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.