High School Football Patch Picks: Pre-Tournament Edition

The only thing worse than the presidential debates is a loss in the last regular-season game and missing the playoffs. With that, here are the football picks for the final weekend of the MIAA's regular season.

Reading over Arlington — Those in Reading who supported the override, take heart. Arlington feels your pain, and the Spy Ponders are spotting you 2 1/2 points.

Milford over Stoughton — With Mamacita and Tree Star taken hostage, it's hard to imagine the Milford players concentrating on something as unimportant as a late-season Hockomock football game with playoff implications.

BC High over Xaverian — The importance of this one is easy to see. The winner will be the home team when they play again in the Division 1 South final. Hard to imagine Danny Abraham being as invisible in this one as he was against St. John's Prep.

Wayland over Bedford — We'll call this one the Omaha Bowl because there's a lot at stake. The winner takes the Dual County League Small title and automatic playoff berth. The loser hopes the power ratings are enough to earn them a playoff spot.

Stoneham over Watertown — After the Spartans clinch a Division 3A North playoff berth, head over to Stone Zoo and catch Boo at the Zoo. If you think Tim Russell can handle the pigskin, check out what the animals can do during Pumpkenrichment.

Natick over Norwood — So Natick's power rating is 17.00. That's a 16.99 for the play of their defense, .01 for the offense. A Natick game isn't pretty, but you can't knock the results.

Salem over Revere — With news that Revere has said no to slot receivers, it will be an easy win for the Witches over the suddenly short-handed Patriots. And if I'm right (it happens), the win will be Salem's fourth and equal their win total for the past three years combined.

Everett over Malden — After last year's upset there's no way Malden will surprise the Crimson. And save your program folks, it's Everett's last Greater Boston League game ever. A once mighty league is counting the days.

Newton North over Framingham — Seems like an easy game, but it's crucial that the Tigers take care of business. With Xaverian and BC High squaring off, one will lose and be the third seed in Division 1 South. Newton North needs that No. 2 seed, meaning at least two home playoff games.

Brockton over New Bedford — With four teams in Division 1 South 3-3, the Boxers must put some points on the board against a struggling New Bedford squad, then hope a miracle happens and Brookline beats Needham. If not, Brockton could get the sixth seed and a rematch with the BC High/Xaverian loser.

Last week: 4-6; season, 30-24.