Billerica

Billerica has been a constant contender in Division 3, and we think will be again this fall. This team went 10-1 last season, with the only defeat in the D3 playoffs to North Attleboro. Billerica will be led by Dan Moore (OT/DT), Cole Dillon (TE/DE), Aidan Gibbons (LB/RB), Brendon Ganley (OL/DL), Mike Murnane (QB/FS), Steven Gentile (QB/ OLB), Tyler Bornstein (OL/DL), Gus O’Gara (WR/CB), Judds Dorival (RB/CB), Logan Mueller (OL/DL), Jizaiah Candelario (RB/LB), Xavier Mosley (OL/DL), and Matt Macleod (LB/OL). The non-MVC schedule includes Masconomet and Westford Academy.

Brockton

A year ago, Brockton went 9-2, with a close loss to Methuen ending the Boxers’ season in the D1 postseason. New coach Jermaine Wiggins inherits a team that is mostly young. Brockton has a small senior class, and is heavy on sophomore and junior talent. Although the senior class is small, it has one of the best players in the state in 6-foot-3, speedy WR Cam Monteiro, who has verbally committed to Pittsburgh. Other players to watch include WR Jayden Lopes-Ribeiro, RB Luke Turco, QB Jayden Wooten, and CB Karens Antoine. Brockton opens with Barnstable, and has nonleague games with Franklin, Lincoln-Sudbury, Pinkerton Academy (NH), Lawrence, and Andover.

Lincoln-Sudbury

In 2022, Lincoln-Sudbury finished 7-4. This fall, the Warriors make the difficult jump to Division 1. Although that won’t be an easy transition, this is a team that is experienced, talented, and could make some noise in the postseason. The Warriors will be led by captains Cooper Tarantino (QB), Jake Haarde (WR/DB), Peter Abair (DE), Darius Braithwaite (RB), and Luke Ohler (LB). Other returning starters include Reese Sinclair (OL), Logan Umbach (LB), Henry Lowery (OL), Jake Leverone (OL), Calvin Pendergast (LB), Eric Siegal (DB), Abdulraheem Kareem (DL), and Kieran Fagan (OL). The nonleague schedule includes tests against Methuen, Needham, Brockton, and New Bedford.

Marblehead

In another big move from realignment, Marblehead is moving from D3 to D4, where the Magicians will stay a state title contender. This is one of the top programs on the North Shore, and in the state, for that matter. This team lost a lot of experience and talent at the quarterback position when Texas A&M commit Miles O’Neill transferred to the Hun School (NJ). Still, this squad will compete. LB/OL Christian Pacheco is one of the best defensive players around. Other standouts include WR/S Ryan Comoss, S/WR Crew Monaco, and TE/OLB Chris Dewitt. The first four games — against Bishop Fenwick, King Philip, North Andover, and Peabody — will provide a stiff test.

Marlboro

We are banking on this team to make some waves in Central Mass. and in the D4 playoffs. Last year, the Panthers went 8-3 and earned quality wins over Hudson, Oakmont, Shepherd Hill, and Tewksbury, with the latter coming in the D4 postseason. The only losses were two to D4 runner-up Grafton and by two points to Nashoba. Leading the way is senior RB/CB Miguel Borges, who has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons. Also worth watching are WR/DB Fernando Rodriguez and QB Michael Benway. The schedule includes a trip down the Cape to play Falmouth.

Minnechaug

This has been one of the top programs in Western Mass. in recent years. Last year was a bit of a rebuilding year, as the Falcons went 5-5. Top wins were over a good Westfield team and West Springfield. Losses included Springfield Central, Milton, Wachusett, Longmeadow, and Tantasqua. But there is reason to believe this team will bounce back. Top players include Maine-bound TE/DE/ATH Dajzuan Johnson (6-4, 230), DE/OL Sam Dean (6-2, 215), OLB Sean Murphy (5-10, 190), ATH Max Baroni (5-6, 160), QB Jack Lucarelle (5-9, 155), DB/WR Vinh Nguyen (5-8, 160), DB/WR Noah Brathwaite (5-8, 150), WR CJ Socha (5-10, 160), K Nick Patrakis (5-10, 185), and OL/DL Matt MacPhail (5-10, 220). Opening five games are tough: West Springfield, East Longmeadow, Wachusett, Westfield, and Springfield Central.

North Andover

It has been a few years since North Andover won a state title — in 2018 over King Philip. This is a team, though, that has the pieces to make a nice run in the D2 bracket. Last year, the Scarlet Knights went 5-6, but had a couple close losses to Marblehead (12-7) and Billerica (35-34). This is an experienced team with a good nucleus of talent returning. Leading the way are three-year starters TE/DE Jake Saalfrank (6-4, 225), TB/FS Zach Wolinski (6-0, 185), and OT/DE Jake O’Neil (6-4, 205). The Scarlet Knights also return two-year starter slot WR/SS Mike McNaught (5-10, 165). Those four were all all-conference performers last year. North Andover also returns starting quarterback Drew Fitzgerald.

Peabody

This program lived up to its rich tradition last year when the Tanners went 10-1 behind quarterback Shea Lynch. The only loss came in the D2 postseason to Bishop Feehan. Lynch is gone to Endicott, but there is enough returning to expect another strong showing. WR/FS Eli Batista was over 1,000 yards as a receiver and scored 15 touchdowns. He makes an impact on kickoff and punt returns, as well as on defense. QB/OLB Alex Silva played running back a year ago but will be the signal caller this fall. OT/DT Alex Jackson (6-4, 260) leads the way in the trenches. MLB/G Jimmy Festa is a proven run stopper. WR/SS Jayce Jean-Pierre has big-play potential on both sides of the ball. Key points on the schedule include a midseason back to back with Marblehead and Leominster.

Pembroke

This program turned in a 4-6 record in 2022, but of those six losses, five were within a single score. Coach Steve Aborn has this D5 team on the verge of making a lot of noise on the South Shore this fall. Leading the way is WR Will McNamara (6-4, 205), a three-year starter who is gaining Division 1-aa interest. OL Pat Norman (6-5, 270) is a two-year starter, and starts on a big line that includes G/DT Cole Griffin (6-1, 265) and OL/DL Caleb Jones (6-2, 265). Also back are FB/LB/H-back Will Johnson (5-10, 205), CB/ATH Brendan Kanya (5-11, 185), and WR/OLB/DB Jayden Leonard (6-1, 175), who runs a 10.8 100 meter dash. The schedule opens with games against Whitman-Hanson and Austin Prep.

Reading

This team is one of the most consistent in the state out of the Middlesex League. Last year, Reading went 9-2 with wins over Leominster, Woburn, Danvers, Melrose, and Barnstable mixed in with losses to Bishop Feehan and Stoneham. The Rockets suffered heavy graduation losses, but return a solid nucleus to make a postseason run. This year, Reading goes from D2 to D3. Some top players for this season include seniors RB/WR/OLB Andrew Jacvony, G/DL Josh Robichaud, DE Sean Crowley, and DB Shea Donahue, and juniors QB Jack Murphy and S Jake Palm. The season opens with games against Melrose, BC High, Danvers, and Woburn.

Shrewsbury

There is no consensus on which might be the best team in Central Mass. this season, but the Colonials will once again throw their hat into the ring when it comes to that. This is a team that has a nice combination of size, skill, and experience. Last year, Shrewsbury went 4-7, but losses to Grafton, Leominster, and Worcester South were all within six points or fewer. TE/DE Cooper Ackerman (6-4, 245) is a UConn commit. The OL will be big again behind Jarrett Ellis (6-2, 295) and Evan Romano (6-3, 275). The skills are strong with RB/DB Felix Pittorino (5-11, 175), RB/LB Josiah Spiegel (5-8, 180), and RB/DB Ryan Iagallo (5-10, 160). The schedule is tough with Andover, St. John’s (S), Walpole, Acton-Boxboro, and Bridgewater-Raynham.

Walpole

This is a program with a strong tradition that is coming off a quality 2022. The Timberwolves went 9-2, with wins over Wellesley, Shrewsbury, and Natick. The only losses were to Milton and Hanover, the latter in the D3 state playoffs. Even though the graduation losses were heavy, this is a team that should reload and make another big postseason run. Top players include WR/S Jamal Abdal Khalaq, QB Noah McKenzie, ILB Matt Rynard, RB/CB Logan Keyes, DE/TE Kamari Hughes, OL/DL Mike Fredrick, and OL/DL Brendan Kearns. The offensive line returns some experience, and McKenzie is a promising signal caller. The schedule includes King Philip and tussles with CMass foes Shrewsbury and Wachusett.

Westfield

Coming out of Western Mass. is a D3 team capable of making some noise. Westfield had a young team last year and went 7-3. There is enough size, speed, and experience coming back to see an improvement on that. QB Jaxson St. Pierre is back. RB Kaevon Eddington is one of the best at his position in Western Mass. Senior Antonio Adams and junior Lucas Guay are two top WR. The OL will feature Jaedon Gibbs and Declan Connally. On defense, look for Tyreek Mejia on the DL. Cooper McNamara is a top LB, while Nick Guay and Noah Delgado lead the secondary. The Bombers open with non-conference tests against East Providence (RI), Northampton, and Agawam.

Woburn

Another team to watch out of the Middlesex League is Woburn. The Tanners went 7-4 last year, and the losses to Wakefield, Reading, and Bedford were all within one score. Much of the optimism around the team this year centers around RB/LB Bryan Ferreira, who is one of the top backs in the state. Other standouts include SE/DB Ryan Pancini, TE/LB Evan Kolodko, OL/DL Jayden Castriotta, and WR/DB Ryan Lush. Woburn has an interesting schedule. The first five games are challenging, as the Tanners will match up with Longmeadow, Burlington, BC High, Reading, and Wakefield. If the Tanners make the postseason, they’ll compete in D3, which is stacked this fall.

25. Shawsheen

Last season was a breakthrough one for Shawsheen and coach Al Costabile. The Rams went 12-1 and advanced to the D5 state title game, where they lost to North Reading at Gillette. Shawsheen returns a strong nucleus and can find itself in a deep postseason run again. Leading the way is junior QB/DB Sydney Tildsley, who was the Commonwealth Athletic Conference MVP. The Rams should be stout up front. CAC All-Stars Austin Malandain, Richard Elliott, and Cullen Walsh all return. WR/DB Ryan Copson is also a CAC All-Star and proven performer. The schedule opens with games against Bedford, Belmont, and Stoneham.

24. Leominster

One of the great places in this state to watch a game is Leominster’s Doyle Field. It will be home to one of the best teams in the state this year, as the Blue Devils will build on last season’s 8-3 record. In 2022, Leominster beat Wachusett, Shrewsbury, and Nashoba, with the defeats to Peabody, Taunton, and Reading. The Blue Devils return one of the top quarterbacks in the state in Osiris Lopez, and he has good skill around him in RB/DB Braden Martin, RB/LB Xavier Cora, WR/DB Jaidis Delgado, WR/DB Juan Miranda, WR/DB Memi Elias, and TE/LB Dominic Swaine. Linemen Tony Kendall and Anthuan Lino Diego also return. Intersectional showdowns with North Attleboro, Westford Academy, and Peabody highlight the schedule.

23. Marshfield

The Rams are one of the best programs both on the South Shore and in the state. Last year, Marshfield went 7-4 with wins over BC High, Bridgewater-Raynham, Hingham and Woburn, and losses to St. John’s Prep, Duxbury, King Philip, and Methuen. Coach Chris Arouca has done an excellent job with the Rams, and the team features an up-tempo offense that can be very tough to deal with. The offense features two slot backs and running backs who look to carry the team in Nic Cupples and Charlie Carroll. The offensive line will be young and inexperienced early on. Defensively, look for Gio Joseph and Will Devine to lead the way in the secondary. Like the offense, the defensive line will be a little inexperienced. The schedule is extremely tough with St. John’s Prep, Methuen, Mansfield, and B-R nonleague.

22. Grafton

You could make the argument that this program was the best in Central Mass. last season. The Gators went 11-2 and made it to the D4 state title game, where they lost to Duxbury. Top players include OL/DL Riley McCann (6-3, 250), who made 87 tackles, 13 for loss, and five sacks last year. RB/LB Nick St. George (6-0, 190) made 181 tackles last year. WR/DB Wesley Williams (5-10, 165) made three interceptions. WR/CB Anthony Parlante, TE/OLB Brady Dunn (6-0, 185), QB Jake Mayerhouser (6-1, 180), OL/DL Chase Dimond (6-1, 250), OL/DL Connor Shepard (6-1, 330), and FB/LB Brendan McMahon (5-10, 205) also return. The season opens with games against Nashoba, Worcester South, Algonquin, and Holliston.

21. Barnstable

Barnstable played a brutal schedule in 2022 and stumbled to a 3-8 record. Losses included Milford, Central Catholic, Mansfield, Brockton, Reading, BC High, Bridgewater-Raynham, and Falmouth. But the Red Hawks were largely young last season, and return a great group of skill players who can help this program turn it around quickly. Leading the way are RB/WR/FS Tajardo France, WR/SS Chevy Shakespeare, DB/WR/P Eric Lovell, DB/WR Andrew Lovell, OL/DL Harry Ellis, DL Kurt Campbell, and OL/DL Spencer LaValley. The schedule is a little more manageable this season, with tests against the likes of Brockton, Mansfield, and Newton North.

20. Milton

Last season was a highly-successful one for Milton, which made it to the D3 state final before losing to Wakefield. Under coach Steve Dembowski, the Wildcats have been a top program in the Bay State Conference. In 2022, Milton went 11-1 and earned wins over Hanover, Marblehead, Walpole, Holliston, Scituate, and Natick, among others. Coming off a terrific 7-on-7 summer, Milton should be strong this fall. The Wildcats will be led by QB Patrick Miller, FS/WR Ferris Collins, RB/LB AJ Cicerone, OLB Ben Caledonia, T/DE Griffin White, WR/DB Harrison Hinckle, RB/DB Nate Ehul, and OL/DL Anderson Perez-Ruiz. The schedule includes nonleague tussles with Scituate, Holliston, and Taunton.

19. Scituate

The South Shore has been one of the top regions for football in this state in recent years, and this program is one example why. The Sailors have won state titles in 2018 and 2021. Coach Herb Devine at the very least has a D4 contender this fall out of the Patriot Fisher. A year ago, Scituate went 5-5 with wins over Hingham and Pembroke, and losses to Duxbury, Milton, Hanover, Plymouth South, and Holliston. Top returners include QB Jackson Belsan, WR Lawson Foley, WR Charlie Hartwell, WR Joey Burke, WR Sam Allard, RB/DB Will Robinson, RB Alex Burrill, OL Colton Downing, OL Wyllys Ames, and OL Edson Andrade. Milton, Whitman-Hanson, and Foxboro highlight the nonleague schedule.

18. Chelmsford

This team from the Merrimack Valley Conference put together a nice, 8-3 season in 2022. The Lions had wins against Hingham, Tewksbury, North Andover, and Westford Academy last season, with losses to Catholic Memorial, Billerica, and Maynard. This is a program with a rich tradition that seems to be making waves again behind coach George Peterson, who had a good run at Lexington before coming to Chelmsford. Key returners include OL/DL Thomas Brown, who, if he’s not the best lineman in the state, is close to it. Others include QB Kyle WIlder, RB Kai Everett, WR/CB Jake Brooks, WR/FS Grant Englehardt, and WR Mikey Mwaniki. The Lions open with Londonderry (NH).

17. Wachusett

The Mountaineers have established themselves as one of the top programs both in Central Mass and the state. Last year was a good one for Wachusett, which went 8-3. Key wins included over Shrewsbury, Nashoba, Minnechaug, and Salem (NH). The losses were to Franklin, Xaverian, and Leominster. The Mountaineers were led by QB Tucker McDonald, who is now at UConn. The top player for Wachusett this year is TE/DE Grayson Baker (6-7, 253), who is an Army commit. Other players to watch include WR/LB Ethan Blomquist, FS Chris Smith, WR/DB Ben Dominick, and OT Malique Anglin. Some intriguing nonleague battles are with Franklin, Lawrence, Minnechaug, Natick, Salem (NH), and Walpole.

16. Foxboro

This program made a deep run in the D4 playoffs last year, and is set to make an even deeper one this year in D5. Foxboro went 6-6 in 2022 with wins over Bedford, Pembroke, and Hopkinton, and losses to North Attleboro, Mansfield, Plymouth South, Holliston, Grafton, and Whitman-Hanson. The setbacks to North Attleboro, Plymouth South, and Whitman Hanson were all by a score or less. Top players include LB Lincoln Moore, DE Brandon Mazenkas O’Grady, LB Sullivan Kenneally, SS Shane Henri, QB Mike Marcucella, WR Tony Sulham, RB Ben Angelini, OT Jonathan Balde, OG Matt O’Keefe, SE Ed Feldman, SE Nolan Gordon, C Nate Urman, and FS Kaden Hassett. The Warriors open with Holliston, North Attleboro, and Scituate.

15. Everett

New coach Justin Flores takes over the Crimson Tide, who now will play for their fourth head coach since 2017. This is a team that has a lot of talent that can make a run in the D1 postseason. The Tide return six starters on offense and eight on defense, which is a change from the 2022 squad, which was very inexperienced. Last year, Everett finished 8-2 with wins over Taunton, BC High, Lynn Classical, and Revere, and losses to Xaverian and Central Catholic. Top players include BC commit and WR/DB Christian Zamor, WR/CB Jaiden Williams, FS/WR/RB Jayden Prophete, WR/DB Pedro Rodrigues, RB Damien Lackland, LB Domenic Papa, LB/DE/RB Matthew LaMonica, DE Shane McKenzie, and OL Seajae Gaskill. The opener is at Xaverian.

14. Hanover

This is a program that has steadily risen out of the South Shore, and will be tough to deal with this season. Last year, the Hawks went 9-3 with wins over Walpole, Scituate, and Pembroke, and losses to Duxbury, Milton, and Plymouth South. The losses to Milton and Plymouth South were by two points each, and the Milton setback came in the D3 Final Four. Hanover is in D5 this season. Top players for the Hawks include QB Ben Scalzi, who started last season and is one of the top quarterbacks in the state. He will throw often to WR/S John McDonald. Other players to keep an eye on include DE/WR Mekhi Bryan, OL/DL John Regan, and RB/LB Vinny Mancini. The opener with Duxbury should be one of the top games of that weekend.

13. Plymouth South

This program typically runs the ball just about as well as anyone, and that should be true for this fall, as well. Last year, the Panthers went 10-1, with the only loss to eventual D3 state title winner Wakefield. Along the way, Plymouth South had impressive wins over Hanover, Scituate, Foxboro, Quincy, and Pembroke. Much of the excitement for this team revolves around the return of one of the best backs in New England, Casious Johnson. He is getting D1 interest and is both explosive and powerful. Other players to watch include RB/DB Justin LaChance, OL/DL Steve Kirchdorfer (6-2, 270), MLB Gavin Schultz, RB/DB Gio Lynch-Ruberio, and T/DE Matt Eliason (6-4, 250). With Johnson, LaChance, and Lynch-Ruberio, the Panthers have a great stable of runners to give the ball to.

12. Franklin

Coach Eian Bain has built a consistent force in one of the toughest leagues in the state, the Hockomock Kelley-Rex. In 2021, he led the Panthers to an outright division title, and gave Springfield Central a run for its money in the D1 postseason. Then, last year, Franklin won a share of the division crown. Along the way, Franklin has earned back-to-back wins over Thanksgiving Day rival King Philip. The Panthers also scored wins over North Attleboro, Brockton, Taunton, and Wachusett along the way. With a 7-3 record, the losses were to Duxbury, Milford, and Methuen. Some players to watch this year include RB Mike Davide, OT Ben Ryan, MLB Jackson Nutter, and WR Derek Dubriske. The schedule again is challenging, with Wachusett, Brockton, Duxbury, and Central Catholic in nonleague play.

11. Mansfield

Few programs in Massachusetts have been as successful and consistent as the Hornets have been for the last 30 years. When you play Mansfield, you face an opponent that is tough, well coached, and relentless on both sides of the ball. Last year, Mansfield went 9-2, and had wins that included over Wellesley, Foxboro, Haverford (Pa.), St. John’s of Shrewsbury, and Barnstable. The two losses were to Milford and North Attleboro by a 27-21 margin in each. Top players this year include WR Trevor Foley, RB Tommy Smith, OL Aidan Gleavy, WR/RB/DB/returner Brandon Jackman, and QB Connor Curtis. The schedule is always challenging, and this year is no different. The Hornets open at Catholic Memorial, and have other nonleague tests with Duxbury, Marshfield, and Barnstable.

10. North Attleboro

In his first season as coach of North Attleboro, after leading rival Attleboro before, Mike Strachan posted an 8-3 record last year that included wins over King Philip, Bishop Feehan, Mansfield, Billerica, Taunton, and Attleboro. The losses were to Wakefield, Milford, and Franklin. The defeats to Wakefield and Franklin were each by a score or less, and the latter was by one point. North lost a very good senior class, and this year has a smaller senior group. But this is a talented team, and will play hard-nosed ball. Top players include QB Chase Frisoli, LB/TE Ryan Bannon, RB/FS Chris Hanewich, WR/CB Bryce Kiser, OL/DL Nolan McLaughlin, and OL/DL Lucas Mattson. In addition to their usual rivalries, the Red Rocketeers have an intriguing showdown with Leominster Sept. 22.

9. Duxbury

This team is coming off back-to-back D4 state title games, with last year a win over Grafton at Gillette. Last year’s team was led by quarterback Matt Festa, who is now at the Univ. of New Hampshire. Even though Festa is gone, Duxbury typically reloads well at quarterback. The Dragons went 12-0 in 2022, with wins over Franklin, Marshfield, Hanover, Holliston, Grafton, Scituate, Middleboro, Hingham, and Whitman-Hanson. Duxbury will be led by RB/LB Alex Barlow, QB/S Finn Carley, WR Zach Falls, WR Adam Barr, OL Jack Johnson, OL Spencer Moore, OL Brent Watts, CB Trevor Jones, and CB Sam Wien. Duxbury opens the season with Hanover, Mansfield, and Franklin.

8. Milford

Since coach Dale Olson has come to Milford, the Scarlet Hawks have made a steady climb in both the Hockomock League and the state. They made it to the D2 Final Four last year, but have moved down to D3 for this season. In 2022, Milford went 10-2 with wins over Franklin, North Attleboro, Mansfield, Taunton, and Wellesley. The losses were to Catholic Memorial and King Philip. The Scarlet Hawks earned a share of the Hockomock Kelley-Rex title. Top players this year include OL Keith Lee (5-10, 225), OL/DL Oliver McKee (6-2, 255), OL/DL Tony Dew (6-1, 270), WR/DB Aidan Watson (5-10, 170), RB/LB/K Nick Araujo (6-0, 225), OLB/TE/WR Andrew Rivera (6-2, 205), and WR/DB CJ Farrell (6-0, 165). The opener is at Bridgewater-Raynham.

7. Methuen

Coach Tom Ryan has steadily pushed Methuen up the ranks over the last few years. The Rangers feature a dynamic, spread offense, and are dangerous either by the run or pass. A year ago, Methuen finished 9-3 and earned a Final Four appearance in D1. Wins included over Marshfield and North Andover in the regular season. The Rangers beat Brockton and Franklin in the playoffs. The losses were to Central Catholic and Andover in the regular season, and Springfield Central in the playoffs. Leading the way this year is one of the best quarterbacks in the state in QB Drew Eason. He is joined by RB Shane Eason, WR/DB Adrian Blake, WR/DB Joe Bolduc, and WR/DB Aidan O’Shaughnessy. The Rangers open with Lincoln-Sudbury, then Marshfield.

6. Central Catholic

A powerhouse program out of the Merrimack Valley Conference and in D1, the Raiders enter their first season under John Sexton as head coach. He took over the program after longtime coach Chuck Adamopoulos stepped down. Adamopoulos is now an assistant. The Raiders had a strong year in 2022, going 9-3. The wins included ones over St. John’s Prep, Methuen, Everett, and St. John’s of Shrewsbury. The Raiders lost the rematch to the Prep in the postseason, and also lost to Springfield Central and Andover. Leading the way for Central this year is junior QB Blake Hebert, who is already committed to Clemson. Other players to watch include LT Thomas Galusha, DE Presley Titus, WR Max Frediani, SS Mason Bachry, and RG Fedwin Vazquez. The schedule is loaded, with nonleague bouts with Springfield Central, the Prep, and Xaverian.

5. King Philip

Warriors coach Brian Lee has done an amazing job of building this program into a state power. He has led KP to five of the last six state title appearances, winning in 2016 and 2017. The last two years, the Warriors have made it to Gillette and lost to loaded Catholic Memorial squads. Last year, KP went 9-3 and won games over the likes of Milford, Xaverian, Bishop Feehan, Marshfield, and Taunton. The three losses were to CM, Franklin, and North Attleboro. The Warriors return some experience, and will be a threat out of the Hockomock League and D2. Top players include NG/LG Sean King, DE/LT Luke Danson, QB Tommy McLeish, RB/MLB Aiden Astorino, TE/DE Danny Silveria, and RG Logan Van Vaerenewyck. The nonleague schedule includes Walpole, Marblehead, and Norwood.

4. Xaverian

Over the last 10 years, the Hawks have won two D1 state titles, and been a contender for more on an annual basis. Under coach Al Fornaro, Xaverian has continued its tradition of strong defense, and run the ball consistently. Last year, Xaverian went 7-4 with wins over the likes of Everett and Wachusett, and lost to Catholic Memorial, St. John’s Prep, Springfield Central, and King Philip. Leading the way this season is one of the top quarterbacks in the region in Henry Hasselbeck, who is committed to play at Michigan State. WR/DB Charlie Comella is headed to Boston College, but suffered an injury in the summer that will keep him out most of the season. Other players to watch include WR Jonathan Monteiro, RB Mike O’Connor, OLB/RB/WR Vincent Busa, and S/WR Caleb Brown. The first four games are against Everett, Bridgewater-Raynham, Springfield Central, and Central Catholic.

3. Springfield Central

This program has emerged out of Western Mass. as a true, big-school state power. Since 2018, the Golden Eagles have won three state titles and played for another. They won D3 crowns in 2018 and 2019, and then D1 in 2021. A year ago, Central lost at Gillette in the D1 final to St. John’s Prep. The Golden Eagles lost a tremendous senior class, including QB Pop Watson, a unanimous all-state selection who is now at Virginia Tech. In 2022, Central went 10-2 with wins over Central Catholic, Xaverian, Methuen, Shrewsbury, Westfield, and Minnechaug. The losses were to St. John’s College (DC) and the Prep. This year’s team will be led by QB Jareth Staine, RB Ja’Cyion Cox, WR Mattias Barbour, WR Dwayne Early, OL Dominic Rijos, OL Khaji Charles, WR Jaykelis Algarin, DL Dante King, ILB Jack Casey, OLB Isaiah Jones, OLB Malachi Flax, DB Shaun’Dez Buckhannon, DB Jaylon Hebert, and DB Noah Carter. The nonleague schedule includes Central Catholic, New York power Iona Prep, and Xaverian.

2. St. John’s Prep

Under coach Brian St. Pierre, the Prep has turned in some spectacular seasons out of the Catholic Conference and in D1. The Eagles have won three of the last four D1 state titles. In 2018 and 2019, the Prep beat Catholic Memorial at Gillette. Then, in 2022, the Prep earned a 13-0 victory over Springfield Central in a game that not many people gave the Eagles a chance. Along the way, the Prep beat Springfield Central, Central Catholic, Xaverian, Andover, Marshfield, La Salle (RI), and lost to Central Catholic in the regular season, and CM. Lost to graduation were some of the state’s best players in DB/WR Joenel Aguero (Georgia), WR/DB Jesse Ofurie (Rutgers), and RB Carson Browne (Bentley). Top players this year include DE/TE Mason McSweeney, OLB Matt Callahan, ILB John Droggitis, OG Wells Gillett, DB/RB Dylan Aliberti, OLB Marquese Avery, OT Graham Roberts, OG Jack DiFilippo, DT Alex Bajoras, and RB Cam LaGrassa. The Eagles open at Marshfield.

1. Catholic Memorial

Coach John DiBiaso has this program on a roll, and the Knights are seriously talented. CM lost the D1 state title game in 2018 and 2019, but have won the D2 crown in 2021 and 2022. The Knights are still in D2, to the chagrin of many, and are the favorites to make it a three-peat. The program is currently on a 28-game winning streak, which just so happens to be tied for the 13th-best run in the country right now. This team lost a loaded senior class, but returns enough size, speed, and experience to be just fine. Last year, CM beat the likes of the Prep, King Philip, Milford, Xaverian, La Salle (RI), Chelmsford, and Bishop Hendricken (RI). The offensive line this year should be dominant. OT Guerby Lambert is a national recruit, and OG Brandon Sullivan is going to Harvard. OL James Mullin is another top talent. Other standouts include LB Will Claude, LB David Timson, DE JD Rayner, DL Joao Pires, DE Colin Murphy, WR Isaiah Faublas, RB Mekhi Dodd, and QB Peter Bourque.