Dracut vs. #6 Reading
Dracut and Reading provides a match-up with the opportunity for a ton of fireworks. Dracut shocked much of the state Thanksgiving when they were able to knock off Methuen and capture the Merrimack Valley Small title. For Reading, they showed their staying power by following up last years Super Bowl run with another undefeated season and trip to the post season.
Reading looks to be the stronger team, but not by much. They have run off 25 straight wins, and are beating opponents by an average of 29.3 points per game. Quarterback Brian Bourque leads an offense that has been held under 30 points just three times all season.
The Reading defense is what they need to lead them in this contest and beyond. They are giving up the fewest points per game in the state (6.4), and have pitched four shut-outs. Look for them to be paced by Jeff Covitz and Greg DeVito, who have been more than difficult for opposing teams to contend with this year.
Dracut is a team that proved it doesn't matter how you start as long as you finish strong. Quarterback Matt Silva and wide receiver Chirs Malonis have absolutely torched opponents, hooking up for 22 scores. It'll be of the utmost importance for the Middies to be able to slow the Reading pass rush, as the more time they allow Silva to work, the better their chances of wining.
Defensively, Dracut was able to silence their critics last weekend by dominating Methuen for the better part of their match-up. More of the same will be necessary if they hope to knock-off Reading. They should be well prepared for the challenge of slowing Bourque, as they have seen a number of quarterback with similar skill sets.
#4 Mansfield vs. Walpole
Mansfield and Walpole will meet in what could turn out to be the best of the Tuesday match-ups. Both teams boast explosiveness on offense and tenacity on defense.
Mansfield has rattled off 10 straight wins, with their smallest margin of victory being nine. No team has held them under 20 points during their run, and their defense is allowing a paltry 9.7 points per game.
Offensively, their key to victory is simple: feed Jamel Marshall. The second team All ADFC back has rushed for 19 scores and shows great vision and patience. Mansfield is far from one-dimensional however, as quarterback George Busharis has tossed 14 touchdown passes. If the Hornets are able to get both their play makers going in this one, they should wind up playing for the state title.
After winning their first 10, Walpole suffered a crushing loss to rival Weymouth on Thanksgiving that pointed out some of the Rebels weaknesses.
One that they'll most certainly need to address is the problem with their passing game. Weymouth was able to shut down their running game, and Rebel quarterback Troy Salvatore was pressured all day. For them to beat Mansfield, they'll have to be clicking in both facets.
But don't expect Walpole to be intimated. On defense, they've played well all season, especially in the second half of games. Of the 129 points they have allowed, only 60 have come after halftime. They've been a bit more human of late, allowing double digits in each of their last five games. If they are able to play their traditional smash-and-bash style and bottle up the Mansfield rushing attack, the Rebels could very well wind up playing in Foxborough on Saturday.
But don't expect Walpole to be intimated. On defense, they've played well all season, especially in the second half of games. Of the 129 points they have allowed, only 60 have come after halftime. They've been a bit more human of late, allowing double digits in each of their last five games. If they are able to play their traditional smash-and-bash style and bottle up the Mansfield rushing attack, the Rebels could very well wind up playing in Foxborough on Saturday.
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