From Preps to the Pros: Your 2018 Massachusetts Football Primer

With two of state's best linemen returning up front and a star dual-threat QB, Lincoln-Sudbury will host my most interesting Week 1 matchup against Western Mass power Springfield Central.

 By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Do you feel that? That chill in the air?

Ok, so maybe it was just mostly in the 80s instead of the 90s this week, but after the summer we've had here in Massachusetts, I'm taking what I can get.

But, believe it or not, fall is fast approaching, and that means it is football season, and, as editor Matt Feld said, there are plenty of storylines to watch across the Commonwealth. SuiteSports will again have you covered for all your MIAA high school football needs, but I will be taking a much more passive role.

The aforementioned Mr. Feld will be your point guy for coverage this fall, and he kicked things off Monday with our Preseason All-State team. As I head back to school to pursue my goal of becoming a teacher, and continue to work outside of journalism, I'm pretty much going to be an involved fan this year.

So, I figured since I'm basically just a fan, I'd write a fan's blog about what I'm excited to watch in Massachusetts football this year, starting at the high school level, and going all the way up to the college and pro dudes.

Here's what I got for ya.

Local Players to Watch in this Weekend's BC vs BU Hockey Clashes

North Reading native and Austin Prep alum Bobo Carpenter leads the Terriers in goals so far this season, but is just one of several local players who should influence a pair of games between old rivals BU and BC.  Photo from GoTerriers.com.

By Joshua Kummins (@joshuakummins)

Simply put, no weekend series during the college hockey season excites fans in Massachusetts more than The Battle of Commonwealth Avenue. Boston College and Boston University renew their storied rivalry this weekend in Hockey East play, beginning Friday at 7 p.m. from Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill.

The series-opening contest will not only be the 275th all-time meeting between the Terriers and Eagles, but also the 100th season in which the two teams get together. BU has a 133-123-18 mark against its longest running rival since the series began with a game at Boston Arena (now known as Matthews Arena on Northeastern University’s campus) on Feb. 6, 1918.

The season is just about two months old for most teams across Division 1 men’s hockey, and the Eagles stand five points ahead of second-place Providence in the Hockey East standings, with eight wins in nine Hockey East games. However, BC does not have a win in non-conference play as it stands 8-5-2 overall. BU has a 4-4-1 record in league play, which ties it for fifth place with UConn.

There is still some time to play from behind in Hockey East, as the seventh through 11th-place teams have all played seven or fewer league games.

Of course, there will be no shortage of players from Massachusetts taking the ice in the series. Twelve players in the BC-BU series and 109 across college hockey ― the third-most of any U.S. state, behind only Minnesota and Michigan ― call the Bay State home.

Boston College Football Will Lean on Local Talent in 2017

BC's offensive line will be led by local products Aaron Monteiro (67), Chris Lindstrom (75) and Jon Baker (77) this season.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Football season is here for Boston College, as the Eagles open up their 2017 campaign tonight at 9:30 pm at Northern Illinois.

Opinions and predictions for this season are… varying, and an antsy fan base has plenty of questions for coach Steve Addazio and his guys.

But, whatever your thoughts on the 2017 Eagles, it's clear that they will need big contributions from Massachusetts natives if they hope to succeed.

BC has had an interesting recruiting relationship with its home state. Some cycles the Eagles will bring in a flood of Bay State talent, and other years just a few players from within the Commonwealth's borders. The current coaching staff hit the Mass recruiting trail hard in 2014 and 2015, pulling in 14 local recruits over that two-year span, and now 12 former MA players will be starters or regular contributors for BC.

Let's take a look at the local talent BC hopes will carry it to a successful season.

RADIO: Boston College Football and Shrewsbury Legion Baseball

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Fall sports are nearly upon us, and this week's edition of "The Local Sports Lunchbox" on WPKZ recapped a wild summer for Shrewsbury's American Legion baseball team with star pitcher Matt Stansky. Hear about Post 397's magical run, and Stansky's experience winning the MIAA Super 8 on a loaded St. John's (Shrewsbury) squad.

Then, at about the 19-minute mark, we discussed Boston College's upcoming football season with BCInterruption Football Editor A.J. Black. What should we expect from the Eagles, and can they surprise some people, both in the ACC, and across the country? I'm slightly more optimistic than A.J....

Finally, legendary (and newly retired) Clinton High School basketball coach and AD Tony Gannon and I talk the start of fall sports around the MIAA. Listen in for all that, and more, in this week's show below.

Podcast: Chatting with Mets 1st Rd Pick & Boston College Alum Justin Dunn

By Cam Fox (@FoxHSradio)

Listen in to this episode of The Fox High School Radio Podcast with Cam Fox, as he sits down with former Boston College baseball standout and New York Mets first round pick Justin Dunn.

Dunn talks ACC baseball, his recruitment to and experience at Boston College, the adjustment to the pros and, of course, playing with Tim Tebow.

All that and more in Fox's podcast below.

RADIO: Patriots, BC Football, WWE & Tom Brady Day

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

It was an extra full edition of the "Local Sports Lunchbox" on WPKZ today, as football guru John Sarianides phoned in to discuss the prospects of the New England Patriots making history this season, and whether or not Boston College's football team can surprise some people nationally.

Then, the Sentinel & Enterprise's Nick Mallard called to tell us about a former local high school star who may soon be thrilling thousands as a member of World Wrestling Entertainment. Finally, Ethan Winter updates us on American Legion baseball, and everybody gives us their favorite Brady memory on Tom Terrific's 40th birthday.

Oh, and I settle the Brady GOAT debate once and for all (sort of). Listen in for all that, and more, on this week's episode.

Interview With Boston College Baseball Coach Mike Gambino

Boston College Baseball Head Coach Mike Gambino joins Cameron Fox on FoxHSRadio for his Fox High School Radio Podcast.

Listen to the full podcast here

Boston College Women's Lax Comes Up Just Shy in National Title Game

Norwell native and Noble & Greenough alum Kenzie Kent set a record for points in an NCAA tournament (37), and points in a single championship game (10), but it wasn't quite enough for the Eagles to top powerful Maryland.    Photo by John Quackenbos, via BCEagles.com

By Michael Abelson (@ABELS0N)

FOXBORO - Boston College had the best player on the field, but the undefeated Maryland Terrapins were the best team in the country, and showed it when they needed to.

The Eagles fought tooth and nail with the No. 1 team in the land, but couldn’t turn the corner as the Terps held on for a 16-13 win, claiming the Division 1 Women’s Lacrosse championship at Gillette Stadium. The game was played in front of a record tournament crowd of 11,668.

“I'm really proud of my team,” BC coach Acacia Walker said. “I think to take down Maryland is like slaying a dragon, and I think my girls fought until the very end, which is all I can ask of them.”

Boston College Women's Lax Final Four Run Powered by Local Talent

Merrimac native and Governor's Academy alum Kayla O'Connor has powered the BC offense all season.    Photo courtesy of BC Athletics

By Michael Abelson (@ABELS0N)

BOSTON - As the Boston College women’s lacrosse team was winding down in their locker room area after practicing at Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots were returning to their locker room after their own practice.

As the women looked on, Tom Brady made sure to take a moment to wish the team good luck and throw a thumbs up.

In a season that has been magical for the Eagles, having the five-time champion give his blessing is yet another exciting moment in the buildup to BC’s national semifinal tonight against Navy.

Blog: Alec Lindstrom Works and Eats His Way to Boston College

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

As Alec Lindstrom began thanking all his friends, family, coaches and mentors before signing his National Letter of Intent to play college football for Boston College, you couldn't help but sense a theme.

The All-State offensive lineman thanked seemingly everyone in attendance for cooking for him, or for taking him out to eat. As much as Lindstrom is known for his tireless work ethic and fierce competitive nature on the field and in the weight room, it may have been his appetite that turned him into a Division I football player.

Everett Alum Lukas Denis Latest MA Product to Start for Boston College

Lukas Denis was a play maker on both sides of the ball during his Everett days, but now he's settling in as a starting defensive back for Boston College. Photo courtesy of Brendan C. Hall and ESPN Boston.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

In the midst of another disappointing performance by Boston College, one Bay State product broke into the starting lineup for the Eagles.

During BC's 45-7 drubbing at the hands of Florida State Friday night in Tallahassee, former Everett star Lukas Denis made his first start for the Eagles, and it appears the sophomore will be seeing a lot more action the rest of the year.

SuiteSports Gearing Up for Football Season

Star West Boylston running back/linebacker and UMass commit Cole McCubrey

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

As you may have noticed, loyal readers, SuiteSports' content has been a bit sparse lately.

While summers are usually slower here (especially since I don't care about the Olympics or Major League Baseball), things are about to pick up in the fall as we throw a ton of pro, college and high school football coverage at you.

SuiteSports is excited to announce that we will once again be covering high school football in Central Massachusetts, with the help of some new local reporters, and will be expanding our coverage to the college ranks as I begin reporting for SB Nation, covering Boston College at BC Interruption. I'll also be covering the other three Division 1 football programs in Massachusetts (UMass, Holy Cross and Harvard) here, and as a part of a feature series on ESPN Boston.

By the way, if you're a high school or college student who would like to join our team, email me at jparello86@gmail.com. We'll show you the ropes, pay you (a little), and write you a very friendly college/recommendation letter.

Two Central Mass Seans Prepare for Major College Football

Shepherd Hill's Sean McKeon (86) and St. John's (Shrewsbury)'s Sean Ragan (77) will each take their games to college football's highest level next season.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

On the eve of National Signing Day, a pair of Seans from the Heart of the Commonwealth each have plans to play college football at the major-conference level next season.

Sean McKeon, an athletic tight end and defensive end, has already begun his journey. The former Shepherd Hill star enrolled mid-year at the University of Michigan, and is currently getting settled academically and athletically in Ann Arbor.

"So far it's been a great experience," McKeon said of his time on campus so far. "It was a little rough getting used to my class schedule and workouts, but once I got settled in everything was fine. Class is a lot of work, but there is a lot of academic support here for me. The workouts are hard but, obviously, that's expected at one of the best football schools in the country."

Sean Ragan, a versatile and bruising offensive lineman, will officially end his recruitment tomorrow when he signs his National Letter of Intent to play football for Boston College.

Postgame Blog: Marshfield Handles Dennis-Yarmouth

Adam McNamara (10) and Chris Lunn (35) were two of five Rams to score rushing touchdowns Friday.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Here is your reminder that this blog is not a complete recap of the game, it is simply my wandering thoughts. If you'd like a full recap, plus my video highlights and some postgame comments from the player of the game, head to ESPN Boston High Schools.

Now, onward and upwards.

Postgame Blog: St. John's Pulls Away from Shepherd Hill

St. John's lineman Sean Ragan (77), a Boston College commit, had a day-long battle with Shepherd Hill tight end/defensive end Sean McKeon (86), who will head west to play for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan next year.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Here is your quick reminder that this blog is not a complete recap of St. John's (Shrewsbury)'s 19-8 win over Shepherd Hill. If you'd like a full story, along with some highlights and video interviews with several Pioneer stars, head over to ESPN Boston High Schools.

That being said, let's get to a few of my takeaways from the Pioneers' big win in this battle of perennial Central Mass powers.

Massachusetts 2015 Football National Signing Day Database

Xaverian running back Noah Sorrento (#4) and defensive end Joe Gaziano (#97) will both be continuing their football careers at the next level.  Photo courtesy of Brendan C. Hall and ESPN Boston High Schools.

 By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

It's National Signing Day, and that means that all across the country high school players are making their college sports plans final. Here in Massachusetts, there are plenty of high school football players sets to take their games to the next level. Here is our list of those players, by school, along with some quick notes about their potential at the college level.

As always, feel free to Tweet me @HerewegoJoe if I have left somebody out, or feel free to email me at jparello86@gmail.com if you're not a Tweeter.

Massachusetts Football Recruit Profile: Davon Jones

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Throughout January our SuitePreps section will be rolling out profiles for some of the top football recruits in Massachusetts, all leading up to National Signing Day on February 4th. We continue today with explosive athlete Davon Jones, a two-way star for St. John's (Shrewsbury) who used his closing speed and leaping ability to dominate as both a safety and a receiver for the Pioneers.

Davon Jones

St. John's High School (Shrewsbury)
Defensive Back/Wide Receiver
5'10'', 180 lbs.
College Choice: Boston College
Senior Highlights

Massachusetts Football Recruit Profile: Chris Lindstrom

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Throughout January our SuitePreps section will be rolling out profiles for some of the top football recruits in Massachusetts, all leading up to National Signing Day on February 4th. We continue our rundown today with Shepherd Hill's Chris Lindstrom, one of the most devastating two-way lineman the state has seen the last decade.


Chris Lindstrom

Shepherd Hill Regional High School
Offensive/Defensive Lineman
6'5'', 248 lbs.
College Choice: Boston College
Senior Highlights

Massachusetts Football Recruit Profile: Jake Burt

Photo courtesy of Brendan C. Hall and ESPN Boston

By Mike Uva (@mike_uva)

Ed. Note- We continue our month-long look at the top football recruits in Massachusetts with a profile of Boston College bound tight end Jake Burt. Mike Uva, a St. John's Prep alum himself, has more on the SJP tight end, who excels as a receiver, thanks to translating his basketball skills to the gridiron.

-Joe

Jake Burt

St. John's Prep
Tight End
6'5'', 230 lbs.
College Choice: Boston College
Senior Highlights

Massachusetts Football Recruit Profile: Aaron Monteiro

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Throughout January our SuitePreps section will be rolling out profiles for some of the top football recruits in Massachusetts, all leading up to National Signing Day on February 4th. We continue our rundown today with beastly Brockton lineman Aaron Monteiro.


Aaron Monteiro 

Brockton High School
Offensive/Defensive Lineman
6'6'', 305 lbs.
College Choice: Boston College
Senior Highlights