H.S. FOOTBALL: Find all of our preseason coverage to get you ready for the year here
High school football practices began on Friday, Aug. 19. We've got you covered on all things high school football in the South Shore and Brockton area.
Here's where you can find all our coverage from the games we've got circled, season previews and the area's best players, teams and biggest storylines.
More: THE 100: South Shore high school football players you've got to see play this fall
In 2021, the area proved to be prolific in building star-studded football programs. Incredibly, seven area teams reached Gillette Stadium to play in the MIAA state champions. Scituate (Div. 4), Rockland (Div. 6), Cohasset (Div. 7) and Randolph (Div. 8) all were crowned championships while Duxbury, Abington and Hull also played in state finals.
Final 2021 area rankings
1. Scituate (11-2)
2. Rockland (10-2)
3. Duxbury (10-2)
4. Cohasset (10-2)
5. Marshfield (9-3)
6. Randolph (8-4)
7. Abington (11-2)
8. Hull (9-4)
9. Milton (8-3)
10. Blue Hills (11-2)
Preseason 2022 rankings
More: South Shore Top 10 high school football rankings (plus five other teams I couldn't fit)
1. Rockland (10-2)
2. Duxbury (10-2)
3. Scituate (11-2)
4. Cohasset (10-2)
5. Marshfield (9-3)
6. Plymouth South (8-3)
7. Bridgewater-Raynham (5-6)
8. Milton (8-3)
9. Middleboro (7-4)
10. Randolph (8-4)
Five potential breakout teams
Cardinal Spellman (3-8 last season): The Cardinals ended last season strong under first-year coach Kahn Chace. They posted a major upset over state semifinalist St. Mary's (Lynn) revealing that this group has the potential to turn a corner this fall.
West Bridgewater (8-2 last season): A playoff snub has this looking like one of the hungriest teams in the state. The Wildcats have been one of the area's top programs in recent years.
Weymouth (5-6 last season): Coming off their first playoff appearance in a long time plus a rugby state title in the spring, this is a group that's learned how to win a lot in the past year.
READ THE WHOLE STORY: South Shore H.S. football teams that might break out in 2022
South Shore Tech (4-7 last season): The Vikings had a strong offseason and return a deep group of contributors. South Shore Tech wants to shake off two losing seasons.
Bridgewater-Raynham (5-6 last season): It's year two for coach Lou Pacheco. The Trojans were sophomore-heavy last season and there's loads of players ready to break out as juniors.
Week 1 schedule
Thursday, Sept. 8
Hanover at Duxbury, 7
West Bridgewater at East Bridgewater, 7
Friday, Sept. 9
Hull at Blue Hills, 4:30
Brockton at Barnstable, 6
Nauset at Norwell, 6
Seekonk at Carver, 6
Triton at Randolph, 6
Woburn at Braintree, 6
Apponequet at Middleboro, 6:30
Canton at Dighton-Rehoboth, 6:30
Marshfield at St. John’s Prep, 6:30
Abington at Cohasset, 7
Archbishop Williams at Quincy, 7
Bridgewater-Raynham at Milford, 7
Brookline at Oliver Ames, 7
Falmouth at Plymouth North, 7
Greater New Bedford Voke at Southeastern, 7
King Philip at BC High, 7
Malden Catholic at Weymouth, 7
Norwood at Stoughton, 7
Pembroke at Whitman-Hanson, 7
Plymouth South at Silver Lake, 7
Rockland at Hingham, 7
Scituate at Milton, 7
Saturday, Sept. 10
Nantucket at Cardinal Spellman, 11 a.m.
Somerville at North Quincy, 6
BYE: Holbrook/Avon, South Shore Tech
Season previews
Abington
The no-huddle: The Green Wave are coming off a trip to the Div. 6 final, but Abington graduated a ton of big contributors from last year's senior class. Still, this program just churns out good football players every year.
More: A NEW WAVE: Abington High football team clings onto winning DNA after Super Bowl loss
Archbishop Williams
Coming soon
BC High
The no-huddle: With construction on their home field, the Eagles will get to play at Boston College's Alumni Stadium this fall. BC High is trying to bounce back from a tough 2021 season.
More: Due to construction on campus, BC High football hitting college stadiums this season
Blue Hills
The no-huddle: The Warriors had a memorable 2021 season, which was capped with a 52-51 win over Nashoba Valley Tech in the MVADA Small-School Vocational Super Bowl. That might have been the best game in the state last season as it featured six lead changes, nearly 1,000 yards of offense and plenty of heroes. Jake Reissfelder, who ran for almost 300 yards and four TDs in that game, is back and looks to be in store for another big season.
More: Thrilling voke bowl victory in 2021 lingers in the memory of Blue Hills football star
Braintree
Coming soon
More: Longtime assistant Lee Carlson named interim head coach for Braintree High football
Bridgewater-Raynham
The no-huddle: The Trojans started a lot of young players last season and they're hoping to improve this season. It's Year Two for coach Lou Pacheco, so there's more familiarity there. We highlighted the Trojans as one of five area teams that could surprise this fall, so we're believers in B-R.
More: Bridgewater-Raynham football looking to 'make some noise' in 2022
More: Brockton and Bridgewater-Raynham football will play Thanksgiving game at historic venue
Brockton
The no-huddle: After starting 0-4 last season, the Boxers had a strong end to the season to make the playoffs and win the Southeast Conference. Coach Peter Colombo, who seems like he might be retiring after the season, has a ton of playmakers on this year's team.
More: Ready for Colombo's final ride, Brockton High football has playmakers everywhere you look
Canton
The no-huddle: The Bulldogs are coming off a couple of losing seasons but they're feeling confident this fall. Canton will rely on a big offensive line to move the chains.
More: Behind a bulldozing offensive line, Canton High football team hoping for a bounce back
Cardinal Spellman
Coming soon
Carver
The no-huddle: The Crusaders have a new coach in Ben Shuffain. Carver plays in one of the toughest pound-for-pound leagues in the state. They've got two state champions (Randolph and Cohasset), a state finalist (Hull) and a state semifinalist (Mashpee) all in league play.
More: Unique versatility allows Nate Glover to do it all for the Carver High football team
Cohasset
The no-huddle: The Div. 7 state champs have high hopes once again. Super Bowl hero Will Baker is back under center and he's got a rare combination of athleticism and size at the QB position. “It was awesome to win, but it would be that much better to do it again,” senior Robbie Norton said.
More: Norton, Talavera-Rubio Jr. are Cohasset's guardians of the gridiron
Duxbury
The no-huddle: Quarterback Matt Festa returns following an absurd 49-TD season. The Dragons lost to Scituate in the Div. 4 state final last season, but they're loaded one again.
More: After near-miss in Super Bowl, star QB Matt Festa has Duxbury football dreaming big again
East Bridgewater
The no-huddle: After a couple of down years, the Vikings looked primed for a bounceback season. EB played a lot of young players last season, but now those players are quickly turning into veteran-savvy upperclassmen.
More: 'Motivated to the max': East Bridgewater High football hopes improvement follows in 2022
Hanover
The no-huddle: The Hawks lost some key players to graduation and transfer, including last year's quarterback Michael Landolfi. Junior Ben Scalzi takes over the QB spot a year earlier than expected, but hopes are still high for Hanover.
More: Quarterback transition came early for Hanover as junior Ben Scalzi takes over for Hawks
Hingham
The no-huddle: The Harbormen graduated a lot of talent from a team that finished 6-5 last season (thanks to an overtime win over Scituate on Thanksgiving). Excluding the Fall II season in 2021, Hingham has finished above .500 every since 2016.
More: Hingham's Ronan O'Ciardubhain is the definition of a true linebacker
Holbrook/Avon
The no-hudle: Mike Walsh was named Holbrook/Avon's new coach in August. He's been on staff for the last two seasons, which have coincided with the Bulldogs best seasons in years. Daveon Scott is one of the top running backs in the area and Holbrook/Avon is looking to continue to trend upward.
More: Holbrook/Avon's new head football coach is embracing his unexpected opportunity
Hull
The no-huddle: The Pirates made a surprise trip to the Div. 8 Super Bowl last season, but they won't be sneaking up on anyone this season. Hull returns a ton of talent from last season. Look for the Pirates to be in the Div. 8 mix once again this fall.
More: After long-shot run to Div. 8 Super Bowl, veteran Hull football team ready for an encore
Marshfield
The no-huddle: The Rams have to replace longtime starter at QB Owen Masterson, but coach Chris Arouca has this program rolling. Jason O'Keefe had a breakout season as a junior and he looks poised for a super senior campaign.
More: Jason O'Keefe has been quite the catch for Marshfield High football
Middleboro
The no-huddle: Coming off a 7-4 finish last season, the Sachems are looking to have another successful fall. Quarterback Jacob Briggs and running back Nate Tullish make for a dynamic duo in the backfield.
More: Tullish, Fuller and Briggs lead cast set to run it back for Middleboro High football team
Milton
The no-huddle: The Wildcats always seem to have a stellar quarterback behind center. That should be no different this year, as senior Owen McHugh looks primed for a great senior season. He's been itching for his chance to be Milton's field general after spending the last three years backing up Chase Vaughan.
More: Senior QB Owen McHugh finally gets chance to take the reins of Milton High football team
North Quincy
The no-huddle: The Raiders have had two strong seasons in a row, but graduating a big senior class leaves some question marks entering this fall. But with coach Ryan Craig entering his fifth season, there's a lot of reason to believe this program will continue being a winner.
More: Thanksgiving hero Nate Caldwell hopes to lead North Quincy football back to playoffs
Norwell
Coming soon
More: CLIPPER CONTINUITY: John Willis named Norwell High's interim head football coach
Oliver Ames
The no-huddle: The Tigers have a stellar offensive line and that will be the foundation of this team's success. Those big guys up front have experience, size and smarts.
More: Trio of standout linemen enforce a veteran presence for the Oliver Ames High football team
Pembroke
The no-huddle: Coach Stephen Aborn enters his third year at the helm of the Titans. It's been a high degree of difficulty for Pembroke in recent years with the Patriot League Fisher Division being absolutely loaded and Aborn's staff coming on board during a pandemic. There's optimism for the Titans, who are coming off their first normal offseason since Aborn took over.
More: Pembroke High football team hopes to take the next step this fall
Plymouth North
The no-huddle: The Blue Eagles were a pleasant surprise last season. After going winless in the 2021 Fall II campaign, Plymouth North rebounded by going 5-6 last fall. QB Dallas Murphy leaves a big hole for coach Chris Whidden to figure out. That job is up for grabs between senior Jonathan Nammour, junior Sean King, and junior Shamus Whiting.
More: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes coming for the Plymouth North football program
Plymouth South
The no-huddle: Casious Johnson, who is receiving a lot of looks from FBS colleges, is healthy after missing most of his sophomore year due to injury. He's on the shortlist of best players in the area.
More: Bigger, Faster, Stronger: Plymouth South's Casious Johnson's back to impact the Patriot League
More: Fall Sports 2022: Plymouth South High School football prepares for run at the state title
Quincy
The no-huddle: After a 3-0 start to last season, the Presidents lost some close games and ultimately slumped to a 4-6 season. Led by a deep receiving core, Quincy is feeling optimistic despite a lot of roster turnover.
More: Ending to 2021 season has Quincy High football amped up to finish strong in 2022
Randolph
The no-huddle: Coming off a shocking Div. 8 Super Bowl title last season, the Blue Devils are out to prove they're not a one-hit wonder. Numbers and interest are up for Randolph, but so is the rest of the South Shore League.
More: Two-way star Greg Izedonmwen leads charge to defend Randolph High's Super Bowl title
Rockland
The no-huddle: The Div. 6 state champs return a ton of talent and are trying to repeat this fall. But if you ask them, that state title has no bearing on this season. “As fun as last year was, nobody cares as far as this season,” said Rockland coach Nick Liquori. “
More: Rockland High football has a new quarterback, but still same goals following state title
Scituate
The no-huddle: The defending Div. 4 champs graduated a ton of talent but Herb Devine's bunch always find a way to be competitive. The Sailors will be big up front and there's sure to be some breakout stars at the skill positions.
More: Scituate High football will find out retaining a title is harder than winning one
More: Fall Sports 2022: Breaking down this year's Scituate High School football team
Silver Lake
Coming soon
More: New Silver Lake football coach Mark Killinger isn’t one to shy away from a challenge
Southeastern
The no-huddle: The Hawks have a new coach in Brian Chamberlain this fall. He spent the last 11 seasons at Braintree. Mayflower League MVP Nick Levine is back at quarterback.
More: Levine and friends bring dynamic offense to Southeastern Regional football team in 2022
South Shore Tech
Coming soon
Stoughton
Coming soon
West Bridgewater
Coming soon
Weymouth
The no-huddle: With a new quarterback under center (Tyler Nordstrom), the Wildcats are looking to build off last season's playoff appearance. After starting 5-3, Weymouth dropped its final three games against some tough competition.
More: Weymouth High football team hoping that new QB Tyler Nordstrom goes from trick to treat
Whitman-Hanson
The no-huddle: Coach Zack Botelho enters his second year at the helm of the Panthers. After a slow start, W-H started to find its way late last season and they'll to carry that over into this fall.
More: Newfound confidence has Evan Casey and Will Frazier ready to roll for Whitman-Hanson
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Previewing all of the area's teams
