While MIAA Debates Rules, Football Teams Close Out September

NORTH READING, Ma. - If your season is off to a slow start, news that the quarters in the MIAA Super Bowls will be 12 minutes instead of 10 probably doesn't mean much to you. But week 4 of the MIAA football season starts with uncertainty after the Football Committee voted 17-1 Wednesday to dump the old 10-minute quarters and replace them with the National Federation-mandated 12-minute quarters. And did you hear? The current 8 divisions could be 5 starting in 2021.

With Gillette Stadium still months away, it's all about the games on the first fall weekend. The weather looks perfect as does the record of a number of area teams. Here's a look at what's ahead Friday and Saturday.

Friday:

Winchester (2-0) at Lexington (0-2), 6 p.m. - The Middlesex Liberty standings have a different look this September, with the Sachems unbeaten and on top and winless Lexington at the bottom. Tommy Degnan & Co. will be challenged in this road game but with a win, combined with upcoming games against Belmont and Wakefield, the Sachems could be on the verge of something big.

Wakefield (1-1) at Stoneham (1-1), 6:30 - In week 1, Stoneham scored 14 points. In week 2 it was 46. The difference? Even though Seth Russell scored just one touchdown in his return last week, his presence on the field made everyone else better, including DeShawn Chase (251 yards rushing).

North Reading (3-0) at Newburyport (2-1), 7 - Brian Heffernan continues to lead Division 4 in touchdown passes with 10 and the Hornets are rolling along, scoring 39.3 ppg. The Clippers defense will need a big night to beat North Reading.

Malden (0-2) at Lynnfield (2-0), 7 - The Pioneers' offense is averaging 37 ppg and a game against winless Malden could produce more of the same.

Matignon (0-2) at Austin Prep (0-3), 7 - If ever a game was teed up for a win, this is it. Billy Tucker has waited too long for his first victory.

Reading (1-1) at Belmont (0-1), 6 - Freshman James Murphy is second in Division 2 with 7 TD passes in two weeks. At this pace ... okay, maybe a little too soon.

Saturday:

Northeast (0-3) at Whittier (2-0), 10:30 a.m. - For those used to seeing the Golden Knights put points on the board in a hurry, this year's struggle (6.7 ppg) is very different.