Your MIAA EMass Football Playoff Preview: Divisions 5-8

The Millis Mohawks, led by star quarterback Bryce Latosek, a physical offensive line, and experienced skill position players, will look to repeat as state champions.

By Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612)

Yesterday we brought you our preview of Divisions 1 through 4, highlighting the favorites, sleepers and teams to watch in Eastern Mass' largest divisions. Today, we continue our preview of the MIAA EMass football playoffs with a breakdown of Divisions 5 through 8.


Note that you can click any bracket image below to enlarge.

Your MIAA EMass Football Playoff Preview: Divisions 1-4

King Philip has won 20 in a row, and is dreaming of making it back to Gillette Stadium for a state title defense.   Photo by Joe Parello.

By Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612)

For MIAA football programs across Eastern Mass, Friday marks the beginning of a brand new season.

Everett is in pursuit of its second straight Division 1 crown, and so far has met preseason expectations.

King Philip is in a similar position. Coming off the first state championship in school history, the Warriors responded with a perfect regular season to push their state-wide best winning streak up to 20 games.

Elsewhere, Dennis-Yarmouth has taken the Atlantic Coast League by storm, blowing out Marshfield en route to a league title and the top spot in Division 5 south.

Lynn Tech is off to a blistering start, while St. Mary’s (Lynn) and Mashpee appear to be on a collision course in Division 7.

Now, with the regular season in Eastern Massachusetts behind us, let’s take a look at how we expect Divisions 1-4 to play out. Stay tuned later this week for when we preview Divisions 5-8.

Your MIAA Football State Semifinals Preview

Can Shrewsbury continue its magical run? The Colonials are just one win away from Gillette Stadium...

By John Sarianides (@xnojoe), with a cameo from Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Ed. Note- Our Massachusetts football guru John Sarianides is back to preview each of this weekend's state semifinal matchups… Well, except for two of the Central/West ones. Those he left for editor Joe Parello, who's a bit more versed in all things west of 495.


Also, you can find all game locations and times here, and please note that in Divisions 2A and 3A, there are no Western Mass teams, so there is only one semifinal. That means that in D2A, Marblehead has a bye to the state championship game, and that St. Mary's (Lynn) has a bye in D3A. Lucky them :)
Division 2

Beverly vs. Duxbury 

Beverly has been one of the feel good stories of these playoffs, but if they want to advance to the Division 2 Super Bowl, they’ll have to get through Bobby Maimaron and the Duxbury Dragon.
It won’t be easy, but Beverly has a shot. Coach Andrew Morency’s Panthers play good defense and they can run the football. That’s the key against Duxbury. Keep the Dragon offense off the field. If Beverly can do that, they can pull off the upset.

I expect a great game between two teams that are vastly different philosophically, but similar in their approach and toughness.

Eastern Mass HS Football Power Rankings: Week 8

Quarterback Mike Fallon and Milton captured their first league title since 1963 Saturday. The Wildcats now enter the playoffs as the top seed in loaded Division 3 Southwest. Photo courtesy of ESPN Boston

 By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

The regular season is over in Eastern Mass, and across the region the playoffs are set to begin. This will be our final installment of the Eastern Mass Power Rankings until after the state championship games at Gillette Stadium on December 5th.

Until then, enjoy our look at the top teams in Eastern Mass at the end of an eventful regular season.

Eastern Mass HS Football Power Rankings: Week 7

Quarterback Ollie Eberth made some clutch plays in St. John's Prep's overtime win over BC High.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

We're heading down the home stretch of the regular season, as powers jostle for playoff positioning, while several teams just hope they can make the postseason. With another big weekend of games in the rearview, check out our latest Power Rankings below.

Eastern Mass HS Football Power Rankings: Week 5

Marshfield's front seven had been dominant in the early goings of the season, but did it show some vulnerability against B-R?

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

It was an odd week for high school football in the eastern portion of the Commonwealth. Unlike in Central Mass, where regional powers were returning to their former glory, a pair of EMass mainstays took tough losses, and may need to go back to the drawing board offensively.

Meanwhile, a trio of Division 3 teams are impressing, as Milton continues its hot start and both Tewksbury and North Attleborough make their debuts in our Power Rankings after big wins.

Check out our complete Top-10 below.

Eastern Mass HS Football Power Rankings: 10/21/14

Could St. John's Prep's big win over BC High push the Eagles up our Power Rankings?

By Mike Uva (@mike_uva)

Yesterday, editor Joe Parello brought you his latest Central Mass High School Football Power Rankings, and today correspondent Mike Uva checks in with his latest Top-5 for the Eastern part of the Commonwealth.

See his rankings below.

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.