By Tyler Amaral
NEFJ Staff

Outlook: If you follow Massachusetts high school football, the 2025 Division 8 title race will probably look familiar to you. West Boylston has turned into a dynastic juggernaut, seeking a fourth consecutive state championship across two divisions. Randolph has made multiple state title game appearances in the last five years and returns core players such as Mekhi White, Abe Cornet, Alin Norisca and Zymari Bailey. Cathedral is a playoff regular. Nashoba Valley Tech has sky-high expectations after making a run to the state semifinals a year ago. The Vikings beefed up their non-conference schedule with games against Catholic Memorial and Stoneham. KIPP Academy has frequently featured skill players rarely seen at this level. Elai Machado is one of the top two-way players in the state. Naturally, a team or two will rise from relative unknown in the preseason to state title contender as we get into November. Below you’ll find all you need to know about the 2025 Division 8 landscape.

Favorites: West Boylston, Randolph, Nashoba Valley Tech

Sleepers: Cathedral, KIPP Academy, Hoosac Valley, Ware

Players to Watch

Zymari Bailey, LB Randolph

Ta’Qaire Bell, WR, Cathedral

Jadrien Berthiaume, RB, Ware

Zack Dechenes, RB, Nashoba Valley Tech

Ethan Fox, RB, Bourne

Elai Machado, QB/DB, KIPP Academy

Dawson Reber, RB, Lee

Dominick Renzoni, RB/LB, West Boylston

Jayquan Vasquez, DL, Hoosac Valley

Mekhi White, RB, Randolph

State Championship Prediction: For the second straight year, West Boylston and Randolph meet at Gillette Stadium in December in the state title game. Renzoni and the high-powered double wing attack for West Boylston once again walks off the field victorious as Division 8 champions, completing the historic four-peat.