2016 MIAA High School Football Super Bowl Previews

Eight MIAA High School Football Super Bowl games will played this Saturday. Six of those games will be played at Gillette Stadium, while the Division 1 and 4A games will be played in Lynn and Worcester respectively.

Division 1: Everett (9-2) vs. Xaverian (10-1)

Where: Manning Field, Lynn

When: Saturday, 1PM

Early in the season, Everett suffered  last-minute losses to Xaverian and Billerica. Since then, the Crimson Tide have kicked it into high gear, outscoring their three playoff opponents by a combined 83 points. Xaverian lineman Cal Flanders, linebacker A.J. Ryan and cornerback Mekhi Henderson will be the key to the Hawks slowing Everett’s offense. The Crimson offense is averaging 39.7 points per game, but Xaverian is holding opponents to 7.6. Both veteran coaches will have their teams ready for all phases of the game. Everett’s John DiBiaso is in his 35th season, Charlie Stevenson is in his 24th for the Hawks. Everett Sophomore Mike Sainristil has been a weapon in all three facets, scoring four touchdowns in Everett’s three playoff games. Two were on interception returns, and one each on a catch-and-run and kickoff return.

Prediction: Everett 28, Xaverian 17

Division 1A: King Philip (11-0) vs. Reading (8-3)

Where: Gillete Stadium, Foxborough

When: Saturday, 8 p.m

King Phillip possesses a stingy defense, holding opposing offenses to just over 11 points per game. The defense will need to be strong against Reading’s Senior Nick DiNapoli (1,077 yards, 11 TDs on 165 carries) and junior Jack Geiger (483 yards, seven TDs, 59 carries) who anchor the running game. The King Phillip Warriors will be led by John DeLuca. He has put his versatility on display this season, seeing time at quarterback, wide receiver and running back for the Warriors. The 5-foot-10 senior has amassed 503 rushing yards on 59 carries and had made 14 catches for 95 yards.

Prediction: Reading 23, King Phillip 20

Division 2: Duxbury (11-1) vs. Shrewsbury (9-3)

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

When: Saturday, 6 p.m

Shrewsbury’s john Aloisi will lead the Colonials into the Super Bowl in just his third season as Head Coach. They’ll look to shut down a high scoring Duxbury Dragons offense. Duxbury has won nine of it’s 11 games by 21 points or more. The Dragons ripped off 11 straight wins before resting their starters on Thanksgiving Day against Marshfield (a 53-0 loss). They’re the clear favorites but Shrewsbury is looking for the upset after starting the season 3-3.

Prediction: Duxbury 42, Shrewsbury 23

Division 2A: Marblehead (11-0) vs. Falmouth (12-0)

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m

The 2A matchup pits two strong offenses against two shut down defenses. Marblehead and Falmouth are both scoring more than 30 points per game, but the focus will be on the defenses. Falmouth holds its opponents to 12.3 ppg, while Marblehead allows less than 10. Marblehead’s senior QB Drew Gally and senior defensive end Bo Millett swept the NEC offensive and defensive players of the year, and the pair will need to step up once again. Falmouth’s triple option offense will be led by senior QB Nick Couhig. History will be made in the game, as neither team has ever won a state championship.

Prediction: Marblehead 21, Falmouth 20

Division 3: Hanover (11-0) vs. Grafton (12-0)

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

When: Saturday, 11 a.m

All season, Hanover has dominated opponents in the trenches with a line led by Pat Flynn, Tim Mullane and Matt Hughes. Senior Brad Rogers has piled up 1,298 yards and 24 touchdowns on 164 carries in nine games, with four TDs in each of his last two games to lead the offense. Meanwhile. Grafton has relied on a stingy defense and Syracuse-bound RB/DB Ifeatu Melifonwu, whose older brother, Obi, is a standout safety at UConn.

Prediction: Hanover 35, Grafton 10

Division 3A: St. Mary’s (11-0) vs. East Bridgewater (10-2)

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

When: Saturday, 9 a.m

Two first year starting QB’s will take the field in this matchup, and the one who makes the least mistakes will likely come out on top. East Bridgewater Vikings sophomore Liam LeVangie or St. Mary’s Spartans junior Marcus Atkins will need to lead their team to a title. These teams met in the playoffs last season as EB squeeked by with a 26-18 win. This season East Bridgewater has outscored its foes 111-36 in the playoffs.

Prediction: East Bridgewater 24, St. Mary’s 17

Division 4: Mashpee (11-1) vs. Wahconah (10-1)

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m

Statistically these teams line up almost equally on both offense and defense. Each scores over 36 ppg while giving up under 14. Both teams are strong up front. Wahconah gets the edge with a more seasoned line, but Mashpee has played against similar teams in Nantucket and Abington. The game will come down ot a turnover or crucial mistake and it will be close throughout.

Prediction: Mashpee 17, Wahconah 12

Division 4A: Maynard (12-0) vs. Millis (9-3)

Where: Worcester State University

When: Saturday, 12

Millis is in the Super Bowl for the first time since 1999. Led by junior quarterback Bryce Latosek, senior receiver Brian Espanet, and 1,000-yard rusher Kurt Hopkins, the Millis Mohawks are one win away from their first Super Bowl win. Maynard has never appeared in a State Title game in any sport. This season the Tigers are undefeated, even though they dress just 26 players.

Prediction: Millis 35, Maynard 27