Week 4 Key Matchups

These match-ups will go a long way in deciding the outcomes of these games...

• #6 CM Defense vs. Steve Cuipa - For the first time this season, a team was able to take away the Bishop Guertin option attack.  All Cuipa did was throw for 175 yards (without his top target) en route to another blowout win.  Nonetheless, Guertin's bread and butter is the option, and when they have it clicking, they are damn near unstoppable.  If the CM defense can force him to find other ways to make plays, I think they win running away.  But if Guertin can establish themselves on the ground early, we could be in for a mini-shocker.
• #2 Everett Defensive Backs vs. Barnstable Receivers - Too many good players on both teams to start naming names, so we'll talk strict X's and O's.  4 teams have the talent in the defensive backfield to go man to man on Barnstable's receivers and win that battle: Brockton, BC High, Lynn English, and Everett.  This is huge.  If they force Barnstable QB DJ Crook into going to his second and third read, giving Everett's supremely athletic front 7 the chance to apply pressure, Everett may very well win big.
• Dracut Defensive Line vs. Billerica Offensive Line - Methuen was able to make Billerica's Nick LeSpada uncomfortable in the pocket by bringing defenders off the edge, but what seems to have been overlooked is the job the Dracut defensive line did.  Because they were so low and aggressive, Billerica couldn't constantly slide linemen out to pick up the blitz (and the few times they tried, a DT came untouched up the middle).  If Dracut can mirror the job the Rangers did last weekend, they too have a shot at knocking off the Indians.
• St. Johns Prep vs. Brockton's Two-Headed Backfield - We know Mroz to Louis-Jean is tough to beat, but what makes Brockton my favorite to win the state crown this year is their depth in the backfield.  With a healthy Trevone Offley (who was a load last weekend against Xaverian) and the shifty Joshua Brewster, the Boxers don't need to air it out at all.  The test for SJP will be to force them to.  Mroz is the least experienced player, and while he hasn't showed how green he is yet, there were signs of inexperience last weekend.  For Prep to pull off this upset, they need to make slowing Offley and Brewtser their priority.

Week 4 Games to Watch

Here are the games we're keeping a close eye on this weekend...

• #2 Everett vs. Barnstable - Quite possibly the toughest test of the year for Barnstable.  This Everett team is stacked on both sides of the ball.  This, as do many early season games, has no direct bearing on either teams' playoff picture, but if Barnstable can pull off the upset, I think it paces them to a state title.  By no means does a loss put them out of it, but a win sends a message to the team that is most important to them: their own. 
• #5 BC vs. Falmouth - This game is big for Falmouth because it gives their offense a chance to see where they stand against an elite defense.  To date, Falmouth has mostly relied on the strength of their defense, which has helped them hold three very talented opponents to 31 total points, including a shut-out of a speedy Somerville team.  But the Eagles have too many weapons on offense for them to expect to have another dominant showing, meaning their offense will have to kick it into gear, and fast.  Not an easy task against a defense I rank #2 in the state behind former Brockton. 
• Mansfield vs. Stoughton - Mansfield, again, is poised to play past Thaksgiving.  But Stoughton (2-1) intrigues me.  They've been down on their luck for quite some time, but have a strong nucleus of kids that plays hard and has proven they can win close games.  Call me crazy, but I don't see a blowout in this one.  I have this game as being one with plenty of surprises. 
• Lowell vs. #9 Methuen - Lowell has done a nice job thus far this season, showing their explosiveness as well as their ability to win close games.  But this is a whole new test.  Methuen is a solid, disciplined bunch, and for Lowell to keep their win streak alive, they'll have to limit the mistakes and find a way to get a push against a solid Methuen offensive line.  Not impossible, but definitely not easy.
• Weymouth vs. Needham - Someones gotta stop this Weymouth attack.  Problem is, then you have to score on them.  Needham may be the team that has the best shot.  They showed their resolve in their multiple OT win over Newton North, and have been able to handle their other two opponents fairly easily.  This is a dangerous Weymouth team, however, and it will take the Rockets putting their best foot forward to get the W.

Week 4 Game of the Week

I love offense.  I love teams that score points.  I love players who can take a game over.  Our Game of the Week has all those bases covered.  We'll be in West Roxbury Friday night to cover AJ Doyle and our #6 ranked Catholic Memorial Knights as they host undefeated Bishop Guertin (NH).  A few things to watch for in this one...

• AJ Doyle is not talked about as much as Nick LeSpada or D.J. Crook, but from the little bit of tape I've seen of this kid, he has the looks of being a Division 1 type talent.  Im excited to get a closer look.
• Armani Reeves gets the lions share of attention for CM, but his counterpart Camren Williams comes from a pretty damn good football pedigree.  His brother Brennan (a former CM Knight himself) is currently playing under Butch Davis at North Carolina.  His father, Brent, played in the NFL from 1986-1993. 
• The biggest question mark for the Knights will be their defense.  We know they can pile it on offensively, but I'm interested to see if they have the talent to slow BC High and Xaverian.
• Bishop Guertin isn't making the drive down here to watch the Knights offense work.  They've outscored opponents 145-37 thus far, and are ranked in the top 10 in every major New Hampshire HS football poll.  Their offense is balanced, and quarterback Steve Cuipa can run the option with the best of them.

3rd and Long

Thoughts from last week's Pats-Bills game...

• The defensive backfield is more of an issue than initially expected.  Name the Bills wide receivers in under 5 seconds.  Now try and name the Benglas. And jets.  My point is that receiving corp, coupled with quite possibly the worst offensive line in the NFL (or the SEC for that matter) should not have been able to have that kind of production.  CJ Spiller had a career day, but that should have been the extent of the Bills offensive success.
• Adding to the Patriots defensive problems is their inability to tackle.  Much of the Bills total yards came after first contact, with Marshawn Lynch looking like his old self (and making himself that much more appealing to the Packers).  It's one thing not to be able to stop the pass.  It's another not to be able to do one of the more fundamental things in the game.
• The Pats not only had their best offensive rushing game of the season, they also racked up more rushing yards last week than in 14 of their 17 games last year.  And while their opponent was in fact the Bills, there is still something to be said about offensive balance. 

Week 4 Top 10

Some serious shaking up this week...

1. Xaverian (3-0) - Familiar territory for this program.  Gutsy win last weekend at home.  Wk 3 Ranking: #2
2. Everett (2-0) - Another strong showing against a top tier team has Everett looking like serious contenders...again.  Wk 3 Ranking: #3
3. Brockton (2-1) - I have a hunch that the team they played last weekend may be the only one capable of beating them. Wk 3 Ranking: #1
4. Gloucester (3-0) - If they keep playing like this, they very well could be raising yet another banner. Wk 3 Ranking: #4
5. BC High (2-1) - Coach Bartlett's team looking more and more like Xaverian's biggest threat. Wk 3 Ranking: #5
6. Catholic Memorial (3-0) - Points, points, points, points, points. Wk 6 Ranking: #6
7. St. Johns Shrewsbury (3-0) - Quite possibly the best assembly of talent outside of Lawrence Academy. Wk 3 Ranking: #7
8. Wachusetts Regional (3-0) - If you find yourself anywhere near Holden on a day this team plays, treat yourself. Wk 3 Ranking: #9
9. Methuen (2-1) - Thoroughly impressive game Friday night for the Rangers has them right back on track. Wk 3 Ranking: NR
10. Chelmsford (3-0) - Hats off to Haverhill...for being the first team to score on this team all year. Wk 3 Ranking : NR

Dropped Out: Billerica, Westford Academy

Key Match-Up Outcomes

Getting you up to speed on how these units/players made out this weekend...

#2 Xaverian O-Line vs. #1 Brockton D-Line - Brockton actually got the better of this match-up, with Xaverian Quarterback Chris Calvanese scrambling most of the day.  But in the end, the Hawks hoggies were able to do just enough to extend Xaverian's win streak.

Saint John's Prep Offense vs. #3 Everett's Defense - Not too much went right for SJP yesterday.  No big plays, no long drives.  Not what you need against any Everett team ,never mind one with this much fire power.

#8 Billerica Wide Receivers vs. Methuen's Defensive Backs - Matt Clifford is the real deal.  He torched Methuen's defensive back field all day.  But, much like the above match-up between the Xaverian O-Line and Brockton D-Line, the Ranger's were able to do just enough to pull out a win.

Watertown QB CJ Logan vs. the Randolph secondary - Great, great showing by the Blue Devils.  Logan wasn't able to get into the same groove he had the past two weeks.  But one play proved pivotal.  After being flushed to his right, Logan was able to draw a Randolph corner up to in an attempt to take away a big gain by way of the scramble.  After the corner committed, Logan lofted a TD, which proved to be the difference in this game that ended with Randolph knocking on the door. 

Week 3 Put-Up or Shut Up Recap

#8 Billerica vs. Methuen - Big weekend for the Rangers.  They proved they are every bit as talented and tough as anyone else.  Solid offensive line.  Game breakers at the skills position.  Disciplined defense.  All the makings of a playoff team. 

Lynn English vs. Beverly - No questions left unanswered for the Bulldogs here.  They scored early and often, dominating on both sides of the ball.  The week one letdown against Lawrence is looking more and more like a fluke. 

#1 Brockton vs. #2 Xaverian - There is nothing negative to say about the way either of these teams played this weekend.  The Boxers defense was incredible.  They hit, harassed, and for the most part handled the Hawks.  But in the end, it was Xaverian who had that little extra.  A December showdown may yield a different result.

Central Catholic vs. Dracut - Maybe someone shared my post questioning whether or not the standards for this years Dracut team were set a bit too high.  Either way, they answered in a big way, taking it to a very talented Central Catholic team.

Barnstable vs. Sandwich - Very strong showing on the defensive side of the ball matched what has been going on in Hyannis for the better part of two years.  This team is right back on track.

Top 10 Results for Week 3

Huge, huge weekend for some teams.  Here is a look at how everyone's weekend panned out.  New rankings tomorrow.

1. Brockton (2-1) Lost to #2 Xaverian - The return of back Trevone Offley wasn't enough to keep the Boxers out of the loss column.
2. Xaverian (3-0) Beat #1 Brockton - Yet another star is born in Westwood.  The nostalgic talk of Alex Phelan can now cease. 
3. Everett (2-0) Beat St. Johns Prep - No sign of sluggishness for the yesterday.  Coach DiBiaso once again had his team more than ready coming off a bye week.
4. Gloucester (3-0) Beat Winthrop - Gloucester ran the ball and played tough defense en route to shut-out.  Let me know if you've heard this before.
5. BC High (2-1) Beat Medford - Another strong defensive performance from this young team surprise you?  You must not have read my post from Week 1.
6. Catholic Memorial (3-0) Beat Hartford, VT - The defense is getting better every week, and the offense keeps on rolling.
7. St. John's Shrewsbury (3-0) Beat Westborough - Dan Light has to be turning some D1 heads at this point.
8. Billerica (2-1) Lost to Methuen - Check out our Game of the Week re-cap to learn more about this classic. 
9. Wachusett Regional (3-0) Beat North Middlesex - Their offense provides the highlights, but check out what their defense has done the last couple of years.
10. Westford Academy (2-1) Lost to Wayland - Tough weekend for our newest entry, as Wayland was able to have their way on both sides of the ball.

BCS Bowl Predictions, Part 1

Finally starting to get a clearer picture of what team's are poised to make pushes for their conference championships.  A few thoughts on yesterday:

• Rick Neuhisal decided to physically test the Longhorn's defense, and it paid off.  There was no trickery in what the Bruins did yesterday in Austin.  They ran the ball between the tackles, exposing what may be an overrated Texas defense.  Not what the Longhorn faithful was hoping for the week before Oklahoma, and something Lane Kiffin and USC should be very aware of.  
• Arkansas's defense is good enough to allow them a serious shot at a BCS birth.  The talk leading up to yesterday's game was whether or not the Razorbacks could slow the Tide's run game.  For three quarters, they did that and more, harassing QB Greg McElroy and picking off two passes, one in the end zone.  Three quarters of that kind of defense, coupled with their high powered offense, will get it done 9 out of 10 times against every other team on their schedule.
• I'm still not convinced Boise State would be able to beat any of the other four teams ranked in the top 5.  Kellen Moore takes entirely too many chances, and has developed a habit of throwing off his back foot.  That'll beat Nevada's secondary.  Won't cut it against the Buckeye's or Tide.

My BCS predictions thus far:

• BCS Title Game - Alabama over Ohio State
• Rose Bowl - Oregon State over Wisconsin
• Sugar Bowl - Arkansas over Boise State
• Orange Bowl - Florida State over West Virginia
• Fiesta Bowl - Texas over TCU

Game of the Week Recap: Methuen - Billerica

     The word great is constantly and carelessly tossed around in the world of sports.  A tough catch is instantly deemed a "great grab."  A hit that makes a louder sound than normal is a "great hit."  But great should be preserved for something a little bit above extraordinary.  Great should be used to describe something you marvel at, something that keeps you on the edge of your seat, something you would pay to see time and time again.  Last night, two truly great teams squared off.  Nothing I, or anyone else, can write will do justice to the performance Methuen and Billerica put on for its fans.  It was, in every sense of the word, great.  In the end, Methuen was the team who had that little extra something that propelled them.

     The game opened with Billerica grinding out a drive that spanned roughly 6 minutes.  The play calling was impressive, as they gave Methuen a steady mix of run and pass, keeping them off balance in the process.  The drive was capped by an impeccably thrown 29 yard touchdown pass from junior Nick LeSpada to sophomore Matt Clifford. 
     Methuen would answer right back.  Senior Cal Carrol marched the Rangers down the field, with junior running back Ryan Savastano finishing off the drive with a powerful 3-yard run.  The extra point sailed wide right, resulting in a 7-6 Billerica lead.
     Methuen would force Billerica into a rare three and out, then put together their second scoring drive.  This one would show off the potent connection of Carrol to fellow senior (and good friend) Raudy Minaya.  On second and 8, Carrol hit Minaya on a slant route.  Minaya broke Clifford's tackle attempt, then left the rest of the Billerica defense in his wake as he finished off the 51 yard score, putting Methuen back up 13-7.
     After trading 3 and outs, LeSpada led the Indians on a late scoring drive, hooking up with senior and fellow captain senior Ryan Donohoe at the 1:14 mark.  Billerica would take a 14-13 lead into halftime.
     Billerica would do the same in the third, using the run and pass to spread out the Methuen D a bit.  Lespada scored on a 9 yard jaunt, but it was the point after attempt that proved to set the temp for the rest of the game.
     On Steve Trask's attempt, the Rangers were able to block the kick, with the ball ending up in senior Mike Harper's hands.  Harper would race 93 yards to bring the score to 20-15, and breathe the life into Methuen that would eventually carry them to their victory.
     On their ensuring possession, the Carrol to Minaya connection was back on display.  After using their patented zone-read to move the ball to about mid-field, Caroll found a wide-open Minaya on a 61 yard touchdown off a well executed play action fake.  The extra point put Methuen back on top, 22-20.
     LeSpada wasn't done.  He put his team back up with an 87 yard drive that was punctuated with Matt Clifford going over a defender for a catch, then turning on the jets to finish off the 56 yard strike.

    The last laugh, however, would be Carrol's.  Methuen, who's offensive line was undoubtedly the biggest factor last night, ran Savastano and Carrol right back down the field.  Every play their was either a hole for Savastano, or a lane for Carrol.  The one time they were forced to pass, Minaya came up with a big 28 yard grab on 3rd and 8.  With a little over a minute to go, Carrol took the snap off tackle and scored what would be the game winning touchdown. 

Some notes from this instant classic...

Billerica

• Nick LeSpada is as advertised.  He's fast, has a tremendous arm, and can lead.  Two plays stood out.  The first was his first touchdown pass of the game.  As Clifford was coming out his break on a corner route, LeSpada put the ball exactly where it needed to be, away from the middle safety and over the corner.  Not sure if there is another quarterback in the state who can make that throw.  The play that impressed me the most was his pick to end the first half.  After Minaya was able to break down his first defender, LeSpada came over from the safety position, out-jumped Minaya (who ia also a very good basketball player), then wrestled the ball away from him before registering an exciting 21 yard return.  His awareness and strength was especially impressive because it was exemplified on Minaya, who was arguably the second best player on the field.  I am officially a LeSpada believer.  He's as every bit as good as they say.  
• Matt Clifford is not a product of Nick LeSpada's greatness.  He is just a damn good football player.  He is the Indians home run hitter at wide receiver.  He was matched up with Minaya, and did a fairly solid job keeping him in check.  But his most impressive showing was his kick return after Methuen's last score, which set up Billerica with a first and 10 at the Methuen 37 with a little over a minute to go.  If he is able to add some size, and once he becomes more comfortable in his body, he will be the next Indian to get serious BCS-school attention.
• Billerica will only go as far as their hogs will take them.  Methuen did a great job pressuring LeSpada and forcing him to make throws on the run or throw the ball away.  It's to be expected that teams will bring extra men to try and hurry him, but there were also times Methuen's front four was able to get solid penetration.  That penetration proved to give Billerica serious problems in the run game, forcing them to become more reliant on their quarterback.
• Man-Child Watch List - Nick LeSpada, Matt Clifford, Ryan Donohoe

 Methuen

• The Carrol to Minaya connection is as advertised.  But each is also a very good player on their own.  Carrol is such a competitor.  He took a brutal (and many times illegal) beating from a physical Indian team, and complained not once.  He kept his team focused, and made play, after play, after play.  Minaya was the second most explosive player on the field.  He caught the ball away from his body.  He ran solid routes.  At times, he was a nightmare for the supremely talented Matt Clifford.  I would advise a team to make an offer, and fast.
• Ryan Savastano was my favorite player to watch.  He was the reason the play action, as well as Carrol on the keep worked so well.  He hit the holes hard, and was very rarely tackled by one man.  He will be the reason this Methuen team does not disappear after the departure of their talented senior class.
• My second favorite player? Junior Mike Capomaccio.  Smallest guy in the field, but Billerica did NOT throw his way.  Kid hits too.  
• Game Ball: Methuen's offensive line.  When it mattered most, they allowed Savastano to work, and work he did.  Their ability to create space resulted in Methuen being able to drive down the field and wear out the Billerica defense.  
• Man-Child Watch List - Ryan Savastano, Cal Carrol, Raudy Minaya, Bobby Blanchard, Mike Capomaccio.

Week 3 Put Up or Shut Up Games

• #8 Billerica vs. Methuen - Methuen prides itself on its toughness, or "swagger,' as QB Cam Carrol is quoted as saying in his team's ESPNBoston.com preview.  Tonight, it's time to prove themselves.  Can they contain LeSpada?  Do they have the athletes to slow the Billerica offensive attack?  Are they tough enough to hit with Billerica, a team that is, along with the Everett's and Gloucester's, among the elite hard nosed programs in the state.  Methuen doesn't have to win tonight to feel good on their ride home.  But a solid showing is imperative.   
• Lynn English vs. Beverly - The Bulldogs stumbled out the gate, scoring once in a loss to Lawrence in Week 1.  They got right back on track last week against Winthrop.  But you worry that this squad may be playing down to the level of their opponents.  Keep an eye on this one.  If Lynn English is the team they were last week, watch-out.
• #1 Brockton vs. #2 Xaverian - I know you've heard enough about this game.  But this game is big for Brockton despite not having any bearing on the post-season. Almost every poll has the Boxers ahead of the Hawks (including us), which, in all honesty, is a direct slap in the face to the Hawks.  They went undefeated last year.  They are the defending state champs.  Why, then, aren't they tops?  Brockton needs to flex its muscles early and often to show they are worthy of being top dogs.  Xaverian won't make it easy.
• Central Catholic vs. Dracut - There was plenty of talk of Dracut's talented team, led by QB Matt Silva, coming into the season.  But to this point, they're been a major disappointment, going 0-2 and looking like a shell of the explosive team that rolled last year.  They square off against a Central Catholic team that had one slip away against SJP last weekend and is looking to get back on track.  While this game, again, has no bearing on either team's ability to make the post season, Dracut needs this one for morale.  Beat CC and their headed in the right direction with league play fast approaching.  Lose, and you have to hope the seniors know how to fix the kinks and push the right buttons.
• Barnstable vs. Sandwich - We know Barnstable has one of the best offenses in the state.  We have yet to see if they are one of the best teams.  A strong showing against an underrated Sandwich team will go a ways towards proving the latter. 

4 Key Match-Ups This Weekend

Every game is won in the trenches, but these match-ups will go a long way in determining how these teams fair this weekend.

• #2 Xaverian O-Line vs. #1 Brockton D-Line - Brockton has gotten good penetration from its front four all season, causing fits for both its opponents.  To pull off the upset, Xaverian needs neutralize the push Brockton's down linemen are able to generate.  If they can force Brockton to bring extra defenders on the Blitz, they can get their playmakers open in space with quick screens and passes.
• Saint John's Prep Offense vs. #3 Everett's Defense - Saint Johns Prep's defense is a solid bunch, but Everett is going to score it's points no matter who lines up across from them.  The key for SJP winning this one is taking shots.  The run game is sound, but to beat this particular Everett team, you need to hit the home run.  Grinding it out won't do it.
• #8 Billerica Wide Receivers vs. Methuen's Defensive Backs - Yes Nick LeSpada is a game changer.  But this Billerica team is far from unbeatable.  One way to assure that they do beat you, however, is to let LeSpada flourish with both his feet and his arm.  While I think he is better at this point with his feet, the majority of Billerica's big plays this year have come thru the air.  By making him test that knee and take punishment, you slow the game down, which is what a less talented Methuen team needs to do.  If Methuen limits Matt Clifford and the other Billerica wideout's production, I think they substantially improve their chances of winning.
• Watertown QB CJ Logan vs. the Randolph secondary - Logan, for some reason, has flown under the radar thus far.  He has quietly become one of the more dynamic signal callers in Eastern Mass, leading Watertown to two wins and 49 points per game this season.  But this will be his first real test of 2010.  Randolph CB/S Jordan Smith is a D1 prospect.  Rayon Hall can hang with the best of them.  If Randolph can take away Brendan Wojtowicz and force Logan into being one dimensional, they win.  If not, it's going to be a long day for the Blue Devils. 

Game of the Week

Another weekend of big games, with match ups like #1 Brockton visiting #2 Xaverian, #3 Everett hosting St. John's Prep, and ISL schools Lawrence Academy and Milton Academy squaring off.  But I've put off seeing Nick LeSpada in person long enough.  And with them set to welcome a feisty Methuen team, this week seems like the perfect time.  Some notes...

• I'm excited to see Billerica sophomore Matt Clifford.  He racked up 135 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns last week to pace all receivers.  You may be inclined to dismiss his stats due to the fact he is playing with one of the better players in the country, but keep in mind he is a sophomore. 
• Billerica comes in with a 2-0 record after 2 fairly one sided wins.  Methuen stumbled in week 1, but got back on track nicely with a W last week.
• Senior Raudy Minaya will be the key in Methuen potentially pulling off this upset. 

A few surprises this week in our top 10.  Here's where we stand at the end of week 2:

1. Brockton (2-0) - A tenacious defense paces this squad who will face arguably their biggest regular season non-conference test this weekend: #2 Xaverian.
2. Xaverian (2-0) - The only way the Hawks were jumping the previously ranked #2 Crimson Tide was if they pitched a shutout; they did.  Don't expect the same this week, but this team is primed to pull the "upset" against the top-ranked Boxers. 
3. Everett (1-0) - A week off is bad news for St. John's Prep.
4. Gloucester (2-0) - Another week, another physical win for the Fishermen.
5. BC High (1-1) - Physical showing for the Eagles this week, with Preston Cooper having another solid game on the ground.
6. Catholic Memorial (2-0) - Week by week this team becomes more complete.  The most exciting offense in the state.
7. St. John's Shrewsbury (2-0) - Dominant performance again this week.  If you get a chance, watch the way Rochard Rogers plays the game.
8. Billerica (2-0) - Nick LaSpada has this team scoring points in bunches, and the hard nosed Billerica defense is traditionally one of the state's hardest hitting. 
9. Wachusett Regional (2-0) - This team may very well crack our top 5 in the next two weeks.
10. Westford Academy (2-0) - Our newest top-10 team epitomizes run and gun football.  The offensive chemisry this offense has is something to marvel at.

We're devoted to high school and college football, but here are a few thoughts from yesterday’s match-up in the Meadowlands:

It is fact that Bill Belichek is a better head coach than Rex Ryan.  But the Jets’ assistant coaches have the edge.  At the very least, they are more adept at making halftime adjustments.  In the past two Jets wins (both early in the season, both in the Meadowlands), the Patriots have held halftime leads (9-3 and 14-10).  Twice the Jets have shut the Patriots out in the second half en route to wins.  The better coach may reside in New England, but the better staff calls Jersey home.

Not time to panic yet for Pats’ fans.  Again New England charged out the gate and was the better team in the first half.  Again the Patriots showed the willingness to attack the vaunted Jets D, more so (and with more common sense) when Revis was on the field.  But the key to the Patriots beating the Jets (and any other playoff caliber team) may depend on Darius Butler.  Butler struggled mightily with the streaky and sluggish Braylon Edwards, and his frustration boiled over on his pass interference call mid-way  through the fourth.  A better outing by Butler, and the final result may be different.

Randy Moss is officially off “Revis Island”.

9/19

Bringing you up to speed on how our top 10 faired this weekend…

1. Brockton (2-0) Beat Taunton – Last year, Taunton forced overtime and almost pulled the upset.  This year, the Boxers took care of business to the tune of 43-6.
2. Everett (1-0) Idle
3. Xaverian (2-0) Beat Waltham – Hats off to the Hawks for not overlooking this one.  Next up? The #1 ranked Boxers. 
4. Gloucester (2-0) Beat Andover – Another physical performance for the Fishermen. 
5. BC High (1-1) Beat Springfield Central 25-6 – Remember when I wrote about the Eagles defense? Well this week dominated one of the most athletic teams in Western Mass.  Watch out.
6. Catholic Memorial (2-0) – Turns out this bunch can play a little D, too.  A shutout for the Knights over Haverhill. 
7. St. John’s Shrewsbury (2-0) Beat Longmeadow – Longmeadow has long been the king of Central/Western Mass football.  SJS dropped a goose-egg on them, with Richard Rogers showing why ESPN made such a big deal of his committing to them.    
8. Billerica (2-0) Beat Woburn – Dominant win for a dominant team. 
9. Barnstable (1-1) Lost to Dennis-Yarmouth – Slow start likely cost this squad their place in the top 10.  A new star emerged for D-Y, however, in junior quarterback Matt Montalto.
10. Wachusett Regional (2-0) Beat St. Peter-Marian – Strong defense.  Potent offense.  Very well could be the best team outside of Eastern Mass.

New rankings released tonight.

ADFC Game of the Week

Randolph 20 - Latin Academy 6

     Two things were evident in our game of the week: neither team was fond of the 10 AM start time, and their may be a very talented and dangerous team residing just outside of Boston.

     Randolph was able to shake off their early morning funk and ride the wave of their talented (and young) backfield en route to a 20-6 win at Schoolboy Field in Boston's historic Franklin Park.

     The first quarter, and much of the first half, featured two teams who seemed to forget they were playing a contact sport. There were five total first downs in the first quarter (four for Latin Academy), and players on both sides seemed to be elsewhere.

     This remained the case until Latin Academy made perhaps their most crucial mistake with a little under 3 minutes to go in the half, a botched punt snap that gave Randolph the ball at their own 9 going in. After 3 straight incomplete passes from sophomore Brandon White, he connected with senior Abel Ducheine on a bootleg to put Randolph up 7-0.

     The second half featured a much more inspired brand of football by both teams. After trading punts, Randolph let loose its backfield, with junior Armani Reed rumbling for a 41 yard touchdown, pushing their lead to 13.

     Latin Academy would cut the lead to 13-7 on a pass from senior Dylan Warfield, but only after two consecutive personal foul calls enabled them to gain 30 free yards.

     Randolph's ground game made sure they would get no closer. Junior Bristan Facey, perhaps the best player on the field, picked up three first downs on ensuing drives, capping it off with a 2 yard touchdown run.

A few things to note...

Latin Academy

• 
  
  LA certainly felt the loss of Justin Miles, arguably their best play maker last year. Miles went down early this year with an ACL injury.
• 
  
  LA quarterback Dylan Warfield won the quarterback war. Despite being pressured by an athletic Randolph defense all day, he showed play making ability by eluding the pressure, knowing when to vacate the pocket, and making good decisions.
• 
  
  The highlight of the first half was without question big Eoin Fogerty's pick to end the second quarter. With seven seconds left, the Randolph pass was tipped high in the air, and the beastly Fogerty was able to track it down and rumble for about 10 yards before being dragged down by a host of Blue Devils.

Randolph

• 
  
  This backfield is loaded. Junior Bristan Facey is a quick, smart runner who shows incredible patience in allowing the play to develop and his blocks to be set. Senior Paris Nathan is a bruiser who can be counted on to pick up 3-5 yards a carry. He is also the Blue Devils most gifted pass rusher. Junior Armani Reed is a big play threat who broke runs of 41 and 36 yards, each time showing his ability to shift gears and accelerate, as well as solid change of direction skills.
• 
  
  The best unit on the field was Randolph's secondary. Saftey Jordan Smith is a smooth runner with a nose for the ball who has been getting his fair share of recruiting interest. Senior Jordan Reed (brother of the aforementioned Armani) is an aggressive corner who showed a willingness to come up and make stops against the run. Rayon Hall is the most intriguing of the bunch. More on him below.
• 
  
  My player of the game honors go to Rayon Hall. Hall picked off two LA passes in the fourth to help thwart promising drives. The first came at the 2:15 mark of the 4^th quarter with LA looking to tie the game. Hall played his deep safety position to perfection, allowing nothing behind him, locating where the quarterback was going with the ball, getting into the passing lane, then returning it 39 yards. His second came at the 0:45 second mark, when he jumped a post route from his safety position. Hall's intangibles are something to be admired. His ball skills are solid. His hips move effortlessly. He reacts aggressively, and quite simply makes plays.
• 
  
  Intriguing prospect at quarterback for Randolph. Brandon White is a strong armed sophomore who took his first varsity snaps last year on Thanksgiving against a high powered Bridgewater-Raynham team. He seems to have progressed nicely thus far, although still very rough around the edges. Take note of this kid. If he stays coachable and continues to progress, he'll be a name you'll become very familiar with very quickly.

9/17

            Neither is in the top 25.  Neither has a Division 1 commit.  Very rarely does either get more than 2 lines in the Globe or Herald. Usually, the best players from their towns escape the obstacles they struggle with daily and take their talents to places like Newton, Weston, or private schools like Trinity Catholic.  But here is something you need to realize about the Boston schools: for all they have going against them, these kids play hard. 

            Therefore, our game of the week will be the showdown between Boston Latin Academy and Randolph.  A little history behind this game..

            Last year was a huge year for LA.  They went 8-3, and were extremely close to gaining a play-off birth. After beating Case in their opener (as they did last week), they visited a Randolph team who was 0-1 and coming off a winless season.  After charging out to an early lead, Randolph’s home run hitters proved too much for LA, as the Blue Devils won on a bomb late in the game.  A late LA drive was deterred after a big pick by Randolph deep in its own territory.  LA would go on to win 7 of their last 9.  Randolph has not won since.

            LA again looks to be one of the better teams in the city, and the rumblings out of Randolph are that their sophomore and junior laden squad are ready to erase the memories of the past three years.  Kickoff is set for 10 am tomorrow morning.  

9/15

 A quick tidbit on our Man-Child and Man-Child watch list…

    This is open to any and every player in Massachusetts, no matter the division, age, etc.  What we look for are three key traits: potential dominance, tenacity, and determination.  We want guys who give their opposition fits, no matter if they’re up 50 or down 100.  Every player on this list exhibits all three at the highest level possible.  The watch list is a player who exhibits some of the qualities, but we’re either waiting to see him in person, or waiting to see him put in all together.  To keep this from being a page long, we will limit it to the top 10 players each week.
Our first four players to garner Man-Child accolades:

• Preston Cooper, RB, BC High – Lightning quick and aggressive.  My favorite player thus far.
• Albert Louis-Jean, WR/DB, Brockton – Google him.
• Obum Obukwelu, DL, BC High – I had him off the list until the second half of his game, when he decided to dominate a very good and disciplined Brocktonline.
• Nathan Robitaille, QB, Attleboro – Quarterback.  Kick returner.  Kicker.  Didn’t understand why my guy went to this game until he called me to tell me about this kids performance.

Watch List

• Nick LeSpada, QB, Billerica
• Armani Reeves, WR, CM
• A.J. Doyle, QB, CM
• Joshua Brewster, RB, Brockton
• Luca Depina, WR/DB, Brockton
• D.J. Crook, QB, Barnstable
• Daquain Phillips, RB, West Roxbury
• Matt Hallisey, RB/LB, Duxbury
• Nathan Baez, QB, Lawrence
• Manny Asprilla, RB, Everett

9/13

While we'll use the ESPNBoston.com rankings from time to time (as we did going into week 1), we prefer to put our own stamp on things. So without further adu, here is the first ever ADFC Top 10.

1. 
   
   Brockton 1-0 Beat #5 BC High - This team is stacked. At this point, there is no better defense in the state.

2. 
   
   Everett 1-0 Beat Leominster - You'll hear about Costello and Asprilla, but this squad has a whole lot of young talent. Come to play if their on your schedule.

3. 
   
   Xaverian 1-0 Beat Malden Catholic - The last time Xaverian lost, I was in college. I wish I could tell you that wasn't that long ago.

4. 
   
   Gloucester 1-0 Beat Swampscott - Blue collar football at its finest.

5. 
   
   BC High 0-1 Lost to #1 Brockton - Yes they lost. Yes they're young. But sleep on BC High and your loss column will grow. As Bartley Regan improves, this team will become increasingly tougher to beat. And ask Brockton's running backs if this defense likes to hit.

6. 
   
   Catholic Memorial 1-0 Beat Lynn Classical - There are maybe three teams with the talent in the secondary to contend with juniors Armani Reeves and Camren Williams. Their signaler caller A.J. Doyle aint too shabby either.

7. 
   
   St. John's Shrewsbury 1-0 Beat Holy Name - Holy Name is a good team. St. John's dropped forty on them on their way to a shutout win. Scary, scary bunch of kids.

8. 
   
   Billerica 1-0 Beat Burlington - Disciplined and hard nosed. And their quarterback's pretty good, too.

9. 
   
   Barnstable 1-0 Beat Durfee - No one in the state throws a prettier ball than D.J. Crook. Junior D.J. Crook.

10. 
    
    Wachusett Regional 1-0 Beat Doherty - A little known team with a boat load of talent. Look for them to climb once the 3 Catholic Conference teams start to square off.

Think your team deserves to crack our top 10? Send film and your reasoning to ADFCPhantom@gmail.com.

9/11

     The two most sought after players on the field will play defense at the next level, and it is quite clear that Brockton’s Albert Louis-Jean  and BC High’s Obum Obukwelu’s commitment to defense has rubbed off on their respective teams.
     If nothing else, the Boxers and Eagles laid the wood last night.  Again…and again…and again.
     When all was said and done, it was the Boxers who survived this match up of top 5 teams, defending their home turf, 16-6.     Almost all of the offensive fireworks were in the first half.  Outstanding BC High junior Preston Cooper got the scoring started with a 30 yard run that exhibited patience, power, and explosiveness.  The 2-point attempt was no good.
     On the next possession, Brockton senior Paul Mroz, who won the heated 3-way battle over sophomores Micah Morel and Austin Roberts, connected with Louis-Jean for a 55 yard bomb that put the Miami commit’s breakaway speed and game-changing ability o display.  Lucas Depina added the extra point to put the Boxers up 7-6.
     The score remained that way until Mroz hit the junior Depina with a little over 3 seconds left in the 2nd.
The defenses settled in from there.  Brockton seemed poised to pin the Eagles deep ion their own territory late in the 3rd when a bad punt snap gave the Eagles the ball on the Brockton 29 going in.  It was the best chance the Eagles had and would have to pull even, but it wasn‘t meant to be.  The Brockton front 7 applied pressure to Eagles Junior Bartley Regan and plugged holes, eventually forcing a turnover on downs.  Brockton would add a field goal with a little over two minutes left in the game to round out the scoring.  Now, some notes…..

BC High

• BC High was burned early by Louis-Jean; they didn’t let it happen again.  The corners, lead by junior Deontae Ramey-Doe, played off and kept him in front of them for the remainder of the game.
• Obum Obukwelu (who will from here on out be referred to as Double O) was quite the dominant force in the second half, racking up two sacks, the second time shedding two blockers.  Big, fast, strong, a great find for the Huskies.
• The Eagles were not afraid to test Louis-Jean.  Late in the second Regan went up top to junior Jordan McLeod.  While the result was an incomplete pass, if McLeod was lead a bit more, he scores.
• The best player on the field was neither Louis-Jean or Double O.  It was Preston Cooper.  Every time the junior touched the ball, he looked poised to break off a big gain.  He ran smart, hard, hit his holes, and was intelligent enough to let his talented O-Line get to their blocks.  He is officially the first player ever to be added to our ADFC Man Child Team.  He was not only the every down back, but he ran the Wildcat and stayed attentive when his defense was on the field.  Write his name down.
• BC may not dethrone Xaverian this year.  They will next year.  Cooper and Ramey-Doe are supremely athletic.  Regan is a leader and will make more than his fair share of plays in due time.  If his progression takes off, this team has the potential to make some noise.  The defense is junior laden and they hit.  It’s early, but last night may have been a preview to your 2010 Division 1 state championship. 
• BC High Man-Child watch list: Deontae Ramey-Doe, Bartley Regan

Brockton

• 
  
  Louis-Jean is who you’ll hear about, and rightfully so.  But if you get to a Brockton game, make it a point to watch the entire defense.  Tenacity? Check. Disciplined? Check. Athletic? More than you can imagine.  BC High is a loaded team on offense (and will be for some time).  But the Brockton D was flat out better last night. To beat Brockton you’ll have to make at least one huge play on defense, because moving the ball will be a struggle.
• 
  
  Trevon Offley went down early in the game.  All junior Joshua Brewster did in his place was hit holes and show above average instincts.  He won the game in the fourth quarter, at one point putting the wiggle on Double O and picking up a first down to keep the chains moving.  He is a big reason I firmly believe Brockton is the favorite to raise another banner this year and will be next.
• 
  
  Junior Lucas Depina could very well be the next Boxer to sign with a BCS team. On defense, he showed great hips and change of direction skills.  On offense, he ran crisp routes and was not afraid to make catches in traffic. 
• 
  
  My Game Ball goes to the Brockton offensive line.  Against a fantastic front 7, they made holes and gave Mroz space to maneuver and find open receivers.  They also were dominant in the fourth quarter.  Side not: you won’t see an offensive line with more swagger.  These kids look like they love to hit. 
• 
  
  Junior Jessie Monteiro will have a monster season for two reasons: 1) teams will pay extra attention to Louis-Jean, and 2) he is lightning quick and runs good routes.
• 
  
  Mroz may have just solidified himself as the starter for the Boxers all year.  He didn’t rush his reads, made plays with his feet, and most importantly, lead his team.
• 
  
  Brockton Man-Child watch list: Jessie Monteiro, Lucas Depina, Josh Brewster

9/10

Your mind is on anything but the 5 or 6 classes you’ve got to suffer through today.  It’s like this every Friday this time of year, but this one…this one…this one means the most.  Everyone’s undefeated.  Everyone’s in it.  Won states last year? Who cares. Last year ain’t getting it done now. Everyone starts the same.  To keep a fat “zero” in the loss column, you’ve gotta do three things: trust your squad, be more violent, and have more confidence than the clowns across form you.  9 times out of 10, if you do that, the sky’s the limit.

            All day you shuffle between classes.  People talk, but you don’t listen.  The only people you have any meaningful interactions with have on the same jersey you do.  You could answer 50 questions during Algebra, but the eye contact and head nod with the kid who plays beside you means ten times more.  No one gets it.  No one understands what will happen at 7.

            Lunch rolls around, and you could care less about Cafeteria Politicking.  You take a bite, peak at the clock…bite, clock…until its time for that next class.  Not too much is said.  More eye contact and nods.

            Bell rings.  Right to the locker room.  You get taped and let that iPod play list you spent more time making than you did studying for finals last year play.  Around 4, you feel good enough to let your head start nodding.  One track hits home.  You put it on replay a few times.  Now the pads go in the game pants.  Jersey over the pads.  Specialists take the field.  Time for that first walk. 

            You hit that tunnel like a mutha.  There are only about 50 people in the stands, but that’s the furthest thing from your mind.  The hoggies will be out soon enough.  When they arrive, you know what time it is.  When the hoggies charge out, the adrenaline starts to peak.  Stretching seems to take an eternity.  You see the guy on the other team your coach has been sweating all week doing whatever clowns do before the game.  You know you got something for his ass.    

            Pre-game is over.  You’re back in the locker room.  10 minutes to kick-off.  Coach is doing his best Urban Meyer impersonation, but little does he know you and your brothers don’t need it.  You ran sprints in 100 degree weather in July.  You lifted after track practice in February.  You threw the ball around a week after Thanksgiving.  You’ve been ready for a long, long time.

            As you all gather before taking the field for the first time, you can see red.  Coach leads you out, and as you see the lights and feel the crowd, you know that there’s no other place in the world you’d rather be.  On the sideline the nerves set in.  A coach yells “STICK OFF!!!”  Game time.  You pace, jump, do whatever you need to do before that ball is kicked.  You’re all emotion; nervousness, anger, rage, and maybe even a tiny hint of fear.

            The ball is kicked.  Silence.  Then you feel it…that first impact “swack”.  The nerves are gone.  The rage remains.  You settle in for what you hope are 14 weeks of championship football.  After the first whistle blows, you allow yourself a split second to take it all in.  You feel as alive as you ever have.  And if you don’t, then you quite simply must be dead.  - Anonymous

9/9/2010 Post

Plenty of solid games going on to kick off the season.  But I can't pass up the chance to see Miami commit Albert Louis-Jean and the top ranked Boxers square off against UConn commit (and Brockton native) Obum Obukwelu and his BC High Eagles, which start the season ranked fourth on the ESPNBoston.com preseason poll.  Kickoff is set for 7 PM at Brockton's historic Rocky Marciano stadium.