We are about to get started with the 2021 MIAA football season, as Friday marks the first day of practice in the Commonwealth. There are tons of storylines to get into, but we were able to whittle them down to five as we get going. For each day, starting Monday and on to Friday, we will tackle a different subject that faces the coaches, players, and fans of Massachusetts high school football. It will be an interesting year, and we can’t wait to get started. So, without further ado, here are some of the things to watch as we kick off the 2021 season.

4. Springfield Central moves up to Division 1

This one was a long time coming. Although Springfield Central is coming off back-to-back Div. 3 state titles, the chorus from the rest of the Commonwealth — particularly Eastern Mass. — was that the Golden Eagles were too big of a school to be competing there. Well, everyone now has got their wish, as Springfield Central will be in Div. 1 in the new statewide playoff. It should be noted that Springfield Central sitting in Div. 3 was not the fault of the Golden Eagles. They were put there by how everything was aligned. But that wrong has been righted. Springfield Central is one of the best programs in the state, and will immediately be one of the top contenders in Div. 1. Now, everyone clamoring for them to move up can sit down and enjoy what should be an extremely entertaining top division.