For the St. Mary’s football team, the quest to win the Catholic Central League/Large championship begins tomorrow (7:30) when it hosts defending Division 3A Super Bowl champion Arlington Catholic at Manning Field.The Spartans come in at 4-1 after an impressive run through their non-conference slate while the Cougars are 3-1, their only blemish coming in a loss to Abington. And while AC is not the explosive offense it was a year ago, St. Mary’s coach Matt Durgin knows his team has its work cut out.”They are very good and still have a lot of weapons,” Durgin said. “They lost some experience, but they are still an experienced team that’s been to the playoffs.”St. Mary’s got a chance to rest some of its starters last week in a 41-0 win over Trinity Catholic. Getting that rest is something that Durgin knows will help.”We got a chance to play everyone last week and got some guys back healthy,” Durgin said. “These kids have played hard all year, and I think we’re going to find out were we are in a hurry.”Led by running backs Todd Collier, Ryan Barrows and Nick Day, the St. Mary’s offense has been running on all cylinders for most of the season. Collier had a pair of touchdowns last week to lead five different Spartans into the end zone.”Todd, Ryan and Nick have run real well,” Durgin said. “And fullback Stevie Carroll has done a nice job blocking for them.”The Spartan defense also has been outstanding this season but will face perhaps its biggest test this season in the Cougars, led by senior running back Charlie Bates. The senior went for 245 yards and three touchdowns in AC’s season opener.”Bates is one of the best backs in the state,” Durgin said. “There is no question that we need to play well. It’s a huge challenge and a great chance for us.”Triton at LynnfieldAt Lynnfield Middle School (11), one of the North Shore’s surprise teams to this point will play host to an unbeaten Viking team in the final game before each team begins Cape Ann League play.The Pioneers (4-1) got an outstanding effort from quarterback Gino Cohee last week in a 14-6 win at Danvers. The senior ran for 196 yards and a touchdown and added 54 yards through the air. It was the defense, though, that came through at the end.After surrendering a touchdown and a fumble late in the fourth quarter, the Pioneers forced three Greg Ladd incompletions and then intercepted his desperation fourth-down toss. That defense will again have its work cut out against a powerful Triton (5-0) offense.The Vikings have been nearly unstoppable en route to their five wins, outscoring the opposition 177-44. Running back Brendan O’Neil has been the ringleader in the explosive offense, rushing for an astounding 15 touchdowns so far.Classical at MaldenAt Malden (1), the Rams (2-3) will look to bounce back from a heartbreaking 34-28 loss against Beverly that saw them dominate most of the game but fumble away a couple of chances late.Casey Johnson was outstanding for coach Tim Phelps’ team on a rainy night, rushing for over 100 yards and a score. He also caught five passes and another touchdown.Malden comes in sporting a 2-3 record and beat North Quincy 24-7 last week.Tech at Greater LowellAt Lawrence, the Tigers (3-2) had things going their way against Manchester-Essex last week with a 36-12 lead at the half. But they saw the Hornets rally for 36 unanswered points and steal away the win.Tiger running back Ryan Murphy was immense despite the loss, carrying 15 times for 252 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned a pass 79 yards for another touchdown.Winthrop at SaugusAt Stackpole Field (2), both teams begin the NEC South portions of their schedules on Saturday. The Vikings (2-3) come in off a 31-25 overtime loss against Peabody that saw them squander a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. Saugus, meanwhile, will try to bounce back from a 41-0 loss at home against Lynn English.