Q&A with Fairhaven coach Derek Almeida

November 25, 2023

It has been a whirlwind of a season for Fairhaven. The Blue Devils have rode their option offense to a spectacular postseason, as they will play in the D6 state title game against Salem. We spoke to Fairhaven coach Derek Almeida, who is one of the best coaches not just on the South Coast, but in the state. Here is an edited version of that conversation. Adam Kurkjian: You guys……

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North Quincy 43, Quincy 20 – Raiders start fast and don’t look back in blowout win

November 23, 2023

Quincy Sun Photo/Robert Bosworth QUINCY- The Quincy, North Quincy rivalry is one of the best rivalries in Massachusetts. On Thursday morning, the two schools met once again in the 91st meeting of this historic match-up.  North Quincy was looking to avenge last season’s loss to the Presidents. Thanks to junior quarterback Mikey Galligan who completed 12-of-20 passing for 238 yard and three touchdowns, the Raiders rolled to a 43-20 win…….

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Foxboro 30, Mansfield 17 – Warriors overcome slow start to beat rival Hornets, clinch Davenport Division

November 23, 2023

MANSFIELD- It is hard to win in football when you cannot possess the ball. On Thursday morning, Foxboro did not run a single play in the first quarter but somehow won the 92nd meeting against rival Mansfield, 30-17. The first quarter was marred by penalties but the highlight of the quarter was a blocked punt by the Warriors that was scooped up and returned for a touchdown by senior captain……

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Abington 46, Whitman Hanson 6- Kelliher goes out a winner in his final game

November 23, 2023

HANSON- Jim Kelliher was sent out a winner after the Green Wave of Abington beat rival Whitman-Hanson 46-6 on Thursday morning. Kelliher was coaching the final game of his career after serving as the head football coach at Abington for 50 seasons.  After the game, Kelliher talked about what it meant to him to be the head coach at Abington and his final win meant to him. “You know, I……

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Xaverian 23, St. John’s Prep 21 — Bell’s boot lifts Hawks

November 23, 2023

WESTWOOD — When St. John’s Prep and Xaverian met Thursday morning, there was some thought that this would be a minor preamble to Wednesday’s D1 state championship. But, by the end of it, the fans were hoping that the encore could be anywhere near as good as the original. With a 30-yard field goal as time ran out, Xaverian junior kicker Luke Bell sent the Hawks home happy with a……

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Leominster 59, Fitchburg 7 — Blue Devils dominate 143rd matchup

November 23, 2023

By Owen Hart NEFJ Correspondent BOSTON — Wednesday night’s Leominster-Fitchburg game at Fenway Park can be summed up by the opening play, where Leominster quarterback Osiris Lopez unleashed a deep ball to receiver Ryan Ricker for a 71-yard touchdown pass and catch just 19 seconds into the game. Leominster didn’t take long at all to get back on the board, after a three and out from Fitchburg, Lopez was back……

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Billerica 27, Chelmsford 13 — Indians pull away late

November 22, 2023

By Owen Hart NEFJ Correspondent BOSTON — In Wednesday night’s game at Fenway Park, Chelmsford was driving downfield against Billerica late in an almost futile attempt to stay alive. The Lions trailed by two scores with a minute remaining. It would take a miracle. Gus O’Gara eliminated even the slimmest chances for a Chelmsford comeback, picking off the Lions quarterback and letting the Indians kneel the game away. Chelmsford was……

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King Philip 35, Franklin 0 – Warriors roll to first Hockomock League title since 2017

November 21, 2023

By Ryan Martin NEFJ  Correspondent BOSTON – Still undefeated with next week’s Division 2 Super Bowl on the horizon, King Philip could’ve easily overlooked Franklin in the 63rd installment of its Thanksgiving game, held this year at Fenway Park. The Warriors, losers on the last two Thanksgivings, ensured that wouldn’t happen. King Philip (12-0) scored twice in the game’s opening four minutes before doubling the lead before halftime as part……

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New England high school preview — Thanksgiving week

November 21, 2023

People who say Thanksgiving football in Massachusetts is done have not taken a look at this week’s games. There are plenty of good ones, and it will be an exciting end to the season for many across the state. Here is a look at the top games both in Massachusetts, and around New England. Let’s get to it. St. John’s Prep at Xaverian — In the first of two heavyweight……

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