The New London Whalers are turning to a familiar legend to revitalize their football program, officially announcing the return of former head coach and distinguished alumnus Jack Cochran.
Big changes came to the King Philip Football program this spring as long time head coach Brian Lee stepped down after 21 seasons. Lee won four super bowls and took the Warriors to eight title games in nine seasons. Replacing him is offensive coordinator Anthony Vizakis who is no stranger to being a head coach. Vizakis was the head coach at Milford High School previously. He inherits a team that graduated one of the most decorated senior classes in program history. The Warriors do however return several key contributors from last season so they should once again be in the mix.
The Xaverian Hawks are looking to make history in 2026. Al Fornaro’s squad is looking to accomplish a four-peat, something that has never been done in Massachusetts High School Football history. It will not be easy with several key contributors graduated, but Xaverian returns Penn State commit Will Wood at quarterback and a slew of other talented seniors and underclassman.
Here is how the off-season has gone for the Hawks so far.
Key players.
Will Wood, QB 6’2, 223 lbs SR.
Michael Harden, LB 6’2 215 lbs SR.
Jack Warren, OT/DE, 6’5″ 295 SR
Rocco Sestito, RB, 5’10 198 lbs JR
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We know who the contenders are in each division heading into this season but who are the teams that could surprise?
Here are five teams to keep an eye on in Division One in Massachusetts.
1. Central Catholic: New coach John Dubzinski inherits a talented roster that returns quarterback Caden Smith and Navy commit, offensive lineman Brian Waller-Reitano. The Red Raiders have picked up valuable experience the last two years in the playoffs and are a battle tested team ready to surprise teams both in the Merrimack Valley Conference and the Division One field.
By Tom O’Brien NEFJ Correspondent WESTWOOD – The 48th annual Shriners North/South All Star Classic took place on Friday night at Xaverian Brothers in Westwood and it was a defensive struggle throughout. The Shriners All Star Classic is an Eastern Mass senior All Star game put on by the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association and sponsored by the Aleppo Shriners Organization, with all proceeds going to the Shriners Hospital…
By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Correspondent NORTH ANDOVER – Fitchburg upset Peabody 15-14 in the Division 2 girls flag football state championship on Thursday night behind Bianelis Pena’s two touchdown passes. “I’m proud of my girls, they battled through adversity and got it done,” said head coach Anthony Oquendo Trailing 14-7 in the second half, Fitchburg’s defense forced a safety off an errant snap to make it 14-9. Needing a stop…
FRANKLIN- The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) football committee brought its plan for a Division 1A “Super 8” tournament before the Tournament Management Committee (TMC) on Tuesday morning in Franklin. The proposal was met with excitement and skepticism.