Another high school football season is upon us. The 2025 high school football season kicks off and we have got you covered.
It all kicks off with the first of 14 preseason practices (conditioning days for the first two practices.) The first regular-season games are scheduled for Sept. 4-5. It should be fun as always.
Here are some storylines we are looking ahead of the start of this season.
1. Will CM repeat in Division 2? With division realignment, the pathway to another state for John DiBiaso’s Knights might have gotten a bit easier with King Philip, Marshfield and Barnstable all dropping down to Division 3. Don’t get me wrong, there are still plenty of good teams in D2 but the road to another ring won’t be as challenging as in recent years.
2. Who is the favorite in Division 1? Xaverian will be the favorite but St. John’s Prep will be in the mix as well as a revamped Springfield Central team. Unlike the past few seasons, D1 isn’t as deep but but it is still really good at the top. A three-peat for X is far from guaranteed and Hawks Coach Al Fornaro would tell you the same thing.
3. Division 3 is stacked: D3 is stacked now and on paper is the toughest division to get through in order to win a state title. King Philip will probably be the early favorite but you have Marshfield, Milton, Mansfield, Milford, North Attleboro and Barnstable along with several other programs to contend with. Whomever wins it all in December will have earned it.
4. Will West Boylston make it four in a row? Man. It is hard to pick against Mike Ross, Dominic Lanzoni and company. The Lions graduated a good senior class but there is enough talent back that West Boylston should be a favorite once again in Division 8.
5. Who are some teams that could surprise? Several programs across all eight divisions could surprise this season. They include: Franklin, Andover, Central Catholic, Canton, Minnechaug, Norwell, Clinton, North Reading, Old Rochester and Hanover. All are programs to keep an eye on.
6. Who is the best player you need to follow more? That’s easy. Camden LaChapelle of Uxbridge. He is a dude and one of the best running backs in the state. He will be looking to lead the Spartans to a three peat in D7. If you haven’t seen him play, do yourself a favor and do it.
7. End of the road for Ken LaChapelle? Speaking of the LaChappelle family, Legebdary Northbridge Coach Ken LaChappelle is entering his 50th season at the school. He has a state-record 401 victories (401-138-6), LaChapelle has hinted this off-season that this might be his last season on the sidelines. LaChappelle’s grandson, Joel is the Rams’ starting quarterback. It has always been a family affair with Coach LaChappelle so it is only fitting that Joel is his quarterback. Depending on this season plays out, this might be Coach LaChappelle’s swan song.
8. Top quarterbacks in Massachusetts: We are fortunate that we have so many talented signal callers in the state right. Peter Bourque at Tabor just committed to Michigan. Christopher Vargas, the number two quarterback nationally in the Class of 2028 is heading into his second season as the starting quarterback at St. John’s Prep. Other quarterbacks to watch include: Will Wood (Xaverian). Kise Flannery (Catholic Memorial), Jonny Donovan (Scituate), Jack Lambert (Bridgewater-Raynham), Osiris Lopez (Leominster), Tommy Vallett (Mansfield), Jareth Staine (Springfield Central), Owen Mordas (Bishop Feehan), Caden Smith (Central Catholic)
9. Who were some of the new coaching hires? Plenty of coaching changes as usual in Massachusetts. Here are some of the new hires.
Rob DiLoreto, Everett. (Second stint as head coach)
Ryan Dugan, Methuen (08 graduate)
Gary Senecal, St. John’s Shrewsbury
Doug Carilli, Dedham High School, (Long time assistant)
Jay Fielding, Andover (Former Central Catholic D.C)
Matt Cerullo, North Andover, (Long time NA assistant)
Shawn Theriault, Billerica, (Former Andover assistant)
Jason Pithie, Norwell, (Formerly the offensive coordinator)
Bob Lomp, New Bedford (Former Apponequet, Wareham, and Sandwich head coach)
Colton Bosselait, Oakmont Regional
Matt Silva, Greater New Bedford
Don Shumaker, Millis
Ed Melanson, Triton
Wayne Page, Grafton
Brian Smith, Lynn Classical
Brian Vaughn, Arlington Catholic
Jermetrious Troy, Carver
Alex Monteiro, Case *Interim
10. Extra week on the calendar: Labor Day is early this year (Sept. 1) and Thanksgiving is late (Nov. 27) this year. Programs have nine weeks to schedule their eight games.