The primary week of highschool soccer is all the time unforgettable.
Final Friday evening, followers noticed a sequence of gorgeous finishes, highlighted by a fourth-quarter rally by St. John’s Prep to topple Springfield Central (a 36-35 victory the place Jordan Toribio delivered the Eagles with a last-second landing and two-point rush, adopted by a game-clinching interception).
Followers additionally witnessed a matchup between South Shore groups that wanted triple time beyond regulation to be determined, as Patriot League heavyweight Duxbury emerged victorious on the street towards a really proficient Abington squad (a 52-44 remaining).
Many anticipate perfection with alternatives. Like most do firstly of a newfound season, nevertheless, Herald writers additionally needed to kick off some rust, going a mixed 19-7 throughout a primary crack on the weekly Pickorama.
As we enter Week 2, it’s time to take a look at among the prime battles on the docket. There’s even have some top-notch ISL video games to observe as its personal season will get underway.
BC Excessive vs. Central Catholic
These state powerhouses each sustained slender defeats to out-of-state opponents throughout opening week. BC Excessive fell in time beyond regulation (22-15) to La Salle (R.I.), whereas Central Catholic returned from White Plains (N.Y.) after a hard-fought 23-20 loss to Archbishop Stepinac. It is a get-right sport for each applications, every related in some ways. It may very well be selected the ultimate possession if issues pan out as anticipated.
Connelly’s decide: BC Excessive
Murray’s decide: BC Excessive
Bridgewater-Raynham vs. Plymouth South
A rematch of final yr’s thrilling Week 2 bout, when the Panthers narrowly edged the Trojans (a 28-27 win). Each colleges have improved, with Darren Fruzzetti’s group at Plymouth South opening with a 34-0 win over a troublesome Silver Lake workforce. Eiane Bain’s squad with Bridgewater-Raynham confirmed spectacular vigor towards a state titan in Mansfield earlier than falling on a walk-off discipline aim (a 24-21 loss). It will not be stunning to see these applications battle to the wire as soon as once more. The Panthers are a slight favourite.
Connelly’s decide: Plymouth South
Murray’s decide: Plymouth South
Duxbury vs. Scituate
The highest two groups in Div. 4 throughout latest years, these Patriot League heavyweights have loads of historical past, having battled within the Tremendous Bowl. Of their most up-to-date matchup at Gillette final December, the Sailors pulled away early in a convincing romp (29-13). Each colleges are coming off wild shootout victories in Week 1, with Duxbury knocking off Abington (52-44 triple time beyond regulation win) and Scituate toppling Westerly, R.I. (33-29). The Sailors may simply have a defensive edge on this one, nevertheless.
Connelly’s decide: Scitutate
Murray’s decide: Duxbury
King Philip vs. North Attleboro
One thing has to present right here. North Attleboro is coming off a dominant run to a Div. 3 Tremendous Bowl crown, and kicked issues off final week with an eye-opening 42-7 drubbing of Brockton. In the meantime, Brian Lee’s group at King Philip had a bye to begin, and the Warriors need to proceed their reign as one of many state’s premier colleges after dropping to Div. 3. May this be a state championship preview? Very attainable.
Connelly’s decide: King Philip
Murray’s decide: King Philip
Durfee vs. Taunton
The Battle of Route 24. Two proud applications with very passionate fanbases, every of which bought off to impeccable begins in 2025. This sport has change into an thrilling annual custom for native rivals. Nonetheless, the Tigers have received 4 straight occasions courting again to 2021. After a 50-7 victory over New Bedford in Week 1 for Taunton, it’s very believable to see that pattern persevering with.
Connelly’s decide: Taunton
Murray’s decide: Taunton
Dracut vs. Medfield
When these colleges met final yr as a part of their nonleague slates, Medfield snuck out with a 12-7 victory in a defensive nail-biter. This one has slightly little bit of a special really feel, with each squads placing up massive numbers of their openers. The Merrimack Valley Convention and the Tri-Valley League each have some robust competitors, however every workforce figures to be within the combine. Medfield seems to be the successful decide right here, based mostly off latest historical past.
Connelly’s decide: Medfield
Murray’s decide: Medfield
Brockton vs. Barnstable
There was loads of hype surrounding Barnstable heading into the autumn, and the Pink Hawks proved why with a 49-12 romp of Minnechaug throughout opening evening. The Boxers, however, took a punch within the mouth in a 42-7 defeat, albeit towards one of many state’s greatest in North Attleboro. Brockton will rebound in a giant approach, however will it’s sufficient to beat the Pink Hawks’ offensive firepower? It’s onerous to check, at the very least within the early phases of the season.
Connelly’s decide: Barnstable
Murray’s decide: Barnstable
Hanover vs. Hingham
This Patriot League bout options loads of intrigue. Hingham loved per week off to begin the season and has been on the rise lately whereas slowly constructing towards one thing nice. Hanover has persistently been within the combine on the subject of Div. 5 contenders, and opened with a 34-7 romp over Somerset Berkley. The Hawks will are available flying excessive, hungry to confirm their standing after they go to the Harbormen.
Connelly’s decide: Hanover
Murray’s decide: Hingham
Arlington vs. Stoneham
Stoneham cruised to a 45-7 victory over Nauset whereas Arlington took down cross-town rival Arlington Catholic 30-0. Stoneham took final yr’s matchup, however the Spy Ponders received in 2023. This sport may very well be a toss-up.
Connelly’s decide: Stoneham
Murray’s decide: Arlington
Billerica vs. Masconomet
Masconomet’s 41-7 victory over Newburyport set the tone for a Chieftains workforce trying to make some noise in Div. 3. Billerica is opening the season and an early win might do wonders to construct momentum for the season.
Connelly’s decide: Masconomet
Murray’s decide: Masconomet
Dexter Southfield vs. Suffield (CT)
It’s the opening week for ISL play, and that is one to observe. The nonleague sport is plagued by Division I commits and can set the stage for an thrilling season of prep soccer.
Connelly’s decide: Dexter Southfield
Murray’s decide: Dexter Southfield
Milton Academy vs. Worcester Academy
Milton Academy quarterback Qur’an McNeil dedicated to Buffalo this summer time and can purpose to point out why he has match the billing as a three-star recruit.
Connelly’s decide: Milton Academy
Murray’s decide: Milton Academy
Studying vs. Melrose
Studying had a powerful season finish within the Div. 3 semifinals and is trying to compete inside a loaded discipline. Melrose claimed a 21-0 victory over Peabody and will construct strong momentum with a win throughout the aisle within the Middlesex League.
Connelly’s decide: Studying
Murray’s decide: Melrose
Mansfield vs. Bedford (Mich.)
Bedford was a .500 workforce in Michigan in 2024 and 1-1 in 2025. Mansfield is coming off a detailed win over Bridgewater-Raynham and reached the Div. 3 title sport in 2024.
Connelly’s decide: Mansfield
Murray’s decide: Mansfield
Connelly’s Week 1 file: 9-4
Murray’s Week 1 file: 10-3
