CJ and André predict the winner of every Week 8 Cape Cod high school football game

The time has finally come.

Not only is this the last week of the Cape Cod football regular season, but it is also the last week of André and I (CJ) weekly picks.

Last week, we kept the streak of staying above .500 going. I predicted nine out of 11 games correctly, while André was right there with me with eight right.

VOTE: Playoff Potential: Cape Cod high school football power rankings.

The latest MIAA Power Rankings released Tuesday had five Cape Cod playoffs teams (Barnstable, Dennis-Yarmouth, Sandwich, Mashpee, Bourne). However, there is still one week left so those spots are not secured just yet.

These last matchups will be key to playoff positioning as all five teams will face an off-Cape team. Some teams have some cushion where they can lose and still make the State Tournament, while a loss for others might knock them out. Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket also have a chance to get in as they face each other on Saturday.

Let's see if André and I can end the season above .500 every week.

HS football power rankings: Playoff Potential: Cape Cod high school football power rankings.

Friday

Old Rochester (4-3) at Barnstable (6-1), 6 p.m.

The Red Hawks bounced right back after their first loss of the season a couple of weeks ago with a 40-point win over Newton North. The usual playmakers on offense with Tajardo France (227 all purpose yards), Chevaunie "Chevy" Shakespeare (two receiving touchdowns), and Aiden Kundel (two passing touchdowns) led the way in the victory. When these three players are on the same page, Barnstable is tough to beat. This game will show how ready they are for the postseason, and could move them up higher in the seedings as they currently sit at the fifth spot in Division 2.

CJ's pick: Barnstable 27, Old Rochester 17.

The Red Hawks have an opportunity to close out the season with just a single loss on their resumé and in their way, stands an Old Rochester team that has won three of its last four games. The offense has grabbed the headlines for the Red Hawks this season, but the defense has truly led this team's success. The Red Hawks have only allowed a tick over 15 points per game this season (15.29), and have only given up more than 25 points once all season. The Red Hawks' defense can disrupt the passing game with relentless pressure, and is capable of forcing turnovers on the back end. The defense only fuels the offense, not like that unit needs much help either.

André's pick: Barnstable 35, Old Rochester 21.

Nauset (0-6) at Falmouth (1-6), 6 p.m.

Both teams enter this game on losing streaks and are looking to end the regular season in the win column. The Clippers have dropped their last four, while the Warriors are looking for their first win. Although there are no playoff implications for this game, both teams are playing to build momentum for next season. I think both teams will have one of their best games of the season, and this game will come down to the wire.

CJ's pick: Nauset 20, Falmouth 18.

Don't let the records fool you, both of these teams will come into this game wanting a win to end the year. Nauset lost last week, but had its best offensive showing of the season. The Warriors put up a season high 26 points in a 35-26 loss to Dighton Reboboth, and I think that they'll carry that offensive momentum into this game. Meanwhile, the Clippers have struggled all season offensively, but they did have an 80-yard kick return touchdown last week, and if they can create scores in other ways, that'll help their chances.

André's pick: Nauset 24, Falmouth 12.

St. John Paul II (2-5) at Monomoy (2-5), 6 p.m.

After starting the season 1-1, the Lions have lost four of their last last five games. The Sharks are in the same boat as they started 2-2, but have lost three in a row. Both teams have been inconsistent throughout the season. The Lions scored 46 points in a win over Atlantis Charter, and then scored a total of six points over the next two games. The Sharks have scored over 20 in their two wins, but have not scored over that in the five losses. The success for both teams comes from their offense, and they both will need to find ways to reach the end zone for a victory.

CJ's pick: Monomoy 21, St. John Paul II 19.

This is an intriguing end of the season matchup between two teams who will perhaps feel like they could've been better this season. The Lions have hit a rough patch in the second half of their season, and have dropped each of their past two contests. Monomoy was 2-2 entering the month of October, but three straight losses has dropped them to 2-5. Both of these teams have offenses that are capable of sustaining drives, and getting the ball in the end zone. The rushing attack is at the heart of both, with Dillon Chapman and Daniel Cordeiro featuring in the backfield for the Sharks and Lions respectively. Whichever team gets the offense moving early will be the team that emerges victorious.

André's pick: Monomoy 24, St. John Paul II 18.

Bourne (5-2) at Atlantis Charter (2-4), 6:30 p.m.

Don't look now, but the Canalmen are the hottest team on Cape with three wins in a row. They have scored at three touchdowns in each game over that span, and the defense has only allowed over three touchdowns in just one of those game. Bourne has a perfect opportunity to go into the playoffs with some momentum as they face a team on a four game slide. However, they do have to be careful as Atlantis Charter has shown signs of putting points on the board with two 40 pieces on the season. If the defense can play well and shut down their offense, Bourne will keep their win streak going.

CJ's pick: Bourne 23 Atlantis Charter 20.

The Canalmen have been the biggest surprise on the Cape this year, and have used a three-game winning streak to get all the way to No. 12 in the MIAA Division 8 Power Rankings. The key for the Canalmen going to the postseason on a four-game win streak for me comes down to defense. Like CJ said, Atlantis Charter has scored 40 or more twice this year, but they've also been shut out by a Cape Tech team that the Canalmen beat 35-8 earlier this season. The Canalmen should enter this game with plenty of confidence, and I think that confidence will carry them through.

André's pick: Bourne 32, Atlantis Charter 14.

Dennis-Yarmouth (6-1) at Somerset Berkley (5-2), 6:30 p.m.

The Dolphins are one of the best offenses on Cape, which is thanks to quarterback Jayden Barber. Since the loss to Barnstable, the Dolphins have scored a total of 115 points over three games, while only giving up a total of 35 points. All three of those games were at home, and now the Dolphins will travel on the road for the first time since playing Barnstable. Somerset Berkley lost its first game last week since its season opener. This team can score right along with D-Y, as they put up 56 three weeks ago against Apponequet. This game can go either way with two good offenses and defenses. I'm going to give the slight edge to Somerset Berkley because they are unbeaten at home, and D-Y's only loss came on the road. Also, the Dolphins are giving up 40 ppg on the road.

CJ's pick: Somerset Berkley 26, Dennis-Yarmouth 24.

This is a tough matchup on paper for the 6-1 Dolphins. It'll be a great test ahead of the playoffs next week, but they'll need to perform on all sides of the ball to get the road victory. The Dolphins' defense has been up and down this season, but if D-Y wants to make a postseason run, it'll need the defense that's allowed just under 12 points per game over the last three games, not the defense that gave up over 31.5 points per game over the first four. The offense is a known quantity, but the defense will define what kind of season this team ultimately has.

André's pick: Somerset Berkley 32, Dennis-Yarmouth 21.

Cape Tech (2-4) at Wareham (4-3), 7 p.m.

The Crusaders started the season 2-1 and looked like a different team from year's past, but they have gone 0-3 since a 28-0 win over Atlantis Charter on their new home field. The road does not get easier as they face a Wareham team that has scored 50 points twice this season. Wareham currently sits at No. 20 in the power rankings (top 16 make postseason), and have more motivation to get this win. I think the Crusaders will put up a good fight, but Wareham's offense will be too much to handle for four quarters.

CJ's pick: Wareham 30, Cape Tech 18.

Cape Tech has set off in a new direction this season, and despite only being 2-4, have made large leaps under first-year head coach Calvin Castillas. Last on the schedule is a matchup with a Wareham team that has an extremely potent offense. The Cape Tech defense has struggled with potent offenses at times this season, and the unit will need to execute for four quarters to come out on top to close the season. On offense, Aiden Choukri and company will need to create some explosive plays, which they're more than capable of doing, to give the Crusaders a solid chance.

André's pick: Wareham 28, Cape Tech 24

Carver (7-0) at Mashpee (5-2), 7 p.m.

The Falcons came back to reality as their five-game win streak was snapped last week, and they were shut out for the first time since 2019, in the loss to Cohasset. Now, they will look to get back on the winning track, but this game may be tougher than the last, if that's possible. They face an unbeaten Carver team who is ranked second in Division 8. There is a reason why Carver has not suffered a loss yet. They have scored 313 total points, shut out three teams, and are beating teams by an average of 33 points per game. This team is just simply really good and are built for a championship. I think the Falcons defense will keep them competitive in this game, but. it will not be enough for a victory.

CJ's pick: Carver 30, Mashpee 19.

The Falcons had been absolutely mowing teams down this year on their five-game win streak. They ran into a buzzsaw in Cohasset last week, and now an undefeated Carver team waits in the wings to close the regular season. This will be another tough test for Mashpee, as Carver has had a dominant season. Carver hasn't scored under 30 points all season long, and as great as the Falcons' defense has been this season, Carver poses a different threat. It's two playoff teams meeting to end the season, but I think Carver will be a bit too much for Mashpee.

André's pick: Carver 35, Mashpee 18.

Sandwich (3-4) at Rockland (5-2), 7 p.m.

This is the biggest game of the season for the Blue Knights, because it may determine whether they make the playoffs or not. Rockland started the season 5-0, but have lost its last two games. This is a chance for the Blue Knights to take advantage, which would almost guarantee them a playoff spot. These two teams are going to go back-and-forth in a game that has a lot of playoff implications.

CJ's pick: Rockland 21, Sandwich 16.

The Blue Knights essentially are facing a "win to get in" type of game. At 3-4, the Blue Knights are currently No. 15, and the win would secure their spot in the Division 6 playoffs. The first year under Robert Lomp has been an evolution, especially on offense, but the Blue Knights are a good team, capable of putting up points, and they have a much better handle on how Lomp wants to operate. Like CJ said, Rockland is a worthy opponent, that despite two straight losses, has the potential of putting up big numbers. The Blue Knights' defense will need to execute to get the victory.

André's pick: Rockland 28, Sandwich 16.

Saturday

Martha’s Vineyard (4-3) at Nantucket (3-4), 3:30 p.m.

The biggest Cape matchup of the weekend will take place on the Islands. Both teams are currently outside looking in on the playoffs, but a win Saturday could change everything. The Whalers came out of nowhere with a late playoff push, winning three of their last four with the defense leading the way. They have allowed a total of 18 points in the three victories. The Vineyarders are no slouch either as they have won two straight and could enter a possible playoff matchup with some momentum. I think this will be the closest game of the weekend slate.

CJ's pick: Martha's Vineyard 21, Nantucket 20.

The Island Cup is slated to be a battle this season, with two teams trending in the right direction facing off to end the season. Martha's Vineyard is still trying to claim a playoff spot, and a win is critical to that effort. The Vineyarders are currently No. 22 in Division 5 and will need a win to have a chance of making the tournament. Meanwhile Nantucket has redefined its season courtesy of late season heater that's seen the Whalers go from 0-3 to 3-4. I think this matchup comes down to which team executes better, but it'll be close.

André's pick Martha's Vineyard 28, Nantucket 21

Holbrook/Avon (3-4) at Upper Cape (0-7), 6 p.m.

The Rams have not won a game yet, but can change that in the season finale. The Rams never could find the solution to their offensive woes. Upper Cape has scored a total of 30 points, while Holbrook/Avon has scored 30 or more in five of their seven games. I think the Rams will end the season with their best offensive game and build on that for next season.

CJ's pick: Holbrook/Avon 26, Upper Cape 18.

It's been a bad year for the Rams offesnively, but there's something very freeing about the final game of the season. The Rams will enter this game with nothing to lose and I think that freedom will lead to more success. Whether it's trick plays, fake punts, or surprise onside kicks, I hope Upper Cape empties the playbook to end the season.

André's pick: Holbrook/Avon 28, Upper Cape 12.

CJ's picks: Last week 9-2

Overall 47-17

André picks: Last week 8-3

Overall 41-23

Contact Courtney Jacobs at cjacobs@capecodonline.com. Follow him on Twitter/X: @CJ_Journalist.

André Simms covers high school sports for the Times. Contact him at asimms@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @that1guyandre.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Predicting every Week 7 Cape Cod high school football game