Everett, Xaverian, Lincoln-Sudbury and King Philip knew they were going to be spending the first weekend in December at the friendly confines of Gillette Stadium.
The rest of the dance card was decided over the past two days as state semifinals were concluded in Divisions 3-8. Here is a thumbnail look at the eight matchups slated to take place. According to MIAA North Tournament Director Barry Haley, official dates and times of the eight Super Bowl games will be decided this morning.
DIVISION 1: Everett (9-0) vs. Xaverian (6-4): A rematch of last year’s Super Bowl, won by the Crimson Tide. The two teams met in the season opener with Everett cruising to a 38-7 win.
DIVISION 2: Lincoln-Sudbury (10-0) vs. King Philip (10-0): The Warriors will be looking for their first Super Bowl title since 1989 when they tangle with a King Philip team riding a state-best 23-game winning streak.
DIVISION 3: North Attleboro (10-1) vs. St. John’s Shrewsbury (11-0): The Red Rocketeers’ defense will be put to the test against a high-powered Pioneers offense that is averaging 49 points per game.
DIVISION 4: Melrose (11-0) vs. Nashoba (9-1): Red Raiders replaced several starters from a year ago but haven’t skipped a beat as they defeated back-to-back unbeaten teams in Marblehead and Hopkinton to get here. Nashoba edged Marlboro in overtime in the Central final to earn its bowl bid (Central Mass. teams received a semifinal bye to the Super Bowl in the rotation).
DIVISION 5: Dennis-Yarmouth (11-0) vs. West Springfield (10-1): The Dolphins have been unstoppable this season and that was certainly the case in a 41-3 semifinal win over Watertown. They’ve been able to run or throw the ball with equal effectiveness. West Springfield is a veteran team with 19 seniors and hasn’t lost since a 44-27 setback to Div. 3 West champion Springfield Central earlier in the year.
DIVISION 6: Middleboro (9-2) vs. Littleton (10-0): The Sachems have relied on the dynamic duo of quarterback Evan Gwozdz and running back Jeremy Soule to advance through a tough sectional field. Running back Brad Klock is someone Middleboro will have to watch as he has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and is averaging more than 8 yards per carry.
DIVISION 7: Mashpee (11-0) vs. Blackstone Valley (11-0): The Falcons will be looking for their third straight Super Bowl title. Devaun Ford is the breakaway threat, but he also benefits from running behind a superb offensive line keyed by Colgate-bound Ben Bohnenberger. Connor Polymeros and Joe Antaya are two backs the Mashpee defense will have to contain.
DIVISION 8: Millis (10-1) vs. Hoosac Valley (11-0): The Mohawks will be looking to defend their Super Bowl title behind the passing of Bryce Latosek and the running of Kurt Hopkins. Hoosac Valley dropped 76 points on Nashoba Tech in a 76-34 semifinal win, rushing for 593 yards in the process.
Sweet 16
1. EVERETT (9-0): Gets to close out the season by playing at Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium.
2. CENTRAL CATHOLIC (9-1): Will be heavily favored against Lawrence in quest for a double-digit win season.
3. KING PHILIP (10-0): Looking for a 24th straight win when it meets Lincoln-Sudbury in the Div. 2 Super Bowl.
4. DENNIS-YARMOUTH (11-0): Dolphins’ offense will take what the defense gives it without losing effectiveness.
5. LINCOLN-SUDBURY (10-0): Has shown the ability to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
6. BC HIGH (9-1): You don’t think the Eagles might have a little extra motivation going up against Catholic Memorial at Fenway Park?
7. MASHPEE (11-0): Offensive line controlled the trenches once again.
8. NORTH ATTLEBORO (10-1): Close to reaching another Super Bowl, this group kicked that elusive door in.
9. XAVERIAN (6-4): Before the Hawks can focus on Everett, they have to deal with St. John’s Prep.
10. MELROSE (11-0): Received terrific contributions from untested players to get to the Super Bowl.
11. BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM (8-2): Thanksgiving Day tilt with Brockton is always an enjoyable take.
12. NATICK (9-1): Ever-consistent Redhawks seeking another 10-win campaign when they tangle with Framingham on Turkey Day.
13. MILLIS (10-1): Mohawks sure don’t look like a Div. 8 team, especially with the size up front.
14. DUXBURY (8-2): Will walk into a hornet’s nest on Thanksgiving at Marshfield in what will be Hall of Fame coach Lou Silva’s final game on the Rams’ sideline.
15. TEWKSBURY (9-2): Hung tough as expected before falling to North Attleboro in the state semifinal.
16. METHUEN (7-3): Only losses have to come to Central Catholic (twice) and Tewksbury.
