By Tyler Amaral
NEFJ Staff
One of the best things about high school football is seeing what players break out from year-to-year. What players across the state could emerge this fall and become household names?
Here’s a list of 20 names that could be stars this fall:
Thomas Anderson, QB, Wachusett: The junior signal-caller threw for over 2,600 yards and accounted for 30 touchdowns last fall. Expect Anderson to take another step forward this season as the Mountaineers hope to make another playoff appearance.
Jake Banda, RB, Shawsheen: The two-way standout will be at the center of the Rams attack on offense and defense. 1,500 yards is within reason with Sid Tildsley graduating.
Peter Boccelli, RB/LB Stoneham: Boccelli was a defensive playmaker for the Spartans last fall. Now, Boccelli will take over as the lead back in the always-dangerous Stoneham rushing attack.
Jameson Bongiolatti, DB, Marshfield: The Rams were hit heavily by graduation and could have to rely on their defense early in the season. Bongiolatti could emerge as an All-State caliber defensive back this season.
Patrick Collins, QB, Milton: The Wildcats had a difficult season a year ago. Collins played well as a junior, though, and his game should take off in 2025.
Jack Feeney, QB, Melrose: The rising senior quarterback accounted for over 2,000 yards last fall. Feeney should emerge as one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the Bay State.
Ryan Foley, RB/LB, Foxboro: Foley had a big fall on defense for the Warriors in 2024. Expect the senior to take over the reins in the backfield, replacing the graduated Ben Angelini.
Grady Frisch, WR/DB, Clinton: Frisch was a core member of the Gaels state semifinal team last fall. Frisch should continue to progress as one of the premier passing game players in the state regardless of division.
Otto Indelicato, RB, North Reading: The senior generated over 1,000 yards of offense and 17 touchdowns last fall for the Hornets. North Reading is among the top teams in Division 5, Indelicato is one of the key reasons for that.
Dylan Keenan, QB, Taunton: Keenan is one of the most prolific passers in the state. The Tigers will need another strong campaign from Keenan to navigate a challenging schedule and return to the postseason.
Aaron Lague, RB, Fairhaven: Lague accounted for over 1,000 rushing yards as the second option in the Fairhaven backfield. Now, the top back in a Derek Almeida offense, expect Lague to run for 1,500 yards, keeping the Blue Devils in the Division 6 title hunt.
Jack Lambert, QB, Bridgewater-Raynham: Lambert was an efficient passer last year as a junior. Look for Lambert to take another step forward in year two of the Eian Bain era. The Trojans are among the top teams in Division 2.
Westin McNeilly, QB, Wakefield: The junior broke through as a sophomore, but is still flying under the radar entering this season. McNeilly is one of the top dual threat quarterbacks in the state.
Anthony Parrella, LB, Barnstable: Parrella is one of the most instinctual players in the state. As a sophomore, Parrella had over 100 tackles. That number should grow in 2025.
Dominick Renzoni, RB, West Boylston: It feels like cheating to include a player like Renzoni on this list. The senior piled up almost 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior. Still, Renzoni doesn’t crack many All-State teams or watchlists. West Boylston is going for a historic fourth straight state title this fall. Renzoni is at the center of the vaunted double wing offense.
Brady Rhinesmith, QB, Duxbury: Rhinesmith takes over for multi-year starter Trevor Jones. Whether it was Jones, Matt Festa, Bobby Maimaron, or others, Duxbury typically has a prolific air attack. Rhinesmith could find his name on All-State teams come December.
Riley Selvais, WR, St. John’s Prep: Only a sophomore, Selvais may already be the most talented receiver in the state. Selvais and classmate quarterback Christopher Vargas will keep defensive coordinators up at night.
Ramar Thomas, QB/ATH, Catholic Memorial: Thomas is one of two Boston College commits on this list. Thomas didn’t have huge counting stats last year, but the sophomore is one of the fastest, most explosive players in the state. It will be impossible for the Catholic Memorial coaching staff to keep Thomas off the field this year.
Bryce Todd, RB/DB, Xaverian: Already a standout defensive back, Todd should emerge as one of the top two-way players in the state with carries up for grabs in the Hawks backfield.
Mekhi Volcy, DL, Bedford: Volcy is the second Boston College pledge. Volcy missed half of his junior season, so his 2024 production was limited. Volcy has all the traits to be a disruptive pass rusher this fall, while making plays at receiver on the other side of the ball.