Preseason for high school football begins Aug. 15, and it won’t be long before the first game of the regular season kicks off on a field near you.
With bleachers full of students, parents, and fans eager to cheer on their hometown (or city) teams, it’s shaping up to be an exciting fall, featuring some intriguing matchups.
Here’s a look at some key games:
Opening night brings a stellar showdown as Swampscott heads to Manning Field to face St. Mary’s. Last fall, the two teams battled to the final whistle, with the Spartans edging the Big Blue, 13-12, in a down-to-the-wire opener.
This year, both programs look to start strong. There’s no better way than with a rematch of that tight contest. St. Mary’s Rowan Merryman is expected to play a key role once again. On the other side, Swampscott senior Will Bush, a starter since his freshman year, will look to set the tone.
Another must-watch game arrives Oct. 17 when Marblehead visits Peabody for a 7 p.m. meeting. Two respected Northeastern Conference programs – passionate fanbases included – will square off in a game that could hold serious playoff implications.
Marblehead returns dynamic quarterback Finn Gallup, who shared reps under center last year but now assumes full control of the offense with former co-starter Colt Wales having graduated. Expect Gallup to make the most of the opportunity as he looks to lead the Magicians deep into the season.
Peabody, meanwhile, will once again turn to senior quarterback Luke Maglione – a steady leader who has shown consistent growth year over year. Maglione’s poise in the pocket and ability to deliver under pressure were on display throughout last season, and the Tanners will rely on him to steer the offense in this crucial mid-October clash.
Jumping to Nov. 1, a marquee matchup takes place in Danvers as St. John’s Prep hosts Catholic Memorial in its homecoming game at 1 p.m.
Last year’s meeting between the Catholic Conference powerhouses ended in a lopsided 34-0 win for Catholic Memorial, and the Eagles will be seeking revenge on their home turf.
With both teams typically among the state’s elite, this game could carry Super Bowl implications on both sides.
In Cape Ann League action, Lynnfield will host Manchester Essex on Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. under the lights at Pioneer Stadium. The Pioneers earned a hard-fought 14-8 road win against the Hornets last year, and this fall’s rematch figures to be just as competitive.
Lynnfield coach Pat Lamusta consistently fields a disciplined, well-prepared team, though the Pioneers will have to replace several key contributors from last season’s roster – including Cape Ann League Player of the Year Tyler Adamo.
Still, the rivalry between these two programs ensures a physical, high-stakes battle.
Of course, no slate is complete without Thanksgiving rivalry games, and few matchups carry more tradition than Lynn English vs. Lynn Classical.
This year marks Rams’ coach Brian Smith’s first experience in the Thanksgiving spotlight, while Bulldogs’ coach Tyllor McDonald enters his second season – aiming to keep his record against Classical unblemished.
The annual holiday clash promises passion and pride as both teams look to cap off their seasons on a high note.
