Friday night's for winning
Region - It's been many seasons since we had a local Friday football night as we did last week (Sept. 14). It doesn't get much better for area football fans as teams posted 5-0 marks putting some programs into rarified air.

With wins by Hudson Catholic and St. John's in Saturday games, only a controversial loss by Westborough marred a perfect slate. More on that storyline later.

But back to Friday night ball. Shrewsbury and Algonquin look to be a couple of teams to be in Central Mass. in '07, as those programs appear to have turned the corner back to something much more than just this side of respectability. We could be talking about "special" type of seasons for these teams. Week three should tell us lot about those teams.

Do you think that area coaches huddled before their weekend games to get their news quotes in check? After Algonquin's 21-14 win at Shepherd Hill, coach Mike Vulcano told the local press, "We haven't been 2-0 in 15, 20 years. I'm so happy."

While about as far apart as two Central Mass. teams can play (Townsend to Dudley), Shrewsbury head man Terry Walles was reflecting on old times as well and the successful start to his team's season. "It is nice to be 2-0 again," he said, reflecting on the fact that it has been a while for the Cols.

Also 2-0 of the locals are Hudson and St. John's. Our eight local teams are a cumulative 12-4 on the young season. It should be a couple of very interesting months for area football fans.

The kick is up

and it is?

While the official records won't reflect a Westborough victory, Ranger fans who made the road trip for the team's Sept. 15 game against Wachusett know it was. While I didn't get to personally witness the much-discussed finish, Westborough's Matt Schoen's 19-yard-field goal attempt as time ran out appeared to give the Rangers 10-7 victory, except officials ruled the kick no good, sending the battle into overtime, where Westborough eventually lost, 24-21. Westborough coach Mark Ellis was clear in his sentiment, saying, yes, indeed, Westborough won the game in overtime, telling the media, "that's all I can say about that."

See it here

No it's not a shameless plug for the cable industry, but rather kudos for a continued job well done over at Charter Cable's WCTR-TV, channel 3. It's a great place to catch wrap of Friday night's action during the football season on the weekly half-hour highlight show hosted by Kevin Shea and Andy Lacombe. The program airs each Friday at 10:30 and 11:30 p.m., with replays 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. With limited resources, Shea and his team seemingly manage to get video from nearly all the games in Central Mass.

In addition to the highlight program, WCTR is also televising up to nine high school games including two involving local teams with Westborough vs. St. John's, 7 p.m., Saturday Oct. 6, and Algonquin vs. Doherty, Saturday Oct. 20, 7 p.m.

Week 3 pigskin

forecast

With Yom Kippur beginning at sunset Friday Sept. 21, this weekend's high school schedule is thrown for a change as games spread out over four days, Sept. 20 through 23.

Milford at Westborough, Friday, 4 p.m. A couple of teams with something to prove. Westborough will still be angry about having the win taken from them a week ago, while Milford looks for their first win. Prediction: Westborough 21, Milford 9.

Algonquin at St. John's, Sunday, 1 p.m. Let's call this the game of the week. If Coach Vulcano is looking for a measuring stick for his undefeated team, playing the top ranked Pioneers should prove it. Prediction: St. John's 28, Algonquin 21.

Marlborough at Leominster, Friday, 7 p.m. Doyle Field is one of my favorite places for a high school game, but not a favorite for most opponents. Prediction: Leominster 28, Marlborough 14.

Narragansett at Hudson, Thursday, 7 p.m. Always an important league game for the Hawks. Prediction: A short week for both teams playing, a little Thursday night football. Hudson 21, Narragansett 14.

Assabet Valley at Hudson Catholic, Saturday, 3 p.m. Another neighborhood rivalry. Both teams coming off their first wins. Prediction: Assabet Valley 21, Hudson Catholic 13.

Wachusett at Shrewsbury, Friday, 7 p.m. Prediction: The Colonials are for real this year. Shrewsbury 21, Wachusett 14.

Send mail and sports ideas to ronwoodcock@charter.net.