MIAA Football Top 25: Week 3

Lincoln-Sudbury tight end Harrison Gross celebrates a touchdown catch in the Warriors' statement win over Holliston.

Our preseason rankings of the best teams in the state, as selected by our panel of staff writers and correspondents. (Updated 9/18)

1. Everett (2-0; Last Week – 1 ) No issues for the Crimson Tide this week, as they rolled Leominster 33-7 to extend their winning streak.

2. BC High (2-0; Last Week – 2 ) Eagles survived their first big test of the season, edging Marshfield, 19-7, at home behind a potent ground attack led by quarterback Will Bowen and running back Danny Abraham.

3. Central Catholic (2-0; Last Week – 4 ) After their D1 North showdown was postponed to Saturday night, defense won the day for the Raiders in a 21-0 shutout of St. John’s Prep.

4. Xaverian (1-1; Last Week – 5) Sure enough, the Hawks bounced back with a big win in their home opener. Senior quarterback Davin Sweeney is leading what appears to be a more vertical passing attack under new head coach Al Fornaro.

5. St. John's (Shrewsbury) (2-0; Last Week – 6 ) The Pioneer defense dominated in a 33-3 win over Catholic Memorial to open the season, then the offense was able to strut its stuff in a 62-39 victory over Springfield Central in Week 2.

6. King Philip (2-0; Last Week – 7 ) It’s a new year, but the same recipe is working for the Warriors, who are now 2-0 with just 21 points allowed against two quality foes.

7. Lexington (2-0; Last Week – 10) Sal Frelick filled the box score once again in Week 2, combining for 384 yards and four touchdowns as a passer and rusher in a narrow 31-26 win over Concord-Carlisle.

8. St. John's Prep (1-1; Last Week – 4) Getting shut out by Central Catholic could provide an early wake-up call for this young Eagles squad. 

9. Marshfield (1-1; Last Week – 9 ) The fact that the generally unproven Rams hung with the D1 hopeful Eagles at BC High could be construed as a good sign for their D2 title chances. 

10. Bridgewater-Raynham (1-1; Last Week – 8) Hard to judge to the Trojans for a bad loss at Xaverian with three key players out, including stud running back Devonta Greaves. 

11. Tewksbury (2-0; Last Week – 11) A couple of huge defensive plays late allowed the Redmen to a survive a 22-19 scare at home against Methuen.

12. Duxbury (1-1; Last Week – 12) The Dragons bounced back from a season-opening loss by thrashing Barnstable, 35-0, on the road.  

13. Falmouth (2-0; Last Week – 13) In an ambitious non-conference scheduling choice, the Clippers handled Westfield, 59-30, this past Saturday to extend their winning streak.

14. North Attleborough (1-1; Last Week – 14) Senior quarterback Chad Peterson found it much easier to move the ball in a matchup with Bishop Feehan than he did in the season-opening loss at King Philip.

15. Reading (2-0; Last Week – 15) Jack Geiger continued to bull his way over defenses with three touchdowns in the Rockets 33-7 victory over Acton-Boxboro.

16. Andover (1-1; Last Week – 14) New starting quarterback Nick Dellato picked up where he left off in the final minutes of a loss to BC High, scoring early and closing a 22-16 win at Billerica with a six-yard touchdown pass to junior Brendon Moody.

17. Lynn Classical (2-0; Last Week – NA) Early returns are great under new head coach Brian Vaughn, with the Spartans handily winning their first two games by a combined margin on 79-7.   

18. Stoughton (2-0; Last Week – 19) Clearly Catholic Memorial isn’t up to its usual standards this year, but a 28-14 victory in West Roxbury is still a big watermark for the Stoughton program.  

19. Mansfield (2-0; Last Week – 23) Very impressive 28-0 drubbing of rival Braintree last Friday night by a tough-minded Hornets team.

20. Marblehead (1-0; Last Week – 20) Derek Marino caught two more touchdowns and provided an interception as the Magicians rolled to a 24-0 win over Revere in Week 2.

21. Lincoln-Sudbury (2-0; Last Week – NA) Warriors brought Holliston back to earth with a convincing 42-14 victory at home over the Panthers.

22. Billerica (1-1; Last Week – 16) A close loss to regional rival Andover bumps the Indians down six spots in our poll.

23. St. Mary’s (Lynn) (2-0; Last Week – NA) Calvin Johnson is one of the most electric talents in the state, and he gives the Spartans a legitimate shot at back-to-back state titles in what is now classified as Division 7.  

24. Nashoba (2-0; Last Week – 24) With 34 points in consecutive weeks, it would appear that the Chieftains have a capable offense to supplement their stifling defense.

25. Brockton (1-1; Last Week – 25) Don’t sleep on the Boxers. Brockton has a multiple offense and plenty of size up front, as per usual.  

Last 10 Out:  Mashpee (2-0), Dartmouth (1-1), Hanover (1-1), Holliston (1-1), Millis (1-1), Milton (2-0), Natick (2-0), Shrewsbury (2-0), Wachusett (2-0), West Springfield (2-0)