Haverhill High is on the verge of its first three-game winning streak since 2019.
In the way stands iconic Everett High School.
The Hillies (2-3) have surged to a pair of impressive victories the last two weeks, over Lawrence (22-8) and Concord, N.H. (42-35). Now they’ll look to match their win totals from each of the last three seasons when they welcome Everett (2-3) to Haverhill Stadium.
While Haverhill has been hot, the Crimson Tide have not. They’ve dropped three straight by a combined 124-36. But, one of those losses was to two-time defending Division 1 champ Xaverian (49-14).
Everett is No. 25, and Haverhill is No. 26 in the MIAA Division 1 Power Rankings.
Leading the way for Everett is quarterback Tyler Freni. He threw ran for two TDs and threw another in their most recent win, over Lynn Classical, and threw two TDs two weeks ago vs. Taunton.
Does the Tide have what it takes to shut down blossoming Haverhill High QB Michael Bayko (278 yards, five touchdowns passing last week) and receiver Jathian DeJesus (199 yards, 5 TDs receiving last week)?
It’s time to make a statement.
Prediction: Haverhill 24, Everett 21
Thursday’s Games
Chelmsford (1-4) at North Andover (1-4) — A very even matchup. Both teams own a win over Dracut, North Andover last week (33-6) and Chelmsford three weeks ago (41-20). Otherwise, the Lions have been outscored 143-69, but pushed Lowell last week (42-37). QB Anthony Mauriello threw two TDs and ran for two more against Dracut and threw two TDs against Tewksbury.
Prediction: Chelmsford 34, North Andover 28
KIPP (2-3) at Whittier (3-2) — While the Wildcats have dropped two straight, KIPP has heated up. After dropping three straight by a combined 89-26, the Panthers have won two straight. Running back Aavian Peña is their star. He ran for 148 yards and a TD in the win over Hull after going for 238 all-purpose yards and two scores in a win over Lowell Catholic.
Prediction: KIPP 32, Whittier 28
Friday’s Games
Andover (4-1) at Pinkerton (6-0) — The defending Division I champion Pinkerton kicked off this rivalry a year ago with a 40-17 win. Can the Golden Warrior defense stop Pinkerton’s offense (36.3 ppg), that can grind it out and throw with Aiden McDonald? Can the speed of Marcus DeJesus and the Andover offense (41.2 ppg) outrun the New Hampshire foe?
Prediction: Pinkerton 34, Andover 28
Methuen (4-1) at Lawrence (1-4) — The Rangers showed they can take down just about anyone in Massachusetts with their instant classic win over Central Catholic (30-20) last week. The Lancers’ struggles continued in last Friday’s loss to Andover (56-8). After a breakout last week, expect more from Rangers tight end/fullback Josh Defatima (125 yards, 2 TD receiving).
Prediction: Methuen 44, Lawrence 12
Greater Lawrence (4-1) at Greater Lowell (3-2) — The Reggies are itching to return to the field two weeks after their historic 79-57 win over Groton-Dunstable. The Gryphons have won two straight, rolling over Brookline (41-0) last week. Lennoxx Ramos was a Boston Globe Player of the Week for his performance vs. Brookline. But can anyone stop Gustavo Varela?
Prediction: Greater Lawrence 42, Greater Lowell 28
Windham (4-2) at Manchester Central (2-4) — The Jaguars are riding high with four straight wins. Don’t expect the fun to end this week. Central has dropped two straight, falling to an Alvirne team that’s lost every other game by at least four touchdowns, then last week to Londonderry (46-21). The Little Green have held just one opponent under 28 point.
Prediction: Windham 34, Central 12
Alvirne (1-5) at Timberlane (3-3) — Owls make it three straight for the first time since 2022. Alvirne has allowed 37.8 points per game, and scored just 11.0 points a game. The Broncos’ lone win was over Manchester Central (28-14). Every other game has been decided by at last 28 points. For the Owls, Gio Recesso ran for 122 yards and a TD last week.
Prediction: Timberlane 32, Alvirne 14
Pelham (6-0) at Trinity (4-1) — I dared suggest the Pythons could face some competition last week. They pounded Manchester West 35-0. Could it happen this week? Maybe. Trinity has outscored opponents 175-87, with its loss coming to unbeaten Plymouth (46-14). QB Oliver Service has run for 489 yard and eight TDs and thrown for 543 yards and five score.
Prediction: Pelham 42, Trinity 14
Salem (3-3) at Londonderry (3-3) — The Blue Devils snapped a three-game skid last week, beating Rhode Island foe Cumberland (21-14). The Lancers, who many wrote off after three straight losses, have won two in a row. Londonderry QB Sully Daron’s thrown for 863 yards and eight TDs, while running back Adrian Cruz has run for 458 yards and eight scores.
Prediction: Londonderry 28, Salem 24
Saturday’s Games
Brooks (2-2) a Nobles (3-1) — Brooks suffered a tough setback to Middlesex (41-8) last week. Nobles beat that same team 13-10, and held off Berkshire (27-24) last week. That wa the first time the Bulldogs had allowed more than 13 points in a game this season.
Prediction: Nobles 28, Brooks 14
Brunswick (3-2) at Phillips (2-3) — The Big Blue offense exploded last week in a 35-7 win over Suffield. QB Cale Barker threw for 363 yards and four TDs, while Will Mascena caught eight passes for 189 yards and two scores and Ollie Velez had three catches for 109 yards and a TD. Brunswick fell to Cheshire 21-14 last week.
Prediction: Phillips 32, Brunswick 27
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