Week 5 is always a fun one on the high school football calendar, particularly here in the Bay State. For the majority of schools, it often serves as a gateway to league play. It can be a blessing for some, or quite the opposite, pending strength of schedule. From now until the postseason, squads will get to face off with their rivals.
With some great matchups on the docket Thursday night, it is time to make some midseason picks.
Hanover vs. Pembroke
This has been a transition year of sorts for these Patriot League squads. Pembroke (2-1) has already matched its win total from last fall. While Hanover (1-2) has been within striking distance in all of its games, the Hawks have come up just short twice. In the last four contests between these Fisher Division rivals, Hanover has won all four, its latest a 48-8 romp to end October last year.
Connelly’s pick: Hanover
Murray’s pick: Hanover
St. Mary’s vs. Shawsheen
A very intriguing matchup, as Shawsheen (4-0) looks to extend one of the state’s longest winning streaks (18 games dating back to 2023). St. Mary’s (2-2) is dealing with key injuries and is coming off a hard-fought loss to Catholic Central League rival Bishop Feehan. This could be a ‘get-right’ opportunity for the Spartans, but it feels like quite a challenge.
Connelly’s pick: Shawsheen
Murray’s pick: Shawsheen
Beverly vs. Danvers
Since dropping a defensive tilt to Gloucester (a 15-7 loss) in its season opener, Beverly (3-1) has caught fire, winning three straight in shootouts. Danvers remains unbeaten (4-0). The last three times these Northeastern conference foes have clashed, the Falcons have had the upper hand. Does that trend continue?
Connelly’s pick: Danvers
Murray’s pick: Beverly
Barnstable vs. Milford
The excitement for this rising Barnstable group has been warranted, with stars Kyle Coffin and Jayson Dyer leading the Red Hawks to a 3-0 start. The latest win came in a 41-0 drubbing of Amherst-Pelham from the Pioneer Valley. Milford (3-1) was cruising up until last week, when it fell 28-6 to Bay State Conference powerhouse Natick. This one could easily go either way.
Connelly’s pick: Milford
Murray’s pick: Barnstable
Milton vs. Weymouth
Milton has clearly returned to form after a bridge year in 2024, still perfect at 4-0 while outsourcing opponents by a 156-52 margin (averaging 39 points per game). This could be an interesting contest between Bay State Conference heavyweights, as Weymouth (4-0) is off to one of its best starts in recent years. Something will have to give here.
Connelly’s pick: Milton
Murray’s pick: Weymouth
Bishop Feehan vs. BC High
BC High managed to secure an elusive victory last week, finding its rhythm in the ground game. The Eagles (1-2) were propelled by the duo of Noah Federico and Elijah Donnelson, as they combined to rush for four touchdowns during a big win (28-7) over Everett. Bishop Feehan exorcised some of its past demons, toppling St. Mary’s (21-7) on the road for the first time since it joined the Catholic Central League in 2020. Xavier Baker (126 yards rushing, touchdown) was the star offensively for the Shamrocks. This highly anticipated showdown could provide a massive momentum boost for either school.
Connelly’s pick: Bishop Feehan
Murray’s pick: Bishop Feehan
Bishop Fenwick vs. Archbishop Williams
Bishop Fenwick (1-2) challenged a very good Gloucester team to the bitter end last week before succumbing in a 34-33 war. Now the school will face another test from a Catholic Central League nemesis. Only an eighth-grader, Hudson Garrity has already emerged as one of the state’s premier quarterback prospects, and has Archbishop Williams off to a blazing 3-0 start. Until someone finds a way to contain him, it feels hard picking against the Bishops here.
Connelly’s pick: Archbishop Williams
Murray’s pick: Archbishop Williams
Duxbury vs. Londonderry (N.H.)
One last out-of-state opponent for the Dragons (2-1) before they enter Patriot League play. Duxbury has had a week off to prepare, while Londonderry has been struggling north of the border, now sitting at 1-3. This could be a chance for quarterback Brady Rhinesmith and his teammates to gain some momentum.
Connelly’s pick: Duxbury
Murray’s pick: Duxbury
St. Sebastian’s vs. Hotchkiss
A great NEPSAC crossover matchup fans can watch at Boston College’s Alumni Stadium. St. Sebastian’s is fresh off of a 21-3 road victory over Belmont Hill, while Hotchkiss has dropped each of its last two contests. With 6-foot-6 offensive tackle Marky Wahlbridge (a Michigan commit) leading the way up front, the Arrows (1-1) will look to establish a winning streak.
Connelly’s pick: St. Sebastian’s
Murray’s pick: St. Sebastian’s
Record keeping
Connelly Week 4: 4-6
Murray Week 4: 8-2
Connelly’s season: 32-14
Murray’s season: 31-15
Combined season record: 63-29
