Adam Kurkjian

UMass 35, Central Connecticut State 31 — Don Brown earns 100th career win

September 21, 2024

By Ryan Barry NEFJ Correspondent The UMass Minutemen (1-3) capped off homecoming weekend with a 35-31 win over the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (2-2) at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Saturday afternoon. For UMass coach Don Brown, today’s outcome was extra special, with the win being the 100th of his career as a head coach. When asked after the game, despite an initial humorous brush off, he opened up about……

New Hampshire 38, Bryant 17 — Morgan leads Wildcats to victory

September 21, 2024

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By Allen Lessels NEFJ Correspondent DURHAM, N.H. – Senior quarterback Seth Morgan, a transfer who was at Virginia Military Institute first and played at Division II Shepherd University last season, had another standout game on Saturday and led the University of New Hampshire to a 38-17 win over Bryant University in front of a Family Weekend crowd of 11,302 in Wildcat Stadium. It was Bryant’s first-ever Coastal Athletic Association game……

Maine 26, Merrimack 15 — Black Bears shut down Warriors

September 21, 2024

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By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Correspondent NORTH ANDOVER — On a rainy and slippery Saturday afternoon, University of Maine shut down Merrimack College’s offense en route to a 26-15 victory. Things did not start well for the Black Bears who came into this game losing their last two contests. On their first drive of the game Merrimack’s defense forced a fumble and defensive back Grant Jackson picked it up for a……

Stonehill 35, Sacred Heart 21 — Skyhawks earn first win

September 21, 2024

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By Charlie Adams NEFJ Correspondent EASTON — Stonehill picked up its first win of the season in its home opener over Sacred Heart this Saturday, 35-21. A rainy afternoon at W.B. Mason Stadium brought a heavy rushing attack for the Skyhawks that Jarel Washington took full advantage of. Washington finished the game with 184 rushing yards and two touchdowns across 23 carries. He was complemented in the backfield by Zavion……

Belmont Hill 10, St. Sebastian’s 7 — Belmont Hill grinds out win over Arrows

September 21, 2024

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NEEDHAM — Saturday’s ISL opener between Belmont Hill and St. Sebastian’s was, at times, a mess in the rainy conditions. The offenses were inconsistent, and struggled even with quarterback sneaks. In short, it was sometimes ugly football. Yet after his team’s 10-7 win, Belmont Hill coach Anthony Fucillo was not about to judge a beauty pageant. A victory was a victory, and 1-0 looked just as pretty as it would……

Exciting year ahead in the ISL

September 19, 2024

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We are just about to start what should be another dramatic year in the ISL. There are not only great teams expected to finish at the top, but real, quality depth. This could be one of the best seasons of ISL football in the last five or six years. There is just so much talent spread across all the teams, and it will be fun to see these squads compete……

Week 3 High School Preview

September 18, 2024

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St. John Prep’s Chris Vargas has gotten people’s attention with his play thus far this season. We are fully into this season now, and you’re starting to see some excellent matchups. That continues this week, and it will be a fun weekend of games. On to the preview . . . St. John’s Prep at Central Catholic — The Prep has been as advertised, as the Eagles have two good……

Q&A with Leominster coach Devin Gates

September 15, 2024

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In maybe the best game of the young season, Leominster rallied past Milford, 36-35, to improve to 2-0. The Blue Devils and standout quarterback Osiris Lopez are off to a great start, and are looking like maybe the best team in Central Mass. We spoke to Leominster coach Devin Gates about his team and what they’ve been able to accomplish. Adam Kurkjian: How big of a win is this for……

Week 2 MIAA Top 25

September 15, 2024

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All right, take a deep breath. Some crazy results in the early going, which is why we love high school football, right? Makes it tough to rank, even at this stage, but it will only get zanier. Let’s get to it. Week 2 MIAA Top 25 1. St. John’s Prep (2-0) — Eagles have been impressive so far. 2. Xaverian (1-0) — I don’t care what’s happened. Xaverian-Everett is always a big game…….

Springfield Central 42, Central Catholic 20 — Golden Eagles explode on offense

September 15, 2024

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By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Correspondent LAWRENCE — Springfield Central’s offense found its groove Saturday in Lawrence as the Golden Eagles racked up over 400 yards to defeat Central Catholic, 42-20. Senior running back Ja’Cyion Cox had himself quite the day rushing and receiving the ball. Cox had over 200 yards from scrimmage to go along with four touchdowns for the Golden Eagles. “The run game was really strong,” said Cox…….