Week 6 Key Games Re-Cap

• Everett over Xaverian - I knew something our counterparts over at ESPN didn't: you never, ever, pick against Everett.  We learned quite a bit about three teams in this one.  For Everett, they are undoubtedly the best defense in the state.  They have a dominant front line, their linebackers are fast and aggressive, and their defensive backs have shut down capability.  They look primed to erase the memories of last years state championship letdown.  In the case of Xaverian, they need to find one more guy to make plays on offense.  The Joe Colton/Chris Tamsi duo is one hell of an attack, but they'll need more from the passing game to be able to beat Everett or double up against Brockton.  You'd be crazy to think the Hawks wont have this fixed come playoff time, however.  The third team we learned something about was Brockton.  Brockton is still, in my mind, the most dangerous team in the state.  They match Everett in home run hitting capability, and had it not been for a late fumble, may still be sitting atop the Mass high school football world.  They seem to have taken their foot of the gas recently, but as quarterback Paul Mroz gets better and better, the Boxers look more like a team that can't be beat.
• St. John's Shrewsbury over St. John's Prep - Great win for SJS, but I was thoroughly impressed with Prep.  For the first time this year, SJS played their starters from beginning to end.  And while the more talented team pound for pound won in the end, Prep was more than up for this challenge.  The defense popped all game, and made SJS quarterback Dan Light hurry a bit more than he's used to.  Their offensive line was also impressive.  After coming up just short against teams like Brockton and SJS, Prep now has to be considered a dark horse in the Catholic Conference.  Quick note: I made a mistake not including Richard Rodgers in my top 10 athletes in the state.  One of his sacks yesterday made my my staffer send me a text (while sitting next to me) that said "has he changed ur mind yet?"  Yes, he has.  Updates coming tomorrow.  
• Chelmsford over Andover - Chelmsford's defense returned to form Friday night.  They stuffed holes, flew to the ball, and were able to limit Andover's Andrew Coke's effectiveness.  Look out for senior Zach Hayes too.  He had a touchdown catch, and returned a pick 45 yards for a score.  If they can keep this up and find a way to beat Billerica, Chelmsford will find themselves playing beyond Thanksgiving. 
• Swampscott over Lynn English - Tough, tough loss for the Bulldogs.  Swampscott was able to do just what I said they needed to: limit Melvin Tavares.  Tavares was kept out of the end zone, and the Big Blue did a good job all game keeping him from getting to the second level.  Swampscott juniors A.J. Baker and Michael Walsh were clicking inside the red zone, twice hooking up for scores.  No reason to think Swampscott can't take home the Northeastern Small crown this year.  They've show the ability to beat more athletically gifted teams, and their defense now has a performance they can hang their hat on.   
• North Andover over Northeast - It wasn't the Brandon Walsh show, but it didn't need to be either.  Jack Murphy and Bobby Novello were much too much to handle, scoring twice each.  This was a good test for Northeat though.  It doesn't affect their chances at making the playoffs, and no team in their conference is anywhere near as dangerous as North Andover.  For the Knights, its another blowout win against a quality opponent.  A dangerous bunch up north.