Football: Two teams that came close last year go head to head Friday

Two teams who came breathlessly close to making the postseason a year ago will lock horns on Friday night (7) at Manning Field when Lynnfield comes in to take on unbeaten St. Mary’s.The Spartans have been systematic in cruising to three wins and come in off a 40-12 win over East Boston last Saturday that saw them pile up 410 yards of offense.Cory Donahue led the way with 118 yards on the ground and a score. He also caught a touchdown pass from Jonathan Capano. Todd Collier added an efficient 104 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.The Spartan defense also held Eastie to 179 total yards and eight first downs in the game.The test will get a little more challenging on Friday though as they face a Pioneer team that has won two in a row after dropping its season opener to Newburyport.Last Saturday, the Pioneers showed their balance despite sloppy field conditions in a 35-8 win over Fenwick.Quarterback Mike Karavetsos has stepped in behind center and been very efficient in leading the Pioneer offense. Against the Crusaders, he threw for 157 yards and added another 90 on the ground as Lynnfield led 21-0 at halftime.Hingham at MarbleheadAt Piper Field (7), the Magicians (2-1) look to bounce back from a stunning 29-12 loss in Winthrop last week. Fumbles were the waterloo for Marblehead in the loss as Winthrop turned two of them into touchdowns.Will Quigley rushed for 139 yards while Gus Percy and Ian Maag each threw a touchdown in the loss.Peabody at GloucesterAt Newell Stadium (7), the Tanners (2-0) come in off a bye week and look to show they are among the heavyweights in the Northeastern Conference when they meet the 0-3 Fishermen.Peabody’s new look pistol offense has give the Tanners a much more diverse attack and will hit the road to face a Gloucester team that is scuffling after a 28-0 loss to Weymouth.Saugus at DanversAt Dr. Deering Stadium (7), the Sachems (0-3) put up a gallant comeback against Austin Prep on Saturday but came up just short in a 22-14 loss.The Falcons lost to Pentucket last week.Revere at SalemAt Bertram Field (7), the Witches (1-1) shut down Archbishop Williams in an 18-7 win last week and prepare to face a Revere team (1-1) looking to rebound from a 28-0 loss against Swampscott.Georgetown at FenwickAt Donaldson Field (7), the Crusaders (0-3) struggled at times last week in a loss to Lynnfield but continued to get solid play from freshman running back Rufus Rushins of Lynn.