The hallowed halls of Gillette Stadium will be imposing. However with the ability to stroll by them is a second each highschool workforce relishes.
This weekend, 16 colleges may have the chance to take action. Solely eight will be capable of name themselves state champions when it concludes.
St. John’s Prep vs. Xaverian
This may very well be the very best sport on the docket as Catholic Convention rivals conflict for the Div. 1 title. Simply final week on Thanksgiving, the Hawks (10-2) claimed their first league title in seven years with a memorable 21-18 win over the Eagles (11-1). It might not be shocking to see this one selected the ultimate possession, and accidents may play a significant factor. Xaverian might be making an attempt to repeat as state champion.
Connelly’s decide: Xaverian
Murray’s decide: St. John’s Prep
Catholic Memorial vs. Bishop Feehan
Since John DiBiaso’s arrival in West Roxbury in 2018, the top-seeded Knights (9-2) have made a Tremendous Bowl look throughout six out of a attainable seven seasons. They’ve captured the Div. 2 championship thrice up to now 4 years, their newest coming final December with a 39-21 victory over King Philip. Does the dynasty proceed? Second-ranked Bishop Feehan (10-1) has been on a roll with 10 straight wins, seeking to declare its first title since 2012.
Connelly’s decide: Catholic Memorial
Murray’s decide: Catholic Memorial
King Philip vs. North Attleboro
As many anticipated, top-seeded King Philip (12-0) has coasted in its new journey on the Div. 3 stage, and finds itself at Gillette for the fifth straight season. Led by star working backs Keigan Canto-Osorio and Tallan King, the Warriors have seemed nearly unstoppable throughout their newest playoff push beneath Brian Lee. They should topple a Hockomock League rival in the event that they wish to take dwelling the {hardware}, and it’ll not be a straightforward job. North Attleboro (10-2) is the reigning Div. 3 champion, and has caught hearth because the postseason has progressed.
Connelly’s decide: King Philip
Murray’s decide: King Philip
Scituate vs. Tewksbury
If anybody is acquainted with 1 Patriot Place, it’s Scituate (10-2). The highest-seeded Sailors reached the Div. 4 Tremendous Bowl for a fourth time in simply 5 seasons. They’ve gained three state titles since 2018, with the opposite coming in Div. 5. Led by stars like Jonny Donovan and Grayson Foley, they are going to be vying for his or her newest championship beneath Herb Devine. That stated, No. 2 Tewksbury (12-0) would possibly simply be having its greatest season ever. Brian Aylward’s group has seemed formidable and might be chasing its first crown since 2013.
Connelly’s decide: Tewksbury
Murray’s decide: Scituate
Foxboro vs. Shawsheen
Led by star working again Jake Banda, the top-seeded Rams (12-0) might be seeking to lengthen a state-high 26-game profitable streak after they take the sphere for a rematch of final yr’s Div. 5 Tremendous Bowl. In the meantime, Cam DeLeskey, Jack Taft and the No. 2 Warriors (9-3) are looking for revenge, having come up simply brief to Shawsheen on this very stage final fall. Count on one other barn-burner this time round.
Connelly’s decide: Shawsheen
Murray’s decide: Foxboro
Fairhaven vs. Norwell
It appeared the top-seeded Clippers (9-3) have been going to see their impeccable run finish within the Div. 6 semifinals. Then, Jack Luccarelli took issues over within the remaining quarter (three touchdowns) to energy Norwell to a 21-7 win over Hudson and to its first Tremendous Bowl look since 1999. In the meantime, No. 3 Fairhaven (11-1) has made Gillette its dwelling away from dwelling lately, having been to 3 state championship video games in a row. Derek Almeida’s group has averaged 40.58 factors per sport this yr.
Connelly’s decide: Norwell
Murray’s decide: Norwell
Amesbury vs. Cohasset
A really troublesome matchup to foretell. Coached by Pete Afanasiw and led by gamers like Michael Wildfire, No. 1 Cohasset (10-2) has averaged 37.33 factors throughout its Div. 7 playoff run. The Skippers might be chasing their first Tremendous Bowl title since 2021. Second-ranked Amesbury is undefeated (12-0), seeking to full an ideal season with standouts like Connor Scialdone and Justin Dube pacing the cost. The Redhawks are trying to snap a Tremendous Bowl title drought relationship again to 2008.
Connelly’s decide: Cohasset
Murray’s decide: Amesbury
Randolph vs. West Boylston
One more Tremendous Bowl rematch, this one coming within the Div. 8 ranks. No. 3 West Boylston (9-3) was capable of clinch its third straight Tremendous Bowl title throughout a 22-16 nail-biter with Randolph in 2024. Will Mike Ross and the Lions win a state championship for a fourth straight yr? Will probably be a problem, as Jon Marshall’s group seems for payback. Be careful for star working again Mekhi White on this one for the Blue Devils (11-0).
Connelly’s decide: Randolph
Murray’s decide: West Boylston
Information
Connelly’s week: 9-1
Murray’s week: 7-3
Connelly’s season: 81-38
Murray’s season: 80-39
Mixed report: 161-77
