As the summer heat gives way to crisp autumn Friday nights, football fans across the Bay State are gearing up for another thrilling fall campaign. From major coaching transitions and private school transfer waves to division-wide power shifts, the landscape in Massachusetts high school football is as dynamic as ever.
It is the first day of the 2026 MIAA football season and with that comes the first batch of New England Football Journal rankings. There are no surprises at the top. There is a clear top four in Xaverian, St. John’s Prep, Springfield Central and Catholic Memorial heading into the fall. What other teams cracked the preseason edition of the MIAA top 25?
Image courtesy of Michael Harden’s X account We had an opportunity to watch up with Xaverian’s Michael Harden Jr. after his recent commitment to Boston College. Here is what Michael had to say about committing to Bill O’Brien and the Eagles. NEFJ: What made BC the right fit for you? MH: “I felt like the culture that they want to build fits with my same ideas and there is also……
Boston College football continues its strong spring in recruiting by securing a commitment from Xaverian linebacker and athlete Michael Harden Jr.
Harden, a core piece of the 2027 recruiting class, announced his decision via social media shortly after an impactful official visit to Chestnut Hill and a strong camp performance earlier in the month.
Former Xaverian standout and current Avon Old Farms wide receiver Christian McIntyre announced on Friday evening that he is committing to the University of Ohio. We spoke with Christian on why Ohio was the right school for him.
NEFJ: Why did you commit to Ohio? What made the school and program appealing to you? CM: “Ohio is a gritty program that wins big football games and doesn’t lose at home. I want to play for a winning program that’s going to develop me. Coach Hauser and all of the Coaches showed me everything I needed to see on my official visit and the decision was a no brainer. The players and people care about winning. The support from the school to the football team is also amazing.
The Xaverian Hawks are looking to make history in 2026. Al Fornaro’s squad is looking to accomplish a four-peat, something that has never been done in Massachusetts High School Football history. It will not be easy with several key contributors graduated, but Xaverian returns Penn State commit Will Wood at quarterback and a slew of other talented seniors and underclassman.
Here is how the off-season has gone for the Hawks so far.
Key players.
Will Wood, QB 6’2, 223 lbs SR.
Michael Harden, LB 6’2 215 lbs SR.
Jack Warren, OT/DE, 6’5″ 295 SR
Rocco Sestito, RB, 5’10 198 lbs JR
WESTWOOD – On Thursday evening, Catholic Conference coaches shared their thoughts on the possibility of a new format and the Super 8 tournament that comes with it. Xaverian Coach Al Fornaro, St. John’s Prep Coach Brian St. Pierre and B.C High Coach Paul Zakauskas all shared their thoughts on the new format specifically the Super 8. Fornaro did not mince words referring to it as an “Anti-Catholic” plan and a…
Images courtesy of the MIAA and KP Football The Catholic Schools dominates narrative surrounding Massachusetts high school football often suggests an insurmountable gap between the powerhouse Catholic Conference programs and the rest of the state. However, a closer look at the results in recent years reveals a more competitive reality. While the Catholic schools often boast broader geographic reach and have an advantage in that regard, upper echelon public school…
PHOTO: Brian Kelly Xaverian all-state performer Christian McInytre announced on Tuesday that he is going to be doing a post graduate year this fall. McIntyre, arguably the best receiver in Massachusetts this past season is coming off of a monster season in which he caught 65 passes for 1,562 yards and 26 touchdowns. I reached out to McIntyre regarding his decision. “I felt that what I did this year and……
WESTWOOD- Xaverian and St. John’s Prep know each other well. So well in fact, that this is the second time in three years that the two schools are playing on Thanksgiving and the following week for a Division One state title.