The battle for Commonwealth Conference supremacy will not be at prime time, or at a prime location, but it should be a prime contest.
Originally, Whittier (8-0) was scheduled to play Manchester Essex (7-1, 3-0 in CAC Large) at 7 p.m. Saturday, possibly at Endicott College. Instead, they'll be playing at 3:30 p.m. at Manchester High School's old field, which doesn't even have bleachers.
"We're not very happy about it," said Whittier coach Kevin Bradley. "We're going to really have to hustle over there because of SATs, and it's not a very good place to have a big game."
Nevertheless, the game should be a clash between two very good offenses. Manchester, averaging 33 points per game, is led by the all-around skills of running backs Brian Ciccone and Ben Kelesen as well as quarterback Alex Carr, while the Wildcats (35 PPG) are directed by quarterback Dillon Ryan, who has thrown for 19 TDs.
Comparing scores, Whittier defeated Lynn Tech 38-12 and Northeast 34-24 while Manchester beat Lynn Tech 48-36 and Northeast 13-6. Its only loss was to much larger Danvers High.
There will definitely be a lot of points scored. The difference could be that Whittier's defense may be slightly better. Also, the Wildcats should be riled up about the playing conditions.
PICK: Whittier 39, Manchester 31
TOMORROW'S GAMES
Brooks (5-1) at Nobles (2-4)
Brooks isn't about to let down for this rare Friday afternoon game.
PICK: Brooks 35, Nobles 7
Central Catholic (7-1) at METHUEN (6-2)
In the battle of running quarterbacks, Andrew Ouellette and Cal Carroll, who will be more successful through the air? I'll go on a hunch, which should be to Central's advantage.
PICK: Methuen 20, Central 14
Dracut (6-2) at Lawrence (3-5)
Because Dracut has regrouped in recent weeks, the Lancers won't be in the small school title race after this one.
PICK: Dracut 38, Lawrence 20
North Andover (6-2) at Wilmington (6-2)
In a battle of offensive-minded clubs, this should go down to the wire.
PICK: Wilmington 28, North Andover 27
Timberlane (4-5) at Alvirne (4-5)
The winner of this game earns the dubious privilege of facing Bishop Guertin in the Division 2 playoffs in another week.
PICK: Alvirne 22, Timberlane 21
Manchester Central (5-4) at Salem (9-0)
Manchester Central has much more to play for, and played well last week against Pinkerton, but Salem should still prevail.
PICK: Salem 28, Manchester Central 21
Billerica (7-1) at ANDOVER (5-3)
Nick LaSpada and the Indians are peaking and the Warriors, while capable, are too inconsistent.
PICK: Billerica 30, Andover 20
SATURDAY'S GAMES
Masconomet (6-2) at PENTUCKET (5-3)
The Sachems won't be able to stop both Chris Splinter and Evan Bunker, who have 28 touchdowns between them.
PICK: Masconomet 31, Pentucket 7
NASHUA NORTH (7-1) at Pinkerton (5-4)
This is an important game in terms of seeding for the Division 1 playoffs. Also, the Astros need to regain some confidence.
PICK: Pinkerton 34, Nashua North 27
Georgetown (1-6) at North Reading (1-7)
The Royals should have defeated Hamilton-Wenham. If they stay focused, they'll make up for the setback this week.
PICK: Georgetown 17, North Reading 14
Worcester Academy (4-3) at Phillips Academy (2-1-1)
The Big Blue could be looking at a rare losing season if they don't prevail in a game that could go either way.
PICK: Phillips 24, Worcester Academy 21
PACE (1-8) at MERRIMACK COLLEGE (6-3)
Don't be fooled by Pace's record. Its lone win was last week against AIC, a team that defeated Merrimack twice, and it lost several heartbreakers, including 28-27 to Bentley.
PICK: Merrimack 38, Pace 27
Season record: 108-36
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