We are finally at the final regular season weekend of the season. It has been another good season in the NE-10 and it is no time to look ahead.

Congrats to all of the seniors playing in the final game of their careers.

Week 11 Capsules

New Haven (9-1, 7-0 NE-10) at St. Anselm (1-8, 1-6 NE-10)

When: November 12th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Series tied at one

My thoughts: New Haven has been waiting a long time for this rematch.

It has been a long time waiting for New Haven. They were in a similar position last year when they fell to St. Anselm. It has set up their entire season this year and they have answered all of the questions. Now they get the chance to prove it on the field. New Haven will need to establish their offensive balance and use their size on the front lines to control the line of scrimmage. They will also need to limit the big play capabilities of St. Anselm and not allow them to make the ball with ease.

St. Anselm knows that they can beat New Haven. They have already done it once so why not again. The Hawks have the skill on offense to put points on the scoreboard and can wait to capitalize on mistakes from the other team. They will need to find holes in the New Haven defense and allow Michael Pierce time to throw the ball. They will also need to find a way to step up defensively and not allow New Haven to move the ball easily.

New Haven will be ready and pumped for this game. They will execute in all phases of the game with a playoff bye in the waiting.

Prediction: New Haven 52 St. Anselm 21

AIC (5-4, 4-3 NE-10) at Pace (1-8, 0-7 NE-10)

When: November 12th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 12-2-0

My thoughts: Can Pace pull off the upset?

AIC is coming off a 38-34 win over Merrimack last Saturday behind another balanced offensive performance. Bryant Fitzgerald ran for 139 and Kevin Arduino threw for 232 yards to help lead the Yellow Jacket offense. The defense was able to pick off James Suozzo four times and limit the usually dangerous Merrimack aerial attack to just 136 yards. AIC will need to bring the same defensive intensity to the game against Pace and not let Pace get comfortable on the field. If they are able to pound the ball on the ground, they will finish the season on a high note.

Pace struggled on the road at New Haven last weekend as they fell 63-6. The Setters allowed the Chargers to return the opening kickoff for a touchdown and were never able to recover. They will need to find a way to slow down the double threat ability of Kevin Arduino and force him into making bad decisions. The offense will need to find a way to slow down the AIC defense and not let them put pressure on Jordan Raynor.

AIC will control the line of scrimmage as they have more size and speed than Pace.

Prediction: AIC 45 Pace 7

Stonehill (3-7, 2-5 NE-10) at Assumption (4-5, 3-4 NE-10)

When: November 12th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Stonehill leads the series, 17-6-0

My thoughts: Both teams are looking to close out the season on a high note.

Stonehill won their second league game last weekend as they defeated St. Anselm 35-7. The Skyhawks were able to run and pass the ball with ease and are hoping for the same balanced attack against Assumption. Logan Meyer continues to play well as he threw for 285 yards and three scores in the win. The running game of Stonehill continues to grind out yards on the ground and will need to excel against a good Assumption defense. Stonehill will also need to make plays on the defensive side and not let the Assumption offense feel comfortable on the field.

Assumption had their three game winning streak halted at Bentley last Saturday. They allowed 21 points in the second quarter and never recovered. The Greyhounds cut the deficit to two early in the fourth quarter but the defense was not able to contain the Bentley offense. Matt Pedone continues to rack up big numbers on the ground and will need another solid performance against Stonehill. Assumption will need to continue their strong defensive effort and not allow Stonehill to establish their running game.

Assumption has been one of the underrated teams in the league this year and will win this game with their defense to finish out the season at .500.

Prediction: Assumption 28 Stonehill 17

Merrimack (5-4, 4-3 NE-10) at Southern Connecticut (7-2, 6-1 NE-10)

When: November 12th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 8-5-0

My thoughts: Get ready for plenty of touchdowns to be scored in New Haven this weekend.

Merrimack has dropped two straight games despite averaging 34.5 points in those games. The Warriors now have to contend with another solid offensive attack and need to find a way to limit all of the playmakers on the Southern Connecticut roster. James Suozzo will also play his final game with Merrimack and will need to limit mistakes if he is going to win the game. The Warriors will need to establish their running game so that they are able to stretch the field with their speedy receivers. The defense will need to make some plays and get off the field by coming up big on third downs.

Southern Connecticut enjoyed a weekend off and is ready to close out the season in style. The Owls are eighth in the current regional rankings and need a win coupled with some other teams losing in order to make the playoffs. They will need to control the line of scrimmage with their big offensive line and open up holes for Rashaad Slowley to run wild. Kevin Lynch will also need to spread the ball around to all of his playmakers. The defense will also need to limit the explosive Merrimack offense and not allow them to get yards in large chunks.

Merrimack will jump out to an early lead in this game but Southern Connecticut will take control of the game in the second half to take this high scoring affair.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 48 Merrimack 38