High School Football Opens the 2018 Season

Normally high school football fans have some idea how their favorite team will play on opening night. But in Wakefield Friday night, two teams meet with new faces, new identities, and for one team, a new head coach. If anyone tells you who will win when Reading travels to Wakefield, don't listen.

John Rafferty returns to his alma mater to lead the Warriors, a team that finished 4-7 last fall. Wakefield returns just four starters, with the good news being that three-year starting QB Mike Lucey is one of them. Wakefield has had offensive challenges in recent years and the Warriors haven't averaged more than 20 points per game since 2014. But this one is in Wakefield and the Warriors haven't had a losing record at home since 2007.

As for Reading, the Rockets suffered through their first losing season since 2007. Their 3-8 record was more injuries than talent and many of the younger players got valuable experience in 2017.

Reading coach John Fiore and Wakefield's Rafferty probably have the same questions fans do. How good are we going to be this fall? Some of the answers will come Friday night.

The opening week of the season has its share of interesting games. In its first year without coach John DiBiaso, Everett travels to Xaverian. Further south, King Philip puts its 25-game win streak on the line at North Attleboro. Closer to home, there's plenty to like on opening night. Here's a look at some of the area's top games.

Austin Prep at Salem, 7 -- Bill Maradei's final season at AP begins with a road game at Salem. The Cougars went 1-10 last fall and would like nothing better than to send their longtime coach out a winner.

Northeast at North Reading, 7 -- The Eddie Blum era begins at North Reading and the Hornets former offensive coordinator will put the ball in senior Alex D'Ambrosio's hands as much as possible. Northeast had an explosive offense last fall, averaging 32.7 ppg, and senior quarterback Zach Sanderson returns after running for 2,165 yards in 2017.

Stoneham at Archbishop Williams, 7 -- After going 9-3 in 2017, Stoneham returns running back Christo Argyropoulos and quarterback Deshawn Chase. In coach Matt Regiannini's first game as head man in Braintree, he'll lead a team that has a strong line but with young skill position players.

Lynnfield at Newburyport, 7 -- Patrick Lamusta turns from assistant to head coach for the Pioneers. His most immediate challenge is a team with just two returning starters. With game time approaching, Newburyport was still deciding on its starting quarterback.

Newton South at Winchester, 7 -- No more Saturday football games. The big story in Sachem land is Friday night football, with permanent lights at Knowlton Stadium for the first time. When the lights come on, we'll see who the starting quarterback is between Anthony Fiorentino and Tommy Degnan.