WESTWOOD – From about 4:30 in the afternoon onward Friday, the big game atmosphere was palpable at Xaverian High School. The two-time defending D1 champion Hawks were hosting D2 perennial power Catholic Memorial. With college coaches surrounding the sidelines, stands packed to capacity on both sides, Fox 25 and Channel 5 on hand and an appearance from Drake Maye, the night lived up to the hype and then some. And…

By Tom O’Brien NEFJ Correspondant BARNSTABLE – In a clash of two unbeaten teams, it was all Barnstable in a 35-7 win over Dartmouth on Friday night. “That right there was a team effort. We were getting the ball to many different people tonight,” said Barnstable head coach Ross Jatkola. I thought Kyle Coffin did an unbelievable job making the right plays at the right time and the right situations….

By Oliver Fox NEFJ Correspondent AMESBURY – For four straight years, Amesbury and North Reading have matched up and the final result has always been a one-possession game. Friday night was no different as the two stylistically opposed offenses clashed for yet another thrilling ending. Ultimately, Amesbury proved to be too much with senior quarterback Justin Dube and junior running back Connor Scialdone leading the way to a 30-28 Redhawks…

By Charlie Adams NEFJ Correspondent PAWTUCKET – The Dan Koppen era at La Salle Academy continued its promising start on Friday, ending St. Raphael’s undefeated season on the road. Samuel Perry starred in the 42-25 win, throwing five touchdowns with four of them going for 30+ yards. Koppen picked up his third head coaching win, and second in-state win after beating Bishop Hendricken on Oct. 3. “They have a lot…

By Tyler Amaral NEFJ Correspondent CANTON – On its second offensive play, Canton scored an 89-yard touchdown to put the Bulldogs up 6-0 on Foxborough seven-and-a-half minutes into the game. From that point forward, the Warriors defense stiffened and held Canton scoreless over the final 40-plus minutes to secure a massive 14-6 Hockomock League road win. “[The Canton touchdown] was a wake up call” said Foxborough head coach Jack Martinelli….

Image courtesy of Catholic Memorial Athletics By Tyler Amaral NEFJ Staff The playoffs are rapidly approaching across New England. Last week was one of major upheaval around Massachusetts. Each remaining week should provide increased chaos as jockeying for the postseason heats up. Take a look below at some of this week’s top games from across New England: Massachusetts Catholic Memorial at Xaverian: One of the top games in the state…