Some big games on the slate this weekend. Playoff seeding implications and playoff births are on the line in high school.
In college, UConn can become bowl eligible with a win and B.C rekindles the Holy War with Notre Dame. Dartmouth and Harvard will look to gain a distinct upper hand in the Ivy League.
Finally, the Patriots host the Jekyll and Hyde Falcons in a game they should win now.
Here are my picks:
High School
Catholic Memorial at St. John’s Prep: When these two teams met in Andover two years ago, Prep won a defensive battle. I expect a similar game this year but with more scoring. Give me the Eagles in a shootout. Final Score: Prep 35, CM 32
Tewksbury at Andover: Tewksbury is the real deal and they have proven that all season long. Andover is much improved so they should be able to compete and make this a close game but this Tewksbury team is next level. Final score: Tewksbury 28, Andover 22
Natick at Milton: Heavyweight fight in the Bay State. It’s a crossover match up with seeding implications. Can Milton hold up against Natick’s physicality. I think they can but I think ultimately, Natick controls the pace and wins the game. Final score: Natick 28, Milton 24
Foxboro at North Attleboro: One of the great rivalries in the Hockomock League and in the state. Expect another war between these long time rivals. The running game will be featured heavily but Foxboro’s defense is better and they will give the Warriors the edge and the win. Final Score: Foxboro 21, North Attleboro 18
New Britain at Maloney: Jayden Allen has established himself as one of the top backs in Connecticut and a difference maker. He will be the difference in what should be a good game. Final Score: NB 28, Maloney 21
St. Joe’s at Staples: St. Joe’s picked up a big win last week at home against Darien and will look to make it two in a row against quality competition this week. Won’t be easy. The Wreckers rebounded in a big way last week and I think Nick Weil and company keep it rolling with a big a win. Final Score: Staples 28, St. Joe’s 21
Bishop Hendricken at Portsmouth: The Hawks will be looking to avenge last season’s loss to the Patriots. It won’t be easy. Portsmouth is good. Question is. Are they good enough to win two in a row? I don’t think so. I’m going Hendricken. Final Score: Hendricken 23, Portsmouth 21
Burr & Burton at Essex: Burr & Burton won the first meeting in September 27-13. Will Essex flip the script this time? I don’t think so. I’m riding with the Bulldogs by a similar score. Final Score: Burr & Burton 28, Essex 14
College
Notre Dame at Boston College: It is the Holy War so you figure the Eagles will come to play. It won’t matter. Notre Dame is better and healthier and that will be the difference. Eagles hang tough for a bit but the Irish will flex their muscle in the second half. Final Score: Notre Dame 38, Boston College 17
UAB at UConn: The Huskies will be looking to bounce back after a bad loss at Rice. UAB is better under interim coach Alex Mortensen but they are not at UConn’s level. Huskies get back in the win column and become bowl eligible. Final Score: UConn 35, UAB 17
Dartmouth at Harvard: Always a battle when these two meet and I would expect no less this time around. Usually games between these two are tight and low scoring but I would expect a shootout this year. Both offenses can score. I’m leaning Harvard here. At home and they have a slight edge at quarterback. Final Score: Harvard 31, Dartmouth 28
New Haven at Sacred Heart: This could end becoming a nice rivalry game in the coming years. A rekindling of an old NE-10 match-up. Should be a good one but I’m going with Mitchell Summers and the Pios. Final Score: Sacred Heart 31, New Haven 24
Stony Brook at Maine: Can Maine make it five in a row? You betcha. Black Bears are on fire and playing well in all three phases. I expect a battle here but the Black Bears pull it out in the end. Final Score: Maine 24, Stony Brook 21
Patriots
Falcons at Patriots: The Falcons are so all over the place. They truly are the toughest team to figure out in the NFL. If they come to play, this will be a game. I think they show up but the Patriots are the more consistent team and that’s the difference. Final score: Patriots 31, Falcons 20