Plenty of big games on the slate this week starting with a strong high school slate and a great Saturday of college games. The Patriots wrap it up on Sunday against the Jets.
High School
St. John’s Prep at St. John’s: The Prep continues to look like the best team in the state led by its deadly offense. The Pioneers, on the other hand, are fresh off their first win over Xaverian since 2019. The Pioneers will hang in this one but the Prep just has too much. Pick: St. John’s Prep
North Attleboro at Mansfield: There are legitimately nine state title contenders in Division 3. North Attleboro and Mansfield are two of them. North has a potent run game led by quarterback Nathaniel Robin. Mansfield has arguably the top defense in the state. These two always play tight games. Expect another one. Pick: Mansfield
Walpole at Milton: The Bay State rivals have played some thrillers over the years. This year should be no different. Milton’s rushing attack is as good as it has been in years. Question is. Can they run it on a stout Walpole defense. I’m leaning Wildcats at home here. Pick: Milton
Pinkerton (NH) at Andover: One of two MVC versus New Hampshire interstate matchups on the docket this week. This may be Andover’s stiffest test since Catholic Memorial five weeks ago. Andover’s offense will be too much for the Astros to contain. Pick: Andover
Ridgefield at Ludlowe: Many Connecticut teams are off this week. This is the best matchup of the weekend between two underrated teams. Ludlowe is in the midst of a tough stretch that will define their season. I think they get it done at home. Pick: Fairfield Ludlowe
Central Catholic at Londonderry: Central Catholic enters as the favorite, but Londonderry has a golden opportunity to send a statement to the entire region. The Lancers have had success against Massachusetts teams in recent years but the senior laden Red Raiders will be too much in this one. Pick: Central Catholic
Plymouth at Pelham: Plymouth enters undefeated on the strength of a dominant defense. One-loss Pelham should provide a good test. Despite that, it is hard to pick against Plymouth right now. They are a well rounded football team. Pick: Plymouth
St. Ray’s at North Kingstown: It’s still unclear who the third best team in Rhode Island is. The winner of this game will have a strong argument. Leaning on Nick Stafford and the Skippers in this one. Pick: North Kingstown
Taft at Choate: Choate is coming off a dominant win over Avon Old Farms. Taft is 4-0 and has allowed only 34 total points. Expect a low scoring game. I like the Boars at home to win a close one.
College
Pitt at Boston College: The Eagles have a long week coming off the bye week. They will play Pitt tough but too many question marks makes it hard to pick them in this one. Pick: Pitt
UMass at Buffalo: If Pop plays, Minutemen win. If he doesn’t, it could be a long afternoon. I think Buffalo sends UMass to their third straight loss. Pick: Buffalo
URI at Yale: It is hard to pick against Yale these days. Factor in URI’s quarterback question marks and the Bulldogs are the pick. Pick: Yale
Monmouth at UNH: The Wildcats have struggled but something tells me they will rally the troops and win this game. Give me the Cats in an upset. Pick: UNH
Holy Cross at Harvard: Holy Cross has been playing good football and they have had two weeks to prepare for this game. They will keep it close but I like Harvard to pull away late. Pick: Harvard
Patriots
Jets at Patriots: The Patriots have found their groove offensively and while I don’t see another 45 point outburst, I still see a win. Pats make it three straight against their perennial punching bag, the Jets. Pick: Patriots