Seeds Are Planted For a Long Run To Gillette

More than 100 football teams across EMass begin what they hope is a long post-season run this weekend. Welcome to Year 5 of the "new" MIAA playoff system. Of the 108 teams participating, 30 have losing records so for many this will be a one-and-done experience. But when the goal is a spot on the sideline at Gillette Stadium, don't tell anyone it's not worth a try.

Of all the weekend games, North Reading's matchup with visiting Wayland could be the best. The Hornets are the No. 4 seed in Division 4 North at 5-2 with Wayland No. 5 at 4-3. But it easily could have been reversed.

The Hornets can thank Lynnfield for the home game. Had Lynnfield not beaten Wayland in overtime in September, Wayland would have the same record as North Reading and most likely a higher power rating. But none of that happened and regardless of the site, the matchup pits two teams that are almost identical.

North Reading has outscored opponents this fall by 47 points while Wayland is a plus 60, meaning neither blows anyone out and each has played its share of close games. North Reading is led in scoring by Jake Bedell (11 TDs) while Wayland is led by Wellington Pereira (10 TDs). North Reading quarterback Kyle Bythrow has 5 TD passes while his counterpart Mason Boliver has 4.

Following is a look at the schedule for area teams this weekend:

Reading (3-4) at Lincoln-Sudbury (7-0), Fri., 7 p.m. -- It's hard to imagine the Rockets having enough left in the tank to upset L-S. Minus Jack Geiger and a host of others, Reading finished the season with three straight losses. L-S is the highest scoring team in EMass, averaging 46.9 ppg.

Wayland (4-3) at North Reading (5-2), Fri., 7 -- The bad news for the winner is a probable matchup with top seed and unbeaten Melrose but that's a story for another day. North Reading's two losses were to undefeated teams in Hamilton-Wenham and Lynn English so the Hornets should feel good going into this one. Then again, Wayland's losses were to unbeaten Hopkinton and Lincoln-Sudbury along with 6-1 Lynnfield. This should be a great matchup.

Bedford (2-5) at Lynnfield (6-1), Fri., 7 --Anthony and Tyler Murphy have made Lynnfield go all season and there's no reason to think it will stop here. Quarterback Matt Mortellite has 11 TD passes this fall and is always a threat with the deep ball. Greg Cormier leads Bedford with eight TD passes, five to his favorite receiver Toby Hart.

Wakefield (3-4) at Marblehead (7-0), Fri., 7 -- One year after playing at Gillette Stadium the undefeated Magicians are undefeated and back for more. Last fall Marblehead had an explosive offense that averaged 33.7 ppg. This fall the scoring has dropped off to 20.7 ppg. One thing that hasn't changed is on defense where Marblehead has allowed just one opponent (Gloucester) to score in double figures. Wakefield must play a mistake-free game and find a way to put points on the board.

Ipswich (4-3) at Stoneham (5-2), Fri., 7 -- The Spartans have lost two of their last three games so having the home game should be a huge boost. Tre Pignone (13 TDs) continues to be the go-to guy for Stoneham. Ipswich is averaging more than 41 ppg this month so the Spartans will have to be on alert to avoid the rare No. 7 seed upset of a No. 2 seed.

Winchester (2-5) at Lynn English (7-0), Sat., 2 -- A No. 8 seed has never beaten a No. 1 seed but the Sachems, who are 2-1 this month, can make English work for this one. Prince Brown leads English with eight TDs this fall while Matt Severance has thrown for 10 TDs and the Bulldogs score at a 30.3 ppg clip. A healthy Liam Fitzpatrick means the Sachems have a shot in this Division 3 matchup.

Austin Prep (0-7) at Chelsea (2-5), Sat. 2 -- A non-playoff game and the Cougars best shot yet at securing their first win of the year. Given that AP last faced unbeaten powerhouse St. Mary's, a game against Chelsea should be a welcome break and a potential win.

Northeast (2-5) at Bishop Fenwick (2-5), Sat., 7 p.m. -- The one thing you can say about a Northeast game is that it's never boring. The Golden Knights score points in buckets, but also give them up in similar fashion. Bishop Fenwick hasn't had a losing season since 2011 and the non-playoff formula gives them a chance to extend that streak but it has to start with a win Saturday.