Final Score Not the Only Numbers That Matter

With two weeks left before the MIAA playoffs are released on Oct. 21, fans can't help but sneak a peak at the MIAA power ratings. For schools like unbeaten Stoneham, the playoffs are a given along with a first-round home game. But it's not obvious for everyone. Here's a look at some of the top area games (all Friday) with the ratings in mind.

Northeast (3-2) at Shawsheen (3-2), 5 p.m. -- Northeast holds down the sixth position in the Division 6 North ratings with the Rams close behind in seventh. And next week the Golden Knights face Whittier, the 8th seed. This one matches two of the top players in the division and Commonwealth Conference in Northeast's Connor Joseph (6 TDs) and Shawsheen quarterback CJ Zemetres (division-leading 9 TD passes).

Woburn (2-3) at Wakefield (1-4), 7 -- With two more losses than any of the top eight ranked teams in Division 4 North, Wakefield will be hard pressed to make the post-season. Still, wins over Woburn this week and Watertown next week aren't out of the question.

Reading (4-1) at Arlington (1-4), 7 -- The Rockets can clinch the Middlesex Liberty title with a win on the road, not to mention taking one step closer to a probable first-round home tournament game in Division 2 North. Led by quarterback Matt Sannella (7 TD passes), the Rockets' offense is clicking along at 30 ppg this fall.

Melrose (3-2) at Winchester (3-2), 7 -- The Sachems are ranked fifth in Division 3 North with both a first-round home game as well as finishing outside the playoffs a possibility in the competitive division. Melrose's Kevin Peete is tied for third in Division 4 North with eight TDs. Winchester is scoring 28.6 ppg led by quarterback Tony Fiorentino and his seven TD passes.

Stoneham (5-0) at Watertown (1-4), 7 -- The Spartans are the top ranked team in Division 6 North and haven't scored less than 34 points in a game this fall. Led by Christos Argyropoulos (13 TDs), Stoneham's running game has been hitting on all cylinders and that should continue against the Raiders.

Ipswich (4-1) at Lynnfield (1-4), 7 -- This Cape Ann League contest matches up two teams that finished tied for first in the CAL Baker last fall. While the Tigers have continued to improve (fourth in Division 4 North ratings), Lynnfield has struggled but still holds on to the eighth spot in Division 5 North. The difference in the offenses is staggering, with Ipswich averaging 32.2 ppg and Lynnfield at 14 ppg.

Austin Prep (2-3) at Cathedral (0-5), 7 -- What a difference a year makes. Cathedral finished 10-2 last fall and won the Division 8 North title. This year it's been a struggle from the start. Austin Prep is much improved but stills sits outside the Division 6 North playoffs at No. 10. With unbeaten St. John Paul coming to Reading next week, a win over Cathedral is a must for the Cougars' playoff hopes.

North Reading (3-2) at Masconomet (2-3), 7 -- In Division 2 North, six teams are 2-3 including Masco so the Chieftains need this one. As for North Reading, the Hornets are seeded ninth in Division 4 North but still have a shot at not only a playoff berth but also a home game. This one should come down to North Reading's offense against Masco's defense. Which unit wins will decide the final outcome.