Fitchburg Breaks Through Against Leominster on Thanksgiving

By John McGuirk (@patsfan1313)

Fitchburg, Mass. - As the brisk, chilly morning descended into its waning hours, two teams with enough history between them to fill 100 playbooks were making one final, desperate attempt to salvage lost seasons.

It is often said that whatever Leominster or Fitchburg does prior to Thanksgiving is insignificant when these two teams meet annually in late November. That theory holds true, especially in these parts, where this game has become folklore.

A victory over the other is enough to make even the worst of seasons more bearable. In the case of this year's contest, the road to the postseason for both the Blue Devils and Red Raiders ended weeks ago. The last salvageable grace remaining for both came down to Thursday's 136th meeting, between these old rivals, the 111th on Thanksgiving Day.

In one of the nation's longest and most-storied rivalries, Fitchburg grabbed a two touchdown lead in the fourth quarter and made it stand, coming away victorious, 34-21, at historic Crocker Field. It marked the first time since 2008 that the Red Raiders (6-5) have defeated their border adversary on Thanksgiving, though Fitchburg did defeat Leominster in the Central Mass playoffs in 2014.

Leominster now holds a slim 66-60-10 all-time lead in the series which began in 1894.

Central Mass HS Football All-Stars and Award Winners 2014

No running back in the state has gained more yards the last two years than Auburn's Mark Wright.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

We've already broken down the best teams in Central Mass with our postseason Power Rankings, but now we honor those individual players who excelled in the Heart of the Commonwealth.

Here are your 2014 Central Massachusetts High School Football SuiteStars and Award Winners.

Quarterback

1. Koby Schofer, Jr. Northbridge
2. Drew Jean-Guillaume, Sr. Shepherd Hill
3. Connor Bassett, Jr. Littleton

Schofer and Bassett each led their teams to Gillette as run/pass threats, while Jean-Guillaume did most of his work on the ground in Shepherd Hill's Double Wing. All three of these guys were the main reason their team advanced deep into the playoffs, and each powered an offense that scored over 32 points per game.

Central Mass HS Football Power Rankings: End of the Line

Darius Flowers and Fitchburg shocked Central Mass with a run to the D2 Central title and state semifinals.

 By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

New stars emerged and records fell during an eventful 2014 for Central Massachusetts high school football. While no CMass team was able to come away with a state championship Saturday, a pair of squads made return trips to Gillette Stadium, and the region as a whole saw tremendous competition and growth.

I'll have my CMass All Star team out later this week, but here are my postseason Top-10 teams.

CMass Playoff Notebook: State Semifinal Preview

After shocking Central Mass and winning the D2 Central title, upstart Fitchburg is just one game away from Gillette. (Click to enlarge)

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Four Central Mass squads scored sectional championship wins Friday, and each now sits just one game away from a state championship game at Gillette Stadium.

Here is a look back at each team's big win, and a look forward to what they'll need to do to continue their journey.

Division 2

Central Mass Champ: Fitchburg

Next Step: State Semifinal vs Longmeadow at Doyle Field in Leominster. Saturday at 2 pm

Fitchburg is the greatest Cinderella in the state this year, after beginning the season 0-4, then rattling off six wins in a row against the likes of St. John's (Shrewsbury), Wachusett and Leominster in last weekend's D2 Central final.

It's hard for me to believe this team struggled out of the gate after watching the Red Raiders' defense stymie Leominster at every turn, and running back Alex Marrero batter his way to over 100 yards and a score against the Blue Devils.

CMass Playoff Notebook: Champions to Be Crowned

Star Shepherd Hill quarterback Drew Jean-Guillaume will look to lead the Rams to a D4 Central title.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

The second season of the MIAA's new state-wide football playoff system has very much lived up to the original, but let's not forget you need to win Central Mass before you can prove your worth to the entire Commonwealth.

Taking home a CMass crown is exactly what eight teams have on their minds this weekend, as champions will be crowned across the region's four divisions. So, without further ado, here is everything you need to know about the championship games for Central's D2, 4, 5 and 6.

All games will be played this Friday at 7 pm.

Central Mass HS Football Preview: Week 8

Star middle linebacker Sam Norton and the St. John's defense will look to bounce back this week against a physical Marlborough running game.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

As we enter the final week of the regular season, much is still to be decided. Many teams are fighting for playoff positioning, but several squads need a win to get into the postseason at all.

Here's everything to watch for in your last regular weekend of CMass football for 2014.

Central Mass HS Football Preview: Week 2

Auburn and star running back Mark Wright will be looking for payback against Hudson.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

The high school football season in Central Massachusetts began for a handful of squads last week, but things really get going tonight and tomorrow for most of the teams around the region.

While I will be in Brockton tonight for ESPN Boston covering the Boxers' game against St. John's Prep, here are some things to watch out for in the Heart of the Commonwealth.