Thanksgiving 2010 Games to Watch, Part 1

• North Attleborough at Attleboro - Hatred runs deep in this battle of teams that came up just short in their quest for the Hockomock title.  
• North Attleborough (9-1) - North Attleborough was able to handle every challenge thrown at them this year outside of league champion Mansfield.  They're lead by a defense that didn't allow double digits until the eighth game of the season, and has shutout opponents twice.  On offense, they have a deep and well rounded unit that has three players who are capable of taking over a game: quarterback Paul McCrathy, wide receiver Ryan Flannery, and running back Dan Johnson.  McCarthy is ring leader, compiling 23 scores this year.  Their defense will have to bring their A-game again, as they'll face the most dangerous quarterback in the league in Attleborough's Nate Robitaille.  
• Attleboro (8-2) - Attleboro has also had quite a season, dropping games to only Mansfield and King Philip.  Their defense has been their weak point, as they have given up 20.1 points per game, good for sixth in the league, but last in the Kelly-Rex conference.  Their success has depended heavily on quarterback Nate Robitaille.  The senior has been sensational, amassing 22 total touchdowns.  Robitaille will be the biggest individual factor for Attleboro, as they'll rely on him to force turnovers on defense, lead the charge on offense, and put them in good field position on special teams.  He is going to make at least one play that makes your jaw drop, and if North Attleborough isn't able to limit his effectiveness, look for the Blue Bombardiers to take this one.
• Brookline at Newton North - One of the oldest and most storied rivalries has some new faces, but a familiar feel to last year.
• Newton North (4-6) - North has had an up and down season, twice posting two-game win streaks, but also dropping two and three straight at different points.  They'll need to make an assertive effort to get the ball into the hands of their play-makers, Isaiah Penn and Ben Clark.  If the Tigers are able to open up holes for Clark, it will allow whoever is under center the ability to strike down-filed off the play-actions pass, something NNHS has always excelled at.  On defense, the Ben Polci-lead defensive line will need to make sure they play their gaps and get after the quarterback to keep Brookline from finding their big play receivers.
• Brookline (1-9) - On paper, this one will be a blowout.  Newton North has a deeper, more experience group of kids.  That was also the case last year, when a win less Brookline squad outplayed a 5-5 North team en route to an 18-6 win.  Look for new coach Kevin Mahoney to try and ride Nick and Leon Scott to a similar result.  Brookline has gotten thrown around this year, but they are more dangerous than last year, and North has struggled a bit more.  If the Tigers come out as sluggish as they did in 2009, Coach Mahoney will get a signature win in his first bout with the Tigers as head coach.
• Lynn English at Lynn Classical - One of the toughest cities around boasts some of the best football players the state has to offer.
• Lynn English (6-4) - Lynn English has had quite a few bumps in the road this year, but stayed alive in the Northeastern Large until the end.  They came much closer to knocking off Gloucester than the final score suggested, and they can finish their season on a very high note should they be able to beat 8-2 Lynn Classical.  For that to happen, they'll need to make sure they protect the football.  Turnovers and mistakes have crippled the Bulldogs numerous times this year.  If they can hold onto the ball, and get their play-makers in space, they are more than capable of avenging last years loss.
• Lynn Classical (8-2) - Classical battled hard two weekends ago against a Gloucester team that looks unbeatable.  They have the same problem as their in-town rivals: holding onto the football.  The Rams practically gift wrapped the Fishermen their go-ahead touchdown, fumbling inside their own ten.  If they don't protect the ball, they may find themselves down quickly, as Lynn English holds a slight advantage in the skill player department.  But if they are able to get their option going early and dominate in the trenches with their massive offensive line, they'll be able to end their season on a high note. 
• East Bridgewater at Rockland
• East Bridgewater (8-2) - The Vikings were headed for a winner-take-all clash with undefeated Rockland before their let down against Mashpee two weekends ago.  The loss put them out of the league title race and solidified Rockland's return to the playoffs.  For East Bridgewater to end Rockland's win streak, they'll need to get running back Casey DeAndrade the ball early and often.  How important is he? In every Vikings win, he has found the end-zone; in their two losses, he has been shut out.  On the defensive side of the ball, they boast the second best defense in the league, and they'll need that unit to be at their best in order to slow the Rockland rushing attack.
• Rockland (10-0) - Since losing their first round playoff game last year, the Bulldogs have been downright unstoppable.  They've won ten straight, giving up double digit points only three times and shutting out three opponents.  The Bulldogs, lead by linebacker/running back Tom Fitzgerald, are arguably the most physical team in Division 3A.  On the offensive side of the ball, they've been able to ride their bruising style to 27 points per game.  If they can control the line of scrimmage the way they have all year, they should be able to end the regular season with a victory.
• Billerica at Chelmsford - One of the more heated and physical rivalries will showcase two of the top underclassmen in the state.
• Billerica (5-5) - Billerica has had a disappointing season by many accounts.  Ranked in almost everyone's top 10 coming into the season, the Indians have shown major defensive deficiencies, allowing 28.7 points per game.  They've had trouble with the big play all year, and have done a poor job getting stops on third down.  Fortunate for them, they have the most dynamic player in the region in quarterback/defensive back Nick LeSpada.  LeSpada has been able to keep his team in every game, whether it be by picking off a pass or breaking a long run.  For the Indians to finish their season on a high note and set a positive tone heading into the next season, they'll need to force turnovers and make sure they keep Chelmsford from sustaining long drives. 
• Chelmsford (6-4) - The Lions can cause a three-way tie atop the Merrimack Valley Large with a win and a Central Catholic loss.  In order to do that, they'll have to exploit their advantage in the trenches.  They are scoring the lowest number of points in the league, but running back Joe Gennaro has the ability to take over games with his punishing running style.  On defense, Tim Joy has all the makings of the next great Massachusetts linebacker.  He is quick, aggressive, and has good reaction time.  Chelmsford's defense ranks first in scoring in the league, and for them to slow LeSpada, it'll take a great amount of discipline.