No Kneeling, No Protests, Just Plain Old Football This Weekend

After a weekend with NFL players standing, kneeling, locking arms, holding hands, etc., etc., aren't you ready for some high school football? I thought so.

Even if you don't understand the MIAA's formula for calculating the power ratings, it's obvious what teams are in trouble heading into the last week of September, a week that starts Thursday because of the Jewish holiday.

For example, take Winchester. Not only are the Sachems winless this fall but next up for the Sachems is a visit to undefeated Lexington. The Sachems, minus injured quarterback Liam Fitzgerald, are not an 0-4 team but barring a miracle that's what they'll be after Thursday. You don't need a calculator to know that Lexington is loaded and that quarterback Sal Frelick is one of the quickest human beings on any football field. The Minutemen's power rating is the best in Division 1 North at 14.67 and it seems a sure bet they'll face Everett in the Division 1 North final.

Here's a look at what's ahead for area football teams.

Reading (2-1) at Belmont (0-3), Thur., 6 p.m. -- After a second straight tough loss to Lexington, this is just what the Rockets need, a game against a struggling opponent in Belmont. The Marauders are averaging just 11.7 ppg and it's hard to imagine anything but a Reading win.

Wakefield (1-2) at Stoneham (3-0), Thur., 5 p.m. -- Wakefield is currently eighth in the Division 4 North power ratings, meaning that if the playoffs started today the Warriors would travel to No. 1 Melrose. Ok, it's way too early for this. But in some ways it's better than talking about a matchup with unbeaten Stoneham. The Spartans are led by Tre Pignone, the fifth leading scorer in Division 6 with six touchdowns. But it's on defense where Stoneham really stands out, allowing a Middlesex League best of just 8.7 ppg.

Winchester (0-3) at Lexington (3-0), Thur., 7 p.m. -- The Sachems almost pulled off a stunning upset last fall, losing to the Minuteman, 28-27. Can it happen again? Frelick and backfield partner Ben Quint will be tough to contain. Winchester is going to beat a good team this fall. Just not sure it's going to be Lexington.

Shawsheen (1-2) at Northeast (2-1), Fri., 6 p.m. -- His name is Zach Anderson and with 10 touchdowns and 70 points he's the leading scorer in all of Eastern Massachusetts. That's all of EMass. Not surprisingly, Northeast can score and is trending up with 34, 42, and 48 points in its first three games. Shawsheen lost its first two games before scoring 40 in a win over Nashoba Tech last week. This one should be close.

Winthrop (0-3) at Lynnfield (3-0), Fri., 7 p.m. -- This isn't what the Vikings had in mind entering their fourth game of the season. So far Winthrop is averaging less than 5 points a game and has yet to hit double figures. And on defense, Winthrop gave up 48 in a loss to Swampscott last week. The Pioneers shouldn't break a sweat Friday.

Triton (1-2) at North Reading (1-2), Fri., 7 p.m. -- The Hornets' offense is trending in the wrong direction, scoring 31 in their opener, followed by 14 and then zero last week against Lynn English. Triton will give up points and Swampscott did score 49 on them in week 2. Triton will throw to Christian O'Brien. This one is a coin flip between two teams fighting to stay in playoff picture.

Archbishop Williams (1-2) at Austin Prep (0-3), Sat., 11 a.m. -- Throw out the loss to Middleboro and the Bishops have a win over North Quincy and an impressive close call loss to unbeaten Stoneham. With unbeaten Cardinal Spellman next, the Cougars need a win Saturday.