Eagle-Tribune Blogs: River Rival Report

One week from now, Amesbury football fans could change their allegiances to Newburyport for a weekend.
Blasphemy, you say? That will be the case if this weekend plays out as I expect it will.
With Newburyport and Georgetown sitting atop the Cape Ann League Small standings — a game ahead of Amesbury — the Indians need either North Reading or Newburyport to beat the Royals in the next two weeks. Remember: the Royals will complete their league schedule next Friday since their Thanksgiving Day showdown with Manchester Essex is a non-league contest.
I don’t see Georgetown losing to North Reading tomorrow, so Amesbury will need old friend Newburyport to beat the Royals next weekend to stay alive in the title hunt. Then, of course, Amesbury would need to beat Newburyport on Thanksgiving Day to capture a title.
Amesbury fans: Get your crimson and gold ready. You’ll need some help from your friends in Newburyport next week.
Onto the picks:
Tonight’s games
Ham.-Wenham at Amesbury, 7

The Indians (7-1, 2-1) couldn’t be in better shape with three games to play. All of their skill-position players should be rested and ready for the stretch run, which includes games against two .500 teams (H-W and North Reading) before a Thanksgiving matchup with 4-5 Newburyport. Senior tailback Jesse Burrell carried the load the first few weeks of the season, then halfback Kevin Johnston took a turn, and most recently quarterback Jared Flannigan has been the hero. The offensive line is dominating the line of scrimmage, the quarterback is making smart decisions, and the running backs have fresh legs thanks to a three-person time-share. Not a good formula for victory for a Hamilton-Wenham team reeling from four losses in its last five games.
The pick: Amesbury 27, H-W 14

Pentucket at Masconomet, 7

It’s been a bit of an up-and-down season for the Sachems (5-3, 1-1). They lost their opener to North Reading — a team that has gone 3-4 since. They then rolled off four straight relatively easy wins before dropping two in a row by a combined four points. Last week, the Sachems posted a somewhat surprising victory over Lawrence. Unfortunately, Masconomet will not allow any surprising upsets this season.
The pick: Masco 31, Pentucket 14

Lawrence at Triton, 7

Historically, Lawrence (4-4, 2-2) is always athletic but lacks the discipline to compete in the CAL Large. That hasn’t been the case this season as the Lancers have posted big CAL victories over Newburyport, Wilmington and North Andover. Still, I think a master of schemes like Triton coach Jim O’Leary may find a way to exploit Lawrence’s old Achilles heel.
The pick: Triton 14, Lawrence 13
Tomorrow’s games
North Reading at Georgetown, 1

I’m not sure what’s going on with North Reading, but it doesn’t look good. After winning their first three games, the Hornets have lost four of their last five. In those losses, they’ve been outscored 94-26. Triton and Newburyport alone outscored North Reading, 54-7. Amesbury fans, repeat after me. Go Clippers!
The pick: Georgetown 34, NR 0

Gov. Academy at Belmont Hill, 1

The Govs dropped to 2-5 last week with a 35-14 loss to Lawrence Academy. Belmont Hill enters at 6-1, so it will take a huge upset for the Govs to finish the season on a positive note. I never would’ve predicted an uncharacteristic 2-6 season for the Govs in early September, but unfortunately, I have to predict it now.
The pick: Belmont Hill 28, Govs 12

Last week’s record: 5-1
Season’s record: 27-13

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