Week 8 Radar Recap

A few surprises and a lot of big plays from the games on our Radar this weekend.

• St. John's Prep over Catholic Memorial - One thing you can never do is underestimate the power of family.  For SJP's Tyler Coppola, that was exactly what yesterday's Senior Day was about.  Coppola showed that this is far from a down year for the Eagles, racking up 9.8 yards per carry to lead his team to a 42-29 win over the visiting Knights.  Less than a week after we wrote that the Catholic Conference may not come down to the Thanksgiving day match-up between Prep and Xaverian, both teams put up impressive wins to show they are still the class of the conference.
• Mansfield over North Attleboro - It was, as expect, the defenses that made the difference in this one.  Both sides struggled to get it going offensively in the first half, but Mansfield was able to make more plays after the break en route to their seventh straight win.  What was most impressive was North Attleboro's ability to bottle up Mansfield back Jamel Marshal.  He got his 100 yards and a score, but he wasn't the dominant force he's been for much of the season.  Big win for the Hornets, as they should now be able to cruise into post season play.
• Reading over Burlington - Statement game for the Rockets.  They rattled off 36 straight points and held the Burlington offense in check from beginning to end.  Reading looks to be on the verge of another state title.  Their closest contest was an 18-7 win at Masco, and thus far have beaten league opponents by a combined score of 91-24.  Their November 12 match-up with 5-3 Lexington will be the toughest test they'll face before the playoffs.  
• Plymouth North over Barnstable - Great job by Plymouth North.  I questioned whether they could handle the Barnstable passing attack, and they proved to be more than game.  The secret was limiting Barnstable quarterback Doug Crook's weapons.  Jordan Henderson had a career game, scoring three times and piling up 180 yards.   Other than that, there weren't many options for the Red Raiders to turn to.  North was also able to do what we said would prove pivotal: score more than the 17.9 points per game they've been averaging; they racked up 33. 
• Acton-Boxborough over Waltham - Good win for the Colonials.  Their defense was dominant yet again, and five different players had a hand in scores.  They control their own destiny, because if they win out, they will head back to the playoffs for the first time in two years.