The first week of high school football is always unforgettable.
Last Friday night, fans saw a series of stunning finishes, highlighted by a fourth-quarter rally by St. John’s Prep to topple Springfield Central (a 36-35 victory where Jordan Toribio delivered the Eagles with a last-second touchdown and two-point rush, followed by a game-clinching interception).
Fans also witnessed a matchup between South Shore teams that needed triple overtime to be decided, as Patriot League heavyweight Duxbury emerged victorious on the road against a very talented Abington squad (a 52-44 final).
Many expect perfection with selections. Like most do at the start of a newfound season, however, Herald writers also had to kick off some rust, going a combined 19-7 during a first crack at the weekly Pickorama.
As we enter Week 2, it’s time to look at some of the top battles on the docket. There’s also have some top-notch ISL games to watch as its own season gets underway.
BC High vs. Central Catholic
These state powerhouses both sustained narrow defeats to out-of-state opponents during opening week. BC High fell in overtime (22-15) to La Salle (R.I.), while Central Catholic returned from White Plains (N.Y.) after a hard-fought 23-20 loss to Archbishop Stepinac. This is a get-right game for both programs, each similar in many ways. It could be decided on the final possession if things pan out as expected.
Connelly’s pick: BC High
Murray’s pick: BC High
Bridgewater-Raynham vs. Plymouth South
A rematch of last year’s thrilling Week 2 bout, when the Panthers narrowly edged the Trojans (a 28-27 win). Both schools have improved, with Darren Fruzzetti’s group at Plymouth South opening with a 34-0 win over a tough Silver Lake team. Eiane Bain’s squad with Bridgewater-Raynham showed impressive vigor against a state titan in Mansfield before falling on a walk-off field goal (a 24-21 loss). It would not be surprising to see these programs battle to the wire once again. The Panthers are a slight favorite.
Connelly’s pick: Plymouth South
Murray’s pick: Plymouth South
Duxbury vs. Scituate
The top two teams in Div. 4 during recent years, these Patriot League heavyweights have plenty of history, having battled in the Super Bowl. In their most recent matchup at Gillette last December, the Sailors pulled away early in a convincing romp (29-13). Both schools are coming off wild shootout victories in Week 1, with Duxbury knocking off Abington (52-44 triple overtime win) and Scituate toppling Westerly, R.I. (33-29). The Sailors might just have a defensive edge in this one, however.
Connelly’s pick: Scitutate
Murray’s pick: Duxbury
King Philip vs. North Attleboro
Something has to give here. North Attleboro is coming off a dominant run to a Div. 3 Super Bowl crown, and kicked things off last week with an eye-opening 42-7 drubbing of Brockton. Meanwhile, Brian Lee’s group at King Philip had a bye to start, and the Warriors are looking to continue their reign as one of the state’s premier schools after dropping to Div. 3. Could this be a state championship preview? Very possible.
Connelly’s pick: King Philip
Murray’s pick: King Philip
Durfee vs. Taunton
The Battle of Route 24. Two proud programs with very passionate fanbases, each of which got off to impeccable starts in 2025. This game has become an exciting annual tradition for local rivals. However, the Tigers have won four straight times dating back to 2021. After a 50-7 victory over New Bedford in Week 1 for Taunton, it’s very plausible to see that trend continuing.
Connelly’s pick: Taunton
Murray’s pick: Taunton
Dracut vs. Medfield
When these schools met last year as part of their nonleague slates, Medfield snuck out with a 12-7 victory in a defensive nail-biter. This one has a little bit of a different feel, with both squads putting up big numbers in their openers. The Merrimack Valley Conference and the Tri-Valley League both have some tough competition, but each team figures to be in the mix. Medfield appears to be the winning pick here, based off recent history.
Connelly’s pick: Medfield
Murray’s pick: Medfield
Brockton vs. Barnstable
There was plenty of hype surrounding Barnstable heading into the fall, and the Red Hawks proved why with a 49-12 romp of Minnechaug during opening night. The Boxers, on the other hand, took a punch in the mouth in a 42-7 defeat, albeit against one of the state’s best in North Attleboro. Brockton will rebound in a big way, but will it be enough to overcome the Red Hawks’ offensive firepower? It’s hard to envision, at least in the early stages of the season.
Connelly’s pick: Barnstable
Murray’s pick: Barnstable
Hanover vs. Hingham
This Patriot League bout features plenty of intrigue. Hingham enjoyed a week off to start the season and has been on the rise in recent years while slowly building toward something great. Hanover has consistently been in the mix when it comes to Div. 5 contenders, and opened with a 34-7 romp over Somerset Berkley. The Hawks will come in flying high, hungry to verify their standing when they visit the Harbormen.
Connelly’s pick: Hanover
Murray’s pick: Hingham
Arlington vs. Stoneham
Stoneham cruised to a 45-7 victory over Nauset while Arlington took down cross-town rival Arlington Catholic 30-0. Stoneham took last year’s matchup, but the Spy Ponders won in 2023. This game could be a toss-up.
Connelly’s pick: Stoneham
Murray’s pick: Arlington
Billerica vs. Masconomet
Masconomet’s 41-7 victory over Newburyport set the tone for a Chieftains team looking to make some noise in Div. 3. Billerica is opening the season and an early win could do wonders to build momentum for the season.
Connelly’s pick: Masconomet
Murray’s pick: Masconomet
Dexter Southfield vs. Suffield (CT)
It’s the opening week for ISL play, and this is one to monitor. The nonleague game is littered with Division I commits and will set the stage for an exciting season of prep football.
Connelly’s pick: Dexter Southfield
Murray’s pick: Dexter Southfield
Milton Academy vs. Worcester Academy
Milton Academy quarterback Qur’an McNeil committed to Buffalo this summer and will aim to show why he has fit the billing as a three-star recruit.
Connelly’s pick: Milton Academy
Murray’s pick: Milton Academy
Reading vs. Melrose
Reading had a strong season end in the Div. 3 semifinals and is looking to compete within a loaded field. Melrose claimed a 21-0 victory over Peabody and could build solid momentum with a win across the aisle in the Middlesex League.
Connelly’s pick: Reading
Murray’s pick: Melrose
Mansfield vs. Bedford (Mich.)
Bedford was a .500 team in Michigan in 2024 and 1-1 in 2025. Mansfield is coming off a close win over Bridgewater-Raynham and reached the Div. 3 title game in 2024.
Connelly’s pick: Mansfield
Murray’s pick: Mansfield
Connelly’s Week 1 record: 9-4
Murray’s Week 1 record: 10-3
