Eastern Mass HS Football Power Rankings: 9/15/14

A solid defense led by linebackers Sean Fallon (44) and Jack Lambert (32), along with defensive tackle Hunter Brown (74) has St. John's Prep soaring under first year head coach Brian St. Pierre.

By Mike Uva (@mike_uva)

Ed Note: We've been doing Power Rankings for Central Massachusetts football and lacrosse for over a year now, and we're thrilled to announce our first Eastern Mass Power Rankings, courtesy of new correspondent Mike Uva. Mike is a 2010 graduate of St. John's Prep, where he played football for the Eagles before moving on to play at Assumption College in Worcester.

A recent Assumption grad, Mike has deep ties to Massachusetts football and a wealth of knowledge of the game's local history and culture. He's definitely the perfect guy to help us expand our coverage into the far more populated section of the Commonwealth.

-Joe Parello


Power Rankings

1. Xaverian: 2-0, 0-0 Catholic Conf. Division 1

Last Week: Defeated Everett 21-14


After this past weekend’s win over Everett, there’s no question that Xaverian is not only that best team to EMass, but also in the state. The Hawks will be back in action on September 26th against Barnstable.
 

2. Central Catholic: 2-0, 0-0 MVC, Division 1

Last Week: Defeated Haverhill 40-0

The Raiders have outscored opponents 80-3 through their first two games of the season behind the offensive trio of Mike Milano, Markus Edmunds and Omar Deschamps. In addition to their offensive explosion, last week Central held Haverhill to only 28 yards of offense through three quarters of action before pulling its starters.


3. St. John’s Prep: 2-0, 0-0 Catholic Conf. Division 1

Last Week: Defeated Brockton 14-6

Two games into the Brian St. Pierre era and the Eagles are flying high. With offensive weapons like Cody Harwood, Owen Rockett and Boston College commit Jake Burt, SJP has proven to have the ability to not only move the football, but also do so in manner in which mistakes are minimal.


4. Everett: 1-1, 0-0 GBL, Division 1

Last Week: Lost to Xaverian 21-14

Coming off a tough loss to Xaverian, the Crimson Tide will look to play a full 44 minutes of football heading into week three versus Tewksbury. This past weekend, Everett struggled offensively in the first half, producing only 15 yards. Everett is an inexperienced, but talented group that will need to capitalize on opportunities this weekend in order to build confidence for younger players.


5. Lowell: 2-0, 0-0 MVC, Division 1

Last Week: Defeated Dracut 40-20

The offensive explosion by Lowell continued last weekend versus Dracut, as the Red Raiders have scored 73 points through two games. Heading into week three, Lowell will be put to the test traveling to Leominster this weekend before starting conference play the following week.

In the Hunt: Bridgewater-Raynham (1-1), Mansfield (1-1), Holliston (2-0), Walpole (1-0), Marblehead (2-0)


Game of the Week: No. 2 Central Catholic at No. 3 St. John’s Prep, Saturday at 1:30 pm

While Central Catholic claimed the inaugural Division 1 State title last season, the memories of former St. John’s Prep star, Johnny Thomas returning a 108-yard interception for a touchdown is still tough to swallow. Not only did the play land on SportsCenters’ Top 10, but it was also Central’s only loss last season.

Central has cruised through their first two games for the start of the 2014 season and will look to crash SJP’s home-opener. The environment Saturday in Danvers will be a huge advantage for the Eagles, but at the end of the day it’ll come down to slowing down one of the most explosive offenses in the state.

It may only be week three of the season, but this one has playoff preview written all over it.