After Crazy Opening Week, HS Football Teams Get back To Work

If you need proof that 2019 could be a wild high school football season, look no further than this. Everett, Xaverian, and Duxbury all lost in week 1. Locally, Division 6 Super Bowl champion Stoneham was trounced by Bishop Fenwick, further proof that it's no longer 2018.

Much of the focus this week will be on Reading's opening game against visiting Lincoln-Sudbury. Kickoff is 7 p.m. It's a rematch of last year's Division 2 North quarterfinal that L-S won, 34-30, in what was probably the most exciting game of the 2018 postseason. But many of the lead actors in that play are gone, starting with Hall of Fame L-S coach Tom Lopez.

As for the Reading sideline, the most dramatic change is at quarterback where Matt Sannella has been replaced by freshman James Murphy. The son of former RMHS great Jimmy Murphy, he's the first freshman to ever start for longtime coach John Fiore.

The night will also be special because it will include a tribute to the late Nelson Burbank, complete with state and local proclamations as well as a rumored appearance by the Burbank Arena Zamboni.

Want more? Reading historian Bill Brown reports this is the 75th year of Reading's mascot the Rockets. He also says the name has nothing to do with the Nike site but dates back to a 1945 description of the team in the Pioneer that said the team, "left a red hot trail of sparks through the victory stratosphere."

Here's a look at area games in what is, for many schools, opening weekend.

North Reading at Greater Lawrence, Friday, 4 p.m. - The Hornets piled up 42 points in their opener, led by quarterback Brian Heffernan and his 5 TD passes. The Reggies squeezed past Wakefield, 16-14.

Northeast at Amesbury, Friday, 6 -The Golden Knights had an 8-6 lead over North Reading last week, only to give up 22 straight in the second quarter. Another Cape Ann opponent awaits this week. Amesbury lost, 25-24, to Ipswich in their opener.

Wakefield at Belmont, Friday, 6 - A safety was the only thing that separated Wakefield from Greater Lawrence last week in their 16-14 loss. This is Belmont's opener.

Newburyport at Lynnfield, Friday, 7 -The Clippers opened by rolling over Triton, 38-14. For Lynnfield, it's the Pioneers first game. Lynnfield has an experienced line with speed at the skill positions.

Essex Tech at Austin Prep, Friday, 7 - This almost isn't fair. With RMHS freshman James Murphy making his debut at quarterback a mile away, father Jimmy will be in the box at AP helping coach the Cougars. AP should win this game, but only if it eliminates the penalties from week 1.

Winchester at Newton South, Saturday, noon - Tommy Degnan, the Thanksgiving hero, was again the star as the Sachems opened with an impressive win over Malden Catholic. Deegan ran for three scores and threw for a fourth in the win.