We are calling this our Week 1 Preview even though Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire have already kicked off. But, for the sake of everyone else, it’s still the first week.

There are a ton of big matchups on tap, so we’re previewing more than usual. And, for the first time this year, we have all the New England states represented.

Get out and see some games this weekend. They’ll be a lot of fun.

Central Catholic at Springfield Central — This has turned into a pretty good rivalry in recent years. A year ago, Springfield Central rolled to a 38-0 win in Lawrence. Springfield Central’s roster is heavy on juniors, and Central Catholic is looking for big things out of quarterback and Clemson commit Blake Hebert.

Everett at Xaverian — A lot of unknowns in this one. We are not quite sure to expect out of Everett under new coach Justin Flores. He has a talented team that is pretty experienced. Xaverian is the favorite here, but the Crimson Tide may have something up their sleeve.

Mansfield at Catholic Memorial — You know Mansfield coach Mike Redding is never shy from taking on a quality opponent. The Hornets have one of the top receivers in the state in Trevor Foley. CM is CM. They’re big, strong, fast, and just reloading off last year.

St. John’s Prep at Marshfield — Two years ago when these teams played down in Marshfield, the Rams nearly pulled the upset. The Prep won on a last-minute touchdown pass. The key for the Prep is slowing down that uptempo Marshfield offense.

Walpole at King Philip — These two teams are longtime scrimmage partners, in programs that have a lot in common. The Timberwolves have a good skill collection and quarterback in Noah McKenzie. KP is terrific up front, as usual, and has an experienced quarterback in Tommy McLeish.

Hanover at Duxbury — Last year, these two started the season at Duxbury, and the Dragons kicked off their D4 title campaign with a 21-7 win over Hanover. This should be a competitive one, and Hanover boasts a strong quarterback in Ben Scalzi.

Wachusett at Franklin — This is the third straight time these teams have opened with a game against each other. Franklin has won both, but Wachusett has a decent shot at revenge. The Mountaineers have a D1 tight end in the 6-7 Grayson Baker, who is one to watch.

Barnstable at Brockton — Another entertaining opener, as Barnstable is probably the slight favorite to win this one at Marciano. This will be the first game for new Brockton coach Jermaine Wiggins, who has a great weapon in wide receiver Cam Monteiro (Pittsburgh).

Bishop Feehan at North Attleboro — This is one of the premier rivalries, not just in Southeastern Mass., but the state. Feehan lost a ton to graduation. North also lost a lot, but returns one of the top linebackers in the state in Ryan Bannon, and quarterback Chase Frisoli, both juniors.

Milton at Scituate — These two played last year, and Milton jumped out to a big early lead and held on by a touchdown. Milton may start out as the slight favorite here, but Scituate coach Herb Devine has a strong team that should compete well here.

Methuen at Lincoln-Sudbury — This is an intriguing matchup. Methuen is a top 10 team and has a lot of momentum heading into the season behind quarterback Drew Eason and running back Shane Eason. L-S returns a lot and will be gunning for the upset.

Minnechaug at West Springfield — From a lot of our conversations with people in Western Mass., Minnechaug is looking like the second best team — to Springfield Central — in that region. West Side is a good program that can change those opinions.

Northbridge at West Boylston — Maybe the best small-school showdown in Mass. is this one between two of the best teams in the Central part of the state. West Boylston won this game, 37-0, last year, and will likely be the favorite to take the D8 state crown.

Shrewsbury at Andover — This is another juicy, intersectional showdown between two very good teams. Shrewsbury has good size and a D1 talent in defensive end/tight end Cooper Ackerman. Andover lost a lot to graduation but has a speedster in running back Dante Berger.

Longmeadow at Woburn — Longmeadow comes east to face a Woburn team that may be flying under the radar a little bit. Longmeadow should have a good season, while Woburn boasts one of the top running backs in the state in Bryan Ferreira.

St. John’s (S) at Leominster — A big one in Central Mass., as new St. John’s coach John Vassar coaches his first game with the Pioneers. St. John’s is looking to bounce back from a tough 2022, while Leominster has an explosive offense with quarterback Osiris Lopez.

Thornton Academy at Oxford Hills — One of the top games in Maine is here between the 0-1 Thornton Academy and 1-0 Oxford Hills. Thornton Academy is coming off a close loss to Portland, while Oxford Hills rolled over Lewiston. The Trojans should provide a stiffer test.

Concord at Rutland — This is an interesting interstate game between Concord of New Hampshire, and Rutland of Vermont. Concord is coming off a lopsided defeat to Londonderry, while Rutland just lost to Essex. This should be a competitive game.

Central (Providence) at Lynn Classical — Central made waves with its performance at the Northeast 7v7 over the summer. Central has speed to burn on the perimeter, and should play good defense. Classical could make a run in a deep D3 field.

Fairfield Prep at Greenwich — This is the game of the week in Connecticut, as you’re looking at the two LL finalists from last year, won by Greenwich. Fairfield Prep is led by quarterback Tyler Smith, while Greenwich returns running back George Vomvolakis.