The last time Tabor and BB&N met, Bo MacCormack turned in a performance for the ages.
Both coaches agree on one thing: what happened in last year’s John Papas Bowl game will have little bearing on what transpires Friday afternoon when the two undefeated teams meet in the ISL Game of the Year.
“Bo had a great game last year (430 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in a 63-43 win), but last year is last year,” BB&N coach Mike Willey said. “It’s a different year and both teams have different players. I don’t think Tabor is thinking about it and I know we are definitely not thinking about it.”
Tabor (6-0) came into the season knowing it had an offense that is second to none, but were well aware of the fact they needed to get better on the other side of the ball. Second-year Seawolves’ coach Jeff Moore feels his team has trended in the right direction in that aspect.
“We haven’t seen a kid like Bo and we struggled to stop him,” Moore said. “But I think we are much stronger on the defensive front. Folu Shobowale, Carter Gooden, Derek Moreau, Marcus Almada and Brendan Farhat along with a few others have played well.”
Tabor comes off its most complete effort of the season last week, rolling to a 44-12 victory over a very good Belmont Hill squad. Running back Hugo Djeumeni is one of the best in the state, a power back capable of breaking off an 80-yard run at any time. Peter Bourque has stepped in at quarterback and makes the Seawolves very tough to defend as he can throw with the best of them.
“Peter is a special kid, he keeps people on their toes,” Moore said. “With him back there, teams can’t put too many people in the box. For someone who had to come in and learn a drastically different offense, he’s done a great job.”
When you talk about BB&N (6-0), it’s hard not to break out the vocabulary in describing the tireless MacCormack. The Syracuse-bound back stepped up big in overtime last week against Governor’s Academy, scoring twice in overtime as the Knights held off Governor’s, 40-38.
Like Tabor, BB&N isn’t just one-dimensional on offense. Damon Taylor has emerged into one of the better quarterbacks in the ISL. He could be the X-factor in this marquee matchup.
“No question, this is going to be a heavyweight fight,” Willey said. “We have to be able to protect the football against a very talented Tabor team. They are good in all aspects and it is a big challenge.”
Two other key games involving the prep schools highlight the Friday slate. Belmont Hill looks to bounce back at Milton Academy, while Dexter Southfield travels to Worcester Academy.
In the Catholic Conference, St. John’s Prep looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season when it hosts an undefeated BC High squad. Over in the Catholic Central League, the title is on the line when Bishop Feehan squares off against St. Mary’s, while North Attleboro and Foxboro meet in the game of the week in the Hockomock League.
Other top games include Weymouth at Wellesley, Milton at Natick, Manchester-Essex at Amesbury and North Reading at Newburyport.
The best game on a limited Saturday docket is a good Tri-Valley League tilt between Norwood and Holliston (3 p.m. at Kamitian Field in Holliston).