ADFC Redzone Player of the Year: Nick LaSpada

     Billerica's sensational junior QB/DB Nick LaSpada was able to secure over 80% of the first place votes to earn the honor of our first ever ADFC Redzone Player of the Year.  

     LaSpada was what he has been his entire career: dominant.  On offense, he lead an attack that averaged a little under 28 points per game.  He compiled 40 total touchdowns and over 3000 total yards, and was the sole reason his Indians were able to stay in contention this year.

     Defensively, he was by far the best player on a unit that had its fair share of struggles.  He played his safety position beautifully, showing the ability to play both zone and man coverage, as well as a willingness to stop the run.

     A scary though: LaSpada was coming off an ACL injury suffered at the end of 2009, and it is widely believed that it takes a full year of action for a player to get back to his full potential.  With that being said, what kind of numbers can we expect from him in 2011?

Voting Re-Cap:

1) Nick LaSpada, Billerica - 37

2) Jordan Shairs, Gloucester - 30

3) Manny Asprilla, Everett - 29

4) Albert Louis-Jean, Brockton - 28

5) Tyllor McDonald, Lynn English - 26

ADFC Redzone Offensive Player of the Year: Nick LaSpada

     In what was the closest of our individual awards races, Billerica quarterback Nick LaSpada  narrowly edged Everett quarterback John DiBiaso to become the first ever ADFC Redzone Offensive Player of the year.

     Enough can't be said about LaSpada and his ability to make plays.  Despite his team's struggles, he was able to post Madden-type numbers.  The junior threw for over 2400 yards and 25 touchdowns.  On the ground, he torched opponents for 14 scores while also catching one.  

     LaSpada is arguably the most electrifying player in the state.  He forces defenses to pay attention to him on every snap, and many times multiple players tasked with the responsibility of shadowing him the entire game.

     The local media aren't the only ones talking about Nick; he is on the ESPN 150 watch-list, and has been discussed in fan chat rooms from Gainsville, FL to Eugene, OR.  

Voting Re-Cap:

1) Nick LaSpada, Billerica - 31

2) John DiBiaso, Everett - 30

3) Tyllor McDonald, Lynn English - 26

4) Trae Weathers, Revere - 23

ADFC Redzone Defensive Player of the Year: Albert Louis-Jean

   There weren't many players who combined all the intangibles the way Brockton's Albert Louis-Jean did during his high school career.  Louis-Jean boasted speed, athleticism, agility, and topped it off with a top-notch work ethic, and for his efforts, he received more than half of our first place votes, causing him to edge out Xaverian's Chris Tamasi and take home our first ever ADFC Redzone Defensive Player of the Year award.
    When watching Louis-Jean operate, you instantly see what has schools like Miami, Penn State, and Boston College drooling.  He possesses the ability to take away one side of the field, and is just as good in press coverage as he is when giving cushion.  His hips rival any defensive back in the country (that's no overstatement), and he is able to play the ball from in front of or behind the receiver.
     Louis-Jean does not come from the Deion Sanders School of Defensive Backs though; he'll hit you.  In what was perhaps the biggest stick of the season, Louis-Jean was able to drop Xaverian running back Joe Colton dead in his tracks, a play that helped Brockton stay close in a game that would ultimately end in a loss.  All season he showed the willingness to punish receivers and running backs alike, an attribute that will allow him to be able to play any secondary position at a high level.
     Here are the final standings for our vote:
1) Albert Louis-Jean, Brockton -  37
2) Chris Tamsi, Xaverian - 33
3) Shaq Taylor, Everett - 31
4) Obum Obukwelu, BC High - 26
5) Tim Joy, Chelmsford - 23

We're Back

After taking care of some very serious issues, we're back at it.  This week we'll announce of Individual Awards (finally), as well as take a look at a few players you need to watch in 2011 and beyond.  We apologize sincerely for the delay, but now that we have everything in order, we can get back to bringing you the best Massachusetts high school football coverage anywhere.

Division 1 State Champions: Everett Crimson Tide (13-0)

     Once again, the Everett Crimson Tide are the Division 1 State Champions, and once again, there is no doubt as to who is the best team in the state of Massachusetts.

      Everett dominated St. John's Prep in every facet of the game, allowing just one touchdown and racing out to a 24-7 halftime lead. John DiBiaso was exactly what he has been all year: efficient, timely, and a leader. He completed 16 of 21 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. The duo of Manny Asprilla and Matt Costello was responsible for all three touchdown receptions, and racked up over 200 receiving yards. Asprilla also contributed 76 yards on the ground.

      This win is especially special for this group of seniors. They were able to avenge 2008 and 2009 post season losses to Catholic Conference foes BC High and Xaverian, and that was not something Aprilla was interested in allowing happen again. He told us in his Pre-Game Post Friday, “losing another game to a Catholic Conference school would leave a scar on our lives forever.”

      That's something they no longer need to worry about. From the opening kickoff, it was clear Everett was the best team to take the field at Gillette Stadium Saturday. As great as SJP had been coming into this game, it didn't matter who lined up across from Everett this season; they weren't going to be able to stop the Tide from rolling.

Division 1A State Champions: Gloucester Fishermen (13-0)

     26 consecutive wins doesn't happen by accident. A team doesn't just miraculously play near-perfect football 26 times in a row. To be able to accomplish such a feat takes commitment beyond what 90% of high school athletes are willing to agree devote.

      Things are different in Gloucester. The town is comprised of hard working, down to earth, go-the-extra-mile kind of people. They wake up at five in the morning to go to work not because they enjoy it, but because they know it's what needs to be done.

      The attitude has been transferred to the football team, and because of that, Gloucester again stands at the top of the Massachusetts football world, going undefeated and utterly dominating a Bridgewater-Raynham team that was more than capable of beating them.

      Just when you think you have the Fishermen all figured out, they find a new way to beat you. For the most part, B-R did a good job slowing the Gloucester rushing attack. Jordan Shairs and Gilbert Brown each only found the end-zone once, and neither did so on a long, back-breaking run.

      But quarterback Joseph Avila was more than ready to pick up the slack. The senior signal caller connected with Brandon Cusumano and Mike Tomaino to pace Gloucester to their second consecutive Division 1A State Championship.

      The Gloucester defense was just as physical as ever, finding their way into running lanes and harassing B-R quarterback Billy Zolga the entire game.  It was, as has become the norm with Gloucester, a group effort, with all eleven players making their fair share of plays.

     Most importantly, it was a win that exemplified the attitude of the town.

     

Division 2 State Champions: Mansfield Hornets (12-1)

     No team that has ever won a championship escaped facing adversity. For the 2010 Mansfield Hornets, their toughest challenge came in the biggest game of the year against the team that won this very game last year.

      It didn't matter. Mansfield was able to come back from a 26-7 halftime deficit to shock everyone in attendance, scoring 21 unanswered points to knock off the previously undefeated Reading Rockets.

      It was a tale of two halves for Mansfield. The first two quarters, they looked nothing like the team that had won eleven straight, being overpowered on defense and bottled up on offense. Their only score came by way of some trickery, with All ADFC Second Team running back Jamel Marshal throwing his first touchdown pass of the season.

      They came out with a vengeance in the second half, scoring on their opening possession by way of a 68-yard touchdown pass from quarterback George Busharis to wide receiver Jeff Hill.  

      Next it was Marshall who helped pull them within five points by driving home a five yard run that was set up by another long pass by Busharis.

      The events leading up to their final score provided a game's worth of excitement itself.  After Reading picked off Busharis in the end-zone, it appeared the Rockets had solidified their second straight title. But on second and ten, Mansfield's Dan Gilmore stepped in front of a Brian Bourque pass at the 20 and returned it to the Rockets two. Marshall would bowl in for the deciding score.

      For their efforts, Mansfield returns to a very familiar place; this is the Hornets third championship in the last ten years. As historic a program as they have become, this one will undoubtedly stand out in the minds of fans for years to come.

Division 2A State Champions: Duxbury Green Dragons (13-0)

     Discipline. Fundamentals. Physicality. Those are the three things that stood out to me this season when watching Duxbury.

     Week in and week out, they were able to limit mistakes while forcing their opponents into countless penalties and turnovers. They consistently out hit and out manned the team lining up across from them, knocking off the likes of Bridgewater-Raynham, Plymouth North, and Dennis-Yarmouth.

      But it is the fundamentally sound brand of football that would make even the most staunch football traditionalist proud. From their quarterbacks to their defensive ends, they executed their assignments correctly and efficiently. Their running backs ran with the ball securly under their arm, the tip of the ball never exposed.  Their defensive linemen did a wonderful job using their hands to get off the opposing linemen's block attempt. All those things and more were the reasons Duxbury was able to handily beat Concord-Carlisle 35-13 to secure another state title.

      The Green Dragons' offense again leaned on the abilities of their two highly skilled quarterbacks, Matt O'Keefe and Kane Haffey, who threw for a combined 298 yards and four touchdowns.

      O'Keefe and Haffey were not the only players who shined for Duxbury. Receiver Matt Hallisey was responsible for 117 receiving yards and a score, and tight end Don Webber torched the C-C secondary to the tune of 124 yards and two touchdowns. Webber's last score, a 39-yard screen he took to the house, may have been the prettiest play of the game, as he used his blockers well, broke two tackles and made two other defenders miss.

      As has been the case all season, the Duxbury defense was bent but didn't break. They dominated the line of scrimmage, freeing their linebackers to roam and make plays the entire game. Concord-Carlisle's George Craan had another big day, piling up 149 yards and two touchdowns, and all in all the Patriots were able to move the ball relatively well. But each time they seemed headed for a score, the Duxbury defense tightened their belts and went to work.

      

Division 3 State Champion: Beverly Panthers (7-6)

     Take a moment and appreciate the kind of effort, hard work, and determination it takes to turn around an 0-5 start. In order for that kind of feat to be accomplished, you need every single member of a team to completely buy into the program. You need your captains to exude confidence every minute of every practice. You need coaches that never doubt their team's capabilities.

     The 2010 Beverly Panthers had all those things and more, and for that, they are your Division 3 State Champions.

     Beverly was able to again ride their Wing-T attack to a big win Saturday afternoon, knocking off previously undefeated Somerset 28-20.

     The usual suspects for the Panthers were up to their old tricks. Brendan Flaherty caught two Joe Wioncek touchdown passes, and Nick Theriault rushed for 139 yards to pace a Beverly offense that scored 21 unanswered points after falling behind 20-7.

     For as special as the offense was, it's the defense that is deserving of the game ball. They were able to shake off their first-half hardships and shut-out a Somerset team that had not had that happen all season.

     A key adjustment helped fuel their turn around. To neutralize the speed of the Somerset backfield, Beverly replaced a lineman with a linebacker. This allowed them more sideline to sideline quickness, as well as helped wear out the Somerset linemen, who would have a greater distance to travel when trying to get to their blocks.

     The win speaks volumes about a program that hadn't reached the postseason in 22 years. Beverly showed everyone, including themselves, that with a lot of faith and a little bit of luck, the improbable is more than capable of happening.

Division 3A State Champion: Holliston Panthers (12-1)

     If nothing else, the Holliston Panthers proved one thing Saturday morning: they had the best defense in Division 3A.  They made a Cardinal Spellman team that boasted one of the top offensive attacks in the state to 56 total yards, then did just enough on offense to avenge last year's loss and bring home a title by a score of 21-7.

     Sean Mayo, the much heralded Holliston signal caller, was every bit the play maker he has been his entire career.  Mayo scored twice, both times putting his head down to pick up short touchdowns.  What was most impressive was his decision making and leadership.  Mayo was as close to perfect as you can get, refraining from forcing throws and doing a fantastic job protecting the football.  

     As impressive as Mayo was, it was running back Kevin Curry who did the most damage.  His fourth quarter score on fourth and goal provided the Panthers with some much needed breathing room, but it was his ability to consistently pick up solid yardage that was most important.  Curry piled up 182 yards on 36 carries to frustrate a Cardinal Spellman defense that played fairly well all day.

     For the Panthers, it is the perfect way to end a season that began with high expectations.  All year, they were very clear that their goal was to avenge last year's State Championship loss to Austin Prep, and that's exactly what they did.  Congratulations to the Panthers and coach Todd Kiley.     

State Championship Updates

Three down, three to go.  Here is who has captured state title's so far today.

Division 3A

Holliston 21 vs. Cardinal Spellman 7

Division 3

Beverly 28 vs. Somerset 20

Division 2A

Duxbury 35 vs. Concord-Carlisle 13

Pre-Game Post with Everett's Manny Asprilla

 Heartbreak.  That's the feeling that Everett Crimson Tide will try and avoid tomorrow night when they butt heads with the St. John's Prep Eagles.  Everett has been ousted from the playoffs by Catholic Conference teams each of the last two years, and that is fresh in the minds of every Crimson Tide player, past and present.  Here, Manny Asprilla checks in with us again to let us know the vibe of his team the day before the biggest game of their lives. 

"To sum it all up in a few words, we are ready.  We have been preparing during these past few days and now we feel like it's time. The memory of last years Super Bowl loss will keep us going.

We are not happy with just making it to Gillette; second place is not what we are trying to accomplish. Two years in a row our dreams of winning the Super Bowl have been crushed by Catholic Conference teams: BC High in the 08 playoffs and Xaverian in the 09 Super Bowl. This will be the last time we all play together, and losing another game to a Catholic Conference school would leave a scar on our lives forever.

Football is just not a game in Everett, it's a way of life. I was once told by a man that when I wear red and gold I am not only playing for the team, not only for the school, but for the whole city of Everett.  For them (SJP), they do not play for a city; they paid to play for a school.  This means more to us than to them, and the city is on our shoulders, so we do not plan on going out there and disappointing our community. I am proud of what we have accomplished, not only on the field but off of it. This season I have seen boys turn into men. Roll Tide."

Division 1 State Championship: #1 Everett vs. St. John's Prep

     Instead of beating a dead horse by spitting out facts and praising the usual suspects, we'll give our thoughts on what we think could be keys for each team.

     Everett: Everett doesn't need to do a thing differently on offense; the DiBiaso-Asprilla-Costello-Langston crew will do their fair share of damage.  Where innovation could come into play is on the defensive side of the ball.  In the first meeting between these teams, Prep's offensive line struggled mightily with Shaq Taylor and the rest of the Everett defensive line.  Since then, they have made incredible strides, and I expect them to be able to neutralize the damage the Crimson Tide do up front.  Outside pressure from their linebackers could totally stymie the Prep offense.  By forcing Prep quarterback Tommy Gaudet to make a snap decision with the ball, it will take away the surprise element the play is designed to present.  This makes flowing to the ball easier.  And with the likes of Taylor and linebacker Vondell Langston in the middle, they have the luxury of not worrying about the fullback having gaping holes to run through.

     St. John's Prep: Prep had a time and a half moving the ball in the first meeting, but are a completely different team, and I expect them to do a better job sustaining drives this time around.  The talent differential will be a factor, so don't be surprised to see some wrinkles that are designed to take advantage of Everett's aggressive nature.  This could include an option pass, or a quick reverse that forces the defense one way in pursuit of what seems to be a traditional option, then brings a wide receiver back in the opposite direction.  While the hope is to break off big gains on these kinds of plays, they can also help neutralize a teams speed, as running them with success forces players to start thinking more than they'd like.

     Everett holds the advantage, but this is exactly the kind of game St. John's Prep thrives in.  All year this team has been slighted, and there is no bigger stage than this to prove all the pundits wrong.  Here is the issue: waiting on the other sideline is an Everett team that has a large chip on their shoulders as well.  You'd be a fool to make a pick in this game unless your an SJP alum or from Everett.  Instead, grab a sub and your favorite beverage, then sit back and enjoy some of the best football you'll see all year.

Pre-Game Post with Gloucester's Jordan Shairs

Experience is a huge factor when it comes to teams winning big games, and no team in this year's playoffs is more experienced than Gloucester.  The Fisherman have proven that they have the ability to win gamees no matter the circumstances, and much of that begins and ends with running back Jordan Shairs.  We were lucky enough to catch up with Jordan one day before he leads his team into battle with Bridgewater-Raynham for the Division 1A State Championship.   

"Everyone at practice feels excited and energized now that we have everyone healthy with the return of Brandon Cusumano. Its been a learning week.  We played them last year and they have changed a little, but not too much, so we all have an idea of what we’re doing defensively and offensively. Since we have such a short time to prepare for each other, you can’t really change anything, so we have to execute our base plays.  

This week the coaches have really focused on us having fun and just playing crazy. We have a lot seniors on our team this season, so for many of us it’s our last game and the biggest game we will ever play.  Our coaches want us to just have fun and soak it all in.

The first thing I see when I watch B-R on film is speed and execution. They run a very base offense but they have very good players and are very well coached.  They run their offense so well its hard to stop because they execute and are so fast. 

If we want to win this game we have to read our keys defensively and not allow them to run on us. B-R is a running team, and as shown last week, even when the starters are hurt they have plenty of backs that can get job done. Offensively, like I said earlier, we don't have much time to prepare, so we have to execute our base plays. They know what we run and we just have to execute.  Me, Gilbert Brown, Ben Chianciola, and Brandon Cusumano have to block for each other; that's when we’re at our best."

Division 1A State Championship: #2 Gloucester vs. #9 Bridgewater-Raynham

     It'll be a re-match of last year's title game, but some new faces will be leading the charge for both teams.

     The Gloucester offense used the same formula they have for years, pounding opponents and chewing up the clock.  The two players responsible for carrying out the Fisherman attack this year have been Jordan Shairs and Gilbert Brown.  Both players will get plenty of touches, but it will all be for not if Andrew Mizzoni and the Gloucester offensive line aren't able to create running lanes and help keep the chains moving.

     Gloucester's defense was superb Tuesday in their win over Weymouth.  After getting all they could handle in the first half, they made some great halftime adjustments that lead to them shutting out their opponents in the second half.  Forcing turnovers will be key.  B-R has been careless with the football at times, and Gloucester has made a habit of being opportunistic.  Since the Fishermen have showed that they can driven on, keeping the B-R offense off the field will seriously help their chances.

     The B-R offense comes into this game hoping to have the same type of success they've enjoyed the last four weeks, where they've put up 149 points.  They have a deep backfield that features Branden Morin and Nick Schlatz, both of whom figure to see plenty of carries depending on Schlatz's status after being injured against Weymouth.  Quarterback Billy Zolga is the driving force, however.  He completed 70% of his passes Tuesday night, and the Trojans success has depended heavily on his play.

     It's the same old story when the Trojans are on defense.  They are big and strong up front, and their Mike Chicoine lead linebackers are as tough as they come.  They have showed that they're susceptible to the big play, but the one-dimensional nature of Gloucester's offense should aid them in preventing long scores.  The game will lie in the hands of their front seven, as their ability to force three-and-outs will dictate how successful they are.

Division 2 State Championship: #6 Mansfield vs. #4 Reading

     Fans of these two teams know what those seeing them for the first time will learn Saturday afternoon: these are two of the toughest, most disciplined teams Massachusetts has to offer.

     Reading is no stranger to this stage, as the Rockets won the Division 2 title last year behind a bruising running game and stout defense.  Different year, same story for the Rockets.  They have given up just seven points per game this year, surrendering no more than 14 points in any of their contests.  Jeff Covitz anchors a defense that has shut down every opponent, and the pressure will be squarely on him and his fellow defensive linemen in this one.  For them to make it two straight titles, they'll need to limit the ability of the Mansfield offensive line to open holes for All ADFC Second Team running back Jamel Marshall.

     On offense, Reading will look to quarterback Brian Bourque to lead them in the ame fashion he has all season.  Bourque has made the switch from wide receiver to quarterback seamlessly, beating teams with both his arms and legs.  His ability to control the tempo will go a long way in deciding the outcome.

     When Mansfield has the ball, it all starts up front.  They boast five well-coached, physical linemen who are just as good at opening holes as they are protecting the passer.  Behind them are Marshall and quarterback George Busharis.  Both players have seemingly switched off beating opponents, and each will need to put their best foot forward if they hope to beat a Reading team that has been able to slow down the likes of Dracut's Matt Silva and Burlington's Marcus Odiah.

     The Mansfield defense has been quite the frugal bunch themselves.  They've been especially stout in the first half, giving up just 23 points since week one.  The most impressive thing about the Hornets is their discipline.  They are rarely caught out of position, and almost never get fooled.

     This may be the closest out of any game Saturday.  Both teams don't have any glaring weaknesses, and both have the ability to dominate on either side of the ball.  The team that has the ball last will prevail. 

Division 2A State Championship: #8 Duxbury vs. Concord-Carlsile

     Perhaps the most unheralded undefeated team in the state will bump heads with one of the surprise teams still alive on Saturday afternoon at Gillette Stadium, as 12-0 Duxbury and Concord-Carlisle will play for the Division 2A title. 

     Concord-Carlisle wasn't picked by many to make it this far despite their going 10-2 and posting a perfect league record.  But no single aspect has stood out about the Patriots, which made them the underdog going into their first round game against high flying North Andover.

     None of that mattered, as the Patriots totally neutralized both the North Andover rushing and passing attacks.  They also dominated with the ball, scoring 27 unanswered points after falling behind by 10 in the first quarter.

     The catalyst was George Craan, who rushed for 162 yards and three touchdowns.  His job was made easier by an offensive line that has made up for its lack of size by using great leverage and getting off the ball quickly.

     That will be incredibly important against a suffocating Duxbury defense that is giving up 10.8 points per game and shut out Big Three champion New Bedford.  Tuesday their pass rush was a major factor in slowing Dennis-Yarmouth quarterback Matt Montalto en route to a 19-7 win.  They'll need to play with their typical punishing style in order to keep Craan from having a repeat of Tuesday.

     On offense, the Green Dragons have a three-headed monster that has given defenses fits all year long.  Matt O'Keefe, Kane Haffey, and Henry Buonagurio have set the tone for a group that is able to put up points both on the ground and in the air.

     The key will be Concord-Carlisle's ability to frustrate the Greed Dragon offense.  Duxbury has disappeared offensively at times this year, and if Concord-Carlise can do their part to induce that, it will give them a chance win the field possession game, which will make the job of Craan and their offense much easier.

     

Division 3 State Championship: Beverly vs. Somerset

     Throw the stats, records, history, and everything else out when looking at this game.  Because at 11:00 on Saturday morning, a 6-6 Beverly team will be battling for a State Championship, and if their opponents decide to judge them by anything but what they showed Tuesday night, there will be a lot of people celebrating in the North Shore this weekend.

     As has been well documented by everyone who has covered Beverly, the Panthers started the season an abysmal 0-5.  None of that matters now, as they were spotless in league play, and dominated a very good Scituate team Tuesday night.  Offensively, their Wing-T may be clicking better than any other team still alive.  Brendan Flaherty has been an absolute monster the second half of the season, scoring 15 touchdowns in his teams last seven contests.  

     What has most propelled Beverly to its recent success is their defense.  They haven't allowed over 19 points, and have helped their team post a 97-point margin of victory in their six wins.  George Kastiniakis and Blake Sullivan forced timely turnovers in their win against Scituate, and the defense as a whole will need more of that if they hope to beat Somerset.

     For as precise as the Beverly Wing-T attack has been, there is one team that perhaps runs it better: Somerset.  The Blue Raiders offense is very much a reason for their undefeated record.  They have outscored opponents 428-125 and have been held under 30 points just four times.  Seniors Javon Spear and Seth DeMello have accounted for over 40 combined touchdowns, and their offensive line has handled every opponent with ease.

     Defensively, they are playing their best football of the year.  They have pitched two consecutive shutouts, holding both opponents to fewer than 10 first downs per game. Up front they have good size and agility, and their linebackers are sure tacklers who read and react well.

     It sounds obvious, but the offensive line that is most physical will lead its team to victory.  Somerset has an advantage in the size department, but there may not be a hungrier unit that Beverly.   

Division 3A State Championship: Cardinal Spellman vs. Holliston

     Firepower galore will be on display early Saturday morning as Sean Mayo leads the Holliston air attack against running back Blaise Blanchard and Cardinal Spellman.

     For Holliston, this marks their second appearance in the state championship in as many years.  Last year, they bowed to Austin Prep.  For them to prevent a similar outcome, they'll need their defense to be at its best.  Kevin LaMarque and Tommy McCarthy will be charged with the task of assuring the Cardinal Spellman offensive line isn't allowed to produce the gaping holes Blanchard has run through all season.  If they can stand tall and make a few plays in the backfield, Holliston's chances will increase dramatically.  

    On offense, enough can't be said about how talented the Panthers are.  Mayo leads a unit that posted a whopping 39.9 points per game during the regular season, and dropped 35 on a Rockland team that was allowing just 10.4  Running back Jake Frechette has been their feature back, putting up ten rushing touchdowns and doing a tremendous job keeping defenses from keying on his teams passing attack.

     Expect to see a heavy dose of Mr. Blanchard when Spellman has the ball.  The senior has amassed 36 touchdowns this season, and has proved that he is every bit as explosive as some of the more heralded backs.  Balance will be key for the Cardinals, however, as Holliston may present the best front seven they have seen this season.

     Defensively, discipline will be demanded.  Holliston does a great job mixing in the pass with the run, and if the Spellman defense doesn't stay home and mindful of the play-action, Holliston will put up points in a hurry.  

     The Cardinals have more than enough talent to contend with the Panthers.  They are statistically the stingiest defense in Division 3A, shutting out opponents five times this year.  Outside linebacker Kevin Stanton is the leader of this bunch, registering 80-plus tackles.  

     Ball control will be the key.  Cardinal Spellman has the pass rush ability to get in Mayo's face, which means it could very well come down to a battle between Frechette and Blanchard.  The team that shows the ability to control the clock will find themselves victorious.   

Division 4 State Championship: Shawsheen vs. Blue Hills

     The defensive unit that is more physical will propel their team to glory, as two tenacious teams square off in the deciding game of the Division 4A playoffs.

     Blue Hills comes into this one well rested, but their biggest challenge may be knocking off the rust, as they'll have played just two games in the last 22 days come Saturday.

     Don't expect that to be too much of a hindrance to the Warriors, who are lead by a bruising rushing attack that mixes in quite a few runners.  The catalysts have been sophomore Vincent Burton and junior Isaiah Teixeira.  The two have scored 36 combined touchdowns this season to lead an offensive attack that is averaging 28 points per game.

     Defensively, they are lead by a stout defensive line that is just as good against the run as they are against the pass.  They rank third in Division 4 in points allowed, and Rick Connor and Jamarr Goff have been handfuls for opposing offensive lines.

     For Shawsheen, everything starts with their defense.  Derek Bent has been an absolute nightmare from his defensive end spot, at times demanding double teams and single handily taking over whatever side he lines up on.  Linebacker Devin Connearney has topped double digit tackles in almost every game this season, and as a unit they've been able to shut out each of their last four opponents.  If anyone can bottle up Burton and Teixeira, its the Rams.

     When the Rams have the ball, they have no shortage of play makers to turn to.  Quarterback Ryan Woolaver is a dual threat who does a good job protecting the football.  Andrew Dascoli is their primary running threat, but Steve Reynolds and Paul DiPlacido have also shown the ability to make plays.  Bob Greenwood has been their most explosive receiver, hauling in three touchdown passes.

     Field position will play a major roll.  Both defenses will get their stops, but the one that consistently does so in the three to seven play range will put their offenses in the best position to strike.  Expect a low scoring affair.

Division 4A State Championship: Northeast vs. Brighton

     It will be power against speed in the Division 4A State Championship, as Northeast and their physical line square off against Brighton's lightning quick offensive attack for the Division 4A.

     Northeast may have the best chance out of the teams with the chance to repeat of doing so.  They have been dominant in every aspect of the game, overpowering teams on offense and allowing an impressive 9.6 points per game on defense.  J.P. O'Connell and Ryan Adams lead a unit that has been nearly impossible to slow all year, and their secondary showed just how talented they are in limiting Pope John's Malcolm Brown during their first round win.

     Offensively, quarterback Don DiPietrantonio leads an attack that boats a slew of talented runners.  The Golden Knights have topped 30 points in each of their last five games, outscoring opponents 192-30.

     For Brighton, it all starts with the offensive duo of quarterback Jonathan Marrero and running back Andrew Maestre.  Both have shown the ability to make big plays, combining for six touchdowns of 30 yards or more.  

     The Brighton defense has been impressive as well.  They've done a good job forcing turnovers, and Tuesday they were able to dominate a very strong West Bridgewater team.  They'll have to do a better job in the trenches this week if they hope to earn a win, as Northeast has shown the ability to grind out long, methodical drives.   

     The difference in this one could come down to kick coverage.  Northeast has done a very good job defending kickoffs this year, but Brighton may very well by the best team in the state at making things happen on special teams.  Four times they've been able to return kicks for scores, and if they are able to consistently give their offense short fields to work with, they could be raising a banner next week. 
  

Tuesday Key Players

Here are five players who proved their worth Tuesday night.

• Gilbert Brown, Gloucester - Brown showed no signs of his injury plagued season Tuesday night, busting up the Lincoln-Sudbury defense to the tune of 142 yards and a touchdown.  Brown averaged 7.5 yards per carry to help lead his team to a 21-0 win and a re-match with Bridgewater-Raynham for the state crown.
• Blaise Branch, Cardinal Spellman - Same old same old for Branch.  The senior rattled off 176 yards and two touchdowns to keep his team undefeated and set up a showdown with Holliston at Gillette Saturday morning.
• Billy Zolga, Bridgewater-Raynham - Think Zolga wanted another crack at Gloucester?  The senior signal caller found the end-zone three times, completing 7 of 10 passes for 148 yards.
• Brian Bourque, Reading - Bourque picked up where Reading's 2009 quarterback Stanley Andre left off, throwing for 129 yards and rushing for 69 to help his team win what was the best game of the night.  Beyond that, he took a quarterback sneak over the top to give his team what would prove to be the winning score.
• John DiBiaso, Everett - The senior quarterback lead his team to a victory once again using his arm, scoring twice and breaking the Eastern Mass single season record for touchdown passes.

State Championship Match-ups

Take at peak at the match-ups for this weekends State Championships. 

Division 1 (at Gillette Stadium)

#1 Everett vs. St. John's Prep - 6:00 P.M.

Division 1A (at Gillette Stadium)

#2 Gloucester vs. #9 Bridgewater-Raynham - 8:00 P.M.

Division 2 (at Gillette Stadium)

#4 Mansfield vs. #6 Reading - 3:30 P.M.

Division 2A (at Gillette Stadium)
#8 Duxbury vs. Concord-Carlisle - 1:30 P.M.

Division 3 (at Gillette Stadium)

Beverly vs. Somerset - 11:00 A.M.

Division 3A (at Gillette Stadium)

Cardinal Spellman vs. Holliston - 9:00 A.M.

Division 4 (at Curry College)

Shawsheen vs. Blue Hills

Division 4A (at Curry College)

Northeast vs. Brighton

First Round Tid-Bits

Here are some interesting facts from last nights first round playoff games.

• Six - That is the number of shutouts notched, as the Everett, Somerset, Gloucester, Mansfield, Northeast, and Shawsheen defenses all played near perfect football.
• 40 - John DiBiaso threw two touchdown passes to push his season total to 40, breaking the Massachusetts state record.
• 25 - The number of consecutive wins for both Reading and Gloucester after both teams were able to handle their opponents.
• Zero - The number of touchdowns scored by Andover's Andrew Coke against Everett, pushing Andover's record to 0-3 in 2010 when he doesn't find the end zone.
• 34 - Consecutive points to start the game scored by 5-6 Beverly in their upset of Scituate.
• 2 - Touchdowns by way of pass in Gloucester's last six games; they have scored a combined 31 touchdowns during that stretch.