Division 1 Playoff Preview

#1 Everett vs. Andover

     This one has the biggest David and Goliath feel of any playoff match-up, as powerhouse Everett will square off against relatively unknown Andover at Manning Field in Lynn Tuesday night.     

     Almost everyone outside of Andover will be picking the Crimson Tide, and rightfully so.  They have cruised this season, beating opponents by a combined score of 391-105 on their way to an unprecedented 16th GBL Title.

     On offense, the Tide has perhaps the most dangerous assembly of weapons of any team in the last five years.  Quarterback John DiBiaso has racked up more than 40 total touchdowns this season.  Wide Receiver Matt Costello has hauled in 18 touchdown catches, while flex player Manny Asprilla has contributed 17 total scores.  Add in bruising tailback Vondell Langston, and you have four reasons why this team has topped 40 points on seven different occasions.   

     Their defense is a fierce bunch as well.  Langston leads a linebacking crew that is second to none in sideline-to-sideline speed.  Up front, Shaquille Taylor has proven to be one of the toughest interior linemen in the state to block one-on-one.  Sophomores Ryan Pietrantonio and Kenny Calaj show football knowledge well beyond their years, and Aspirlla has consistently shut down the oppositions' biggest receiving threat.

     Andover has plenty of reasons to like their chances, however.  Andrew Coke has made a name for himself playing both running back and quarterback for the Golden Warriors.  He has found the end-zone 30-plus times and carried the load since BC-commit Brian Miller went down with what appears to be a season-ending injury.  

     They've struggled at certain points on the defensive side of the ball, but their special teams is good enough to lead them to a state championship.  Kicker Mark Zavrl has shown a very powerful leg and the ability to knock kicks through from as far out as 42-yards, and Coke has consistently set them up with good field position.  Andover will need them to be at the top of their games Tuesday regardless of how their defense plays.  If they are able to stay within striking distance heading into the fourth quarter, they'll have a great chance of pulling off the upset.

New Bedford vs. St. John's Prep

     It would be fair to label both these teams as surprises given the fact that they were considered dead at different points during the season.  New Bedford started 1-4 and seemed all but out of any race until it ran off five consecutive victories on its way to a 6-4 finish and an improbable Big Three title.  SJP began the season 3-3 before winning four of its last five and beat Xaverian on Thanksgiving to catapult itself into the Division 1 Final Four.  

     New Bedford won't be the favorite to many, but that is exactly what they want.  The Whalers have found their stride since their four game losing streak, with junior quarterback Myles Medeiros and senior running back Phito Gondre operating behind a physical offensive line.  

     The play of their defense has improved dramatically of late, as they have allowed 77 points during their last five after giving up 127 during the first five.  Their biggest test will come Tuesday, however, not because Prep is any more talented than any of their other opponents, but because dominant lineman Lance Burlingame will be sidelined with a knee injury.  

      For Prep, it's simple: ball control.  The Eagles proved that they had the best offensive line in the Catholic Conference by slowing down the Xaverian rush, and running back Tyler Copolla's 18 touchdowns were good for fourth in Division 1.  Second team All ADFC offensive lineman Nate Cyr has shown the ability to dominate the man across from him, and pound for pound there may not be a more in-sync unit.
      The key for Prep defensively will be to take away the New Bedford running game.  With Burlingame out, they now have the advantage across the front line on both sides of the ball.  If they can force New Bedford's fate to be put solely in the hands of Medeiros, a victory will be well within their reach.