Football picks
Central Catholic at Springfield Central: We open with a rematch of the 2021 D1 Super Bowl and a rematch of the season opener for these teams in which Springfield (7-1) rolled after Central Catholic (3-4) lost junior quarterback Blake Hebert to injury. Pick: SPRINGFIELD CENTRAL.
Franklin at Andover: Andover (7-1) closed the season with impressive wins over Central Catholic and Billerica. Franklin (5-3) played one of the most difficult schedules in D1 this season. Pick: ANDOVER.
Plymouth South at Billerica: Plymouth South (5-3) is not your average No. 15 seed with Casious Johnson set to resume running back duties in this D3 matchup. Cole Dillon and Billerica (7-1) will be ready for the challenge. Pick: BILLERICA.
Winthrop at Fairhaven: These are legitimate D6 contenders with Fairhaven (7-1) a hair away from an undefeated season and Winthrop (5-3) a couple plays away from winning the Northeastern Conference’s Lynch Division. Pick: WINTHROP. St. Mary’s at Cardinal Spellman: Catholic Central League rivals meet again in the D6 bracket two weeks after St. Mary’s (6-2) scored a 12-0 win at Cardinal Spellman (6-2). Pick: CARDINAL SPELLMAN. Natick at Methuen: Natick (5-3) has held the talented offenses of Walpole, Milford, Milton, and others in check this season, but faces a tall task against Methuen (6-2) and the Eason brothers. Pick: METHUEN.
Taunton at BC High: Taunton (5-3) closed with three tough wins, while BC High (5-3) was served humble pie in its finale against St. John’s Prep. Pick: BC High. Marblehead at Middleborough: After a slow start, Marblehead (3-4) has solidified an identity as a defensive team. Middleborough (6-2) was sharpened by a tough South Shore League schedule. Pick: MIDDLEBOROUGH.
Apponequet at Dedham: Mike Cloutier has coached Dedham (6-2) to the program’s most successful season in years, while Apponequet (3-4) rallied for a dramatic victory to qualify for the D5 tournament. Pick: DEDHAM.
Bourne at Cathedral: Can Cathedral (5-2) return to its status as a Super Bowl contender? Or will Bourne (6-2) end those hopes with a big D8 road win in the first round. Pick: CATHEDRAL.