Within the eyes of some native followers, the Thanksgiving vacation has misplaced worth with the MIAA’s current change to a statewide playoff format.
Strive telling that to the scholar athletes, a lot of whom will probably be placing on pads for the ultimate time. Some have waited years for the second to play in entrance of 1000’s of cheering followers.
St. John’s Prep vs. Xaverian
This recreation would be the massive one to look at, because it incorporates a Div. 1 Tremendous Bowl preview. These archrivals will probably be taking part in one another once more one week later at Gillette for a state championship, which solely provides to the storyline. For Eagles (11-0) coach Brian St. Pierre and Hawks (9-2) game-caller Al Fornaro, this can be a main shot at bragging rights. Don’t be stunned if a shootout develops in Westwood.
Connelly’s choose: Xaverian
Murray’s choose: St. John’s Prep
Winchester vs. Woburn
Winchester (10-1) noticed its historic chase in Div. 2 come to a halt in opposition to top-ranked Catholic Memorial within the state semifinals final week, however now the Pink and Black will look to shut their marketing campaign robust in opposition to their neighboring foes. Led by Ronan O’Connell and Gianni DePrimeo offensively, with Harvard-bound Bryan Harrison shouldering issues on the defensive finish, this formidable squad will look to place a last stamp on an epic yr. They’ve already clinched at the least a share of their first Middlesex League title since 1990, and might seal it outright with a win right here.
Connelly’s choose: Winchester
Murray’s choose: Winchester
Gloucester vs. Danvers
A fantastic matchup between Northeastern Convention groups. Each have loved nice seasons. Led by backs Joseph Allen, Jaylen Severino and Thomas Cribbs, Gloucester (7-3) ran roughshod by its common season slate, and registered a formidable 20-0 shutout of Auburn within the Div. 5 playoffs earlier than faltering to eventual Tremendous Bowl finalist Foxboro. In the meantime, Danvers knocked off packages similar to Marblehead, Studying and Winthrop, to call just a few, and earned a Div. 5 playoff look. This rivalry dates again to 1964, with the Fishermen cruising in final yr’s matchup (29-13).
Connelly’s choose: Gloucester
Murray’s choose: Danvers
Haverhill vs. Lowell
Final yr’s Thanksgiving conflict between the Hillies and the Pink Raiders may need been top-of-the-line on the slate (34-32 Lowell win). This season, Lowell emerged as one of many state’s prime groups to look at beneath Scott Boyle, who took over this system in 2024. Following a run to the Div. 1 quarterfinals, his crew will look to complete robust right here. Coached by Rob Pike and led by gamers like Henry Farrell and Michael Bayko, Haverhill (3-7) performed one of many hardest schedules within the state and eclipsed 700 program wins this fall. The Hillies will look to construct upon their historical past in a Thanksgiving rivalry that’s nonetheless comparatively younger (began in 1998).
Connelly’s choose: Lowell
Murray’s choose: Lowell
North Quincy vs. Quincy
Within the 93rd annual showdown between the Presidents (6-4) and the Raiders (4-6), count on some fireworks. Led by Jonas Ala on the bottom, Quincy has averaged 27.4 factors per recreation. Can his squad avenge final yr’s 43-41 extra time loss?
Connelly’s choose: Quincy
Murray’s choose: Quincy
Mansfield vs. Foxboro
Foxboro lived as much as excessive expectations and punched a ticket again to its house (barely) away from house – Gillette Stadium for the Div. 5 championship. Cam DeLeskey, Jack Taft and their teammates look unstoppable. Mansfield (6-4) is all the time a robust crew to look at, and Mike Redding’s group will look to play spoiler.
Connelly’s choose: Mansfield
Murray’s choose: Foxboro
East Bridgewater vs. West Bridgewater
After mendacity dormant because the Nineteen Seventies, the Battle of the Bridgewaters was renewed in 2024 with the Vikings (5-5) registering a 36-14 win. Nevertheless, the Wildcats (8-2) have since improved, and Ty Holmes has emerged as one of many state’s prime gamers. Count on a a lot nearer battle this time round.
Connelly’s choose: West Bridgewater
Murray’s choose: West Bridgewater
Needham vs. Wellesley
There may be some debate, however that is certainly one of, if not the oldest, Thanksgiving highschool rivalries within the nation, having began in 1882. Thursday’s recreation would be the 138th matchup between the Rockets (3-7) and the Raiders (5-5). After a tough begin, Needham’s younger group has launched into a three-game successful streak. Nevertheless, the Rockets should out-duel a high-flying Wellesley offense helmed by quarterback Bobby Shanahan in the event that they need to see it proceed.
Connelly’s choose: Wellesley
Murray’s choose: Wellesley
Catholic Memorial vs. BC Excessive
A historic Thanksgiving rivalry that goes all the way in which again to 1962, which BC Excessive (4-6) historically has had the higher hand in. Nevertheless, that tide has turned prior to now decade. Since John DiBiaso arrived at Catholic Memorial in 2018, the Knights (8-2) have gained the Pumpkin Bowl every season. They’ve additionally had a Tremendous Bowl look to arrange for throughout 5 of these victories. Even with one other journey to Gillette deliberate, it’s arduous to see the Knights altering up their typical recreation plan.
Connelly’s choose: Catholic Memorial
Murray’s choose: Catholic Memorial
Marshfield vs. Duxbury
This Thanksgiving matchup began in 1985 and has change into certainly one of Massachusetts’ heated vacation rivalries. These Patriot League colleges have had nice back-and-forth, with Marshfield main the sequence by a razor-thin margin (19-18-2). Led by Chris Arouca, the Rams (6-3) have had just a few weeks off following a Div. 3 playoff look and sit up for this battle. Senior quarterback Brady Rhinesmith and the Dragons (7-4) had a deep run to the Div. 4 semifinals.
Connelly’s choose: Duxbury
Murray’s choose: Marshfield
