Turkey Day predictions: Week 11 outlook for Fall River area teams
FALL RIVER — Thanksgiving Day week is finally here.
That marks the end of the season for Greater Fall River football teams. Two teams — Case and Somerset Berkley — will no longer continue their holiday tradition. The Raiders will face Rhode Island's Division I Central High School while the Cardinals face Atlantis Charter/Westport.
Diman will renew its rivarly with Greater New Bedford while Durfee battles with New Bedford in the 131st meeting that dates back to 1893.
Here’s an outlook of Week 11 games featuring Herald News teams along with predictions:
Atlantis Charter/Westport at Case
When: Thursday, 10 a.m.
This year’s records: Case, 5-4; Atlantis Charter/Westport, 2-7
Outlook: This is the first Thanksgiving Day meeting between the Cardinals and the Tritons. Case ended its 90-year holiday tradition with Somerset Berkley in January. Atlantis Charter/Westport had its game against Hull cancelled due to a power outage. The Tritons have lost their last seven games after winning the first two games. Nathan Wood had a big game in Week 10, rushing for 172 yards on 23 carries while scoring a touchdown. Aedan Borges rushed for 87 yards on four carries and added the eventual game-winning field goal from 22 yards out. Wood, who is near the 1,000-yard mark, has seven touchdowns on the season. Quarterback Jack Orton has thrown for 11 touchdown passes. Braden Bibeau leads the Cardinals in receptions with 21 while Sam Melo has a team-leading four touchdown receptions. Atlantis Charter/Westport quarterback Davion Adediran leads the team in every offensive category, including touchdowns, passing yards and rushing yards.
Steven’s Line: Case 30, Atlantis Charter/Westport 14
Diman at Greater New Bedford
When: Thursday, 10 a.m.
This year’s records: Diman, 4-5; Greater New Bedford, 5-4
Outlook: The Bears and the Bengals go at it again on Thanksgiving Day. Greater New Bedford won the last matchup, 24-7. Quarterback Sam Perry accounted for five touchdowns — three rushing and two touchdown passes in Diman's win against Bourne. Perry also converted two 2-point conversions, including one rushing and a pass to Kaidyn Dias. Byron Bell and Dias each caught a touchdown pass. Charlie Vernon had an interception and forced fumble in the win. Nolan Marchand did a great job setting the edge and had a huge sack on the final drive.The Bengals' defense forced four turnovers. Perry is the area's leading touchdown passer with 16. Dias is also among the area's top scorer. The Bears come into the contest after a convincing win in Week 10.
Steven’s Line: Diman 28, Greater New Bedford 21
Durfee vs. New Bedford
When: Thursday, 10:15 a.m.
This year’s records: Durfee, 2-8; New Bedford, 3-7
Outlook: The Hilltoppers and Whalers meet for the 131st time on Thanksgiving. New Bedford, who leads the all-time series in wins (78), snapped a two-year drought with a 16-13 victory last year. Durfee will look for its second win in three games. Andrew Sanabria scored a pair of rushing touchdowns for Durfee against Framingham last week. Ben Sherry also caught a touchdown pass from KJ Strong. Jason Springer was the leading rusher for the Hilltoppers with 75 yards on 10 carries. Strong is the team's top rushers with 431 yards while running back Eric Lucas is the top point scorer. Sherry leads in receptions and touchdown catches.
Steven’s Line: Durfee 21, New Bedford 20
Somerset Berkley vs. Central High School (R.I.)
When: Wednesday, 5 p.m.
This year’s records: Somerset Berkley, 7-3; Central High, 3-7
Outlook: The Raiders will begin a new rivalry on Thanksgiving Eve as they host Rhode Island public school Central High on Wednesday. Somerset Berkley is coming off a tough loss in the Division 4 state quarterfinals against Duxbury. Defensively, Brendan McDonald had a great game against the Dragons. Kyle McKinnon recovered a fumble as well. Quarterback Derek Baliko threw for 70 yards. Ethan Santos leads the area in touchdowns and points. Teammate Sam Grew is right behind Santos in both categories. Baliko has had a great season under center. The Knights are also coming off a tough loss to Bishop Hendricken.
Steven’s Line: Somerset Berkley 35, Central High 14
Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @Chezsports.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: High school football: Week 11 predictions for Fall River area action
