We are past the midway point now, and some states are already into the postseason. In Massachusetts, we are getting close to that.
A lot of games to watch this week, some very impactful.
Let’s get to it.
St. John’s Prep at BC High — St. John’s Prep is coming off a huge win over Catholic Memorial, and if it were anyone else, we would worry about a letdown. But coach Brian St. Pierre won’t allow that. BC High has had a big bounce back year, and will compete.
Lynn Classical at Everett — This has major postseason implications. In the latest power rankings, Everett is hanging on at No. 16. Classical is at No. 18 in D3. This could be a shootout, as both teams have excellent skill players and offensive attacks.
Peabody at Salem — Both of these teams should have relatively good spots in the playoffs. Peabody is D2, and currently sits at No. 4 in the power rankings with an undefeated record. Salem lost last week to Winthrop and is a No. 3 seed in D6.
Billerica an Andover — Two of the best teams in the north, in the Merrimack Valley Conference, and the state are facing off here. Billerica might be the early favorite to win D3, while Andover has rebounded well from a midseason loss to Methuen.
Franklin at Milford — Milford is probably the favorite here, but the Scarlet Hawks have dealt with some tough injuries to this point. Franklin has played well at times this season, but have two decisive losses to Duxbury and Central Catholic.
North Attleboro at King Philip — King Philip pulled off a massive win over Milford last weekend. The Warriors are one of the best team in the state, and are the best team in the Hockomock League. North Attleboro has beaten KP each of the last two seasons.
Natick at Milton — This has turned into an even more interesting game than usual in the last few weeks. Milton is coming off losses to Walpole and Taunton, but the Wildcats still garner a high seed in D3. Natick is currently a No. 12 seed in D1.
Wellesley at Weymouth — This is another game that has grown in importance over the last few weeks. Wellesley started off 0-3, but has improved its record to 4-3 since then. The Raiders are up to a No. 7 seed in D2. Weymouth is a No. 11 seed in D1.
Whitman-Hanson at Marshfield — Whitman-Hanson is an interesting team. The Panthers own a very good win over Plymouth South but are 3-4. This team is sitting on the outside looking in for the power rankings. Marshfield is the No. 3 seed in D2.
Middleboro at Abington — Middleboro is kind of flying under the radar at the moment.The Sachems are 5-2 and have the No. 7 seed in D4. Abington is the No. 2 seed in D7, and the Green Wave are a state title contender. But Middleboro may actually be the favorite here.
Old Rochester at Barnstable — Both of these teams are on pace to make the playoffs, and have relatively high seeds in them. Old Rochester is one of the best programs on the South Coast, and Barnstable is the best team on the Cape. This is an interesting one.
Westford Academy at Lincoln-Sudbury — Westford Academy is another one of these teams that has flown under the radar a little bit. The Grey Ghosts are 5-2, and have a nice win over Belmont. Lincoln-Sudbury owns a great win over Methuen and is going to be a factor in D1.
Tewksbury at North Andover — These two teams are both having strong years and will be heard from in the playoffs. North Andover is the underdog here but is dangerous enough to pull off the upset. Tewksbury has been consistent and has only lost to Billerica and Methuen.
Danvers at Marblehead — These are two of the most consistent programs in the North Shore. Danvers is safely in with the No. 4 seed in D5. Not so for Marblehead. The Magicians are at No. 18 in D4 and desperately need a win to improve those numbers.
Carver at Mashpee — Both of these teams are sitting pretty from a power rankings perspective. Mashpee in D7 and Carver in D8 will make each playoff. But this is still an intriguing game, and Carver again is probably the favorite here.
Fairhaven at Apponequet — Fairhaven just might be the best team on the South Coast, unless Dartmouth would like a word with that. The Blue Devils run the ball very well, and have some option principals. Apponequet is the underdog but a dangerous one.
Wachusett at Walpole — Walpole has done well against CMass this year, as the Timberwolves own a lopsided win over Shrewsbury. Wachusett has struggled a bit this year, but is capable of the win. The Mountaineers came into this season a little inexperienced.
Westboro at Marlboro — Unless something crazy happens, Marlboro is not going to be a D4 playoff team. The Panthers are 5-2, but far back in the power rankings at No. 26. Westboro right now is in for D3, but Marlboro will want to play spoiler.
West Boylston at Blackstone Valley — These are two of the best small-school programs in the state. West Boylston is having a dominant season, and is one of the favorites in D8. BVT has only lost to Uxbridge and St. Bernard’s.
Amherst at West Springfield — Although Amherst has a 6-1 record and is in the middle of a great season, the Hurricanes are most likely not going to make the postseason. West Springfield is unbeaten and the No. 8 team in D3.
Proctor at St. Paul’s — St. Paul’s made some headway a few weeks ago when the Big Red knocked off Dexter in Brookline. Proctor is having a solid year, and these are two of the best teams in New Hampshire, NEPSAC or otherwise.
Pingree at Hamden Hall — Pingree is off to an undefeated start, including a 28-26 win over Proctor. Hamden Hall might be the best team in the Evergreen League, with a 26-0 win over St. Paul’s. This will be a challenge for both teams.
BB&N at Belmont Hill — This is one of the best games of the weekend in the ISL. BB&N is rolling and undefeated. Belmont Hill is one of the turnaround stories of the season under first-year coach Anthony Fucillo. Both teams are NEPSAC bowl contenders.
St. Sebastian’s at Milton Academy — Although St. Sebastian’s is 3-3, the Arrows are still one of the best teams in the ISL. Milton Academy has had great production under sophomore quarterback Qur’an McNeill. Milton’s two losses are to Lawrence and BB&N.
Lawrence Academy at Tabor — This might be the biggest game in the ISL this weekend. Both of these teams are unbeaten, as Lawrence has lived up to every expectation this season. Tabor has been terrific, as well, and would make waves in the league if the Seawolves won.
Brunswick at Phillips Exeter — Brunswich is always dangerous, and is one of the top teams in Connecticut and in the NEPSAC. Exeter is coming off a 21-14 win over a very good Deerfield team.
North Haven at Shelton — North Haven is coming off a huge win over West Haven. Shelton has played a difficult schedule, with a win over New Canaan, and losses to West Haven and Cheshire. There is a lot of parity in Connecticut this year.
Windham at Bonny Eagle — Although Bonny Eagles has three losses, the Scots are still a team to be reckoned with. Windham also has three losses, but those are all to good teams. This should be a close game.
Salem at Londonderry — This is a game between two of the best teams in New Hampshire. Londonderry is still one of the favorites in D1. Salem only has losses to Pinkerton, in a close game, and to Wachusett. This will be an interesting tussle.
Cumberland at Mt. Pleasant — These are two of the best teams in D2. Cumberland is probably the D2 favorite, with an undefeated record and a convincing win over North Kingstown. Mt. Pleasant is 5-2 with good team speed.
Middlebury at St. Johnsbury — The playoffs are getting started in Vermont, and these are two teams capable of making a run in D1. Middlebury is the No. 5 seed, and St. Johnsbury is No. 4. Middlebury has been a little more competitive against its schedule.