Football season is here. Teams reported for training camp a couple of weeks ago and have been preparing for the 2018 season.

It kicks off August 30th as Southern Connecticut travels to Gannon, Pace is at Millersville and Bentley hosts West Chester.


Here is my pick for #5 in the league in 2018:


Merrimack College Warriors (4-6, 4-5 NE-10)

Coach: Dan Curran, 6th year (24-30)

Opening Game: September 1st @ Bloomsburg


2018 Schedule

2017 Stats

2018 Roster


Games to Watch: The month of September

It is a brutal stretch of football for Merrimack to open the season. They make a trip to Bloomsburg and then face the top four teams on paper in the league over the next four weeks. The good news is that three of them are at home. If they are able to keep their head above water for the month, the Warriors will be in the mix.

Player to Watch: Jake Ragusa, LB

The redshirt sophomore was a pillar on defense last year for Merrimack. He led the team in tackles and seemed to be around the ball on each play. His emergence was key to the Warrior defense and he will be called upon even more this season to make tackles and run a defense that needs to limit the big play.

Unit to Watch: Quarterback

This is one of the most important areas for Merrimack. When the quarterback is confident and poised, points are put up on the board at an alarming rate. When the quarterback struggles, it always seems to be a long game. Cam Hayes saw some action last year and is a dual threat. He might be the odds-on favorite to see the most snaps. But with three other young quarterbacks hungry to show their merits, it is a position to watch for Merrimack.


Sixth year head coach Dan Curran liked his team in the second half last season. They were competitive and fun to watch. He has a very young team on the offensive side but has a lot of play makers ready to emerge and take the league by storm. But as it goes in North Andover, it is all about the defense. If they make stops and get off the field, they will be in the mix if they are able to survive that brutal September stretch.