HSS Insight Week 10 Top 25

HSS Insight Week 10 Top 25

1. Xaverian (10-0) – The Hawks received one of their tougher challenges in recent meetings from Catholic Memorial, but were able to get the win heading into Thanksgiving’s huge showdown with St. John’s Prep. Once again, Joe Colton and the running game led the way.

2. Reading (10-0) – Once again, the Rockets looked a lot less dominant than they had at the beginning of the season. This time, quarterback Stanley Andre was the offensive force in a win over Lexington. The loss of Tino Perrina a few weeks ago seems to have had a big effect on both sides of the ball.

3. Natick (10-0) – The Red and Blue’s win over Walpole was one of the more dominant second-half performances over a good team that we’ve seen this season, and we gave some serious thought to bumping them up a spot because of it. Red-hot Framingham awaits on Thanksgiving.

4. Brockton (8-1) – Trevon Offley came through with a career-high 202 rushing yards and the defense was airtight as the Boxers took care of a much-improved New Bedford squad to sew up an eighth consecutive trip to the postseason. Waltham comes to Marciano Stadium for Thanksgiving.

5. Gloucester (10-0) – This weekend’s game with Lynn Classical was eerily similar to the Fishermen’s close call against Masconomet, as an early 21-0 lead nearly disintegrated in the second half. Luckily for Gloucester, the Fish were able to hang on and clinch another trip to the postseason.

6. Billerica (9-1) – A big jump in the rankings for the Indians, who seem to be getting better and better with each passing week. A lot of people who weren’t sold on sophomore sensation Nick LaSpada as a quarterback have to be believers now. LaSpada may be the MVP of Division 1 this year.

7. Franklin (10-0) – It’s been since mid-October that the Panthers have played a close game, when they beat North Attleboro. They should expect one on Thanksgiving, as King Philip visits with a chance to win the Hockomock League. A year ago, the Warriors knocked off Franklin on T-Day.

8. Dracut (8-2) – The Middies are playing great right now, but it would be a mistake to pencil them in as the MVC Small champs just yet, as Thanksgiving Day rival Methuen is also one of the hottest teams in Eastern Mass. Their matchup is just one of many winner-take-all tilts on Thanksgiving.

9. Everett (6-2) – The Crimson Tide are pretty lucky to have escaped Malden with a victory on Sunday, as they trailed by a touchdown late in the fourth quarter and benefitted from a controversial call and non-call in the overtime period. Expect a more focused approach from the young Tide from here on out.

10. Methuen (8-2) – The final score in the win over Lawrence turned out to be a little deceiving, as the Lancers scored the final 22 points in the fourth quarter to make it look a little more competitive. The Rangers have turned around rather quickly under third-year coach Pat Graham.

11. Walpole (9-1) – Rebels simply ran into a buzzsaw on Sunday against Natick.

12. Mansfield (8-2) – A rare T-Day game with Foxboro that has no playoff implications.

13. Bridgewater-Raynham (8-2) – A fortunate flip has Trojans in playoffs for first time since 2004.

14. Marshfield (7-2) – Look for a vanilla game plan against Duxbury on Thanksgiving.

15. Masconomet (8-2) – Needs to beat North Andover to clinch another playoff berth.

16. Falmouth (9-1) – T-Day game with Barnstable should be a classic.

17. King Philip (8-2) – KP’s resurgence makes this the best year for the Hock since 2000.

18. North Attleboro (7-3) – Red Rocketeers playing as well as anyone in the Hock right now.

19. Duxbury (8-2) – See Marshfield. Dragons will likely wait until playoffs to show hand.

20. Foxboro (7-3) – Warriors proved this year that 2008’s subpar mark was a fluke.

21. Central Catholic (7-3) – The Red Raiders found out just how tough it is to defend Nick LaSpada.

22. BC High (5-4) – Eagles need a win over CM plus a lot of help for third straight playoff trip.

23. Holliston (10-0) – Huge game with Westwood on tap for T-Day.

24. Cohasset (9-0) – Hull should provide a nice test before the playoffs.

25. Barnstable (6-3) – Coin flip denied Red Raiders, but this team will make a run next year.

Also receiving votes: St. John’s Prep (4-5), New Bedford (5-4-1), Chelmsford (6-4), Andover (6-4), Taunton (5-5), Attleboro (5-5), Needham (7-3), Weymouth (7-3), Framingham (6-4), Westford Academy (7-3), Acton-Boxboro (6-4), Waltham (5-4), Lynn English (8-2), Lynn Classical (6-4), Wellesley (8-2), Winchester (8-2), Sandwich (5-5), Plymouth North (6-4), North Andover (8-2), Wilmington (7-3), Concord-Carlisle (7-3), Bedford (7-2), Scituate (8-2), Bishop Feehan (7-2), Somerset (7-3), Martha’s Vineyard (6-3), Swampscott (7-3), Marblehead (8-2), Beverly (6-3), Rockland (6-4), Dighton-Rehoboth (8-2), Fairhaven (7-3), Wareham (7-3), Lynnfield (9-1), Arlington Catholic (8-2), Austin Prep (7-3), Abington (9-1), Mashpee (8-2), Westwood (9-1), Medway (9-1), East Boston (8-1), Whittier (10-0), Manchester-Essex (8-2), Bristol-Plymouth (7-2), Pope John (7-1), Chelsea (7-2), Northeast (5-5), Tri-County (7-3).