By Lorenzo Recupero
The top-ranked Crimson Tide’s convincing, 41-14, win over Andover in the MIAA North Division 1 quarterfinals moves them one step closer to the ultimate goal: a third consecutive state title.
A meeting with Central Catholic (6-2) at Everett Stadium awaits on Friday, November 2 at 7PM. The winner will earn a chance to play for the north sectional championship and the right to represent the north section in the state tournament.
Powering the Crimson Tide (8-0) offensive onslaught was running back Isaac Seide, who ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns (while catching two passes for 31 yards and a TD), and quarterback Duke Doherty, who hurled three first-half TD passes to pace the Tide in the win.
The impending matchup with Central Catholic is a familiar one for the Tide, having had bounced CC from the playoff ranks in last season’s D1 North sectional final. The bout is far from a sleeper for undefeated Everett, though. Central Catholic has made it to the last six consecutive north semifinals games. Leading the way for CC will be senior standout AJ Caggianelli, who represents a triple-threat as he excels on special teams, offense, and defense.
With CC next and competition growing increasingly more stout with each game, the Crimson Tide have a tough task at hand to continue advancing this postseason and try for the threepeat.
And if history is any indication of how things might go for the Tide on Friday, check out the score from last season’s playoff match between the two sides: Everett 37, Central Catholic 29.
PJ advances; Lynn Voke Up Next
The top-seeded Pope John Tigers (8- 0) continued their historic season with a dominate, 40-8, win over Tech Boston in the Division 8 North sectional. Anthony Mejia lead the charge for Pope John with 168 yards passing yards and two touchdowns, while adding 60 rushing yards and a third TD. Mejia and The Tigers will play Lynn Vocational (6-2) on Saturday at 7PM at Everett Stadium.