John Sarianides

Merrimack adds former UMass quarterback A.J Hairston in the transfer portal

January 15, 2026

Courtesy of A.J Hairston The Merrimack College football program has secured a pivotal piece for its future offensive success on Wednesday, as former University of Massachusetts quarterback A.J. Hairston officially announced his commitment to the Warriors via the transfer portal. The move brings a high-upside signal-caller with FBS starting experience to North Andover, providing head coach Mike Gennetti and his staff with a physically gifted athlete capable of leading the……

Ayden Pereira commits to Georgia State

January 15, 2026

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Former Merrimack and Maine signal-caller Ayden Pereira officially committed to Georgia State on Sunday. The New Hampshire native and former Central Catholic standout arrives in Atlanta as a mid-year enrollee with multiple years of eligibility remaining. Pereira brings his dual-threat capabilities to the Sun Belt Conference.

Coaching matchup In Sunday’s AFC Divisional Round contest pits a pair of true alphas

January 15, 2026

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By John Sapochetti NEFJ Contributor One of the most used phrases in football is, “It’s not about the X’s and O’s, but the Ja’Marr’s and the Joes.” Sorry for the editorial license, I couldn’t resist. While being poetic and partially true, coaching does have a massive impact in the fortunes of a football team. To prove that point, look to the sidelines on Sunday at 3:00 when the 15-3 New…

Connections between Patriots & Texans run deep

January 15, 2026

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Former Patriots executive and coach Nick Caserio leads the Texans organization (Courtesy of the Houston Chronicle) The Houston Texans beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, 30-6 to advance to the Divisional Round of the AFC Playoffs. The Patriots will take on the Texans at 3 pm on Sunday. There are plenty of former Patriots staffer and players from the Belichick era currently employed by the Texans. The return to…

Patriots add veteran pass rusher Darrell Taylor to practice squad

January 14, 2026

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USATI FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Patriots are adding a veteran presence to their defensive front as they prepare for the postseason. The team announced on Wednesday that they have signed defensive end Darrell Taylor to the practice squad. In a corresponding move, the Patriots released running back Elijah Mitchell from the practice squad. The timing of the signing is particularly notable; Taylor joins New England just days after being released…

MHSFCA Announces All-Division Teams for 2025

January 14, 2026

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The Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association announced their Divisional All-State Teams for 2025.
 The players were selected after a rigorous process which included nominations from MHSFCA member coaches and statistical and film review. In addition, this year the MHSFCA added a specialist position to recognize kickers, punters and returners.

Offensive guys sing praises of Patriots defense after shutting down Chargers

January 13, 2026

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Getty Images FOXBOROUGH – Football is the ultimate team sport and the Patriots win over the Chargers is proof of that. Most of the onus this season has been on Drake Maye and the offense, but on Sunday night, the defense took center stage in a dominant performance against the Chargers. The Patriots defense sacked Justin Herbert 6 times, forced three fumbles and recovered one and held the Chargers to…

7 Points on the Patriots 16-3 win over the Chargers

January 12, 2026

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Courtesy of the New England Patriots FOXBOROUGH– For the first time since 2018, the Patriots won a home playoff game and they did it by playing great defense and making timely plays on offense. It was an unconventional win by Patriot playoff standards but a great win nonetheless. The Patriots are built to win a championship. Now it is just a matter of building off of last night. With the…

William “Pop” Watson returns home with commitment to UMass

January 11, 2026

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William “Pop” Watson III is heading back to where his football journey began. After three seasons in Blacksburg with Virginia Tech, the dual-threat quarterback officially committed to the University of Massachusetts on Sunday night. The move marks a significant homecoming for the Springfield native, who starred at Springfield Central High School under his father, longtime coach Bill Watson, before heading south to the ACC.

Patriots Four Down Preview: Los Chargers Chargers (11-6) at New England Patriots (14-3)

January 11, 2026

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Courtesy of nfl.com Kickoff: The Patriots will be hosting their first playoff game in six years tonight when they host the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Wild Card round. The Patriots have been rolling most of the season losing one game in the final 13 weeks of the season. The Chargers on the other hand come into this game losers of two straight game and are banged up. Despite…