All ADFC Watch List: Top WR's and ATH's (Week 6)

Athletes

1. Nick LeSpada, QB/DB, Billerica*
2. Albert Louis-Jean, WR/DB, Brockton 
3. Richard Rodgers, WR/K/DE, St. Johns Shrewsbury 
4. Armani Reeves, WR/KR, Catholic Memorial*
5. Manny Asprilla, WR/RB, Everett
6. Vondell Langston, RB/LB, Everett*
7. Randall Jette, QB/DB, Martha's Vineyard
8. Travonne Berry-Rogers, WR/DB, Lynn English
9. Nelson Baptiste, RB/DB, Falmouth
10. Isaiah Penn, QB/WR/DB, Newton North

Wide Receivers

1. Richard Rodgers, St.Johns Shrewsbury
2. Armani Reeves, Catholic Memorial*
3. Albert Louis-Jean, Brockton
4. Raudy Minaya, Methuen
5. Jordan Henderson, Barnstable
6. Matt Costello, Everett
7. Matt Clifford, Billerica* 
8. Dylan Hodsdon, Dennis-Yarmouth 
9. Jesse Monteiro, Brockton
10. Mike Muir, Xaverian

Week 7 Top 10

A new #1, but for the most part, more of the same this week.

1. Everett (5-0) - Manny Asprilla was a man possessed in the fourth quarter of the Tide's win over #2 Xaverian
2. Xaverian (5-1) - Great bid this weekend by the Hawks.  They'll pick themselves up and get back on track in no time.
3. Brockton (5-1) - Another solid win for Brockton.  They keep finding ways to beat really good teams.
4. St. Johns Shrewsbury (6-0) - They jump up from number five after putting together four quarters of great football against a feisty St. Johns Prep team.  A win against #2 Xaverian could pit them right under the Tide.
5. Gloucester (6-0) - The Fisherman have won two straight tight games and look ready to start conference play.
6. Methuen (5-1) - Their defense pitched a shutout, and their offense keeps on rolling.
7. Mansfield (5-1) - Last week they shut out King Phillip's rushing attack.  This week they held Attleboro to one score.  And I heard their running back is decent, too. 
8. Falmouth (5-0) - A much deserved week off for this undefeated squad. 
9. Weymouth (6-0) - The Colarusso's are nasty, but quarterback Mitch Temple is the key to me.  Very good team.
10. Longmeadow (5-1) - Great Wing-T attack compliments a tough defense.  

Dropping Out: None

Knocking on the Door: Reading (6-0), Chelmsford (5-1) 

All ADFC Watch List: OL's and DL's

The hoggies get some love here.

Offensive Line

1. Liam Porter, Natick
2. Andrew Kestenbaum, Dartmouth
3. Nate Cyr, St. Johns Prep
4. Francis Ike, Stoughton
5. Vernon Sanvil, Malden
6. Lance Burlingame, New Bedford
7. Peter Crampton, Lexington
8. John Wallace, Sommerville
9. Harry King, Xaverian
10. Ben Pogue, Barnstable

Defensive Line

1. Obum Obukwelu, BC High
2. Shaquille Taylor, Everett
3. Chris Unis, Gloucester
4. Chris Mooney, Stoneham
5. William Carruthers, Brockton
6. Ryan Deleslie, Saint Johns Prep
7. Zach Smerlas, Lincoln-Sudbury
8. Olajuwan Dickerson, Milton
9. Alec May, King Phillip
10. Brien Massey, Brockton

All ADFC Watch List: LB's and DB's

Our initial rankings continue, this time on the defensive side of the ball.  Linebackers and defensive backs get the spotlight below.

Linebackers

1. Tim Joy, Chelmsford*
2. Vondell Langston, Everett*
3. Saquaan Louis, Brockton
4. Chris Tamasi, Xaverian
5. Mike Chicoine, Bridgewater-Raynham
6. Andrew Mizzoni, Gloucester
7. Seth Newcomb, Middleboro
8. Tom Fitzgerald, Rockland
9. Chris Cacciola, King Phillip
10. Seth DeMello, Somerset

Defensive Backs

1. Albert Louis-Jean, Brockton
2. Nick LeSpada, Billerica*
3. Randall Jette, Martha's Vineyard
4. Deontae Ramey-Doe, BC High*
5. Nicholas McDaniels, Xaverian
6. Travone Berry-Rodgers, Lynn English
7. Lucas Depina, Brockton*
8. Armani Reeves, Catholic Memorial
9. Ryan Pietrantonio, Everett*
10. Rayon Hall, Randolph 

* Denotes underclassman

 

How They Fared: Week 6 Top 10

Here's how the state's best made out this weekend.

1. Xaverian (5-1) Lost to #2 Everett - The Hawks played great football for three quarters, but faltered during crunch time.  Don't look for them to make this losing thing a habit.
2. Everett (5-0) Beat #1 Xaverian - Everett will be back in a familiar place in everybody's rankings: #1
3. Brockton (5-1) Beat Pinkerton (NH) - As quarterback Paul Mroz progresses, this team will become tougher and tougher to beat.
4. Gloucester (6-0) Beat Masconomet - The closeness of this score is sure to raise some eyebrows.  
5. St. Johns Shrewsbury (6-0) Beat St. Johns Prep - Great game for SJS from beginning to end.  Let the SJS-Xaverian hype begin.  
6. Methuen (5-1) Beat Haverhill -This defense has dealt with every challenge thrown their way, handling their opponent this week in dominant fashion. 
7. Falmouth (5-0) - Idle 
8. Mansfield (5-1) Beat Attleboro - This game shouldn't have been one sided.  Attleboro has a very good team.  What does that say about Hornets then?
9. Weymouth (6-0) Beat Newton North - The beat goes on for the Wildcats.  Look for them to keep mauling teams until their Thanksgiving showdown with Walpole.  
10. Longmeadow (5-1) Beat Central - No post-big game letdown for the Lancers.  They hammered Central Friday night.
    

Week 6 Key Games Re-Cap

• Everett over Xaverian - I knew something our counterparts over at ESPN didn't: you never, ever, pick against Everett.  We learned quite a bit about three teams in this one.  For Everett, they are undoubtedly the best defense in the state.  They have a dominant front line, their linebackers are fast and aggressive, and their defensive backs have shut down capability.  They look primed to erase the memories of last years state championship letdown.  In the case of Xaverian, they need to find one more guy to make plays on offense.  The Joe Colton/Chris Tamsi duo is one hell of an attack, but they'll need more from the passing game to be able to beat Everett or double up against Brockton.  You'd be crazy to think the Hawks wont have this fixed come playoff time, however.  The third team we learned something about was Brockton.  Brockton is still, in my mind, the most dangerous team in the state.  They match Everett in home run hitting capability, and had it not been for a late fumble, may still be sitting atop the Mass high school football world.  They seem to have taken their foot of the gas recently, but as quarterback Paul Mroz gets better and better, the Boxers look more like a team that can't be beat.
• St. John's Shrewsbury over St. John's Prep - Great win for SJS, but I was thoroughly impressed with Prep.  For the first time this year, SJS played their starters from beginning to end.  And while the more talented team pound for pound won in the end, Prep was more than up for this challenge.  The defense popped all game, and made SJS quarterback Dan Light hurry a bit more than he's used to.  Their offensive line was also impressive.  After coming up just short against teams like Brockton and SJS, Prep now has to be considered a dark horse in the Catholic Conference.  Quick note: I made a mistake not including Richard Rodgers in my top 10 athletes in the state.  One of his sacks yesterday made my my staffer send me a text (while sitting next to me) that said "has he changed ur mind yet?"  Yes, he has.  Updates coming tomorrow.  
• Chelmsford over Andover - Chelmsford's defense returned to form Friday night.  They stuffed holes, flew to the ball, and were able to limit Andover's Andrew Coke's effectiveness.  Look out for senior Zach Hayes too.  He had a touchdown catch, and returned a pick 45 yards for a score.  If they can keep this up and find a way to beat Billerica, Chelmsford will find themselves playing beyond Thanksgiving. 
• Swampscott over Lynn English - Tough, tough loss for the Bulldogs.  Swampscott was able to do just what I said they needed to: limit Melvin Tavares.  Tavares was kept out of the end zone, and the Big Blue did a good job all game keeping him from getting to the second level.  Swampscott juniors A.J. Baker and Michael Walsh were clicking inside the red zone, twice hooking up for scores.  No reason to think Swampscott can't take home the Northeastern Small crown this year.  They've show the ability to beat more athletically gifted teams, and their defense now has a performance they can hang their hat on.   
• North Andover over Northeast - It wasn't the Brandon Walsh show, but it didn't need to be either.  Jack Murphy and Bobby Novello were much too much to handle, scoring twice each.  This was a good test for Northeat though.  It doesn't affect their chances at making the playoffs, and no team in their conference is anywhere near as dangerous as North Andover.  For the Knights, its another blowout win against a quality opponent.  A dangerous bunch up north.

All ADFC Watch List's

Let's clear something up quickly.  We're not really ranking these players, per se.  We're just giving them props on how they've played thus far.  So, in other words, Nick LeSpada being above Albert Louis-Jean on the Athlete list doesn't mean we think LeSpada is necessarily better than Louis-Jean, it just means if we released our team today, LeSpada would occupy the "Athlete" spot on our first team.  That also does not mean Louis-Jean would be kept off our first team (he wouldn't; he'd actually be first team on offense and defense).  So don't look too too much into the rankings.  They're just meant to give a shout out to a few of the players that have that "wow" factor.  

Four to Watch Re-Cap

Here's how our four to watch made out this weekend.

• Vondell Langston, RB/LB, Everett - I said he was capable of wreaking havoc, and wreak he did.  Langston seemed like a man amongst boys at times.  He ran in his usual punishing fashion, and was able to put some solid hits on the Xaverian backs.  The more I see him, the more convinced I become he can be a top 10 player in the region.
• Randall Jette, QB/DB, Martha's Vineyard - Not what I (or anyone else) expected to see.  Somerset played like a team possessed, and not even MV wasn't able to slow them down.  The Blue Raiders were able to put the clamps on the Vineyarders' option attack, then use their Wing-T to rack up close to 400 total yards.  Expect other teams with MV on their schedule to mimic the aggressive attack Somerset used to slow Jette.
• Isaiah Penn, QB/WR, Newton North - Penn isn't the signal caller for the Tigers anymore, but if he had been, they may have had an easier time moving the ball against the Wildcats.  North was able to get him the ball in space a few times from his receiver position, but because little else seemed to be clicking, the effect was minimal.
• Bartley Regan, QB, BC High - Great job by Regan yesterday.  He connected on a 1st quarter touchdown pass, and was able to control the tempo of the game.  Could be a huge turning point in his progression, as he made better decisions and seems to be gaining confidence.  The Eagles could be picking up steam at just the right time.  

ADFC Game of the Week - #9 Weymouth at Newton North

     This one was very one sided, with Weymouth's offensive and defensive lines proving much too much for the Tigers.  So we've decided to take a different approach to breaking this one down.  I'll go in-depth on one player from each team, then breakdown a few key match ups and players who stood out.  

Newton North Player Breakdown: Isaiah Penn

     Apparently I didn't get the memo that Penn wasn't taking snaps for the Tigers anymore.  None the less, he was the most athletically gifted player on the field.  He lined up at four different positions, including quarterback and kick returner.  Here is what stands out about Isaiah right away: his build.  He is tall, lean, and should be able to add about 20-30 pounds of muscle at the next level.  If he is able to keep his speed, he could be a game changer. 

    Offensive Breakdown -  He moves well, with little wasted motion when he wiggles.  Good job keeping his momentum going when he cuts.  His biggest attribute with the ball in his hands is his ability to break tackles.  While he isn't the absolute bull Dylan Colarusso is, he refuses to go down without a fight.  He will lower his shoulders, and isn't afraid to initiate contact.  He catches the ball fairly well and has solid hands.  Wasn't able to see his ability to catch the deep ball as the Tigers quarterback struggled all day.  

     Defensive Breakdown - This is where I see Penn making a difference on Saturday's.  He plays a very solid safety position.  His backpedal is good, and he consistently takes his read drop, something that tends to be overlooked by many young safeties.  His hips need a little work, but they move smoothly, which is a good sign.  His aggression is his strong point.  Penn will hit ya.  He showed his willingness to come up and give a pop to Colarusso, something some of his fellow Tigers seemed not to want a part of early on.  His awareness also impressed me, as he kept his head on a swivel, allowing him to take away Weymouth's deep routes.  Love the way he puts a hit on crossing receivers.  He got into trouble for it in the third quarter, but it sent a message and seemed to wake his teammate up.  No reason to believe Penn can't contribute at the Division 1AA level on this side of the ball.  He's got what you look for in a safety/hybrid type player: tenacity, aggression, speed, change of direction skills, and smarts.  Very good player.  

Weymouth Player Breakdown: QB Mitch Temple

     Dylan and Ozzy Colarusso are the stat mongers, but Temple is a huge part of this offense.  Four times in the first half Temple was able to connect with his receivers on third down to move the chains. 

     Two things stood out to me about Temple.  First and foremost was the way he executed the play action fake.  Temple did a great job extending the ball into his backs torso's, then quickly getting into the throwing position.  He used his shoulders well too, dipping them slightly to mimic the motion made when making contact with a back during a hand-off.  It's not only those two things that make his fakes work so well though.  He is able to freeze the defense and execute playactions so well because he does such a good job carrying out his own fakes on hand-offs.  Weymouth is a run heavy offense, and as a quarterback, when you hand the ball off that much, it can be tempting to fake the bootleg every once in a while.  Temple fakes it almost every time, which makes the defense tend to pay less attention to him.  

     The second thing that I liked about Temple was the fact that he had the wherewithal to know when to put something extra on it and when to take something off.  On one third down completion in the first quarter, he rolled right, noticed a Tiger linebacker in the flat zone, and another over the top of his tight end, then lofted a pass that was just over the head of the backer, yet had enough on it to land in his receivers hands before the defensive back could make a play on it.  On the last play of the first half, he fired a bullet to Khary Bailey-Smith that left Tigers corner Mike Thorpe no chance of making a play.  

A few other notes from today's showdown.

• I was impressed with North junior Mike Thorpe.  Thorpe is quick, has good instincts, and a high potential ceiling.  With the ball in his hands, he's shifty and elusive, possessing the ability to make people miss.  On defense, he was the best corner on either team.  He made an amazing play on the ball in the final seconds of the first half.  Weymouth's Bailey-Smith broke to the corner of the end zone on a go route, with Temple throwing a jump ball.  At the very last moment, Thorpe was able to knock the ball away from him, setting up third down.  If Thorpe can add some size, he'll be an intriguing Division II prospect.  
• Can somebody please tell me who #57 on Newton North was.  He was nowhere to be found on the roster, and the parents sitting around me had no idea as well.  This kid could play though.  He was impressive all day, blowing the Weymouth center off the ball.  He has a high motor and a sturdy build.  Fun to watch. 
• Not enough can be said about the Colarusso's.  Dylan is a house who brings it on both sides of the ball.  I love him most on defense though.  He is disciplined and ferocious, with the ability to make plays anywhere on the field.  Ozzy is the quicker of the two.  he has good hands and feet, and is capable of breaking off a long run at any time. 
• This Weymouth offensive line will lead this team to the postseason.  I don't see anyone with the ability to knock this team off until the postseason.  Thanksgiving will be quite the match up, but I think this team is just too much. 
  

Four to Watch for Week 6

These four players may very well make or break their teams chances of winning this weekend.

• Vondell Langston, RB/LB, Everett - The back getting most of the limelight this week has been Joe Colton of Xaverian.  And while Colton is extremely talented, it's Everett's horse who holds the key.  Maybe Xaverian is able to contain Matt Costello and Manny Asprilla, but if it doesn't fine a way to account for Langston on both sides of the ball, their streak ends.  Langston is big, fast, and has the ability to take over a game where it counts most: between the tackles.  If Xaverian doesn't block him, he'll have double digit tackles.  If they don't wrap him up, they'll be forced to walk defenders up, forcing their corners on an island.  Langston holds the key.
• Randall Jette, QB/DB, Martha's Vineyard - I thought it was a typo when I got my recruiting breakdowns back and the kid who had many of my partner schools drooling was listed as playing in Martha's Vineyard.  It's no mistake, and he's that good.  But this Somerset team is the deeper of the two.  Jette has the ability (much like the above mentioned Langston), to dominate on both sides of the ball, and that's exactly what needs to happen for his squad to end Somerset's win streak while keeping their own alive.
• Isaiah Penn, QB, Newton North - No one expects much of a contest between Newton North and Weymouth.  For that not to be the case, North needs a serious performance from their dual threat quarterback.  If the Tigers are able to run the ball effectively, it'll draw the borderline dangerously aggressive Weymouth defense up, opening the door for play-action.  If that happens, watch for Penn to take to the air and make some plays.   
• Bartley Regan, QB, BC High - Regan has had his fair share of troubles this season.  But he is still quite a talented player.  For the Eagles to get to where they want to be (the top of the Catholic Conference), they'll need him to pick it up.  A strong outing against Hudson Catholic is a perfect place to start.  If Regan can keep pressure of Preston Cooper, the Eagles can find themselves right back in the thick of a tightly packed CC. 

Big 12 Forecast

Key match-ups this weekend in the Big 12.  Texas-Nebraska is the headliner, but two other games will have long lasting implications as well. 

• #21 Missouri at Texas A&M - Mizzou has been a handful this season, outscoring opponents 177-56.  Problem is, it's been against mostly bottom feeders.  A&M is mildly underachieving, but still one of the stronger teams in the Big 12.  Jerrod Johnson is arguably the most exciting dual threat quarterback not named Denard Robinson, and the Aggies are 11th in the nation in passing yards per game.  I look for Missouri to falter late.  Texas A&M 41-38.
• #20 Oklahoma State at Texas Tech - Tech is having all sorts of trouble on defense, giving up a little over 31 points a game, good for 97th in the country.  Not good news when your opponent ranks 2nd in points for and passing yards per game.  The Cowboys continue their win streak by a count of 56-24.
• Texas at #5 Nebraska - I can't remember the last time Texas was un-ranked, but they are a very young team with a whole heap of problems.  Nebraska has redemption, experience, and a hot quarterback on their side.  Cornhuskers in a blowout right? Nope.  Nebraska's opponents boast a combined record of 11-15, with three of the five teams teams having two or fewer wins.  Texas has had to deal with three consecutive solid opponents, including BCS Championship contender Oklahoma.  The fairy tale ends for Nebraska here.  Texas 35-31. 

Player Breakdown: Raudy Minaya

From time to time, we like to take closer look at the players who are turning heads around the state.  Today, we'll go more in depth in our assessment of Methuen senior wide receiver Raudy Minaya.  Raudy has been electrifying, posting solid numbers against every team he's faced this year.  Here is why Raudy is so intriguing, however: he is still very, very raw, and with time (and commitment), all of the below mentioned aspects can and will improve.  We'll look at five key aspects of his game: Route Running, Ball Skills, Hands, Down Field Blocking, and Speed.

• Route Running - Solid off the line and throughout his routes.  Not in the Reeves/Rodgers class quite yet, but hs the ability is there.  The post is his most impressive route.  He is able to take away the cushion with his speed, then his break is precise.  He also does a good job keeping his angle on this particular route when coming out of the cut.  Also has little wasted motion, which is a great sign.  Room for improvement, but a solid base.  GRADE: B/B-
• Ball Skills - It's clear he is  a basketball player.  He isn't afraid to go up for the ball.  As he catches more and more deep balls, he'll become more comfortable going up, but he is fearless, and has great leaping ability.  This will eventually be the strong point of his game.  GRADE: B+
• Hands - Solid in this area.  He can catch the ball away from his body, and always stands tall (stays sturdy, does not shy away from a hard thrown pass).  Sometimes has the tendency to catch it with his pads, but has the instincts, ability, and athleticism to train himself to break that habit.  Overall a solid area.  GRADE: B
• Downfield Blocking - I like this part of his game.  He will lock onto a defensive back and has the ability and strength to take him out of the play.  He's an asset to quarterback Cam Carroll and running back Ryan Savastano because he can give them one less player to worry about when executing their zone read.  Tough kid.  GRADE: B+
• Speed - Another strong point.  Raudy is hell to cover for 95% of the corners he'll face.  He accelerates beautifully, and doesn't need to waste time and energy with an extra move when running the "go" route.  He could use a little work exploding off the line, but that is purely an experience problem.  Once it's fixed, he'll be up there with the most dynamic play makers in the state.  GRADE: B/B+
• The Bottom Line - Raudy has a room for improvement, but an incredibly high ceiling.  He is a scholarship athlete with all the tools needed to be a play maker at the next level.  Time will tell, but right now I have him as the biggest sleeper in this year's receiving class.  He could make some school very, very happy.

Big Ten Forecast

Big Ten play gets a whole lot more interesting this weekend.  Here's how we have the big ticket games panning out.

• Illinois at Michigan State - The Ron Zook era at Illinois has had a remarkable resemblance to the Ron Zook era at Florida: great recruiting classes, not so great on the field products.  Last week's win in Happy Valley was impressive though.  The defense constantly pressured Robert Bolden, and the offense finally seemed to be able to put together four good quarters.  On paper they should be able to hang with the Spartans, but Michigan State looks primed to throw a wrench in the Big Ten picture if they continue to play at their current level.  I like Michigan State, 35-20.
• Iowa at Michigan - Michigan State showed that Denard Robinson does not wear an "S" under his jersey, but Iowa has struggled against play making quarterbacks all year. Plus, Rich Rodriguez could sure use a defining Big Ten win in to keep his critics from taking center stage again.  I'm going with the Wolverines, 27-21.
• Ohio State at Wisconsin - I'm still not sold on the Badgers.  They most certainly can run the ball, but to beat the Buckeyes they'll need to let Scott Tolzien stretch the field and protect the football.  On the defensive side of the ball, it's all about forcing turnovers.  Terrelle Pryor has been superb, but he still has a tendency to force the issue in tight spots.  If Wisconsin can take advantage of that, they've got a good shot.  I don't see it happening though.  31-17 Buckeyes. 

Week 6 Preview

Another great weekend of football.  Here are some of the showdowns we have our eye on. 

• Everett at Xaverian - Xaverian welcomes another second ranked team this weekend.  This time, they'll have their hands full with John DiBiaso and the Everett offense, which has piled up 154 points in four games.  The challenge when preparing for Everett is keeping track of where Coach DiBiaso puts his play makers.  Many times, you'll see the Tide line up Manny Asprila and Matt Costello outside, in the slot, and in the backfield.  For the Hawks to be successful, they'll need to quickly identify where these two are lined up, then make their adjustments accordingly.  If the Hawks can stay disciplined and keep Costello and Asprila from getting behind their secondary, there is no reason to believe they won't stay unbeaten.  
• Key Match-Up: Xaverian WR Mike Muir vs. the Everett Secondary - Muir is the big play threat for the Hawks' the passing game.  I don't foresee Xaverian being able to run the ball as effectively as they've become accustomed to, so for them to put up points, Muir will have to get open and make plays.
• St. Johns Shrewsbury vs. St. Johns Prep - Battle of two traditional powers who dislike each other very much.  It's very likely this one turns out the way all of SJS's other games have, with them dominating the first 3 quarters, then giving their 2nd team valuable experience.  Prep is playing great football though.  A week after falling just short against Brockton, they dropped 42 points on visiting Mount Saint Joseph (MD), with Tyler Coppola racking up 473 all-purpose yards.  While the deeper team is SJS, Prep is the most resilient team they've had to deal with thus far.  If SJS doesn't come out with their usual tenacity, this one could end up the upset of the week.
• Key Match Up: SJS WR Richard Rodgers vs. the Prep Secondary - No one is matching up with Richard Rodgers one on one besides Brockton's Albert Louis-Jean.  For Prep to win, they need to devote two players to limiting Rodgers' chances to make big plays.  Let him shake loose more than once, and you can forget keeping the game close. 
• Chelmsford at Andover - Big game for both team's.  Chelmsford's defense was humbled last weekend by Methuen.  For a team that prides itself on defense, it can be tough to bounce back from being pushed around the way they were last weekend.  But with Andover coming to town, they have no time to sit around and feel sorry for themselves.  Andover has scored 150 points through their first five games, and while Brian Miller is the town's household name, junior Andrew Coke has found the end zone 11 times.  
• Key Match Up: Chelmsford LB Tim Joy vs. Andover RB Andrew Coke - Joy is in a league of his own.  Coke is quietly becoming one of the better underclassmen in the state.  For Chelmsford to get back on track, Joy needs to punish Coke every chance he gets.  If Joy is able to disrupt the run game, Andover will be forced to rely on a passing game that hasn't had to shoulder the load at any point thus far.
• Swampscott at Lynn English - Yes, Lynn English's potent offense was slowed down considerably last weekend, but what most miss when looking at the loss is the solid play of their defense.  They held Xaverian to 24 points, and for the most part, made the Hawks work for every score.  While Swampscott isn't exactly in the same class as Xaverian, they come in riding a four game win streak. They were able to outscore Trae Weathers led Revere, and quarterback Michael Walsh has been the driving force behind an offense that's had little trouble putting up points.  English needs this one in order to start gaining momentum week eight match up with Gloucester.
• Key Match Up: Lynn English RB Melvin Tavares vs. the Swampscott Defense - The most glaring weakness of this Swampcott unit is stopping the run.  And while they were able to out-gun Revere and Weathers, Lynn English's Melvin Tavares is a different kind of beast all together.  He is much faster than Weathers, and is a threat in the passing game as well.  If Swampscott is unable to put the fate of the game squarely on the shoulders of Tyllor McDonald, they'll be hard pressed to run their win streak to 5.  
• Northeast at North Andover - Two hot teams that score a lot and give up a little.  Northeast quietly boasts one of the best defenses in the state, giving up 15 points total, zero in the last two weeks.  North Andover put up 55 on Medford last week, pushing their total this year to 193.  As cliche as it sounds, something's gotta give.  The Scarlet Knights' Brandon Walsh and Matt Weisman are quite the tandem, and Jack Murphy gives them a runner who is capable of keeping the pressure of the passing game.  Bobby Novello is Northeast's home run threat, registering three touchdown runs of 25 yards or more.
• Key Match-Up: North Andover QB Brandon Walsh vs. the Northeast Defense - No quarterback the Knights have faced comes close to Brendon Walsh.  Walsh is quick footed, has a technically sound release, and  the ability to take over games.  For Northeast to continue their potentially record setting season, they'll need to find a way to get into passing lanes and apply pressure to Walsh.  Discipline defending the play action will be key as well.  If they allow him time to go through his reads, that point total will rise, and fast.      

Movers and Shakers, Week 6

Lets take a closer look at some teams who saw their stock rise this past week.

• St. Johns Shrewsbury - What do Longmeadow and Fitchburg have in common?  They both were dismantled by a powerful and explosive SJS team.  What else do they have in common?  Both gave Top 5 Eastern Mass teams (Catholic Memorial and Brockton) all they could handle, with Longmeadow pulling off the upset.  This tells us two things: Eastern Mass teams no longer can count a game against a Western Mass opponent as an automatic win, and SJS may very well be the best team in the state.  Although I think the Xaverian may have something to say about that when they meet.
• Methuen - Seems silly to put this team on this list given them being in the top 10 for two straight weeks, but their play against Chelmsford was down right impressive.  They can no longer be seen as a team with an A offense and a B defense.  They moved the ball at will, and were able to put the Chelmsford offense in uncomfortable situations all game long.  This team has made everyone forget about their Week 1 letdown. 
• Mansfield - I'm still shocked this team was able to lay a goose egg on King Phillip.  But by doing so Mansfield was able to show it's more than just a team with a potent rushing attack.  I don't see this anyone else on their schedule being able to hang with this team.
• Norton - These kids can play.  They've racked up a 5-0 record, have outscored opponents 114-48, and last week knocked off previously undefeated (and conference foe) Westwood 28-6.  Zach Schwieger leads a rushing attack that has been able to help this team control the tempo week in and week out.   
• Breakthrough Team of the Week: Longmeadow - Better late than never.  Longmeadow's traffic problems delayed their kickoff with Catholic Memorial, but it didn't deter the Lancers from avenging last years heartbreaking loss.  Terry Norris and Nathan Elder are the quintessential Thunder and Lightning tandem, and their defense is well coached and disciplined.  But their performance did much more for Western Mass than they know.  Their come from behind win put to rest the  myth that the top western teams can't hang with the east's elite.  It also propelled them into our Top 10.

All ADFC Watch List: WR's and ATH's

More of our initial rankings.  Below we rank the top wide receivers and all-around athlete's in the state.

Athletes

1. Nick LeSpada, QB/DB, Billerica*
2. Albert Louis-Jean, WR/DB, Brockton 
3. Armani Reeves, WR/KR, Catholic Memorial*
4. Manny Asprilla, WR/RB, Everett
5. Randall Jette, QB/DB, Martha's Vineyard
6. Vondell Langston, RB/LB, Everett*
7. Travonne Berry-Rogers, WR/DB, Lynn English
8. Nelson Baptiste, RB/DB, Falmouth
9. Lucas Depina, WR/DB, Brockton*
10. Dylan Colarusso, RB/LB, Weymouth

Wide Receivers

1. Richard Rodgers, St.Johns Shrewsbury
2. Armani Reeves, Catholic Memorial*
3. Albert Louis-Jean, Brockton
4. Raudy Minaya, Methuen
5. Jordan Henderson, Barnstable
6. Matt Costello, Everett
7. Sean Newcomb, Middleborough
8. Matt Muir, Xaverian
9. Matt Clifford, Billerica*
10. Dylan Hodsdon, Dennis-Yarmouth 

*Denotes underclassman

All ADFC Watch List: QB's and RB's

Time to identify the players in the running for our All ADFC team.  We'll move players up, down, and off the next couple of weeks, then announce our squad November 27th.  We'll widdle down the players in the running from each position as time goes on.  Here are our quarterbacks and running backs.   Feel like someone got snubbed? Shoot me an e-mail at ADFCphantom@gmail.com. 

Quarterbacks

1. DJ Crook, Barnstable*
2. Adam Doyle, Catholic Memorial*
3. Nick LeSpada, Billerica*
4. John DiBiaso, Everett*
5. Tyllor McDonald, Lynn English
6. Cam Carroll, Methuen
7. Randall Jette, Martha's Vineyard
8. Nate Robitaille, Attleboro
9. Dan Light, St. John's Shrewsbury
10. Sean Mayo, Holliston

Running Backs

1. Preston Cooper, BC High*
2. William Earl, Catholic Memorial*
3. Trevon Offley, Brockton
4. Jamel Marshall, Mansfield
5. Trae Weathers, Revere
6. Melvin Tavares, Lynn English
7. Nelson Baptiste, Falmouth 
8. Isaiah Jones, Mahar
9. Dylan Colarusso, Weymouth
10. Joe Colton, Xaverian

*Denotes underclassman

NCAA Odds and Ends

A lot to talk about after last weekend.

• Gamecocked - Tons of shake-ups this week the obvious one being South Carolina's upset of the Crimson Tide.  Fluke? Not entirely, but if you think South Carolina could beat Alabama 8 out of 10 times, you've got another thing coming.  Beyond that, if you've crossed Alabama off your list of potential national champions, it's time for you to watch a little closer.  Bama's got time to make up the ground they've lost.  Currently, they have remaining games against #9 LSU (6-0) and #7 Auburn (6-0).  Should those two teams be undefeated when they face the Tide, and the Tide find a way to win, Bama is right back in the SEC Championship with  a chance to defend their crown.  Another loss effectively seals their fate, however. 
• LSU Yet Again - It hasn't been, but Les Miles has the Bayou Bengals in a position to win a National Title.  The Tigers were again able to use some trickery to take down another SEC powerhouse this weekend, handing Florida its second consecutive loss.  While much of the talk has been around what LSU can't do (quarterback play), I want to focus on what they can do: play defense.  LSU boasts the best all around corner in the country in Patrick Peterson, as well as standout defensive lineman Drake Nevis, who single handily made the Gators one dimensional last weekend.  The Tigers are just as talented as any team in the nation on the defensive side of the ball, and if they are able to hold teams to that 14-24 point range, they have a shot to win every week.  
• Tropical Storm - This week was yet another chance for Miami to show it's ready to start its ascent back to the top of the college football world.  It was for not.  The Seminoles pushed the Canes around on both sides of the ball, giving Florida State fans a performance that will help them forget the debacle in Norman a few weeks ago.  The Seminoles, on the other hand, seem to be hitting their stride, and with the recent problems up in Gainsville, the Noles may be find themselves sitting atop the Sunshine State when all is said and done.
• Trojan Travesty - Karma has been unkind to SC.  Since rolling through opponents early in the decade, winning everything from national championships to Heisman Trophies, the Trojans have become an inconsistent team without an identity.  They don't stop the run, are unable to rush the passer, and if it weren't for Matt Barkley's stellar season, they may be under .500 for the first time in a long time. 

BCS Predictions

• National Title Game - Alabama over Ohio State
• No change here for me.  While the Tide obviously have some holes, they are also the team most capable of fixing them.  I fully expect them to win out, beat a fairly high ranked Florida or South Carolina team in the SEC Championship, and wind up right back at the top of the college football world.
• Rose Bowl - Oregon over Iowa
• Oregon looks primed to make a run at a national title, but with SC faltering, and Arizona looking more and more human, they may be victims of their conferences' lack of punch.  Although if Zona can get its groove back, and Iowa ends up finishing second in the Big 10, we may see the Ducks get a boost from the computers that catapults them into a date with the Buckeyes.
• Orange Bowl - Florida State over West Virginia
• The Seminoles seem to be getting that old swagger back, looking especially potent in their win over the Hurricanes last weekend.  West Virginia looks to be the strongest team coming out of an otherwise lackluster conference. 
•  Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma over Boise State
• I know, I know...I don't give the Broncos very much respect.  But its hard to just hand a team a chance at the crown when their two "big" wins are against a Pac-10 team who always stumbles just before they reach the mountain top, and an ACC team that lost to James Madison.  I need a win on the road against one of the historic powers to validate this program.
• Sugar Bowl - South Carolina over TCU
• This is the season Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks arrive.  They have a great ground game, and a quarterback who is comfortable doing just enough to help his team win.  This will be the season the Gamecocks capture their first BCS bowl appearance and win.    

ADFC Quarterback Rankings

     There were four quarterbacks who were turning heads up and down the East Coast coming into this season, and I've been lucky enough to see all of them thus far.  Here is the scary part for opponents: all four will be back at the helm for their respective teams next year.
     I'm going to rank these athletes in five areas: feet, mechanics, arm strength, athleticism, and leadership ability.  So we're clear, I have all of these players being able to play at the FBS or FCS level.  So their rankings will be a reflection of where I see them match-up against other top quarterbacks in their class.
     No more small talk, here are the rankings, 1 to 4.  Note:  I am ranking the players on how they play the quarterback position, not how dynamic/how much of a game changer they are.

1. DJ Crook, Barnstable - Puts it all together the best out of every quarterback I've seen.
1. Feet - The best in the state.  Doug's feet are always under him, and he maintains the proper spacing between his front and back foot.  When throwing, he steps in front of his intended receiver, causing him to put the ball ahead of his target, decreasing the chance of an interception and allowing his wide outs to go and get it.  He also keeps great spacing between his feet during his drop back, which allows him to move quickly and gain depth.  GRADE: A-/B+
2. Mechanics - Also my vote for the best in the state.  Very good.  He points his shoulders where he wants the ball to go.  He stays tall, using every inch of his 6'2-ish frame.  His release is quick, with no dip or pause (a la Tim Tebow).  He does an above average job of using his torso to get more behind his throws, which is something that will be worked on more when he gets to the next level.  When throwing the deep ball, he does a good job arching his shoulders and getting the proper trajectory on the ball.  GRADE: A-
3. Arm Strength - Good arm strength.  He is fully capable of throwing the deep ball where he wants anywhere from 40-50 yards.  Also capable of getting a good amount of velocity on his throws, fitting it into tight spaces.  GRADE: B
4. Athleticism - Definitely not solely a drop back passer.  He executes the zone read with efficiency, picking up tough yards when needed.  He is also an above average punter, getting good hang time and rotation on his kicks.  Good speed, very good toughness.  GRADE: B-
5. Leadership - I was able to watch Doug while his team was getting pummeled by Everett, which is when you can learn the most about how good of a leader a player can be.  For the most part, I liked what I saw.  You could see his frustration at times, but he managed to stay engaged, trying to keep his offense's spirits up as they struggled against a superior Everett team.  GRADE:  B/B+
6. The Bottom Line: I love this quarterback, especially his form.  He is the real deal.  Big time Division 1 prospect with the ability to start.   
2. Adam Doyle, Catholic Memorial - Incredibly strong arm compliments an impressive frame and solid mechanics.
1. Feet - Sound foot game for Doyle.  This is the one part of his game that he needs work on, however.  He has great form dropping back and throughout his throwing motion.  But when going through his reads, he stands flat footed, which affects his velocity and, on deep balls, his distance.  Beyond that, it affects his ability to escape the rush.  GRADE: B  
2. Mechanics - Excellent throwing motion.  The ball stays high, the release is quick with no dip or pause.  His shoulders where he wants the ball go go, and does an amazing job squaring himself.  Can tend to be juuuuust a bit lazy, relying on his arm to do a more than it needs to.  But when he puts it all together, its beautiful. Best mechanics of the group throwing on the run.  Can stop on a dime, square his shoulders, and deliver a great pass.  GRADE: B+
3. Arm Strength -  Naturally gifted.  He throws the deep ball with ease and accuracy.  He can thread the needle if need be.  His shoulders cock back nicely when throwing it down field.  Highly accurate with relative ease throwing 45-55 yards down field.  GRADE: A-/B+
4. Athleticism - Good quickness and a mean stiff arm.  Not afraid to tuck it and run, and can do so quite well.  Also throws on the run beautifully.  Above average change of direction skills and speed.  Once he fixes the flat footed problem, he will be a whole heap of trouble for defenses.  GRADE: B/B-
5. Leadership - I liked what I saw.  His team was in a struggle and he kept them in it.  Vocal when he needs to be.  GRADE: B/B+
6. The Bottom Line - I love the way this kid plays.  Moves well and throws a beautiful ball.  Maturity will make him that much better.  Once he stops relying too much on his arm, he will make some 1A team very happy.  May have the highest ceiling of the bunch as a quarterback.  And the coach I was able to talk to says he is a stand-up kid from a great family, something that can never be overlooked.    
3. Nick LeSpada, Billerica - The best player in the state, bar none.  Explosive, electrifying, fast, and strong.
• Feet - Needs improvement here.  He has a tendency to move them dangerously close together during his drop back and before he releases the ball.  This results in the slowing of his drop back, loss of velocity, and it decreases his chances of eluding the rush (which he excels at more than the majority of HS quarterbacks in the country).  Ironing out these deficiencies will make him that much more tougher to slow when throwing the ball.  GRADE: C+
• Mechanics - Another area LeSpada can improve.  He has a long release, where he drops, dips, then releases.  This causes added wear and tear on his arm.  He does an above average job getting his shoulders squared.  One thing he does with the best of them is arching his shoulders when throwing the ball down field.  Does a great job throwing on the run as well, although much of that success is due to his arm strength.  GRADE:  B-
• Arm Strength - Wow.  45-55 with ease, with 60 well in his sights.  15 yards outs on the money.  Most certainly his strong point. GRADE: A-
• Athleticism - The best of the best. Opposing defenses would rather him not try and make something happen with his feet.  He is elusive, fast, shifty, and, well, fast.  Most dangerous runner in the state, no matter the position.  Also a top 5 defensive back in the area.  Great hips, ball skills and tackling ability.  Plays under control.  The most exciting player I've seen thus far.  GRADE: A
• The Bottom Line - If he is able to work hard and sure up his mechanics, he shoots to the top of this list.  It's no fluke he's on the ESPN 150 watch list.  There is no team i the country he couldn't play for.   
4. John DiBiaso, Everett - A leader on a team on leaders.  Quietly leads his team into battle week after week, exemplifying the poise every coach hopes to get from his signal caller. 
• Feet - Good feet.  Proper distance in the pre-throw position, and his drop back steps are quick and concise.  His feet stay active while going through his reads.  Well coached.  GRADE:  B  
• Mechanics - Solid here as well.  Does have a dip in his throw that slows his release down, but that can be fixed.  Has not been forced to throw on the run very much (a testament to his offensive line), but when he has to, he squares his shoulders well, staying square and putting the ball where it needs to be.  Chucks it down field with grace and style.  Great shoulder arch.  Puts the ball precisely where his receivers need it, allowing them to accelerate past defenders and make big plays.  GRADE: B
• Arm Strength - Good arm strength.  Not quite in the same class as the three I have above him, but definitely in the same ballpark.  Mechanical fix will improve this department as well.  35-45 with accuracy and great arc.  Throws a pretty, pretty ball on all routes.  Good zip when its needed.  GRADE: B
• Athleticism - Behind only LeSpada.  Runs well with very good vision.  Not afraid to put his head down.  The second biggest asset to the Everett running backs besides the offensive line due to his ability to execute the option at a Division 1 level.  GRADE: B+
• Leadership - Tops.  He plays in Trash Talking Central (otherwise known as the GBL), yet always keeps his cool.  Has complete command of the huddle and is getting better.  Able to calm his teammates down if needed.  Will be a very big reason Everett wins the state title should they do so.  GRADE: A
• The Bottom Line - Ivy, FCS type player.  Did I mention he was a leader?  Smart, cunning, doesn't force the ball.  Everything you could want in a quarterback. 

Week 6 Top 10

Lots of new names in this week's Top 10.

1. Xaverian (5-0) - Saying they're primed for another undefeated season is an understatement at this point.
2. Everett (4-0) - Handily beating up on solid programs has been the norm in Everett for decades.
3. Brockton (4-1) - You have to believe that all these tough contests the Boxers are playing this season is going to pay off come playoff time.
4. Gloucester (5-0) - Gloucester was able to pass their first real test of the season with flying colors.
5. St. Johns Shrewsbury (5-0) - Interested to see how this team reacts when it finds itself in a close game.  Although, with this much talent, that may very well never happen.  
6. Methuen (4-1) - This team wins for a number of reasons, none more so than their offensive line.
7. Falmouth (5-0) - This team was deserving of a top 10 nod last week, but their dispatching of Sandwich coupled with a slew of former top 10 team losses solidified them locking up a spot this week.  
8. Mansfield (4-1) - Had it not been for an early season set back against Aquinas (NY), this team would be as high as #6.  Deep, athletic running game.  
9. Weymouth (5-0) - Arguably the most well balanced team in the state.
10. Longmeadow (4-1) - Big win over CM  last weekend showed folks just how good Coach Rotsko's team really is.  It also solidified St. Johns Shrewsbury's place as one of the regions' elite.    

Dropped Out: Catholic Memorial (#5), Wachusett Regional (#7), Chelmsford (#9), King Phillip (#10)
Knocking on the Door: Reading (5-0), North Attleboro (5-0)

How They Fared

Here is how last week's top 10 made out this weekend...

1. Xaverian (5-0) Beat Lynn English- Another statement game for the Hawks, shutting down an explosive Lynn English team. 
2. Everett (4-0) Beat Taunton - A blowout win for the Crimson Tide, who again were able to do it on both dies of the ball.    
3. Brockton (4-1) Beat Fitchburg - The Boxers again earned a hard fought win, this time against a feisty Fitchburg team.  
4. Gloucester (5-0) Beat Salem - A rare close contest for the Fishermen this week.  Nonetheless, the outcome was the same.    
5. Catholic Memorial (4-1) Lost to Longmeadow - A heart breaker for the Knights, who played 46 minutes of superb football.
6. St. Johns Shrewsbury (5-0) Beat Shrewsbury- The Pioneers were anything but nice to their in-town opponent.
7. Wachusetts Regional (4-1) Lost to Nashoba Reginoal- Their loss may have very well bee the biggest shocker of the weekend. 
8. Methuen (4-1) Beat #9 Chelmsford- Perhaps this was Methuen's most impressive win yet, ravking up 31 against a stout Chelmsford defense. 
9. Chelmsford (4-1) Lost to Methuen - Great bid up in Methuen, but the Rangers were just too much.  
10. King Phillip (4-1) Lost to Mansfield- A shutout at the hands of Mansfield will all but assure this team makes a quick exit from our top 10.  

Longmeadow 27 - Catholic Memorial 26

   It was worth the wait.  After getting word Longmeadow was stuck in traffic and the game would start approximately an hour after the originally scheduled kickoff, it was fair to assume that one of the two teams would have a hard time getting going.  That couldn't have been further from the truth.  Two superbly coached teams fought each other tooth and nail, with the Western Mass visitors coming out on top thanks to a last second field goal, 27-26.

   The first quarter was all Longmeadow, with the Lancers perfectly executing the Wing-T en route to a 14-0 lead.  Ben Sterrit scored first, punching home a 2 yard TD run.  Terry Norris struck next from one yard out on their very next possession.
   Catholic Memorial would answer right away.  The Knights were able to cut the deficit in half thanks to a 13-yard Armani Reeves scamper that ended an extremely balanced march by CM.
   The resulting Longmeadow drive swung the momentum entirely in CM's favor, as they attempted to go away from the ground game and stretch the CM defense.  The risk was for not however, as Reeves picked off QB Jacob Lazarus around mid-field, setting up the Knights' next scoring drive, which ended with junior quarterback Adam Doyle finding Reeves on for a 16 yard touchdown pass. 
    But Longmeadow did not roll over on their next possession, which started with about 1:45 left in the half.  They fed Norris and Nathan Elder, who set them up for a go-ahead 30 yard field goal as time expired. 

   CM would open the second half with Doyle and company going right back to work.  Again CM was able to utilize the fantastically electrifying Earl to draw the Longmeadow defense in, then go up top, with Reeves and Doyle hooking up again, this time from 11 yards out.  

   The Knights were able to find the end zone just before the time ran out in the third, this time with Earl leaving everyone in his wake, scampering 42 yards and pushing the Knights' lead to 26-17.

   Then, as you would expect to happen when two teams who work this hard square off, things got very interesting, very quickly.  

   Longmeadow would go right back to the ground game.  After softening the middle of the CM defense,  Elder would break free again, cutting the CM lead to 26-24.  Longmeadow would threaten to take the lead on their very next drive.  After again putting on a Wing-T clinic, they coughed up the ball at the CM 40 with 2:52 left.

   It appeared all but over after that.  Earl would again break free, this time for 35 yards, setting CM up deep in Longmeadow territory.  But after that run, something seemed to click on the Longmeadow sideline.  They stuffed CM on three consecutive plays, then on 4th and 12 down, they broke up a pass that got them the ball back, but with a whole lot of field to make up.  Not a problem.  They marched right down the field in traditional Longmeadow style.  

   CM would tighten however.  They were able to generate push, and with 5 seconds left, stuff a Lancer last ditch attempt to score the go-ahead TD.  But Longmeadow refused to be denied.  They marched out their kicker, who slammed home the winner through the uprights with 5 seconds remaining on the clock.  Doyle's last second Hail Mary sent short, and the payback for last year's 35-33 loss to the Knights at home was complete.  A few thoughts...

Longmeadow

• As is to be expected of any Longmeadow team, their backs were fantastic.  Nathan Elder and Terry Norris were the most impressive.  Norris is a north-south runner who runs low, hard, and with good vision.  He has a sturdy build, and uses his body to his advantage, many times dishing out the punishment as opposed to absorbing it.  There were very few times he was taken down by a single tackler.  Elder is a patient, quick runner who allows his blocks to set, then explodes behind them.  He was perhaps the biggest reason the Scissors play worked so well for Longmeadow, as he consistently was able to fly past the first line of defenders, then make the CM secondary miss.  A talented duo for Coach Rotsko.
• I was very impressed with Longmeadow quarterback Jacob Lazarus.  He has a quick, sturdy drop back, a quick release, and throws a very tight ball.  While he appears a bit mechanical at times, and has a tendency to try and fit the ball into tight spaces, he is definitely someone that can win a game for the Lancers should he need to.  Had a teammate of his not dropped a beautifully thrown pass in the end zone late in the third, this game may not have been as tight.

Catholic Memorial

• Adam Doyle is the real deal.  Strong arm, good mechanics, fundamentally sound.  I won't go too far into him today because I'll have our full breakdown of who we think are the top 4 signal callers in the state Monday, but boy is this kid good.  Real good.
• There's something about these Catholic Conference backs I love.  It's no secret I think Preston Cooper is quite possibly the best running back in the state.  But after watching William Earl last night, he may not even be the best running back in the conference.  Earl has all the makings of a legitimate AQLongmeadow is by no means a small bunch.  But every time Earl got the ball, he broke a tackle.  I'm not exaggerating.  Every time.  What should have been 2 yard gains were 5.  On one long run, he broke a tackle at the line of scrimmage, then another 10 yards down field.  A very intriguing prospect to say the least
• Armani Reeves was as good as expected.  He catches the ball away from his body, does not break stride when making cuts, and carries himself like a man on the field.  His route running is above average, but he is so much faster than his competition, it hasn't made much of a difference.  His most impressive play of the day was his second quarter pick, which showcased his ball skills, as he went up and over the Longmeadow receiver for for the takeaway.

Great Article

It's no secret we devote a lot of our time to the high school athlete.  It's also not a secret my employer runs a camp that is committed to getting every player who comes through their doors a the best possibly chance to play at the next level.  Without question, the toughest thing to do is convince kids that their abilities on the field can only take them so far off.  Don't believe us?  Check out this article.  Great, quick read from a guy who knows exactly what he's talking about.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?id=5629679

Game of the Week: CM-Longmeadow

The rain caused me to shift around some things last week, which is why I ended up in Everett.  Tonight’s game of the week pits one of the best Eastern Mass has to offer against arguably the most storied program in Western Mass.  Catholic Memorial will do battle with Longmeadow tonight at 7 in West Roxbury.   Two quick observations:

• The Catholic Memorial defense is playing like a slighted unit, and for the most part, they have been.  Most of what you'll hear about is the play making ability of Armani Reeves and the strong arm of AJ Doyle.  But this defense has quietly formed into one of the more consistent the state has to offer.  Through their first 4, they’ve held opponents to 14, 0, 21, and 14 again.  And they have yet to play a cupcake.  Tonight they get another tough test, as Longmeadow is traditionally a big team size wise, but there is no reason to believe the Knights won’t be up to the challenge.
• After getting pelted by SJ Shrewsbury in week two, Longmeadow looks like itself again.  Look for the Lancers to try and grind out methodical drives behind their large and disciplined o-line.  For them to upset CM, they’ll need to control the clock and wear down what has been a surprisingly stout defense. 

Some thoughts on Randy...

            As anyone who has ever been in an argument with their significant other knows, there are 3 sides to every story: their side, your side, and the truth.  Going with that theme, here are the pluses and minuses of the Randy Moss trade, plus a final, more grounded conclusion.

Good Move

            There is one basic question I have asked everyone who has seemed to relish in the Patriots “trading away their season”: How many Super Bowls have we won with Randy?  How many have we won previously?  Answer: 0 and 3.  Yes he makes the offense one of the most explosive.  Yes he consistently demands attention from two defenders.  And yes, the Patriots teams before Moss were predicated on their ability to play defense.  But we have grown increasingly more one dimensional with Moss in the mix.

            I’ll spare you the statistical talk and keep everything simple: before acquiring Moss, our pass to throw ration was about 2:1.  With Moss? 4:1.  While his ability to stretch the field is unmatched, it, in many ways, has made the Pats a more predictable offense. 

            The emergence of Taylor/Ellis/Woodhead, not to mention the surprising play of Gronkowski and Hernandez, have allowed the Pats the ability to spread it around, something that doesn’t sit to well with the original Wide Receiver Diva.  With the potential distraction removed, you could make the case the Pats can sleep a bit better at night. 

            From a business standpoint, it was almost inevitable the Patriots weren’t interested in keeping Moss past this year.  Moving him now assures you get some type of return on your investment, something that has become crucial in the days of free agency.  And while it’s not a first round pick, it does give us two selections in the first four rounds in the upcoming draft.  That kind of flexibility will potentially opens up other trade possibilities that could directly improve this years most pressing needs: defensive back, defensive line, and, now, wide receiver.

Bad Move

            I will again refrain from killing you with numbers.  But let’s ask this question: over the past 10 years, what player not named Michael Vick has had the most impact on opposing defenses schemes?  Moss’ impact is clear.  Instead of playing 11 on 10 (the quarterback being a wash unless he is a threat to run), defenses have had to resort to playing 9 on 10, with a corner and either a linebacker or safety (depending on the down and distance) shadowing Randy.  By subtracting him from your arsenal, you now swing the numbers game back into the defenses favor.

            The run game will also suffer for a similar reason.  Without Moss’ speed, teams can now afford to walk their safety and corners up more frequently, allowing more support to a fast improving Patriots rushing game.  This was out of the question until earlier today.  Without a true game breaker at wide out, you’ll see a hell of a lot more blitz packages, which will put more pressure on the newest number one, Wes Welker.  Speaking of Wes…        

Many will argue that Wes Welker has been the key to the Patriots offense, and the numbers seem to back that up.  But a lot of that can be contributed to what I like to call the Manny Ramirez effect.  For the past three years, Welker has had Moss to bat behind him, assuring that he gets a good amount of pitches to hit.  No more.  Now you can single cover any Patriots corner (I guarantee Revis doesn’t pull up lame on any play the next time the Pats meet the Jets), and allow whatever help you devoted to containing Moss to getting into Welker’s running lanes should you need to.

As for the business side…poor, poor trade.  Moss is 33, but many of those years were spent “hurt.”  He also hasn’t taken that much abuse as a result of him being used primarily as a deep threat.  His body is more like that of someone 29.  If you trade him for a draft pick, you most certainly better make sure it’s a conditional pick, with a third rounder being as bad as it gets.  If Randy goes to Minnesota and catches 75 balls for 1000 plus yards and 10 or so touchdowns, the Patriots come away looking just as foolish as the Raiders, Vikings, and the 20 teams who passed on him in the draft.  Randy Moss straight up for a 3^rd rounder is a head-scratcher at best.

The Truth

            To be determined.  If the Pats can package this pick with say a Logan Mankins, or move a 2^nd rounder for a Vincent Jackson type player, then this deal was great.  If not, its Super Bowl or bust.  Then again, when has it ever not been?