Adam Kurkjian

Division 6 Super Bowl — Fairhaven 26, Salem 22 — Justin Marques shines for Blue Devils

November 30, 2023

By Owen Hart NEFJ Correspondent FOXBORO — Fairhaven coach Derek Almeida had a straightforward game plan for Thursday night’s D6 Super Bowl against Salem. “Pound the ball with No. 25 behind our offensive line.” An effective game plan at that with running back Justin Marques rushing for 228 yards, more than half of the team’s total offense and all of their touchdowns with four scores on the ground, as……

MIAA state title game capsules

November 28, 2023

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As we begin down the season’s final descent, we look to have some great games to end the MIAA season on. The final eight state title games all seem to have intrigue, from Wednesday to Friday at Gillette Stadium. Here is another look at those championships, with some really excellent teams featured. Let’s get to it. Division 1 — Xaverian vs. St. John’s Prep These teams just faced off on……

Bedford 28, Londonderry 8 — Bulldogs claim NH D1 title

November 26, 2023

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All year, the Bedford defense put up one dominant performance after another. In the New Hampshire Division 1 state title game against Londonderry, the Bulldogs did it again. After falling behind early, Bedford recovered and rolled to a 28-8 victory. This marked the second straight D1 title for Bedford, which also beat Londonderry in the state title game last year. Each of the first two Bedford (12-0) possessions ended in……

Q&A with Fairhaven coach Derek Almeida

November 25, 2023

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It has been a whirlwind of a season for Fairhaven. The Blue Devils have rode their option offense to a spectacular postseason, as they will play in the D6 state title game against Salem. We spoke to Fairhaven coach Derek Almeida, who is one of the best coaches not just on the South Coast, but in the state. Here is an edited version of that conversation. Adam Kurkjian: You guys……

Xaverian 23, St. John’s Prep 21 — Bell’s boot lifts Hawks

November 23, 2023

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WESTWOOD — When St. John’s Prep and Xaverian met Thursday morning, there was some thought that this would be a minor preamble to Wednesday’s D1 state championship. But, by the end of it, the fans were hoping that the encore could be anywhere near as good as the original. With a 30-yard field goal as time ran out, Xaverian junior kicker Luke Bell sent the Hawks home happy with a……

Leominster 59, Fitchburg 7 — Blue Devils dominate 143rd matchup

November 23, 2023

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By Owen Hart NEFJ Correspondent BOSTON — Wednesday night’s Leominster-Fitchburg game at Fenway Park can be summed up by the opening play, where Leominster quarterback Osiris Lopez unleashed a deep ball to receiver Ryan Ricker for a 71-yard touchdown pass and catch just 19 seconds into the game. Leominster didn’t take long at all to get back on the board, after a three and out from Fitchburg, Lopez was back……

Billerica 27, Chelmsford 13 — Indians pull away late

November 22, 2023

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By Owen Hart NEFJ Correspondent BOSTON — In Wednesday night’s game at Fenway Park, Chelmsford was driving downfield against Billerica late in an almost futile attempt to stay alive. The Lions trailed by two scores with a minute remaining. It would take a miracle. Gus O’Gara eliminated even the slimmest chances for a Chelmsford comeback, picking off the Lions quarterback and letting the Indians kneel the game away. Chelmsford was……

New England high school preview — Thanksgiving week

November 21, 2023

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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……

Q&A with Carver coach Ben Shuffain

November 20, 2023

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Carver is on a collision course with West Boylston for the D8 state title. Both teams are undefeated, and have been playing great all season. We wanted to get in touch with Crusaders coach Ben Shuffain to talk about his team, so we spoke with him Monday over the phone. Here is an edited version of that conversation. Adam Kurkjian: We talk about it a lot, but you guys had so……

Week 9 Chaos Poll

November 19, 2023

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A great weekend of NEPSAC bowls, with some quality results along the way. Deerfield beating Belmont Hill was probably the most impactful game for this poll, as the Big Green solidified themselves as the top NEPSAC team in Massachusetts. On to the rankings . . . Week 9 Chaos Poll 1. St. John’s Prep (11-0) 2. King Philip (11-0) 3. Xaverian (9-2) 4. Marshfield (9-2) 5. Springfield Central (8-2) 6…….