Adam Kurkjian

Michigan’s title reminds us what New England talent is capable of

January 14, 2024

Sixteen players. Those are the 16 players on the University of Michigan who either are from Massachusetts or Connecticut, or played some portion of their high school careers in those states. That New England nucleus helped set the table for Michigan to win the national championship last Monday, when the Wolverines earned a 34-13 victory over Washington. Those players were: defensive back Mike Sainristil, edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, wide receiver……

Lowell hires Scott Boyle

January 12, 2024

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For its new coach, Lowell hired a familiar face, and a proven winner. That man was Scott Boyle. Boyle coached at Lowell from 1997 to 2006, where he compiled a 68-37-2 record. That is the most successful tenure at Lowell in recent memory. If Boyle brings those winning ways back to his alma mater, consider this hire a home run. Boyle takes over for Shyheim Cullen, who went 3-8 in……

Champions Q&A: Fairhaven coach Derek Almeida

January 11, 2024

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Although we did a Q&A earlier this season with Derek Almeida, we wanted to follow up with the Fairhaven coach. The Blue Devils went 12-1 this season, and beat Salem in the D6 state title game at Gillette Stadium. We caught up with Almeida for a phone interview this week. Here is an edited version of that conversation. Adam Kurkjian: You’ve won state titles now at Falmouth and Fairhaven. What……

Bill Belichick leaves Patriots as the best to ever do it

January 11, 2024

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You can pick any number of words to describe Bill Belichick. He is gruff, cantankerous, moody, sarcastic, and stubborn. On the other end of it, the now-former Patriots coach is brilliant, creative, strong, adaptable, and innovative. Those all fit. In his years with the Patriots, Belichick earned a spot in the pantheon of football coaches. He led the Patriots to six Super Bowl wins, and what could best be known…

Transfer portal hurting high school recruits

January 9, 2024

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The transfer portal has unequivocally changed college football. But what many local coaches are talking about now, is how the portal, which facilitates the transfer of college players to new schools, is now impacting the recruitment of high school players. And, right now, the effects are negative, and hurting that high school player’s prospects, whether it is at the FBS, FCS, Division 2, or Division 3 level. Just quickly, to……

The NEFJ 2023 MIAA All-State Team

January 7, 2024

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What a year. It was highlighted by some amazing players. This is our attempt to honor the best ones, as we did three full teams and an honorable mention. As is always the case, we can’t highlight every single player. There will be some we leave out. Please do not take that as disrespect. We respect every player who suits up. So without further ado, here is our NEFJ 2023…

Champions Q&A: Foxboro coach Jack Martinelli

January 4, 2024

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You talk to Foxboro coach Jack Martinelli, you can hear the love in his voice that he has for the 2023 Warriors. The team went 12-1 and won the D5 state title, but the fact that the team was so good was only part of the equation. In a season in which Martinelli also won his 300th game, there was so much to make him smile. We spoke to him……

Tabor players continue to gain offers

December 30, 2023

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Something is brewing down on the South Coast with Tabor Academy. The Marion, Mass. program is starting to really take off with players earning FBS offers. And coach Jeff Moore and the Seawolves are just getting started. Currently, Tabor has seven offensive starters coming back for next season who have FBS offers. They are: offensive linemen Will Smith, Amahn Williams, Jacob Burns, and Botond Varga; wide receivers Kaiden Drinkwater and……

Champions Q&A: Duxbury coach Matt Landolfi

December 28, 2023

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Another football season has passed, and another great Duxbury team has won a D4 state title. The Dragons went 11-1 this fall, and earned a championship with a 62-33 victory over a very good Scituate team. That makes at least a Gillette Stadium appearance in each of the last four MIAA postseasons. We wanted to talk to Duxbury coach Matt Landolfi, on what makes this program so special. Here is……

Fenway Bowl: Boston College 23, No. 24 Southern Methodist 14 — Eagles win first bowl since 2016

December 28, 2023

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By Ryan Barry NEFJ Correspondent BOSTON — Bowl season typically warrants travel plans for schools that sometimes take them to the farthest reaches of the United States. For the Boston College Eagles, a 45-minute train ride on the Green Line was about all the travel time it took to take down the No. 24 Southern Methodist Mustangs, 23-14, at Fenway Park on Thursday afternoon. Fans who braved the whipping rain……