We have made it. It is championship weekend and we will decide on who the top team in the league is. The game will be played on Saturday and feature two ranked teams. It should be a great game.

Congrats to all of the players that are playing their final game of their career this weekend.


Pace (0-10, 0-9 NE-10) @ Merrimack (2-8, 2-7 NE-10)

When: November 12th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 16-0-0

2016 Result: Merrimack 35 @ Pace 21

My Thoughts: 9th place game.

Pace lost at home in overtime to Stonehill 17-10. A late touchdown by the Setters pushed the game into extra time but they were not able to continue the magic. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to play well on both sides of the ball. Move the chains and get stops on defense.

Merrimack fell at home to LIU Post 64-7. The Warriors struggled the entire afternoon as they were not able to match up against a bigger and more talented team. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need to find their offensive groove. The defense will also need to make plays on third down and get off the field.

Merrimack will continue their dominance over Pace.

Prediction: Merrimack 20 Pace 13


St. Anselm (2-8, 2-7 NE-10) @ American International (3-7, 3-6 NE-10)

When: November 12th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 15-1-0

2016 Result: American International 30 @St. Anselm 10

My Thoughts: 7th place game.

St. Anselm nearly rallied late but fell to Southern Connecticut 28-25. The Hawks trailed the entire game but a late score and a recovered onsides kick that nearly helped them pull off the upset on the road. For St. Anselm to win on the road, they will need to play a complete game. Offense will need to move the ball and play mistake free. The defense will need to get pressure on the quarterback.

American International fell on the road to Assumption 31-3. The Yellow Jackets struggled on both sides of the ball as they had no answer for a more talented team. For American International to win the game, they will need to find some rhythm on offense and allow their defense to do their thing.

St. Anselm has played much better down the stretch and will find a way to escape with the victory.

Prediction: St. Anselm 24 American International 10


Stonehill (4-6, 4-5 NE-10) @ Bentley (5-5, 5-4 NE-10)

When: November 12th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 22-8-1

2016 Result: @ Bentley 27 Stonehill 7

My Thoughts: 5th place game.

Stonehill won in overtime on the road at Pace 17-10. After allowing a late touchdown, the offense scored on their opening possession and then held on defense. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need to move the ball consistently and get the ball into the hands of their playmakers. The defense will also need to limit the big play.

Bentley lost for the second straight week on the road, this time to New Haven 17-7. The Falcons struggled with turnovers after spending the first eight weeks as the opportunistic team. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to find a way to eliminate the mistakes and find the end zone. The defense will also need to bring pressure and capitalize on mistakes.

Bentley will use their formula of the first eight weeks to end the season on a high note.

Prediction: Bentley 24 Stonehill 13


Southern Connecticut (6-4, 6-3 NE-10) @ New Haven (6-4, 6-3 NE-10)

When: November 12th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 20-6-1

2016 Result: @ New Haven 38 Southern Connecticut 20

My Thoughts: 3rd place game

Southern Connecticut held on for a 28-25 victory over St. Anselm. The Owls dominated the first half but were not able to continue that solid play in the second half. The defense intercepted a pass late to preserve the victory. For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they will need to move the ball and get it into the end zone when they have the chance. The defense will also need to make plays and not allow any long touchdowns.

New Haven defeated Bentley 17-7 as they capitalized on turnovers. The Chargers used a strong second half effort to get the win and the chance to host the game. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to make plays on both sides of the ball. The offense will need to score in the red zone and the defense will need to continue their strong play.

This game will be a barn burner and Southern Connecticut will earn a hard-fought victory.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 35 New Haven 31


# 21 Assumption (9-1, 8-1 NE-10) @ # 14 LIU Post (10-0, 9-0 NE-10)

When: November 12th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: LIU Post leads the series, 11-2-0

2016 Result: LIU Post 19 @ Assumption 18

My Thoughts: Hardware, playoff hopes and bragging rights are on the line.

Assumption closed out the regular season with a 31-3 victory over American International. They were solid on both sides of the ball and now return to their second consecutive championship game.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Greyhounds are led by quarterback Marc Monks. He has been solid all season long as he has plenty of weapons to rely on. In the backfield, Dylan Oxsen and Alex Shain will see most of the carries. Ashton Grant and Deonte Harris are two completely different type of receivers that can make a big play each time the ball is in their hands. The offensive line is experienced and will be the key to victory for Assumption.

On defense, Jarrod Casey is the leader from his safety position. He is always in position to make a play. The front line of Joe Bruno and Ray Sardodieh are solid pass rushers and will wreak havoc in the backfield. Nick Valenti and Levi Fancher roam the middle of the field and are always in position to make the play. Andrew Benson, Bakari Blunt and Charles Reid are solid in stopping the opposing passing game. And don't forgot about Seamus Wallace and Cole Tracy in the kicking game.

LIU Post crushed Merrimack 64-7 to complete their undefeated regular season and the right to host the championship game. The offense worked off some rust early and the defense was solid the entire game.

On the offensive side, Jeff Kidd is the catalyst of the offense. After missing two games, he shook off the rust against Merrimack and is a dual threat. He will hand the ball off to David White and Malik Pierre, both of whom are dependable backs capable of big plays. Shane Hubbard, James Higgins and Kyle Ward are big play guys in the passing game. The offensive line is big and talented.

On defense, the group of Kenny Scotland, Kevin Petit-Frere, Anthony DeNunzio and Jess Agboste form the top defensive line in the league. They apply pressure, make tackles and generally frustrate the opposing offensive line. The defensive back is just as talented with Jared Chester, Richard Wright, Joshua Flowers and Jhaleel Oswald. The linebackers are all over the field making plays. Connor Farrell, Ryan Renfroe and Nate Feliz will patrol the middle of the field. Joey Tolgyesi is a very solid kicker for the Pioneers.

This game might be the biggest NE-10 game in a long time, if not ever. Two nationally ranked teams playing for the championship and both in solid position for the playoffs. This is what the league has craved for.

The home team has dominated the championship game since its inception back in 2012. They are 4-1 with the lone road team winning being the 2014 Pioneers. So who wins?

The game is very evenly matched. Both offenses are capable of points galore. Both defenses can shut down their opponent. The first match-up was decided by one point. This might be the toughest game I have had to forecast in a long time.

But I think that it will come down to a field goal in the final seconds. Cole Tracy will kick the game winning field goal and Assumption will repeat as NE-10 champions.

Prediction: Assumption 27 LIU Post 24