Week 7 Radar

Another weekend of big games.

• #1 Everett at BC High - The Crimson Tide can expect to have to put together another complete performance this weekend.  The Eagles are a Top 10 team talent wise, and Preston Cooper is the best back the Tide has seen thus far.  The Eagles offensive line has been getting better and better, but Shaquille Taylor is a different kind of beast in the trenches.  Neutralizing him is key. If he is hurrying quarterback Bartley Regan and harassing Cooper for the majority of the game, this one will be another in a string of wins for Everett.  But find a way to get their playmakers in space, and an upset is well in their power. 
• Key Match-Up: Everett WR Matt Costello vs. BC High CB Deontae Ramey-Doe - Costello has torched his opponents this year (9 touchdowns), but was held scoreless and in check against Everett's two best opponents (St. Johns Prep and Xaverian).  Not coincidentally, they were Everett's closest contests.  There's a possibility Ramey-Doe is matched up with Manny Aspirlla all day, but if not, Ramey-Doe has to take Costello out of his groove.  Force Tide quarterback John DiBiaso to look to one side of the field, and you have a chance to slow the passing game.  Couple that with the way BC High's front seven has played this season, and anything is possible. 
• #2 Xaverian at Bridgewater-Raynham - Dangerous spot for the Hawks.  They're coming off a game where they were handled down the stretch, and next week they visit St. John's Shrewsbury, the team many think is second in the state only to Everett.  The Hawks need to make sure of two things: they don't underestimate a very dangerous and traditionally powerful B-R team (that took them to OT last year), and they avoid looking ahead to next weeks showdown in Western Mass.  It's no secret the Hawks are more talented on paper, but underestimating a Dan Buron team usually gets you a notch in the loss column.
• Key Match-Up: B-R QB Billy Zolga vs. the Xaverian Linebackers - Zolga doesn't get the hype the Hawks' last opponents' signal caller does, but he can be every bit as dangerous.  He's registered three touchdown runs to compliment three throws for scores, and has done a good job protecting the ball for the most part.  The Hawks linebackers will have to keep him and running back Mike Chicoine from getting to the second level in order for this one to turn out the way everyone thinks it will.
• Catholic Memorial at Malden Catholic - Not an easy conference opener for CM, but when has any game in this conference been easy?  The Knights have a great shot at dethroning Xaverian this year, but a slip up against a much improved Malden Catholic team will derail those plans in a hurry.  It, as it has all year for CM, will come down to the defense.  If they can force a few three and outs and get the Adam Doyle led offense on the field as much as possible, they walk away with this one handily.
• Key Match-Up: Malden Catholic QB Anthony Scurto vs. Catholic Memorial QB Adam Doyle - You'll hear plenty about Doyle and Xaverian's Chris Calvanese, but Scurto has been quietly dissecting defenses all year.  He's your classic dual threat, breaking off five rushing and three passing scores.  He'll be given opportunities to make plays this week against CM, and for this squad to win, he must take advantage of each one.  Protecting the ball will also be paramount.  Putting the ball in Doyle's more than capable hands will spell doom 9 out of 10 times.  
• Taunton at Barnstable - I am well aware of Taunton being 0-5.  I am also well aware of how brutal their schedule has been.  Besides Durfee, all of their opponents have top tier- talent.  Let us also remember that all five of those games have been nothing more than glorified scrimmages, because if they can find a way to beat Barnstable, B-R and Dartmouth, they go to the post-season.  This would be step one in that process.  Barnstable has other thoughts though.  The Red Raiders are 4-2, with both losses coming against very good teams.  The winner will set positive tone as they move deeper into conference play.
• Key Match-Up: Taunton Offensive Line vs. Barnstable Defensive Line - Doug Crook and the Barnstable offense will score their points.  For Taunton to win, they need to get back to being the team that was so explosive next year.  That means opening holes and letting Cabrinni Goncalves run free.  If they can control the tempo, they increase their chances of winning considerably. 
• Duxbury at North Quincy - This one will go a long way in deciding the Patriot League's Keenan Division.  Duxbury has been rolling this year, thanks in part to a defense that has pitched two shutouts and allowed 8 points per game.  North Quincy has quietly put together a 4-2 record, and with the way Seyi Adesuyan has been running the ball, seem capable of playing with anyone.  It'll be the North Quincy defense that is the deciding factor.  They shut out Hanover last week, but struggled against the best offense they have faced, allowing East Bridgewater to rack up 46 (39 of which were unanswered).  Duxbury contains more firepower and a better front line.  For the Red Raiders to end Duxbury's win streak, they need to keep Duxbury's monster of a quarterback Matt O'Keefe in check, limiting his touched by pounding it out on the ground.  Easier said than done, but very possible.