LYNN — A 6-2 record with a Greater Boston League championship wasn’t enough for Lynn English’s football team to qualify for the Division 3 state tournament.
The Bulldogs, helmed by second-year coach Tyllor McDonald, defeated Peabody, Revere, Malden, Medford, Everett, and Somerville. Their two losses came against Marblehead (Div. 4) and Swampscott (5), both of which qualified for their respective state tournaments.
Led by quarterback Shane Knowlton-Simard and running back Xavier Beauchamp, English outscored opponents 281-191 and reached the 40-point mark four times. The Bulldogs scored 50 points twice.
But once the MIAA’s state tournament brackets were released Sunday afternoon, English was on the outside looking in. With the top 16 seeds qualifying, the Bulldogs finished No. 18.
There is no subjectivity in the MIAA rankings, to which McDonald wasn’t one to complain about. The MIAA takes strength of schedule and point differential into consideration. Its formula combines a team’s average margin of victory and the average of opponents’ ratings.
“The brackets came out and we, unfortunately, didn’t make it, but we’re looking forward to playing Acton-Boxborough (non-playoff game), whoever we get next week, and then Lynn Classical on Thanksgiving,” he said. “We’ve got to take care of business. If we beat Marblehead and Swampscott, we’re in. No excuses from us and we’re just looking to finish the season on a high note. Next year, we just have to schedule stronger non-league games.”
Barnstable (7-1), Marshfield (6-2), King Philip (8-0), and Malden Catholic (3-5) entered Division 3 this season and qualified for the state tournament.
In 2023, Everett went 7-1 and won the GBL title, but failed to make the Division 1 tournament with a No. 18 ranking.
