Nate Weitzer

“These guys have been through hell and back and it shows the type of young men they are . . . It’s a special group.” Scituate coach Mark Puzzangara

The top three spots belong to the Catholic Conference, which places four schools in the top six.

Stoneham savored its new turf, Mansfield showcased athleticism, Brockton and Bridgewater-Raynham continue to build, and D1 heavyweights St. John's Prep and Xaverian flexed their muscles to kick off workouts.

Mike McCarthy's M2 Academy has one player ranked as the first five-star QB in state history, and another with a college offer as a freshman.

Previewing every Division 1 football team in Eastern Mass.

Shawn Theriault (Billerica), Matt Cerullo (North Andover), Ryan Dugan (Methuen), and Jay Fielding (Andover) make their coaching debuts in the always competitive Merrimack Valley Conference.

The prep school organization has reconfigured its football divisions and the ISL no longer exists. Here is a look at each of the 20 programs in Eastern Mass.

Traditional leagues like the ISL have been disbanded to form three classifications within the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council.

Redhawks backs James Mortarelli and Jack Showstead combined for more than 240 rushing yards in the second half, finishing with 334 yards and four touchdowns overall.

The Presidents went 6-16 over the last two seasons, but have started 5-0 and face a big test Friday night against No. 14 Scituate (4-1), the defending Division 4 champions.