Postgame Blog: Northbridge's LaChapelle Sets MA Wins Record in Ram Rout

Jake Wood (32) and Koby Schofer (12) give Northbridge one of the most talented and versatile backfields in the state.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Behind big days from his grandson Koby Schofer and classmate Jake Wood, long time Northbridge head coach Ken LaChapelle became the winningest high school football coach in Massachusetts history.

A quick reminder that this is only a blog of my rambling thoughts on the game. If you'd like to see my complete video report of LaChapelle's historic night, click here to view it on ESPN Boston. Now, let's move onto win No. 324 in Whitinsville.

Central Mass HS Football Power Rankings: 10/20/14

Worcester North gave Inter-High power Doherty all it could handle Friday, but Highlander quarterback Eric Vecsey's four touchdown passes helped Doherty hold on for another league win.

 By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Wow, what a weekend for CMass football. Friday brought a bevy of big games and close calls, as Littleton barely continued its region-long winning streak of 19 games against up-and-coming Maynard, while Doherty continued its Inter-High dominance by out-dueling North. The Highlanders edged the Polar Bears thanks to the electric combination of quarterback Eric Vecsey, who threw for four touchdowns, and wide receiver Matt Lyons, who caught three of them.

There were also a pair of big upsets as hungry Wachusett knocked off regional power St. John's (Shrewsbury) Saturday. That wasn't the first upset of the weekend, however, as Holy Name got back on track with a huge win over Division 5 power Auburn Friday night.

How did all of these games affect our Power Rankings? Find out below.

Central Mass HS Football Preview: Week 7

Doherty has dominated Inter-High in recent years, but will face a talented and motivated North squad Friday night.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

We've already looked back on Week 6 of Central Mass high school football in my latest Power Rankings, so let's move right onto previewing this weekend's games.

Central Mass HS Football Preview: Week 6

St. John's (Shrewsbury) WR/S Davon Jones will be critical for the Pioneers, on both sides of the ball, against cross-town rival Shrewsbury.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

We've already looked back on Week 5 of Central Mass high school football in my latest Power Rankings, so let's move right onto previewing this weekend's games.

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

Junior guard Sean Ragan and the St. John's offense are beginning to hit their stride.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Leominster continued its bounce back from an 0-2 start with another impressive win, this time a 35-9 thrashing of contender Wachusett, while St. John's rolled up talented Nashoba 35-0.

Both of these established powers, as well as Division 4 favorite Shepherd Hill, who blasted Grafton 45-6, were impressive, but could anybody wrestle the top spot away from Northbridge?

Check out our latest Power Rankings below.

Central Mass HS Football Power Rankings: 9/29/14

Northbridge quarterback Koby Schofer last December at Gillette Stadium. After Northbridge's big win over rival Auburn Friday, the Rams have to be thinking about a return trip to Foxboro.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

For the second week in a row, the number one team in our Power Rankings has lost. This had led to yet another shakeup in our rankings, pushing an unlikely Division 5 team to the top of the heap.

Check out our updated rankings below.

Central Mass HS Football Preview: Week 4

Auburn quarterback Steve Saucier may have to make some big throws for the Rockets to get past Northbridge Friday night.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

We've already looked back on Week 3 of the CMass high school football season in my latest Power Rankings, so let's move onward with everything you need to know about this weekend's slate of games.

Central Mass HS Football Preview & Preseason Power Rankings

Doherty (white) is the reigning D4 state champion, but many are expecting Shepherd Hill (maroon) to contend for a state crown in 2014.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

High school football season is upon us, and Central Massachusetts boasts several teams with state championship aspirations. Check out our preseason Power Rankings, along with a division-by-division preview of what to expect from CMass football in 2014.

Power Rankings

1. St. John's
Last Season: 9-4, Division 2 State Runner-Up

The Pioneers will need to replace two-time All-State quarterback Drew Smiley, but with Boston College commit Davon Jones making plays at receiver and safety, plus the return of stars Sean Ragan (Jr, G) and Shane Combs (Sr, QB/RB), St. John's is once again a favorite to make it to Gillette Stadium.

To read more about the 2014 Pioneers, click here.

Central Mass Well Represented on ESPN Football Recruiting Rankings

St. John's S/WR Davon Jones turned heads around the Commonwealth with his performance in the 2013 MIAA playoffs.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

After a banner season in 2013 that saw the region go 4-2 against Western and Eastern Mass come playoff time, including two state title wins, Central Mass is once again demanding respect statewide.

Six players from the region have found their way onto ESPN's Scouts Inc. rankings for Massachusetts football recruiting, two more than last year's group headlined by current Boston College defensive back Isaac Yiadom.

So, let's take a look at each of the CMass players on the Scouts Inc. list, plus a few others that merit attention in 2014. (Click all photos to enlarge)

Postgame Blog: Bishop Fenwick Rolls in Division 5 Final

Bishop Fenwick after their Division 5 Super Bowl win.

By Joe Parello  @HerewegoJoe

What had the look of an intriguing Division 5 championship game quickly turned into a route as Bishop Fenwick toppled Northbridge 28-0.

The loss ended a season of resilience from the Rams, who battled back from a 1-2 start to capture a Central Mass crown, and punched their ticket to Gillette Stadium with a dramatic last-minute win over Hoosac Valley two weeks ago.

For Bishop Fenwick, it was a day of respect rightfully earned. The Crusaders proved they are in a class of their own in Division 5, and their physicality on both sides of the ball was simply too much for the Rams.