By Tyler Amaral
NEFJ Correspondent

We’ve reached the halfway point of October and with it, we’re into the second half of the regular season across New England.

Playoff races are heating up and league championships will be decided over the next few weeks. This week’s slate of games features two massive Catholic Conference games, plus two Massachusetts/New Hampshire interstate contests. Outside of Massachusetts, this week does not feature many heavyweight matchups, but it’s good time to shine the light on the region’s underrated programs…

Massachusetts

St. John’s Prep at St. John’s Shrewsbury: 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.

Xaverian at Catholic Memorial: Al Fornaro’s squad finds itself sitting a 2-3 to start the season. Catholic Memorial is arguably the top team the Hawks have seen thus far. 2-4 is on the table, if not likely, for the reigning three-time state champs. Regardless of record or defensive struggles, it’s hard to write off Will Wood.

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.

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.

North Andover at Chelmsford: Two Division 2 contenders lock horns in a Merrimack Valley showdown. Terrific quarterback matchup between Skylar DeJesus and Austin Allen.

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.

Melrose at Watertown: Melrose has emerged as a threat in Division 3 this season. Watertown is unbeaten, playing terrific defense. Coleman Keuchkarian-McKeen leads the Watertown offense.

Milford at Abington: A nonleague battle between a pair of one loss contenders. Milford (D3) looks to get back on track after falling to Franklin. Abington (D6) can attack defenses in multiple ways. Quarterback Jack Reilly had a monster game last week.

Swampscott at Gloucester: Plenty on the line in terms of the Northeastern Conference and Division 5 seeding.

Bridgewater-Raynham at Bishop Feehan: A rematch of last season’s Division 2 state semifinals. Both teams need one more win to quality for the postseason.

North Quincy at Hanover: North Quincy is 5-0 and currently one of the top ranked teams in Division 2. Quarterback Cole Doyle is having a breakout season. Hanover’s defense has been lights out after the Hawks scuffled to an 0-2 start.

North Reading at Amesbury: These two programs have played each other closely in recent years, though Amesbury has had North Reading’s number. Expect points to be at a premium.

Westfield at Minnechaug: Both teams are trending toward postseason berths. The Bombers and Falcons could be the top two teams in Western Mass. outside of Springfield Central.

Lee at Easthampton: The best small school matchup in the state this weekend. Lee is one of the favorites in Division 8 led by Jaydee Reber. A win for Easthampton would vault the Eagles into Division 7 contender status.

Nashoba at Shepherd Hill: After hitting a rough patch, the Nashoba program is back on track. Both squads are on the fringe of the Division 4 postseason line.

Connecticut

Ridgefield at Ludlowe: Many Connecticut teams are off this week. This is the best matchup of the weekend between two underrated teams.

Maine

Hermon at Greely: The top competition for Leavitt in Class C this fall. The Hermon offense is a well-oiled machine.

New Hampshire

Central Catholic at Londonderry: Central Catholic enters as the favorite, but Londonderry has a golden opportunity to send a statement to the entire region.

Plymouth at Pelham: Plymouth enters undefeated on the strength of a dominant defense. One-loss Pelham should provide a good test.

Rhode Island

St. Ray’s at North Kingstown: It’s still unclear who the third best team in the state is. The winner of this game will have a strong argument.

Vermont

Rutland at Burr & Burton: As we get deeper into the season, it becomes more clear that Burr & Burton is in the same tier as St. Johnsbury. Rutland won this battle last season.

NEPSAC

Trinity-Pawling at Tabor: Fresh off a win over Oak Ridge (CA), the Seawolves are back at home facing a tough Trinity-Pawling team.

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.