Hey Football Fans, That's Dorian Coming Our Way

Wouldn't you know it. As we all ramp up our excitement level for the start of the 2019 high school football season, there's a knock on the door. Dorian is outside and headed our way.

Even with soaking rains apparently headed to much of the state, it's all systems go for the start of the season. Gillette Stadium and the Dec. 7 Super Bowls are the goal and no one is letting a little hurricane get in the way. Injuries? Turnovers? That's another story.

A hurricane of another type is headed to Massachusetts this fall and that involves a change from NCAA to National High School Federation rules. There are more than 200 differences between NCAA and High School Federation rules. To their credit, the MIAA is standing on a table, bellowing to anyone who will listen that the rules are different. Are you listening?

"This football season, MIAA high school coaches, players and officials are incorporating NFHS playing rules," said MIAA Associate Director Richard Pearson. "They are written by 50 high school football state representatives across the country with the safety and experience of the high school aged student in mind. Enjoy the games but remember, the rules have changed."

Fans will need to do their homework before screaming at an official for a bad call. Maybe, he's right. Some of the changes you'll see, many you won't. Take a look at the hash marks. They were 60-feet from the sidelines last year. This fall it's 53-feet-4-inches (field divided into three equal parts). And the quarters will be 12 minutes, not 11, per NFHS rules although the Super Bowl will still have 10-minute quarters. There's good news too. There will only be three timeouts per half. The Players have been learning the new rules for months. You should too, especially if you plan on expressing an opinion Friday night.

Other than the rules, it's all about the guys on the field.

Great players return, like Duxbury receiver Will Prouty (44 pass receptions as a junior) and Stoneham running back Seth Russell (1,100 yards as Spartans won D6 Super Bowl). With a state all-time best 362 wins, coach Ken LaChapelle returns to the sidelines at Northbridge. Speaking of returns, the Greater Boston League is back. After being booted from the Northeastern Conference, Everett, Malden, Medford, and Somerville are now GBL schools. Veteran observers know who will win the GBL this season.

While the GBL returns, the Big 3 is gone. Brockton, New Bedford and Durfee will join Dartmouth and Bridgewater-Raynham in a new Southeast Conference. Also gone is the Atlantic Coast League. It its place is an expanded Cape & Islands League with every Cape school playing in the reconfigured league. Yes, this last one actually makes sense.

Defending Division 2 Super Bowl champion North Andover has the longest winning streak in the state at 13. Athletic Directors across the region are looking forward to the first frost after EEE and mosquitos have forced many schools to move night games to the afternoon. Between the mosquitos and Dorian, better check with your school before heading to the field this weekend.

The 2019 kick-off is just hours away. Plenty of time to read up on the new kick-off rules.