Photo courtesy of SUN/Julia Malakie
The playoffs are here but before we start dissecting match-ups, lets look back at the weekend that was.
1. I can’t say I’m surprised that Tewksbury beat Billerica. The Redmen are well coached and they are physical enough to match up with a team like Billerica.
2. St. John’s Prep might be the most dangerous entering the playoffs. The Eagles were impressive in their 17-7 win over B.R Friday night. They proved that they can win, tight physical games not just shootout.
3. Xaverian’s defense dominated B.C High on Friday. The Hawks have only given up one touchdown in their last five games. That’s impressive.
4. If you think Wellesley is a defense only program, think again. They scored 36 points against Milton and proved that they have an offense capable of winning games in the playoffs.
5. St. John’s of Shrewsbury buried arch rival Leominster on Saturday. Dave Palazzi’s Blue Devils have been inconsistent all season long and that inconsistency caught up with them against the Pioneers.
Additional Thoughts
-Everett, Haverhill will be the best match-up of the weekend in the first round of the playoffs. We’ll find if the Hillies are for real and if they have arrived.
-King Philip and North Attleboro rolled through the Hockomock League during the regular season. It’ll be interesting to see how both programs do in the playoffs. They have not been challenged of late.
-Natick, Bridgewater-Raynham is one of the more intriguing match-ups in the first round of the Division 1A South playoffs. B.R will be heavily favored but don’t look past the Red and Blue. They are well coached and tough to beat at home.
-Lexington vs. Andover in D1 North could be an epic first round match up. Both teams runs run the spread and both teams play fast. There will be plenty of points in this game. Sal Frelick vs. E.J Perry is an excellent quarterback match up.
Potential Round One Upset Games:
Middleboro at Holliston (D3 South)
Everett at Haverhill (D1 North)
Bedford at North Reading (D3 North)
Stoneham at Shawsheen (D3A North)
Marshfield at Mansfield (D1A South)