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Triton at Pentucket

Think about Triton’s progression over the last year. One year ago, the Vikings completed a 1-10 season. Popular coach Shawn McElligott was replaced in the offseason, leaving the struggling program at its low-point. Late in the spring, athletic director Dave Dempsey pin-pointed Jim O’Leary to rebuild the program. From his first day, O’Leary entrenched himself in the program, attending Pop Warner meetings, monitoring offseason conditioning workouts and building traditions. The team is 5-5 heading into tomorrow’s matchup, and you have to believe the Vikings will only benefit from a more stable offseason this winter and spring. Expect this team to challenge for a CAL Large title next fall. Hopefully, O’Leary will take a few weeks off to recharge the batteries.
The Sachems could put the finishing touches on their second consecutive winning season. With a win, they’ll be 15-7 over the last two seasons. Pretty impressive considering after a loss to Triton on Thanksgiving in 2006, the Sachems looked to be in need of an extensive rebuilding project. Steve Hayden-coached teams don’t stay down for long.
The pick: Pentucket 22, Triton 6

Georgetown at Manchester Essex

Manchester Essex coach Mike Athanas is enjoying the final days of the prolonged stretch of success thanks to the Orlando family. Senior quarterback Pat Orlando has taken his team to the playoffs each of the last three seasons. He ranks second in school history in passing touchdowns and passing yardage. Who holds the record? His brother, Vinny, who was the Commonwealth Conference Small player of the year in 2003 — a year the Hornets played in the Super Bowl. He took home that honor one year after his oldest brother, Mike, was a senior fullback for a team that fell to Georgetown on Thanksgiving Day. It’s interesting to note in the one-year stretch between Vinny’s senior year and Pat’s freshman year, the Hornets were 0-11.
The Royals can actually match superstars with Manchester Essex thanks to quarterback Joe Esposito. Last week’s Newburyport loss was no fault of his own, as he and wide receiver Jaymie Spears riddled the Clipper defense with deep passes. Look for a big passing day — even if the weather dictates another approach.
The pick: Georgetown 29, Manchester Essex 28

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Tonight’s games
Georgetown at Newburyport, 7
Give the Clippers credit for putting themselves in this situation. After an 0-5 start, this two-game stretch of Georgetown and Amesbury could not have looked very appealing to coach Ed Gaudiano and his staff. With four straight wins, the Clippers now control their own destiny. Even a team that’s been as dominant as Georgetown must have concerns about a dynamic Newburyport passing offense that has accounted for 1,517 passing yards and 17 touchdowns. The Royals matched up well with Amesbury — a run-first team. Will they defend the pass as efficiently?
The pick: G’town 28, N’port 27

Pentucket at North Andover, 7
The Sachems (5-4) have lost three of their last four. At a glance, they might look like a team in trouble, but let’s break down that four-game stretch. The first two losses came Amesbury and Wilmington — teams with a combined record of 15-3. The Sachems dropped those games by a combined total of four points. Then came a win against Lawrence (5-4) — a team that currently sits in second place in the CAL Large. Then came a loss to Masconomet, a team that will likely go undefeated in league play. If the Sachems finish off the season with wins against North Andover and Triton, they’ll finish 7-4 and tied for second in the league. There’s still plenty to play for.
The pick: Pent. 21, N. Andover 12

Triton at Wilmington, 7
Triton (4-5) has played five games decided by six points of less this season. The Vikings are 2-3 in those games. Not bad for a team learning to win one year removed from a 1-10 campaign. Next season, those close games may be comfortable victories. This is a team a year away from competing for a CAL Large title. Look for another close one tonight.
The pick: Wilmington 12, Triton 7

Tomorrow’s game
Amesbury at North Reading, 11
Imagine being Amesbury coach Thom Connors this week. If his team watches Newburyport beat Georgetown tonight, he won’t even have to say a word in the locker room tomorrow morning. He can just show his players the CAL Small standings, and that’s all the motivation they’ll need. If his team watches the Royals win tonight, his job tomorrow morning becomes much more difficult. “I know we’re out of it, but let’s win for the seniors!” he might say before kickoff. Of course, these are my concerns — not Connors’. If I know the Amesbury coach at all, his pregame speech will be exactly the same regardless of what happens tonight.
The pick: Ames. 28, N. Reading 0

Last week’s record: 4-1
Season record: 31-14

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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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Amesbury at Ipswich, 7
From 2000-2006, Amesbury never entered November with a chance of capturing a Cape Ann League Small title. The Indians can now say, for two years running, they’ve entered the final month with a real chance at earning a postseason berth. But the quick success story offered a valuable lesson last week. In a 13-12 victory over Lynnfield (1-7), the Indians (6-1) learned they are not quite not strong enough to take any team lightly. That lesson will come in handy this week against winless Ipswich (0-6).
The pick: Amesbury 41, Ipswich 0

North Andover at Triton, 7
Triton (4-3) could conceivably win this game as North Andover (2-5) is struggling through a difficult season. The Vikings have played well against evenly matched opponents, so I’ll give them the nod in a close contest. While we’re here, did anyone else read Triton coach Jim O’Leary’s quote after last week’s 28-0 loss to Masconomet? He said Triton will be as strong as Masco by the end of the season. That’s a bold statement, but I wouldn’t doubt him after he’s transformed last year’s 1-10 squad into a formidable opponent every week.
The pick: Triton 22, NA 12

Tomorrow’s games
Lawrence at Pentucket, 1
The Sachems (4-3) have suffered heart-breaking losses in back-to-back weeks. First, Amesbury beat the Sachems, 24-21, in overtime on Oct. 18. Then Wilmington beat Pentucket, 21-20, last Saturday. The Sachems trailed 21-14 with 1:10 remaining in the game when Jordan Silva connected with Dylan Chase on a 47-yard touchdown pass. Pentucket coach Steve Hayden opted to go for the two-point conversion rather than kick the extra point. The failed play resulted in a one-point loss. Do I like the move to go for two? Sometimes. If the team’s defense is tired and unlikely to stop the opposing team’s offense in overtime, it’s the right call. Hayden felt that was the case with linebacker Chris Modlish nursing an injury.
The pick: Pent. 20, Lawrence 8

North Reading at N’port, 3
I guess all Newburyport (3-5) needed after an 0-5 non-league start was a few CAL Small matchups. After operating very inconsistently the first five weeks, the Clipper offense is beginning to resemble last year’s run-and-gun attack. In Newburyport’s last two games — wins over Ipswich and Hamilton-Wenham — quarterback Joe Clancy has passed for 528 yards and seven touchdowns. It’s easy to credit Clancy for the recent success, but the key has been the offensive line. A weakness early in the season, the Clipper offensive front is giving Clancy plenty of time to find the CAL’s top two receivers — Andrew Sokol and Kyle LeBlanc.
The pick: Newburyport 22, NR 10

Ham-Wenham at Georgetown, 1
Hamilton-Wenham (4-3) fully expected to enter this game with a chance to take pole position for the CAL Small title. One problem: the Generals fell to Newburyport, 28-14, last weekend. Now the Generals will need outside help to get back in the title picture, but they absolutely need to help themselves tomorrow by beating Georgetown (6-0). I can’t see it.
The pick: Georgetown 29, H-W 14

Last week’s record: 4-2
Overall record: 22-12

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Tonight’s games
Lynnfield at Amesbury, 7

Welcome back, Kevin Johnston. Look for a breakout game from the Indians senior tailback. He’s been held in check the last two weeks in games against Georgetown and Pentucket, tallying a total of 16 carries for 34 yards and no touchdowns. That seemed unthinkable after he registered 53 carries for 432 yards and seven touchdowns in the first four games. He’ll get back on track this week.
The pick: Amesbury 42, Lynnfield 12

Georgetown at Ipswich, 7

Georgetown quarterback Joe Esposito’s run for Daily News Player of the Year continues with a huge week against an Ipswich team that is 0-16 since winning a Super Bowl in 2006. Esposito has been stretching out his arm the last two weeks with four touchdown passes after throwing just one in the first three games.
The pick: Georgetown 34, Ipswich 0

Masconomet at Triton, 7

Supporting the point of non-league games being pointless, Masco started 0-3 against St. John’s Prep, Norton and Gloucester. Now the Chieftains (3-3) will be in the driver’s seat for a CAL Large title if they beat Triton this week. I like the Vikings a lot, but they’re still a year away from shocking Masco.
The pick: Masconomet 27, Triton 14

Tomorrow’s games
Newburyport at Ham-Wenham, 2

I need to see Newburyport’s offense explode one more week before I’m sold on the fact that all of the woes that plagued the team in its first five games are cured. Still, you have to tip your hat to a team that has scored 62 points and generated 439 passing yards over the last two weeks. It’s a nice response to the team’s 19-0 loss to Pentucket on Oct. 3 — the second time the Clippers were shutout in the first five weeks.
The pick: Ham-Wenham 19, N’port 14

Wilmington at Pentucket, 2

Both teams will attempt to rebound from difficult losses last week. Pentucket (4-2) lost to Amesbury, 24-21, in overtime last Saturday. Wilmington fell to Lawrence, 34-33, last Friday night. Which team will show the most resiliency in its run for a CAL Large title? I like Pentucket’s chances.
The pick: Pent. 20, Wilmington 17

Milton Academy at The Govs, 7

This is a rare Independent School League night game as the Govs will host Milton at Triton Regional High. In turn, Triton’s hockey team will get to use The Governor’s Academy’s new state of the art hockey rink on occasion this winter. A couple other newsworthy items: Salisbury’s Max Caron had 240 yards rushing last week in the Govs’ 26-17 victory over St. Marks. Former Amesbury coach Pat Flaherty is an assistant on the Milton staff.
The pick: Milton 29, Govs 6

Last week’s record: 4-1
Overall record: 18-10

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A quick reflection on last weekend’s football action: Congratulations to Georgetown for pulling off the upset of the season, overcoming a 14-0 second-half deficit against previously undefeated Amesbury en route to a 15-14 victory. Now Georgetown (4-0) is the lone unbeaten team in the River Rival Region, which is quite impressive when you consider the Royals made the shift from the Commonwealth Conference Small to the Cape Ann League this season. Many schools in the CAL experience decade-long stretches between championship runs, and the Royals have made an immediate ascent to the top of the standings.
To give you an idea of how difficult it can be to mount a CAL title run, Amesbury started this season with four wins for the first time since 1989. The 1989 Indians started 8-0 and finished 9-1, which is the school’s best record over the last 25 years. For Amesbury football historians, Dave Bailey coached the 1989 team, Mark Walther played quarterback, and Tony Willis was the starting tailback. The Indians returned to glory last season, earning a CAL Small title and the first postseason tournament appearance in school history. But it took 18 years between title bids.
So count your blessings Royals fans. It’s not supposed to be this easy.
Onto the picks:

Tonight’s games

Newburyport at Ipswich, 7

Clippers quarterback Joe Clancy had his best game of the season last week in a 24-14 win over Lynnfield. He completed 16 of 21 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. Perhaps it was no coincidence that the Clippers (1-4) notched their first win. I attribute the offensive success to three things.
1. Offensive balance (21 pass attempts vs. 30 rushing attempts). The Clippers have gotten pass-heavy in their losses.
2. No interceptions. Clancy has thrown five interceptions in four losses.
3. Improved offensive line play. It’s a young group and the pass/run balance helps keep defenders on their heels.
The pick: Newburyport 29, Ipswich 6

Lynnfield at Triton, 7

Did anyone expect Triton to beat North Reading by 27 points last week? I’d guess no. After all, North Reading beat Pentucket in Week 1. There’s no question this Triton team is vastly improved from last year’s 1-10 squad. The Vikings control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. On offense, the run sets up the threat of the big pass play. On defense, the Vikings allow four- or five-yard gains but refuse to give up large chunks of yardage. This one should be easy.
The pick: Triton 21, Lynnfield 12

Tomorrow’s games
Amesbury at Pentucket, 1:30

Indians tailback Kevin Johnston was limited to 26 rushing yards last week vs. Georgetown. I’d be surprised if he had two quiet weeks in a row, but Pentucket’s defense has not allowed a point in the last 180 minutes of action. I liked Amesbury quarterback Jared Flannigan’s effort in last week’s loss. He struggled to find open receivers on passing plays, and tailbacks Johnston and Jesse Burrell struggled to find running room, so the senior quarterback took it upon himself to make plays. He led the Indians in rushing yards (62) and scored both touchdowns. Pentucket may even have a stronger rushing attack than Amesbury; tailbacks Chris Modlish and Dan Johanson combined for 214 rushing yards last week in a win over Ipswich.
The pick: Pentucket 18, Amesbury 14

Murdock at Georgetown, 1

Another weird game on Georgetown’s schedule. I’m going to go out on a limb and say the Royals had a difficult time scheduling non-league opponents since they switched conferences last offseason. And that’s based on the fact that the Royals had two bye weeks in September, and they will complete their non-league schedule this week with a team from Winchendon. The Royals will be 5-0 after this week with non-league wins over Matignon, Marblehead and Murdock. Here’s hoping the Royals can schedule non-league opponents like Triton, Pentucket and North Andover next season.
The pick: Georgetown 41, Murdock 8

The Governor’s Academy at St. Mark’s, 2:30 p.m.
The Govs (1-3) lost to Brooks, 18-10, last week. I’ve now wrongly predicted the Govs to win three weeks in a row. What is their punishment? They must win again before I make the same mistake.
The pick: St. Mark’s 21, Govs 10

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They’re 10-2-3, have won seven in a row, and are having a fantastic year. (Last year they were 5-10-4.)

The team is filled with talent (Ashley Karelis, Callie Hefferan, Cassandra Davis, and Haley Morris, just to name a few) and coach Lauren Hefferan’s new system is working wonders.

They’re facing Hamilton-Wenham at home (Fuller Field) tomorrow at 3:45 p.m., so make sure to check them out.

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Tonight’s games
Lynnfield at Newburyport, 7
Newburyport cruised to a 14-0 victory over Lynnfield last fall, and the score really didn’t indicate the lopsided nature of the game. The Clippers ran the ball at will and improved to 7-3. Justin Burl played the workhorse with 26 carries for 202 yards. Kyle LeBlanc dominated the game on the defensive side, tallying three interceptions. The Clippers’ game-plan seemed to follow the Bill Belichick model for how to play an inferior opponent with a larger task looming the following week. Coach Ed Gaudiano played it conservatively in what seemed to be a refusal to show his hand to any prospective Amesbury scouts who might have been preparing for a Thanksgiving matchup that would dictate the league title. One major speed bump derailed the Clipper train in the closing minutes when Clippers quarterback Joe Clancy got into a physical altercation, was ejected from the game, and consequently suspended for the following week. It bears mentioning that the Clippers have not win since that Lynnfield game, posting an 0-6 record. Time to snap out of it.
The pick: Newburyport 19, Lynnfield 14

Pentucket at Ipswich, 7
Don’t write off Pentucket. Many might have thought of doing so after the Sachems (3-1) opened the season by losing to North Reading for the first time since 1997. But the resilient squad has not allowed a single point since the second quarter of that game, racking up shutout wins over Greater Lowell, Hamilton-Wenham and Newburyport. The Sachems have the best defense in the River Rival Region, and they run the ball very efficiently on offense. Those are important qualities for a team to possess as the weather gets colder.
The pick: Pentucket 22, Ipswich 0

Tomorrow’s games
Amesbury at Georgetown, 1
Ideally, these teams would meet closer to the end of the season because they seem like the best two squads in the CAL Small. But you play the hand you’re dealt, so let’s break this one down. The Indians (4-0) are the most complete team in the area. They have two dynamic running backs with very different skill sets — Kevin Johnston gives defenses fits with his speed, Jesse Burrell brings a power game to the table. Jared Flannigan may not have the best arm in the area, but he knows how to manage a game and move the chains. Steve Serwon is one of the better tight ends on the North Shore, and he gives the team a downfield threat. The Indians defense has been known to give up yards in the middle of the field, but touchdowns are hard to come by against the Indians. Last week, they held an explosive Lawrence offensive attack to seven points. Georgetown, on the other hand, puts so much responsibility on the shoulders of senior quarterback Joe Esposito. Last week Esposito rushed for 214 yards and three touchdowns, threw for another touchdown, kicked four extra points, and led the team in tackles (11). No word if he collected ticket receipts before the game. So I like Esposito to keep it close, but I like Amesbury’s depth too much to pick against the defending CAL Small champs.
The pick: Amesbury 31, Georgetown 27

Triton at North Reading, 11
In case you missed it, here’s how Triton beat Ipswich last week: The host Tigers scored a touchdown with 45 seconds left in the game, tying the score, 22-22. The extra point would’ve given the Tigers the lead and potentially sealed the win. So Brendan O’Neil blocked the extra point attempt to prevent the Tigers from taking the lead. Next Triton senior Bill Tindle returned the kickoff to the Ipswich 15. Then kicker Nick DeFrancesco drilled a 31-yard field goal to seal a 25-22 Triton win. How many of those kind of games did Triton lose last year? The Vikings (2-2) have learned to win, and now they’re making the huge plays down the stretch. Looking at Triton’s schedule, a five-win season isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. This week will be tough, though.
The pick: North Reading 14, Triton 8

Brooks School at The Governor’s Academy, 2:30
The Govs lost to Roxbury Latin, 21-7, last week. So this may be a rebuilding year, which is somewhat uncharacteristic of the Govs. But the Independent School League is unforgiving — that much we know. What perhaps we don’t know is this: Brooks is 0-3 this season, having lost to Buckingam Browne and Nichols, Belmont Hill and St. George’s. So I’ll take the proud tradition of the Govs this week.
The pick: Govs 14, Brooks 0

Last week’s record: 3-1
Overall record: 12-6

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