By Rob Gullo & Andy Close NEFJ correspondents Not every team that plays into December begins the season on everyone’s radar. Connecticut has its fair share of teams that aren’t necessarily generating a lot of buzz in the preseason, but have the potential to open some eyes as the season gets rolling. Here’s a look at 10 teams that have the potential to shake things up in 2025: 1. Holy…
Connecticut Preseason Top 25
By Rob Gullo & Andy Close NEFJ Correspondents The high school football for the state of Connecticut is almost here with practice getting started on Monday. Here is our preseason Top 25 poll for the Nutmeg State: 1. New Canaan The New Canaan Rams started last season and finished last season as the No. 1 ranked team in Connecticut (according to GameTime CT polls.) They defeated No. 2 Darien…
CIAC Preseason Primer: 10 storylines to watch for
Photo by Ben Harper/Chaos Crew Media The CIAC Football season kicks off today and there are plenty of storylines ahead of the 2025 season opening up. Can Greenwich repeat in Class LL? Is New Canaan going to dominate in LL. The alliance schedule. There are plenty of things to talk about. Here are ten storylines we are watching in Connecticut this season. 1. Can Greenwich repeat in Class LL? Yes…….
5 observations from our camp visit with Holy Cross
WORCESTER – There’s a lot to be encouraged with if you’re a Holy Cross fan. Especially if you were one of those sitting in the stands on Saturday during the team’s open practice/controlled scrimmage. Big plays, the usual physical brand of football they’ve grown accustomed to and a roster full of hungry players looking to write their own chapter in the growing story of Crusader football success. Here’s what stood…
Seven points on the Patriots 20-12 win over the Vikings
AP Photo/Abbie Parr The Patriots improved to 2-0 on the preseason with a 20-12 win over the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings did not play their starters while the Patriots starters played two series. Here are seven points on the Patriots win. Here are seven key points from the Patriots’ 20-12 preseason win over the Vikings: 1. Henderson continues to impress: Running back TreVeyon Henderson, scored an 8-yard touchdown in the…
Patriots offensive line needs to respond after getting whooped on Thursday
Courtesy of the New England Patriots The Patriots offensive line faced a significant test this week in joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings and after two practices, the results were concerning. While quarterback Drake Maye showed flashes of brilliance and poise, his protection was often lacking, as the Patriots’ offensive line consistently struggled against a talented Vikings defensive front that might be the best in the NFL. By all accounts,…
Patriots Four Down Preview: New England Patriots (1-0) at Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
Kickoff: The Patriots take on the Minnesota Vikings in preseason game number two today. After two joint practices with Minnesota, we will see the Patriots apply what they practiced in game action. Here are four things to look for in today’s second preseason game. 1st Down: How long will the starters play? One would think the starters will play at least a quarter, maybe even a half. After a rough…
5 observations from our camp visit with Merrimack
NORTH ANDOVER – Year two of the Mike Gennetti Era for Merrimack is underway. The Warriors were ramping up for a full-pad Saturday scrimmage when we stopped by practice on Friday to check out training camp. While it was a light day for the Warriors, Merrimack still got some good work in for about two hours. Here’s what stood out: QB competition – Former Central Catholic star Ayden Pereira is…
MIAA 2025 Preseason Primer: 10 storylines to watch for
Another high school football season is upon us. The 2025 high school football season kicks off and we have got you covered. It all kicks off with the first of 14 preseason practices (conditioning days for the first two practices.) The first regular-season games are scheduled for Sept. 4-5. It should be fun as always. Here are some storylines we are looking ahead of the start of this season. 1…….
MIAA Preseason All-State teams (1st & 2nd)
By Tyler Amaral NEFJ Staff With the season starting, here are our 2025 MIAA preseason All-State teams: First Team Offense QB: Osiris Lopez, Leominster, Sr. RB: Camden LaChapelle, Uxbridge Sr. RB: Gianni DePrimeo, Winchester, Sr. WR: Dave Chiavegato, Xaverian, Sr. WR: Ryan Brooks, Burlington, Sr. WR/TE: Andrew DeGirolamo, Mansfield, Sr. OL: Brady Bekkenhuis, Arlington, Sr. OL: Marcelino Antunes, Catholic Memorial, Sr. OL: Brian Waller-Reitano, Central Catholic, Jr. OL: Zach Moura,…