Cape Ann Title, Playoff Spots Are On The Line This Weekend

Since the last time Hamilton-Wenham won the Cape Ann League Baker title in 2011, the league's bragging rights have belonged to Lynnfield. The Pioneers have gone 25-1 in the league during that span and won five straight titles. Friday night in Lynnfield the Generals can do something about that when the two undefeated powers square off again.

Each team is 6-0, and each is perched atop the power ratings for their respective divisions. Lynnfield leads Division 5 North while H-W leads Division 6. This fall both teams have shown they can score a lot -- Lynnfield averages 37.2 ppg, H-W is at 30.8; and each has shown they can stop opposing offenses -- Lynnfield allows 12.5 ppg, H-W just 10.5.

Another intriguing aspect to the game is the coaching matchup. Lynnfield's Neil Weidman and H-W's Jim Pugh bring years of experience and success. Weidman has gone 76-23 in his 10 years at Lynnfield while Pugh, who started his career in 1989, is 191-114.

Here's a look at that game and others in the area as we head into the final weekend before the playoffs start. MIAA pairings will be announced Sunday.

Hamilton-Wenham (6-0) at Lynnfield (6-0), Fri., 7 p.m. -- Quarterback Billy Whelan leads H-W with 10 touchdown passes and could eventually surpass his total of 19 from last year. Whelan's experience will be key in this game. Lynnfield counters with QB Mark Mortillete and his 11 scoring passes this fall, along with Anthony Murphy, the third leading scorer in the division with 9 TDs.

Wilmington (5-1) at Stoneham (5-1), Fri., 6:30 -- If not for the showdown in Lynnfield, this would be the game of the week. Led by Tre Pignone (12 TDs), Stoneham is second in the Division 6 North ratings, just behind Hamilton-Wenham. Wilmington is third in Division 4 North and needs the win to guarantee a first-round home playoff game.

North Reading (4-2) at Newburyport (3-2), Fri., 7 -- Both teams are fighting for a first-round home playoff game and a win here could be enough. The Clippers are 3-2 despite scoring just 10 ppg while allowing 20 ppg.

Watertown (3-3) at Wakefield (2-4), Fri., 7 -- The Warriors are in 8th place in the Division 4 North ratings, meaning a first-round playoff game against Thanksgiving rival Melrose could be on tap. Even a loss could keep Wakefield in the 8th position, with only Revere (1-5), Burlington (0-6), and Boston Latin (0-6) behind them.

Reading (3-3) at Winchester (1-5), Sat., 10 a.m. -- It's the battle of the walking wounded but the good news for the Sachems is that quarterback Liam Fitzpatrick is back and played well in the loss to Melrose. Reading is now without running back Jack Geiger thanks to a shoulder separation and at best will limp into the playoffs with a win.

Northeast (2-4) at Whittier (4-2), Sat., 10:30 -- Hard to believe a team that is averaging more than 32 ppg and has Zach Anderson, the leading scorer in Division 6, is 2-4 and probably out of the playoffs. But Northeast allows 31.2 and will be challenged by a Whittier offense that averages 27.8 ppg.

Austin Prep (0-6) at St. Mary's (6-0), Sat., 7 -- Words can't describe the challenge awaiting the Cougars at Manning Field. Led by Calvin Johnson (14 TDs), unbeaten St. Mary's averages 45.3 ppg and faces an AP defense that allows 34.2 ppg.