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.