Week 3 of the high school football season is often the point where the contenders and pretenders are separated.
For the most part, the heavyweights in Massachusetts have delivered. However, some have had time to digest after impressive openers. Others took control of their matchups a few days back, and have made leaps in the standings with hopes of verifying their impeccable starts.
Now, it’s time to prove that they belong. The latest installment of the Boston Herald’s Sweet 16 ahead of a weekend filled with great battles:
1. Xaverian: It’s hard to lose a stranglehold on the top overall spot with a bye week. The Hawks won their opening game by dispatching a very talented Bishop Feehan squad, which showed its mettle with a win over Chelmsford (24-12) in Week 2. Now the school prepares to face a red-hot Everett squad (2-0). Friday’s matchup will tell more.
2. Catholic Memorial: The Knights also took a week off after an impressive interstate win (35-7 over St. Thomas Aquinas (N.J.) in its opener. They will remain outside the confines of Massachusetts, looking to carry their momentum into a bout with one of New York’s top-ranked programs – St. Francis.
3. St. John’s Prep: After winning arguably the game of the year in Week 1 (a 36-35 heartstopper over Springfield Central), Jordan Toribio, Chris Vargas and the Eagles (2-0) erupted for a convincing 48-8 romp of Marshfield. Now they will face another school on the rise in Central Catholic. Expect a huge crowd in Danvers on Friday.
4. King Philip: Most pundits viewed last week’s Hockomock League showdown with North Attleboro as a possible Div. 3 Super Bowl preview. The Warriors (2-0) remained true to their roots, led by the dynamic duo of Keigan Canto-Osorio (15 carries, 127 yards rushing, two touchdowns) and Tallan King (14 carries, 144 yards rushing, touchdown) en route to an outstanding 21-7 victory. This week, they will host a Tri-Valley League power in Norwood (1-1), looking to build on its recent success.
5. Springfield Central: Nothing will come easy for the Golden Eagles, as it has scheduled one of the most daunting out-of-league slates in the Commonwealth. After a bye week, they return to action against a historically great Mansfield (2-0) team.
6. Scituate: Some felt that the Sailors (2-0) might just drift off into irrelevance after losing many key pieces from 2024’s Div. 4 Super Bowl roster. They’ve responded with force, knocking off Patriot League nemesis Duxbury in epic fashion (27-15) during a state finals rematch in Week 2. The offense has Grayson Foley (33 carries for 185 yards rushing, two touchdowns last game) serving as its latest catalyst. Now the talented defensive unit is heating up.
7. Mansfield: The Hornets (2-0) made a trek to the Great Lakes for their recent clash, hoping to build upon a win in their opener. They constructed a big lead over Bedford (M.I.), and cruised from there during a 35-21 win behind an incredible effort from Tommy Vallett (19-for-26 passing with 308 yards and a touchdown). A tall task awaits Friday against Springfield Central.
8. Barnstable: The Red Hawks (2-0) have delivered. In their latest performance, quarterback Kyle Coffin (13 carries for 77 yards rushing to go with 60 yards passing and three total touchdowns) and running back Jason Dyer (16 carries for 168 yards rushing, touchdown) shouldered the load as they flew past Brockton, 33-15. They have outscored opponents 82-35.
9. North Attleboro: For the first time since Nov. 1 of last season, the Rocketeers (1-1) dropped a game in Week 2. That said, their opponent was perennial juggernaut (King Philip). Friday night’s game with Hockomock League foe Taunton will be crucial as they hope to rebound.
10. Methuen: Whenever the Rangers (2-0) have been faced with a difficult test, they’ve proven their doubters wrong. After a great win (18-13) over Marshfield in Week 1, the school knocked off North Andover in convincing fashion (38-12). A great matchup with Tewksbury is next on the docket.
11. Central Catholic: The Raiders (1-1) were tactical, seizing their opportunities during an impressive victory over BC High (28-7) in Week 2. It’s official. They are a force to be reckoned with. They will face another titan this upcoming week against St. John’s Prep.
12. Leominster: Osiris Lopez and his vaunted group suffered a setback in Week 2, dropping a 44-26 contest to a talented Milford team. They’ll look to punch back against a Doherty squad still in search of its first win.
13. Shawsheen: Some had questions after the Rams squeaked by Bedford in their first game (20-13 win). They’ve been answered, as they rallied to topple Lynn Classical in a 41-6 drubbing.
14. Milton: Steve Dembowski’s squad appears to be back with wins over Needham (46-12) and Central (R.I.) (34-26). Ronan Sammon has emerged as one of the state’s top wideouts, and the team is getting better. The Wildcats will take on Bay State Conference rival Framingham on Saturday, determined to prove they belong in the hunt for glory.
15. Uxbridge: Now in possession of the state’s longest winning streak (27 games dating back to Nov. 10, 2022), the Spartans have returned to the Herald’s Sweet 16 after a dominant 45-0 shutout of Maynard. Can they keep their run going? A silent but threatening challenge from Nipmuc stands in the way.
16. Milford: It’s time to welcome the Scarlet Hawks back to the Herald’s Sweet 16 as well, after incredible wins over Westfield (29-0) and Leominster (44-26). Is the Hockomock League one of the toughest gauntlets in Massachusetts again? It certainly seems like it.
On the sideline: Winchester, Andover, Wellesley, Weymouth, Stoneham, Taunton, Norwell, Bishop Feehan, West Boylston.
