Wow, nine games back. I am way past the denial stage, here.
Repeat after me, “Dave Dyer is better. Dave Dyer is better. Dave Dyer ….” Well, you get the picture.
Anyways, yet another big weekend on top in the high school ranks. Let’s go with this week’s picks.
Friday’s games
Greater Lawrence Tech at Northeast … The Reggies found themselves a week ago at Minuteman. The growing process continues.
Team in Orange/Black that’s used 17 different rushers in four games 23, NE 12
Haverhill at Billerica
Billerica looked vulnerable vs. Andover, while for a half the Hillies looked stupendous vs. Chelmsford. That said, the Marshall Middle School, for some reason, is one of the best homefield advantages in the region.
LaSpada’s crew 24, HHS 7
Lawrence at Masconomet
Giant step back for the Lancers at the Bury last week. The road through Masco is no easier. Although, I wonder if the “Fair Week” distraction will affect the boys from Topsfield. Probably not.
Masco 16, Lawtown 6
Londonderry at Manchester Central
A game with gigantic implications for both. A win here puts Central on the inside track for the fourth and final playoff spot. And Londonderry has to prove it belongs with the big boys, something the Lancers didn’t do Saturday night vs. Pinkerton.
Lancers on the rebound 34, ManchVegas Central 24
Pelham at Bishop Brady
Python coach Tom Belichick, er Babaian, has played it absolutely coy on the injury status of the Boss, Bruce Vieira. Vieira’s presence might be the difference. Back to back tough road trips for Pelham. I’m simply killing time here because I don’t want to make a pick because of the Boss’ status. Can anyone help? Oh well.
Championship tradition and Python pride 7, Bishop Tom 6
Pentucket at Ipswich
I’ll say it again, the only points Pentucket has given up is an overtime 8 against North Reading. 16 quarters without a real TD allowed.That’s either brilliant scheduling or savage ballhawking. I’ll choose the latter. The streak continues. Personal revelation here: I have never covered an Ipswich High game without stopping at that diner on Route 1 for meat loaf or the Clam Box.
Penty 23, Ipswich 0
Whittier at Chelsea
Another hostile environment for the local team. This one is a serious test for the Cats before the large school slate.
Amesbury Line Road crew 17, Tommy Floramo’s favorite club 16
Tewksbury at Andover
The winner gets back on course. The loser, well you just don’t want to lose this one.
It’s one of those rare matchups between the two where Tewksbury owns the trenches and Andover might dominate the edge with its speed. Can the Warriors stop the pounding of Altavesta behind Guleno? That will decide it. I’m confused again.
Redmen 14, Warriors 13
Lowell at Central
Is Lowell the real deal? The Westford win is supposed to legitimize a team most overlooked. I’m just not buying yet.
Non-red Raiders (CC) 12, Red Raiders (LHS) 0
Chelmsford at Methuen
Up until last week, the Rangers seemed to play off a script.
Methuen always plays the Lions tough. I love the Nicholson Stadium atmosphere on Friday nights. I say Pat Graham’s club keeps the momentum rolling. My upset special of the week.
Rangers 19, Lions 18
Medford at North Andover
Can anyone explain Division 1 Medford’s scheduling? The winless Mustangs head to North Andover and Austin Prep in preparation for the big showdown with Everett. Hmm.
I’ll guess that Zac Iovanella’s ankle is better this week. Speculation is my only weapon with the cone of silence in Turkey Town.
NA 18, Medford 7
Saturday’s games
Amesbury at Georgetown.
THE GAME of the WEEK!!! If you appreciate small school football, top execution, hard hitting, this is worth your time Saturday afternoon. The first of many playoff-type games in the CAL small. And the Georgetown snack bar hot dog is as good as you’ll find anywhere.
Father Flannigan and the boys 13, Espo, Espo and the Hoyas 10
Brooks at GDA
Had the Brooks skid ended last week, I would be right on Konovalchuk’s kids.
Have to go the other way until Brooks proves me wrong.
GDA 23, Brooks 17
Timberlane at Salem
Bigtime Longo Top-10 implications here. Both programs have looked sharp at times while enduring some growing pains. Timberlane holds its own in this matchup quite well.
I’ll stick with the Owls here.
T-lane 26, B-Devs 21
Triton at North Reading
Attrition started to takes its toll on the thin Hornets. I’ve always been pretty good with numbers, so I’ll try the Vikes.
Three 2,000-pounders 34, Not Redding 31
Cushing at Phillips
I couldn’t know less about Cushing. A sheer guess here.
PA 12, CA 10
Concord at Pinkerton
Bob Camirand rolls his Tide into Derry at an opportune time. Half the Stros will be on the bounce from the giant win over Londonderry and the other half will be looking ahead to Brockton.
That said, Pinkerton still has Eric Guinto. A thriller, nail-biter of a game, decided late in the fourth
Astros 14, Roll Tide 10
Hollis at Sanborn
Both teams have taken their lumps. The visitors are doing it at a higher level.
Hollis Crew 24, Indians 12
On a side note, hopefully MKA reads this, I like Dracut to put one on St. John’s Prep tonight, 34-17.
