The playoffs are coming five days early for North Andover and Masconomet.
Tomorrow's traditional North Andover-Masconomet collision is a win-or-go home game. The victor takes home the Cape Ann League Large title and advances to Tuesday's EMass 2A semifinals.
The loser starts thinking basketball or hockey before they tear into the mashed potatoes.
"It doesn't get any better, you can't rewrite the script," said North Andover coach John Rafferty, whose Knights, like Masco, enter at 8-2. "We have a great opportunity. We are in a great situation."
Both teams arrive at Walter Roberts Field boasting dynamic quarterback/halfback combinations.
Three-time defending CAL Large champ Masco relies on Chris Splinter (14 TDs, 11 TD passes) and Evan Bunker (17 TDs).
"They've had a great career and they're not looking for it to end right now," Masconomet Jim Pugh said. "We're looking to keep playing."
No team has been able to make North Andover one-dimensional. Super sophomore Brandon Walsh, who missed this game a year ago with mononucleosis, has stung aggressive defenses with 11 TD passes. Zac Iovanella sits tied for the EMass Division 2A lead with 21 TDs while rushing for 1,166 yards.
"Neither team will surprise one another," said Pugh, whose Chieftains are ranked 16th in Eastern Mass while the Knights are unranked. "They know our offense and we know theirs. It's a question of stopping them."
Looking for one edge, you'd have to consider Masco's strength of schedule. The two Chieftain losses came to Reading and Gloucester, which are Nos. 3 and 5, respectively, in Eastern Mass.
North Andover owns a 29-11-1 advantage all-time vs. Masco and 24-10 on Thanksgiving.
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