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

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 9. 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 (9-0) vs Catholic Memorial (5-3), 1:30pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (1). Xaverian (30.1 PF/G-10.3 PA/G) slipped by Catholic Conference foe BC High last week (14-6). This week another league tilt with a Catholic Memorial (25.4 PF/G-20.9 PA/G) team that is (1-3) in its last four games. Expect the Hawks to take care of business with a methodical wire-to-wire win. Next up, a league clash with a resurgent St. John's Prep squad. Regardless of what happens this weekend, the Turkey Day game will have playoff implications.

Wins: Malden Catholic, Waltham, Brockton, Somerville, Hudson Catholic (NJ), Everett, Bridgewater-Raynham, St. John's (Shrewsbury), BC High
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (42-32)
TOP 20: (4-0)
Games remaining: St. John's Prep



#2-(2.50)-D2-READING (9-0) @ Lexington (5-4), 1:30pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (2). Reading (38.4 PF/G-9.1 PA/G) got the best of Woburn (28-13) last week. It was third time giving up double digit points in the last four games after not having allowed more than seven in their first five games. Are the Rockets wearing down? I don't think so as they look to clinch a playoff berth with a win over Lexington (21.2 PF/G-21.9 PA/G). In what will be a bit of a struggle in the first half, I see the Rockets taking control and coming away with a road "W". Next up, Stoneham.

Wins: Cambridge, Masconomet, Winchester, Melrose, Wakefield, Malden Catholic, Belmont, Burlington, Woburn
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (36-44)
TOP 20: (0-0)
Games remaining: Stoneham



#3-(4.35)-D1-BROCKTON (7-1) @ New Bedford (5-3-1), 1:00pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (3). The Boxers (22.9 PF/G-12.3 PA/G) got a much deserved week off last week. This week its a New Bedford (23.4 PF/G-15.3 PA/G) Whalers team riding a three game winning streak. A Brockton win gives them the Big 3 title and a playoff berth. I see a well rested Boxer bunch shaking the rust off and defeating the Whalers but not before giving their faithful some heart palpitations. Next up, the Dual County's Waltham.

Wins: BC High, Taunton, St. John's Prep, Fitchburg, Pinkerton Academy (NH), Durfee, Leominster
Losses: Xaverian
Combined record of opponents: (37-34)
TOP 20: (1-1)
Games remaining: Waltham



#4-(4.90)-D1A-GLOUCESTER (9-0) @ Lynn Classical (6-3), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (4). The Fisherman (35.0 PF/G-7.0 PA/G) took care of NEC business with a (36-14) decision over Revere. This week a NEC Large battle with Lynn Classical (21.6 PF/G-13.7 PA/G). Except for the Masconomet game, every Gloucester game seems to have the same MO. Score at will and give up 7-10 points. I see the same again this week as the Fishermen head to the playoffs if they win this game. Next up, Danvers.

Wins: Swampscott, Andover, Winthrop, Beverly, Salem, Masconomet, Peabody, Lynn English, Revere
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (40-40)
TOP 20: (0-0)
Games remaining: Danvers



#5-(5.40)-D2-NATICK (9-0) @ #7 Walpole (9-0), 1:00pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (5). The Red and Blue (39.4 PF/G-6.8 PA/G) rolled over Weymouth (35-14) last week. This week the Battle of Rte. 27 as they travel to Walpole (32.4 PF/G-6.1 PA/G) to renew their annual rivalry. Most points give up this year by Natick, 14..fewest points scored by Walpole this year in the last seven weeks, 28. So the age old saying of the immovable object meeting the irresistible force applies. I'll let you know Saturday at around 3:30 who I think will win. Next up, Framingham.

Wins: Newton North, Norwood, Brookline, Dedham, Braintree, Wellesley, Milton, Needham, Weymouth
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (31-50)
TOP 20: (1-0)
Games remaining: Framingham



#6-(8.00)-D2-FRANKLIN (9-0) @ Oliver Ames (0-8), 6:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (7). The Panthers (28.0 PF/G-14.4 PA/G) took care of business last week with a (33-14) decision over Sharon. This week it's on to Oliver Ames (5.9 PF/G-37.0 PA/G) where a victory by Franklin would eliminate Foxboro from league contention. I'll take the Panthers in this one as the game will be decided early. Next up, King Philip.

Wins: Attleboro, Milford, Mansfield, Canton, Foxboro, North Attleboro, Taunton, Stoughton, Sharon
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (41-39)
TOP 20: (3-0)
Games remaining: King Philip



#7-(8.05)-D2-WALPOLE (9-0) vs #5 Natick (9-0), 1:00pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (8). The Rebels (32.4 PF/G-6.1 PA/G) took care Weymouth last week (41-7) as Ryan Izzo ran wild. This week they host the Natick (39.4 PF/G-6.8 PA/G) Red and Blue. Last week on WDIS radio Coach Barry Greener said that QB Peter Bowes was the team MVP to date. On a team as talented as the Rebels that is saying a lot. I expect this one to go down to the wire but my crystal ball has temporarily fogged up. Next up, Weymouth.

Wins: Framingham, Milton, Newton North, Wellesley, Brookline, Norwood, Dedham, Braintree, Needham
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (30-51)
TOP 20: (0-0)
Games remaining: Weymouth



#8-(8.50)-D2-DRACUT (7-2) vs Haverhill (0-9), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (10). Dracut (33.2 PF/G-18.1 PA/G) had a very un-Middie like game last week in their slim (21-7) win over Lawrence. This week I expect that to change as the travel to Haverhill (7.2 PF/G-31.8 PA/G) to take on the Hillies. This one should be over early as Dracut just has too many weapons in Shepherd, Silva, Gauthier and Szymanski. Next up, Methuen and a battle for the MVC (Small) crown.

Wins: Marshfield, Everett, Lowell, Tewksbury, Chelmsford, Andover, Lawrence
Losses: Central Catholic, Billerica
Combined record of opponents: (44-34)
TOP 20: (2-1)
Games remaining: Methuen



#9-(8.85)-D1-BILLERICA (8-1) @ #12 Central Catholic (7-2), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (12). The Indians (28.3 PF/G-13.7 PA/G) rolled over Andover last week (35-14). This week it's a MVC (Large) battle with Central Catholic (22.1 PF/G-12.9 PA/G). I expect the home Raiders to be a little ornery coming off last week's loss, starting fast, but the Indians withstanding the surge and coming away with a huge road victory. Next up, Chelmsford.

Wins: Burlington, Woburn, Methuen, Dracut, Lawrence, Haverhill, Lowell, Andover
Losses: Tewksbury
Combined record of opponents: (34-46)
TOP 20: (2-0)
On Deck: Chelmsford



#10-(9.35)-D1-EVERETT (4-2) @ Malden (4-4), 1:00pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (11). Last week a convincing Tide win over for the Somerville (38-6). This week the Tide take on fellow undefeated GBL'er Malden (21.7 PF/G-16.1 PA/G). Going in to a hostile environment of the Golden Tornadoes will slow down the recently explosive Tide offense (averaging 40 points a game in the last two) for the first half, but eventually their depth will allow them to escape with a hard fought road victory. An Everett win locks up the GBL. A Malden win, I'll detail the scenarios later. Next up, Cambridge.

Wins: Leominster, St. John's Prep, BC High, Medford, Somerville
Losses: Dracut, Xaverian
Combined record of opponents: (34-25)
TOP 20: (0-2)
Games remaining: Cambridge



#11-(12.50)-D1A-BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM (7-2) vs Taunton (5-4), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (6). The Trojans (26.3 PF/G-13.0 PA/G) were stunned by Barnstable last week (20-14). This week they host Taunton (25.2 PF/G-22.0 PA/G) as they fight to keep their post season hopes alive. BR will have its hands full trying to contain RB Cabrini Goncalves. Ultimately, the Trojans tough schedule coupled with the sting of last week's loss will propel them to victory. Then the Trojans play the waiting game for other OCL results. Next up, Randolph.

Wins: Duxbury, Durfee, Marshfield, New Bedford, Attleboro, LaSalle Academy (RI), Dartmouth
Losses: Xaverian, Barnstable
Combined record of opponents: (45-32-1)
TOP 20: (2-1)
Games remaining: Randolph



#12-(12.95)-D1-CENTRAL CATHOLIC (7-2) vs #9 Billerica (8-1), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (9). The Raiders (22.1 PF/G-12.9 PA/G) were surprised last week my Methuen (16-12). This week a home tilt against fellow MVC (Large) Billerica (28.3 PF/G-13.7 PA/G). Not much time for the Raiders to fix what went wrong last week as they try and contain super Sophomore Nick LaSpada. I see the Raiders coming out strong, but just losing in a battle of offensive firepower (CC averaging less than 20 points a game..last 4). Next up, Andover.

Wins: St. John's Prep, Dracut, Tewksbury, Haverhill, Lowell, Lawrence, Chelmsford
Losses: Marlboro, Methuen
Combined records of opponents: (40-40)
TOP 20: (2-1)
Games remaining: Andover



#13-(14.25)-D2A-MARSHFIELD (6-2) @ Sandwich (5-4), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (14). The Rams (20.5 PF/G-11.8 PA/G) got a much deserved week off last week following their win over Falmouth. This week the recently crowned ACL champions take on Sandwich (17.2 PF/G-19.0 PA/G). Expect some vanilla plays as they gear up for Duxbury/Scituate winner. The Blue Knights will come at them hard but the Rams pedigree will give them the "W". Next up, Duxbury.

Wins: Lincoln-Sudbury, Dennis-Yarmouth, Nauset, Plymouth North, Plymouth South, Falmouth
Losses: Dracut, Bridgewater-Raynham
Combined record of opponents: (41-28)
TOP 20: (2-2)
Games remaining: Duxbury



#14-(14.60)-D2-METHUEN (7-2) vs Lawrence (3-6), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (17). The Rangers (19.6 PF/G-12.0 PA/G) had their biggest win of the year last week over Central Catholic (16-12). This week it is a contest with Lawrence (20.0 PF/G-24.7 PA/G). TRAP GAME! Big win over CC last week, Dracut up on T-Day. The Lancers will be looking to play spoiler as they open it up with the Nick Elwell to Mike Calzetta airshow. This game goes down to the wire with the Rangers eventually prevailing as the the 3 C's (Cool Cal Carroll) takes over. Next up, Dracut.

Wins: Concord-Carlisle, Malden, Lowell, Haverhill, Andover, Tewksbury, Central Catholic
Losses: Billerica, Chelmsford
Combined record of opponents: (40-39)
TOP 20: (2-1)
Games remaining: Dracut



#15-(15.80)-D2-MANSFIELD (7-2) @ East Bridgewater (2-7), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (13). Mansfield (34.2 PF/G-10.7 PA/G) lost a heart breaker last week took North Attleboro (28-25). This week its the East Bridgewater Vikings (17.3 PA/G to 22.9 PA/G) who might have picked the worst time to be playing the Hornets. The unlucky Hornets have been tied or lead for approximately 376 minutes of the 386 they have played to date. Regretfully those 10 minutes they haven't lead have resulted in its 2 losses. This week a methodical win over the SSL League's Vikings. Next up, Foxboro.

Wins: Dartmouth, Minnechaug, Stoughton, Sharon, Oliver Ames, Canton, King Philip
Losses: Franklin, North Attleboro
Combined record of opponents: (33-45)
TOP 20: (1-1)
Games remaining: Foxboro



#16-(15.95)-D2A-FALMOUTH (8-1) vs Plymouth South (5-3), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (15). The Clippers (26.1 PF/G-9.7 PA/G) bounced back with a (14-0) victory over Dennis-Yarmouth. This week another ACL contest with the Plymouth South (20.8 PF/G-19.0 PA/G) Panthers. The Clippers will focus on stopping RB Stefan Gustafson as they look to become the best team to be shut out of the playoffs. I like Falmouth to win setting up a classic Thanksgiving battle with Barnstable.

Wins: Rockland, Somerville, Dartmouth, BC High, Sandwich, Nauset, Plymouth North, Dennis-Yarmouth
Losses: Marshfield
Combined record of opponents: (34-43)
TOP 20: (1-1)
Games remaining: Barnstable



#17-(18.20)-D3A-COHASSET (8-0) @ Norwell (6-3), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last weeks' rank (NR). The Skippers (27.8 PF/G-6.8 PA/G) storm in to the Top 20 off their (14-0) shut out of Abington. This week its another SSL contest with the Norwell (19.8 PF/G-16.9 PA/G) Clippers. The prize is within site for the Clippers and star RB Dana Valentine. I expect them to stifle the Norwell offense this week, as it will be the Skippers over the Clippers. Next up, Hull.

Wins: Quincy, Hingham, Scituate, Cardinal Spellman, Carver, Mashpee, East Bridgewater, Abington
Losses: none
Combined record of opponents: (36-35)
TOP 20: (0-0)
Games remaining: Hull



#18-(18.40)-D2A-MASCONOMET (7-2) vs Malden Catholic (3-6), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (16). Last week for the Chieftains (26.9 PF/G-17.2 PA/G) defeated Pentucket (37-20). This week they take on the Malden Catholic (18.1 PF/G-32.8 PA/G) Lancers. Tough game for the Chieftains because it doesn't affect their pursuit of the playoffs win, lose or draw. With that being said, expect D1 leading scorer MC's Quinn McDonough, to rack up some serious yards but the Chieftains to prevail in the end. Next up, North Andover.

Wins: Lowell, Lincoln-Sudbury, Westford Academy, Newburyport, Triton, Wilmington, Pentucket
Losses: Reading, Gloucester
Combined record of opponents: (49-32)
TOP 20: (1-2)
Games remaining: North Andover



#19-(21.60)-D1-ST. JOHN'S PREP (4-4) vs BC High (4-4), 2:00pm (Saturday)

Last week's rank (20). The Eagles (21.5 PF/G-15.4 PA/G) defeated Malden Catholic last week (42-12). This week the BC High (22.6 PF/G-17.1 PA/G) Eagles come to Danvers. Two tough football teams will slug it out for 44 minutes with it coming down to BC High Preston Cooper vs Prep's George Sessoms. I'll take the Eagles in this one as it is too close to call. Next up, Xaverian.

Wins: Peabody, Mt. St. Joseph (MD), Catholic Memorial, Malden Catholic
Losses: Central Catholic, Everett, Brockton, St. John's (Shrewsbury)
Combined record of opponents: (39-30)
TOP 20: (0-2)
Games remaining: Xaverian



#20-(22.20)-D2-KING PHILIP (7-2) @ Foxboro (7-2), 7:00pm (Friday)

Last week's rank (NR). The Warriors (29.9 PF/G-8.1 PA/G) are back in the Top 20 coming off their (35-0) win over Stoughton. This week a nasty road game against the Warriors (26.6 PF/G-10.2 PA/G) of Foxboro. A must win for Foxboro versus a King Philip team that controls its own destiny. Foxboro went to the air last week consistently for the first time all season. So you can throw everybodies "stop the run" scouting reports out the window..not. Expect KP to stop the run at all costs and force Foxboro to the air. Also expect KP to air it out. Tough one to pick but I'll go with the Warriors. Next up, Franklin.

Wins: Hopkinton, Bellingham, Sharon, Oliver Ames, Canton, North Attleboro, Stoughton
Losses: Fairhaven, Mansfield
Combined record of opponents: (29-50)
TOP 20: (0-1)
Games remaining: Franklin


Dropping out were BC High and Andover.

For a look at the rest of the EMass football's Week 10 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	Dracut
5		Walpole	Brockton
6		Gloucester	Franklin
7		Everett	Billerica
8		Franklin	BR
9		Billerica	Natick
10		Dracut	Central Catholic
11		Central Catholic	Everett
12		Mansfield	Cohasset
13		Marshfield	Marshfield
14		BR	Methuen
15		Falmouth	Falmouth
16		Methuen	Masconomet
17			St. John's Prep
18			Foxboro
19			Andover
20			Walpole
rank		hssinsight	massey	boston globe
1		Xaverian	Xaverian	Xaverian
2		Reading	Reading	Brockton
3		Natick	Gloucester	Reading
4		Brockton	Natick	Walpole
5		Walpole	Walpole	Natick
6		Gloucester	Franklin	Gloucester
7		Everett	Brockton	Billerica
8		Franklin	Dracut	Dracut
9		Billerica	Cohasset	Everett
10		Dracut	Billerica	Franklin
11		Methuen	Everett	BR
12		Central Catholic	BR	Marshfield
13		Mansfield	Falmouth	Methuen
14		BR	Central Catholic	Mansfield
15		Marshfield	Marshfield	Central Catholic
16		Masconomet	Mansfield	Falmouth
17		Falmouth	Methuen	Masconomet
18		King Philip	Masconomet	King Philip
19		Duxbury	St. John's Prep	Duxbury
20		Foxboro	North Attleboro	Cohasset

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