By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Correspondent METHUEN- Andover captured the Collins Klimas Cup with a 34-27 victory over Methuen on Friday night behind a strong 200-yard rushing performance by running back Marcus DeJesus. Clinging on to a three-point lead in the fourth quarter of a game in which defensive stops were hard to come by, Andover’s defense forced a fumble and recovered it in their own territory. It was just the…
Wachusett 38, Leominster 34 – Mountaineers win wild one
By Jared Keene NEFJ Correspondent LEOMINSTER – At least recently, whenever Wachusett and Leominster go toe-to-toe, two things are guaranteed: a crazy game and an abundance of points. Two years ago, the two teams combined for a ridiculous 114 points (65-49 Wach) before they combined for 87 more last year in a wild one (45-42 Wach). So when the two foes took to Doyle Field Friday night, it was almost…
North Kingstown 27, Cranston West 21 – Skippers grind out a road win
By Luke Servello NEFJ Correspondent CRANSTON – It wasn’t the prettiest performance for North Kingstown on Friday night, knowing it has to be better to make a serious run at a state title. But at least for one night, its talent and ability to make big plays was enough in a 27-21 win over Cranston West. After Jonathan Leroux and Jake Anzivino connected on a passing touchdown on the first…
New Canaan 47, New Britain 14 – Rams roll behind 31-point first half
Image courtesy of Dan Heary By Rob Gullo NEFJ Correspondent NEW BRITAIN — In a battle between two of the Top-10 high schools in the state of Connecticut on Friday night in New Britain, the New Canaan Rams showed why they’re the clear-cut best team in the state. Making the hour-plus trip up north to New Britain to take on the No. 9 New Britain Golden Hurricanes, the No. 1…
Patriots down two key players on defense this Sunday
FOXBOROUGH – When it rains, it pours. While the Patriots offense – particularly Drake Maye – is struggling to find its rhythm, now the defense is going to have to defend a Josh Allen-led Bills team without two of its most important pieces on Sunday. During his usual media availability after practice on Friday, Mike Vrabel confirmed that both Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore wouldn’t be suiting up in Orchard…
New England Big Game Predictions – Week 5
The football season is chugging along and we have some great matchups this week at all three levels. Here are some of the best games of the weekend at all three levels and my picks. High School LaSalle Academy at St. John’s Prep: It is a battle of the number one team in Rhode Island versus the number one team in Massachusetts. The Prep has dominated this rivalry and will…
NEPSAC Top 10 Poll – Week 1
The first full week of NEPSAC action is in the books and there were some great games this past weekend. So far through two weeks, the NEPSAC has lived up to the hype with tight games and upsets.
Billerica 26, North Andover 20 (OT) – Venezia, Knight & Gearin propel Indians past Scarlet Knights
By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Correspondent NORTH ANDOVER – Jackson Gearin’s touchdown run in overtime kept Billerica undefeated with a 26-20 victory over North Andover on Thursday night in a wild game. The Indians are now 4-0, while North Andover fell to 3-1. This was also Billerica’s sixth straight win over the Scarlet Knights. Here’s what stood out from the back & forth affair: Daniel Venezia: Throughout the night, the Billerica…
Norwell 41, Abington 14 – Clippers roll past Green Wave for big road win
By Colby Shannon NEFJ Correspondent ABINGTON — A battle of Top 3 ranked teams in Division 6 was dictated by a dominating ground game from Norwell High School’s offense on Thursday night. The Clippers rolled into Abington and left with 41-14 victory. Norwell moved to 3-1 on the season. The Green Wave (3-1) kept things close throughout the first half, notching touchdowns from Jake Lehman and Daniel Pifer, but were…
Patriots working to correct sudden defensive red zone issues
FOXBOROUGH – Last week should have been an aberration for the defense. We hope. The issues in the red zone against Jacksonville (five trips, five touchdowns) were obviously a problem, but through three games New England’s defense has been just fine. The Pats rank 16th in red zone defense (opponents have scored 57% of the time, largely skewed by last week), third in points allowed per game (17.9) and fifth…