By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
On the heels of their Thanksgiving Day victories, North Attleborough and King Phillip now turn their attention to the MIAA Division 3 State Tournament, preparing a showdown under the lights at Gillette Stadium.
North Attleborough earned its fifth straight Hilda trophy on Thursday, Nov. 27, defeating Attleboro 21-6 while improving to 10-2 for the season. The victory came just three days after the Rocketeers’ playoff win over the Milton Wildcats on Nov. 22 – a tight turnaround that head coach Michael Strachan said showcased his team’s grit.
“We were resilient,” said Strachan. “Between the playoff run, having to play Milton three days before, plus two practices. I think the team really locked in during the second half. It showed how resilient they are.”
Strachan noted there’s work to be done before facing King Phillip.
“We had a fumble and gave up an onside kick – those things are uncharacteristic of us,” said Strachan. “I think we had five penalties, which again is uncharacteristic. Those are the things we want to clean up going into KP.”
North Attleborough captured its first state title in 22 years last season, defeating Mansfield 35-0, but Strachan said the team isn’t dwelling on its status as defending champions.
“We stay in the moment – one practice, one game at a time,” said Strachan. “Our captains have really focused on that attitude. It’s about taking things as they come and enjoying it without thinking too far ahead.”
Still, having players who competed at Gillette last year brings some added confidence.
“It definitely helps with preparation – knowing what to expect and dealing with the quick turnaround,” said Strachan. “For us, it’s about controlling what we can, but it will definitely help with the environment for sure.”
King Phillip enters Friday’s championship with a 12-0 record after a dominant 49-19 Thanksgiving win over Franklin to clinch the Kelley-Rex title. The Warriors cinched their ticket to the championship with a 21-13 win over Malden Catholic on Nov. 22, earning an eighth appearance in the tournament over the past nine years.
Last season, King Phillip fell to Catholic Memorial, 39-21, in the MIAA Division 2 Super Bowl.
North Attleborough is no stranger to the challenge the Warriors pose. The neighboring rivals met earlier this season on Sept. 12, when King Phillip edged out a 12-7 win. In 2023, the Warriors also defeated North Attleborough 42-14, though the Rocketeers handed KP a loss in 2022 with a 24-14 victory.
Strachan said consistency is what makes the top-seeded Warriors such a formidable opponent.
“They’re a very well-coached, very physical, senior-led team that doesn’t make a lot of mistakes,” said Strachan. “It’s almost like looking in the mirror – they go on long offensive drives, keep the ball for long periods of time, and have a strong defense. They’re a complete football team.”
Fans planning to attend the championship game – which begins at 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 5 – must purchase tickets online via Ticketmaster; no tickets will be sold at the Gillette box office. The game will also stream live on CBSNewsBoston.com, Patriots.com, and YouTube.com/@patriots.
“I’m just really proud of our football team,” said Strachan. “We have a great senior class, with sophomores starting as well, and it’s just been a joy to coach them.”