Final scores, with my picks in bold:
Abington 20, Whitman-Hanson 0
Archbishop Williams 14, Cardinal Spellman 10: One game I'm happy to lose. Little-known fact: Cardinals coach Ron St. George's daughter, Shivonne, helped lead Archies to a state hoop title.
BC High 28, Catholic Memorial 17: Xaverian won, so there went the Eagles' chances for a share of the Catholic Conference.
Braintree 10, Milton 7
Bridgewater-Raynham 29, Randolph 7: Here's a suggestion: the Blue Devils should play nearby Holbrook/Avon on Thanksgiving ... now that'd be a competitive game for both.
Bristol-Plymouth 20, Blue Hills 6
Duxbury 17, Marshfield 7: Gee, the Rams have problems stopping a team in a spread formation ... again.
East Bridgewater 28, Rockland 7: Justin DeAndrade did look good in the one game I saw him.
Hanover 37, Norwell 22: Too much Brett Wheeler. Norwell's Achilles' heel was slowing down big-play backs.
Hingham 30, Scituate 7: Those Harbormen play some tough 'D' under their coordinator, WNEC Athletic Hall of Famer Brian Kelliher.
Hull 15, Cohasset 7: Good for coach Jerry McGrath. Dan Shea was one of the better players I saw in the South Shore League this year.
North Quincy 21, Quincy 6: Finally, the streak is over. Nice job by coordinator Dom Barbuto's defense.
Plymouth South 14, Plymouth North 12
Silver Lake 15, Pembroke 0
Southeastern 14, South Shore Votech 8
Walpole 37, Weymouth 18: Too much Ryan Izzo.
I'm glad I wasn't in an office pool this year; surely 8-8 would not have won.
Showing posts with label high schools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label high schools. Show all posts
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving football
For the last several years, the sports department has had an office pick'em to help pass the time during our deadline-crazed Friday nights. While I won my fair share of Friday Night Frenzys, I never won the one for the Thanksgiving games. Let's see how I fare in forecasting tomorrow's games (winners in bold):
Archbishop Williams at Cardinal Spellman: I'd love to go with Bill Kinsherf's team, but Archies isn't trending the right way. The Bishops are 0-4 in league play, while the Cardinals are 3-1 against those same teams.
Braintree at Milton: Good reporting from my successor as the high school sports coordinator, Eric McHugh, about All-Scholastic Joe Donovan being able to return from injury. He should provide the difference like he did in last year's game.
North Quincy at Quincy: Last year North had the better record and frankly choked. It's been a disappointing season for both, but I like the Red Raiders to finally break their skid.
Hanover at Norwell: Look for the Clippers to come up with a big play or two in a close game.
Weymouth at Walpole: I'd like the Wildcats more if they were at home, but at least my hometown pick is justified by the return of P.J. Bonarrigo to bolster an already strong running attack.
Hingham at Scituate: The Sailors won't lack motivation, coming off their crushing OT loss to Duxbury and with the Harbormen winning the last six in this series.
Marshfield at Duxbury: Lots of intrigue in this game, with both meeting in next Tuesday's EMass D2A playoff game. In some years Marshfield's torn-up field has hampered their run-based offense; that won't be the case on Duxbury's artificial turf.
Rockland at East Bridgewater: I witnessed the Vikings' porous defense against Norwell, and I've got to believe the playoff-bound Bulldogs will take advantage.
Whitman-Hanson at Abington: The Green Wave seniors missed the playoffs; they surely won't want to be the first AHS team to lose on Thanksgiving in a while.
Bridgewater-Raynham at Randolph: The Blue Devils have got to find a more appropriate opponent; the Trojans are one of the biggest schools in the area.
Silver Lake at Pembroke: Not even the presence of Bob Bancroft can turn the Titans around in this series ... though give him a few years.
Plymouth North at Plymouth South: When in doubt, I don't pick against a Bill Burkhead team.
BC High at Catholic Memorial: I like the fact that the Eagles have fared better among their common opponents.
Cohasset at Hull: The Pirates have beaten one team with a winning record; that won't do against the playoff-bound Skippers.
South Shore Votech at Southeastern: The Vikings haven't had the horses to thrive in their wishbone-run attack.
Bristol-Plymouth at Blue Hills: The host Warriors have won three straight, but the playoff-bound Craftsmen are markedly better than those foes.
For more on these games, check out the Ledger's Thanksgiving special section on the newsstands Wednesday. Happy Thanksgiving!
Archbishop Williams at Cardinal Spellman: I'd love to go with Bill Kinsherf's team, but Archies isn't trending the right way. The Bishops are 0-4 in league play, while the Cardinals are 3-1 against those same teams.
Braintree at Milton: Good reporting from my successor as the high school sports coordinator, Eric McHugh, about All-Scholastic Joe Donovan being able to return from injury. He should provide the difference like he did in last year's game.
North Quincy at Quincy: Last year North had the better record and frankly choked. It's been a disappointing season for both, but I like the Red Raiders to finally break their skid.
Hanover at Norwell: Look for the Clippers to come up with a big play or two in a close game.
Weymouth at Walpole: I'd like the Wildcats more if they were at home, but at least my hometown pick is justified by the return of P.J. Bonarrigo to bolster an already strong running attack.
Hingham at Scituate: The Sailors won't lack motivation, coming off their crushing OT loss to Duxbury and with the Harbormen winning the last six in this series.
Marshfield at Duxbury: Lots of intrigue in this game, with both meeting in next Tuesday's EMass D2A playoff game. In some years Marshfield's torn-up field has hampered their run-based offense; that won't be the case on Duxbury's artificial turf.
Rockland at East Bridgewater: I witnessed the Vikings' porous defense against Norwell, and I've got to believe the playoff-bound Bulldogs will take advantage.
Whitman-Hanson at Abington: The Green Wave seniors missed the playoffs; they surely won't want to be the first AHS team to lose on Thanksgiving in a while.
Bridgewater-Raynham at Randolph: The Blue Devils have got to find a more appropriate opponent; the Trojans are one of the biggest schools in the area.
Silver Lake at Pembroke: Not even the presence of Bob Bancroft can turn the Titans around in this series ... though give him a few years.
Plymouth North at Plymouth South: When in doubt, I don't pick against a Bill Burkhead team.
BC High at Catholic Memorial: I like the fact that the Eagles have fared better among their common opponents.
Cohasset at Hull: The Pirates have beaten one team with a winning record; that won't do against the playoff-bound Skippers.
South Shore Votech at Southeastern: The Vikings haven't had the horses to thrive in their wishbone-run attack.
Bristol-Plymouth at Blue Hills: The host Warriors have won three straight, but the playoff-bound Craftsmen are markedly better than those foes.
For more on these games, check out the Ledger's Thanksgiving special section on the newsstands Wednesday. Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 13, 2009
High schools: Weekend update
Friday the 13th might be considered unlucky for some, but a select few local high school teams are fortunate to still be playing. It should be noted that almost all Saturday matches have been postponed to Sunday due to the impending wet weather. Let's see how I fared in my predictions and thoughts earlier this week before the South Sectional soccer tournaments started.
In Division 1 boys soccer, Weymouth had the bad luck of being drawn with Catholic Memorial, out of the strong Catholic Conference. If the Wildcats were not edged by a goal by CM, it could have easily been Weymouth who advanced to the semifinals, as the weakest top-4 seed in the field (Greater New Bedford) lost by 3 goals to CM.
It should be said at this point that I think the seeding system in Eastern Massachusetts is deeply flawed. The Western Mass. tournament is much better organized, thanks to the thankless work by the late tournament director Tom Ford, who used the Walker method that took into account strength of schedule, instead of strictly using winning percentage.
Take a look, for example, at the Division 2 girls bracket. Only two of the top four seeds made it to the semis. Duxbury, a No. 7 seed and the defending state champion, should have been considered one of the favorites and should not have been a surprise to make it this far. The Dragons get No. 3 Canton, albeit on CHS's Memorial Field as part of a boys/girls doubleheader.
Back to the boys, but staying in D2: Canton and Duxbury are in opposite sides of the bracket as semifinalists, with my prediction of Hingham breaking through falling short. Canton's successful defense-first culture under coach Danny Erickson trumped the Harbormen's firepower.
It should be said that the sites for the semis and finals are mostly predetermined before the tournament starts after schools make their fields available to tournament directors. It may seem Canton has received an unfair advantage, as was said about Weymouth and Whitman-Hanson in recent years, but tournament directors don't have as many choices as people think. Schools don't receive any gate receipts and have to provide security and personnel; the tradeoff, of course, is that their teams might get to play on their home field.
Hanover, one of my stronger bets in the tournament as a semifinalist in D3 boys, has proven me right so far. Possibly awaiting them in the final is Archbishop Williams, which has surprised me and everybody else by making it to the final four. To be fair, Archies had to get past two schools with inferior schedules, but did edge past a South Shore League team (Mashpee) in penalties.
Similarly in D1 girls, Whitman-Hanson has made the semis as I thought. But my faith in the Norwell girls was shattered as the Clippers fell in D3 semis. I thought Norwell had the skill to overcome its traditionally average schedule, but Millis was toughened by playing bigger schools in the Tri-Valley League.
As for the other sports, good luck to the Quincy and Sacred Heart girls volleyball teams. I didn't blog about v-ball since those tournaments had already started. Nice to see the Presidents bounce back strong from a .500 season a year ago. Saints coach Rob Slavin is still one of the nicest guys in the business. Another old reliable, Canton field hockey, has made it into the D2 semis.
And most of all, good luck to the hundreds of cross country runners who will run at Franklin Park in Boston at the Eastern Mass. championships -- regardless of the weather on Saturday. They'll get a chance to prove they are some of the toughest athletes in high school athletics.
In Division 1 boys soccer, Weymouth had the bad luck of being drawn with Catholic Memorial, out of the strong Catholic Conference. If the Wildcats were not edged by a goal by CM, it could have easily been Weymouth who advanced to the semifinals, as the weakest top-4 seed in the field (Greater New Bedford) lost by 3 goals to CM.
It should be said at this point that I think the seeding system in Eastern Massachusetts is deeply flawed. The Western Mass. tournament is much better organized, thanks to the thankless work by the late tournament director Tom Ford, who used the Walker method that took into account strength of schedule, instead of strictly using winning percentage.
Take a look, for example, at the Division 2 girls bracket. Only two of the top four seeds made it to the semis. Duxbury, a No. 7 seed and the defending state champion, should have been considered one of the favorites and should not have been a surprise to make it this far. The Dragons get No. 3 Canton, albeit on CHS's Memorial Field as part of a boys/girls doubleheader.
Back to the boys, but staying in D2: Canton and Duxbury are in opposite sides of the bracket as semifinalists, with my prediction of Hingham breaking through falling short. Canton's successful defense-first culture under coach Danny Erickson trumped the Harbormen's firepower.
It should be said that the sites for the semis and finals are mostly predetermined before the tournament starts after schools make their fields available to tournament directors. It may seem Canton has received an unfair advantage, as was said about Weymouth and Whitman-Hanson in recent years, but tournament directors don't have as many choices as people think. Schools don't receive any gate receipts and have to provide security and personnel; the tradeoff, of course, is that their teams might get to play on their home field.
Hanover, one of my stronger bets in the tournament as a semifinalist in D3 boys, has proven me right so far. Possibly awaiting them in the final is Archbishop Williams, which has surprised me and everybody else by making it to the final four. To be fair, Archies had to get past two schools with inferior schedules, but did edge past a South Shore League team (Mashpee) in penalties.
Similarly in D1 girls, Whitman-Hanson has made the semis as I thought. But my faith in the Norwell girls was shattered as the Clippers fell in D3 semis. I thought Norwell had the skill to overcome its traditionally average schedule, but Millis was toughened by playing bigger schools in the Tri-Valley League.
As for the other sports, good luck to the Quincy and Sacred Heart girls volleyball teams. I didn't blog about v-ball since those tournaments had already started. Nice to see the Presidents bounce back strong from a .500 season a year ago. Saints coach Rob Slavin is still one of the nicest guys in the business. Another old reliable, Canton field hockey, has made it into the D2 semis.
And most of all, good luck to the hundreds of cross country runners who will run at Franklin Park in Boston at the Eastern Mass. championships -- regardless of the weather on Saturday. They'll get a chance to prove they are some of the toughest athletes in high school athletics.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Boys soccer: MIAA South Sectionals
As promised, I'd blog occasionally about high school sports in Ledgerland. Even though I've been on top of the scene the last nine years as the high school sports coordinator (until February), I haven't been in regular contact with the coaches when they've called in their results, so I don't have my usual special insight as the postseason starts today.
But the more things change, some things stay the same. Let's take a look at the brackets and which local might advance the furthest -- and maybe even win.
In Division 1, I'd love to predict a BC High/Weymouth final. The Eagles havd a tougher road to the semis as they'd have to get past No. 4 Brockton, to whom they have lost and tied. Weymouth has the easier road, with its first-round game against Catholic Memorial potentially its toughest. The Wildcats have the weakest top-4 seed in Greater New Bedford in its quarter, so I think they could make the final.
In Division 2, our eyes can't help be drawn to a potential Canton/Hingham quarterfinal. The Bulldogs made it to the semifinals last year with a very strong senior class. The Harbormen have had strong teams, but postseason success has eluded them. I like Hingham to break through, while No. 5 Duxbury has a good chance of making it to the final. A recent 1-nil loss to Hingham should sufficiently motivate the Dragons to be on top of their game.
In Division 3, the Patriot League sides are the one that stand out. With a variety of different schools (Catholics, votechs), the PL schools have the advantage of a tough league schedule. Longtime Hanover coach Jim Sylvia likes to say of the tournament, "It doesn't matter (about the draw). As long as you get there, anything can happen." I like the No. 7 Indians to make the final, with No. 1 Cardinal Spellman as their likely opponent.
But the more things change, some things stay the same. Let's take a look at the brackets and which local might advance the furthest -- and maybe even win.
In Division 1, I'd love to predict a BC High/Weymouth final. The Eagles havd a tougher road to the semis as they'd have to get past No. 4 Brockton, to whom they have lost and tied. Weymouth has the easier road, with its first-round game against Catholic Memorial potentially its toughest. The Wildcats have the weakest top-4 seed in Greater New Bedford in its quarter, so I think they could make the final.
In Division 2, our eyes can't help be drawn to a potential Canton/Hingham quarterfinal. The Bulldogs made it to the semifinals last year with a very strong senior class. The Harbormen have had strong teams, but postseason success has eluded them. I like Hingham to break through, while No. 5 Duxbury has a good chance of making it to the final. A recent 1-nil loss to Hingham should sufficiently motivate the Dragons to be on top of their game.
In Division 3, the Patriot League sides are the one that stand out. With a variety of different schools (Catholics, votechs), the PL schools have the advantage of a tough league schedule. Longtime Hanover coach Jim Sylvia likes to say of the tournament, "It doesn't matter (about the draw). As long as you get there, anything can happen." I like the No. 7 Indians to make the final, with No. 1 Cardinal Spellman as their likely opponent.
Girls soccer: MIAA South Sectionals
As promised, I'd blog occasionally about high school sports in Ledgerland. Even though I've been on top of the scene the last nine years as the high school sports coordinator (until February), I haven't been in regular contact with the coaches when they've called in their results, so I don't have my usual special insight as the postseason starts today.
But the more things change, some things stay the same. Let's take a look at the brackets and which local might advance the furthest -- and maybe even win.
In Division 1, I have a special place in my heart for Weymouth, whom I followed to the state semifinals last fall. The 'Cats, however, have graduated the heart of that team. It'd be a feat if Coach Mac (as in John MacIntyre) could get his team into the semis. The local team that I'm tipping into the final four is Whitman-Hanson. Sure, Sam Mewis is the talismanic presence in midfield, but the Panthers boast a defense that could push them through.
In Division 2, the Hockomock League champions usually do well in this bracket, which bodes well for No. 3 Canton. In the course of writing this summer about the top club team in the area (the Scorpions U-13s), I figured forward Lauren Berman would make an impact in her freshman year on the Bulldogs. She hasn't disappointed. I'd like the Bulldogs' chances of making the final if Dedham, which plays out of the always-tough Bay State Conference, weren't in their quarter of the draw. As for defending state champion Duxbury, I can't see the Dragons getting as lucky as they did in last year's postseason.
In Division 3, I am trusting my GateHouse South sports editor Ryan Wood, who has been on the Norwell bandwagon all fall. Ryan's a fellow soccer junkie and Chelsea fan, so I trust he knows his stuff. The Clippers have topped his regional rankings for most of the season. A potential pitfall lies with Hanover, with whom they drew 2-2 last Monday, in a potential semifinal. The other side of the bracket should not offer much resistance.
But the more things change, some things stay the same. Let's take a look at the brackets and which local might advance the furthest -- and maybe even win.
In Division 1, I have a special place in my heart for Weymouth, whom I followed to the state semifinals last fall. The 'Cats, however, have graduated the heart of that team. It'd be a feat if Coach Mac (as in John MacIntyre) could get his team into the semis. The local team that I'm tipping into the final four is Whitman-Hanson. Sure, Sam Mewis is the talismanic presence in midfield, but the Panthers boast a defense that could push them through.
In Division 2, the Hockomock League champions usually do well in this bracket, which bodes well for No. 3 Canton. In the course of writing this summer about the top club team in the area (the Scorpions U-13s), I figured forward Lauren Berman would make an impact in her freshman year on the Bulldogs. She hasn't disappointed. I'd like the Bulldogs' chances of making the final if Dedham, which plays out of the always-tough Bay State Conference, weren't in their quarter of the draw. As for defending state champion Duxbury, I can't see the Dragons getting as lucky as they did in last year's postseason.
In Division 3, I am trusting my GateHouse South sports editor Ryan Wood, who has been on the Norwell bandwagon all fall. Ryan's a fellow soccer junkie and Chelsea fan, so I trust he knows his stuff. The Clippers have topped his regional rankings for most of the season. A potential pitfall lies with Hanover, with whom they drew 2-2 last Monday, in a potential semifinal. The other side of the bracket should not offer much resistance.
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