High school football: Belchertown, South Hadley punch state-tournament tickets

Belchertown’s Nico St. George (9) takes down Frontier running back Kaden James (10) for a loss in the first quarter of the Orioles’ 26-7 win on Friday night in South Deerfield. The win has Belchertown 7-1 overall, eyeing a spot in next week’s MIAA Division 5 tournament. The Orioles were No. 15 in the most recent power rankings, with the top 16 teams earning spots in the postseason. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Frontier defensive tackle Julian Adams (55) recovers a fumble from Belchertown running back Christopher Daskam (5) in the third quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Frontier defensive tackle Julian Adams (55) runs downfield after recovering a fumble against Belchertown in the third quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Frontier quarterback Aiden Dredge (11) cruises in on a touchdown run against Belchertown in the second quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Frontier quarterback Aiden Dredge (11) points after scoring against Belchertown in the second quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Frontier running back Bray Arsenault (4) shakes off a tackle from Belchertown’s Landon Andre (7), left, before being brought down by Michael Muscaro (27) in the second quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Belchertown running back Christopher Daskam (5) pushes through the Frontier line for a touchdown in the third quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Belchertown running back Christopher Daskam (5) outpaces a host of Frontier defenders on a long first down run in the third quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Belchertown quarterback Landon Andre (7) throws downfield for a first down against Frontier in the third quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Belchertown receiver Jack Beals (46) reels in a pass against Frontier in the third quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Belchertown’s Nico St. George (9) breaks up a pass attempt by Frontier quarterback Aiden Dredge (11) in the first quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Belchertown’s Joshua Grillo (2) reels in a pass for a first down against Frontier in the second quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Belchertown running back Christopher Daskam (5) runs in for a touchdown against Frontier in the second quarter Friday night in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Staff Reports

Published: 10-29-2023 1:40 PM

Two Hampshire County football programs are dancing.

The MIAA released its high school football postseason tournament brackets on Sunday, and both South Hadley and Belchertown, as expected, were part of the 16-team fields in their respective divisions.

Belchertown (7-1) drew the No. 14 seed in the Division 5 tourney, and will travel to play at No. 3 Shawsheen Valley Tech (7-0) in the Round of 16. Hanover (8-0) is the top-seeded team in the Div. 5 field.

South Hadley (7-1) is also a No. 14 seed in the Division 7 tourney. The Tigers, which have won seven in a row after dropping their season opener to Wahconah, will play at No. 3 West Bridgewater in the Round of 16. Uxbridge is the top-seeded team in the Div. 3 field. Wahconah is the only other Western Mass. school in the bracket, checking in as the No. 11 seed.

Opening-round games are likely to be Friday night at 7 p.m., though schools have the option of playing on Saturday as well.