Students from both schools grew up playing together for the Newton Mustangs, the town’s youth program, which will have groups in attendance. With football participation declining in the area, sparking a new rivalry could help generate interest.
“We’re not pretending these guys are enemies,” said first-year South coach Antonio Mitjans. “We just want to have a friendly rivalry game and this is a good chance for the community to come together and keep kids involved in football.”
Both programs have 50-plus players, but participation in Newton youth football is dwindling. Mitjans recognized that football might not be the right choice for everyone, “but there’s still so much benefit to the game,” said the former Ashland (‘15) and UMass Dartmouth (’19) lineman. “So hopefully we can help people see the benefit of continuing on with the sport.”
Senior captains Harvey Chen and Beckett Shrier have been leading South on and off the field, including in a 14-8 Week 3 win over Brookline. North quarterback Freddy Torcasio threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns and Dylan Leone rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown to lead the Tigers to a 29-0 win over Waltham on Sept. 12.
“Both sides will carry tremendous emotion,” said Capodilupo. “We’ll see what happens Friday, but I know our kids will play very hard and bring that competitive spirit. It’s who we are.”
Thursday, No. 11 BC High at Everett, (6 p.m.) — BC High comes off a bye week after losing control of a home game against Central Catholic. Everett looks to bounce back from a loss at Xaverian. Pick: EVERETT.
Friday, No. 9 Bishop Feehan at St. Mary’s, (4:30 p.m.) — St. Mary’s got blitzed in Gloucester after shutting out its first two opponents. Feehan looks to push its way to the CCL Large crown. Pick: BISHOP FEEHAN.
Friday, No. 5 Natick at No. 10 Milford, (6 p.m.) — Both teams are off to impressive 3-0 starts with Natick’s first-team defense allowing just 7 points thus far. Milford will forge on without star senior Jason Stokes (shoulder). Pick: NATICK.
Friday, Springfield Central at No. 2 Xaverian, (6 p.m.) — Springfield has taken consecutive regular season road games at Xaverian, but the Hawks knocked the Golden Eagles out of the D1 tournament in 2023. Pick: SPRINGFIELD CENTRAL.
Friday, No. 19 Masconomet at Winchester, (6:30 p.m.) — This appears to be an all-time senior class for a Masco program that is 11-3 since the start of last season. Winchester has won consecutive games, 42-7, with linebacker Bryan Harrison leading a strong defense. Pick: MASCONOMET.
Friday, No. 4 King Philip at No. 20 Foxborough, (7 p.m.) — King Philip hasn’t been dominant on offense during a 3-0 start, but remains a defensive stalwart with just 7 points allowed. Foxborough has tested the Hockomock Kelley-Rex power in their past two matchups. Pick: KING PHILIP.
Friday, Boston Latin at Latin Academy, (7 p.m.) — Nonleague foes, but city rivals, these programs clash at Clemente Field. Latin Academy earned a thrilling 35-27 win in this matchup last September. Pick: LATIN ACADEMY.
Friday, Bishop Fenwick at Gloucester, (7 p.m.) — The Fishermen won’t sneak up on Bishop Fenwick after scoring a 26-12 win over St. Mary’s last Friday. Gloucester is rock solid on both sides of the ball. Pick: GLOUCESTER.
Friday, No. 7 Mansfield at Marshfield, (7 p.m.) — These teams have played a few thrillers over the past two seasons, with Marshfield taking both nonleague matchups. Mansfield snaps that streak on the road. Pick: MANSFIELD.
Friday, Milton Academy at Tabor, (7 p.m.) — Tabor has emerged as a wagon under coach Jeff Moore. Star quarterback Qur’an McNeill is back from injury, giving Milton Academy some firepower to compete in this NEPSAC Class B showdown. Pick: TABOR.
Saturday, Avon Old Farms at BB&N, (2 p.m.) — The Knights had no issues in their first NEPSAC Class B game against visiting Trinity-Pawling. Now they host a Class A program that is ranked fourth in Connecticut by Sports Illustrated. Pick: BB&N.
