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| St. John's senior quarterback Tim Cassidy has been a threat with his arm and his legs this year. |
We're entering the home stretch of the regular season, as contenders are emerging, and some teams are beginning to fall by the wayside. With huge matchups looming, check out our latest Power Rankings below.
Power Rankings
1. Leominster: 5-0, Division 2
Last Week: Ranked No. 1, defeated Westboro 35-0.
The Blue Devils rounded back into form offensively last week against the overmatched Rangers, but next week's home game against Nashoba will likely decide the champion in Mid-Wach A, and maybe the top seed in Division 2 Central.
2. Northbridge: 5-0, Division 2
Last Week: Ranked No. 2, defeated Nipmuc 34-0.
Another week, and another lopsided shutout for the Rams, who have now outscored their opponents 216-0 this year. If there was ever a week Northbridge could give up a point, this upcoming one is it, as Division 4 contender St. Peter-Marian comes to town.
3. Nashoba: 5-0, Division 2
Last Week: Ranked No. 4, defeated No. 10 Marlboro 28-0.
The Chieftains blasted fellow Division 2 contender Marlboro, and showed they are indeed one of the teams to beat in the region's top tier. As I said above, next week's game at Leominster is as big as it gets in the regular season.
4. St. John's (Shrewsbury): 4-1, Division 2
Last Week: Ranked No. 3, defeated Shrewsbury 28-7.
The Pioneers easily handled a Shrewsbury team that has recently given them trouble, as quarterback Tim Cassidy continues his fine season. Next up is Division 2 foe Wachusett in a game that will be critical for the Pioneers' postseason positioning.
5. Doherty: 5-0, Division 4
Last Week: Ranked No. 5, defeated Worcester North 40-16.
Inter-High play is rarely difficult for Doherty, as controversial blogger TurtleBoy Sports pointed out last week, and the Highlanders' route of North was no different. Things get much more competitive this Friday as Doherty travels to Tantasqua, then hosts Grafton the following week in two games that will shape the Division 4 playoffs.
6. Littleton: 5-0, Division 6
Last Week: Ranked No. 6, defeated Clinton 30-0.
The unquestioned favorites in Division 6 continue their dominance, this time blowing out Clinton, and could clinch at least a share of the Mid-Wach C title with a win against surprising Oakmont next week. The Tigers, of course, have larger aspirations.
7. St. Peter-Marian: 3-2, Division 4
Last Week: Unranked, defeated No. 7 Tantasqua 34-25.
Star running back Anthony Baldino returned to score the game-sealing touchdown against Tantasqua, and St. Peter-Marian has to be pleased with the way sophomore quarterback Danny Malm has played in relief of the injured Seamus Leary. The Guardians are right back in the thick of things in Division 4, but a huge test awaits next Friday at Northbridge.
8. Leicester: 5-0, Division 5
Last Week: Ranked No. 9, defeated Millbury 28-8.
The Wolverines continue to roll, but things get tough this weekend when they host Uxbridge with the SWCL B title and playoff positioning in Division 5 on the line.
9. Tantasqua: 4-1, Division 4
Last Week: Ranked No. 7, lost to St. Peter-Marian 34-25.
Tantasqua was in it until the end at St. Peter-Marian last week, but just couldn't edge the motivated Guardians. The Warriors will go back to the drawing board this week with a massive game in Division 4 at home against Inter-High power Doherty.
With Matt Bressette still running wild and J.J. Howland developing into the most unique weapon in the region, Tantasqua should be just fine on offense, and this thing could turn into a shootout.
10. Uxbridge: 4-1, Division 5
Last Week: Unranked, defeated Southbridge 35-6.
The Spartans have bounced back from a one-score loss to Grafton to win their last three games by a combined 113 points, led by the incredible play of quarterback Max White-Cohen. A trip to Leicester awaits them this weekend with bragging right on the line, as well as postseason ramifications.
Dropped Out: Wachusett (Ranked No. 8 Last Week) and Marlboro (Ranked No. 10 Last Week)
Wachusett lost a tough one to desperate Shepherd Hill, while Marlboro ran into a buzz saw against red-hot Nashoba. Both teams are still fighting for a playoff spot in Division 2, but this past weekend was a major setback.
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