Lots of great games in the area this week, especially on the high school slate. I’m picking a bunch so here are my picks.
High School
Mansfield at North Attleboro: One of the best rivalries in Massachusetts. Mansfield will have revenge on their mind after last year’s Super Bowl but it’s more about this year. I think this will be a close game but I like the Red Rocketeers at home. Final Score: North Attleboro 28, Mansfield 26
Andover at Central Catholic: Andover picked up a big win over Pinkerton last week but faces a rested Central team. Should be a tight game throughout but I like the Red Raiders in what should be a great game. Final Score: Central Catholic 30, Andover 28
Barnstable at La Salle (RI): LaSalle won a shootout last season on the Cape and I expect this game to play out the same way this year. Only difference, I am putting my money on Kyle Coffin and company. Give me Barnstable in what could be the game of the night. Final Score: Barnstable 35, La Salle 28
Milford at King Philip: King Philip dominated last year’s match up but expect a closer game this time. We still like the Warriors at home in a pivotal game. Final Score: King Philip 28, Milford 14
Bishop Feehan at Franklin: The Shamrocks have been impressive this season and have the look of a team that can get to Gillette. Franklin has been playing well of late and could pose a tough test. I think this game will be closer than people think but in the end, Feehan’s experience proves to be the difference. Final Score: Feehan 21, Franklin 14
West Boylston at Hudson: Contrast in styles in this one but it hard to pick against Mike Ross and the Lions, especially if it is close. I like WB in what should be a really good game. Final Score: West Boylston 18, Hudson 16
Avon Old Farms at Dexter Southfield: Game of the year in the NEPSAC? Maybe. It should be a great game with plenty of skill on both sides. The quarterback match up of Baer vs. Funke is worth the price of admission. AOF is a wagon. Give me the Winged Beavers in a shootout. Final Score: AOF 35, Dexter 31
Phillips-Exeter at Brunswick: Another game that could end up in a shootout. I don’t like picking against PEA usually but I’m rolling with Ben Rolapp and the Bruins in this one. Final Score: Brunswick 28, PEA 23
Greenwich at New Canaan: If you love defense, you will love this game. I think this game will live up to the hype but it will be low scoring. Cardinals put a scare into the Rams but give me New Canaan. Final Score: New Canaan 14, Greenwich 7
Darien at St. Joe’s: Can the Cadets defense slow down the Darien offense? Yes. It won’t be as low scoring as New Canaan, Greenwich but points will still be hard to come by. I am going with St. Joe’s. Final Score: St. Joe’s 21, Darien 18
Thornton Academy at Bonny Eagle: Bonny Eagle has been a great story but I don’t think they slow down Thornton’s vaunted offense enough to win. I’m rolling with the Trojans by two scores. Final Score: Thornton 40, Bonny Eagle 26
Bedford at Londonderry: The Lancers will hang tough but this Bedford team is legit and the prohibitive favorite in D1 in New Hampshire. I like the Bulldogs by two scores. Final Score: Bedford 28, Londonderry 13
Souhagen at Pelham: Rivalry renewed but it is hard to pick against the Sabers, no matter the venue. They plant a flag as the best team in D2 in the Granite State with a convincing win. Final Score: Souhagen 35, Pelham 14
College
Boston College at Louisville: I think this could be a better game than people think but the Cardinals should still take care of business. The Eagles misery tour continues. Final Score: Louisville 38, Boston College 20
UConn at Rice: Rice gave the Huskies all they could handle last season. This could be another tight game but the Huskies pull it out in the end. Final Score: UConn 31, Rice 21
UMass at Central Michigan: The Minutemen blew a golden opportunity to build some momentum last week. I don’t think capturing it this week. I’m rolling with the Chips. Final Score: Central Michigan 35, UMass 10
Bryant at URI: The Bulldogs will have had two weeks to prepare for this game but it will be tough to go to Kingstown and win. I like URI in what should be a competitive game. Final Score: URI 30, Bryant 17
Harvard at Princeton: Could this be the week the Crimson get challenged? Yes. Princeton plays them tough but Jaden Craig and company prove to be too much in the end. Final Score: Harvard 35, Princeton 17
Penn at Yale: Bulldogs bounced back last week and I think they keep the momentum going. This team needs a signature win and they get it. Final Score: Yale 28, Penn 24
William & Mary at UNH: Pride on the line here as the Wildcats look to build momentum for the stretch. Both teams are evenly matched but I like the Wildcats at home in a tight game. Final Score: UNH 28, W&M 24
Patriots
Browns at Patriots: The Browns defense could pose some problems for the Patriots but in the end, Cleveland doesn’t score enough. I like the Patriots by two scores in this one. Final Score: Patriots 28, Browns 14