It is a big weekend of football action in New England with the high school playoffs and college football coming down the stretch. The Patriots also have a big game on Sunday morning in Germany.

High School

Springfield Central at Wachusett: A fantastic match up. If Wachusett wants to prove they have arrived, they need to win this game. I think they keep it close but Central is too much in the end. Pick: Springfield Central

North Attleboro at Marshfield: Marshfield is the higher seed but North is the favorite going into this game. I think the Rams could keep it close but I do not see them shutting down Nathaniel Robin and the North offense. That run game is too potent. Pick: North Attleboro

Xaverian at Central Catholic: A rematch of the epic 52-51 game from earlier this season. This is supposed to be Central’s year and if that is to be the case, they need this game. I think it is another high scoring affair but I am going with Will Wood and the Hawks avenging that loss and advancing. Pick: Xaverian

Milton at Mansfield: Milton will hang with Mansfield. The question is, can the Wildcats limit the big plays the Hornets have been living on. I say no. I hate picking against Steve Dembowski coached teams but Mansfield is better. Pick: Mansfield

Walpole at Duxbury: A doozy of a match up in Division 4. Both offenses are explosive but I expect the defenses to dominate in this one. I think it will be a low scoring game which favors Walpole. It is why I am going with the Timberwolves in this one. Pick: Walpole

Pinkerton at Londonderry: One of the best rivalries in New England. This should be a hell of a game. It is hard to pick against the Lancers and their offensive potential but I believe in Pinkerton coach Brian O’Reilly and his experience. That will be the difference in this one. Look for the Astros to slow this game down with their Wing-T offense and turn it into a slugfest. Pick: Pinkerton

Bonny Eagle at Thornton Academy: The Trojans rolled in this head to head match up two weeks ago and nothing leads me to believe that they won’t do it again. Thornton is just too physical and talented. Pick: Thornton Academy

St. Johnsbury vs. Burr & Burton: The two best teams in Division One in Vermont play for all the marbles on Saturday. I think this will be a low scoring game but I think that will favor St. Johnsbury and they will sneak out a close win. Pick: St. Johnsbury

Greenwich at St. Joe’s: The Cadets made a statement last week in their win over New Canaan and they will look to pick up another signature win against. Greenwich. It will not be easy but the Hogs get it done and cement themselves as the best team in Connecticut right now. Pick: St. Joe’s

Staples at Ludlowe: We could see fireworks in this one. A lot of high end skill in this match up. I think this could end up a toss up but I am leaning towards Ludlowe in what should be a great all around game. Pick: Ludlowe

BB&N at Tabor Academy: I expect a tight game between two teams that have a lot of talent but are different stylistically. I don’t like to pick against BB&N because they usually burn me. I am going to anyway. Tabor is the more talented at the skill positions and that’s the difference. Pick: Tabor

Williston-Northampton at Brunswick: Another great NEPSAC match up between two elite programs. I expect a lot of points in this one. Another game that come down to the wire. I am going with Williston in this one. They know how to win games like this. Pick: Williston

Phillips Exeter at Phillips Andover: The 148th meeting could be a good one. Andover is much improved and they will give Exeter a game. In the end, I think the Big Red are better and their offense will be the difference. Pick: Exeter

College

Boston College at Notre Dame: Can the Eagles keep this game close? Sure. But close isn’t good enough in the Holy War. Give me the Irish by two scores plus. Pick: Notre Dame

James Madison at UConn: The Huskies need this game if they want to keep their bowl hopes alive. I think Kalieb Osborne and company do enough in all three phases to win this game and pick up their fifth win of the season. Pick: UConn

Bryant at Sacred Heart: Bryant’s at large playoff chances are on the line. I think this will be a low scoring game with the Bulldogs doing just enough in the fourth quarter to pull it out. Expect a 17-14 or 21-17 type of game. Pick: Bryant

Amherst at Williams: The Little Big Game! Should a pretty evenly match up but it is tough to pick against Amherst who has a terrific season at 7-1. I expect a close game with Amherst pulling away in the fourth quarter. Pick: Amherst

Patriots

Patriots at Lions (Germany): The Patriots need this one desperately but they are too banged up the defense isn’t exactly instilling confidence in people these days with their performance last week. The Patriots will be more competitive this week but they will fall short in the end. Pick: Lions