The Xaverian Brothers (Westwood, MA) varsity football team has a home playoff game vs. Leominster (MA) today at 6 pm.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Xaverian Brothers (MA) vs. Leominster (MA)
When: Friday, November 15
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Leominster vs. Xaverian Brothers: Division 1 MIAA State Championship
Two powerhouses of Massachusetts high school football, the Leominster Blue Devils and the Xaverian Brothers Hawks, clash in a pivotal playoff game that promises high drama and elite competition.
Season Overview
Leominster Blue Devils (8-1, #19 MA Division 1)
Leominster has been dominant this season, boasting an impressive 8-1 record and an undefeated 3-0 league run. Known for their high-powered offense and balanced attack, the Blue Devils average a stunning 445.8 yards per game. Quarterback Osiris Lopez (#3) has been the centerpiece, averaging 180.4 passing yards and contributing 287.7 total yards per game. On the ground, running back Xavier Cora (#5) powers the rushing game with 119.1 yards per contest.
- Key Players to Watch:
- Osiris Lopez: 180.4 passing yards per game, 8.2 points per game
- Xavier Cora: 119.1 rushing yards per game
- Jaidis Delgado (#13): 69.6 receiving yards per game
- Ben Marchetti: Team-leading 6.4 tackles per game
Xaverian Brothers Hawks (7-3, #10 MA Division 1)
The Hawks enter with a strong 7-3 overall record, maintaining a perfect 5-0 mark at home. Their defense has been a cornerstone, holding opponents to just 191 points this season, while their offense averages 33.5 points per game. Xaverian’s ability to dominate early in games is notable, scoring an average of 16 points in the first quarter.
- Strengths:
- Unbeaten at home (5-0)
- Consistent defensive performances
- Effective early-game scoring
Statistical Matchup
| Category | Leominster | Xaverian Brothers |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 37.4 | 33.5 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 265.3 | – |
| Passing Yards/Game | 180.4 | – |
| Total Yards/Game | 445.8 | – |
| Tackles/Game | 24.0 | – |
| Home Record | 5-1 | 5-0 |
Head-to-Head Insights
This is the first meeting between these two programs this season, but they share a couple of common opponents: St. John’s and Catholic Memorial. Both teams defeated St. John’s convincingly, though Xaverian’s 56-13 rout stands out. Against Catholic Memorial, both teams struggled, with Leominster falling 56-28 and Xaverian narrowly losing 40-37 in a thrilling contest.
Keys to Victory
For Leominster:
- Start Strong: Xaverian is known for their explosive starts, so the Blue Devils must contain them early.
- Leverage Offensive Weapons: The dynamic duo of Lopez and Cora needs to stay efficient, controlling both the tempo and the scoreboard.
- Defensive Execution: Shutting down Xaverian’s quick-strike ability will be crucial.
For Xaverian Brothers:
- Dominate at Home: Lean on their unbeaten home record and energetic fan base to fuel momentum.
- Force Turnovers: Disrupt Lopez’s rhythm to capitalize on short fields.
- Early Pressure: Continue their trend of early scoring to put Leominster on their heels.
Prediction
With their contrasting styles and strong records, this matchup is poised to be a nail-biter. Leominster’s explosive offense faces its toughest test yet against Xaverian’s disciplined defense. However, Xaverian’s home-field advantage and knack for starting fast could prove to be the difference.
Prediction: Xaverian Brothers 34, Leominster 31
Who will advance to the next stage of the MIAA Division 1 State Championship? All will be decided under the lights at Xaverian Brothers High School this Friday!
