Mansfield still feeling the sting

It's out for revenge vs. Feehan; Reading, Walpole set to collide

Tommy Romero (6) has 10 touchdown passes and Bryan Webb (33) has 11 TDs to lead Bishop Feehan. (Robert E. Klein/File/The Boston Globe)

They have waited a year for this game.

In last year's Division 2 playoffs, Mansfield was favored to defeat Bishop Feehan and advance to the Super Bowl.

That didn't happen, as Feehan came back from a 14-0 deficit to win, 23-21.

"We were able to beat them in the regular season," said Mansfield coach Mike Redding. "But they got it when it mattered most."

Both teams are the picture of defensive dominance this season. They are tied for first in the division in scoring defense, each allowing a tidy 7 points per game. Bryan Webb leads the Bishop Feehan defense with 10 interceptions.

"We can't turn the ball over," said Redding. "We didn't punt last year but we threw a pick and fumbled and those turnovers hurt."

Offensively, Mansfield is led by a stable of running backs. Shawn Doherty tops the team with 12 touchdowns, Kevon Rogers provides the speed, and Greg DiPietrantonio provides the power.

On defense, Mansfield has to stop an efficient Feehan attack led by Tommy Romero (10 touchdown passes) and Webb (11 touchdowns).

"We have to get three-and-outs," said Redding. "[Bishop Feehan] plays keepaway and eats a lot of clock. That is how they beat us last year."

Mansfield has the chance to avenge that loss tomorrow at 5:15 p.m. at Bridgewater-Raynham.

The last time Reading was in the playoffs was eight years ago.

The Rockets and coach John Fiore will have their hands full tomorrow night at 7:45 at their home stadium.

"Walpole is as advertised," Fiore said. "They are outstanding. They aren't one-dimensional. They have a passing attack and some complementary runners."

Reading has the unenviable task of trying to stop Ryan Izzo, one of the most productive players in the state.

"The only way to stop him would be to slash the tires on their bus so [Walpole] can't get here," said Fiore.

Although Walpole has a high-powered offense, Reading is no slouch when it comes to scoring. The Rockets are averaging 31.9 points per game, a shade behind Walpole (32.6). Reading is led by running backs Tino Perrina and Ryan Pollock. Perrina has scored 25 touchdowns but has been hampered by a finger injury lately. Pollock has picked up the slack (11 touchdowns).

Even with the pressure of the team's first playoff trip in eight years, Fiore wants the best for his players.

"The main thing is to enjoy this and soak it all in," he said. "Hopefully we can seize the opportunity we have."