All right, we are getting down to it now. We have state semifinals in Massachusetts, and state championships elsewhere. 

There will be some terrific matchups all across the region, so get out and catch some of them.

On to the games . . .

Week 12 High School Preview

St. John’s Prep vs. Needham — Two of the most physical teams in the state meeting up here Friday night. Needham is big up front, and has been able to push around most of its opponents. Same for the Prep, and whoever wins the line of scrimmage battle likely wins.

Xaverian vs. BC High — An interesting rematch here at Brockton on Saturday. BC High won the regular season battle between these two, and the Eagles have run the ball well all season. For the Hawks, running back Vincent Busa will play, and he did not the first game.

Catholic Memorial vs. Wellesley — Wellesley will try to play giant-killer in this tilt with Catholic Memorial. These teams met in last year’s postseason, and that may help Wellesley. CM running back Mekhi Dodd is a breakaway threat who also has good size.

Marshfield vs King Philip — The Rams have had a strong season against a tough schedule. Marshfield lost to St. John’s Prep, and also has a win over Methuen. KP has been a model of consistency, blowing out basically everyone on its schedule this fall.

Reading vs. North Attleboro — An interesting showdown between two traditional powers. Reading has been strong, with wins over Lynn English and Milford in the playoffs. North Attleboro has losses to just Foxboro and Canton this year, and is coming off a win over Westboro.

Mansfield vs. Walpole — Walpole is the poster boy of benefiting from playing a tough schedule. The Timberwolves came into the playoffs with a 3-5 record, but have played themselves into the semifinals. Mansfield is a great program that has flown under the radar this season.

Duxbury vs. Tewksbury — Duxbury is always a threat to go all the way this time of year. It is just a top program, and is coming off a narrow win over Canton. Tewksbury has only lost to Methuen and Billerica, and has run into Duxbury a lot in postseasons past.

Grafton vs. Scituate — These have been two of the most dominant teams all year in Massachusetts. No team has played the Gators closer than 18 points all season. After a one-score win over Foxboro, Scituate has also not played in a close game. Something has to give.

Shawsheen vs. Old Rochester — Shawsheen has played itself into maybe the favorite category with its performances over the course of the season. Old Rochester lost by a score to Fairhaven earlier in the season, but has been stout otherwise.

Foxboro vs. Hanover — This is the state championship pairing from a year ago, won by Foxboro. The Hawks have battled back from a midseason loss to Scituate to win five straight games. Foxboro has gotten stronger over the course of the season.

Hudson vs. Norwell — This will be an interesting game, as Hudson has been one of the best teams in Central Mass. this season. Hudson looks to quarterback Jake Attaway, one of the top playmakers in the state. Norwell is coming off a win over Abington, its second of the season.

Fairhaven vs. Swampscott — Fairhaven is coming off a Division 6 state title from a year ago, and is looking to win yet again. The Blue Devils are big up front, and have one of the best running backs in the state in Justin Marques. Swampscott is coming off a close win over Stoneham.

Uxbridge vs. Northbridge — Uxbridge is having another stellar year after last year’s run to the Division 7 state title. The Spartans are unbeaten, and look like one of the best teams in Central Mass. Northbridge owns wins over West Boylston and Millbury.

Mashpee vs. Clinton — Another great showdown between two of the best teams in the division. Mashpee quarterback Dominic Matteodo and running backs Logan Wills and Ben Squarcia have been explosive. Clinton has won seven straight after a 1-2 start.

Randolph vs. Nashoba Tech — Nashoba Tech is undefeated and has been dominant in many of its wins. Only three opponents have reached double figures against Nashoba Tech this season. Randolph has played a tough schedule, and only lost to Mashpee (26-21).

Carver vs. West Boylston — Another rematch of a game that took place at Gillette last season. West Boylston won that, and took it decisively. West Boylston’s only losses are to Clinton and Northbridge. Carver has simply reloaded, with an athletic skill corps.

Thornton Academy vs. Portland — This one is for the Class A championship in Maine. The Trojans have been the best team in the state most of the year. The only in-state loss for Thornton Academy to this point? Portland, in a 14-7 battle. Should be a good one.

Bedford vs. Pinkerton — The best game in the Division 1 playoffs this weekend is this one. Bedford beat Pinkerton earlier in the season by a 28-25 score. Since that loss, Pinkerton has won five straight. This could be one of the best games of the weekend.

Bishop Hendricken vs. La Salle — Every year, La Salle and Hendricken meet up in the Division 1 state title game, and this year is no different. The teams played earlier in the season, with Hendricken coming away with a 24-7 win. This should be a close game.