Week 9 Radar

Catholic Memorial-Brockton is getting most of our attention, but these games are worth paying close attention to as well.

• #6 Methuen (7-1) at Central Catholic (6-2) - Another tough match-up for the Rangers.  Since starting the season 1-2, Central Catholic has rattled off five straight wins that include two consecutive shutouts.  Trae Musumarra has been incredible during that stretch, scoring ten times.  But all year Methuen has been faced with tall tasks and found a way to win.  In order for Central Catholic to change that, they'll need to keep Cal Carroll and company off the field by controlling the tempo.  Both teams run the ball extremely well, so the one that does so best will walk away with a victory.  
• BC High (4-3) at #4 Xaverian (6-2) - Who in the world made the Hawks' schedule, the St. John's Prep AD?  As a reward for beating high flying St. John's Shrewsbury, the Hawks get a visit from BC High, arguably the most complete team in their conference other than themselves.  The secret in this one is really no secret: the team whose young quarterback plays the best will win.  Both teams have talented defenses and game-changing backs. The signal caller that limits their mistakes and makes the most plays will win. 
• Barnstable (5-3) at Bridgewater-Raynham (6-2) - B-R has found their stride since losing to Plymouth North.  They knocked off #4 Xaverian, and now find themselves head to head with what seems to be their biggest threat in the Old Colony Conference.  Barnstable struggled slowing down Plymouth North last weekend, but the key for them will be finding a way to spread it around on offense.  Jordan Henderson is without question a top receiver, but the Red Raiders are toughest to beat when the wealth is shared.  Look for the Mike Chicoine-led Trojan defense to try and bring pressure in an attempt to limit Barnstable quarterback Doug Crook's effectiveness.  This one will most likely come down to the last play, as each teams strength is their opponents weakness.  
• Austin Prep (4-4) at Cardinal Spellman (8-0) - Despite the extreme difference in record, this game has serious playoff implications.  If Austin Prep can steal this one, it would bring them to 2-1 in the conference and put them in a tie with St. Mary's, whom they lost to, and Cardinal Spellman.  From there, anything can happen, as St. Mary's already has lost to Spellman, and has a tough game at Bishop Fenwick on the horizon.  It'll take a big day from senior running back Ryan Harvey, who has scored seven of his nine touchdowns in Austin Prep wins.  For Spellman, their defense is their biggest asset.  They've pitched three shutouts, and have given up double digit points only once.  Add to that the fact that they haven't allowed a score in seven consecutive quarters, and it's easy to see why the Cougars will have to play a near-flawless game.
• Dennis-Yarmouth (7-1) at Falmouth (5-2) - Falmouth needs to stop the bleeding, and fast.  After racing out to a 5-0 start that included a win against BC High, they've been handled with relative ease the last two weeks, scoring only once each game.  Falmouth will need to get it going on offense to keep up with a Dolphins attack that is averaging 35.4 points per game and has scored 35 or more in all but two games.  They also will need to keep Dennis-Yarmouth quarterback Matt Montalto in check; he's been able to throw for 16 scores and run for another 9.