Friday, 7
The Hurricanes come into this season with a defined sense of purpose. The program has made it to the Western Massachusetts playoffs each of the last two seasons, but have fallen in the semifinals both times. Senior quarterback J.B. Mills has talented receivers in CJ Woodfine-Holmes, Ethan Howard and Darius Robinson at his disposal. The offensive line, led by senior Jack Nagy, will be a strength for this year’s team.
Friday, 7
It’s hard to draw much from Frontier’s 8-7 loss to Belchertown last week, but one thing is for sure — the Red Hawks (0-1) can play defense. Belchertown didn’t complete a pass the entire game and Frontier’s defense gave up only one big play that resulted in a touchdown. Ito McMillan is poised to pace the Red Hawks offence out of the backfield. Garrett DeForest was hurt against Belchertown and his status for Friday is unclear.
Friday, 6
The Vikings enter this season following a 5-5 record last fall, the program’s best-ever win total. Last year’s team was young and pushed to perform week after week, and did. A lot of those players are back this season. Eric Leet is set to see a healthy amount of carries out of the Vikings’ double-wing offense.
Friday, 7
Coming into this season, Holyoke (1-0) and Northampton have said that they want to throw the ball more. The Purple Knights threw the ball well in a win over Chicopee last Friday. Quarterback Gabriel Fernandez went 7-for-12 for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Northampton quarterback and three-year starter Tom Jacques has receivers like Jake Brittain, Sam Walker and newcomer Jake Delisle to throw to this season.
Friday, 7
The Eagles open the season planning to play their usual winged-T offense, but new offensive coordinator James Buckley has joined the program from South Hadley and made some tweaks. Running back Jacob Neumann is expected to be the team’s work horse on offense. The junior ran for 1,300 yards last season.
Saturday, 3:30
The Tigers are coming off a seventh straight postseason appearance and a Western Massachusetts championship berth. Hunter Carey is set to be one of the team’s most productive offensive players this fall. The senior rushed for 800 yards and scored 16 touchdowns between rushing, receiving and returns last season. The team’s offensive line should also be a strength. Max Garvin and Ryan Levrault will anchor the group.