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Here are 8 high school football games worth watching this weekend in Metrowest/Milford

kyle grabowski, the metrowest daily news
·4 min read

The last weekend of September high school football is upon us, and there's a chill in the air.

Only two area teams have survived the first three weeks unscathed at 3-0: Milford, a returning state semifinalist and one of the state's more consistent programs in recent years, and Blackstone-Millville (co-ops with Hopedale), a team that started out 1-4 a year ago before rebounding to 5-6. The Chargers won two games total between 2020 and 2021.

Both teams have shut out their past two opponents.

Milford High School's CJ Ferrell, #14, breaks up a potential touchdown pass to Natick captain Arnold Kawere. Later Farrell left the game with an injury. Milford went on to win, 7-0, Sept. 22, 2023.
Milford High School's CJ Ferrell, #14, breaks up a potential touchdown pass to Natick captain Arnold Kawere. Later Farrell left the game with an injury. Milford went on to win, 7-0, Sept. 22, 2023.

There are two programs looking for their best starts in recent memory: Framingham can match its season-best win total this decade with a victory over Newton North, while Wayland is aiming for its best start since 2020 against 3-0 Boston Latin.

It's quite the slate for Week 4, and here are nine matchups to keep an eye on organized by start time and alphabetically:

Thursday, 9/28

Milford (3-0) at Attleboro (1-2), 6 p.m. - The Scarlet Hawks defense has scored as many touchdowns as its given up through three games (one). They've pitched eight consecutive shutout quarters ahead of their Hockomock opener at Attleboro. Milford is playing on the road for the third time in the first four weeks. The Bombardiers, meanwhile, have scored just six points in back to back weeks and lost two straight by an average of 25 points per game after a Week 1 victory over Old Rochester.

Best defense in the state?: Milford has shut out last two opponents

Friday, 9/29

Newton North (1-2) at Framingham (2-1), 6 p.m. - The Flyers have already surpassed last season's win total three weeks in after a victory over Braintree last week. Framingham hasn't won three games since 2021, also the last time it captured consecutive victories. The Tigers have dropped their last two games after opening the season with a win over Waltham.

Framingham senior captain Angel Colon celebrates after blocking a punt during the football season opener versus E. Longmeadow played in Framingham, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Framingham defeated E. Longmeadow, 35-7.
Framingham senior captain Angel Colon celebrates after blocking a punt during the football season opener versus E. Longmeadow played in Framingham, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Framingham defeated E. Longmeadow, 35-7.

Ashland (2-1) at Bellingham (0-3), 7 p.m. - While the records alone paint this as a lopsided matchup, a compelling clash lurks under the surface. Though the Blackhawks have lost their first three games, they've been by a combined five points. No loss is by more than three points. The Clockers, meanwhile, bounced back from a late loss against Wayland with a resounding victory over Nashoba to get back over .500.

Blackstone-Millville/Hopedale (3-0) at Tyngsborough (2-1), 7 p.m. - The Chargers have blown out and shut out their past two opponents after a narrow victory over Bellingham to open the season. Blackstone-Millville running back Daniel Lawton has proven a menace to defenses averaging 18.6 yards per carry with four touchdowns.

North Attleborough (2-1) at Franklin (2-1), 7 p.m. - The Panthers' Hockomock league opener will pit two of the state's best teams across from each other. Franklin tested itself with a trip to Duxbury a week ago but will return home to host a Division 3 state semifinalist. Rocketeers linebacker Ryan Bannon is among the state's best defenders.

Play ball: Franklin football will face King Philip at Fenway for Thanksgiving

Hudson (2-1) at Maynard/AMSA (2-1), 7 p.m. - This is the 92nd meeting between the two teams, dating back to 1899. Hudson holds a 54-31-6 advantage all-time, but the teams have split he past six meetings. Hawks quarterback Jake Attaway leads Central Mass. with eight rushing touchdowns and ranks sixth with 346 yards on the ground. Add 180 yards and two touchdowns through the air for good measure. Maynard's Matteo Arellano remains one of the area's best receivers with 200 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Boston Latin (3-0) at Wayland (2-1), 7 p.m. - Warriors running back Max Dresens has been a revelation. He's had over 100 yards on the ground and multiple touchdowns in every game Wayland has played. Wayland surpassed its win total from a season ago last week in a rout of Acton-Boxborough. The Wolfpack, meanwhile, is 3-0 for the first time since 2011 and outscoring its opponents 81-26.

Saturday, 9/30

Westborough (2-1) at Shepherd Hill (2-1), 6:30 p.m. - One team's two-game winning streak will end after this prime time matchup. Dan Hackett is among Central Mass' leading receivers for the Raiders with 168 yards and three touchdowns, teaming with quarterback Andrew Piscotta (376 yards, four scores).

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: MA high school football: some of the key games in week 4 to watch