Another big week of football in New England is upon us. There are several great games including the Ivy League kicking off and the Prep Leagues as well. It should be fun.
Here are my picks for this week’s biggest games.
High School
St. John’s Prep at Central Catholic: We will learn a lot about both teams after this game. I think Central Catholic has state championship potential but it may be too soon for them to win a game like this. I am going with the Prep in what could be a closer game than people think.
Pick: St John’s Prep
Milton at Natick: Natick was impressive last week in their win over Needham while Milton played surprisingly bad against Marshfield. I think the Wildcats will play better this week but it still won’t be enough. I’m going Natick in what should be an entertaining game.
Pick: Natick
B.C High at LaSalle: These two teams played a dandy last season with LaSalle prevailing late. The Eagles are young so I am not sure if this year’s game will be as close. The Rams are loaded and a wagon offensively. Give me the Rams in this one by two scores
Pick: LaSalle
Springfield Central at North Attleboro: I love that Hockomock teams are willing to schedule Springfield Central and I love that Springfield Central is willing to come east and play teams. North is tough and physical and can hang in there for a while but they do not have the skill to match up. Just like last season against Mansfield, the Eagles will pull away in the second half. SC by two scores.
Pick: Springfield Central
Fairfield Prep at New Canaan: New Canaan has won 24 in a row. It is hard to pick against them. Fairfield Prep is young and I am not sure they can match up with the Rams across the board.. it is why I am taking New Canaan here.
Pick: New Canaan
Bedford (N.H) at Thornton Academy: Bedford has ruled this interstate rivalry in recent years but it appears like this might be the season the Trojans turn the tables on them. I think it will once again be a battle between these two but I am taking Thornton this time around in what should be a fun game.
Pick: Thornton Academy
Choate at Phillips Exeter: Fantastic opening game of the season for both teams. This one should be a good one between two teams that want to play physical and run the football. I think it is tight throughout but the Boars are more dynamic on offense and their ability to make plays late is the difference. Give me Choate in a good one.
Pick: Choate
Williston-Northampton at Tabor Academy: A dandy of match up. Tabor dominated last season’s match-up and while Williston has the talent to hang in there, it is hard to pick against Jeff Moore’s Seawolves. I am going Tabor here by 14 plus. They are the most talented team in New England and one of the prep teams in the country. I expect Peter Bourque and company to have a big night.
Pick: Tabor Academy
College
Maine at Boston College: Eagles are favored by 38.5. That is a big number to bet on given their offense but they still should win comfortably at home and improve to 2-1. Maine played them tough at the Heights a few years back but I don’t think they have that type of team now. Eagles win.
Pick: Boston College
Stonehill at UMass: Great double local match up. Stonehill showed last week that they can score and they certainly have enough talent to make this a game but Pop Watson and company are rolling right now. I am not the guy who is picking against them. UMass wins by 14 plus.
Pick: UMass
UConn at Southern Miss: The Huskies are favored by 3 in this one but these have usually been trap games for UConn in the past. I am leaning that way here. I think the Golden Eagles pick up a big win as a home favorite.
Pick: Southern Miss
Harvard at UNH: Wildcats finally got in the win column last week but the Crimson are a completely different than Stonehill. They are bigger and more physical and that’s the difference. I am taking Harvard to win their season opener.
Dartmouth at Lehigh: Tough opener for the Big Green against nationally ranked Lehigh. Sammy McCorkle’s bunch can keep this close for a period of time, but Lehigh is too tough on defense and they will bend but not break. Give me Lehigh by 10.
Pick: Lehigh
Yale at Holy Cross: Kevin Cahill will have a successful debut for the Bulldogs as Yake takes care of business against struggling Holy Cross.
Pick: Yale
Brown at New Haven: It is the season opener for the Bears and they catch the struggling Chargers at the right time. Brown gets off to a fast start and takes care of business in a big win.
Pick: Brown
Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots: Patriots need this one badly. Pittsburgh came in here and won last season. This time the Pats turn the tables and pick up a much needed win after a tough opener vs. Seattle. Expect a 24-14 type of game.
Pick: Patriots