...will the D2 championship be the game of the day?
Of all the Vermont high school football games on championship Saturday, only one involve teams not seeded #1 or #2. That's Fair Haven vs. Colchester in the D2 final.
The Slaters come in at #5, but winners of 6 in a row and an upset of top-seed Hartford in the semifinals last Friday. Sam Kyhill has been the biggest piece of that success, but Cody Adams stepped up big time in Hartford to get them to Munson Field.
The Lakers have used their Metro division schedule to toughen up at the right time, dominating on D in both wins against Rice and Lyndon to make it to the title game for the 2nd time in 3 years. Colton Lefebvre's 4 TD passes in the semifinal win played a key role for an offense that has used the running game to find their success all season.
In the end, these two programs will have to handle both sides of the ball and make key plays late to get the job done. But how will the Munson turf play in the game between two teams who have had little experience on turf in 2025? That's what could make this an exciting final and close at the end.
...will the D3 championship game be a low scoring affair?
In week 8 of the season, Bellows Falls traveled to Woodstock for a game that would decide the top seed in the Division 3 playoffs. Both teams found success in a high scoring game that went to double overtime before a winner was determined.
The Wasps would end up winning 60-52 and clinch the #1 seed with other week 8 results going their way. But it hasn't stopped the Terriers from getting to the final, dispatching of Mill River and MAV in the playoffs to get to South Burlington and the D3 final.
Meanwhile, Woodstock have shut out each of their playoff opponents (Windsor and Otter Valley) to get to 9 straight wins after an opening week loss to D2 U-32.
Top 2 teams in D3 and 2 great offenses going head-to-head with Bazin and Conners for BF against Emery and Oates for Woodstock. But if you're expecting a similar result from the regular season finale, I have a feeling both teams will push their defense to get better, leading to a lower scoring game on Saturday. Maybe both teams get to 35 in the end, but I can't see another triple-digit combined performance from these teams just 3 weeks after the first one.
...will the D1 final come down to the passing game?
Middlebury is one of the most prolific programs when it comes to running the football and finding success with it. St. Johnsbury has the Palmeri duo (Davis and Vincent) who have pushed their way to a combined 13 TD runs with QB Maddox McFarland adding another 13 on the ground.
But McFarland also has 13 TD passes and I think that arm will come into play when it's needed most. While the Tigers D have been able to stop the passing game (Marshall Eddy has 12 PBUs this season), they haven't played against Maddox and SJA this year. It will be up to the sophomore QB to find his receivers to keep the Hilltoppers in the title game.
With game time slated for 5PM, it's going to be a chilly night and could lead to more running plays. But all it takes is one play from a QB to change the complexion of the game.
Okay, one more.
...will this championship Saturday at South Burlington be the best one yet?
because the support of the fans, the players and everyone at Munson Field will showcase the positive of high school athletics. As long as everyone keeps a positive vibe on Saturday, every game will deliver and finish with an experience no one will forget.
Thank you, best of luck to all the teams and enjoy the games on Saturday!
