Week 10 Movers and Shakers

Plenty of teams came to play last weekend.  Here are a few we take our hats off to.

• BC High - After getting walloped by #3 Xaverian, BC High was supposed to lay down and let St. John's Prep walk all over them, setting Prep up a with a Thanksgiving showdown against Xaverian for the Catholic Conference title.  The Eagles had other thoughts.  Down 34-21 entering the fourth quarter, BC High was able to score the game's final 16 points, with Gavin McDermott nailing a 21-yarder at time expired.  Besides giving them a big win heading into their finale against Catholic Memorial, the victory put BC High in a position to grab a share of the league title should Prep be able to beat Xaverian next week, although the league tie-breaker makes it impossible for them to play past Thanksgiving.  Regardless, BC High has a chance to finish their season 3-1 in the conference, and with a team as young as they are, momentum heading into next season could be huge.
• Andover - In case you haven't heard, Andover was able to outlast Lowell 88-82 last weekend.  The win was impressive not only because it lasted eight overtimes, but it also keeps Andover alive in their quest for a playoff birth.  They need a win over Central Catholic and a Chelmsford loss to Billerica, but as their game last week showed, anything can happen.  Coke has been getting the majority of praise for Andover's success, but their offensive line is what makes them tick.  They never let up Friday despite being exhausted, and now have themselves sitting in a great position.
• Lincoln-Sudbury - Week after week, this teams rides the strength of its hogs.  So far, its been very, very successful.  L-S ground out another physical win last weekend, handing Boston Latin their seventh loss of the season.  They'll face a weak Newton South team before squaring off with Gloucester in the first round of the playoffs.  All year the Warriors have shown the ability to control the clock and tempo on offense, then frustrate their opponents on defense.  Not many of their wins have been "pretty," but that is precisely the reason why this team has to like their chances of winning a state championship.  When the weather is freezing and the snow starts to fall, it's the teams that can pound the ball that usually come out victorious. 
• Marshfield - The Rams were able to win their third consecutive game Friday night, and are now in position to head to the playoffs should Plymouth South be able to knock off cross town rival Plymouth North.  The Rams defense has paced them this year, giving up a paltry 13.4 points per game.  They've had their fair share of troubles on offense, but have managed to win all but one of their league games.  It'll take Plymouth South's best effort to knock off Plymouth North, but by handling business against Sandwich last weekend, Marshfield has done their part in keeping their playoff chances alive and well. 
• Beverly - Say what you want about the possibility of them finishing the season under .500, but the Panthers have unquestionably earned their spot in the postseason.  Any time you can go undefeated in league play, you have proven that you are one of the top teams in your division.  The Panthers out-hit their league counterparts all year, winning their league games by a combined score of 143-73.  All but one of those scores came by way of the ground game (the other was a scoop and score).  They'll get a fight and a half from first round opponent Scituate, but if their Wing-T is clicking like it has been of late, don't be surprised if Beverly's season ends at Gillette Stadium.