The last month was littered with highly-billed football games in Massachusetts, particularly in Weeks 4 and 5. Most lived up to the hype.
The number of exciting battles between state heavyweights might be dwindling (at least until the postseason), but something that Week 6 carries is matchups of vital importance. The schools that succeed in league play often make the postseason.
Most MIAA schools have about four regular-season games remaining to leave their mark. The NEPSAC participants will have one extra week or so to make their cases.
The Herald has narrowed down some of the crucial games from the weekend’s slate. Now it’s time to make some picks.
Catholic Memorial vs. Malden Catholic
Catholic Conference league play is typically where the state’s premier programs begin to separate from the pack. The Lancers (3-1) have rattled off three straight convincing wins (Windham (N.H., Somerset Berkley and Westwood). But Harvard commit Kise Flannery has looked unstoppable (640 yards passing, 228 yards rushing, 14 total touchdowns), and has the Knights off to another blazing start at 4-0. Catholic Memorial has won 16 straight games, and it’s hard to see that streak ending.
Connelly’s pick: Catholic Memorial
Murray’s pick: Catholic Memorial
West Bridgewater vs. Fairhaven
Since Justin Kogler took over for longtime Wildcats legend Bill Panos in 2019, he has turned West Bridgewater back into a winning program. The team is off to a 3-1 start and coming off a 37-7 romp of rival Case to begin league play. This intriguing South Coast Conference contest will feature the Wildcats’ toughest test yet, however, as the undefeated Blue Devils (5-0) come to town. Under Derek Almeida, Fairhaven has made a Super Bowl appearance two straight years, with one title to its credit at Div. 6 in 2023.
Connelly’s pick: Fairhaven
Murray’s pick: Fairhaven
Wachusett vs. Milton
Milton was dealt a significant blow last week when it dropped a hard-fought battle to Bay State Conference foe Weymouth (a 28-21 loss), snapping an impressive four-game winning streak. In contrasting fashion, Wachusett (4-0) overcame a 14-point fourth quarter deficit in stunning fashion to knock off Leominster. Should Milton manage to win on the road in Holden, it would mark career victory No. 200 for coach Steve Dembowski.
Connelly’s pick: Milton
Murray’s pick: Wachusett
Gloucester vs. Swampscott
Led by the trio of Jaylen Severino, Thomas Cribbs and Joseph Allen, the Fishermen may have the best ground attack in the state. Gloucester has stampeded to a 5-0 mark – the best start the program has had since 2018. Meanwhile, it has been a rollercoaster season for Swampscott. At 2-2, the Big Blue last played in Week 4 (a 20-6 loss to Melrose).
Connelly’s pick: Gloucester
Murray’s pick: Gloucester
Beverly vs. Marblehead
This one also features Northeastern Conference rivals looking to prove they belong in a class with the top-ranked teams in the Commonwealth. Beverly (4-1) had been cruising along for the most part up until its clash with Danvers in Week 5. George Frost and Teddy Fisher combined for a game-saving tackle during a go-ahead two-point try to preserve a wild 28-27 victory in the closing seconds. Marblehead remains perfect (4-0), its last win coming Sept. 26 in a 48-0 rout of North Andover.
Connelly’s pick: Beverly
Murray’s pick: Marblehead
Belmont Hill vs. BB&N
The past two seasons, these NEPSAC programs have split their matchups, with Belmont Hill winning in 2023 (a 42-28 victory) before BB&N responded with a 34-13 romp last fall. This year, the Knights have started off 2-1, and Mike Willey’s squad will be led by a list of collegiate recruits such as Vince Snoonian (a Cornell commit), Ellis Barnes (Columbia), Sam Kelley (Brown) and sought-after quarterback Damon Taylor. The Sextants (0-3) have had their struggles. Most recently, they were on the wrong end of a 66-7 romp at the hands of the Brunswick School. Anthony Fucillo’s group will lean on star players like offensive tackle Nick Fiumara (a UNC commit), looking to right the ship.
Connelly’s pick: BB&N
Murray’s pick: BB&N
Roxbury Latin vs. Lawrence Academy
These rivals from the NEPSAC (Class C) division will be looking to gain headway as they enter the thick of their schedules. Lawrence Academy (2-1) has scored 28 points or more in each of its three contests, its only loss coming last week against BB&N in a shootout (43-32). However, Roxbury Latin (1-2) has been strong defensively, allowing just over 13 points per game.
Connelly’s pick: Lawrence Academy
Murray’s pick: Roxbury Latin
Milton Academy vs. Loomis Chaffee
Propelled by Buffalo commit Qur’an Mitchell, Milton Academy has opened with a 2-1 start, and is fresh off a 29-7 win against St. Paul’s. Loomis Chaffee has found itself in a one-score game every week to this point, sitting at 2-2. Keep an eye out for Pelicans recruits such as defensive back Luke Flowers (a UPenn commit) and touted quarterback Romy Jain.
Connelly’s pick: Milton Academy
Murray’s pick: Milton Academy
Record keeping
Connelly’s Week 5: 5-4
Murray’s Week 5: 8-1
Connelly’s season: 37-18
Murray’s season: 39-16
Combined record: 76-34
