Game of The Week
Central Catholic (1-2) at Billerica (1-1)
When/Where: Friday night, 7 p.m., at Alumni Field, Billerica
The Matchup: This a massive revenge game for Central Catholic. Billerica stunned the Raiders 32-27 last fall. That marked the first Merrimack Valley Conference loss for Central since 2018 — to eventual state champion North Andover — and just the second MVC defeat for the Raiders since the 2012 season. Current Indians starting QB Steven Gentile recorded 131 passing yards and 177 rushing yards against Central last season.
“Our team definitely needs this win. We still have some unfinished business with Billerica. The team is dialed in this week. Everyone is stepping it up, and learning from past mistakes. Last year we weren’t prepared enough. But this year I feel confident in our team to secure the ‘W.’”
-Central Catholic offensive/defensive lineman Thomas Galusha
“The team is excited to go into Billerica Friday night and take care of some unfinished business after the unfortunate loss last season. We understand the importance of getting a win and have been dialed in at practice this week.”
-Central Catholic receiver/defensive back Drew Alsup
Five Questions with …. Salem running back Kevin Todisco
1. How wild was it to rush for 215 yards in the first half against Dover last week?
“When I scored my third touchdown (of the half) was when I realized this wasn’t just a normal game for me. It was very exciting that I got to show what I’m capable of doing. I believed I could get it done, it was just up to the game plan for the week and whether or not everyone does their job.”
2. Had you ever had a night like that?
“That was my career-high for rushing yards in a game (9 carries, 215 yards 5 TDs) and it means a lot to me especially, that I made it happen without playing in the second half (due to the lopsided score). I always wanted to rush for over 200 yards in a game. Our line did their jobs and executed everything perfectly.”
3. How much did you want this win after the 0-2 start?
“We needed that win. We expected our season to start out a little different. With a lot of mistakes in our first two games, we lost a little confidence. But our whole team trusts each other, and we knew it would turn around. Now we know what needs to happen to keep it going.”
4. What do you enjoy most about playing in coach Steve Abraham’s wing-T offense?
“It’s hard, physical football. Every play you get to hit. If it’s executed correctly, most teams struggle to stop a team with heart and the mindset that we’re getting 3.5 yards at the least on every play, driving down the field and if all goes well, we’ll break a long one eventually.”
5. What made you fall in love with football?
“As a kid, my dad and I would go outside and play catch, and he would set up little drills for me to run around and practice. That moment has stuck with me because, without him, I wouldn’t be were I am right now. He’s the reason I fell in love with the sport because he is my biggest influence. I look up to him every day.”
Mass. Madness Methuen fired up
There was no time for rest for Methuen during its mandatory bye week. After a heartbreaking loss to Marshfield, the Rangers were furious and motivated.
“We didn’t look at the bye week as a means of resting — just more time of prolonged anger,” said Methuen offensive/defensive lineman Aidan Marino. “This (upcoming game) is all we’ve been thinking about since that loss”
Methuen will look to avoid its second two-game losing streak in the last six year when it faces Chelmsford.
“Showing that we can be resilient and bounce back from a comeback loss is something we’re eagerly striving for,” said Marino. “Two weeks ago, we didn’t show the full capabilities of this team. Our hearts and love of the game is going to help us push through adversity.”
Papa, Andover feeling confident
After last week’s wild win over Chemsford, its second straight victory, QB Dom Papa feels his Andover squad is finding its groove.
“That comeback against Chelmsford showed our determination and will to win,” said Papa. “If there’s one thing we can take away from last week’s win, it’s to fight through every whistle and win every rep and every down. But last week is last week. We’ve learn from it and carried it into Lowell week.”
Andover has won six straight over the Red Raiders, dating back to the 2017 season. Papa’s topped 200 passing yards in all three games this fall.
“We’re still figuring things out, but every rep in practice I gain more and more confidence in this team and coaches,” said Papa, who scored his first touchdown for Andover High last fall against Lowell. “Especially my big dogs up front!”
Lawrence looks to snap skid
Lawrence faces a massive task on Friday, when it travels to face Tewsksbury. The Redmen have earned eight straight wins over the Lancers, dating back to the 2011 season. They haven’t met every year.
The Lancers are now looking to make a statement against the perennial power.
“We’re determined and we know our goals that we want from this season,” said Lawrence linebacker Elijah Santell. “Regardless if we win or lose, we’re going to keep giving our absolute best effort, and a good attitude. We can get out of there with a win this Friday if we just limit our mistakes, listen to our coaches and the game plan and execute.”
Haverhill ready to rebound
After a stellar opening win, Week 2 didn’t go the way Haverhill had planned against Tewksbury. But the Hillies are far from discouraged as they welcome Stoneham to Trinity Stadium.
“Friday’s loss has pushed us to having some of the best practices of the season,” said Haverhill defensive end Donovan Carroll. “We know what we have to do to get better, and we’re extremely eager to improve and win. Stoneham’s a good team, but if everyone does their job, there is no way they can stop us.”
First TD for Reggie Melenciano
{p id=”x-menu-el-ext-comp-5192” class=”x-menu-list-item x-menu-item-active”}Greater Lawrence senior Elizardo Melenciano scored his first varsity touchdown last week, when he ran a kickoff back 73 yards for a score. But he didn’t have time to celebrate, during the Reggies’ crazy 50-41 loss to Salem.
{p class=”x-menu-list-item x-menu-item-active”}”I was so caught up in trying to win that I couldn’t even celebrate my touchdown!” said Melenciano. “Obviously, I’m excited about it looking back. But right now I’m focused on our upcoming game, and I’m going to aim for another touchdown!”
{p class=”x-menu-list-item x-menu-item-active”}Melenciano’s no stranger to success. He was an Eagle-Tribune All-Star 110 hurdler in spring track.
Odds and Ends
North Andover will look to open the season 3-0 for the second straight season, and the third time in seven years. … Whittier‘s home field advantage is even more pronounced this week. Agawam faces a grueling 120-mile, two-plus hour drive from the Springfield area to Haverhill.
Granite State of Mind Mack Plaque, rivalry motivate Pinkerton
Pinkerton’s set for its annual Mack Plaque clash with arch-rival Londonderry. The two teams split their two meets last season, with the Astros taking the regular season meeting (24-20) — snapping a seven-game losing streak to their rival — but the Lancers scored the win in the Division I semifinals (42-28).
“It’s means a lot,” said running back Matt Morrison. “Mack Plaque weekend is always a date on the calendar that you circle, and everyone wants to win. It’s always a tough game and tests your will to fight through adversity for a full four quarters. This game also always has huge repercussions, like bye weeks and home field advantage for the playoffs.”
QB Murphy back for Jags
Windham quarterback Kevin Murphy is ready to play after missing last week’s Pinkerton loss with an injury.
Jags head coach Jack Byrne said they were being cautions keeping him out of the Astros game.
Murphy, a first-year starter, has thrown for 225 yards and three TDs this fall.
History of dominance
Pelham has beaten this week’s foe, Hollis Brookline, by a combined 115-6 the last two years. Last fall’s 64-0 victory is the widest margin of victory for Pelham in any game during its 44-game winning streak.
Fab 5
1. Pinkerton (3-0)
2. Methuen (1-1)
3. Andover (2-1)
4. Central Catholic (1-2)
5. North Andover (2-0)
Honorable Mentions: Pelham (3-0), Haverhill (1-1)
This week’s schedule
FRIDAY
Agawam at Whittier Tech, 6 p.m.
Marblehead at North Andover, 6 p.m.
Dover at Timberlane, 6:30 p.m.
Alvirne at Windham, 7 p.m.
Hollis-Brookline at Pelham, 7 p.m.
Lowell at Andover, 7 p.m.
Lawrence at Tewksbury, 7 p.m.
Chelmsford at Methuen, 7 p.m.
Central Catholic at Billerica, 7 p.m.
Stoneham at Haverhill, 7 p.m.
Greater Lawrence Tech at Lynn English, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
Manchester Central at Salem, 1 p.m.
Pinkerton at Londonderry, 2 p.m.
Brooks at St. Mark’s, 3 p.m.
Salisbury at Phillips, 4:30 p.m.
Where we’ll be on ‘X’
David Willis (@DWillisET) — Chelmsford at Methuen
Hector Longo (@MVcreature) — Marblehead at North Andover
Jamie Pote (@JamiePote) — Central Catholic at Billerica
Bill Burt (@BurtTalksSports) — Lowell at Andover
TWITTER: DWillisET