It was the opening weekend of the Northeast 7 on 7. The North Regional was played at Exeter High School in Exeter, New Hampshire. The South Regional was played at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, Massachusetts.

The North Regional featured some of the top programs in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

This year’s tournament also features a new format. There are now two champions crowned in each regional. An Open Champion and a Small Division Champion.

Saturday’s North Regional field was loaded with great programs. Maine was well represented with Bonny Eagle, Marshwood and Thornton Academy. New Hampshire was well represented as well. Timberline, Exeter and St. Thomas Aquinas were among the Granite State schools on hand. . Both states had a great showing and proved that the power programs in both states have the talent to compete against Massachusetts programs.

The ISL schools were also well represented. BB&N, Brooks St. George’s and Dexter Southfield all had their moment in the North Regional. BB&N and Brooks were especially impressive. BB&N won the open division thanks to some big time plays by Power 5 recruit Ronan Hanifan. Brooks was also impressive as quarterback Michael Wolfendale and wide receiver and University of Buffalo commit Jackson Connors-McCarthy torched defenses all afternoon. Dexter Southfield had a solid showing as well.

Westford Academy looks like a program on the rise after a strong showing. They lost to BB&N 16-0 in the Open Division championship but Bruce Rich Jr.’s team made a statement.

Milton was once again strong as Northeast 7 on 7 Director Steve Dembowski’s team always does well in this tournament. The Wildcats lost to Billerica 22-21 in the North Small Division final but bounced back to beat Barnstable in the South Regional Open Division Final 33-27 in double overtime.

Speaking of the South Regional. Plenty of teams impressed most notably Taunton, Barnstable, Dedham, Milton and Rockland.

Unfortunately, there was a one hour rain delay as torrential downpours and wind forced the teams to scatter for cover. When play resumed, 14 teams returned to play with Milton and Barnstable advancing to the Open Final and Dedham and Rockland advancing to the Small Division Final where the Marauders beat the Bulldogs 6-0.

The next stop for the Northeast 7 on 7 is next Saturday when the East Regional takes place at Bishop Fenwick High School.

Congratulations to BB&N, Billerica, Milton and Dedham on winning their respective sections in both regions and advancing to the championship round.