What Are the Key Takeaways from Week 3 of Massachusetts High School Football?

This past week showcased an impressive display of football talent across the MIAA, particularly from standout quarterbacks Chris Vargas, Hudson Garrity, and Will Wood, each throwing for four touchdown passes in their respective games. Their performances not only secured victories for their teams but also highlighted the depth of talent in Massachusetts high school football this season.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from Week 3

Chris Vargas, Hudson Garrity, and Will Wood each threw four touchdown passes.
Central Catholic and Mansfield faced defeats but showed competitive spirit.
Essex Tech achieved its first Cape Ann League win.
Numerous thrilling finishes highlighted the weekend's games.
Significant milestones were reached by players and coaches alike.

Elite Quarterback Performances

This season has been marked by exceptional quarterbacking, and Week 3 proved to be no different. Each of the featured quarterbacks not only demonstrated their passing ability but also their skills in leading their teams to victory.

Chris Vargas of St. John’s Prep

Vargas, a sophomore sensation, threw for an impressive 279 yards in a 47-21 win over No. 5 Central Catholic. His performance showcased his ability to read defences and execute plays effectively, solidifying his status among the top quarterbacks in the league.

Hudson Garrity of Archbishop Williams

A freshman making waves, Garrity led his team to a 36-14 victory over Apponequet, completing 171 passing yards along with his four touchdowns. His poise under pressure and accuracy make him a player to watch as the season progresses.

Will Wood of Xaverian

Wood's performance might have been the highlight of the week, throwing for four touchdowns and rushing for an additional score in a commanding 49-14 win against Everett. His dual-threat capability keeps opponents on their toes and is a critical asset for the No. 2 Hawks.

Upsets and Competitive Matches

While some teams saw losses, the defeats were not unexpected. The competition remains fierce in the MIAA, with teams battling for position in the rankings.

Understanding the Upsets

Three teams ranked in the Globe Top 20 faced losses during Week 3:

No. 5 Central Catholic fell to St. John's Prep.
No. 6 Mansfield lost to Springfield Central, 28-3.
No. 18 Methuen was defeated by No. 20 Tewksbury, 28-6.

Each of these games demonstrated that even top-ranked teams can be challenged, indicating a highly competitive season ahead.

Six Standout Players

Week 3 featured numerous standout performances, with players making significant contributions that helped secure victories for their teams.

Jacoby Casinelli-Tarasuik, Essex Tech

The senior quarterback led his team to its first-ever Cape Ann League win, throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for two more in a 28-21 win against Newburyport.

Zachary Fultz, Danvers

In his season debut, Fultz shone brightly, scoring three rushing touchdowns, including spectacular runs of 60 and 63 yards, and contributing to a thrilling 34-32 victory over Reading.

Brady McCormack, Medfield

Continuing his strong performance this season, McCormack totalled 247 yards and three touchdowns, leading Medfield to a 35-12 triumph over Hopkinton.

Connor McDonald, King Philip

Defensively, McDonald excelled, recording three interceptions and leading his team with 3.5 tackles in a dominating 43-0 win over Norwood.

Brendan McMahon, Silver Lake

Making contributions in every facet of the game, McMahon scored multiple touchdowns and kicked two field goals in a 39-8 victory over Arlington.

Nick O’Brien, Tri-County

Another consistent performer, O’Brien rushed for 201 yards and had two touchdown runs, while also contributing defensively with seven tackles in a 40-17 win against Joseph Case.

Thrilling Game Finishes

This week’s action was marked by several nail-biting finishes, showcasing the excitement of high school football.

Scituate vs. Norwell

In a closely contested match, Scituate clinched a 34-28 victory with a late touchdown pass from Jonny Donovan to Miller Shea with just 15 seconds remaining.

North Attleborough vs. Taunton

A tense rivalry game ended dramatically, with Nick Torres kicking a 24-yard field goal as time expired, sealing a 17-14 win for North Attleborough.

Milestones Achieved This Week

Week 3 saw players and coaching staff reach significant milestones that deserve recognition.

Essex Tech's Historic Win

After joining the Cape Ann League last fall, Essex Tech finally broke their losing streak with a 28-21 victory over Newburyport, marking their first league win.

Coaching Success for John Aloisi

Shrewsbury’s coach John Aloisi celebrated his 100th career victory with a commanding 35-0 win over Haverhill.

Long Touchdown Play

Marshfield's Nate Rollinson connected with Luke Richardson for an impressive 90-yard touchdown pass, contributing to a 23-21 win against Bridgewater-Raynham.

Film Room Highlights

As the weekend wrapped up, several standout plays caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Will Wood recovered his own fumble and scored on a 41-yard run for Xaverian.
Apponequet's Bryce Figueroa showcased his speed with a 55-yard punt return touchdown.
Andover sophomore Henry Belcscher made headlines with a 40-yard field goal.
Hudson Garrity connected with Zay Whigham for a 37-yard touchdown pass, with Whigham catching three touchdowns overall.
Hingham’s Jake Varholak found JT Reale for a late 25-yard scoring strike, but they narrowly lost to their opponents, 27-26.

Leaderboard of Top Performers

As the season progresses, tracking the best performances in key categories provides insight into who is leading the charge in Massachusetts high school football.

Passing Yards Leaders

Chris Vargas, St. John's Prep: 279 yards
Luke Maglione, Peabody: 252 yards
Jonny Donovan, Scituate: 238 yards
Bobby Shanahan, Wellesley: 226 yards
Hudson Garrity, Archbishop Williams: 171 yards

Passing Touchdowns Leaders

Hudson Garrity, Archbishop Williams: 4 TDs
Chris Vargas, St. John's Prep: 4 TDs
Will Wood, Xaverian: 4 TDs

Rushing Yards Leaders

Jayden McGuffie, Malden: 255 yards
Brady McCormack, Medfield: 247 yards
Jack Luccarelli, Norwell: 233 yards

Receiving Yards Leaders

Riley Selvais, St. John's Prep: 147 yards
Miller Shea, Scituate: 98 yards
Nick O'Brien, Tri-County: 82 yards

FAQs

Who are the standout quarterbacks in the MIAA this season?

Chris Vargas, Hudson Garrity, and Will Wood have emerged as top quarterbacks, each showcasing remarkable skills and leading their teams to victories in multiple games.

What were some of the notable game finishes in Week 3?

Scituate won against Norwell with a last-minute touchdown, and North Attleborough clinched a victory over Taunton with a field goal as time expired, highlighting the competitive nature of the matches.

What milestones were reached during Week 3?

Essex Tech achieved their first league win, while Shrewsbury's coach John Aloisi celebrated his 100th career victory, marking significant milestones in the league.

How are the top performers tracked in high school football?

Performance metrics such as passing yards, rushing yards, and receiving yards are tracked weekly, allowing fans and analysts to identify leading players and trends throughout the season.

What impact does quarterback performance have on team success?

Quarterback performance is critical; their ability to execute plays, manage the game, and score touchdowns directly influences a team's chances of winning.

As the season continues, the focus will remain on these standout players and thrilling competitions. Will the emerging talents maintain their momentum, or will new stars rise to the occasion? Only time will tell. #MIAA #HighSchoolFootball #QuarterbackShowcase