It's Not Playoffs, But Lynnfield-Watertown Brings Back Memories

A modest four-game win streak. That's not asking much, is it?

The MIAA football playoffs begin Friday in EMass with teams in Divisions 1-8 chasing a dream, a berth in the MIAA Super Bowls Dec. 1 at Gillette Stadium. Some will be huge underdogs (0-7 Triton in D5), some expect to get there (7-0 Stoneham in D6). But with wins in the sectional quarters, semis, and final, followed by a win in the state semifinal, it's off to Foxboro and the house of TB12.

Here's a look at what area teams are in the playoffs along with the non-playoff games. Hey, they have games too. All games are Friday unless noted.

Peabody (3-4) at Reading (6-1), 7 -- Reading's season is even more impressive when you consider the Rockets' lone loss was to unbeaten Acton-Boxboro. The Tanners were 1-3 on the road this fall and score (20.1 ppg) about the same number of points they give up (19.7). Don't make plans just yet, but Reading should get its rematch with Lincoln-Sudbury next week in the Division 2 North semifinals.

Beverly (4-3) at Winchester (4-3), 7 -- Same records, about the same rating, but the math has the Sachems playing at home. If Winchester plays like it did in the first half against Reading it should advance to the Division 3 semis. But a performance like the last 22 minutes and it could be a repeat of last year's one-and-done against Lynn English. Interestingly, Beverly is 3-0 on the road this fall.

Revere (4-3) at North Reading (5-2), 7 - After Marblehead and Gloucester, there isn't a great deal of difference between seeds 3-8 in a balanced Division 4 North field. But, no. 6 seed Revere has given up more points this fall (20.6 ppg) than they've scored (17.1). The Hornets, however, have scored 27.6 ppg while giving up just 16.1. Revere's most impressive game might have been the 18-6 loss to unbeaten Marblehead last month.

Essex Tech (4-3) at Stoneham (7-0), 6:30 p.m. -- It's hard to imagine any of the seven teams in Division 6 North beating the Spartans. But give Essex credit. The Hawks come into this with three straight wins and an offense that averages better than 30 ppg. So don't say never. But the Essex defense struggles, while Stoneham leads the state in scoring at better than 40 ppg.

Austin Prep (4-3) at Hamilton-Wenham (5-2), Sat., 10 a.m. -- So what's better? A 4-3 Catholic Central team or a 5-2 Cape Ann League team? The Generals may be 3-0 at home, but AP is 3-1 on the road. Neither teams scores a lot on offense or allows a lot on defense, meaning you're looking at a low-scoring affair on a potentially soggy day.

Ipswich (6-1) at Northeast (5-2), Sat., 10:30 a.m. -- Ipswich is probably still wondering why they don't get the home game here. But the Commonwealth Conference is filled with good teams and Northeast lost to a good North Reading team. Plus Ipswich beat winless Triton. Add it all up and this one is in Wakefield. Both teams can score a bunch with Zach Sanderson and Connor Joseph leading a formidable Northeast attack. Ipswich is led by quarterback Ben Yanakakis.

Somerville (0-7) at Wakefield (2-5), 7 -- Warriors had a nice win over Watertown last week and there's no reason to doubt a second straight win over a struggling Highlanders team in this non-playoff game.

Lynnfield (1-6) at Watertown (1-6), 7 -- After a near miracle comeback to beat Lynnfield in last year's playoffs, this one is actually an interesting non-playoff game. Both teams had a shot at the playoffs last weekend but each lost very winnable games.