LONDONDERRY- Down 13 points in the fourth quarter, Londonderry High School refused to go quietly, staging a dramatic late comeback, Londonderry rallied to capture a thrilling 28-27 victory over Central Catholic in a non-conference clash that carried major interstate bragging rights.
It was a busy off-season for Central Catholic as former North Andover coach John Dubzinski took over for John Sexton. The Red Raiders are coming off a Final 4 appearance and return one of the most senior laden teams in Division One
We know who the contenders are in each division heading into this season but who are the teams that could surprise?
Here are five teams to keep an eye on in Division One in Massachusetts.
1. Central Catholic: New coach John Dubzinski inherits a talented roster that returns quarterback Caden Smith and Navy commit, offensive lineman Brian Waller-Reitano. The Red Raiders have picked up valuable experience the last two years in the playoffs and are a battle tested team ready to surprise teams both in the Merrimack Valley Conference and the Division One field.
We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Brian Waller- Reitano after his commitment to Navy. The Central Catholic standout had plenty to say about why he committed to the Naval Academy and why it is a great opportunity for him.
A familiar name is taking over at Central Catholic High School. John Dubzinski of the famed Dubzinski Football Family has been named the new head coach of the Red Raiders.
We recently had a chat with one of the top lineman in the Class of 2027, Brian Waller-Reitano of Central Catholic. Waller-Reitano is a smart, hard working and motivated young man who wants to be great and understand the importance of playing at Central Catholic as his father and grandfather played in the program as well. Waller-Reitano got a lot of people’s attention at the recent MVC Showcase and that……
By Jared Keene NEFJ Correspondent WESTWOOD – On a night when every single yard mattered, it was Xaverian’s defense that proved to be the hero. Leading by eight as time ticked away, the Hawks were going to have to lock in and make the necessary plays needed to beat a quality Central Catholic squad. Twice the Raiders had the ball in Xaverian territory with under 2 minutes remaining, but twice……
By Mukala Kabongo NEFJ Correspondent LAWRENCE — Springfield Central’s offense found its groove Saturday in Lawrence as the Golden Eagles racked up over 400 yards to defeat Central Catholic, 42-20. Senior running back Ja’Cyion Cox had himself quite the day rushing and receiving the ball. Cox had over 200 yards from scrimmage to go along with four touchdowns for the Golden Eagles. “The run game was really strong,” said Cox…….
By Tony Catalina NEFJ Correspondent SPRINGFIELD — In a playoff matchup featuring two Division 1 powers with a lot of history against one another, the No. 7 Springfield Central Golden Eagles advanced with a 24-7 win over the No. 10 Central Catholic Raiders. The history between these two teams is well documented. With Springfield Central winning the last three matchups, including in Week 1 of this year, Central Catholic had……
DANVERS — For decades, St. John’s Prep has come right at opponents with a familiar script. The Eagles run counter, then toss, then counter again, then toss again. And when the opponent sneaks up, Prep runs play action and hits you over the top. It appears that this year, the Prep has the type of personnel again to execute this winning formula. The Eagles had two rushers eclipse the century……