happy for the turnout we have right now. It’s a little low but we should be getting more guys.”

Known for their formidable basketball teams, the Titans looked athletic as they ran through conditioning drills on Monday morning.

“Once we start running with helmets and shoulder pads we’ll see if they are football players,” Pittman Forman said. “I have a feeling it’s going to be great. Everything starts with baby steps and we’re taking baby steps right now. We’ll see how it goes from this point on.”

Over in West Roxbury, another new era of football started as Derek Wright was in place as head coach instead of Leo Sybertz. The 74-year-old retired after the 2007 season only to return for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Wright served as Sybertz' assistant for two seasons.

“It was a restless night, the anxiety, now it’s all on my shoulders to be the head guy,” Wright said.

The Raiders junior quarterback David Bertucci said it was strange without Sybertz at practice on Monday.

“But I’ve been with these coaches since I was a freshman and I love them all to death,” he said. “But you can’t really replace a coach Sy, it’s always tough. Coach Wright coached me since JV year so I’ve been under his tutelage. It’s always good working with a coach you’ve worked with before. It makes everything easier. I’m happy they made Coach Wright head coach, I wouldn’t want anyone else to be head coach.”

Bertucci also said it’s a little tough coming back to practice and conditioning because it means summer is over and school is about to start.

“But the football helps to remove that pit [in your stomach] and makes everything better,” said Buertucci, whose father played at Westie in the 1980s and is an assistant for the Raiders. “I’m just happy to be back. I’ve been waiting for this since the last game of the year last year against Brighton. We finished off strong and we have a good group of guys here and we’re hoping to go deep in the playoffs.”

At Brighton’s camp in Cleveland Circle on Monday, longtime Bengals’ assistant Randolph Abraham officially took over the reins from James “Timo” Philip, who retired last year after coaching the Bengals for 30 years.

Abraham played for Philip until 2000 and became his assistant coach after graduating from Nichole’s College in 2004.

“It feels awesome, this is a dream of mine, I’ve wanted to do since I was a student here,” he said. “It’s going to be a grind but I think we’ve got great coaching.”

Last week Abraham joked that he wouldn’t be surprised if Philip turned up at the first day of practice. While Philip was a no show on Monday, Abraham joked that Philip would "hate" how organized practice is.

“He likes to roll with it,” Abraham said of Philip. “Me, I’m the opposite. We’re very organized and precise as you can see. We’re getting a lot done today. It feels like we’ve been here for four hours but we’ve only been here for two. They’re working.”

During the first week of Brighton’s practice last year, Brighton's star tight end Prince Unaegbu suffered a dislocating wrist and played most of the season with a cast on his forearm.

“It feels good, I’ve been waiting all year for this," the 6-foot-6, 240-pounder said. "When I came in today it felt like I was getting ready for a game or something.”

Justin A. Rice covers Boston Public school athletics. He can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJustinRice or @BPSspts.

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

The Boston Scholar Athletes program is hosting the POWERADE/AE Pre-Season Nike Sparq Football Combine on Saturday at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Dorchester (650 Dudley St.).

Running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the combine will provide Boston public high school football players with a chance to receive a Nike SPARQ rating, which will allow them to compare themselves to other high school football players. The attendees will also participate in a series of Nike SPARQ training drills.

No more than 25 members of each BPS football team can attend the combine and all students must be academically eligible.

Each athlete will partake in four tests (40 yard dash, pro agility, vertical
jump, and kneeling power ball throw). At the completion each score will be put into
a computer system and the player will then receive a Nike SPARQ rating.

There will also be six stations (agility cones, speed hurdles, speed
ladder, parachutes, power ball, linear speed) with each station lasting between eight to
10 minutes.

An hour of position specific teaching and fundamentals will also be conducted.

For more information contact Chris Rooks at 617-517-4444 or crooks@bostonscholarathletes.org; or Brad Schoonmaker at 617-517-4526
bschoonmaker@bostonscholarathletes.org.

EVENT ITINERARY:

8:00am-9:00am: Registration (handled by BSA staff)

9:00am-12:00pm: Combine

12:00pm-1:00pm: Hydration & Lunch

1:00pm-2:00pm: Nike Sparq Training

2:00pm-2:10pm: Hydration

2:10pm-3:10pm: Position Specific

3:10pm-3:20pm: Hydration

3:20pm-4:20pm: Half Line Drills and Skelly

4:20pm-4:30pm: Hydration

4:30pm-5:00pm Wrap Up

Justin A. Rice covers Boston Public school athletics. He can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJustinRice or @BPSspts.

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

Leo Sybertz’s trademark green mesh practice jersey and fishing cap will once again be missing from the sidelines at West Roxbury football games this fall.

The coach who retired after the 2007 season only to return for the 2010 and 2011 seasons was replaced by his assistant coach, Derek Wright, last week. The 74-year-old coach said headmaster Rudolph Weekes wanted a coach who also works in the school.

“I retired from teaching five or six years ago,” Sybertz said during a telephone interview on Wednesday afternoon. “I’m disappointed but he’s the one who makes the choices so it's entirely up to him. I have no qualms against him.”

Wright, 44, who has been a police officer at the school for the last four years, played at Dorchester High and spent two seasons at Boston College. He served as Westie's assistant the last two seasons and said he would’ve liked to have one more year under Sybertz before taking his first head coaching position.

"I’m up for the challenge to be honest with you," he said. "It came a year earlier than I thought, but I’m up for the challenge. I already started preparations for the upcoming season."

Sybertz coached West Roxbury from 1976 to 2007, won 202 games, including five Super Bowls and 13 league championships. He made 10 playoff appearances and sent two players to the NFL.

Sybertz said he never missed more than a few practices during his tenure.

“I honestly know from the bottom of my heart and from the top of my head to my toes, I know every single practice and every single game I always gave it all I had,” Sybertz said. “And that’s what I’m proudest of. You could say I’m a good coach or anything in between but that makes no difference to me.”

Brian Collins took over West Robxury’s program after Sybertz retired in 2007 but stepped down two years later because his wife had a child. That’s when Sybertz was called back to the sidelines to plug the hole.

Sybertz served one season as an assistant at Boston Latin and one season as an assistant at Sharon High before leading West Roxbury to a combined 9-11 record the last two seasons.

“I’m perfectly happy the way things are,” Sybertz said. “I have no axe to grind with anybody, that’s unhealthy to be that way. I’m fine with everything that’s going on. Life is good. I’m a lucky person. I wouldn’t be surprised if I found a coaching job between now and then. There could very well be something out there.

“I still have plenty of stuff left. I’m in good shape. I work out every day; I’m living the good life.”

Justin A. Rice covers Boston Public school athletics. He can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJustinRice or @BPSspts.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

Monday's inaugural Agganis All-Star women’s and men’s Lacrosse Classics have been postponed due to inclement weather. The games will be played on Wednesday at Manning Field – women at 6 p.m., men at 7:30 p.m.

That means the first competition in Agganis week will be the men's and women's soccer games Tuesday at Manning Field beginning at 5:30 p.m. In addition to lacrosse, Wednesday will have also have baseball and softball at Fraser Field. Thursday is basketball with two games at Lynn Classical. And Friday is the 51st Football Classic at 7 p.m. at Manning Field.

By Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondent

Former BC High coach Jon Bartlett, who will coach the South squad in this year's Shriners All-Star classic, confirmed Wednesday that Eagles running back Preston Cooper will play in Friday's game.

Cooper, who was named the Catholic Conference offensive player of the year in 2010, missed the last six weeks of the 2011 regular season and postseason after fracturing his ankle against Everett Oct. 22.

The star running back had 15 touchdowns (14 rushing) when he was injured – which at the time ranked second best in the state. His total still tied for fifth best at season's end.

"It's his first time back on the field and he's doing great," Bartlett said. "The doctor cleared him months ago, so he's been rehabbing and looking forward to this for a while. We'll definitely watch him and play him sparingly, but he's definitely playing."

Billy Owens / For the Boston Globe

East Boston lineman Leo Parnell practices with the South squad at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood for Friday's Massachusetts Shriners All-Star game. Parnell has excelled on the football field despite being legally deaf in one ear and only having 10 percent hearing in the other.

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

WESTWOOD — Most of the players running through the tunnel at Gillette Stadium Friday for the Massachusetts Shriners All-Star high school football game will imagine what it would sound like to enter the stadium as a New England Patriot on an NFL Sunday.

Leo Parnell, however, can only imagine what it feels like.

“You can feel the rumble and the vibrations and you know it’s that time,” said the East Boston lineman who is legally deaf in one ear and only has 10 percent hearing in the other. “When you come out of the tunnel and things start shaking it gets your nerves going whether you can hear it or not.”

Playing without a hearing aid because his was stolen several years ago and his family can’t afford a new one, the three-year starter for the Jets on both lines racked up a mantel full of awards during his senior year.

In addition to naming Parnell one of two Boston Scholar Athlete football players of the year, the BSA also awarded Parnell its Academic Excellence award this winter. Parnell was one of nine players to earn a Courageous Player Award from the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association.

Last month, Parnell was one of 34 local players to win the National Football Foundation’s Scholar-Athlete Award.

Parnell, who turns 20 on Friday, said the accolades serve as a reminder of all he’s endured, including scores of ear surgeries that caused him to be held back in elementary school twice. (Parnell received a waiver from the MIAA to play as a 19-year-old this past fall).

The South Boston native who lives in East Boston also says the awards stacked up in his “parlor” — what he quickly explains is his “old school Boston” way of saying living room — are a forewarning as well, “to make sure I’m always straight and narrow and I’m acting respectful to my peers, at a Shriners game and on other teams I will play on.”

This week Parnell’s Shriners teammates named him one of four captains for the South all-stars.

“From day one he’s been here every single day, he’s been working extremely hard in every single drill that we’ve been doing, he shows how to lead in each play,” Weymouth quarterback Cam McLevedge said during Tuesday afternoon’s practice at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood. “He’s 100 percent each time. After the whistle he keeps going.”

East Boston coach John Parziale said that’s often because he can’t hear the whistle.
Parnell also has a difficult time hearing the snap count, which offensive linemen are trained to listen for rather than watching the center snap the ball so they can get off the line of scrimmage faster than their defensive counterparts.

Wearing a helmet doesn’t help Parnell’s cause either.

Parziale’s predecessor, John Sousa, moved Parnell from left guard to right guard during his sophomore year because Parnell hears better in his left ear than he does in his right. Parnell also asks his quarterback to shout the snap count more clearly even though quarterbacks often bark it in a low grinding voice so linebackers don’t pick up on it.

A few months after he was switched to right guard, Parnell developed several tactics to make sure he didn’t jump off sides before the ball was snapped.

“The way I line up I have a peripheral of the ball at all times,” Parnell said. “If I don’t understand [the snap count] I just make sure I keep paying attention to the ball. I line up an inch or so off the [center’s] heel. I line up a little bit farther back so when I look forward I can see the middle to the end of [the center’s] forearm and I can always see the ball.”

Parnell had perfected those tactics so well by his senior year that he made 83 percent of his blocks on the offensive line for the Jets, who lost to Blue Hills by a field goal with 3.7 seconds left in the Division 4A semifinals.

The nose guard and defensive tackle was also the team’s leading tackler, collecting 72 tackles, including 22 for a loss and 9 sacks.

“It’s been a big year for him and it’s been good for East Boston in general,” Parziale said.

As accomplished as he is, Parnell is always overcoming obstacles.

Working with a lot of different quarterbacks this week in the Shriners game is difficult for Parnell because the quarterbacks all have different cadences at the line of scrimmage. Nevertheless, Parnell will still start for South coach John Bartlett on Friday night.

Parnell also filled in at left guard during practice this week even though he doesn’t like to play on that side of the center.

“It shows you the type of character he has,” said Bartlett, who is also the Boston College High coach and athletic director. “He doesn’t complain about it. He just goes right after it. He’s a real inspiration to his teammates.”

On top of all his football accomplishments, Parnell also graduated from East Boston High this month.

“I’m like speechless of everything he’s gotten so far,” Parnell’s mother, Margaret Parnell, said of all her son’s awards. “I’m just in shock to be honest with you. It didn’t hit me till he graduated the other day and I started crying and I realized how much he overcame.”
Six months after Parnell was born he had constant ear infections that didn’t subside no matter how many times he had new tubes put in his ears.

After years of suffering, he was eventually diagnosed with cholesteatoma in both ears. An abnormal skin cyst located in the middle ear behind the ear drum, cholesteatoma can cause dizziness, drainage from the ear and hearing loss.

Over the years Parnell has had 15 surgeries, including one to remove a benign tumor that left a large scar behind his right ear and inflamed part of his head.

“The scar was horrendous, it was really bad and he always thought he looked ugly,” Margaret Parnell said. “He also had to become a lot stronger because of that.”
Another surgery temporarily removed the bones in Parnell’s ears.

“I held onto those tiny bones for a year until they could put them back in,” Margaret Parnell said. “It was pretty cool to have his hearing bones in the cabinets.”

Parnell missed so much school that he was held back in both the first and third grades, his mother said. He was often bullied and made fun of for wearing hearing aids on both ears. His hearing loss also affected the pitch and clarity of his voice. He struggled to pronounce some words as well.

“It’s very nerve racking, people are very judgmental and often times associate hearing loss with speech impediments,” Parnell said. “They think you sound funny or illiterate or stupid.”

His mother would tell her son, “‘don’t worry, blow them off, someday you’ll be something’ … I started to tell him how big he was.”

Parnell started to play football for East Boston Pop Warner when he was 12 years old and then for the Clearance R. Edwards Middle School in Charlestown.

Today Parnell shows few signs of being hearing impaired, and amazingly, he said he never had help from a speech therapist.

Instead, he would retreat to his room with his favorite heavy metal albums, namely Godsmack, and teach himself how to talk properly.

“I would sit there and practice doing what they did vocally and singing and watched myself,” he said. “So I kind of trained myself. My family and my mother was very adamant about it too. She would tell me, ‘You have to speak up, you have to speak louder. Slow yourself down’ and I would take hints from what they did as well as practicing in my room myself.

“I got sick and tired of using the excuse that I couldn’t hear anything.”

He also learned how to read lips, something he mostly relies on now since he’s developed shadow hearing, which means he can’t hear what someone says unless he’s looking at their face.

His ability to read lips has been especially important since he’s been without a hearing aid for almost two years. Parnell and his mother said one was stolen while they were camping in New Hampshire and the replacement went missing as well.
Both cost more than $1,000, according to Parnell’s mother.

“It’s disgusting, she said. “I didn’t think there was a big racket out there for them but I guess where there’s a will [there’s a way] … I have five children and each one we pay for out of pocket. We just haven’t had the money to pay for it.”

Parnell has no problem hearing his heavy metal music, which pumps full blast from his iPod and car stereo. The running joke among his teammates and coaches is that the music caused his hearing loss.

“I don’t really care,” he said of annoying people with his loud music. “I have to deal with people when I’m on the train going to work. Everyone has their own flaws. I just try to be respectful. If there’s a crowd full of people at 6:45 in the morning I may not have it all the way up.”

Cholesteatoma is something Parnell will have to deal with for the rest of his life. He will have to continue to have doctors scrape off the cyst when it grows back every so often and he might have to have new tubes put in soon.

In the fall, Parnell will attend North Shore Community College with the hopes that his grades will improve enough so he can study biology and play college football at a four-year university in a few years. He said both Curry College and Mount Ida College are interested in him and he is also going to look into playing for Gallaudet University, a school in Washington D.C. for the deaf and hard of hearing.

“The schools I narrowed it down to wanted me for both reasons, not just one,” he said pursuing a degree in biology. “I wanted to feel like I was still an everyday student and an athlete at the same time.”

With football on his backburner for the time being, Parnell will make the most of playing his first game at Gillette Stadium on Friday. But he’s trying not to focus on what it will feel like to run out of the tunnel for the Shriners game.

“I can’t even imagine, I don’t even want to know because it’s going to make me so nervous,” he said. “I can’t even imagine how many people are going to be there and the atmosphere and I’m not going to think about it because I don’t want to psych myself out.

“I’m going to go there like a pro player and have the right attitude and focus on the game and kind of take the crowd out of it.”

Justin A. Rice covers Boston Public school athletics. He can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJustinRice or @BPSspts.

By Anthony Gulizia, Globe Correspondent

The 34th edition of the Shriners All-Star Classic is on tap for this week.

The game will be played at 7 p.m. Friday June 15 at Gillette Stadium. The coaching staffs were selected at the December meeting of the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association, and the coaches then selected their teams in January. The rosters are listed below:

FULL ENTRY

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

Xaverian's Maurice Hurst announced via twitter that he has verbally committed to attend and play football at the University of Michigan. The Canton resident is expected to play defensive tackle for the Wolverines.

"I'm happy for him,'' said Xaverian coach and athletic director Charlie Stevenson. "It's something that he's worked very hard to achieve.''

The 6-2, 270-pound Hurst has one year left at Xaverian, where he was a Catholic Conference All-Star for the Hawks.

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

East Boston Principal Mike Rubin — who also sits on the MIAA Board of Directors — said on Thursday morning that he plans to pick the brains of the Boston City League football coaches before voting on the latest state-wide football playoff proposal on June 7.

Rubin said on Thursday he would try to schedule a meeting with the coaches ahead of the June 7 meeting, at which board could vote on the proposal. Earlier this month the MIAA’s Tournament Management Committee voted in favor of the proposed playoff.

“I’m trying to get a pulse from the city coaches to see how they feel about it so I asked my coach and I called [Boston schools Athletic Director] Ken Still today to set up a meeting with city coaches," Rubin said. "I want to get their feelings about the new proposal. I want to know how they feel.

"I want to know not just how I feel about it because I’m not the one coaching. ... It’s a busy time of year because of proms, award banquets, graduations and those things in the next couple weeks but I want to have a meeting to be prepared in the best possible light on June 7."

On Friday afternoon, however, Still said a meeting wasn't feasible. He said his department was reaching out to all the football coaches via telephone and e-mail to find out how they feel about the proposal.

"He wants to hear back from [the coaches] on their specific like and dislikes," Still said of Rubin.

Still said he spoke to two or three coaches who don't like the proposal. Still said most coaches in the city are content with the city's current post-season bids. He also said his department doesn't have the money in its budget for travel to more post-season games.

Rubin said he was impressed by a recent presentation on the proposed playoff format to the MIAA but he also said he has the feeling that the city coaches will be against the plan just like they were when a playoff proposal was shot down by the MIAA board of directors in 2010.

Rubin, who sat down with all the the city football coaches before the 2010 proposal was defeated, said he also has an idea how how the coaches feel about the proposal.

“I’ve gotten that feeling but I haven’t talked to them yet,” he said. “The only one I’ve talked to is my coach [John Parziale]. I want to get a collective feeling on how they are all feeling before I go out and say anything.”

On June 7 the 18-member board could either vote to support the proposal, vote to defeat it or push it to a vote of the annual meeting in March 2013. The board can also ask the Tournament Management Committee to come back with more information at the June 18 board meeting.

The board could also vote to approve the two-year pilot proposal but delay the implementation until 2014.

Rubin said his only concern with the proposal is that high school leaders have a chance to see it before it’s implemented.

“I just felt that enough people hadn’t heard the proposal,” he said. “My only concern is making sure all the headmasters and principals get information on the proposal. The MIAA today sent out the proposal to all high school leaders. I just want to make sure everyone has seen the proposal and make sure we’re not pushing anything through without everyone seeing it.”

Justin A. Rice covers Boston Public school athletics. He can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJustinRice or @BPSspts.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

BC High didn’t have to look far to find a new football coach, naming defensive coordinator Joe Gaff to succeed Jon Bartlett.

‘‘I’m extremely humbled and very excited to be taking on this position,’’ Gaff said in a release from the Dorchester school. ‘‘BC High is a warm and welcoming community that haqs provided me with great opportunity for personal growth. Jon Bartlett is certainly a touch act to follow, but the squad coming up is a very fine group of young men.’’

Gaff has been BC High’s defensive coordinator the last four years. Last fall, the Eagles had the second best defense in Division 1, allowing just 13.9 ppg. A 26-year veteran of the Everett police department, Gaff has 11 years of head coaching experience including time at Chelsea, Matignon, and Malden Catholic. He also served as an assistant coach at Tufts for three years.

‘‘We are thrilled to have Joe lead our program,’’ said Bartlett, who will remain as BC High’s athletic director. ‘‘... he understands the vision of our program and the core values of our school.’’

Bartlett announced he was stepping down in April after four years as head coach. Last fall, BC High went 10-3 and won the Division 1 Super Bowl, beating Needham 21-7 at Gillette Stadium.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

FRANKLIN -- Even with the biggest hurdle yet to come, a 10-4 vote in favor of a state-wide football playoff system by the Tournament Management Committee Thursday included something usually missing from an MIAA meeting -- a celebration.

It wasn’t a wild, cork-popping affair, but rather an acknowledgment by all that football players across the state are one step closer to joining their soccer, field hockey, and volleyball playing classmates in a playoff system that will allow greater participation and produce a real state champion.

"It's been a long haul and I think it’s a great opportunity," said Kathleen McSweeney, TMC chair and Plymouth North principal. "I think it’s a step in the right direction."

McSweeney, who also chaired the ad hoc committee that produced the proposal that was voted down at the annual meeting in 2010, immediately texted her vice-principal Bill Burkhead after the vote. It was Burkhead, as Plymouth North’s athletic director, who was a key figure in crafting the last proposal. And it may have been that failed proposal that’s helping propel this one along.

"Yes, all the work that we went through really laid the foundation," McSweeney said. "I think it got people thinking differently, that it really is possible to take a look at what's best for kids and best for football."

But the vote wasn't unanimous.

"I have financial concerns as a high school principal," said Tantasqua principal Mike Lucas. "Budgets are always tough. I'm concerned about the loss of local rivalries. But I felt like I got to ask my questions today and they were answered for the most part. I represent Central Mass and the dissolving of Division 3, you now have more schools that are mismatched size-wise playing each other and to me that's a concern."

St. Peter-Marian assistant principal Rich Riley supported the proposal.

"Football is a unique sport," said Riley. "I can appreciate the thorough study the Football Committee presented us. I think they addressed all the major and many of the minor concerns from two years ago. They did their homework and I think it’s worth trying such a playoff proposal."

But as any veteran follower of the MIAA knows, one committee is usually followed by another. Next up for the proposal is the June 7 meeting of the MIAA’s board of directors. The options available to the 18-member board are many. It can vote to support the proposal, defeat it, push it to a vote of the annual meeting in March of 2013, or, if they have questions, throw it back to the TMC to get answers at their June 18 meeting. And since it’s a two-year pilot, they could even vote to delay the start until 2014.

But for now, the work of the State Football Coaches Association and the MIAA Football Committee appears over.

"Pretty much. It will really fall into the hands of the board in how they want to deal with it," said Football Committee chair and Ipswich principal Barry Cahill. "But I think it's time and we have a good enough plan so that it’s worth them supporting it."

And for Cahill, who is retiring this summer after 26 years as a principal, his last grade was a good one. The committee’s task was to convince the TMC it was worth their support and they did.

"The grade was pretty good," said McSweeney. "They get an A."

Following are the proposed alignments for the new state-wide playoff system. Schools can appeal their placement. If approved, it would start in 2013.

Eastern Mass.

Division 1 North
1. Lawrence
2. Lowell
3. St. John’s Prep
4. Acton Boxboro
5. Malden
6. Everett
7. Lexington
8. Methuen
9. Peabody
10. Andover
11. Chelmsford
12. Central Catholic

Division 1 South
1. Brockton
2. BC High
3. New Bedford
4. Framingham
5. Weymouth
6. Newton North
7. Attleboro
8. Xaverian
9. Brookline
10. Bridgewater- Raynham
11. Franklin
12. Catholic Memorial

Division 2 North
1. Haverhill
2. Cambridge
3. Newton South
4. Westford Academy
5. Lincoln-Sudbury
6. Lynn English
7. Billerica
8. Waltham
9. Lynn Classical
10. North Andover
11. Malden Catholic
12. Reading

FULL ENTRY

Photo courtesy of Pam Rogers

Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett and Boston high school student Fred McAfee enjoyed a football clinic for special needs students at Harvard last week.

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

New England Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett, defensive end Alex Silvestro, punter Zoltan Mesko and players from Harvard's football team conducted a football skills clinic last week for 125 special needs and at-risk students from Boston and Chelsea public schools.

Conducted at Harvard’s Jordan Field on Wednesday, the clinic included passing drills, strength exercises, punting instruction and an obstacle course.

The clinic was organized by AccesSportAmerica, a not for profit organization that inspires higher function and fitness for children and adults living with disabilities through high-challenge sports and training.


Justin A. Rice covers Boston Public school athletics. He can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJustinRice or @BPSspts.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

A familiar father/son duo leads the list of honorees for the Jack Grinold Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

John and Jonathan DiBiaso of Everett High School head the 2012 award recipients who will be honored Monday, May 14, at Lombardo’s in Randolph. The pair, along with Bentley University quarterback Bryant Johnson, Curry College head coach Skip Bandini, and 33 additional high school scholar-athletes will be recognized at the foundation’s annual dinner.

The elder DiBiaso will receive the Ed Schluntz Contributions to Amateur Football Award. DiBiaso has been the coach at Everett for the past 20 years and has compiled a 198-21 record. His 2011 team, led by his quarterback son Jonathan, compiled a perfect 13-0 record and captured the Division IA Eastern Massachusetts Super Bowl. Jonathan has been selected as one of 34 scholar-athletes by the Chapter. DiBiaso has also been head coach at St. Patrick’s High School in Watertown and Weston High School. His teams have won 10 Eastern Massachusetts Super Bowls, and his Everett teams have won the Greater Boston League title for 16 consecutive seasons.

Johnson is the recipient of the inaugural Jack Daly Award for Academics, Citizenship and Football. The Hopedale native started every game at quarterback for Bentley for the past three years. He holds the Bentley career completion percentage record (.613) and ranks in the top three in all major passing categories. A two time All-Northeast 10 selection, Johnson was named the Conference Most Valuable Offensive Player in 2010. Johnson is a master’s degree candidate in Business Administration with a concentration in Accountancy and Financial Planning who was named a Capital One Academic All-District selection in 2011. He has coached youth football and basketball in Waltham, been a Special Olympics volunteer, and was a member of the Bentley Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Bandini has been the head coach at Curry for the past six years and will receive the Ron Burton Distinguished American Award. A member of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Hall of Fame as an offensive lineman, Bandini has been head coach at St. Clement and Don Bosco (his alma mater) high schools, and has been an assistant at Dom Savio, Stoneham, Reading, MIT, UMass-Lowell, Mount Ida, and Curry. His Curry teams have compiled a 52-16 record (.765), won two New England Football Conference Championships, and been selected for the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament three times. Off the field, Bandini is the founder of MasterSports, a non-profit corporation providing scholarship money to deserving high school football players.

For ticket information, call Jim Seavey at 508-830-5054.

A look at the 34 winners of this year’s Scholar-Athlete Award:

Adam Bakopolus
High School: Buckingham Browne & Nichols
College choice: Bowdoin
A three-year starter at wide receiver and defensive back for coach John Papas ... received Independent School League honors his senior year and was named team student-athlete award winner ... also plays varsity golf and basketball ... his lowest grade at BB&N was an A- ... studied in Russia as exchange student.

Daniel Barone
High School: Holliston High School
College choice: Bowdoin
A Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic selection, Barone was the Globe’s Division 3 Player of the Year. A three-year starter at quarterback, he was the leading scorer in Division 3 last fall with 135 points ... Has participated in annual Mission trips to Mississippi and coaches youth football and basketball.

Jamie Bourque
High School: Wakefield
College choice: Boston College
Broke Wakefield’s all-time records for yards passing in a single season with 1,718 and was named a Middlesex League All-Star ... Led by Bourque, Wakefield went 9-2 and won the Middlesex Small title ... Ranked 24th in a class of 239 ... a three-sport athlete, he also runs outdoor track and plays basketball.

Brian Bowser
High School: Belmont Hill
College choice: Bowdoin
A three-year starter at tight end and linebacker, Bowser was named an ISL All-Star his senior year as well as earning recognition as All New England in Class B ... Bowser was team captain and led Belmont Hill in tackles ... Bowser also plays lacrosse ... volunteers with the “Work Crew,” a group that helps the elderly.

Henry Bumpus
High school: Concord-Carlisle
College choice: Brown
The 6-6, 225-pound tight end was a Boston Herald, Boston Globe, ESPNBoston, and Lowell Sun All-Scholastic for the Super Bowl winning Patriots ... Also named to the Mass Coaches All-State team and Shriners All-Star roster ... Bumpus has a 3.64 GPA ... Also plays varsity basketball and lacrosse.

Matt Cahill
High School: Lincoln-Sudbury
College choice: Tufts
A three-year starter at quarterback and defensive back for the Warriors, he was twice named to the Dual County League All-Star team ... Cahill holds all career passing records at L-S (attempts, completions, yards and TDs) ... captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams ... 3.99 GPA and won Harvard Book Award as a junior.

Andrew Coke
High School: Andover
College choice: Brown
A two-time Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic as a running back and defensive back for the Golden Warriors ... Was the leading scorer in Division 1, third leading scorer as a senior ... Coke ran for 1,200 yards and caught passes for another 400 yards his senior year ... has a 3.3 GPA and was team captain.

Jack Connolly
High School: St. Sebastian’s
College choice: Dartmouth
Three-year starter for St. Seb’s at running back and a two-time Independent School League All-Star ... Also named to the Mass Coaches All-State team and to the All New England team for Class B ... ranked 11th in his class ... Connolly also a two-time ISL All-Star in lacrosse ... National Honor Society member.

Douglas Crook
High School: Barnstable
College choice: Worcester Academy
One of the top quarterbacks in state history, Crook finished his career with 76 touchdown passes, good for fifth place all-time ... A two-time Old Colony League All-Star and four-year starter, Crook led Barnstable to a Division 1A playoff berth ... Also plays basketball and baseball and is a member of the National Honor Society ... A Special Olympics volunteer.

Michael Decina
High School: Hopkinton
College choice: Bates
A two-time Tri-Valley League All-Star, Decina started three years at Hopkinton at quarterback and defensive back ... Decina is a three-sport captain (football, hockey, baseball) ... Finished his career with 3,210 yards passing and this year led Division 3 with 18 touchdown passes ... has a 3.6 GPA ... is a peer mentor for younger students.

Jonathan DiBiaso
High School: Everett
Next fall: Philips Exeter
The record-setting quarterback finished as the leading passer in state history with 103 career touchdown passes. He also holds the state single-season mark with 44 ... DiBiaso played for his father and head coach John ... Everett won Super Bowl titles the last two years ... DiBiaso is ranked 24th in a class of 394 and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Nicholas DiChiara
High School: Buckingham Browne & Nichols
College choice: Colgate
A four-year starter at fullback and linebacker for BB&N, DiChiara was a two-time ISL All-Star ... he was also chosen for the Mass Coaches All-State team as well as the Shriners game ... also plays varsity basketball and lacrosse ... was captain of the basketball and football teams ... was voted junior class president.

Shane Donovan
High School: Thayer Academy
College choice: Wesleyan
The 6-0, 290-pound lineman was a four-year starter for the Braintree ISL school ... Donovan was a two-time winner of ISL All-Star honors ... named to the NEPSAC All-New England team ... was captain of the football and track teams and one of the top wrestlers in the ISL ... scored a 780 on math SAT and is a talented musician.

Steven Jepeal
High School: Austin Prep
College choice: Notre Dame
A two-year starter at one both sides on the line at tackle, he earned Catholic Central Large All-Star honors his senior year ... also runs indoor track and plays lacrosse ... president of the student council, vice-president of the Russian Club and the New England Club ... scored a perfect 800 on the math portion of SAT.

Dan Laorenza
High School: North Andover
College choice: Wesleyan
Playing wide receiver and safety for the Knights, Laorenza earned CAL/NEC Division 1 All-Star honors ... football captain as well as two-year starter for the North Andover baseball team ... also earned the 2011 team Sportsmanship Award ... writes for the school newspaper ... volunteer with the Special Olympics.

Nicholas Leonard
High School: Mansfield
College choice: Boston College
As a two-year starter for Mansfield at offensive guard and linebacker, Leonard was a key figure in the Hornets 19-3 regular season record ... a member of the Sun-Chronicle All-Area team and team captain ... ranked 13th in a class of 361 ... a member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society.

Kevin McCarthy
High School: Hingham
College choice: Columbia
A three-year starter and two-time Patriot League All-Star, McCarthy excelled at running back and defensive back ... captain of the football team. Also plays basketball and runs track ... McCarthy volunteers at homeless shelter and Hingham Food Pantry ... was MVP of the Thanksgiving game his junior year ... selected to play in Shriners game.

Michael McKie
High School: Boston Latin
College choice: Boston College
A two-year starter at center and linebacker, McKie was named a Dual County League All-Star his senior year ... also an expert long snapper on kicking team ... responsible for calling assignments on both sides of the ball ... also plays baseball ... a member of the National Honor Society as well as an accomplished saxophone player.

Jameson McShea
High School: BC High
College choice: Harvard
One of the top players in the state, McShea was the Boston Globe’s Division 1 Player of the Year, a Boston Herald All-Scholastic, a member of the Coaches All-State team, and the Catholic Conference Lineman of the Year ... an accomplished artist as well the football team captain ... volunteered in New Jersey helping at a soup kitchen.

Michael Minahan
High School: Belmont Hill
College choice: Georgetown
A wide receiver and defensive back, he started two years at Belmont Hill and earned both ISL and All New England honors his senior year ... a rare three-sport captain at Belmont Hill with football, basketball, and track ... a member of the student admission committee as well as the drug & alcohol committee ... did volunteer work at a Jamaican orphanage.

Matthew Montalto
High School: Dennis-Yarmouth
College choice: Bentley
A two-time Boston Herald and Boston Globe All-Scholastic, Montalto was also named the Globe’s Division 2A Player of the Year ... He threw for 25 touchdowns and ran for another 15 as the Dolphins won the Div. 2A Super Bowl ... captain of the football, ice hockey, and baseball teams ... was an ACL All-Star in hockey ... a member of the National Honor Society.

Reilly Naton
High School: Duxbury
College choice: Yale
A three-year starter at receiver and safety for one of the most successful teams in the state, Naton earned Patriot League All-Star honors his senior year during which Duxbury won the Division 2 Super Bowl ... caught 27 passes for 526 yards his senior year ... captain for football and lacrosse and a National Honor Society member.

Stephen O’Grady
High School: North Andover
College choice: Colby
The center and linebacker earned Cape Ann/Northeastern Conference All-Star honors his senior ... A three-year starter, North Andover went 26-8 over that time. Also a Cape Ann All-League player his junior year and a Lawrence Eagle-Tribune All-Star his senior year ... Ranked 8th in a class of 300, he’s a member of the National Honor Society.

Matthew O’Keefe
High School: Duxbury
College choice: Johns Hopkins
The Globe’s Division 2 Player of the Year, O’Keefe also was named to the Boston Herald All-Scholastic team ... O’Keefe threw for 35 touchdowns and 2,300 yards his senior year and led the Green Dragons to the Division 2 Super Bowl title ... also one of the top lacrosse players in the state ... involved in mentor program for freshman students.

Leo Parnell
High School: East Boston
College choice: North Shore Community College
A three-year starter for the Jets on both lines, Parnell was recognized this year as the Player of the Year in Boston as well as Boston Herald All-Scholastic ... also one of nine players to earn Courageous Player Awards from the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association ... ranked in top half of his graduating class.

Daniel Pierce
High School: Needham
College choice: Middlebury
The Rockets won the Bay State Carey title and a berth in the Division 1 playoffs led by their talented receiver and safety. A two-year starter, he earned conference all-star honors his senior year ... finished with six touchdown receptions and 750 yards his senior year ... has done volunteer work in Costa Rica and has a 4.64 GPA.

Will Quigley
High School: Marblehead
College choice: Brown
A Boston Herald and Boston Globe All-Scholastic, Quigley was a three-year starter at running back and corner ... finished as Marblehead’s all-time leading scorer with 45 touchdowns ... also finished with 3,900 career all-purpose yards and 11 interceptions ... the varsity baseball captain ... member of the Bridging Lives program at Marblehead.

Armani Reeves
High School: Catholic Memorial
College choice: Ohio State
One of the most talented players in the state, Reeves finished as the sixth leading scorer in Division 1 with 16 touchdowns. A three-year starter, he ran for 1,103 yards and caught 21 passes, also had 51 tackles on defense ... captain of the football and basketball teams ... a member of the CM Leadership Program and Campus Ministry.

Mark Riley
High School: Needham
College choice: Bates
The two-year starter and Bay State Carey All-Star had 72 receptions for 15 touchdowns and 1,266 yards his senior year ... named to the Boston Globe All-Scholastic team ... the Rockets captain, he led team to Division 1 Super Bowl at Gillette for first time in school history ... brother Bobby a former NFF recipient.

Peter Trombly
High School: Acton-Boxboro
College choice: Virginia
Trombly was the sole captain of 2011 Colonials and a Dual County Large All-Star playing offensive guard and linebacker ... also wrestles and was a US Lacrosse Academic All-American ... Trombly is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society ... an MIAA Student Ambassador.

Will Twyman
High School: Lincoln-Sudbury
College choice: Brown
A tight end and linebacker, Twyman was a three-year starter at L-S and a two-time Dual County League All-Star ... was named to the Boston Globe All-Scholastic team his senior year ... recorded 117 tackles, 4 interceptions, and three forced fumbles as L-S won the DCL Large title ... also a member of the Coaches All-State team.

Andrew VanderWilden
High School: Concord-Carlisle
College choice: Brown
A three-year starter and two-time Dual County League Lineman of the Year, VanderWilden was named to the Boston Herald All-Scholastic team ... The Patriots finished 11-0 this fall and won the Division 3 Super Bowl title at Gillette led by their senior captain ... volunteered in Louisiana building houses ... also coaches youth football.

Michael Walsh
High School: Swampscott
College choice: Brown
Walsh threw for 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns in leading his team to a 9-2 record ... Earned Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic honors after being named the CAL/NEC Division 2 Player of the Year ... captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams ... volunteers for meals on wheels and North Shore Holocaust Center.

Camren Williams
High School: Catholic Memorial
College choice: Ohio State
A Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic, Williams was one of the top linebackers in the state. A three-year starter, he was named to the Coaches All-State team and was a Catholic Conference All-Star ... made 119 tackles in 9 games ... also a member of the National Honor Society, the Campus Ministry, and the CM leadership team.

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

Keith Parker will become just the third coach in Boston English history to be inducted to the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association Sunday and two longtime rivals couldn’t be happier for him.

‘‘We had some great times together,’’ said former East Boston coach John Sousa. ‘‘Keith Parker is just a great role model, just a great presence for these kids in the city. I can’t tell you how many kids he’s taken under his wing and got scholarships, set up for college and given them guidance. He gave them what they don’t have in their home life. He’s given his heart and soul to English and this is well deserved and it’s an honor for me to present him the award.”

Parker will be one of six coaches inducted into the hall of fame at an annual awards banquet Sunday night in Randolph. He’ll join Tony Wood of St. John’s of Shrewsbury, North Quincy’s Ken McPhee, Bay Path’s Al Dhembe, Dighton-Rehoboth’s Dave Driscoll and Mahar’s James Woodward.

Known to his players simply as PK because that’s the way he signed into school each morning, Parker will be just the 15th coach from Boston to be inducted into the hall of fame, including two coaches from Boston Latin School. Bill Ohrenberger, who was inducted in 1965, and William Stewart, who was inducted in 1984, are the only other coaches from English in the football hall of fame.

‘‘It’s a special honor,’’ Parker said. “I’m thrilled to be able to be inducted.”

Parker chose to be introduced by Sousa, also his former assistant of 14 years and who retired from East Boston in 2009, the same year Parker retired.

Sousa is likely to be the next coach from Boston inducted into the hall of fame and he said he will return the favor by having Parker induct him. Parker will give a speech Sunday in front of about 50 family, friends, former colleagues and former players who will attend the ceremony as his guests.

‘‘I’ll be quite welled up because as I said I’ll have five tables worth of family and friends that are going to be there,” Parker said. “In my acceptance speech I’m going to point out a few things that it’s not easy to be a coach at Boston English for 30-plus years.’’

After his tenure as English’s head coach ended in 2009, Parker finished his career 141-169-5, with five Boston City League titles and two Super Bowl titles.

"He’s done a great job, and he stayed with it,” said former Boston Latin coach and Hall of Famer Paul Costello. ‘‘There were times he had better people than we did and he gave us a tough time. Other times we had a great team and he gave us fits. Most of the time he was always in the game.

‘‘He was a class act. When I retired [in 2000] they came over at halftime and gave me a plaque from English. That was very thoughtful, very classy.’’

In his first year as head coach in 1980, Parker went 8-1-1 (including a victory against Latin) and won the English’s first city title in 14 years. Parker would not beat the Wolfpack again until his best season in 1997 when the Bulldogs topped off an undefeated campaign with a 24-18 win against Greater Lawrence in the Super Bowl.

"This induction, me receiving this honor totally verifies the years I spent at English High School because you don’t get this honor unless you deserve it,’’ Parker said. ‘‘And it’s an honor from my peers.’’

By Ryan Mooney, Globe Correspondent

Jon Bartlett announced Wednesday that he will step down as head football coach at BC High. He will remain the school's athletic director.

"As far as athletic director, head football coach, husband, and father of a young family, there's a lot going on," Bartlett said as he watched the Eagles' baseball team host Xaverian. "It comes to a point where you need to prioritize and I had to make a decision."

The Eagles defeated Needham, 21-7, at Gillette Stadium to win the Division 1 Super Bowl, the team's second under Bartlett. The four-year coach also guided the Eagles to a pair of Catholic Conference titles and a 32-12 record.

Bartlett hopes to find a replacement "as soon as possible," and plans to start looking for a successor within the program "sooner than later." He notified his players before making the announcement.

"I told the players this afternoon," Bartlett said. "I wouldn't have made the decision public until I talked to them first."

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

High school principals and athletic directors have until next Wednesday to nominate student athletes for the 16th annual Massachusetts Student-Athlete Citizenship Awards Ceremony on April 24 at Northeastern University.

This awards ceremony and program are designed to recognize Massachusetts high school student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in three disciplines: academics, athletics and citizenship. The ceremony will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Curry Student Center Ballroom at Northeastern University.

The theme of this year’s event is “How Can Student-Athletes Make a Difference in the Community?”

The event, which is being sponsored by Sport in Society at Northeastern University and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, is open to schools in Districts A, B, C, D, E and H.

Each school can nominate two male and two female students that merit this recognition and have participated in community service. One faculty member, coach, or parent representative should also be willing to provide transportation and accompany the students.

For more information contact Ted O’Reilly at 617-373-4025 or m.oreilly@neu.edu.

Justin A. Rice can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJustinRice or @BPSspts.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

Wellesley has named Jesse Davis as its new football coach following the departure of 10-year coach Bill Tracey who stepped down in January.

Davis, a 1999 graduate of the school and one of its former football captains, had been the defensive coordinator for the varsity team. He also was the school's wrestling coach the last four years and played football at Norwich University before a stint with the Marines.

"We had many very strong candidates for the position," Wellesley athletic director John Brown said in an e-mail. "Jesse's pride, commitment and dedication along with his deep passion for the tradition of Wellesley High School football is unmatched. We are very excited by the enthusiasm and energy that Jesse will bring to the head coach's position and the Wellesley High School football program."

Patriots defensive back James Ihedigbo will be a featured speaker at at a spring invitational for high school football teams at his alma mater, UMass. (Jim Rogash / Getty Images)

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

The Association for Diversity in Sport is holding a spring invitational football tournament at UMass for eight high school football teams, and New England Patriots safety James Ihedigbo is the featured speaker at the daylong event.

Ihedigbo is an alumnus of UMass.

The tournament, which will be a seven-on-seven round-robin with three games guaranteed, will be held April 21 at Groff Park in Amherst. The association is looking for participating schools.

For information on the invitational and how to register, e-mail ADS7on7@gmail.com or call Alex Mercer at 484-574-6421. You can also visit http://adsfootball.weebly.com/.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

Billerica senior Nick LaSpada will head to Watertown, Conn., this fall, selecting Taft over Phillips Exeter and Phillips Andover.

LaSpada was targeted for Harvard before health issues ended his football season in November. He then set his sites on a year of prep school and narrowed down his choices to Taft, Exeter, and Andover.

It wasn't the only good news LaSpada has heard recently. He's also been cleared to play baseball this spring for the Indians.

By Phil Perry, Globe Correspondent

George Craan took to his knees and prayed when he heard the news.

The Concord-Carlisle running back was on the phone with Patriots coach Mike Robichaud yesterday when he was told Boston College had officially offered him a football scholarship.

“I said ‘Amen’ because I’ve been praying this would happen,” said Craan, who announced via Twitter that he would be attending BC.

“Without God, this wouldn’t have happened. And to play in front of my family in my hometown – they say there’s nothing better than playing in your hometown. I always wanted to be a BC Eagle since I was a little kid so I’m happy with the decision.”

Craan amassed 1,800 total yards and scored 24 touchdowns in his senior season. A two-time Globe All-Scholastic, he helped the Patriots (13-0) finish undefeated when he ran for 122 yards and 3 touchdowns in C-C’s 42-9 Division 3 Super Bowl victory over Oliver Ames.

BC had shown interest in the 5-foot-10, 205-pound back since last summer when he attended the school’s football camp. But when National Signing Day came and went on Feb. 1 without any contact, Craan was set on doing a college preparatory year.

Then BC called last Saturday to re-ignite the recruiting process.

“We thought that boat had sailed,” Robichaud said. “It’s a great testament to George that he was able to continue to do the right things in the classroom and stay positive and stay focused.”

Craan, who intends on enrolling in the Carroll School of Management, was excited about the academic opportunities he will have at the Heights.

“It’s not just a football school,” said Craan. “It’s highly-respected for its academics. Walking out of BC with a degree is something to be proud of.”

Before Craan made his announcement on Twitter, he told his mother, Ines Vilme. Elated, she immediately began calling the family’s relatives in Haiti to share the news.

Craan, a Metco student from Hyde Park, reflected on the efforts he made before his senior season began. Determined to be with his teammates as much as possible last summer, he took the commuter rail, then walked or got rides from friends to get to team workouts. If he had extra energy when he got home, he lifted weights at his local YMCA, and ran sprints at Madison Park High School.

“This allows me to see that hard work pays off,” Craan said. “Without my team, including my coaches, my [offensive line], my defense, this wouldn’t have happened. It was a group effort.”

According to Robichaud, Craan is the first Concord-Carlisle product to receive a scholarship from Boston College since quarterback Willie Hicks in 1987. Hicks has served as a mentor to Craan during the recruiting process and spoke to Craan before he visited BC’s campus on Friday for an admissions interview.

Craan will continue to workout at his local YMCA as well as at the Acton-based gym CATZ as he looks ahead to his career at BC, where the uniforms will have a familiar look.

“It will feel good to be wearing maroon and gold again,” he said.

By Globe Staff

Mastersports announced its 2012 Annual Award recipients, a list that includes some of the most successful coaches in state football history. The awards recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the game of Football, the communities they have served, and to those players whom they have inspired:

- 8th Annual Paul Costello Distinguished Service Award: Tom Lamb

- 6th Annual High School Coach of the Year: Mike Boyages, Wakefield High School

- 6th Annual College Coach of the Year: E.J. Mills, Amherst College

- 5th Annual Jack Grinold SID/Media Award: Steve Krause of The Lynn Item

- 4th Annual Official of the Year: Edwin Shanahan, Umpire, Colonial, Ivy, Patriot League

- Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Bancroft, Pembroke High School

Lifetime Achievement Award: Joseph Tarby, Woburn Pop Warner

The Award Winners will be honored Sat., March 10, during the luncheon with the Legends Banquet following the annual Mastersports, Inc. Football Coaches Clinic at the Holiday Inn Select in Woburn.

"We are proud to honor these outstanding men who have had such an impact on the lives of many young men and their families” said Mastersports Founder John “Skip” Bandini.

Mastersports is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to the game of football. The mission of Mastersports is two-fold. First, raise funds for educational scholarships. All funds after direct expenses raised from all our various operations are used to fund Memorial Scholarships for college, high school, and youth football players. These are awarded annually in June based on criteria set by the Mastersports Board of Directors. Secondly, provide quality instruction that allows football coaches at all levels to share skills, schemes & techniques with other coaches through our coaches clinic.

For More information about the Banquet, Clinic, and Mastersports please visit their website at www.mastersports.org, or contact Skip Bandini at skipbandini@hotmail.com.