EMASS Football-EmassSports.com Top 20-11/03/09

This is a combined TOP 20 poll using information gathered from the Boston Herald, Boston Globe, Maxpreps.com, hssinsight.com and highschoolsports.net for WEEK 8. The goal is to provide the ultimate combined Top 20 in EMass sports.


Here is the TOP 20, each team's opponent this week, whom they won and lost against year-to-date, opponents wins and losses, record versus teams that were in the Top 20 at the time they played them and the remaining games on each teams schedule.

NOTE: Only games played against EMass Top 20 teams are reflected in each team top 20 record. No WMass/CMass or out-of-state. Too hard to compare apples to apples. However, those team's records are reflected in opponents records.


#1-(1.00)-D1-XAVERIAN (8-0) @ #18 BC High (4-3), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (1). Xaverian (32.1 PF/G-10.9 PA/G) took it to CMass power St. John's of Shrewsbury last week (42-14). This week the real season resumes with a Catholic Conference clash with the BC High Eagles (25.0 PF/G-17.6 PA/G). For all the hard earned accolades the Hawks have received (including a unanimous #1 ranking this week for the first time this year) and all the "big" games they have played to date, the next three weeks will determine whether they reach their ultimate goal...the playoffs. I expect the experience and offensive firepower of the Xaverian to be too much for the Eagles. Next up another Catholic Conference game against CM.

Wins: Malden Catholic, Waltham, Brockton, Somerville, Hudson Catholic (NJ), Everett, Bridgewater-Raynham, St. John's (Shrewsbury)
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (36-23)
TOP 20: (3-0)
Games remaining: Catholic Memorial, St. John's Prep



#2-(2.70)-D2-READING (8-0) @ Woburn (2-5), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (2). Reading (39.8 PF/G-8.6 PA/G) defeated Burlington last week (48-27) behind a super human effort from Ryan Pollack. This week a Woburn (14.9 PF/G-17.4 PA/G) team that has struggled to put points on the board all year. Not a good thing when playing the Rockets. Expect a road win as the Rockets march toward the Middlesex title. Next up the Lexington Minutemen.

Wins: Cambridge, Masconomet, Winchester, Melrose, Wakefield, Malden Catholic, Belmont, Burlington
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (29-44)
TOP 20: (0-0)
Games remaining: Lexington, Stoneham



#3-(4.75)-D1-BROCKTON (7-1) vs BYE Week

Last week's rank (3). The Boxers (22.9 PF/G-12.3 PA/G) played rope-a-dope again last week in a (13-9) victory over Leominster. Brockton has had a habit of keeping both teams in the game throughout this season which might be their achilles' heel in the end. Next week a Big 3 championship if they defeat New Bedford.

Wins: BC High, Taunton, St. John's Prep, Fitchburg, Pinkerton Academy (NH), Durfee, Leominster
Losses: Xaverian
Combined record of opponents: (33-33)
TOP 20: (1-1)
Games remaining: New Bedford, Waltham



#4-(5.10)-D1A-GLOUCESTER (8-0) vs Revere (2-6), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (4). The Fisherman (34.9 PF/G-6.1 PA/G) dominated their NEC showdown with Lynn English (48-7). This week a home tilt against the Revere Patriots (11.6 PF/G-29.5 PA/G). Expect this to be over early as the Fishermen are just too good on both sides of the ball. Next week a clash with undefeated NEC Large Lynn Classical.

Wins: Swampscott, Andover, Winthrop, Beverly, Salem, Masconomet, Peabody, Lynn English
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (35-28)
TOP 20: (0-0)
Games remaining: Lynn Classical, Danvers



#5-(5.20)-D2-NATICK (8-0) vs Weymouth (6-2), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (5). The Red and Blue (40.0 PF/G-6.1 PA/G) left Needham black and blue in their (35-0) shutout last week. This week a home game against a spunky Weymouth team (31.9 PF/G-14.4 PA/G) that can put up points. This has "trap game" written all over it with Walpole on deck and the undefeated Rockets last week. With that being said the Natick defense hunkers down and gets the "W".

Wins: Newton North, Norwood, Brookline, Dedham, Braintree, Wellesley, Milton, Needham
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (22-42)
TOP 20: (1-0)
Games remaining: Walpole, Framingham



#6-(7.95)-D1A-BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM (7-1) @ Barnstable (4-3), 6:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (6). The Trojans (27.9 PF/G-12.1 PA/G) got back in the win column with a (35-0) shut out of Dartmouth. This week a trek down the Cape for a battle against Barnstable (22.0 PF/G-16.7 PA/G). The Trojans have to keep their eye on the prize and not look past the Red Raiders who are coming off a surprising win over Plymouth North. Go with the road team which will set up a huge game next week against Cabrini Goncalves and the Taunton Tigers

Wins: Duxbury, Durfee, Marshfield, New Bedford, Attleboro, LaSalle Academy (RI), Dartmouth
Losses: Xaverian
Combined record of opponents: (36-26-1)
TOP 20: (2-1)
Games remaining: Taunton, Randolph



#7-(9.05)-D2-FRANKLIN (8-0) @ Sharon (2-6), 2:00pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (7). The Panthers (27.4 PF/G-14.5 PA/G) took care of Stoughton last week (21-7). This week its another HOCK tilt, this time against a gutsy Sharon (17.9 PF/G-28.9 PA/G) Eagle team. I don't know how many bullets the Eagles have left in the tank but this one will be closer than expected providing Jordan Aronson is healthy. The Panthers eventually pull away in the 2nd half for victory number nine. Also expect to see a lot of enemy HOCK teams in attendance for this Saturday matinee hoping the Panthers stumble. Next up the Oliver Ames Tigers.

Wins: Attleboro, Milford, Mansfield, Canton, Foxboro, North Attleboro, Taunton, Stoughton
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (35-28)
TOP 20: (3-0)
Games remaining: Oliver Ames, King Philip



#8-(9.10)-D2-WALPOLE (8-0) @ Needham (7-1), 2:30pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (8). The Rebels (31.4 PF/G-6.0 PA/G) took care of the Braintree Wamps (42-7) behind the return of RB Ryan Izzo. This week its the Needham Rockets (21.0 PF/G-12.9 PA/G) who are still stinging from last week's first loss of the year to Natick. Expect win number 22 in a row as the Rebels are just too tough defensively. Next up for first year head coach Barry Greener and the boys, a clash with the Natick Red and Blue.

Wins: Framingham, Milton, Newton North, Wellesley, Brookline, Norwood, Dedham, Braintree
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (19-45)
TOP 20: (0-0)
Games remaining: Natick, Weymouth



#9-(9.60)-D1-CENTRAL CATHOLIC (7-1) @ #17 Methuen (6-2), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (9). The Raiders (23.4 PF/G-12.5 PA/G) exploded last week for 21 quick points in their (24-14) decision over Chelmsford. This week its on the road against pesky Cal Carroll and the #17 Methuen Rangers (20.0 PF/G-12.0 PA/G). This one will go down to the wire with the Raiders pulling out their 8th victory in a row since a season opening loss to Marlboro. Next up a huge two game stretch against MVC Large Billerica and Andover.

Wins: St. John's Prep, Dracut, Tewksbury, Haverhill, Lowell, Lawrence, Chelmsford
Losses: Marlboro
Combined records of opponents: (28-35)
TOP 20: (2-0)
Games remaining: Billerica, Andover



#10-(10.05)-D2-DRACUT (6-2) @ Lawrence (3-5), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (10). Dracut (34.8 PF/G-19.5 PA/G) stormed past MVC Large Andover (47-22) last week. This week its a huge road game at the Lawrence Lancers (21.6 PF/G-25.1 PA/G) who are undefeated in MVC Small play. The quality of opponents pays off here as explosive Middies derail the upstart Lancers with their plethora of weapons. It's amazing that Dracut graduates the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year and still has the depth to replace him with a impact player like Matt Silva. A bye for the Middies next week.

Wins: Marshfield, Everett, Lowell, Tewksbury, Chelmsford, Andover
Losses: Central Catholic, Billerica
Combined record of opponents: (37-25)
TOP 20: (2-1)
Games remaining: Bye, Methuen



#11-(10.15)-D1-EVERETT (4-2) @ Somerville (2-5), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (11). Last week a convincing GBL opening win for the Tide (19.0 PF/G-17.8 PA/G) over the resurgent Medford Mustangs (42-14). This week they are road warriors as they travel to Somerville (14.3 PF/G-19.9 PA/G) to take on the Highlanders. Expect another GBL win for the Tide as the inch closer to their battle with the Malden Golden Tornadoes, who are also undefeated in the GBL.

Wins: Leominster, St. John's Prep, BC High, Medford
Losses: Dracut, Xaverian
Combined record of opponents: (27-18)
TOP 20: (0-2)
Games remaining: Malden, Cambridge



#12-(11.60)-D1-BILLERICA (7-1) @ #19 Andover (5-3), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (12). The Indians (27.5 PF/G-13.6 PA/G) breezed to a (42-7) win over Lowell last week. This week it is a critical MVC (Large) game against the #19 Andover (26.8 PF/G-22.9 PA/G) Golden Warriors. Expect the Nick LaSpada lead Indians to continue their undefeated season (7-0) when he is under center. Next up another huge MVC Large game against Central Catholic.

Wins: Burlington, Woburn, Methuen, Dracut, Lawrence, Haverhill, Lowell
Losses: Tewksbury
Combined record of opponents: (26-37)
TOP 20: (1-0)
On Deck: Central Catholic, Chelmsford



#13-(12.90)-D2-MANSFIELD (7-1) vs North Attleboro (5-3), 4:30pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (13). Mansfield (35.4 PF/G-8.5 PA/G) took care of the King Philip Warriors (20-7) last week completely shutting down the KP offense. This week another must win against another rival, North Attleboro (25.9 PA/G to 10.8 PA/G). This my friends is game on as the Red Rocketeers three losses have been by a combined 17 points. In what will be an emotionally charged atmosphere, I will go with the home team coming up big late in the second half. Next up for the Hornets the East Bridgewater Vikings.

Wins: Dartmouth, Minnechaug, Stoughton, Sharon, Oliver Ames, Canton, King Philip
Losses: Franklin
Combined record of opponents: (24-38)
TOP 20: (1-1)
Games remaining: East Bridgewater, Foxboro



#14-(14.10)-D2A-MARSHFIELD (6-2) vs BYE Week

Last week's rank (15). The Rams (20.5 PF/G-11.8 PA/G) slipped by #14 Falmouth (10-6) last week to win the Atlantic Coast League crown in a classic hard fought defensive war. This week they get a much deserved break with a bye. Next up for the Rams, the Sandwich Blue Knights.

Wins: Lincoln-Sudbury, Dennis-Yarmouth, Nauset, Plymouth North, Plymouth South, Falmouth
Losses: Dracut, Bridgewater-Raynham
Combined record of opponents: (38-24)
TOP 20: (2-2)
Games remaining: Sandwich, Duxbury



#15-(16.15)-D2A-FALMOUTH (7-1) @ Dennis-Yarmouth (5-3), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (14). The Clippers (27.6 PF/G-10.9 PA/G) lost a heart breaker to the #15 Marshfield Rams (10-6). The league title and playoffs up in smoke by 4 points. This week they need to regroup and finish strong as the take on the Dennis-Yarmouth Dolphins (28.4 PF/G-18.0 PA/G). Expect a spirited game from the home team as this is for island bragging rights. But take the visitors. Next up for the Clippers, Plymouth South.

Wins: Rockland, Somerville, Dartmouth, BC High, Sandwich, Nauset, Plymouth North
Losses: Marshfield
Combined record of opponents: (27-34)
TOP 20: (1-1)
Games remaining: Plymouth South, Barnstable



#16-(17.80)-D2A-MASCONOMET (6-2) vs Pentucket (5-3), 2:00pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (16). Last week for the Chieftains (25.6 PF/G-16.9 PA/G) lit up the Wilmington Wildcats (35-20). This week their march toward the playoffs involves a tilt against the Pentucket (18.3 PF/G-11.3 PA/G) Sachems. I'm going with the home team to keep its CAL record unblemished. Next up a non-league game against the Catholic Conference's Malden Catholic.

Wins: Lowell, Lincoln-Sudbury, Westford Academy, Newburyport, Triton, Wilmington
Losses: Reading, Gloucester
Combined record of opponents: (39-25)
TOP 20: (1-2)
Games remaining: Malden Catholic, North Andover



#17-(19.60)-D2-METHUEN (6-2) vs #9 Central Catholic (7-1), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (20). The Rangers (20.0 PF/G-12.0 PA/G) first foray in to the Top 20 netted them a (20-7) win over Tewksbury. This week the competition level is raised as they travel to Central Catholic (23.4 PF/G-12.5 PA/G) to take on the #9 Raiders. The Rangers are (2-2) so far against MVC LArge so expect a close game that is ultimately won by Central Catholic. Next up MVC Small, Lawrence.

Wins: Concord-Carlisle, Malden, Lowell, Haverhill, Andover, Tewksbury
Losses: Billerica, Chelmsford
Combined record of opponents: (29-35)
TOP 20: (1-1)
Games remaining: Lawrence, Dracut




#18-(21.60)-D1-BC HIGH (4-3) vs #1 Xaverian (8-0), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last weeks' rank (NR). The Eagles (25.0 PF/G-17.6 PA/G) rejoin the Top 20 off a (34-12) win over Malden Catholic. Staying in the Top 20 will be a little more difficult as they host #1 Xaverian (32.1 PF/G-10.9 PA/G). I've learned to never underestimate BC High but this task is a little too tall a challenge. I like the visitors in this one but the home team will let them know they were in a game. Next up another Catholic Conference tilt against St. John's Prep.

Wins: Springfield Catholic, Acton-Boxboro, Cambridge, Malden Catholic
Losses: Brockton, Falmouth, Everett
Combined record of opponents: (29-24)
TOP 20: (0-2)
Games remaining: St. John's Prep, Catholic Memorial



#19-(22.20)-D1-ANDOVER (5-3) vs #12 Billerica (7-1), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (NR). The Golden Warriors (26.8 PF/G-22.9 PA/G) are back in the Top 20 even though they lost to Dracut last week (47-22). Oh well. This week it doesn't get any easier as they host the powerful Billerica (27.5 PF/G-13.6 PA/G) Indians. Biggest game of the year for Andover, a must win, but to the visitors go the spoils. Next up, the Lowell Red Raiders.

Wins: North Andover, Tewksbury, Haverhill, Lawrence, Chelmsford
Losses: Gloucester, Methuen, Dracut
Combined record of opponents: (36-28)
TOP 20: (1-2)
Games remaining: Lowell, Central Catholic



#20-(22.40)-D1-ST. JOHN'S PREP (3-4) vs Malden Catholic (3-5), 2:00pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (NR). The Eagles (18.6 PF/G-15.9 PA/G) finally got it going offensively last week against Catholic Memorial in a (29-22) win. This week another Catholic Confernece game against Malden Catholic (18.9 PF/G-31.6 PA/G). Expect another offensive explosion by the home team as it makes a run at the Catholic Conference title. Next up the BC High Eagles.

Wins: Peabody, Mt. St. Joseph (MD), Catholic Memorial
Losses: Central Catholic, Everett, Brockton, St. John's (Shrewsbury)
Combined record of opponents: (34-21)
TOP 20: (0-2)
Games remaining: BC High, Xaverian


Dropping out was Needham, Bishop Feehan and King Philip.

For a look at the rest of the EMass football's Week 9 schedule it is available on Danny V's Boston Herald blog.

Here are the sources for the BCS type rankings from above.

rank		boston herald	maxpreps
1		Xaverian	Xaverian
2		Reading	Gloucester
3		Brockton	Reading
4		Natick	BR
5		Walpole	Dracut
6		Gloucester	Brockton
7		Everett	Franklin
8		Central Catholic	Central Catholic
9		Franklin	Natick
10		Mansfield	Billerica
11		BR	Everett
12		Billerica	Marshfield
13		Dracut	Masconomet
14		Marshfield	Falmouth
15		Falmouth	Cohasset
16		BC High	Mansfield
17			Andover
18			St. John's Prep
19			Lynn English
20			Methuen
rank		hssinsight	massey	boston globe
1		Xaverian	Xaverian	Xaverian
2		Reading	Gloucester	Brockton
3		Natick	Reading	Reading
4		Brockton	Natick	Walpole
5		Walpole	Walpole	Natick
6		BR	Franklin	Gloucester
7		Central Catholic	BR	Billerica
8		Gloucester	Brockton	Dracut
9		Everett	Dracut	BR
10		Franklin	Central Catholic	Everett
11		Billerica	Mansfield	Franklin
12		Dracut	Everett	Mansfield
13		Mansfield	Marshfield	Central Catholic
14		Marshfield	Cohasset	Marshfield
15		Masconomet	Billerica	BC High
16		Falmouth	Falmouth	Falmouth
17		Methuen	Masconomet	Methuen
18		BC High	Abington	Needham
19		King Philip	Methuen	Masconomet
20		Andover	Westwood	King Philip

EMASS HOME