This one won't carry the same weight that a Davenport title game carried a couple of years ago, but this is still a huge matchup. Because of the new playoff system, Stoughton and Foxboro - both 4-0 in Davenport play - are qualified for the postseason because of the automatic qualifier rule. That rule means that the first and second place teams in divisions of five or more teams are automatically in. The winner of this game wins the Davenport while the loser finishes second, but either way, they are both in.
This rivalry is one of the closer ones between Hockomock teams. Foxboro holds a 32-19-1 advantage overall while Stoughton is currently on a four game win streak. The Black Knights have outscored the Warriors 89-19 the last four years but Foxboro's last win (2009) came at Stoughton, which is where the game will be on Friday night.
This year, Stoughton and Foxboro are both in the top five of scoring and points allowed in the Hockomock. Stoughton is first in the league in scoring with 34.5 points per game. Foxboro isn't far behind, sitting in fourth in the league with 27.67 points per game. Defensively, these are two of the best teams in the league. Foxboro is second best in the league, allowing just 13 points per game. Stoughton is right behind in third with 15.33 points per game.
This rivalry is one of the closer ones between Hockomock teams. Foxboro holds a 32-19-1 advantage overall while Stoughton is currently on a four game win streak. The Black Knights have outscored the Warriors 89-19 the last four years but Foxboro's last win (2009) came at Stoughton, which is where the game will be on Friday night.
This year, Stoughton and Foxboro are both in the top five of scoring and points allowed in the Hockomock. Stoughton is first in the league in scoring with 34.5 points per game. Foxboro isn't far behind, sitting in fourth in the league with 27.67 points per game. Defensively, these are two of the best teams in the league. Foxboro is second best in the league, allowing just 13 points per game. Stoughton is right behind in third with 15.33 points per game.
Foxboro
Foxboro comes into Friday night’s game with a chip on its shoulder. There was a feeling at last week’s Canton game that the Warriors felt slighted by not being considered among the Hockomock elite despite being unbeaten in the Davenport. The players took that perceived slight out onto the field and dominated in all three phases of the game to set up this week’s title showdown.
Foxboro coach Jack Martinelli is an old-school type who prefers to stick to the power running game, which makes sense with senior Keeyon Neal and junior Ronnie Martin giving him two weapons in the backfield, but when Canton bunched against the run Martinelli allowed quarterback Nolan Rogers to show what the Warriors can do through the air. Rogers responded with an efficient 10-12 first half with a touchdown.
Martin, who scored two touchdowns against the Bulldogs, is a power back that takes multiple players to bring him down and grinds out extra yards on every carry. Neal (10 touchdowns this season) has more breakaway speed and is more likely to break a big gain but both are going to deliver as many hits as they receive. There should be plenty of contact between the running backs and Stoughton’s linebackers on Friday.
Rogers does not get many opportunities to look down field in the passing game, but he has been efficient with his underneath throws, especially to tight end Derek Gilreath and to senior wide receiver Balazs Busznyak. Busznyak has become a primary weapon for Rogers and has shown the ability to make people miss, get separation in the secondary, and to make great catches like the one he made in the corner of the end zone against Canton. Stoughton has a strong secondary, but Rogers hit six different receivers last week making it difficult to focus on one player.
Defensively, Foxboro will be tested by the strength of the Stoughton offensive line and power back Joe Girolamo. The Warriors will counter with the likes of Brian Booth (6-foot-3, 230 lbs.), Doug Fisher (6-foot-8, 285 lbs.), and Robert Hood (6-foot-2, 285 lbs.), who have created openings for the linebackers to get into the backfield and make plays. Senior defensive end Brian DeVellis will also be a key player as he tries to get pressure on Stoughton QB Jake Gibb, who leads the league with nine touchdown passes. Senior linebacker Liam Whiting adds speed to the edge, which will be needed to stop sophomore running back Ryan Sullivan.
Special teams are always an underrated component to winning games, but the Warriors have used the kicking game to win the field position battle this season allowing the offense to take advantage of the short field. Kyle Will consistently reached the end zone of his kick-offs and punter Pat McCarthy twice dropped kicks inside the 20 to back the Bulldogs up last week. Busznyak has also provided a huge spark with his punt returns.
Stoughton
Stoughton enters Friday night's game fresh off their first shutout of the season. The Black Knights had to stage an incredible fourth quarter comeback against Canton two weeks ago but last week, Stoughton took care of business against Sharon. They ran the ball well, were able to execute in the passing game when necessary and held the Eagles under 100 yards of total offense.
Stoughton head coach Greg Burke and Foxboro's Jack Martinelli are two of the longest head coaches in the league so its no surprise they have similar approaches to the game. Like Foxboro, Stoughton is very content lining up over the football and using their power to run the ball. Joey Girolamo is one of the best power backs to come through the league in a long time, but he isn't strictly power. When he gets some space, he is very shifty and can make tacklers miss.
Beyond Girolamo, Stoughton has plenty of weapons. One key weapon has to be the offensive line. The Black Knights had a lot of new faces in new places this season but they haven't missed a beat at all. Sophomore Ryan Sullivan has emerged as not only one of the top underclassmen, but one of the top scoring threats in the league. Kirby Impoinvil adds a nice mix as well to Stoughton's running game.
In terms of the passing game, Stoughton junior QB Jake Gibb is one of the best. He is incredibly poised in the pocket and can move around to make a play (e.g. Stoughton's fourth quarter comeback). What makes Stoughton's offense (league best 34.5 points per game) work so well is the mix of pass and run. Not every high school team is able to pull it off, but Stoughton's balance is similar to what Mansfield had last year.
One target that has emerged for the Black Knights is senior Brandon Swain-Price. A lot of people have wondered where he came from but this is an athlete who has done the right things throughout his career at Stoughton, bided his time and has grown into a star role.
Defensively, Stoughton has a plethora of playmakers. Swain-Price and Sullivan are two players that are a big turnover waiting to happen. Up front, Kevin Lucas was a big standout against Sharon last week and it seems each week, someone steps up to make a play for the Black Knights.
Foxboro comes into Friday night’s game with a chip on its shoulder. There was a feeling at last week’s Canton game that the Warriors felt slighted by not being considered among the Hockomock elite despite being unbeaten in the Davenport. The players took that perceived slight out onto the field and dominated in all three phases of the game to set up this week’s title showdown.
Foxboro coach Jack Martinelli is an old-school type who prefers to stick to the power running game, which makes sense with senior Keeyon Neal and junior Ronnie Martin giving him two weapons in the backfield, but when Canton bunched against the run Martinelli allowed quarterback Nolan Rogers to show what the Warriors can do through the air. Rogers responded with an efficient 10-12 first half with a touchdown.
Martin, who scored two touchdowns against the Bulldogs, is a power back that takes multiple players to bring him down and grinds out extra yards on every carry. Neal (10 touchdowns this season) has more breakaway speed and is more likely to break a big gain but both are going to deliver as many hits as they receive. There should be plenty of contact between the running backs and Stoughton’s linebackers on Friday.
Rogers does not get many opportunities to look down field in the passing game, but he has been efficient with his underneath throws, especially to tight end Derek Gilreath and to senior wide receiver Balazs Busznyak. Busznyak has become a primary weapon for Rogers and has shown the ability to make people miss, get separation in the secondary, and to make great catches like the one he made in the corner of the end zone against Canton. Stoughton has a strong secondary, but Rogers hit six different receivers last week making it difficult to focus on one player.
Defensively, Foxboro will be tested by the strength of the Stoughton offensive line and power back Joe Girolamo. The Warriors will counter with the likes of Brian Booth (6-foot-3, 230 lbs.), Doug Fisher (6-foot-8, 285 lbs.), and Robert Hood (6-foot-2, 285 lbs.), who have created openings for the linebackers to get into the backfield and make plays. Senior defensive end Brian DeVellis will also be a key player as he tries to get pressure on Stoughton QB Jake Gibb, who leads the league with nine touchdown passes. Senior linebacker Liam Whiting adds speed to the edge, which will be needed to stop sophomore running back Ryan Sullivan.
Special teams are always an underrated component to winning games, but the Warriors have used the kicking game to win the field position battle this season allowing the offense to take advantage of the short field. Kyle Will consistently reached the end zone of his kick-offs and punter Pat McCarthy twice dropped kicks inside the 20 to back the Bulldogs up last week. Busznyak has also provided a huge spark with his punt returns.
Stoughton
Stoughton enters Friday night's game fresh off their first shutout of the season. The Black Knights had to stage an incredible fourth quarter comeback against Canton two weeks ago but last week, Stoughton took care of business against Sharon. They ran the ball well, were able to execute in the passing game when necessary and held the Eagles under 100 yards of total offense.
Stoughton head coach Greg Burke and Foxboro's Jack Martinelli are two of the longest head coaches in the league so its no surprise they have similar approaches to the game. Like Foxboro, Stoughton is very content lining up over the football and using their power to run the ball. Joey Girolamo is one of the best power backs to come through the league in a long time, but he isn't strictly power. When he gets some space, he is very shifty and can make tacklers miss.
Beyond Girolamo, Stoughton has plenty of weapons. One key weapon has to be the offensive line. The Black Knights had a lot of new faces in new places this season but they haven't missed a beat at all. Sophomore Ryan Sullivan has emerged as not only one of the top underclassmen, but one of the top scoring threats in the league. Kirby Impoinvil adds a nice mix as well to Stoughton's running game.
In terms of the passing game, Stoughton junior QB Jake Gibb is one of the best. He is incredibly poised in the pocket and can move around to make a play (e.g. Stoughton's fourth quarter comeback). What makes Stoughton's offense (league best 34.5 points per game) work so well is the mix of pass and run. Not every high school team is able to pull it off, but Stoughton's balance is similar to what Mansfield had last year.
One target that has emerged for the Black Knights is senior Brandon Swain-Price. A lot of people have wondered where he came from but this is an athlete who has done the right things throughout his career at Stoughton, bided his time and has grown into a star role.
Defensively, Stoughton has a plethora of playmakers. Swain-Price and Sullivan are two players that are a big turnover waiting to happen. Up front, Kevin Lucas was a big standout against Sharon last week and it seems each week, someone steps up to make a play for the Black Knights.
Ryan Lanigan, HockomockSports.com
This game would have meant a little more a couple years ago with a playoff berth at hand, but Davenport supremacy and playoff seeding is up for grabs so there's still plenty to play for. Foxboro has really played under the radar this season with one of the best offenses and defenses in the league, but Stoughton has been right there with them. I think Stoughton just has too many weapons and the Black Knights will grab their first outright Davenport title.
The Pick: Stoughton 35, Foxboro 21
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com
Both of these teams have strong defensive units but both also have explosive offenses that can be effective through the air and on the ground. I'm expecting that this will end up being a shootout that should come down to the final quarter. Stoughton has shown the ability to make plays late to pull out the win and that close-game experience will come in handy on Friday to help the Black Knights pull out what has the potential to be a classic.
The Pick: Stoughton 35, Foxboro 31
Jeffrey Pickette, Stoughton Media Access
While the weather report is calling for no rain (as of Thursday night) for Friday night, Stoughton's grass field is sure to be slick and muddy given the rain this week, so field conditions could be a factor. Both teams are playoff bound but Stoughton will secure the #1 seed and home field advantage in the Division 3 Southwest playoffs with a win Friday night. The Black Knights have so many weapons between Jake Gibb, Joey Girolamo, Ryan Sullivan and Brandon Swain-Price. The offensive line is superb and the defense is playing well. Stoughton will finish the regular season unscathed.
The Pick: Stoughton 28, Foxboro 14
Chris McDaniel, The Enterprise
If an 18-point fourth quarter deficit can't put Stoughton away, I don't see anyone doing so. The Black Knights are just a little too versatile with the Warriors on offense. But if Stoughton turns the ball over like they did against Canton, they won't get away unscathed.
The Pick: Stoughton 28, Foxboro 21
Bruce Lerch, The Boston Herald
Based on how it appears the postseason brackets will set up, I think this game is a little more important for the Warriors, who want to stay opposite of powerhouse Holliston in hopes of a meeting in the Div. 4 South title game. The Black Knights can clinch the top seed in Div. 3 Southwest with a win, although they may not need a victory to do so if Walpole falls to Natick Friday night. Foxboro will play with a chip on its shoulder but I've felt all year that Stoughton is the Hock's best team, regardless of division, and expect Joey Girolamo, Jake Gibb and Brandon Swain-Price to cement that status this weekend. Two underrated but outstanding defenses may keep the score lower than most would expect.
The Pick: Stoughton 21, Foxboro 14
This game would have meant a little more a couple years ago with a playoff berth at hand, but Davenport supremacy and playoff seeding is up for grabs so there's still plenty to play for. Foxboro has really played under the radar this season with one of the best offenses and defenses in the league, but Stoughton has been right there with them. I think Stoughton just has too many weapons and the Black Knights will grab their first outright Davenport title.
The Pick: Stoughton 35, Foxboro 21
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com
Both of these teams have strong defensive units but both also have explosive offenses that can be effective through the air and on the ground. I'm expecting that this will end up being a shootout that should come down to the final quarter. Stoughton has shown the ability to make plays late to pull out the win and that close-game experience will come in handy on Friday to help the Black Knights pull out what has the potential to be a classic.
The Pick: Stoughton 35, Foxboro 31
Jeffrey Pickette, Stoughton Media Access
While the weather report is calling for no rain (as of Thursday night) for Friday night, Stoughton's grass field is sure to be slick and muddy given the rain this week, so field conditions could be a factor. Both teams are playoff bound but Stoughton will secure the #1 seed and home field advantage in the Division 3 Southwest playoffs with a win Friday night. The Black Knights have so many weapons between Jake Gibb, Joey Girolamo, Ryan Sullivan and Brandon Swain-Price. The offensive line is superb and the defense is playing well. Stoughton will finish the regular season unscathed.
The Pick: Stoughton 28, Foxboro 14
Chris McDaniel, The Enterprise
If an 18-point fourth quarter deficit can't put Stoughton away, I don't see anyone doing so. The Black Knights are just a little too versatile with the Warriors on offense. But if Stoughton turns the ball over like they did against Canton, they won't get away unscathed.
The Pick: Stoughton 28, Foxboro 21
Bruce Lerch, The Boston Herald
Based on how it appears the postseason brackets will set up, I think this game is a little more important for the Warriors, who want to stay opposite of powerhouse Holliston in hopes of a meeting in the Div. 4 South title game. The Black Knights can clinch the top seed in Div. 3 Southwest with a win, although they may not need a victory to do so if Walpole falls to Natick Friday night. Foxboro will play with a chip on its shoulder but I've felt all year that Stoughton is the Hock's best team, regardless of division, and expect Joey Girolamo, Jake Gibb and Brandon Swain-Price to cement that status this weekend. Two underrated but outstanding defenses may keep the score lower than most would expect.
The Pick: Stoughton 21, Foxboro 14
HockomockSports.com Picks | ||||||||||
Ryan Lanigan |
Josh Perry |
Jeff Pickette |
Chris McDaniel |
Bruce Lerch |
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Game of the Week Staff | ||||||||||
Hockomock Sports |
Hockomock Sports |
SMAC |
The Enterprise |
Boston Herald |
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Foxboro @ Stoughton Friday, 6:00 |
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Oliver Ames @ Canton Friday, 7:00 |
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Franklin @ Mansfield Friday, 7:00 |
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North Attleboro @ Taunton Friday, 6:00 |
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King Philip @ Attleboro Saturday, 12:00 |
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Sharon @ Milford Saturday, 4:00 |
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Total | Lanigan 30-17 |
Perry 31-16 |
Pickette 29-18 |
McDaniel 28-19 |
Guests 13-5 |