With players strapping on the pads again, it got me thinking about Week 1 of high school football in Lynn. Three of the city’s teams prepare for Friday night lights, while two others welcome bye weeks.
Friday, Sept. 6 comes with some fascinating matchups to kickstart the fall.
I know, I know. It’s a few weeks away, but let’s talk about it.
Lynn Classical hosts North Attleboro at Manning Field. Home-field advantage is a plus, but so is the running game of the Red Rocketeers, who – from a local standpoint – ran all over Lynnfield last season with a ground-and-pound approach.
Coach Brian Vaughan will have his hands full this year, as he’s losing one of the best quarterback-receiver combinations in Lynn history: quarterback Brian Vaughan Jr. and his favorite target, John Nasky.
While both Vaughan and Nasky are playing football in college, the hope is that they left a lasting impression on the underclassmen.
With running back Tyren Hoeun suiting up for the Rams, let’s see if they can charge in what could be a run-heavy game.
My unofficial prediction is a close game – one that’s decided by the offensive and defensive lines.
Onto Lynn English. The Bulldogs are under new direction with coach Tyllor McDonald, but the former quarterback and company have a tough game against Lawrence.
Last year, the two sides squared off and, let’s just say, most English fans try to forget it.
Lawrence defeated English, 27-0. The Bulldogs threw for just 5 yards in one half, and piled up the turnovers in a sluggish showing.
When asked who he’s excited to play against this season, McDonald actually pointed to Lawrence, describing its athletes as “scrappy, tough, athletic kids.”
The St. Mary’s Spartans hit the road in Swampscott. This should be a good game between two solid opponents. Coach Sean Driscoll spoke highly of Swampscott coach Peter Bush’s squad.
“This year, opening up with Swampscott, it will be a good thing for us as it’s one of the better programs on the North Shore,” he said. “We’re looking forward to that.”
The Spartans were pretty young last year, and those freshmen and sophomores who got playing time are more experienced now. Let’s see if they’re ready to take on more responsibilities.
Both Lynn Tech and KIPP will start their seasons with bye weeks, but let’s take a look.
Tech coach James Runner said “I’m looking forward to another big year” with young quarterback Jadiel Ortega and the rest of the crew.
“We’re a running team and everybody knows we’re a running team, but I dare a team to put eight against us in the box this year,” he said. “You want to see your program redevelop and find a new identity.”
For KIPP, like Classical, it graduated some of the top players in the state in Chanel Gutierrez, Morenel Castro, and Jovan Machado.
Coach Jim Rabbitt said he’s excited to get a proper look at Elai Machado, who will be the Panthers’ starting quarterback.
“He’s someone to look forward to. He’s a sophomore this year and, last year, had a chance to win the job, but he had an injury late in the summer,” Rabbitt said. “He’s grown so much. He’s 6-foot-3, 190 pounds. He’s worked out all summer and we’re really looking forward to seeing what we get out of him the next three years.”
After the bye, KIPP will take on St. Mary’s in a game that was decided by just two points last fall (22-20). Driscoll and Rabbitt each described the matchup as one that’s turning into a rivalry, by the way.
Football, please hurry up.
