Picks, picks and more picks. Should be a great week of action in New England Football. Here are some of my picks of the biggest games.
High School
LaSalle Academy at Bishop Hendricken: If there was ever a year for LaSalle to have the upper hand, it is this year. I don’t think that is the case, that is why I am picking Hendricken. Pick: Bishop Hendricken
St. John’s (Shrewsbury) at Xaverian: This is by far the biggest test of the season for St. John’s. The Pioneers will see how they stack up against a proven Division 1 contender. In the end, Xaverian is slightly better and they sneak by. Pick: Xaverian
Wachusett at Walpole: Thomas Anderson is fresh off a 300-yard passing performance for the Mountaineers. Can the Walpole defense slow down the Wachusett attack? I don’t think so. Give me the Mountaineers. Pick: Wachusett
Tewksbury at Billerica: This is as deep as the Merrimack Valley Conference has been in years. Tewksbury fell at home to Chelmsford last week. Billerica snuck past North Andover in overtime. Expect another tight game with the Redmen getting back on track and getting the win. Pick: Tewksbury
North Attleboro at King Philip: A Division 3 state championship game rematch. King Philip is starting to round into form after two early season losses; the Warriors have outscored Norwood and Oliver Ames 63-0 the last two weeks. North presents arguably the toughest test yet for the Warriors. North avenged last season’s Super Bowl loss with a close win here. Pick: North Attleboro
Milford at Franklin: After realignment in the Hockomock League over the last few seasons, this is the de facto Kelley-Rex championship game. Terrific quarterback matchup between Vincent Loscerbo and Ethan Edmunds. Milford has been a pleasant surprise and I look forward to them to continue their winning ways here. Pick: Milford
Cheshire at Hand: Cheshire is coming off a tough loss to Staples. Hand has been dominant through four weeks. The Tigers name belongs in the same conversation as New Canaan and Greenwich for best team in the state. Give me the Tigers by two scores. Pick: Hand
Oxford Hills at Bonny Eagle: A battle of unbeatens. Oxford Hills has not yet been challenged and is looking to make a statement against a perennial contender. Unfortunately, it will not come at the expense of the Scots. Pick: Bonny Eagle
Fair Haven at Colchester: These are the two favorites in Division 2 through five weeks. Colchester is good but Fair Haven is at another level. Pick: Fair Haven
NEPSAC
Lawrence Academy at BB&N: BB&N looks to keep it rolling after a monster road win over Avon Old Farms. Lawrence Academy is playing well early on with wins over Thayer Academy and St. George’s. Won’t matter tonight. Knights win a close one and improve to 3-0. Pick: BB&N
St. Paul’s at Milton Academy: Milton Academy has surprisingly scored only 21 points through two weeks. Expect the Mustangs to get on track against a tough St. Paul’s squad. Pick: Milton Academy.
College
Miami of Ohio at UMass: Minutemen came back to earth last week and I think the trend continues this week. Expect a much closer game than last week but I’m going with the Redhawks.
UConn at Temple: After a heartbreaking loss to Syracuse, it will be interesting to see how the Huskies bounce back. I think they do in a big way and pick up a big win.
Bryant at Brown: The Bulldogs are 4-1 and legit. Brown is coming off a heartbreaking loss to URI last week where they deserved better. I think this will be a back and forth game but give me the Bears in the mini upset.
Dartmouth at Yale: Both teams need a win to keep pace in the ever changing Ivy League. It is hard to pick against the Bulldogs right now. They will be supremely motivated. Pick: Yale
NFL
Raiders at Patriots: The Patriots will be without six starters but it won’t matter. They figured things out last week and they will keep things rolling with a big home in front of the 2001 Super Bowl team.