First-half stats coming at ya. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSU1ZuWoAEvLoH.jpg
The @DRHighSchool mascot looks unamused as Sam Bolinsky throws his second TD pass of the game. @nashobaAD leads 24-0 with under 2 min left in the 3rd quarter.
Live Update: bostonglobe.com/sports/high-sc… https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSYbWaXcAE8145.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSYbWjXgAA9wYS.jpg
The @DRHighSchool mascot looks unamused as Sam Bolinsky throws his second TD pass of the game. @nashobaAD leads 24-0 with under 2 min left in the 3rd quarter.
Live Update: bostonglobe.com/sports/high-sc… https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSYbWaXcAE8145.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSYbWjXgAA9wYS.jpg
North Andover (11-0) vs. King Philip (9-2)
What: Division 2 Super Bowl.
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Streaming: NFHS Network.com.
AN INSIDE LOOK
Coaches: North Andover — John Dubzinski (fourth season, 53-35); King Philip — Brian Lee (14th season, 97-16).
Scoring: North Andover — 38.5 ppg; King Philip — 20.7 ppg.
Defense: North Andover — 11.3 ppg; King Philip — 10.6 ppg.
The heavies up front: North Andover — Raphael Usuomon (6-3, 250); King Philip — Nolan Gunning (6-4, 250).
Stat check: The North Andover quartet of senior quarterback Jake McElroy, senior wideouts Gabe DeSouza and Darren Watson, and junior running back Freddy Gabin has fueled one of the top-scoring attacks in the state. The four have combined for 62 touchdowns this season. The key component behind King Philip’s back-to-back state championships is defense. KP is back at Gillette looking for the three-peat and will rely heavily on junior Ryan Halliday on both sides of the ball.
The captains: North Andover — RB/S Darren Watson (Sr.), QB/S Jake McElroy (Sr.), TE/LB Ryan Slattery (Sr.), WR/S/K Gabe DeSouza (Sr.), C/LB Matthew Samenuk (Sr.); King Philip — LB Jack Webster (Sr.), RB Conor Galvin(Sr.), WR David Morganelli (Sr.).
Seniors on the roster: North Andover — 20; King Philip — 25.
Last Bowl appearance: North Andover — 1996; King Philip — 2017.
OUTLOOK
The Warriors have leaned on their defense time and time again. Still featuring one of the top units in the state, KP runs into a Scarlet Knight team that has been on a mission since Week 1. North Andover is explosive, so KP will face its stiffest test of the three bowls. It could be a long game if the Warriors can’t control the clock.
PREDICTION
Defense wins championships, right? And it certainly will Friday night — along with a high-flying offense. The Scarlet Knights have been just as explosive on the defensive side of the ball throughout the year, and that will again spill over to their offensive attack.
North Andover 28, King Philip 13
North Andover (11-0) and King Philip (9-2) warming up for the D2 Super Bowl.
KP seeking a third straight title but face an absolute juggernaut in NA, which is scoring 38.5 PPG and allowing just 11.3 PPG this year.
@GlobeSchools @kpwarriors @NA_Athletics https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSlSIiU0AAMS2u.jpg
North Andover (10-0) and King Phillip High School (8-2) warm up ahead of the Division 2 MIAA State Championship at Gillette stadium. Kick off is at 7:30 pm @NA_Athletics @KingPhilipHS
Live Updates: bostonglobe.com/sports/high-sc… https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSluwEW0AAm7TK.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSluwJWoAAZBnA.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSluwDXoAEDJGC.jpg
North Andover (10-0) and King Phillip High School (8-2) warm up ahead of the Division 2 MIAA State Championship at Gillette stadium. Kick off is at 7:30 pm @NA_Athletics @KingPhilipHS
Live Updates: bostonglobe.com/sports/high-sc… https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSluwEW0AAm7TK.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSluwJWoAAZBnA.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSluwDXoAEDJGC.jpg
North Andover (10-0) and King Phillip High School (8-2) warm up ahead of the Division 2 MIAA State Championship at Gillette stadium. Kick off is at 7:30 pm @NA_Athletics @KingPhilipHS
Live Updates: bostonglobe.com/sports/high-sc… https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSluwEW0AAm7TK.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSluwJWoAAZBnA.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSluwDXoAEDJGC.jpg
King Phillip High School starts off the 2018 MIAA Division 2 State Championship vs North Andover from their own 24 yard line as the snow continues to fall at Gillette Stadium.
Live Updates: bostonglobe.com/sports/high-sc… https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSpfgGW0AAsCKN.jpg
North Andover leads King Phillip 6-0 at halftime of the 2018 MIAA Division 2 State Championship. @NA_Athletics @kphsathletics
Scoreboard: bostonglobe.com/sports/schools…
Live Updates: bostonglobe.com/sports/high-sc… https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSzC0yXoAE2zUP.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSzC0uWoAUofXx.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSzC0wXoAEbUna.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtSzC0wXQAAD_Wu.jpg