New England high school preview — Thanksgiving week

People who say Thanksgiving football in Massachusetts is done have not taken a look at this week’s games. There are plenty of good ones, and it will be an exciting end to the season for many across the state.

Here is a look at the top games both in Massachusetts, and around New England.

Let’s get to it.

St. John’s Prep at Xaverian — In the first of two heavyweight battles between the combatants in the D1 state title game, all indications are that these teams will go all out on Thanksgiving. These two will slug it out, then say, “See you in a few days.” Should be fun.

Needham at Wellesley — This is always one of the most competitive Thanksgiving rivalries every year. Needham is probably the favorite here, but Wellesley is good enough to make this a virtual tossup. Expect a battle.

Walpole at Weymouth — Another real good one in the Bay State Conference. Walpole is in the D3 state title game against Milton, so there’s a chance the Timberwolves hold some guys out. But this would be a tough one even if both teams were going all out.

Billerica vs. Chelmsford — Billerica had a tremendous season that ended in the D3 state playoffs to Westfield. Chelmsford went 3-7 but competed well in most of the Lions’ games. This is a good game that will be played at Fenway Park.

Leominster vs. Fitchburg — Another traditional rivalry that has produced a close game in many of the matchups. Leominster competed well against a tough schedule. Although the Blue Devils are the favorite, Fitchburg could make this interesting.

Catholic Memorial at BC High — Catholic Memorial lost in the D2 playoffs to Marshfield this past weekend, but will be trying to end its season on a high note. BC High had a nice, turnaround year, and would like nothing more. than to pull this upset.

Foxboro at Mansfield — The Hockomock League Davenport Division is on the line here. Mansfield rallied for a solid season after going 0-3 to start. Foxboro still has big goals ahead of it, as the Warriors are facing Hanover in the D5 state title game.

Winchester at Woburn — These two always have a competitive game, and this year should be a fun one. Both teams had strong seasons, and made it to the postseason. Woburn running back Bryan Ferreira is a player to watch.

Shrewsbury at Wachusett — Each of these two teams played a very tough schedule, complete with some of the best teams in Eastern Mass. These are still two of the best teams in CMass, and will be teams to watch out for in 2024.

North Quincy vs. Quincy — These are two of the better, improving programs in the area. North Quincy went 4-6, but owns a win over a good Cohasset team. Quincy went 3-7, but beat Concord-Carlisle. This should be a competitive game.

North Andover at Andover — Both of these are quality programs that had strong years. North Andover went 5-4, and had wins over Tewksbury, Marblehead, and Chelmsford. Andover went 9-2 and made the D1 state semifinals.

Middleboro at Carver — Carver has had a breakthrough season, and is going to the D8 state title game, where it will play West Boylston. The Crusaders might not play all their top players. Middleboro is 7-3 and has played well.

Fairhaven at Dartmouth — This is one of the best games of the week. Fairhaven is in the D6 state title game against Salem, and has one of the best running attacks in the state. Dartmouth has been strong, and figures to be very good again in 2024.

Salem at Beverly — For a long time, Beverly dominated this rivalry, which is one of the best in Massachusetts. But the Witches, who are in the D6 state title game, will be heavily favored here.

Boston Latin vs. Boston English — For a while, Latin dominated this rivalry. But in recent years, English has made headway. English won in 2021 (66-42) and 2022 (52-44). This is one of the most tradition-rich rivalries anywhere.

Darien at New Canaan — One of the best rivalries in Connecticut is here between these two. New Canaan is 8-1, with the only loss to a good Shelton team. Darien is 7-2, and would like nothing more than to pull the upset here.

Bedford vs. Londonderry — This is the D1 state final between the two best teams in the Granite State. Bedford is 11-0, and has a dominant defense. Londonderry is 11-1, and avenged its only loss of the season to Pinkerton Academy. Something has got to give.