MIAA 2024 Preseason Top 40 Countdown
It’s here.
It is August, and that means we are ready to start with the 40-team MIAA preseason countdown. Over the course of the offseason, we pared down this list from one of closer to 100. It is always difficult to get the number down to 40. This is an exhaustive exercise each year, but fun to do.
We will start — in alphabetical order — with the 15 teams that just missed the cut for the top 25, then count things down all the way to number one.
And with that, we’re off. We hope you enjoy the content, and have a great season.
15 teams that missed the cut (in alphabetical order)
Barnstable
Last season, the Red Hawks went 10-2, and made the D2 semifinals before losing to King Philip. The only other loss was to Mansfield, while Barnstable’s best win was probably over Peabody. There were heavy graduation losses here, but the Red Hawks are just replacing that talent with other talent. Top players include RB/WR/SS Karon Ford, CB/WR Kyle Cotton, MLB/RB Cole Raposo, WR/DB Kayden Fortes, RB Ja’Meer Anderson, QB Dylan Hamilton, and OT Ronell Armstrong. The schedule will be difficult, and will include usual opponents, along with Rhode Island foes Bishop Hendricken and La Salle.
Dennis-Yarmouth
Out of D6 come the Dolphins, who should have one of the best passing attacks in the state. Last year, D-Y posted a 7-4 record, which included a close loss to eventual D6 state finalist Salem. Leading the way is quarterback Jayden Barber, who is a threat both with his arm and legs. He is an accurate passer to all areas of the field, and has some great weapons. Those include WR/S Walter Mayo, DB/WR Bryson Garcia, and CB/WR James Barnicle. Leading receiver from last year Payton Kellet suffered an injury in the offseason that will keep him out for a period of time. The opener against Mashpee will be appointment viewing.
Franklin
Franklin had one of the more high-profile coaching changes of the offseason, as former coach Eian Bain left to Bridgewater-Raynham, and ex-Holliston coach Todd Kiley replaced him. Last year, Franklin finished 5-6, but earned wins over North Attleboro and Taunton. Leading the way for the Panthers this year is DL/TE Julian Rampino, one of the top defensive linemen in the state. Franklin will also look to LB/RB Alex Weber, RB/DB Andrew Fraulo, OL/DL Jack Murphy, WR/S Kyle Walsh, WR/DB Will Tirrell, and S/RB Cole Sidwell. The schedule includes nonleague games with Central Catholic, Wachusett, Brockton, and Duxbury.
Grafton
Right now, Grafton is consistently included as one of the top programs in Central Mass. The Gators went 9-3 last season, and earned wins over the likes of Marblehead, Shrewsbury, Doherty, and Worcester South. Top players this season include WR/S Jake Robertson, FB/LB Brendan McMahon, WR/OLB Griffin Landry, RB/DB Finn Gilmore, FB/LB Cayden Kelly, OL/DL Chase Dimond, OL/DL Connor Shepard, OL/DL Bob Johnson, OL/DL Danny Mandella, OL/DL Lucas Barrasso, and ATH Zeeland Youngblood. The schedule this year opens with Ashland. Grafton has experience and talent, and will be a factor in the D4 playoff chase.
Hudson
The next team comes from CMass and a deep D6. Hudson had a 9-3 year in 2023, that included wins over Lynnfield and Clinton. The only losses were in close games to eventual state champ Fairhaven, Worcester South, and Maynard. Most of the optimism revolves around the return of top quarterback and defensive back Jake Attaway. Other players to watch include RB/LB Garrett Giorgio, H/LB Owen Nanartowich, RB/LB Logan Luz, OL/DL Joe Edie, OL/DL Cam Yates, OL/DL Brandon Figueiredo, WR Savion Newton-Clark, WR Nolan Yates, and DT David Rambler. The first two games with Shrewsbury and Clinton will tell a lot.
Minnechaug
In recent years, Minnechaug has consistently been one of the top programs in Western Mass. That was true last year, as the Falcons went 6-3, defeated the likes of West Springfield and Wachusett, and only lost to Springfield Central, Milton, and Westfield. Top players this year include WR/DB Max Baroni, DB/RB Aidan Dzierwinski, RB/DB Dan Fanor, OL John Bermudez, QB Jack Lucarelle, LB/FB Ryan Oldread, and DL Zayde Facchetti. The Falcons this fall should be one of the top contenders in a wide-open D3 bracket. The schedule opens with Enfield (Conn.) and West Springfield, and has another battle with Wachusett.
Peabody
One of the best teams on the North Shore will again be Peabody. Last year, the Tanners, under coach Mark Bettencourt, posted a 10-1 record, with the only loss coming to Barnstable in the D2 state playoffs. Some of the wins included over Salem, Leominster, Winthrop, Marblehead, and Lynn Classical. The line will be a strength, as top players include OL/DL Alex Jackson, OL/LB Jimmy Festa, OL/DL Dylan Annese, QB Luke Maglione, RB/LB Gabe Santos, WR/DB Jayce Jean-Pierre, WR/LB Anthony Silva, WR/DB Dorlyn Morel, and WR/DB Tyler Rappold. The Tanners open with an interesting showdown against Melrose, then Winchester.
Shawsheen
In the past few years, Shawsheen and coach Al Costabile have been knocking on the door in D5. Last season, Shawsheen went to the D5 Final Four, where it lost to eventual state champ Foxboro. Leading the way that year and this is QB/DB Sid Tildsley, one of the top quarterbacks in the state. He has over 4,000 yards passing, 1,500 yards rushing, over 1,000 yards in returns, and 89 total touchdowns. On defense, he has 11 interceptions and close to 200 tackles. RB/LB James Tildsley, WR/DB Dylon Pratt, and T/T Cullen Walsh are also players to watch. Nonleague games with Winthrop, Norwood, and Wayland highlight the schedule.
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury has been one of the top programs in CMass, and looks to remain that way with another strong team this season. John Aloisi’s squad went 5-5 in the 2023, with wins over St. John’s of Shrewsbury, Doherty, and Bridgewater-Raynham. Leading the way this season for the Colonials are OL/DL Jarrett Ellis, RB/DB Ryan Keddy, WR/DB Ethan LePoer, RB/DB Ryan Iagallo, TE/DE Will Tonelli, OL/DE Darius Gibbons, QB/DB Drew Vincequere, and OL/LB Cole Gingras. The schedule is challenging. Shrewsbury plays Hudson, Andover, St. John’s, Grafton, Leominster, Walpole, Algonquin, B-R, and Wachusett. That would adequately prepare Shrewsbury for the D1 postseason.
Tewksbury
Consistency has been the hallmark of this program under coach Brian Aylward. This is a program that always competes hard and is a tough out. Last year, Tewksbury went 8-4, with some of the best wins including Danvers, Burlington, Canton, and Chelmsford. The losses were all to good teams in Duxbury, Methuen, Billerica, and North Andover. The top players this season include QB Vinny Ciancio, RB Manny Mengata, RB Emeka Olu, and WR/DB Ben Christopher. Ciancio is one of the best quarterbacks in a state that’s full of them. Tewksbury opens with games against Danvers, Haverhill, Lawrence and Lowell before getting into league play.
West Springfield
Out of Western Mass. comes a team that could make some noise in D3. Last year, West Springfield went 8-2, with wins over Longmeadow, Amherst, and Wahconah. The losses, to Minnechaug and North Attleboro, were both by only one score. The Terriers have a fearsome passing attack led by QB Nate Stone and WR/S Jonathan Gingerhua. Gingerhua is one of the top receivers in the state, and Stone is an accurate passer. Other players to watch for West Springfield include LB/RB Legend Kelly, WR Cooper Smith, and WR Jaeden Beaumont. The opener at Minnechaug will be an interesting test.
Westford Academy
One of the emerging program’s out of the Dual County League is Westford Academy. Coach Bruce Rich has the Grey Ghosts on solid footing. Last year, Westford went 7-4 with wins over Chelmsford and Belmont. The losses were to Needham, Billerica, Lincoln-Sudbury, and Leominster. This year, the Grey Ghosts have speed and experience across the board. Top players include QB/S Alex Wilson, WR/S Ryan Kyle, RB/LB Jesse Moran, TE/LB Quinn Reynolds, WR Evan Pasters, and DE/TE Chris Butts. The schedule has Lowell, Billerica, Belmont, and Leominster in nonleague play.
Weymouth
In the first year of coach Mike Donovan’s reign at Weymouth, the Wildcats impressed, going 7-4 with a win over Lincoln-Sudbury in the D1 playoffs. Weymouth also posted wins over Wellesley, Braintree, and Framingham. The losses were to Milton, Needham, Walpole, and Andover. The Wildcats should again contend, led by seniors RB/DB Cam Aieta, OL/DL Naheem Ridore, TE/DB Michael Farrow, OL Anthony Marques, and LB/QB Tom Kelly. Weymouth opens the season with a home game against a tough Braintree squad. Look for the Wildcats to keep ascending under Donovan’s watch.
Woburn
Woburn had another successful season under coach Jack Belcher in 2023. The Tanners went 8-3, with wins over Winchester, North Andover, and Burlington. The losses were to BC High, Westfield, and Belmont. One key graduation hit was running back Bryan Ferreira, one of the top running backs in the state. But the Tanners return another top running back in Ryan Lush. Blocking for him will be one of the top linemen in the area in Jayden Castriotta. Woburn will also look to QB/LB Caeden Davis, and TE/LB Dante Dellagrotte. The schedule includes an intriguing trip to Longmeadow in the opener.
Worcester South
This is one of the emerging programs in Central Mass., and the state. Coach Bob LaRose has done an excellent job here, and South is one of the squads in Worcester that continues to make progress. Last year, South went 7-4, and brought home some impressive wins. Among them, over Grafton, Hudson, Tantasqua, and Leicester. The losses came in a rematch with Grafton in the D4 playoffs, D7 state champ Uxbridge, St. John’s of Shrewsbury, and Doherty. Leading the way are QB Ransford Adri (1,500 yards rushing, 1,200 passing last year), and four-year starter on the OL, Julio Salinas. The first four games are with Leicester, Grafton, Hudson, and Uxbridge.
25. Andover
One of the more intriguing subplots of the offseason was when Andover coach EJ Perry stepped down, then came back to coach the Golden Warriors again going into this season. Andover has grown into one of the state’s most consistent programs out of the Merrimack Valley Conference. Last year Andover went 10-2 with wins over Central Catholic, Billerica, Weymouth, and Franklin. The only two losses were to St. John’s Prep and Methuen. This year, the Golden Warriors will be led by QB Dominic Papa, LB Will Dever, DB/RB Connor Acheson, and WR/DB James Flagg. The schedule includes early nonleague battles with Pinkerton Academy (NH) and Shrewsbury.
24. Billerica
Coach Duane Sigsbury’s charges are coming off a strong, 9-2 season that included wins over Methuen and Central Catholic, and losses to Andover and Westfield. This year’s team returns a talented and experienced lineup, and will likely be a contender in D3. Top players include OT/DT Dan Moore, QB/OLB Steven Gentile, RB/DB Judd Dorival, OL/DL Nick Cabral, WR/DB Matt Gray, OL/DL George Tatarouns, TE/OLB Gabe Rosse, WR/DB Gryffin Bordeau, WR/FS Tim Murphy, OT/DT Zach D’Adaddario, QB/FS Jacob Peck, RB/LB Jackson Gearin, TE/LB Luke McKenna, K/QB/OLB/CB Dan Venezia, and OT/DT Prince Mahey. Billerica opens with intriguing nonleague games with Masconomet and Westford Academy.
23. Dartmouth
Over the last 20 years or so, Dartmouth has been one of the most intriguing programs in both the South Coast, and the state. The team had great squads with running back Jordan Todman, but could not win a title. Then, in 2014 and 2015, Dartmouth won back-to-back Super Bowls. Days of state title contention seem to be back, as the team went 9-2 last year, with the lone losses to state champions Milton and Fairhaven. Dartmouth is blessed with good skill, and has plenty of it with top returning players QB Jackson Hart, RB Ray Gramlich, WR Markus Andrews, and LB Tom Quinn. This will be a tough out in D3. Keep an eye on games with Braintree, Barnstable, Bridgewater-Raynham, Apponequet, and Old Rochester, among others.
22. Fairhaven
In a deep year for D6, the team that leads them all at this point is the returning champion. The Blue Devils posted a 12-1 mark a year ago, and beat a very good Salem team at Gillette Stadium. Coach Derek Almeida runs an option offense that is tough to prepare for and stop. Personnel-wise, RB Justin Marques is a tough, hard runner who compares favorably to just about anyone at his position, regardless of class. Other players to watch include OL Zach Moura, S/RB Aaron Lague, QB Cam Burke, QB Evan Lamongtaine, and DE/WR/TE Josh Viera. It is an interesting schedule, one that includes a battle with BC High. That should be one of the most interesting games of the fall. Games with Old Rochester and Dartmouth also stand out.
21. Leominster
Right now, you could probably consider Leominster as the top team in Central Mass. There are some other contenders to that throne, but the Blue Devils stand out. Last year, Leominster finished with a 6-5 record, that included wins over Westford Academy, Shrewsbury, and Wachusett. The losses included St. John’s Prep, Peabody, North Attleboro, St. John’s of Shrewsbury, and Doherty. Leading the way for the Blue Devils and heading into his junior year is quarterback Osiris Lopez. He already holds some FBS offers. Some other players to watch include DB/WR Jadis Delgado, RB/LB Xavier Cora, OT Carter Austin, and DT Antwan Lino-Diego. The Blue Devils open with St. John’s of Shrewsbury, and also play Catholic Memorial.
20. Everett
This is a proud program with a great tradition, but still smarting after 2023 not making the D1 playoffs despite only one loss in the regular season. Coach Justin Flores had a successful first year despite the postseason snub. The final record was 9-2, and included a win over BC High. Top players coming back for Everett include QB Carlos Rodrigues, WR Yariel Ortiz, RB Manny Santiago, DB/WR Joao Barreiros, OL/DL Chris Ruiz, OL/DL Marvin Desruisseaux, and LB Kevin Diaz. There is plenty of speed in the program, and the Crimson Tide should be physical up front, as well. The schedule includes a tough opener with Mansfeld, plus games with Catholic Conference foes Xaverian and BC High, and a trip to Brockton.
19. Bishop Feehan
Coach Bryan Pinabell has done a nice job at Feehan. The Shamrocks are competitive against a typically-tough schedule, and have been effective either with a run-first or more balanced offense. Last year, the Shamrocks went 8-2, with wins over Bishop Fenwick and Cardinal Spellman, and losses to North Attleboro and eventual D2 state finalist Marshfield. Top players include RB David Quinn, QB Owen Mordas, WR Finn McHale, OL Kane Mankins, DL Sean Hickey, LB Tommy Cairns, LB Jack Charnley, S Brayden Goodwin, S Andrew Orphanos, and LB Joseph Mills. Keep an eye on Mordas, who is developing as one of the top quarterbacks in the area. The highlight of the schedule is a game with Xaverian in the opener.
18. Mansfield
Mansfield had somewhat of a down year last season, by its lofty standards. The Hornets went 6-5, with wins over Barnstable and Canton, and lost to Foxboro, Duxbury, Catholic Memorial, Walpole, and Marshfield. Some of those losses were of the close variety, though, and you could see Mansfield turn things around this fall. Some players to watch include TE/OLB Matt Tourigney, OL/NG Sam Dunn, QB Tom Vallett, SE/OLB Andrew DeGirolamo, and DL/OL Curtis Riley. Vallett is the son of Fred Vallett, who was a star player in the 1990s for the Hornets, also as a quarterback. The opening two games are to Everett and Duxbury, so Mansfield should know early just how well it stacks up with other top teams.
17. North Attleboro
This is one of the top programs out of the Hockomock League year in and year out, but the Red Rocketeers only posted a 5-6 record in 2023. The team could be in for a turnaround this season, though. Starting with LB Ryan Bannon, who is one of the top linebackers in the state, and has some FCS offers. QB Chase Frisoli is going to be a four-year starter, and is a threat to run and throw. Other players to watch include WR/S Lucas Crovo, RB/OLB Brady Paradis, OL/DL Patrick Hamilton, WR/DB Bryce Kiser, K Austin Clemente, OL/DL Reid Clemente, LB Frankie Strachan, DB Corey Rofino, and OT/DE Nate Rivera. The schedule includes interesting nonleague games with Lynn Classical and Lynnfield.
16. Duxbury
Few programs, regardless of division, seem to be as consistently near the top as Duxbury over the years. The Dragons are coming off back-to-back D4 state titles, with last year’s victory over Scituate. Duxbury went 11-1 in 2023, and had impressive wins over Marshfield, Mansfield, Tewksbury, Franklin, Somerset Berkley, and Bedford, among others. The only loss was to Hanover in the season opener. The Dragons return starting QB/CB Trevor Jones, along with RB/LB Jack Rees, OL/DL James Scanlon, OLB Joe Barberia, OLB Jon Rovegno, and WR/DB Jack Sovik. The schedule is tough. Before Duxbury gets into Patriot League play, the Dragons face Abington, Mansfield, Hanover, and Franklin.
15. Scituate
Under coach Herb Devine, Scituate has consistently found itself as a state title contender. The Sailors feature a balanced offense, and compete against a tough schedule. Last year, the Sailors went 9-4 with wins over Holliston, Grafton, Plymouth South, and Wayland, and lost to Duxbury, Foxboro, Milton, and Hanover. This season, the Sailors are tough both at the skill positions and up front. The team returns WR/OLB Lawson Foley, RB/CB Willy Robinson, WR Joey Burke, OL Charlie Murphy, OL Wyllys Ames, OL Shea Tinkham, OL Sean Coyne, OL Chris Caparella, and TE Roman Glowac. This year, Scituate opens D5 state champ Foxboro, then has Whitman-Hanson and Norwell, so the Sailors will know how they are right out of the gate.
14. Milford
Since coaches Dale and Dana Olson have come to Milord, the Scarlet Hawks have found nothing but success. Last year, Milford went 10-2, with the only losses to D2 state champion King Philip and Walpole, the latter coming in the D3 playoffs. Along the way, Milford beat Wellesley, North Attleboro twice, Natick, Taunton, and Franklin. Top players this year include TE/DE Thomas Sousa, WR/OLB Andrew Rivera, RB/LB Danny Carvalho, OL/DL Ryan Burns, QB Jack Buckley, WR/DB Ish Kamara, WR/DB Joey McGee, WR/DB Sean Pierce, WR/DB Taylor Feliciano, LB Dylan Burns, OL/DL Sam Rosenberg, and WR/DB Jason Stokes. The Scarlet Hawks don’t have great numbers, but are talented and experienced. Milford opens with Westfield.
13. Milton
Over the last few years, this program has been one of the most accomplished, regardless of division. In 2022, Milton made it to Gillette but lost the D3 state title game to Wakefield. Then, last season, with a partly inexperienced roster, Milton made it back to Gillette, and this time won the D3 state title by beating Walpole, a team the Wildcats had lost to in the regular season. Again, you are looking at a Milton team that is not all that experienced. But there are key pieces back, and reason to believe Milton could make another return trip to Gillette. Top players include WR/DB Harrison Hinckle, DB/WR Terren Bly, OL/DL Abran Rojas, WR Ronan Sammon, OLB Ben Parmele, and LB Aidan Reilly. The opener at Needham is one of the top games in the state.
12. Central Catholic
This is always a program to be reckoned with out of the Merrimack Valley Conference. Last year, the Raiders were young and finished with a 5-6 record. Even though it was a losing season, Central beat Everett, Franklin and Chelmsford. The losses were to good teams: Xaverian, St. John’s Prep, Springfield Central twice, Andover, and Billerica. This will still be a young team, but there is some experience. Top players include C/DT Preston Lee, WR/CB Drew Alsup, WR/CB Connor Grella, RB/S Jefferson Morales, WR/CB Jack Steen, G/DT Thomas Galusha, WR/S/K/P Drew O’Keefe, ILB/RB Amari Mills, T/T Brian Waller-Reitano, and G/DT Tim Jaracz. The first five games are treacherous: Franklin, Springfield Central, the Prep, Billerica, and Xaverian.
11. BC High
One of the most intriguing teams on this list is BC High. The Eagles have a new coach in Paul Zukauskas, who had a terrific career as an offensive lineman for the Eagles in the 1990s. Zukauskas has an impressive resume as a coach already. When he coached at Lawrence Academy, he had some of the most accomplished teams in recent Independent School League memory. This is not a total rebuild, as there is plenty of talent already here. Keep an eye out for QB Carter Carroll, who will continue his career at William & Mary. Other players to watch include RB/S Brendan Ryan, C Michael Smith, OL Eli Alcorn-Crowder, and WR/TE Conrad Babka. Some nonleague games to watch include La Salle (RI), Fairhaven, and Everett.
10. Methuen
Under coach Tom Ryan, Methuen has progressed each season to where the Rangers have one of the top programs in the state. Competing out of the Merrimack Valley Conference, Methuen went 8-3 last season. The wins included over Marshfield, Andover, Tewksbury, Natick, and North Andover. The losses were to Needham, Billerica, and Lincoln-Sudbury. Although the Rangers lost quarterback Drew Eason (Stonehill), they return some key pieces in RB Shane Eason, RB Josh Kwakye, WR Adrian Blake, OL/DL Aiden Marino, OL/DL Josh Najeeullah, LB Vinny Demaio, and DL Jay Castillo Vasquez. The opening road trips to Lincoln-Sudbury and Marshfield will have some intrigue before the Rangers get into MVC play.
9. Walpole
Walpole is one of the most storied programs in the state, and coach Chris Sullivan has done a nice job guiding it of late. Last season, Walpole made it to Gillette and the D3 state title game, which Milton won. Wins for Walpole last year in a 9-4 season included over Milton in the regular season, Milford, Weymouth, Mansfield, Wellesley, and Braintree. Walpole is looking to finish the job this year. QB Noah Mackenzie is one of the best in the state. Other players to watch include WR/DB Cash Cantrell, WR/DB Will McGrath, WR/DB Matt St Cyr, WR/OLB Quinn MacNeil, OL/DL Aiden Abate, OL/DL Joe Malone, OL/DL Dylan Burgess, and DL Calvin McCabe. The schedule is brutal, and includes showdowns with King Philip and Foxboro.
8. Foxboro
Coach Jack Martinelli has had a tremendous career at Foxboro, and as he himself described it, last season was “storybook.” The Warriors were one of the top teams in the state in 2023. Foxboro posted a 12-1 season that culminated in a D5 state championship. Foxboro beat Hanover, Mansfield, Scituate, Shawsheen, North Attleboro, Holliston, and Newburyport, and the only loss was to D2 state champ King Philip in a close game. Top players include RB Ben Angelini, QB Mike Marcucella, SE Nolan Gordon, OT/DT Jonathan Balde, S/SE Kaden Hassett, CB/WR Cam Deleskey, OG/DT Matt O’Keefe, and RB/LB Ryan Foley. How is this for a first four games? Scituate, Walpole, King Philip, and Lincoln-Sudbury.
7. Marshfield
For years, Marshfield has not just been one of the top programs on the South Shore, but in the state. The Rams always play a physical brand of football, and have scored big wins with Super Bowls and state titles. Last year, Marshfield may have scored the biggest wins of the season with a victory over Catholic Memorial in the D2 postseason. The Rams also beat Mansfield and Bishop Feehan. The losses were to King Philip, St. John’s Prep, Duxbury, and Methuen. Top players for Marshfield this year include QB Tor Maas, RB Davin True, TE Brady Crowley, G/DE Tommy Bongiolatti, OLB/SS Will Devine, and LB Alex Molander. The schedule is tough again with St. John’s Prep and Methuen the first two weeks.
6. Needham
This team really broke out in 2023. The Rockets had a strong regular season, then rolled to the D1 state semifinals before losing to Xaverian, the eventual champ. In their 10-2 season, the Rockets beat Methuen, Walpole, Weymouth, and Lincoln-Sudbury. The losses were to Xaverian and Milton. The expectation is for Needham to build on that success. There are plenty of quality returners and players who contributed last year. The top players for the Rockets include RB/LB Aidan Williams, OL/DL Charlie Simeone, TE/DE Will McDonald, TE/LB Ben Schreiber, QB Griffin Carr, WR/DB Brandt Bickford, and ATH/DB Joe Kajunski. The schedule is tough right away, with a rematch with Milton, then games with Natick and Lincoln-Sudbury.
5. King Philip
This team put it all together for an undefeated season in 2023. The Warriors beat Foxboro, Walpole, Milford, Barnstable, North Attleboro, Taunton, Franklin, Winchester, Norwood, and Marblehead, then Marshfield at Gillette Stadium for the D2 state title. As usual, KP had a strong defense and running game, and could throw when asked for or needed. Although the Warriors lost a lot to graduation, there is still plenty in the tank to make another run. Top players include RB/LB Aiden Astorino, RB/DB/LB Andrew Laplante, SS/WR Tommy Kilroy, CB/WR Brandon Nicastro, DB Hayden Schmitz, TE/DE Luke Gunning, OLB Will Bubluski, and RB/LB Tallan King. The schedule starts with Walpole, Marblehead, Norwood, and Foxboro.
4. Catholic Memorial
In the last five postseason opportunities, not including the Fall 2 year, Catholic Memorial has made it to Gillette four times: twice in D1, and twice in D2. The Knights won both their D2 trips and lost in D1 to St. John’s Prep. Under John DiBiaso, CM has been one of the top programs in the state. Last year, CM did not get there, as the Knights lost in the state semifinals to Marshfield. Once again, CM has one of the top squads in the state, with talent and experience at both the skill positions and up front. Players to watch for the Knights include RB Mekhi Dodd, LB David Timson, OT JD Rayner, TE/WR Michael Hegarty, DB DJ Overall. The Knights open with two New York teams in Cardinal Hayes and St. Francis, before traveling to Leominster.
3. Xaverian
This program is coming off a tremendous 2023, and is one of the favorites to take home the D1 state title again. Even though the Hawks lost quarterback Henry Hasselbeck (UCLA), this is a team with the ability to repeat. In a terrific year last season, the Hawks beat Springfield Central, St. John’s Prep twice, BC High, Needham, Central Catholic, and Everett. The only losses came in the regular season to Springfield Central and Catholic Memorial. Some of the top players to watch include DE Micah Amedee, RB/LB Vincent Busa, K/LB/FB Luke Bell, QB Will Wood, DE Dominic Funke, WR/DB Dave Chiavegato, and OL/DL Brendan Berube.The nonleague slate includes Bishop Feehan, Everett, Springfield Central, and Central Catholic.
2. St. John’s Prep
The Prep has been one of the dominant programs in the state for quite a while now, but their recent history is even better. The Prep won D1 state titles in 2018, ’19, and ’22. The Eagles also made it to Gillette last year before losing to Xaverian, just days after falling to the Hawks on Thanksgiving in Westwood. The Prep scored wins last year over Catholic Memorial, Marshfield, Andover, BC High twice, and Central Catholic. Top players this year include OL/DL Graham Roberts, OL/DL Jack DiFilippo, WR Merrick Barlow, CB Owen White, OLB Jackson Tucker, OLB Alex Turrisi, TE/DE Will Kent, TE/DE Josh Haarman, QB Deacon Robillard, QB Chris Vargas, and WR Riley Selvais. The opener with Marshfield will be a good one.
1. Springfield Central
Over the course of the offseason, all the familiar names came up as potential top teams in the state. At the end of it, we kept coming back to Springfield Central, and that’s who we’ve got as the preseason No. 1. This is a program that split with a very good Xaverian team last year, and the only other setback was to Iona Prep of New York. Central won D3 state titles in 2018 and 2019, and won the D1 state title in 2021, losing to the Prep in the 2022 state title. Top players for the Golden Eagles include OL Dom Rijos, OL Khaji Charles, QB Jareth Staine, RB Isaiah Rogers, WR Mattias Barbour, WR Dwayne Early, LB Jack Casey, S Shaun’Dez Buckhannon, and S Ja’Cyion Cox. Central opens with a rematch with Iona Prep.