It is finally time. Might just be one of the best stretches of the year. The high school football playoffs are here in Massachusetts, and athletes are hoping they will have a chance to accomplish the ultimate dream of winning a Super Bowl title.
A total of 126 schools punched their tickets to the state playoffs. Only eight will be crowned champions at Gillette Stadium.
Some programs, such as top-ranked St. John’s Prep (8-0), closed the season strong. As a result, they maintained their position at the peak of the Herald’s Sweet 16. Can the Eagles close the deal?
1. St. John’s Prep: If there was a shred of doubt as to whether the Eagles were worthy of the top spot, that should have been erased last week. The school overcame a 20-8 deficit against Catholic Memorial, roaring back for a convincing 43-28 victory behind Chris Vargas (18-for-24 passing with 217 yards and four touchdowns). It was career victory No. 100 for coach Brian St. Pierre.
2. Springfield Central: If there is a program that the prohibitive favorites should fear in the Div. 1 playoff field, it’s the Golden Eagles (7-1). Led by standouts like Jareth Staine and Isaiah Rogers, this team averages 40.5 points per game, and is hungry to make a statement in the postseason.
3. King Philip: Now playing in the Div. 3 ranks, the undefeated Warriors (8-0) are a viable Super Bowl candidate. They have reached Gillette four straight seasons, after all.
4. Xaverian: The Hawks (6-2) have found a rhythm entering the Div. 1 tournament, sweeping four Catholic Conference opponents in as many weeks. Will momentum carry into the postseason?
5. Catholic Memorial: The Knights (6-2) sustained a hit last week, falling to the state’s top team in rival St. John’s Prep. That might just make them more dangerous entering the Div. 2 tournament. Could someone trip the school up along the path to a second straight Super Bowl appearance? It’s possible, in theory, but doesn’t seem likely.
6. Winchester: Led by Ronan O’Connell and Gianni DePrimeo, to name a few, the Red and Black (8-0) are enjoying one of their best seasons in years. An offensive juggernaut (averaging over 43 points per game), this program will be a fun one to watch in Div. 2.
7. Tewksbury: A case could be made that the Div. 4 field is the most competitive this year. One of its heavyweights? This very Tewksbury team. The Redmen rolled to a perfect regular season (8-0) and will enter things as the No. 2 seed.
8. Shawsheen: It’s 22 straight wins and counting for the Rams (8-0). The Billerica school closed October with a resounding 42-0 drubbing of Greater Lowell, and rightfully earned the No. 1 seed in the Div. 5 playoffs. Shawsheen will now vie for its second straight state title.
9. Archbishop Williams: It has been a campaign to remember for the Bishops (8-0). By virtue of their 22-0 shutout of Cathedral on Halloween night, they were able to claim their first Catholic Central League title since 2005, and complete their first undefeated regular season since 2002.
10. Bishop Feehan: The Shamrocks (7-1) have not lost a game since their season opener (against Xaverian, no less). They wrapped up the regular season with a romp of Taunton, 31-14. After finishing as the No. 2 seed in the Div. 2 bracket, Bryan Pinabell’s group was rewarded with a bye to the Round of 8.
11. Barnstable: Facing a very good Bridgewater-Raynham team last week, Jayson Dyer enjoyed his latest breakout performance (171 yards rushing, two touchdowns) to propel the Red Hawks to a clutch 28-18 victory. Barnstable (7-1) is the No. 2 seed in the Div. 3 bracket and battle Doherty in the opening round.
12. Medfield: After a 4-7 season in 2024, the Warriors completely turned things around with an unbeaten 2025 campaign. Senior captain Brady McCormack has been the catalyst, shattering program records.
13. Scituate: Led by Chris DiMeo (two interceptions, touchdown return), the Sailors (7-1) used defense to topple Hanover (21-7) in Week 9. They claimed a share of the Patriot League (Fisher) title and captured the No. 1 seed in the Div. 4 playoff field. The school will attempt to win its second straight Super Bowl title and fourth overall since 2018.
14. Milton: Steve Dembowski’s group saved one of its best performances for last on Halloween night, as the Wildcats (7-1) toppled Bay State Conference rival Natick with an impressive 21-14 showing. The No. 3 seed in the Div. 3 bracket, Milton will open its postseason run against No. 14 Reading.
15. Natick: After cruising along for much of this season, the Redhawks (6-2) had a hiccup in Week 9, faltering to a longtime nemesis in Milton. Still, they were able to attain the No. 4 seed in a loaded Div. 1 bracket.
16. Randolph: The Blue Devils ran roughshod through their regular season slate, rolling to a perfect 8-0 record. They averaged 40.6 points per contest, determined to take things a step further following a Div. 8 Super Bowl appearance in 2024.
On The Sideline: Foxboro, Burlington, Amesbury, Methuen, Central Catholic, Canton, Lincoln-Sudbury, Abington, Cohasset, Lowell
