The Shrewsbury High School varsity football team will host Wachusett Regional High School (Holden, MA) in a home conference game today at 10:00 AM.

What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Shrewsbury (MA) vs Wachusett Regional (MA)
When: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Wachusett Regional vs. Shrewsbury: Game Preview and Season Overview

As the high school football season winds down, the Wachusett Regional Mountaineers (5-4) are set to face the Shrewsbury Colonials (3-7) in an away conference game. With the kickoff scheduled for 10:00 AM, this matchup promises to be a test of resilience and strategy for both teams, each seeking to finish their season on a high note.

Season Performance

Wachusett Regional Mountaineers

The Mountaineers, with an overall record of 5-4, have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. Their league record stands at 1-1, with a balanced performance both at home (2-2) and on the road (3-2). They boast a .556 winning percentage, outscoring opponents 215 to 268.

Key scoring trends for Wachusett indicate their strength in late-game situations, averaging 23.9 points per game, primarily thanks to strong third-quarter performances. However, they have struggled to gain momentum in the early quarters, often starting slow on offense.

Shrewsbury Colonials

The Colonials have faced a challenging season, managing just three wins in ten games. Their league record of 0-2 reflects their struggles in conference play. At home, Shrewsbury has had difficulty establishing dominance, going 1-4, though they fared slightly better on the road with a 2-3 record. With a .300 winning percentage and a scoring deficit of 196-275, the Colonials are looking to regroup in their final games.

Shrewsbury averages 19.6 points per game, with their highest output coming in the second and third quarters. However, their defensive vulnerabilities have often left them playing catch-up in the fourth quarter.

Head-to-Head History

This will be the first meeting between Wachusett Regional and Shrewsbury this season. Both teams will also face off again next week, on Thanksgiving Day, November 28. These back-to-back games add a layer of intensity to the rivalry as each team seeks to assert dominance in the conference.

Common Opponents

When comparing performances against common opponents, Wachusett has a slight edge. The Mountaineers managed a victory over Algonquin Regional (32-27), a team that defeated Shrewsbury earlier in the season (36-28). Both teams struggled against Leominster, with Wachusett losing a high-scoring battle (65-49) and Shrewsbury falling short (30-12). Neither team has been able to topple Natick, though Wachusett’s loss (34-7) was more competitive than Shrewsbury’s.

Keys to the Game

Wachusett Regional

• Early Offense: The Mountaineers need to establish an offensive rhythm in the first half to avoid playing from behind.
• Defensive Adjustments: With a relatively high number of points allowed (268), tightening up their defensive strategy will be critical.

Shrewsbury

• Consistent Defense: Shrewsbury must prevent the Mountaineers from gaining momentum in the third quarter, where Wachusett has been most effective.
• Capitalizing on Opportunities: With limited scoring chances, the Colonials need to make the most of red-zone opportunities.

Prediction

Given the season records and scoring patterns, Wachusett Regional enters this game as the favorite. Their ability to close out games and a stronger record against common opponents give them a slight edge. However, Shrewsbury’s home-field advantage and potential for late-season improvement could make this matchup more competitive than expected.

Projected Score: Wachusett Regional 28, Shrewsbury 17.

Fans can expect a spirited battle as both teams aim to solidify their standings and build momentum heading into their Thanksgiving Day rematch.