When it comes to MIAA rivalries, few compare to the ones seen at the Super Bowl level. In Div. 5, Shawsheen and Foxboro have developed one recently.
The top-ranked Shawsheen Rams (8-0) enter the postseason with the state’s longest winning streak (22 games) and are coming off a state title. Decorated coach Al Costabile and his team will attempt to continue that trend.
Last December, Shawsheen toppled Foxboro in a heavyweight battle, winning 14-0 to claim the championship. The Warriors (6-2) remain hungry, looking to keep a streak of their own going (two consecutive trips to Gillette). With one of the winningest coaches in state history in Jack Martinelli leading the way, expect Foxboro to be in the mix again.
However, there might be some challengers. One school that has caught some by surprise is No. 4 Medfield, which witnessed a 4-7 season in 2024. This year, the Warriors have steamrolled to an 8-0 record, with senior running back Brady McCormack leading the charge.
Over in Braintree, Archbishop Williams has followed suit. Led by a rising star in eighth-grader Hudson Garrity at quarterback, the Bishops completed their first undefeated season since 2002, and were able to claim their first Catholic Central League title since 2005.
Other Div. 5 schools to watch include No. 3 Hanover (5-3), No. 5 North Reading (7-1) and No. 6 Gloucester (6-2).
Div. 6 is led by a series of South Shore League programs. Norwell (6-2) is the top seed. Led by one of the state’s top players in junior Jack Lucarelli, the Clippers will be a force to be reckoned with.
However, No. 2 Abington (7-1) has taken a leap, with quarterback Jack Reilly carrying on a winning family tradition. The Green Wave defeated Norwell team (21-14) on Oct. 10, and it would not be a surprise to see a rematch at Gillette in a few weeks.
Third-seeded Fairhaven (7-1) is always going to be a threat, given the fact that the Blue Devils have reached the state final each of the past two years under Derek Almeida.
Despite losing a few key pieces, most notably former star Jake Attaway, Hudson (7-1) was able to claim the No. 5 seed in Div. 6. The Hawks will attempt to repeat after winning it all just last season (21-14 victory over Fairhaven).
Fans should also keep their eyes out for schools such as No. 4 Wilmington (6-2) and No. 6 Stoneham (6-2). Ninth-seeded Nantucket (8-0) enjoyed an incredible campaign out of the Cape and Islands League, and is a dangerous dark horse team.
The Div. 7 field is difficult to predict. Cohasset (6-2) enters as the top seed, led by senior quarterback Michael Wildfire and star running back Gus Greene. Second-ranked Amesbury could be the team to beat, however, after cruising to a perfect 8-0 regular season. The Redhawks averaged 37 points per game and ran roughshod through their competition.
Since taking over for legendary West Bridgewater coach Bill Panos in 2019, Justin Kogler has brought the Wildcats back to the forefront, and possibly a step further. Senior running back Ty Holmes has emerged as one of the top players for this group.
Ken LaChapelle is the winningest coach in Massachusetts history with over 400 career victories, and will attempt to lead fourth-seeded Northbridge (7-1) to one more state championship before his retirement. His grandson, Joel, has taken on a lead role at quarterback for the Rams, looking to help him finish the job.
No. 5 Manchester Essex (6-2) and No. 7 Uxbridge (6-1) are also be teams to pay attention to.
The Div. 8 bracket is a tough one to predict, but based on recent history No. 3 West Boylston (6-2) and fourth-ranked Randolph (8-0) are top candidates to get back to Gillette.
Mike Ross has led West Boylston to three straight Super Bowls. Meanwhile, Jon Marshall has turned Randolph into a state heavyweight since taking over, with two Super Bowl appearances mixed in. Last year, the Lions and the Blue Devils faced off for the Div. 8 crown at Gillette, with West Boylston winning 22-16.
Under coach Danny Kelly, Nashoba Tech (6-2) earned the top seed. The Vikings have shown no fear when it comes to opponents, playing schools as highly-ranked as Catholic Memorial. They will be a difficult team to knock off.
Second-seeded Lee (8-0) rolled to an undefeated record but is a tough team to get a read on. Can the Wildcats prove the doubters wrong and win a state championship? We will find out.
Predictions
Div. 5
Champion: No. 1 Shawsheen
Runner-up: No. 6 Archbishop Williams
Final Four: No. 1 Shawsheen, No. 2 Foxboro, No. 4 Medfield, No. 6 Archbishop Williams
Sleeper: No. 9 Greater Lawrence
Best first-round matchup: No. 8 St. Mary’s vs. No. 9 Greater Lawrence
Potential upset: No. 10 Auburn over No. 7 Gloucester
Div. 6
Champion: No. 2 Abington
Runner-up: No. 1 Norwell
Final Four: No. 1 Norwell, No. 2 Abington, No. 3 Fairhaven, No. 5 Hudson
Sleeper: No. 9 Nantucket
Best first-round matchup: No 7 Bishop Fenwick vs. No. 10 Medway
Potential upset: No. 11 Winthrop over No. 6 Stoneham
Div. 7
Champion: No. 2 Amesbury
Runner-up: No. 1 Cohasset
Final Four: No. 1 Cohasset, No. 2 Amesbury, No. 3 West Bridgewater, No. 4 Northbridge
Sleeper: No. 7 Uxbridge
Best first-round matchup: No. 6 Clinton vs. No. 11 Mashpee
Potential upset: No. 14 St. Bernard’s over No. 3 West Bridgewater
Div. 8
Champion: No. 4 Randolph
Runner-up: No. 3 West Boylston
Final Four: No. 1 Nashoba Tech, No. 3 West Boylston, No. 4 Randolph, No. 7 Cathedral
Sleeper: No. 10 David Prouty
Best first-round matchup: No. 6 Bourne vs. No. 11 Lynn Tech
Potential upset: No. 12 Blackstone Millville over No. 5 Hoosac Valley
