The hallowed halls of Gillette Stadium can be imposing. But being able to stroll through them is a moment every high school team relishes.
This weekend, 16 schools will have the opportunity to do so. Only eight will be able to call themselves state champions when it concludes.
St. John’s Prep vs. Xaverian
This could be the best game on the docket as Catholic Conference rivals clash for the Div. 1 title. Just last week on Thanksgiving, the Hawks (10-2) claimed their first league title in seven years with a memorable 21-18 win over the Eagles (11-1). It would not be surprising to see this one decided on the final possession, and injuries could play a major factor. Xaverian will be attempting to repeat as state champion.
Connelly’s pick: Xaverian
Murray’s pick: St. John’s Prep
Catholic Memorial vs. Bishop Feehan
Since John DiBiaso’s arrival in West Roxbury in 2018, the top-seeded Knights (9-2) have made a Super Bowl appearance during six out of a possible seven seasons. They have captured the Div. 2 championship three times in the past four years, their latest coming last December with a 39-21 victory over King Philip. Does the dynasty continue? Second-ranked Bishop Feehan (10-1) has been on a roll with 10 straight wins, looking to claim its first title since 2012.
Connelly’s pick: Catholic Memorial
Murray’s pick: Catholic Memorial
King Philip vs. North Attleboro
As many anticipated, top-seeded King Philip (12-0) has coasted in its new journey at the Div. 3 level, and finds itself at Gillette for the fifth straight season. Led by star running backs Keigan Canto-Osorio and Tallan King, the Warriors have looked just about unstoppable during their latest playoff push under Brian Lee. They will have to topple a Hockomock League rival if they want to take home the hardware, and it will not be an easy task. North Attleboro (10-2) is the reigning Div. 3 champion, and has caught fire as the postseason has progressed.
Connelly’s pick: King Philip
Murray’s pick: King Philip
Scituate vs. Tewksbury
If anyone is familiar with 1 Patriot Place, it’s Scituate (10-2). The top-seeded Sailors reached the Div. 4 Super Bowl for a fourth time in just five seasons. They have won three state titles since 2018, with the other coming in Div. 5. Led by stars like Jonny Donovan and Grayson Foley, they will be vying for their latest championship under Herb Devine. That said, No. 2 Tewksbury (12-0) might just be having its best season ever. Brian Aylward’s group has looked formidable and will be chasing its first crown since 2013.
Connelly’s pick: Tewksbury
Murray’s pick: Scituate
Foxboro vs. Shawsheen
Led by star running back Jake Banda, the top-seeded Rams (12-0) will be looking to extend a state-high 26-game winning streak when they take the field for a rematch of last year’s Div. 5 Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Cam DeLeskey, Jack Taft and the No. 2 Warriors (9-3) are seeking revenge, having come up just short to Shawsheen on this very stage last fall. Expect another barn-burner this time around.
Connelly’s pick: Shawsheen
Murray’s pick: Foxboro
Fairhaven vs. Norwell
It appeared the top-seeded Clippers (9-3) were going to see their impeccable run end in the Div. 6 semifinals. Then, Jack Luccarelli took things over in the final quarter (three touchdowns) to power Norwell to a 21-7 win over Hudson and to its first Super Bowl appearance since 1999. Meanwhile, No. 3 Fairhaven (11-1) has made Gillette its home away from home in recent years, having been to three state championship games in a row. Derek Almeida’s group has averaged 40.58 points per game this year.
Connelly’s pick: Norwell
Murray’s pick: Norwell
Amesbury vs. Cohasset
A very difficult matchup to predict. Coached by Pete Afanasiw and led by players like Michael Wildfire, No. 1 Cohasset (10-2) has averaged 37.33 points during its Div. 7 playoff run. The Skippers will be chasing their first Super Bowl title since 2021. Second-ranked Amesbury is undefeated (12-0), looking to complete a perfect season with standouts like Connor Scialdone and Justin Dube pacing the charge. The Redhawks are attempting to snap a Super Bowl title drought dating back to 2008.
Connelly’s pick: Cohasset
Murray’s pick: Amesbury
Randolph vs. West Boylston
Yet another Super Bowl rematch, this one coming in the Div. 8 ranks. No. 3 West Boylston (9-3) was able to clinch its third straight Super Bowl title during a 22-16 nail-biter with Randolph in 2024. Will Mike Ross and the Lions win a state championship for a fourth straight year? It will be a challenge, as Jon Marshall’s group looks for payback. Watch out for star running back Mekhi White in this one for the Blue Devils (11-0).
Connelly’s pick: Randolph
Murray’s pick: West Boylston
Records
Connelly’s week: 9-1
Murray’s week: 7-3
Connelly’s season: 81-38
Murray’s season: 80-39
Combined record: 161-77
