So I'll try doing these every week for the rest of the season... we'll see how that goes.  I did a few of these last year too, so you might remember that.  Anywho, these are just my opinion and do not reflect the views of anyone in the MSTCA, MIAA, or anyone else.

1. Lowell- They haven't been to any of the big meets (i.e. Manchester, Ocean State, or Amherst last weekend), but the meets they have gone to they have kicked ass in.  No reason to demote them... yet.

2. Mansfield- The defending champs are having another great season.  Unfortunately they often don't get the respect they deserve.  Expect them to be right there with everyone else at states.

3. Methuen- I'm afraid to put them here since they didn't really live up to expectations last year, but I think they have it together enough this year to warrant a #3 ranking.

4. Xaverian- Last year they were hurt with an injury to Peter Dolan (if I remember correctly), but this year they are at full strength and ready to go.  They will have a chance to compete with the best of them.

5. St. John's Prep- The Prep has been the one with the injuries this year, with an injury to their fourth man.  However, he is expected back at full strength for the end of the season (maybe even by Tuesday's dual meet vs. Xaverian), so expect them to compete.

6. Brookline- A name not foreign to the MA top 10 is having another solid season.

7. Newton North- Last year it was Newton So. getting all the hype, this year it is North.  They've got a solid team, but they also need to prove something to me, which they haven't done yet.

8. Shrewsbury- I was not sure what to do with this team.  They beat Westboro week one, but then this past week they lost to Wachusett.  Without that lost, they would be #6; with it, just #8.  Central Mass is proving to be truly wild this year.

9. Westboro- While they are #3 in the MSTCA rankings, I am afraid to put them ahead of the perennial powers just yet.  They need to prove to me that they belong there first.  Plus, they lost to Shrewsbury, so I refuse to put them ahead of them.  Again, CMASS is wild this year.

10. Nashoba- They had a great season last year, and are putting together another solid campaign out in the wild, wild CMASS. They graduated a few guys, but they should have a chance at making it out of CMASS and getting to All States.

Outside the Top Ten

• Marshfield could be in the Top 10 if they show me something.  A bit of a surprise this season, I want to see them do something really good
• St. John's of Shrewsbury is good, however they aren't really getting much recognition.  They will be competing with Nashoba, Shrewsbury, Westboro, and Wachusett in CMASS for a bid to All States
• Wachusett came up with a HUGE victory over Shrewsbury, which catapualted them into the spotlight.  Should be interesting to see how the rest of the season goes, as they will have a shot at the Top 10.

On the D2 Front

• Pembroke is kicking ass and taking names.  Not really a surprise.
• Newburyport is having a good season, which I admit surprised me.  They will be competing for the D2 championship at All States.
• Any team with Max Darrah should be watched, and now he has some help down at Dennis-Yarmouth.  Watch them in D2.

On the Girls Side

• For the second season in a row, Newton South and Lincoln Sudbury are battling it out for #1.  This year LS seems to have the clear edge, but it is still fun to watch.
• Haverhill is having another nice season, and might be able to compete with NS for #2 if they have a really good meet at All States.
• Even though I may seem like a homer (since it is my school), Beverly should be watched with Millie Chapman and Monica Adler leading the way.  They aren't at the level of the other teams at the top, but if some of their juniors and sophomores can step up they have a chance to make some noise.

I guess that is all for now, so thanks for reading and hopefully I'll have time to do this again next week :D