In this corner we have the Lynnfield Pioneers, winners of four straight with a 5-2 overall record, 2-0 in the CAL/NEC 4, fresh from knocking off the two time defending league champion Hamilton Wenham Generals 25-14 in convincing fashion. They have outscored their last four opponents 94-26.
To espouse the conventional wisdom in this match, I turn to North Reading's Offensive Coordinator Ed Melanson, whose Hornets shut out the Royals 14-0 in the muck in Georgetown two weeks ago and who was on hand for the Pioneers' impressive victory last week.
"Of course we haven't played Lynnfield this season yet but after seeing them I think they should have an easy time of it against Georgetown," Melanson said. "The Royals have had a ton of issues all season starting with the EEE problems to the injury issues. That would make it hard on any team. Their kids play hard, with an edge and showed no sign of of quit in games but don't have the overall talent to be able to stay with Lynnfield. Even with injured players returning a little the past few weeks they are still trying to figure out who is where and unfortunately for them it changes a bit week to week.
"The Pioneers are simply a superior team this season to the Royals," the coach went on. "Lynnfield plays tremendous defense and wear teams down offensively and have the stability that is so important. Personally, I expect Lynnfield to take this game pretty easily."
So piece of cake right?
Well, let me remind you that high school football is an emotional game with the tendency for wide variations of effort and focus. If the lads from Lynnfield plan on tossing their helmets onto Pioneer Field and walking away with an easy win, they will be sadly disappointed at the end of the afternoon.
On paper, the Pioneers would be rated the favorite, but to repeat the oft used phrase, the games aren't played on paper. The Pioneers were superior to Manchester Essex last year and came out flatter than a blown tire and lost 7-6.
It happens. And it could happen again.
So for a note of caution, I turn back to the same coach Melanson.
"That being said Lynnfield is coming off a big win against Hamilton Wenham and The Royals have dropped seven straight games, have nothing to lose and I'm sure it would make their season to play "Giant Killer" and knock off Lynnfield," Melanson continued. "Georgetown started off the season scoring a ton of points out of their spread offense but after the loss of their quarterback the offense has struggled.
"We're talking about a team that put up 20 points against Bishop Fenwick in a tight game and played solid Saugus and Revere teams pretty tough and put up 48 points on a very good Whittier team," the coach went on. "After the Saugus game things started to come apart for them a bit which is about where I believe they lost their quarterback. I'm absolutely sure Coach (Neal) Weidman won't let his team take Georgetown too lightly."
The key point that Melanson highlights is that the Royals could make their season with the upset. They are most likely not going to the playoffs, so what better way to add some spice to their season than by knocking off one of the contenders.
Want some more things to worry about?
Okay, let's start with the Georgetown line.
The Royals may be one of the only teams in the league that match up with the Pioneers size-wise. Their offensive line averages 6' 2" 244 lbs led by Brandon Willis (6'4" 280 lbs) and Connor Desantis (6'2" 300 lbs).
Anything else?
Sure. They also have some playmakers that they try to get the ball to as much as possible. Tom Zargaj is an elusive runner and Colby Ingraham is a solid receiver.
Starting quarterback Niko Edwards, who triggered an explosive Royal offense that scored 121 points in their first four games, has been out and Jackson Fritz has jumped in and done a good job running the Georgetown spread offense. Also out of action is top running back Tim Dillon. It's not known whether Edwards or Dillon would be available for the Pioneers but if they are, that should only add to the trepidation.
Kenny Haskell leads the defense from his middle linebacker spot and gets a lot of support from fellow linebacker Cooper Martens.
"They're a little banged up," Weidman said of the Royals. "But they have some guys that are good. They have a little bit of speed and their skill guys are good. Their linemen are big."
So how does he guard against his team letting down after the big win last week?
"We just have to tell them if you lose a game your chances of winning the league aren't good," as I quoted the coach in the Villager this week. "If they want to win the league then they won't let down. It depends on how badly they want it."
That about sums it up. How badly do they want it.
We'll find out Saturday afternoon.
Game time at Pioneer Field is 2:30 due to Saturday being an S.A.T day.
Check back after the game for my first take.
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