Eastern Mass HS Football Power Rankings: 10/6/14

Xaverian may have the best group of linebackers in the state, led by standout Kenny Kern, who also serves as the Hawks' fullback and short yardage specialist.

By Mike Uva (@mike_uva)

Earlier today, editor Joe Parello brought you our latest Central Mass high school football Power Rankings, and now we turn our sights East for correspondent Mike Uva's EMass Rankings.

Check them out below.
Power Rankings

1. Xaverian: 5-0, 1-0 Catholic Conf. Division 1

Last Week: Defeated Catholic Memorial 35-6

In their first conference game of the season, Xaverian cruised to another victory, thanks in large part to the backfield duo of Kenny Kern and Noah Sorrento. The two combined for four of the Hawks’ five touchdowns, while the other came on a touchdown pass by Jake Farrell to Coastal Carolina commit Damion Wood. Xaverian will be back in action Friday night when they travel to take on Brockton.


2. Everett: 3-1, 0-0 GBL Division 1

Last Week: IDLE

Everett was off last week with a bye but will open conference play this Friday night when they host Medford.


3. St. John’s Prep: 4-1, 1-0 Catholic Conf. Division 1

Last Week: Defeated Malden Catholic 28-6

After losing their first game of the season the week before to Everett, the boys from Danvers answered in a big way Friday night for their eleventh straight victory over Malden Catholic. Quarterback Oliver Eberth was a perfect 11-for-11/173 yards/3 TDs. The Eagles will have their hands full again this weekend as they host Catholic Memorial in another Catholic Conference battle on Saturday.

4. Lowell: 4-0, 1-0 MVC Division 1

Last Week: IDLE

Lowell will be back in action this Friday as they host MVC foe Central Catholic.

5. Central Catholic: 3-1, 1-0 MVC Division 1

Last Week: IDLE

The Red Radiers are fresh off a bye week and prepare for a huge MVC showdown Friday night versus Lowell. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm at Cawley Stadium in Lowell.


In the Hunt: Holliston (5-0), Brockton (3-1) , Walpole (4-0), Marblehead (5-0), Natick (4-0), Tewksbury (3-1)

Game of the Week

No. 5 Central Catholic vs No. 4 Lowell, Friday at 7pm

If you think for one second that both Central and Lowell didn’t have this game circled on their calendars all season you’re crazy. With both teams coming off byes, there’s no excuses why we shouldn’t get both of these teams' best.

Before the bye week, Central Catholic rebounded with a 49-35 win over Andover after losing the week before to St. John’s Prep. In all three wins this season, Central has scored 40 or more points, outscoring their opponents 43-12.6 in those victories.

For Lowell, they started the season off in a similar fashion, dominating offensively the first two weeks, outscoring opponents 73-26. Despite adding two more victories  since then, Lowell has only combined for 35 points.

The question heading into this MVC battle is, which offense will show up for Lowell? I said this about Central Catholic b before they played SJP, that their schedule before that game didn’t prepare them much for that type of game. My thoughts for Lowell now are the same, and no, Leominster doesn’t count in my books.

Bottom line is this: Central is more prepared for this game because they’ve had a slightly tougher schedule after playing SJP. Lowell hasn’t been faced being down by much all season long so what happens if they fall behind early? Central Catholic will slow down the Lowell rushing attack while Mike Milano will add three scores - two passing and one rushing - as Central will win this showdown of the Red Raiders.

Prediction: Central Catholic 33, Lowell 21