Xaverian over St. John’s (S) - Observations from seeing my first, and probably only, football game of the year last Sunday: 1. The combined total of 53 timeouts was absurd; 2. B-R is very good; 3. Xaverian is overrated; 4. The Hawk looks like Fawkes.

Salem over Peabody - You want scary? How about the Witches rushing for minus-20 yards against Lynn Classical last week? That has to improve this week, correct?

Chelsea over Whittier - The Red Devils’ defense will be the difference.

Marshfield over Falmouth - The Rams start the season 1-2 and we all look elsewhere. But look again. The Rams will be alone atop the ACL after tonight. From trick to treat in a month.

Reading over Burlington - We’re all for using a Breathalyzer at the Halloween dance, but forcing the media to do the same before entering the football press box is a little extreme.

Weston over Concord-Carlisle - What’s your beef with this pick? If you have a problem, meat me in the press box tonight.

Staff picks by Bob Holmes. Last week, 4-2 (season, 26-22).