Transfer season the rule, not the exception

March 17, 2023

It is just that time of year. Transfer season is upon us. While it is common to see all types of transfers — public to public, public to Catholic, among them — the one that you see the most right now is public to private, or NEPSAC. It is simply a part of the fabric of high school football in New England. For years, NEPSAC programs did not aggressively pursue…

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Western Mass coaches share thoughts on proposed football plan

March 8, 2023

The new football proposal known as ‘The Dembowski Proposal’ or ‘The Connecticut Plan’ has almost universal approval. But it is not a consensus. There is some pushback, particularly in Western Mass. This week, we wanted to talk to some of the people who have concerns over the plan, which is still not fully passed. Over the last few days, we communicated with Westfield coach Rob Parent, Springfield Central coach Bill…

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A grassroots campaign to educate the masses is the next step for the Connecticut Plan

March 1, 2023

The MIAA Football committee met today in Franklin and the main topic was once again the Connecticut Plan. The proposed Football plan is spearheaded by Milton Head Coach Steve Dembowski and Shrewsbury Athletic Director Jay Costa. The two men presented their latest plan to generate support for the proposal to the committee. They want to hit the road to educate coaches, administrators and parents alike about the plan. The football…

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New football proposal on hold as football committee votes to establish a subcommittee

January 19, 2023

The Connecticut Plan is on hold after the football committee held off on a vote and instead voted to form a subcommittee to further examine the proposal. The subcommittee was formed by a 16-1 vote. They will meet on Feb. 1 and will present their findings and amendments at the next MIAA Football Committee meeting on March 1. Milton Head Football Coach Steve Dembowski and the MHSFCA felt that they…

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The 2022 MIAA NEFJ All-State Team

January 8, 2023

It was truly an awesome season in the MIAA, and there were no shortage of terrific players. This is our attempt to honor the best ones, as we did three full teams and an honorable mention. As is always the case, we can’t highlight every single player. There will be some we leave out. Please do not take that as disrespect. We respect every player who suits up. So without…

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High School: North Attleboro sets physical tone in 24-14 win over King Philip

October 29, 2022

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH-King Philip has been one of the top programs in the state the last fifteen years because of their physical running game and great defense. On Friday night they got a taste of their medicine in a 24-14 loss to North Attleboro. The Red Rocketeers took a page out of the Warriors playbook by running the football, controlling the line of scrimmage and playing great defense. After the game,…

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High School: Milton rolls over Natick to finish regular season unbeaten

October 28, 2022

By Andrew Bluestein NEFJ Correspondent NATICK: In a non-league rivalry on Friday night, Milton traveled to Natick to take on the RedHawks in a rivalry game. Thanks in large part to the defense, the Wildcats wrapped up the season on a high note, finishing unbeaten at 7-0 with a 28-7 victory. The story of the game was the Wildcats forcing four turnovers – all interceptions by four different players –…

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High School: Dudes of the Week

October 25, 2022

Week 7 featured more great performances as teams jockey for position in their respective leagues and divisions. Here are some dudes for this week. Michael Oates rushed for 144 yards and 3 touchdowns in Xaverian’s 55-6 win over past St. John’s Shrewsbury. DUDE! Jase Lyons of Franklin started the game against Attleboro going 13 for 13 and ended up completing 17 of 19 passing for 183 yards and 3 touchdowns…

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High School: Leominster 48, Wachusett 27; Blue Devils get statement win

October 22, 2022

By Tony Catalina NEFJ Correspondent LEOMINSTER – Friday night at Doyle Field was a duel between to supremely talented quarterbacks.  Leominster’s Osiris Lopez and Wachusett’s Tucker McDonald – a UConn commit – put on a show for the packed crowd. Both teams were looking to sling the ball around and let their signal callers dictate the game in an offensive heavy contest and did so, with Leominster prevailing 48-27. Both…

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High School: Hull outlasts Sharon 31-21 to improve to 7-0 on the season

October 22, 2022

SHARON- Hull Head Football Coach Mike O’Donnell doesn’t remember the last time the Pirates were 7-0 but it has been a while. “We haven’t been 7-0 in a long time. Probably early 90’s, maybe?” Hull Coach Mike O’Donnell talks about @hull_football 31-21 win over a tough @SHSEaglesFB team. pic.twitter.com/r5rcBh6bqb — New England Football Journal ® 🏈 (@newftbj) October 22, 2022 Regardless of when the last time the Pirates were 7-0,…

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