We always love a good, high school, interstate, or out-of-state game here at New England Football Journal. It gives the participants bragging rights, and more-than-usual “My state is better than your state” material.
Also, it brings maybe a different style of football than you’re used to.
They’re just fun.
So, looking forward to the high school season, here are the best out-of-state games to watch for 2024.
Top Ten Interstate Games to Watch
1. Cardinal Hayes (NY) at Catholic Memorial, Sept. 7
This is the premier out-of-state game this season. Cardinal Hayes was the Catholic champion of New York last year, and has a loaded squad returning. CM has some good pieces coming back, and will feature a deep stable of running backs.
2. Iona Prep (NY) at Springfield Central, Sept. 7
If the Cardinal Hayes-CM game is the best local out-of-state matchup, this one is not far behind. A year ago, Iona Prep beat Central, 31-14, and returns enough to be considered one of the favorites in the Empire State. Central basically has everyone coming back. This is a “good on good” tilt.
3. Londonderry (NH) at St. John’s Prep, Sept. 13
One of the top teams in New Hampshire against one of the best in Massachusetts. Londonderry finished as the Granite State’s runner up in Division 1 last season. St. John’s Prep’s only losses were to D1 champ Xaverian, and will be the favorite here.
4. St. Francis (NY) at Catholic Memorial, Sept. 21
A year ago, CM ran away from St. Francis in this game, but the New York school recovered and made the NY Catholic title game, where it lost to Cardinal Hayes. CM is likely the favorite here, but it would be unwise to see St. Francis as a pushover. This should be a relatively close game.
5. Greenwich (Conn.) at Bishop Hendricken (RI), Sept. 27
This is a terrific one. We know Hendricken will play a lot of intersectional games, and this one has some intrigue. Greenwich is one of the top programs in Connecticut, and should be one of the best in that state this season. We are thinking this may be a bit of a tossup.
6. North Kingstown (RI) at Westfield, Sept. 27
A really good game here between one of the top programs in Rhode Island, and one of the best in Western Mass. Last year, North Kingstown lost four games, but split with La Salle (RI) and beat Barrington. Westfield is one of the top contenders in D3.
7. Bishop Hendricken (RI) at Barnstable, Oct. 11
One of two very interesting out-of-state games for Barnstable, which is also playing La Salle (RI). Barnstable is your likely best team on the Cape, and one of the contenders in D2. Hendricken is one of the top programs in New England, and is probably a favorite in this game.
8. Central (RI) at Milton, Sept. 13
Another game that has some intrigue as we go forward is Central (RI) and defending D3 state champion Milton. Central went 3-8 last season, but one of those losses was a forfeit, and the other seven were all by seven points or less. Milton lost a fair amount, but should reload.
9. Bishop Hendricken (RI) at Fairfield College Prep (Conn.), Oct. 25
Another Hendricken game worth watching. A rare late-season out-of-state game, both of these teams will be in the running for state titles this season. Fairfield Prep went 4-7 last year but against a brutal schedule, and earned a win over West Haven.
10. Cumberland (RI) at Reading, Sept. 27
Cumberland had one of the best teams in Rhode Island last year, and could once again in 2024. Reading normally does not play a lot of out-of-state games, but the Rockets are traditionally one of the best programs in Massachusetts, and should be improved this fall.