CJ and André predict the winner of every Week 4 Cape Cod high school football game

The fourth week of Cape Cod high school football is here and it features of the best game of the season so far on paper. On Friday, a battle between the last two unbeaten Cape teams in Dennis-Yarmouth and Barnstable will go down. Before we get to who we think is going to win that game, let's see how André and I (CJ) did last week.

I only got one game out of ten wrong (sorry Martha's Vineyard), while André had seven right and three wrong. Safe to say we are getting pretty good at this.

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In addition to the game of the week, every Cape team will be in action on Friday night except Nantucket (Saturday). Outside of D-Y and Barnstable, every Cape team will face an off Cape team. Six will hit the road, while five teams will host games.

While we will find out who will be the last remaining undefeated team this weekend, there will also be teams looking to go 3-1 and for their first wins of the season.

Let's see if André and I can keep the hot picks going and stay above .500 for the third straight week.

Dennis-Yarmouth (3-0) at Barnstable (3-0), 6 p.m.

Talk about a marquee matchup. The last of the two undefeated teams on Cape will go head to head Friday night as the Red Hawks host the Dolphins. Immediately what jumps out to me is simple. Can the Red Hawks slow down Jayden Barber? The Dolphins have had the most explosive aerial attack this season, with nobody able to contain Barber. The junior is great with time in the pocket, but in year two as a starter, he has improved his playmaking under duress, and outside the pocket. This has made both him, and his offense more lethal, as his wide receivers all have a good understanding of what to do when the play breaks down.

The Red Hawks defense has looked good to start the season, but the Dolphins present a different challenge. One thing Barnstable has working in its favor is that the Red Hawks can really tackle well. If they're able to get D-Y on the ground, and minimize big plays, it'll go a long way towards winning the game. Where my concern is with Barnstable is self-inflicted wounds. In the win over Bridgewater-Raynham last week, two Barnstable interceptions resulted in two Trojan touchdowns. The Dolphins are not an offense you want to give extra possessions to, so playing clean will be critical.

In the end, I think Barnstable's pass rush will be able to do something no one else has been able to do, and that's why I give them the edge in a close game.

André's pick: Barnstable 30, Dennis-Yarmouth 24.

HS football rankings: Top two teams set to meet: Cape Cod high school football power rankings

After this matchup, there will only be one remaining undefeated team on Cape. This will be a battle of the two hottest offenses on Cape Cod. For the Dolphins, no one has been able to stop quarterback Barber like André mentioned. So far on the season, he has completed 63% of his passes for 956 yards, nine passing touchdowns, and only three interceptions. This gives him a passer rating of 120.7% so far. He knows how to spread the ball around as he has thrown a touchdown to four different receivers. Another good thing about Barber is he also knows how to use his legs, as he also had two rushing touchdowns.

The Red Hawks have a quarterback who knows how to find the end zone as he had eight touchdowns (five passing, three rushing) over the first two weeks. The difference for their offense and defense will be Tajardo France. He has carried the ball 27 times for 280 yards and six rushing touchdowns, while catching eight passes for 135 yards and two more receiving touchdowns. He has scored at least two touchdowns in each game this season. On defense, he has two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. Chevy Shakespeare is also a playmaker with 14 receptions for 281 yards and three scores.

This will be a shootout, but I think Barnstable takes this one on their home turf.

CJ’s pick: Barnstable 38, Dennis-Yarmouth 27.

Martha’s Vineyard (2-1) at Carver (3-0), 6 p.m.

The Vineyarders posted an impressive 16-13 road victory over Lunenburg last week to go back above .500. To pull off a win like that following a loss like the Vineyarders had to Cardinal Spellman in week two says a lot about the Vineyarders mentality, and should carry into this week's matchup against Carver. The undefeated Crusaders enter the game having outscored their opponents 144-6 this season. This is a matchup that is going to require a clean game on all sides for Martha's Vineyard. They'll need to take care of the football, and pull out all the stops on defense, to set themselves up for success.

André's pick: Carver 35, Martha's Vineyard 14.

The Vineyarders are off to their best start since 2019, and look to keep things going on Friday. They have a tough task ahead against Carver who knows how to put points on the board, and keep opponents out of the endzone. This recipe for success has them unbeaten so far. They have only allowed one touchdown this season and have shutout their last two opponents. I think the Vineyarders will be better than Carver expects, but it may not be enough for them to get the win.

CJ’s pick: Carver 38, Martha’s Vineyard 23.

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Holbrook/Avon (2-1) at Monomoy (1-2), 6 p.m.

The Sharks struggled to contain Dennis-Yarmouth last week, and are still looking for their most complete game of the season. The Sharks at their best can control the clock, and control field position with an effective running game, and can air it out when necessary. Where the Sharks have struggled, is being able to consistently get teams off the field on third and fourth down. If the Sharks can improve at getting stops defensively, they'll be in a good position offensively, and I think success will follow. This week's matchup pits them against a Holbrook team that has put up over 30 points in its two wins, but just 11 in the loss. Defense will be key for the Sharks.

André's pick: Holbrook/Avon 28, Monomoy 16.

After scoring 22 in the first game of the season, the Sharks put up 12 and six points on offense over the next two games. The Sharks defense have not given up over 27 points this season, while Holbrook has hit that mark twice over its first three games. The outcome of this game will be determined in the fourth quarter. If the Sharks establish their run game behind Dillon Chapman and stay aggressive on defense, they may have a chance to get their second win of the season.

CJ’s pick: Holbrook/Avon 24, Monomoy 21.

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Nauset (0-3) at Durfee (0-3), 6:30 p.m.

Nauset is still searching for its first win of the new season. The opposition has been tough, and the Warriors have struggled to find their footing this season. The Warriors have yet to reach 20 points this season, and I think that this game will be the best opportunity so far this season to get the offense going. Durfee is also winless, and is coming off of a game in which it gave up 33 points. Durfee has also struggled to put up points this season, and the Nauset defense has the chance to put together its best four quarters. I think the Warriors will win number one.

André's pick: Nauset 28, Durfee 12.

A game that features two teams looking for their first wins is sure to be competitive. Durfee has not scored since week one, while Nauset has not scored more than one touchdown over the last two weeks. While both offenses struggle, their defenses are not helping either as they both give up about 30 points per game. This is going to be a nail biter, but I think the Warriors get in the win column this week.

CJ’s pick: Nauset 21, Durfee 20.

JPII Field Hockey: JPII varsity field hockey off to historic start with 7th straight win

Atlantis Charter/Westport (2-1) at Cape Tech (1-1), 6:30

This game marks the official debut of the Crusaders brand new home field, and they'll want to mark the occasion with a win. After their win over the Sharks to begin the year, Cape Tech fell in their second game against Bourne. The loss was a bit of a back down to earth moment for Cape Tech, and what I'll really be looking for is how they respond to the loss. Head coach Calvin Castillias is rebuilding the culture, and bouncing back from a 35-8 loss is a big test of that new foundation. The Cape Tech rushing attack is capable of winning them games, and at their best Aiden Choukri, Rovens Jean-Baptiste, and Peyton Morris can be a potent trio. I think this game will be close.

André's pick: Atlantis Charter/Westport 24, Cape Tech 16.

Like André' said, the Crusaders had a wake up call last week in their loss to Bourne, and now they look to get back on track in their first home game of the season. Atlantis Charter has not scored below 22 points on offense this season, while the Crusaders have not scored over 14. I think that combination does not fare well.

CJ’s pick: Atlantis Charter/Westport 28, Cape Tech 16.

Falmouth (1-2) at Rockland (3-0), 6:30 p.m.

Congrats on picking up win number one Falmouth. The reward is a matchup with 3-0 Rockland on the road. It's going to be a tough matchup for the Clippers as they face last season's No. 2 seed in Division 6, and a team that has averaged just under 34 points per game. This game will test Falmouth on all sides of the ball, but the defense will face a particularly tall task. The offense has been steadily improving, and it's what allowed the Clippers to get win number one last week over Medway. Look for the Clippers to try and get senior running back Collin Govoni going early, as they try to lean on the rushing attack that has fueled their success.

André's pick: Rockland 32, Falmouth 16.

After not scoring in their first two games, the Clippers found the end zone with 18 points. It may not be a lot, but it was enough to get them their first win of the season. Now they face a Rockland team that has scored at least three touchdowns each game. Although the Clippers found answers to both problems on both sides of the ball, facing a powerhouse on the road is not the best situation to be in.

CJ’s pick: Rockland 28, Falmouth 13.

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Fairhaven (2-0) at Bourne (2-1), 6:30 p.m.

Bourne have quietly gotten off to a strong 2-1 start this season, and the defense has been key. No team has scored more than 14 points on the Canalmen this season, and the defense will once again need to lead the way against a Fairhaven team that has two convincing wins to start the season. If the Canalmen want to improve to 3-1, they'll need to hold Fairhaven under that 30 point threshold. The offense has been up and down this season, but when they hit their stride, Ty Kelley leads the Bourne offense to outputs like the 35 point showing against Cape Tech. The key for me in this game will be Bourne's ability to score points.

André's pick: Fairhaven 28, Bourne 16.

The Canalmen face a Fairhaven team that has had their number recently. The Canalmen have not defeated them since 2019, and Fairhaven has outscored them 125-27 over the last three games. However, this season the Canalmen’s defense has them off to a strong start. I think that is what will keep this game closer, especially with them at home. The Canalmen are looking to break the losing streak to the Blue Devils but will have to play their best of the season to do it.

CJ’s pick: Fairhaven 21, Bourne 16.

Mashpee (2-1) at Randolph (1-1), 6:30 p.m.

Mashpee shook off the pain of the week one two-point loss to Dennis-Yarmouth, and have now won two straight games. The Falcons feel like they are starting to stake their claim as one of the best teams on Cape, and have showcased how complete they can be. Last week's win over Bristol-Plymouth was the second straight game where the Falcons defense held their opposition to single digits. I think Mashpee is one of the most complete teams on the Cape, and this week's matchup presents another opportunity to make a statement. If the defense continues to dominate like they have the last couple weeks, I think this will be another win.

André's pick: Mashpee 32, Randolph 16.

The Falcons have hit their stride with two straight wins after a close two-point loss to unbeaten Dennis-Yarmouth. The defense has allowed only one touchdown in each of the last two games, while the offense averaged 30 points per game. They look like a complete team on both sides of the ball and will look to continue that hot streak. Over the past two matchups, they have outscored Randolph 67-6. I think this game will be closer, but the result will remain the same with Mashpee winning their third straight.

CJ’s pick: Mashpee 27, Randolph 20.

Upper Cape (0-3) at Case (1-2), 6:30 p.m.

The Rams are still trying to get in the win column this season, and this week they take on a Case team that after a week one victory, has struggled to put points on the board. In the last two weeks, Case has only scored six points, and the Rams defense will have an opportunity to have their best game of the season. Offensively, the Rams are still looking for the performance, and game plan that will spark the unit. If the Rams can sustain drives, and put multiple scores on the board, I think this is a winnable game.

André's pick: Upper Cape 20, Case 14.

This game is a chance for both teams to get their offenses rolling and turn their seasons around. After scoring six total points over the first two games, the Rams scored eight points that came in the last two minutes of the game. They can carry the momentum from that final offensive drive over to this game. The defense improved as they held their first opponent (Diman) to under 20 points (19) this season. They still need time to figure things out, but I think this will be a low scoring affair.

CJ’s pick: Case 16, Upper Cape 7.  

Sandwich (2-1) at Middleboro (2-1), 7 p.m.

The Blue Knights stock is rising with back-to-back wins. The week one shutout loss is in the past, and they focused on continuing to grow under head coach Robert Lomp. It's clear that Lomp has the respect of his team, and the results are starting to show that. Last week's lopsided victory over Nantucket included two touchdowns through the air and three on the ground. That balance makes the defense have to honor both options, and keeps them guessing. It all starts with quarterback Adam Ferriera, who Lomp describes as a perfect example of a "dual-threat" quarterback. If he continues to grow in Lomp’s offense, the Blue Knights can take a good first step in league play.

André's pick: Middleboro 32, Sandwich 21. 

Sandwich football: Sandwich football gaining momentum under first year head coach Robert Lomp

The Blue Knights are back to back to being one of the best football teams on Cape Cod. I guess you can say the 21-7 loss to Cardinal Spellman in week one was them getting their feet wet under first-year head coach Lomp. After that game, the Blue Knights allowed 21 total points over the next two games. I think Sandwich keeps the winning going with a close win.

CJ’s pick: Sandwich 20, Middleboro 18.

Norton (2-0) at St. John Paul II (1-2), 7 p.m.

The Lions have had an up and down season so far in 2023. They've had great halves, like the second half against Holbrook where they scored 28 points, but have also struggled to put up points at times. Daniel Cordiero has been one of the stars of the season for JPII, and he'll need to have a big day to help the Lions pull off the upset over undefeated Norton. Norton is coming off of a shutout win, and will make it tough for the Lions offensively. The Lions defense will also be tested, and they'll need to force a turnover or two to swing momentum in their favor.

André's pick: Norton 35, St. John Paul II 24.

The Lions will look to get back in the win column, but it won’t come easy. They face a Norton team that has scored in the 30s in their first two games and have allowed a total of 15 points. In week two, the Lions started slow and finished strong. In week three it was the opposite as they started good and ended bad. If the Lions can stay consistent for four quarters, they could be a really good team. However, this Norton team is too good to make that adjustment so soon.

CJ’s pick: Norton 30, St. John Paul II 13.

Saturday

Tech Boston Academy (1-1) at Nantucket (0-3), 12:15 p.m.

Despite giving up 34 points, I actually thought the Whalers defense played pretty well in the loss to the Blue Knights last Sunday. The Whalers came up with a couple of fourth down stops, and was effective in stopping Sandwich's running game at times throughout the game. The team can continue that upward trajectory against a Tech Boston team who's season high is just 18 points. Offensively, quarterback Brock Beamish connected with RaShawn Wray on a double move for their only score. The two feel like they could connect more and more throughout the year, but Nantucket will have to have better pass protection to make it happen.

André's pick: Tech Boston 22, Nantucket 14.

The Whalers have struggled over their first three games on both sides of the ball. On the offense, they have not scored more than a touchdown in any game yet. On defense, they are allowing 36 points per game. If they can score some points, they can overshadow the defense and come away with their first win of the season.

CJ's pick: Nantucket 13, Tech Boston 10.

CJ's picks: Last week 9-1

Overall 17-4

André picks: Last week 7-3

Overall 13-8

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: Cape Cod high school football: Predictions for the Week 4 games