Can you feel that in the air?
The moment is here.
The sounds of helmets being snapped up, quarterbacks barking out signals, passes falling perfectly into receivers’ hands and linemen crashing against tackling dummies have finally returned to the pristine turf stadiums and dusty back fields across the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire.
That’s right, football is back.
“It’s Christmas in August!” said Central Catholic star running back Caden Chase. “This is the best time of the year. We’ve been working so hard to get ready for this moment. I’m just so very excited to finally play real football!”
Both Massachusetts and New Hampshire high school football teams returned to the field on Friday, kicking off preseason practices for what should be another memorable season on the gridiron.
“Excited is an understatement,” said returning Methuen quarterback Josh Danella. “Our senior class has been playing together for years now, and our chemistry is truly special. We demand perfection from one another, even though we know perfection is impossible. It’s about the chase, and we are going to battle every single day.”
Our local squads now have three weeks of work in the summer heat ahead of them, before regular season games begin on Sept. 5.
“We’re all super fired up for the season to finally be here,” said Andover tight end Thomas Enman. “I’m confident that a ton of our guys will be making a lot of big plays this season, and we are more than thrilled to be back on the turf!”
One of the most dynamic running backs in Massachusetts will once again call Greater Lawrence home. The Reggies return two-time Eagle-Tribune All-Star Gustavo Varela, as he takes one more run at breaking 2,000 rushing yards in a season. He fell just short as a sophomore (1,912 yards) and junior (1,948 yards) and has scored a combined 47 touchdowns. He’s coming off an Eagle-Tribune All-Star track season.
“This is going to be a special year,” said Varela. “We’ve been working our butts off. This offseason was full of dedication to our craft. Friday marked the start of a season where the Reggies are locked in. We’re ready to make some noise.”
Plenty of talent is back in the Merrimack Valley Conference, led by Eagle-Tribune All-Star Central Catholic quarterback Caden Smith. The returning Division 1 Offensive Player of the Year threw for 996 yards with 10 touchdowns and ran for 1,041 yards and 15 TDs last fall, leading the Raiders to the Division 1 quarterfinals. He’ll be protected by Eagle-Tribune All-Star lineman Brian Waller-Reitano.
Methuen, which also went to the Division 1 quarters a year ago, graduated Eagle-Tribune offensive MVP Shane Eason, but returns Danella for his second season leading the offense. Also back is the backbone of the defense, Eagle-Tribune All-Star linebacker Vinny DeMaio (95 tackles).
North Andover players ready to make an impact included receiver Daniel Thompson, lineman Michael Phelps and receiver/defensive back Marcus Peralta.
“To say I’m excited for this year doesn’t capture it,” said Thompson. “This is a big year for the whole team. We’ve put in work and we’re ready to show what we’ve been working for.”
Both Haverhill and Andover face the task of replacing multi-time Eagle-Tribune All-Star QBs, in James Farrell and Dominic Papa. But the Golden Warriors return the likes of dangerous playmaker Nick Ilsley and the Hillies bring back MVC All-Star linebacker Stavy Baptiste.
“So much hard work has left me anxious to see how the team will perform with new leadership on and off the field,” said Haverhill receiver/defensive back Marc Gagne, “especially with the team chemistry built over the past summer.”
Lawrence is gearing up for Year 2 under head coach Emilio Colon.
Whittier returns Eagle-Tribune All-Star running back/defensive back Noah Allen (1,226 rushing yards, 14 TDs).
The team to beat in New Hampshire will once again be defending Division I champion Pinkerton Academy. The Astros return a pair of Eagle-Tribune All-Stars in quarterback Aiden McDonald (1,333 yards and 17 TDs) and linebacker James Caruso (62 tackles). But they’ll have to replace Eagle-Tribune defensive MVP Matt Morrison.
Salem is No. 4 in the New Hampshire preseason rankings. The Blue Devils were hit hard by graduation, but return the likes of game-breaking Jordan Zannini and get offensive lineman Ryan Todt back after a season-ending knee injury.
“This is the most hungry I have seen a Salem team in my four years being here,” said Todt. “I’m ready to get back out there with the boys, and expect us to make a deep playoff run. I have the utmost confidence in this group and we believe that we can beat anyone.”
Windham scored a Division I first round playoff upset of Salem last fall, and is looking to build off that success despite graduating lots of talent.
“I’m confident because everyone’s all in and these kids have something to prove,” said versatile playmaker Mike Brearley. “I see kids getting locked in and we are excited for the season.”
Timberlane is also feeling confident after winning three of its final four contests last season.
“The team is excited to get the season going and is very optimistic for a good season to come,” said Matt Fitzgerald, a receiver last season who is in a battle for the QB job in 2025. “I’m very confident in our skill positions. I know everyone will be giving their all night in and night out. We have a tough schedule, but we’re up for the challenge.”
Finally, there’s Pelham, which after four straight state title returned to the Division II title game last fall. They return the likes of Eagle-Tribune All-Star lineman Patrick Muise and QB Kevin Hardy.
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