Stakes are getting higher: 9 Week 6 HS football games to watch as the playoffs approach

Posted by Admin October 23, 2024 Football

Some of the best high school football teams in the state are coming to MetroWest and the Milford area in Week 6. Or they already reside there.

Either way, it’s a week for big time matchups and high stakes.

Currently 11 area football teams are seeded in their division’s playoff field. Four are within a spot or two and facing potential win and in situations.

Only Hudson, the No. 1 team in Division 6, remains unbeaten in the area. The Hawks will visit North Middlesex this week at 7 p.m. Friday.

Here are nine Week 6 high school football games to watch in MetroWest and the Milford area:

Norton (4-2) at Medway (4-2), 6 p.m. Thursday

Both teams are in the hunt for the Tri-Valley League Small crown, but a win would go a lot further for the Mustangs in the chase pack. The Lancers have set themselves up well in the Division 5 playoff field at No. 11. Medway could use a win to push into the tournament ranked No. 17 (the top 16 teams qualify). Lancers quarterback Ethan Rodriguez is entering the game in rhythm after accounting for three touchdowns last week.

Holliston (3-3) at Ashland (3-3), 6 p.m. Friday

From small to large. The Panthers could grab a stranglehold on the division standings with a victory, but they’ll have to take down the clockers for the third time in less than a year to get to 3-0 in league play. Ashland, meanwhile, is just outside the Division 4 playoff field and could make up some ground with a win. They’re led by challenging to bring down running back Kevin Ozuluma, who is also a fearsome linebacker. Connor Teague does it all for Holliston, even kicking.

Wellesley (5-1) at Natick (5-1), 6 p.m. Friday

Someone’s three-game win streak has to end. The Raiders currently lead the Bay State Carey League with a 4-0 record. They’re averaging more than 36 points per game during their win streak led by sophomore sensation Lukas Prock at quarterback. The Redhawks will lean on a bruising running game behind Sam Hubbard. Their defense hasn’t given up more than seven points since Sept. 13 against Needham. Both would host a playoff game if the season ended this week. Well worth the price of admission.

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Bellingham (3-3) at Dover-Sherborn (2-4), 6:30 p.m. Friday

The Blackhawks’ three-game losing streak seems like a distant memory. They’ve posted back to back wins over Medway and Millis bolstered by big games from running back Gabe Egan and quarterback Zach Berkeley. The Raiders are struggling to find consistency, losing four of their past five games. They’ve been shut out twice and given up at least 30 points four times. Bellingham can put itself in the drivers seat for a repeat TVL Small championship with a win.

Wachusett (3-3) at Algonquin (4-2), 7 p.m. Friday

What will he do for an encore? Fresh off a record-setting performance, Owen Ellsworth and the Titans return home to host a dangerous Division 1 foe. Mountaineers quarterback Thomas Anderson ranks fourth in Central Mass. with 1,211 passing yards and second in the region with 14 touchdowns through the air. Algonquin can stake its claim at the top of the Mid-Wach A with a victory.

Assabet Valley (1-5) at Blackstone Valley Tech (4-2), 7 p.m. Friday

Two of Central Mass.’ most dynamic players will share the field when the Beavers head north up 495. Assabet’s Franki Lopriore III has 142 yards rushing, 119 receiving and four touchdowns. He’s also made 44.5 tackles, eighth in the region. On the other side is BVT’s Nick Whitlock, who provides highlight reels leading Central Mass. averaging 23.1 yards per catch. He’s scored five touchdowns and made 24 tackles.

Wayland (5-1) at Bedford (4-2), 7 p.m. Friday

Will the Warriors’ rampage through the Dual County League continue? Wayland has only given up one touchdown in three DCL games. But The Buccaneers should provided a different test. Bedford quarterback Ryan McGrath was a monster last week against Newton south with three touchdowns on the ground and a perfect passing night (6-of-6 for 152 yards and a touchdown). Both are in the Division 4 playoff field currently and are jostling for seeding.

Maynard/AMSA (4-2) at Oakmont (4-2), 7 p.m. Friday

Get your tickets to the Dylan Gallo Show while it’s still running. He’s scorched defenses with a Central-Mass.-high 1,608 yards 23 touchdowns through the air this season. Gallo has also ran for another 291 yards and six scores. The Gaels will counter with a dangerous three-headed running attack. Connor Cox (356, three touchdowns), Gavin Naughton (342, three touchdowns) and Taetum Casella (337, six touchdowns) all have at least 300 yards on the ground. Oakmont is on the outside looking in of the Division 6 playoff picture, while the Tigers are the 12 seed.

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King Philip (6-0) at Milford (3-3), 7 p.m. Friday

The defending Division 2 state champion Warriors have won 18 games in a row dating back to the start of the 2023 season. The Scarlet Hawks haven’t won in this series since the 2020 Fall II season. Milford is fresh off its biggest win of the season after a 46-0 dismantling of Sharon. The Warriors will lean on dynamic runners Drew Laplante and Tallan King. King Philip has shut out its last two opponents and not given up more than 14 points in a game yet.