By Tyler Amaral
NEFJ Staff

Outlook: There’s a changing of the guard in the Foxboro backfield as Cam Deleskey and Ryan Foley replace three-year starters Mike Marcucella and Ben Angelini, respectively. The Warriors should be viewed as the favorite to win the division for the second time in three years. Shawsheen loses program legend Sid Tildsley, but the defense should once again be formidable with Jake Banda and James Tildsley leading the way. North Reading returns a lot from a playoff team, led by Otto Indelicato. It feels like Hanover can be penciled in for a state semifinal berth every November. The Hawks should remain in that conversation this fall. Multi-year contributors Sebastian Brown and Brandon Errico will be leaned on as impact players. St. Mary’s has long been a consistent playoff performer in lower divisions. The Spartans will look to prove they belong in the Division 5 title picture. Swampscott returns an All-State level linebacker in Will Bush who will captain the defense. Auburn should be the top team West of 495. Greater Lawrence finished 2024 with a sub-.500 record, but running back Gustavo Varela will post video game numbers for the Reggies.

Favorites: Foxboro, Shawsheen, North Reading

Sleepers: Hanover, St. Mary’s, Swampscott, Auburn

Players to Watch

Jake Banda, RB/LB, Shawsheen

Bradyn Belanger, RB, Auburn

Will Bush, LB, Swampscott

Cam Deleskey, QB/DB, Foxboro

Brandon Errico, WR/DB, Hanover

Ryan Foley, RB/LB, Foxboro

Jack Hurley, LB, St. Mary’s

Otto Indelicato, RB, North Reading

Brady McCormack, RB, Medfield

Gustavo Varela, RB, Greater Lawrence

State Championship Prediction: Foxboro, Shawsheen and Hanover will again make runs in the division. The Warriors will ultimately take home their second Division 5 title crown in three years, knocking off 2022 Division 5 champion, North Reading.