Kevin Stone

Leominster 38, St. John’s (Shrewsbury) 0 – Blue Devils make a statement in season opener

September 5, 2025

By Dante Iafrate NEFJ Correspondent LEOMINSTER – Leominster opened the 2025 season with a statement win, blanking St. John’s 38-0 on Friday night behind a suffocating defense and a balanced offensive attack. The Blue Devils wasted no time setting the tone. After forcing an early turnover, Leominster capitalized to grab a 22-0 first-quarter lead. Quarterback Osiris Lopez led the offense with poise, while veteran playmakers like wide receiver Ryan Ricker……

New England college preview – Week 2

September 5, 2025

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After an up-and-down week for the New England programs in Week 1, we hit Week 2 with 13 of the 17 teams back in action. There are some big matchups, some winnable games and some ‘got to have it’ contests for others. Here’s a quick look at how the slate looks: WEEK 2 9/6 UConn @ Syracuse (Noon) The Huskies look to go 2-0 on the year when they make…

CIAC Class SS preview

September 5, 2025

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By Rob Gullo NEFJ Correspondent Outlook: Killingly is the team to beat in Class SS heading into the 2025 season. The Trailblazers will look to win its fourth state title since the 2017 season and are equipped to do so. The Trailblazers return a total of 19 starters, losing just one on offense and two on defense from last season. Hayden Allard is arguably the state’s best running back, as…

Waltham 24, Belmont 12 – Hawks open season with impressive road win

September 5, 2025

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By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Staff BELMONT — The fans filled up Harris Field in Belmont to kick off the 2025 season on Thursday night, but it was the road team celebrating in the end. Waltham played spoiler to Belmont’s home opener thanks to a big defensive effort and a strong game from senior Wes O’Connor, earning a 24-12 win. “It wasn’t pretty, it was ugly at times but we persevered, we…

Patriots not sleeping on Dylan Laube in return game

September 4, 2025

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Image courtesy of UNH Athletics This Sunday, there will be plenty of people both in the stands and watching at home rooting for former UNH star Dylan Laube. Laube is in his second year with the Raiders and very well could be Las Vegas’ main kickoff returner when Andy Borregales boots the ball around 1:05 on Sunday afternoon. During his senior season in 2023 with the Wildcats, Laube was No….

Vrabel trying to keep it simple vs. Raiders

September 3, 2025

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FOXBOROUGH – Speaking Wednesday morning before practice, Mike Vrabel was asked about something he used to do before each game as Titans head coach. Vrabel would identify three or four key elements to winning that week and express it to his players. Seems simple, right? It is, but when you boil it down, football can be a simple game sometimes. With such a young roster and so many unknowns heading…

UNH & Holy Cross ready to renew one of New England’s best rivalries

September 2, 2025

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There’s no question that UNH and Holy Cross have been the FCS standard in New England for two decades and the last decade respectively. Whether it’s been Coach McDonnell, Coach Santos, Coach Chesney or Coach Curran, the Wildcats and Crusaders have been models of consistency when it comes to competing for championships with a certain attitude and toughness that you’ll only find in the Northeast. UNH has been in the…

Former BC star Harold Landry III named a Patriots captain

September 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of the New England Patriots FOXBOROUGH – On Monday morning before the first game week practice of 2025, Patriots players voted for captains. After the initial stretch period, Mike Vrabel called the team up for the usual pre-practice breakdown/talk, but this one was a little different. Vrabel told the team the six players that had been voted as leaders for the year, with each guy getting a quick…

Vrabel hopes young players can remain poised during first game week

September 1, 2025

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FOXBOROUGH – It’s a big week for Mike Vrabel and his staff, but it’s an even bigger week for the young Patriots roster. If you’re lucky enough to be sitting inside Gillette Stadium for the opener on Sunday, you’re going to see a lot of newcomers that could and should have a big impact on the team, some rookies, some second or third-year guys. The most important thing for those…

Previewing the top high school games across New England – Week 1

September 1, 2025

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Image courtesy of Xaverian Football By Tyler Amaral NEFJ Staff Football season in New England has finally arrived. It’s time to put away the beach gear and get ready for Friday night lights. Below, we’ll take a look at the top 20 games in Massachusetts, plus some other intriguing matchups from around New England. A reminder, Connecticut is the only state not getting started this weekend… Massachusetts Xaverian at Bishop…